v2.4.0.8

Restructuring Charges (Number of Positions Eliminated Rollfoward) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 Employees	Jun. 30, 2012 Employees
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated [Roll Forward]
Planned reductions - January 1	54	0
Additional planned reductions	317	0
Actual reductions	(233)	0
Planned reductions - March 31	138	0

X

- Definition

The expected number of positions to be eliminated as a result of restructuring activities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedNumberOfPositionsEliminated
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The number of positions eliminated during the period as a result of restructuring activities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostNumberOfPositionsEliminated
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

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

X

- Definition

Restructuring and Related Cost, Planned Reductions

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	xyl_RestructuringAndRelatedCostPlannedReductions
Namespace Prefix:	xyl_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant