Exelis (XLS) 10-Q 1 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 29, 2014
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'XLS	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Exelis Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001524471	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	188,325,004

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Product revenue	$523	$518	$1,003	$1,017
Service revenue	594	733	1,159	1,419
Total revenue	1,117	1,251	2,162	2,436
Cost of product revenue	378	380	732	737
Cost of service revenue	505	594	979	1,171
Selling, general and administrative expenses	114	122	227	237
Research and development expenses	15	15	25	28
Restructuring and asset impairment charges	2	13	7	62
Operating income	103	127	192	201
Interest expense, net	9	10	18	18
Other (income) expense, net	-2	-3	-4	-1
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	96	120	178	184
Income tax expense	35	42	65	62
Net income	$61	$78	$113	$122
Basic	'	'	'	'
Net income (in dollars per share)	$0.32	$0.41	$0.60	$0.65
Diluted	'	'	'	'
Net income (in dollars per share)	$0.32	$0.41	$0.58	$0.64
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	189	188.2	189.3	188.2
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	193.6	190.5	194.2	190.2
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10	$0.21	$0.21

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$61	$78	$113	$122
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'
Net foreign currency translation adjustments	3	-2	4	-12
Defined benefit plans	'	'	'	'
Net actuarial gain arising during the period	0	116	0	116
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost	13	18	27	36
Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic benefit cost	1	0	1	1
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17	132	32	141
Total comprehensive income	$78	$210	$145	$263

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$394	$469
Receivables, net	964	939
Inventories, net	259	246
Deferred tax asset	18	16
Other current assets	50	70
Total current assets	1,685	1,740
Plant, property and equipment, net	460	498
Goodwill	2,190	2,184
Other intangible assets, net	157	167
Deferred tax asset	183	216
Other non-current assets	93	79
Total non-current assets	3,083	3,144
Total assets	4,768	4,884
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	348	367
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs	272	301
Compensation and other employee benefits	196	216
Other accrued liabilities	143	160
Total current liabilities	959	1,044
Defined benefit plans	1,312	1,407
Long-term debt	649	649
Deferred tax liability	3	2
Other non-current liabilities	113	130
Total non-current liabilities	2,077	2,188
Total liabilities	3,036	3,232
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)	'	'
Shareholders’ equity	'	'
Common stock	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	2,651	2,623
Treasury stock	-69	-16
Retained earnings	548	475
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,400	-1,432
Total shareholders’ equity	1,732	1,652
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$4,768	$4,884

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Operating activities	'	'
Net income	$113	$122
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	55	56
Stock-based compensation	14	16
Restructuring and asset impairment charges	7	62
Payments for restructuring	-18	-23
Defined benefit plans expense	34	48
Defined benefit plans payments	-84	-75
Change in assets and liabilities	'	'
Change in receivables	-25	-45
Change in inventories	-13	-13
Change in other assets	18	-3
Change in accounts payable	-19	-76
Change in advance payments and billings in excess of costs	-29	6
Change in deferred taxes	14	7
Change in other liabilities	-43	-39
Other, net	-2	1
Net cash provided by operating activities	22	44
Investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-18	-36
Proceeds from the sale of assets	3	9
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-6	-16
Other, net	0	-1
Net cash used in investing activities	-21	-44
Financing activities	'	'
Dividends paid	-40	-19
Common stock repurchased	-53	-5
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	15	3
Other, net	-2	-3
Net cash used in financing activities	-80	-24
Exchange rate effects on cash and cash equivalents	4	-9
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-75	-33
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year	469	292
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period	$394	$259

Background_Basis_of_Presentati

Background, Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Background, Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates	'
	BACKGROUND, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND USE OF ESTIMATES
	Background
	Exelis Inc. (“Exelis” or the “Company”) is a diversified aerospace, defense, information and services company that leverages a 50-year legacy of deep customer knowledge and technical expertise to deliver affordable mission-critical solutions in the areas of imaging and analysis, electronic warfare, air traffic solutions, positioning and navigation, communications and information systems, logistics, and technical services to military, government and commercial customers in the United States and globally. We are focused on strategic growth in the areas of: critical networks; intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and analytics; electronic warfare; and composite aerostructures. The Company's customers include the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and its prime contractors, U.S. Government intelligence agencies, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allied foreign governments and domestic and foreign commercial customers. As a prime contractor, subcontractor, or preferred supplier, Exelis participates in many high priority defense and civil government programs in the United States and internationally. Exelis conducts most of its business with the U.S. Government, principally the DoD.
	References in these notes to “Exelis”, “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” and “our Company” refer to Exelis Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
	Basis of Presentation
	The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared annually in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. We believe that the disclosures included in this Form 10-Q are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
	Our quarterly financial periods end on the Friday closest to the last day of the calendar quarter, except for the last quarterly period of the fiscal year, which ends on December 31st. For ease of presentation, the quarterly financial statements included herein are described as ending on the last day of the calendar quarter. The results reported in these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates are revised as additional information becomes available. Estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, revenue recognition, income taxes, contingency accruals and valuation allowances, fair value measurements, impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, postretirement obligations and certain contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
	During the performance of long-term sales contracts, estimated final contract prices and costs are reviewed periodically and revisions are made as required and recorded in income in the period in which they are determined. Changes in estimated revenue, cost of revenue and the related effect to operating income are recognized using a cumulative catch-up adjustment which recognizes in the current period the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods based on a contract’s percent complete. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, net favorable cumulative catch-up adjustments related to prior periods increased operating income by approximately $5 and $2, respectively, and diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.02 and $0.01, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, net favorable cumulative catch-up adjustments related to prior periods increased operating income by approximately $39 and $59, respectively, and diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.13 and $0.21, respectively.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued final guidance on revenue recognition, which provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers, aimed at improving comparability within industries, across industries, and across capital markets. The new guidance contains principles, including a five step approach, that an entity will apply to determine the measurement and timing of revenue recognition that will require an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures intended to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and the related cash flows. Adoption of this guidance could affect the measurement and timing of revenue recognition on our contracts. The guidance is effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and can be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective method) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initial application of the guidance recognized in retained earnings on the date of initial adoption (simplified transition method). Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the methods of adoption and the potential impact of this guidance on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	The FASB recently issued final guidance aimed at reducing the frequency of disposals reported as discontinued operations by raising the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation, focusing on strategic shifts that have or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The guidance expands the disclosures for discontinued operations, but does not change the presentation requirements for discontinued operations in the income statement. The guidance is effective prospectively for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted, and would only apply to disposals completed subsequent to adoption. We will adopt this guidance on January 1, 2015.
	Other new pronouncements issued but not effective until after June 30, 2014 are not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Spinoff_of_Vectrus

Spin-off of Vectrus	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Spin-off of Vectrus	'
	SPIN-OFF OF VECTRUS
	On December 11, 2013, Exelis announced that its Board of Directors approved a plan to spin-off part of its military and government services business ("Vectrus, Inc." or "Vectrus", formerly referred to as Mission Systems) through a transaction that is intended to be tax-free to Exelis and its shareholders. The spin-off is subject to final approval by the Company’s Board of Directors. Following completion of the spin-off, Vectrus will be an independent, publicly traded company. Vectrus is currently part of the Company’s Information and Technical Services segment and includes the following major program areas: Infrastructure Asset Management; Logistics and Supply Chain Management; and Information Technology and Network Communication Services. Vectrus will continue to be reported as part of continuing operations in our financial statements until the spin-off is completed.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table sets forth the reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for our earnings per share calculations:
		Three Months Ended June 30,		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	189	188.2	189.3	188
	Add: Weighted average restricted stock awards outstanding(a)	—	—	—	0.2
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	189	188.2	189.3	188.2
	Add: Dilutive impact of stock options	2.7	0.5	2.9	0.4
	Add: Dilutive impact of restricted stock units	1.9	1.8	2	1.6
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	193.6	190.5	194.2	190.2
	(a)	Restricted stock awards containing rights to non-forfeitable dividends which participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders are considered participating securities for purposes of computing earnings per share.
	For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we excluded from our diluted share calculation 0.6 and 0.4 shares, respectively, related to stock options and 0.4 and 0.3 shares, respectively, related to restricted stock units, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, we excluded 6.6 and 10.7 shares, respectively, related to stock options and zero shares related to restricted stock units, as their effect would have been antidilutive.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Capital Stock
	Authorized capital was comprised of 750 shares of common stock ($0.01 par value per share) and 50 shares of preferred stock (no par value per share) on June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. There were 192.2 and 190.4 shares of common stock issued at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and 188.3 and 189.4 shares of common stock outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. No preferred stock was issued and outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we repurchased a total of 2.9 shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program for $53, and as of June 30, 2014 the Company had remaining authorization of $31 for future share repurchases through December 31, 2015.
	Dividends
	On May 7, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share, payable on July 1, 2014 to shareholders of record on May 23, 2014. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we declared two quarterly cash dividends totaling $40 or $0.21 per share.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component, for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
		Net Foreign Currency		Unamortized Defined				Accumulated
		Translation		Benefit				Other Comprehensive
		Adjustments		Plan Costs				Loss
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	16	$	(1,448	)		$	(1,432	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4		—				4
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—		28			(a)	28
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4		28				32
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	20	$	(1,420	)		$	(1,400	)
	(a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component primarily relates to the amortization of net actuarial loss. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the amortization of net actuarial loss was $13 (net of tax of $9) and $27 (net of tax of $17), respectively, which are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (Note 12).
	Unamortized defined benefit plan costs consist primarily of net actuarial loss totaling $1,416 and $1,443, net of tax, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Net actuarial gains or losses principally arise from gains or losses on plan assets due to variations in the fair market value of the underlying assets and changes in the benefit obligation due to changes in actuarial assumptions.
	Unamortized defined benefit plan costs included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were reduced by taxes of $917 and $934 as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The changes in defined benefit plan costs included in other comprehensive income (loss) in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income were reduced by taxes of $9 and $17 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, and $88 and $100 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	INCOME TAXES
	Effective Tax Rate
	Our quarterly income tax expense is measured using an estimated annual effective income tax rate, adjusted for discrete items within the period. The comparison of effective income tax rates between periods is significantly affected by discrete items recognized during the periods, the level and mix of earnings by tax jurisdiction and permanent differences.
	For the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $35 or 36.5% of income from continuing operations before income tax expense as compared to $42 or 35.0% during the same prior year period. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $65 or 36.5% of income from continuing operations before income tax expense as compared to $62 or 33.7% during the same prior year period. The effective income tax rate varies from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of state taxes offset by the favorable impact from the U.S. manufacturing deduction. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2013 also included the favorable impact of a discrete item related to the renewal of the 2012 federal research and development tax credit.

Receivables_Net

Receivables, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables, Net	'
	RECEIVABLES, NET
	Receivables, net were comprised of the following:
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Billed receivables	$	414		$	395
	Unbilled contract receivables	545			537
	Other	9			11
	Receivables, gross	968			943
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(4		)	(4		)
	Receivables, net	$	964		$	939
	Total billed receivables due from the U.S. Government, either directly or as a subcontractor with the U.S. Government, were $331 and $314 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Because the Company’s billed receivables are primarily with the U.S. Government, the Company does not have a material credit risk exposure.
	Unbilled contract receivables represent revenue recognized on long-term sales contracts in excess of amounts billed as of the balance sheet date. We expect to bill and collect substantially all of the June 30, 2014 unbilled contract receivables during the next twelve months as scheduled performance milestones are completed or units are delivered.

Inventories_Net

Inventories, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories, Net	'
	INVENTORIES, NET
	Inventories, net were comprised of the following:
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Production costs of contracts in process	$	226		$	217
	Less progress payments	(31		)	(27		)
	Production costs of contracts in process, net	195			190
	Product inventory	64			56
	Inventories, net	$	259		$	246

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
	Goodwill
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, goodwill was $2,190 and $2,184, respectively. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, goodwill for our C4ISR Electronics and Systems segment was $1,810 and $1,800, respectively, and goodwill for our Information and Technical Services segment was $380 and $384, respectively.
	Other Intangible Assets, Net
	Information regarding our other intangible assets was as follows:
		June 30, 2014							December 31, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization			Intangibles		Carrying		Amortization			Intangibles
		Amount							Amount
	Customer and distributor relationships	$	525	$	(382	)	$	143	$	525	$	(371	)	$	154
	Proprietary technology	32		(23		)	9		30		(22		)	8
	Trademarks, patents and other	9		(4		)	5		9		(4		)	5
	Total other intangible assets	$	566	$	(409	)	$	157	$	564	$	(397	)	$	167
	Amortization expense related to other intangible assets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 was $5 and $12, respectively, and $6 and $13 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively.
	Estimated amortization expense for the remaining six months of 2014 and each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows:
	Remaining 2014	$	12
	2015	22
	2016	20
	2017	17
	2018	15
	2019 and thereafter	71
	Total	$	157

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	DEBT
	Debt consisted of the following:
		June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Long-term debt	$	650			$	650
	Unamortized debt discounts	(1		)		(1		)
	Total long-term debt	$	649			$	649
	The following table provides a summary of interest rates, carrying values and estimated fair values of outstanding long-term debt:
					June 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Interest rate			Carrying				Fair		Carrying		Fair
					Value				Value		Value		Value
	Long-term debt
	Senior notes due 2016	4.25	%		$	250			$	264	$	250	$	263
	Senior notes due 2021	5.55	%		400				430		400		404
	Total				$	650			$	694	$	650	$	667
	The fair value of our notes was determined using prices in secondary markets for identical and similar securities (Level 2 inputs) obtained from external pricing sources.
	Commercial Paper
	The Company’s commercial paper program generally enables the Company to borrow short-term funds at competitive rates. The commercial paper program is fully supported by available borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was no commercial paper outstanding under our commercial paper program.
	Credit Facility
	The Company has a competitive advance and revolving credit facility agreement (“Credit Facility”) with a consortium of lenders, which is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The Credit Facility provides for a four year maturity, expiring October 25, 2015, with a one year extension option upon satisfaction of certain conditions, and comprises an aggregate principal amount of up to $600 of revolving loans, competitive advances and letters of credit with a face amount up to $100. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at rates based, at our option, on a Eurodollar rate or an alternate base rate, as defined in the Credit Facility. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility.
	The Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our ability to: incur additional debt or issue guarantees of indebtedness; create liens; enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions; merge or consolidate with another person; sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of assets; liquidate or dissolve; and enter into restrictive covenants. Additionally, the Credit Facility requires us not to permit the ratio of combined total indebtedness to combined EBITDA (leverage ratio) to exceed 3.50 to 1.00 at any time.
	Senior Notes
	The Company has outstanding long-term debt consisting of $250 aggregate principal amount of 4.25% senior notes due October 1, 2016 and $400 aggregate principal amount of 5.55% senior notes due October 1, 2021 (together the “Notes”). As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, accrued interest payable on the Notes, included in other accrued liabilities, was $8 and $8, respectively, and is payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year.
	The Notes have covenants that restrict our ability to, subject to exceptions, incur indebtedness secured by liens or engage in sale and leaseback transactions. The Notes also have customary events of default, including, but not limited to, non-payment of principal and interest, and certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company. Under the terms of the Notes, we have the option to redeem the Notes prior to maturity, and we will be required to make an offer to purchase the Notes if a change of control triggering event (as defined in the Notes indenture) occurs.

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans

Postretirement Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Postretirement Benefit Plans	'
	POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
	The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost for our defined benefit plans, including defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans:
		Three Months Ended June 30,
		2014									2013
		Pension			Other			Total			Pension			Other			Total
					Benefits									Benefits
	Net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	16		$	1		$	17		$	19		$	—		$	19
	Interest cost	63			5			68			60			4			64
	Expected return on plan assets	(85		)	(6		)	(91		)	(86		)	(5		)	(91		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	21			1			22			26			3			29
	Amortization of prior service cost	1			—			1			1			—			1
	Total net periodic benefit cost	$	16		$	1		$	17		$	20		$	2		$	22
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014									2013
		Pension			Other			Total			Pension			Other			Total
					Benefits									Benefits
	Net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	32		$	1		$	33		$	38		$	1		$	39
	Interest cost	126			10			136			120			9			129
	Expected return on plan assets	(170		)	(11		)	(181		)	(171		)	(11		)	(182		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	42			2			44			54			6			60
	Amortization of prior service cost	1			—			1			2			—			2
	Net periodic benefit cost	31			2			33			43			5			48
	Effect of curtailments	1			—			1			—			—			—
	Total net periodic benefit cost	$	32		$	2		$	34		$	43		$	5		$	48
	We contributed $77 and $62 to our qualified defined benefit pension plans during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We currently anticipate making additional contributions to our qualified defined benefit pension plans in the range of $105 to $115 during the remainder of 2014.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company maintains an equity incentive plan to govern awards granted to Exelis employees and directors, including awards of non-qualified stock options (NQOs), restricted stock units (RSUs), total shareholder return (TSR) awards, and other awards.
	The following table provides the impact of stock-based compensation in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
		Three Months Ended June 30,							Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014				2013			2014				2013
	Compensation cost for equity-based awards	$	6			$	8		$	13			$	13
	Compensation cost for liability-based awards	—				3			1				3
	Total compensation costs, pre-tax	$	6			$	11		$	14			$	16
	Future tax benefit	$	2			$	4		$	5			$	5
	At June 30, 2014, total unrecognized compensation costs related to equity-based awards and liability-based awards were $22 and $4, respectively, which are expected to be recognized ratably over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years and 2.0 years, respectively.
	The following table provides a summary of the activities for NQOs and RSUs for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
		Stock Options						Restricted Stock Units
		Shares			Weighted-  Average			Shares			Weighted-  Average Grant
					Exercise Price Per Share						Date Fair Value Per Share
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	11.46			$	11.13		3.48			$	11.48
	Granted	0.57			20.82			0.72			20.52
	Exercised	(1.30	)		11.28			—			—
	Vested	—			—			(0.79	)		12.67
	Forfeited, canceled or expired	(0.07	)		10.95			(0.06	)		11.9
	Outstanding at June 30, 2014	10.66			$	11.63		3.35			$	13.14
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we granted long-term incentive awards to employees consisting of 0.6 NQOs and 0.7 RSUs with respective weighted average grant date fair values per share of $5.12 and $20.52. The NQOs vest annually in three equal installments and have a ten-year expiration period. The RSUs vest annually in three equal installments. We also granted TSR awards with an aggregate target value of $5 that are cash settled at the end of a three-year performance period. The fair value of the NQOs was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. The fair value of the RSUs was determined based on the closing price of Exelis common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of the TSR awards were measured based on the Company’s performance relative to the performance of the S&P 1500 Aerospace and Defense index. Depending on the Company’s performance during the three-year performance period, payment can range from 0% to 200% of the target value.
	The following table details the weighted average assumptions utilized in determining the fair value of the NQOs granted during the first six months of 2014.
	Dividend yield	1.98		%
	Expected volatility	26.8		%
	Expected life (in years)	7
	Risk-free rates	2.2		%
	Weighted-average grant date fair value per share	$	5.12

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	Separation Agreements
	On October 31, 2011, ITT Corporation ("ITT") completed the spin-off (the “ITT Spin-off”) of Exelis and Exelis began operating as a stand-alone publicly traded corporation. Prior to the ITT Spin-off, Exelis operated as the Defense and Information Solutions Segment of ITT.
	In order to govern certain ongoing relationships between Exelis and ITT following the ITT Spin-off and to provide mechanisms for an orderly transition, on October 25, 2011, Exelis, ITT, and Xylem Inc. executed the various agreements that govern the ongoing relationships between and among the three companies after the ITT Spin-off and provided for the allocation of employee benefits, income taxes, and certain other liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to the ITT Spin-off. The executed agreements include the Distribution Agreement, Benefits and Compensation Matters Agreement, Tax Matters Agreement, several real estate matters agreements, and Master Transition Services Agreement. Certain intercompany work orders and/or informal intercompany commercial arrangements were converted into third-party contracts based on ITT’s standard terms and conditions.
	The Distribution Agreement provides for certain indemnifications and cross-indemnifications among Exelis, ITT and Xylem Inc. The indemnifications address a variety of subjects, including indemnification by ITT of Exelis in respect of certain asserted and unasserted asbestos or silica liability claims.
	Services provided to and received from ITT and Xylem Inc. under the separation agreements were generally provided at cost and were substantially completed by the end of 2013. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, total payables due from Exelis to ITT and Xylem Inc. were $9 and $9, respectively, and total receivables due to Exelis from ITT and Xylem Inc. were $7 and $7, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	General
	From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings that are incidental to the operation of our businesses. Some of these proceedings seek remedies relating to environmental matters, personal injury claims, employment and pension matters, and commercial or contractual disputes, sometimes related to acquisitions or divestitures.
	Although the ultimate outcome of any legal matter cannot be predicted with certainty, based on present information, including our assessment of the merits of the particular claim, we do not expect that any asserted or unasserted legal claims or proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our cash flow, results of operations, or financial condition.
	Environmental
	In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to federal, state, local, and foreign environmental laws and regulations. We are responsible, or are alleged to be responsible, for ongoing environmental investigation and remediation of multiple sites. These sites are in various stages of investigation and/or remediation and in many of these proceedings our liability is considered de minimis. We have received notification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and from other governmental agencies, that a number of sites formerly or currently owned and/or operated by Exelis, and other properties or water supplies that may be or have been impacted from those operations, contain disposed or recycled materials or wastes and require environmental investigation and/or remediation. These sites include instances where we have been identified as a potentially responsible party under federal and state environmental laws and regulations.
	Accruals for environmental matters are recorded on a site by site basis when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, based on current law and existing technologies available to us. Our accrued liabilities for these environmental matters represent our best estimates related to the investigation and remediation of environmental media such as water, soil, soil vapor, air and structures, as well as related legal fees. These estimates, and related accruals, are reviewed quarterly and updated for progress of investigation and remediation efforts and changes in facts and legal circumstances. Liabilities for these environmental expenditures are recorded on an undiscounted basis.
	It is difficult to estimate the final costs of investigation and remediation due to various factors, including incomplete information regarding particular sites and other potentially responsible parties, uncertainty regarding the extent of investigation or remediation and our share, if any, of liability for such conditions, the selection of alternative remedial approaches, and changes in environmental standards and regulatory requirements. We have estimated and accrued $25 and $26 as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, for environmental matters. We believe the total amount accrued is appropriate based on existing facts and circumstances.
	The following table illustrates the range of estimated loss and number of active sites for these environmental matters:
		June 30, 2014 (a)		December 31, 2013
	Low-end range	$	22	$	23
	High-end range	$	69	$	44
	Number of active environmental investigations and remediation sites	46		24
	(a)	In June 2014, the Company received notice from the Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division, that it may be potentially responsible for contribution to the environmental investigation and remediation of multiple locations in Alaska. Pending further information, we have increased the number of active sites and the high-end range of estimated loss based on our historical costs for similar matters.
	On April 11, 2014, the EPA issued a proposed plan for remedial alternatives to address the cleanup of the lower eight mile stretch of the Passaic River. The EPA estimates the cost for the alternatives will range from $0.4 billion to $3.2 billion. The EPA’s preferred alternative would involve dredging the river bank to bank and installing an engineered cap at an estimated cost of $1.7 billion. The public comment period ends August 20, 2014, after which the EPA will evaluate all the input and make its final record of decision, which is expected in 2015. Therefore, the ultimate remedial approach and associated costs and the parties who will participate in funding the remediation and their respective allocations have not been determined. The Company has found no evidence that it contributed any of the primary contaminants of concern to the Passaic River. We will vigorously defend our self in this matter and we believe our ultimate costs will not be material.
	U.S. Government Contracts, Investigations and Claims
	The Company has U.S. Government contracts that are funded incrementally on a year-to-year basis. Changes in government policies, priorities or funding levels through agency or program budget reductions by the U.S. Congress or executive agencies could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s cash flow, financial condition or results of operations. Furthermore, contracts with the U.S. Government may be terminated or suspended by the U.S. Government at any time, with or without cause. Such contract suspensions or terminations could result in un-reimbursable expenses or charges or otherwise adversely affect the Company’s cash flow, financial condition or results of operations.
	Departments and agencies of the U.S. Government have the authority to investigate various transactions and operations of the Company, and the results of such investigations may lead to administrative, civil or criminal proceedings, the ultimate outcome of which could be fines, penalties, repayments or compensatory or treble damages. U.S. Government regulations provide that certain findings against a contractor may lead to suspension or debarment from future U.S. Government contracts or the loss of export privileges for a company or an operating division or subdivision. Suspension or debarment could have a material adverse effect on the Company because of its reliance on U.S. Government contracts.
	U.S. Government agencies, including the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and others, routinely audit and review a contractor’s performance on government contracts, indirect rates and pricing practices, and compliance with applicable contracting and procurement laws, regulations and standards. Accordingly, costs billed or billable to the U.S. Government customers are subject to potential adjustment upon audit by such agencies. They also review the adequacy of the contractor’s compliance with government standards for its accounting and management internal control systems, including: control environment and accounting systems, general information technology systems, budget and planning systems, purchasing systems, material management systems, compensation systems, labor systems, indirect and other direct costs systems, billing systems and estimating systems. Audits currently underway include the Company’s control environment and accounting, billing, and indirect and other direct cost systems, as well as reviews of the Company’s compliance with certain U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards.
	From time to time, U.S. Government customers advise the Company of claims and penalties concerning certain potential disallowed costs. When such findings are presented, Exelis and the U.S. Government representatives engage in discussions to enable Exelis to evaluate the merits of these claims as well as to assess the amounts being claimed. Where appropriate, provisions are made to reflect the expected exposure to the matters raised by the U.S. Government representatives and such provisions are reviewed on a quarterly basis for sufficiency based on the most recent information available.
	Indemnifications
	As part of the ITT Spin-off, Exelis, ITT and Xylem Inc. indemnify one another with respect to such parties’ assumed or retained liabilities under the Distribution Agreement and breaches of the Distribution Agreement or related ITT Spin-off agreements. Exelis expects ITT and Xylem Inc. to fully perform under the terms of the Distribution Agreement and therefore we have not recorded a liability for matters for which we are indemnified. In addition, we are not aware of any claims or other circumstances that would give rise to material payments to ITT or Xylem Inc. under the indemnity that we provide to them.
	Letters of Credit
	In the ordinary course of business, we use standby letters of credit, guarantees issued by commercial banks and surety bonds issued by insurance companies, as well as self-guarantees, principally to guarantee our performance on certain contracts and to support our self-insured workers’ compensation plans. At June 30, 2014, there was an aggregate of approximately $96 in surety bonds, guarantees and stand-by letters of credit outstanding.
	Rabbi Trust
	The Company maintains a grantor trust (“Rabbi Trust”) for the purpose of assisting the Company with the payment of certain nonqualified deferred compensation obligations in the event of a change in control of the Company. The Company is obligated to contribute an amount equal to 110 percent of the Company’s obligations under eight nonqualified deferred compensation plans at the time of an “Acceleration Event,” as defined in such plans and the Rabbi Trust.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company’s segments are reported on the same basis used internally for evaluating performance and for allocating resources. We operate in two segments: Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Electronics and Systems, and Information and Technical Services. Assets of the business segments exclude general corporate assets, which principally consist of cash, deferred tax assets, certain plant, property, and equipment, and certain other assets.
	C4ISR Electronics and Systems
	This segment provides engineered systems and solutions, including: ISR systems; integrated electronic warfare systems; radar and sonar systems; electronic attack and release systems; communications solutions; space systems; and composite aerostructures, for government and commercial customers around the world.
	Information and Technical Services
	This segment provides a broad range of service solutions, including: systems integration; network design and development; air traffic management; cyber; intelligence; operations; sustainment; advanced engineering; logistics; and space launch and range-support, for a wide variety of U.S. military and U.S. Government customers.
	Segment financial results were as follows:
		Three Months Ended June 30,
		2014									2013
		Product			Service			Total			Product			Service		Total
		Revenue			Revenue			Revenue			Revenue			Revenue		Revenue
	C4ISR Electronics and Systems	$	523		$	—		$	523		$	518		$	—	$	518
	Information and Technical Services	—			594			594			—			733		733
	Total	$	523		$	594		$	1,117		$	518		$	733	$	1,251
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014									2013
		Product			Service			Total			Product			Service		Total
		Revenue			Revenue			Revenue			Revenue			Revenue		Revenue
	C4ISR Electronics and Systems	$	1,003		$	—		$	1,003		$	1,017		$	—	$	1,017
	Information and Technical Services	—			1,159			1,159			—			1,419		1,419
	Total	$	1,003		$	1,159		$	2,162		$	1,017		$	1,419	$	2,436
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Operating Income
	C4ISR Electronics and Systems	$	60		$	40		$	103		$	59
	Information and Technical Services	43			87			89			142
	Total Operating Income	$	103		$	127		$	192		$	201
	Operating Margin
	C4ISR Electronics and Systems	11.5		%	7.7		%	10.3		%	5.8		%
	Information and Technical Services	7.2		%	11.9		%	7.7		%	10		%
	Total Operating Margin	9.2		%	10.2		%	8.9		%	8.3		%
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Assets
	C4ISR Electronics and Systems	$	3,005		$	3,031
	Information and Technical Services	1,122			1,097
	Segments total	4,127			4,128
	Corporate and Other	641			756
	Total Assets	$	4,768		$	4,884

Background_Basis_of_Presentati1

Background, Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared annually in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. We believe that the disclosures included in this Form 10-Q are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
	Our quarterly financial periods end on the Friday closest to the last day of the calendar quarter, except for the last quarterly period of the fiscal year, which ends on December 31st. For ease of presentation, the quarterly financial statements included herein are described as ending on the last day of the calendar quarter. The results reported in these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates are revised as additional information becomes available. Estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, revenue recognition, income taxes, contingency accruals and valuation allowances, fair value measurements, impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, postretirement obligations and certain contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
	During the performance of long-term sales contracts, estimated final contract prices and costs are reviewed periodically and revisions are made as required and recorded in income in the period in which they are determined. Changes in estimated revenue, cost of revenue and the related effect to operating income are recognized using a cumulative catch-up adjustment which recognizes in the current period the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods based on a contract’s percent complete.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	The following table sets forth the reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for our earnings per share calculations:
		Three Months Ended June 30,		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	189	188.2	189.3	188
	Add: Weighted average restricted stock awards outstanding(a)	—	—	—	0.2
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	189	188.2	189.3	188.2
	Add: Dilutive impact of stock options	2.7	0.5	2.9	0.4
	Add: Dilutive impact of restricted stock units	1.9	1.8	2	1.6
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	193.6	190.5	194.2	190.2
	(a)	Restricted stock awards containing rights to non-forfeitable dividends which participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders are considered participating securities for purposes of computing earnings per share.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component, for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
		Net Foreign Currency		Unamortized Defined				Accumulated
		Translation		Benefit				Other Comprehensive
		Adjustments		Plan Costs				Loss
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	16	$	(1,448	)		$	(1,432	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4		—				4
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—		28			(a)	28
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4		28				32
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	20	$	(1,420	)		$	(1,400	)
	(a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component primarily relates to the amortization of net actuarial loss. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the amortization of net actuarial loss was $13 (net of tax of $9) and $27 (net of tax of $17), respectively, which are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (Note 12).

Receivables_Net_Tables

Receivables, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Receivables, Net	'
	Receivables, net were comprised of the following:
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Billed receivables	$	414		$	395
	Unbilled contract receivables	545			537
	Other	9			11
	Receivables, gross	968			943
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(4		)	(4		)
	Receivables, net	$	964		$	939

Inventories_Net_Tables

Inventories, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventories, Net	'
	Inventories, net were comprised of the following:
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Production costs of contracts in process	$	226		$	217
	Less progress payments	(31		)	(27		)
	Production costs of contracts in process, net	195			190
	Product inventory	64			56
	Inventories, net	$	259		$	246

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Intangible Assets, Net	'
	Information regarding our other intangible assets was as follows:
		June 30, 2014							December 31, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization			Intangibles		Carrying		Amortization			Intangibles
		Amount							Amount
	Customer and distributor relationships	$	525	$	(382	)	$	143	$	525	$	(371	)	$	154
	Proprietary technology	32		(23		)	9		30		(22		)	8
	Trademarks, patents and other	9		(4		)	5		9		(4		)	5
	Total other intangible assets	$	566	$	(409	)	$	157	$	564	$	(397	)	$	167
Estimated Amortization Expense	'
	Estimated amortization expense for the remaining six months of 2014 and each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows:
	Remaining 2014	$	12
	2015	22
	2016	20
	2017	17
	2018	15
	2019 and thereafter	71
	Total	$	157

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt	'
	Debt consisted of the following:
		June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Long-term debt	$	650			$	650
	Unamortized debt discounts	(1		)		(1		)
	Total long-term debt	$	649			$	649
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Long-Term Debt	'
	The following table provides a summary of interest rates, carrying values and estimated fair values of outstanding long-term debt:
					June 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Interest rate			Carrying				Fair		Carrying		Fair
					Value				Value		Value		Value
	Long-term debt
	Senior notes due 2016	4.25	%		$	250			$	264	$	250	$	263
	Senior notes due 2021	5.55	%		400				430		400		404
	Total				$	650			$	694	$	650	$	667

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_T

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost for our defined benefit plans, including defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans:
		Three Months Ended June 30,
		2014									2013
		Pension			Other			Total			Pension			Other			Total
					Benefits									Benefits
	Net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	16		$	1		$	17		$	19		$	—		$	19
	Interest cost	63			5			68			60			4			64
	Expected return on plan assets	(85		)	(6		)	(91		)	(86		)	(5		)	(91		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	21			1			22			26			3			29
	Amortization of prior service cost	1			—			1			1			—			1
	Total net periodic benefit cost	$	16		$	1		$	17		$	20		$	2		$	22
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014									2013
		Pension			Other			Total			Pension			Other			Total
					Benefits									Benefits
	Net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	32		$	1		$	33		$	38		$	1		$	39
	Interest cost	126			10			136			120			9			129
	Expected return on plan assets	(170		)	(11		)	(181		)	(171		)	(11		)	(182		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	42			2			44			54			6			60
	Amortization of prior service cost	1			—			1			2			—			2
	Net periodic benefit cost	31			2			33			43			5			48
	Effect of curtailments	1			—			1			—			—			—
	Total net periodic benefit cost	$	32		$	2		$	34		$	43		$	5		$	48

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Compensation Costs	'
	The following table provides the impact of stock-based compensation in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
		Three Months Ended June 30,							Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014				2013			2014				2013
	Compensation cost for equity-based awards	$	6			$	8		$	13			$	13
	Compensation cost for liability-based awards	—				3			1				3
	Total compensation costs, pre-tax	$	6			$	11		$	14			$	16
	Future tax benefit	$	2			$	4		$	5			$	5
Schedule of Stock Option Activity and Restricted Stock Activity	'
	The following table provides a summary of the activities for NQOs and RSUs for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
		Stock Options						Restricted Stock Units
		Shares			Weighted-  Average			Shares			Weighted-  Average Grant
					Exercise Price Per Share						Date Fair Value Per Share
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	11.46			$	11.13		3.48			$	11.48
	Granted	0.57			20.82			0.72			20.52
	Exercised	(1.30	)		11.28			—			—
	Vested	—			—			(0.79	)		12.67
	Forfeited, canceled or expired	(0.07	)		10.95			(0.06	)		11.9
	Outstanding at June 30, 2014	10.66			$	11.63		3.35			$	13.14
Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions	'
	The following table details the weighted average assumptions utilized in determining the fair value of the NQOs granted during the first six months of 2014.
	Dividend yield	1.98		%
	Expected volatility	26.8		%
	Expected life (in years)	7
	Risk-free rates	2.2		%
	Weighted-average grant date fair value per share	$	5.12

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Range of Estimated Loss and Number of Active Sites	'
	The following table illustrates the range of estimated loss and number of active sites for these environmental matters:
		June 30, 2014 (a)		December 31, 2013
	Low-end range	$	22	$	23
	High-end range	$	69	$	44
	Number of active environmental investigations and remediation sites	46		24
	(a)	In June 2014, the Company received notice from the Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division, that it may be potentially responsible for contribution to the environmental investigation and remediation of multiple locations in Alaska. Pending further information, we have increased the number of active sites and the high-end range of estimated loss based on our historical costs for similar matters.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summary of Segment Revenue	'
	Segment financial results were as follows:
		Three Months Ended June 30,
		2014									2013
		Product			Service			Total			Product			Service		Total
		Revenue			Revenue			Revenue			Revenue			Revenue		Revenue
	C4ISR Electronics and Systems	$	523		$	—		$	523		$	518		$	—	$	518
	Information and Technical Services	—			594			594			—			733		733
	Total	$	523		$	594		$	1,117		$	518		$	733	$	1,251
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014									2013
		Product			Service			Total			Product			Service		Total
		Revenue			Revenue			Revenue			Revenue			Revenue		Revenue
	C4ISR Electronics and Systems	$	1,003		$	—		$	1,003		$	1,017		$	—	$	1,017
	Information and Technical Services	—			1,159			1,159			—			1,419		1,419
	Total	$	1,003		$	1,159		$	2,162		$	1,017		$	1,419	$	2,436
Summary of Segment Operating Income and Operating Margin	'
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Operating Income
	C4ISR Electronics and Systems	$	60		$	40		$	103		$	59
	Information and Technical Services	43			87			89			142
	Total Operating Income	$	103		$	127		$	192		$	201
	Operating Margin
	C4ISR Electronics and Systems	11.5		%	7.7		%	10.3		%	5.8		%
	Information and Technical Services	7.2		%	11.9		%	7.7		%	10		%
	Total Operating Margin	9.2		%	10.2		%	8.9		%	8.3		%
Summary of Segment Reporting Assets	'
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Assets
	C4ISR Electronics and Systems	$	3,005		$	3,031
	Information and Technical Services	1,122			1,097
	Segments total	4,127			4,128
	Corporate and Other	641			756
	Total Assets	$	4,768		$	4,884

Background_Basis_of_Presentati2

Background, Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Increase in operating income due to cumulative catch up adjustments	$5	$39	$2	$59
Increase in diluted earnings per share due to cumulative catch-up adjustments (in dollars per share)	$0.02	$0.13	$0.01	$0.21

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding for Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	189		188.2		189.3		188
Add: Weighted average restricted stock awards outstanding (in shares)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0.2	[1]
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	189		188.2		189.3		188.2
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	193.6		190.5		194.2		190.2
Stock Options	'		'		'		'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Add: Dilutive impact of share-based payment arrangements (in shares)	2.7		0.5		2.9		0.4
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'		'		'		'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Add: Dilutive impact of share-based payment arrangements (in shares)	1.9		1.8		2		1.6
[1]	Restricted stock awards containing rights to non-forfeitable dividends which participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders are considered participating securities for purposes of computing earnings per share.

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Stock Options	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive shares excluded (in shares)	600,000	6,600,000	400,000	10,700,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive shares excluded (in shares)	400,000	0	300,000	0

Shareholders_Equity_Additional

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	7-May-14	Dec. 31, 2013
	Quarterly_Dividend
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	750,000,000	'	750,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	'	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	'	50,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0	'	$0
Common stock, shares issued	192,200,000	'	190,400,000
Common stock. shares outstanding	188,300,000	'	189,400,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	'	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	'	0
Share repurchase program, number of shares repurchased during period	2,900,000	'	'
Share repurchase program, value of shares repurchased during period	$53,000,000	'	'
Share repurchase program, remaining authorized amount	31,000,000	'	'
Cash dividends payable (in dollars per share)	$0.21	$0.10	'
Number of quarterly cash dividends declared during the period	2	'	'
Total dividends declared	$40,000,000	'	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Schedule of Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) During Period (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'
Balance at beginning of period	'	'	($1,432)		'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	4		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	28		'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	32		'
Balance at end of period	-1,400	'	-1,400		'
Amortization of actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax	13	18	27		36
Amortization of actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost, tax	9	'	17		'
Net Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	'	'	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'
Balance at beginning of period	'	'	16		'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	4		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	0		'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	4		'
Balance at end of period	20	'	20		'
Unamortized Defined Benefit Plan Costs	'	'	'		'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'
Balance at beginning of period	'	'	-1,448		'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	0		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	28	[1]	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	28		'
Balance at end of period	($1,420)	'	($1,420)		'
[1]	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component primarily relates to the amortization of net actuarial loss. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the amortization of net actuarial loss was $13 (net of tax of $9) and $27 (net of tax of $17), respectively, which are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (Note 12).

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax	($13)	($18)	($27)	($36)	'
Net actuarial loss, net of tax included in unamortized defined benefit plan costs	1,416	'	1,416	'	1,443
Unamortized defined benefit costs included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax	917	'	917	'	934
Changes in defined benefit plan cost included in other comprehensive income, tax	$9	$88	$17	$100	'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax provision	$35	$42	$65	$62
Percentage of provision for income tax	36.50%	35.00%	36.50%	33.70%
Federal statutory income tax rate	'	'	35.00%	'

Receivables_Net_Schedule_of_Re

Receivables, Net - Schedule of Receivables, Net (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Billed receivables	$414	$395
Unbilled contract receivables	545	537
Other	9	11
Receivables, gross	968	943
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-4	-4
Receivables, net	$964	$939

Receivables_Net_Additional_Inf

Receivables, Net - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Billed receivables due, total	$414	$395
Government	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Billed receivables due, total	$331	$314

Inventories_Net_Schedule_of_In

Inventories, Net - Schedule of Inventories, Net (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Production costs of contracts in process	$226	$217
Less progress payments	-31	-27
Production costs of contracts in process, net	195	190
Product inventory	64	56
Inventories, net	$259	$246

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net - Schedule of Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$566	$564
Accumulated Amortization	-409	-397
Net Intangibles	157	167
Customer and distributor relationships	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	525	525
Accumulated Amortization	-382	-371
Net Intangibles	143	154
Proprietary technology	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	32	30
Accumulated Amortization	-23	-22
Net Intangibles	9	8
Trademarks, patents and other	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	9	9
Accumulated Amortization	-4	-4
Net Intangibles	$5	$5

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net - Estimated Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Remaining 2014	$12	'
2015	22	'
2016	20	'
2017	17	'
2018	15	'
2019 and thereafter	71	'
Net Intangibles	$157	$167

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$2,190	'	$2,190	'	$2,184
Amortization expense related to other intangible assets	5	6	12	13	'
C4ISR Electronics and Systems	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	1,810	'	1,810	'	1,800
Information and Technical Services	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$380	'	$380	'	$384

Debt_Summary_of_Debt_Details

Debt - Summary of Debt (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term debt	$650	$650
Unamortized debt discounts	-1	-1
Total long-term debt	$649	$649

Debt_Summary_of_LongTerm_Debt_

Debt - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Value	$650	$650
Fair Value	694	667
Senior Notes | Senior notes due 2016	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate	4.25%	'
Carrying Value	250	250
Fair Value	264	263
Senior Notes | Senior notes due 2021	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate	5.55%	'
Carrying Value	400	400
Fair Value	$430	$404

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Senior notes due 2016

Senior notes due 2016

Senior notes due 2021

Senior notes due 2021

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, maturity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, expiration date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25-Oct-15

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, extension period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, current borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$600,000,000

'

$100,000,000

'

Credit facility, amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

Ratio of total indebtedness to combined EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.5

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

650,000,000

650,000,000

'

'

250,000,000

250,000,000

400,000,000

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

4.25%

'

5.55%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued interest payable, included in other accrued liabilities

'

'

$8,000,000

$8,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_N

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$17	$19	$33	$39
Interest cost	68	64	136	129
Expected return on plan assets	-91	-91	-181	-182
Amortization of net actuarial loss	22	29	44	60
Amortization of prior service cost	1	1	1	2
Net periodic benefit cost	'	'	33	48
Effect of curtailments	'	'	1	0
Total net periodic benefit cost	17	22	34	48
Pension	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	16	19	32	38
Interest cost	63	60	126	120
Expected return on plan assets	-85	-86	-170	-171
Amortization of net actuarial loss	21	26	42	54
Amortization of prior service cost	1	1	1	2
Net periodic benefit cost	'	'	31	43
Effect of curtailments	'	'	1	0
Total net periodic benefit cost	16	20	32	43
Other Benefits	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	1	0	1	1
Interest cost	5	4	10	9
Expected return on plan assets	-6	-5	-11	-11
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1	3	2	6
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	'	'	2	5
Effect of curtailments	'	'	0	0
Total net periodic benefit cost	$1	$2	$2	$5

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_A

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) (Pension, USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit plan, contributions by employer	$77	$62
Minimum	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit plan, estimated future employer contributions in remaining fiscal year	105	'
Maximum	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit plan, estimated future employer contributions in remaining fiscal year	$115	'

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Compensation Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost for awards	$6	$11	$14	$16
Future tax benefit	2	4	5	5
Compensation cost for equity-based awards	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost for awards	6	8	13	13
Compensation cost for liability-based awards	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost for awards	$0	$3	$1	$3

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Non-Qualified Stock Options and Restricted Stock Activity (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Stock Options	'
Stock Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	11.46
Granted	0.57
Exercised	-1.3
Forfeited, canceled or expired	-0.07
Outstanding at end of period	10.66
Stock Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	$11.13
Granted	$20.82
Exercised	$11.28
Forfeited, canceled or expired	$10.95
Outstanding at end of period	$11.63
Restricted Stock Units	'
Restricted Stock (including RSUs), Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	3.48
Granted	0.72
Vested	-0.79
Forfeited, canceled or expired	-0.06
Outstanding at end of period	3.35
Restricted Stock (including RSUs), Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	$11.48
Granted	$20.52
Vested	$12.67
Forfeited, canceled or expired	$11.90
Outstanding at end of period	$13.14

StockBased_Compensation_Weight

Stock-Based Compensation - Weighted Average Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]	'
Dividend yield	1.98%
Expected volatility	26.80%
Expected life (in years)	'7 years
Risk-free rates	2.20%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share	$5.12

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, options (in dollars per share)	$5.12
Non-Qualified Stock Options (NQOs)	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Granted long-term incentives to employees, options	0.57
Weighted average grant date fair value, options (in dollars per share)	$5.12
Award vesting period	'3 years
Award expiration period	'10 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Granted long-term incentives to employees, equity instruments other than options	0.7
Weighted average grant date fair value, equity instruments other than options (in dollars per share)	$20.52
Total Shareholder Return Awards (TSRs)	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award vesting period	'3 years
Aggregate target value of award, settled in cash	$5
Total Shareholder Return Awards (TSRs) | Minimum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Estimated cash settlement, percentage of target award	0.00%
Total Shareholder Return Awards (TSRs) | Maximum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Estimated cash settlement, percentage of target award	200.00%
Compensation cost for equity-based awards	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Total unrecognized compensation costs	22
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period for recognition	'2 years 2 months 12 days
Compensation cost for liability-based awards	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Total unrecognized compensation costs	$4
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period for recognition	'2 years

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) (Xylem And ITT, USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Xylem And ITT	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Total payables due from Exelis to related parties	$9	$9
Total receivables due to Exelis to related parties	$7	$7

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Range of Estimated Loss Environmental Matters (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	site		site
Range of Estimated Loss and Number of Active Sites for Environmental Matters:	'		'
Low-end range	$22	[1]	$23
High-end range	$69	[1]	$44
Number of active environmental investigations and remediation sites	46	[1]	24
[1]	In June 2014, the Company received notice from the Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division, that it may be potentially responsible for contribution to the environmental investigation and remediation of multiple locations in Alaska. Pending further information, we have increased the number of active sites and the high-end range of estimated loss based on our historical costs for similar matters.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Apr. 11, 2014
			Rabbi Trust	Environmental Protection Agency Propose Plan for Remedial Alternatives
			plan	Lower Eight Mile Stretch of Passaic River
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated and accrued environmental matters	$25,000,000	$26,000,000	'	'
EPA estimated cost for remedial alternatives, low estimate	'	'	'	400,000,000
EPA estimated cost for remedial alternatives, high estimate	'	'	'	3,200,000,000
EPA's preferred remedial alternative estimated cost	'	'	'	1,700,000,000
Aggregate amount of surety bonds, guarantees, and stand-by letters of credit	$96,000,000	'	'	'
Deferred compensation, employer contribution requirement, percentage	'	'	110.00%	'
Deferred compensation, number of plans	'	'	8	'

Segment_Information_Segment_Re

Segment Information - Segment Revenue (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Product revenue	$523	$518	$1,003	$1,017
Service revenue	594	733	1,159	1,419
Total revenue	1,117	1,251	2,162	2,436
C4ISR Electronics and Systems	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Product revenue	523	518	1,003	1,017
Service revenue	0	0	0	0
Total revenue	523	518	1,003	1,017
Information and Technical Services	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Product revenue	0	0	0	0
Service revenue	594	733	1,159	1,419
Total revenue	$594	$733	$1,159	$1,419

Segment_Information_Segment_Op

Segment Information - Segment Operating Margins (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	$103	$127	$192	$201
Operating Margin	9.20%	10.20%	8.90%	8.30%
C4ISR Electronics and Systems	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	60	40	103	59
Operating Margin	11.50%	7.70%	10.30%	5.80%
Information and Technical Services	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	$43	$87	$89	$142
Operating Margin	7.20%	11.90%	7.70%	10.00%

Segment_Information_Segment_As

Segment Information - Segment Assets (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total Assets	$4,768	$4,884
Operating Segments	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total Assets	4,127	4,128
Operating Segments | C4ISR Electronics and Systems	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total Assets	3,005	3,031
Operating Segments | Information and Technical Services	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total Assets	1,122	1,097
Corporate, Non-Segment | Corporate and Other	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total Assets	$641	$756

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of operating segments	2