Segment Information (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total assets for each reportable segment
Total assets	$ 4,589	$ 4,679
Water Infrastructure
Total assets for each reportable segment
Total assets	2,885	2,844
Applied Water
Total assets for each reportable segment
Total assets	1,263	1,253
Corporate and other
Total assets for each reportable segment
Total assets	$ 441	$ 582