| Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2017 |
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
| Our Business | Our Business Vectrus, Inc. is a leading provider of services to the U.S. government worldwide. We operate as one segment and offer facility and logistics services and information technology and network communications services. Vectrus was incorporated in the State of Indiana on February 4, 2014. On September 27, 2014, Exelis Inc. (Exelis) completed the spin-off (the Spin-off) of Vectrus and became an independent, publicly traded company. The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the consolidated operations of Vectrus as a separate stand-alone entity. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in these notes to "Vectrus", "we," "us," "our," "the Company" and "our Company" refer to Vectrus, Inc. References in these notes to Exelis or "Former Parent" refer to Exelis Inc., an Indiana corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (other than Vectrus). Exelis was acquired by Harris Corporation in May 2015. |
| Equity Investments | Equity Investment In 2011, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc., which is now Aptim Federal Services LLC. Pursuant to the joint venture agreement, High Desert Support Services, LLC (HDSS) was established to pursue and perform work on the Ft. Irwin Installation Support Services Contract, which was awarded to HDSS in October 2012. We account for our investment in HDSS under the equity method as we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but do not hold a controlling interest. We record our proportionate 40% share of income or losses, which has historically been insignificant, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Our investment in HDSS is recorded in other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When we receive cash distributions from HDSS, the cash distribution is compared to cumulative earnings and any excess is recorded as a distribution from equity investment in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Any remaining cash distribution is recorded in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. |
| Principles of Consolidation | Principles of Consolidation Vectrus consolidates companies in which it has a controlling financial interest. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. |
| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S generally accepted accounting principles (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, fair value and impairment of goodwill and valuation of assets and certain contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. |
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition As a defense contractor engaging in long-term contracts, the majority of our revenue is derived from long-term service contracts for which revenue is recognized under the percentage-of-completion method based on levels of effort or percentage of costs incurred to total costs. For levels of effort, revenue and profits are recognized based upon the ratio of actual services delivered to estimated total services to be delivered under the contract. Under the cost-to-total cost method, revenue is recognized based upon the ratio of costs incurred to estimated total costs at completion. Revenue under cost-reimbursable contracts is recorded as costs are incurred and includes estimated earned fees or profits calculated on the basis of the relationship between costs incurred and total estimated costs. Revenue and profits on time-and-material type contracts are recognized based on billable rates multiplied by direct labor hours incurred plus material and other reimbursable costs incurred. The completed contract method is utilized when reasonable and reliable cost estimates for a project cannot be made. Amounts invoiced to customers in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue, until the revenue recognition criteria are satisfied, and are recorded as billings in excess of costs in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenue that is earned and recognized in excess of amounts invoiced is recorded as a component of receivables. During the performance of our long-term contracts, estimated final contract prices and costs are reviewed periodically and changes are made as required and recorded as changes in revenue and cost of revenue in the period in which they are determined. Additionally, the fees under certain contracts may be increased or decreased in accordance with cost or performance incentive provisions which measure actual performance against established targets or other criteria. Such incentive fee awards or penalties are included in revenue when there is sufficient information to reasonably assess anticipated contract performance. Amounts representing contract change orders, claims, requests for equitable adjustment, or limitations in funding on contracts are recorded only if it is probable the claim will result in additional contract revenue and the amounts can be reliably estimated. Changes in contract revenue and cost estimates 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 percentage of completion. Changes in estimated revenue and cost could result in a forward loss or an adjustment to a forward loss. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted long-term contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined and are recorded as a component of cost of revenue. Cumulative catch-up adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 are presented in the following table: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Favorable adjustments $ 18,256 $ 15,296 $ 9,721 Unfavorable adjustments (6,704 ) (7,837 ) (11,641 ) Net favorable (unfavorable) adjustments $ 11,552 $ 7,459 $ (1,920 ) Our primary customer is the U.S. Department of Defense, with a high concentration in the U.S. Army. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , we had total revenue of $1.1 billion , and for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we had total revenue of $1.2 billion , all of which was derived from U.S. government customers. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we generated approximately 82% , 84% and 85% , respectively, of our total revenue from the U.S. Army. In 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Several ASUs have been issued since the issuance of ASU 2014-09, which modify certain sections of ASU 2014-09 and are intended to promote a more consistent interpretation and application of the principles outlined in the standard. We adopted the new standard, Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method with a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings. |
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes We determine the provision or benefit for income taxes using the asset and liability approach. Under this approach, deferred income taxes represent the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we look to the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, the feasibility of tax planning strategies, and estimated future taxable income. The valuation allowance can be affected by changes to tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates and changes to future taxable income estimates. |
| Goodwill | Goodwill Goodwill represents purchase consideration paid in a business combination that exceeds the fair values assigned to the net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise, such as changes to the reporting unit structure or significant adverse changes in the business climate). We conduct our annual impairment testing during the fourth fiscal quarter. The impairment test is a two-step process measuring the magnitude of any impairment. In the first step, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is developed and compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not performed. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the second step of the impairment test is performed in order to measure the impairment loss to be recorded. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then we record an impairment loss equal to the difference. We estimate the fair value of our reporting unit using an income approach and a market approach. Under the income approach, we estimate fair value based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Under the market approach, we compare our company to select reasonably similar publicly traded companies. No impairment charges related to goodwill have been recorded during 2017 , 2016 or 2015 . There were no acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 or any prior periods. |
| Severance Expense | Severance Expense We periodically initiate management approved restructuring activities to achieve cost savings through reduced operational redundancies and to strategically position ourselves in the market in response to prevailing economic conditions and associated customer demand. Costs associated with restructuring actions can include severance and related benefit charges. For involuntary separation plans, a liability is recognized when it is probable, reasonably estimable, and communicated to employees. For voluntary separation plans, a liability is recognized when the employee irrevocably accepts the termination. |
| Foreign Currency Transactions | Foreign Currency Translation The financial statements of programs for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars. Balance sheet accounts are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the end of each period; income statement accounts are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the period. Gains and losses on foreign currency translations are recorded as translation adjustments to other comprehensive (loss) income. Net gains or losses from foreign currency transactions are reported in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses and have historically been immaterial. |
| Receivables | Receivables Receivables include amounts billed and currently due from customers, amounts unbilled, certain estimated contract change amounts, estimates related to expected award fees, claims or requests for equitable adjustment in negotiation that are probable of recovery, and amounts retained by the customer pending contract completion. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Major improvements are capitalized at cost while expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor improvements are expensed. For asset sales or retirements, the assets and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operating income. Depreciation and amortization is generally computed using either an accelerated or straight-line method and is based on estimated useful lives or lease term as follows: Years Buildings and improvements 5 – 40 Machinery and equipment 3 – 10 Furniture, fixtures, and office equipment 3 – 7 |
| Operating Leases | Operating Leases Many of our real property lease agreements contain incentives for tenant improvements, rent holidays, or rent escalation clauses. For incentives for tenant improvements, the Company records a deferred rent liability and amortizes the deferred rent over the term of the lease as a reduction to rent expense. For rent holidays and rent escalation clauses during the lease term, the Company records minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the remaining life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement. |
| Long-Lived Asset Impairment | Long-Lived Asset Impairment Long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable. We assess the recoverability of long-lived assets based on the undiscounted future cash flow the assets are expected to generate and recognize an impairment loss when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset. When an impairment is identified, we reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values. |
| Share-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation We recognize stock-based compensation expense primarily within selling, general and administrative expenses based on the grant date fair values for all share-based awards granted over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally equivalent to the vesting terms. |
| Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements We determine fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In measuring fair value, a fair value hierarchy is applied which categorizes and prioritizes the inputs used to estimate fair value into three levels. The fair value hierarchy is based on maximizing the use of observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. There are three levels of the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices (in nonactive markets or in active markets for similar assets or liabilities), inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities. |
| Segment Information | Segment Information Management has concluded that the Company operates as one segment based upon the information used by the chief operating decision maker in evaluating the performance of the Company’s business and allocating resources and capital. Although we perform services worldwide, all of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was with the U.S. government. |
| Commitments and Contingencies | Commitments and Contingencies We record accruals for commitments and loss contingencies when they are probable of occurrence and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. In addition, legal fees are accrued for cases where a loss is probable and the related fees can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of loss. We review these accruals quarterly and adjust the accruals to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other updated information. |
| Earnings Per Share | Earnings Per Share We compute earnings per common share on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares, and, where dilutive, common share equivalents, outstanding during the indicated periods. |
| Derivative Instruments | Derivative Instruments Derivative instruments are recognized as either an asset or liability at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are classified as current or long-term based on the scheduled maturity of the instrument. Our derivative instruments have been formally designated and qualify as part of a cash flow hedging relationship under applicable accounting standards. The interest rate derivative instruments are adjusted to fair value through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If we were to determine that a derivative was no longer highly effective as a hedge, we would discontinue the hedge accounting prospectively. Gains or losses would be immediately reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings relating to hedged forecasted transactions that are no longer probable of occurring. Gains or losses relating to terminations of effective cash flow hedges in which the forecasted transactions would still be probable of occurring would be deferred and recognized consistent with the income or loss recognition of the underlying hedged item. |
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02). The objective of ASU 2016-02 is to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to account for leases as finance leases or operating leases. Both finance and operating leases will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability. For finance leases, the lessee would recognize interest expense and amortization of the right-of-use asset and, for operating leases, the lessee would recognize a straight-line lease expense. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of ASU 2016-02 is permitted. We have begun analyzing our operating lease agreements, and management anticipates our assets and liabilities will increase proportionally after the adoption of ASU 2016-02. As of December 31, 2017, there are approximately $5.5 million in future minimum rental payments for operating leases that are not currently on our balance sheet. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (ASU 2017-04). The objective of ASU 2017-04 is to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by entities performing their annual goodwill impairment tests by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit, including income tax effects from any tax-deductible goodwill, with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2021, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of ASU 2017-04 is permitted on goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. ASU 2017-04 should be applied on a prospective basis. We are evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2017-04; however, the standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (ASU 2017-12). The objective of ASU 2017-12 is to improve the transparency and understandability of information conveyed to financial statement users about an entity’s risk management activities by better aligning the entity’s financial reporting for hedging relationships with those risk management activities, and to reduce the complexity of and simplify the application of hedge accounting by preparers. The standard is effective in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the annual period. We are evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2017-12; however, the standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards That Were Adopted In 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Several ASUs have been issued since the issuance of ASU 2014-09, which modify certain sections of ASU 2014-09 and are intended to promote a more consistent interpretation and application of the principles outlined in the standard. We adopted the new standard, ASC Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method with a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. See Note 3 , "Adoption of ASC Topic 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers" for the quantification of this adjustment. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09). The objective of ASU 2016-09 is to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including recording all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies through income tax on the statement of earnings and eliminating the requirement that excess tax benefits be realized before they can be recognized. ASU 2016-09 also simplifies several other aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payments, including forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification on the statement of cash flows. We adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on our financial statements but did impact the following: • All excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement prospectively. • The tax effects of exercised or vested awards are treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur, and we recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period. • We also adopted a new accounting policy in which we account for award forfeitures as they occur. We no longer estimate the total number of awards for which the requisite service period will not be rendered. • Cash paid by us when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes is classified as a financing activity and excess tax benefits are classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory (ASU 2016-16). The objective of ASU 2016-16 is to require companies to account for the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers of assets other than inventory (e.g., intangible assets) when the transfer occurs. Prior to the implementation of this standard, we are required to defer the income tax effects of intercompany transfers of assets until the asset has been sold to an outside party or otherwise recognized (e.g., depreciated, amortized, or impaired). We are still required to defer the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers of inventory in an exception to the income tax accounting guidance. The standard became effective in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those periods. Adoption of the standard did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business (ASU 2017-01). The objective of ASU 2017-01 is to add guidance to assist entities in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or of businesses. ASU 2017-01 became effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. Adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Other new pronouncements issued but not effective until after December 31, 2017 are not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. |
