Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
2016 Restructuring Plan | Water Infrastructure
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring costs	$ 19
Incurred restructuring costs	16
2016 Restructuring Plan | Sensus
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring costs	2
Incurred restructuring costs	1
2016 Restructuring Plan | Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring costs	2
2016 Restructuring Plan | Applied Water
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring costs	13
Incurred restructuring costs	10
2015 Restructuring Plan | Water Infrastructure
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring costs	5
Incurred restructuring costs	4	$ 1
2015 Restructuring Plan | Applied Water
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring costs	1
2014 Restructuring Plan | Water Infrastructure
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring costs		19
Incurred restructuring costs	$ 1
2014 Restructuring Plan | Applied Water
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring costs		6
2014 Restructuring Plan | Corporate Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred restructuring costs		$ 18