v2.4.0.6

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 Plans	Sep. 30, 2011
Postretirement Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Employer Contribution to definer benefit Plan	$ 27	$ 6
Purchase an annuity	2
Number of international pension plans	5
Minimum
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block
Additional contributions	10
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block
Additional contributions	$ 15

X

- Definition

The increase in the fair value of plan assets from contributions made by the employer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The employer's best estimate, as soon as it can be reasonably determined, of contributions expected to be paid to the plan in the current remaining fiscal period. Estimated contributions may be presented in the aggregate combining (1) contributions required by funding regulations or laws, (2) discretionary contributions, and (3) noncash contributions.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInCurrentFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Number of international pension plans.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	xyl_NumberOfInternationalPensionPlans
Namespace Prefix:	xyl_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	xyl_PostretirementBenefitPlansTextualAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	xyl_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Purchase annuity for settlement of plan.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	xyl_PurchaseAnnuityForSettlementOfPlan
Namespace Prefix:	xyl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration