Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Jun. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Our quarterly provision for income taxes is measured using an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items within periods presented. The comparison of our effective tax rate between periods is significantly impacted by the level and mix of earnings and losses by tax jurisdiction and discrete items. The income tax provision for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $25 million resulting in an effective tax rate of 18.5%, compared to a $4 million expense resulting in an effective tax rate of 10.9% for the same period in 2020. The income tax provision for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $52 million resulting in an effective tax rate of 20.7%, compared to an $8 million expense resulting in an effective tax rate of 10.4% for the same period in 2020. The effective tax rate for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2021 was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to favorable earnings mix, partially offset by the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income ("GILTI") inclusion. Additionally, the effective tax rate for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2021 differ from the same periods in 2020 due to unfavorable earnings mix as compared to the prior year and favorable equity compensation deductions in the prior year. The effective tax rate for the six month period ended June 30, 2021 differs from the same period in 2020 due to the impact of tax settlements in the current period. Unrecognized Tax BenefitsDuring 2019, Xylem’s Swedish subsidiary received a tax assessment for the 2013 tax year related to the tax treatment of an intercompany transfer of certain intellectual property that was made in connection with a reorganization of our European businesses. The assessment asserts an aggregate amount of approximately $80 million for tax, penalties and interest. Xylem filed an appeal with the Administrative Court of Stockholm. Management, in consultation with external legal advisors, believes it is more likely than not that Xylem will prevail on the proposed assessment and is vigorously defending our position through litigation. As of June 30, 2021, we have not recorded any unrecognized tax benefits related to this uncertain tax position.

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.