| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 06, 2021 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | TENNECO INC |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001024725 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 6, 2021 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-12387 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 76-0515284 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 500 NORTH FIELD DRIVE |
| Entity Address, City or Town | LAKE FOREST |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60045 |
| City Area Code | (847) |
| Local Phone Number | 482-5000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Class A Voting Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | TEN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
