Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data	Jul. 01, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Net allowances for billed receivables	$ 33	[1]	$ 34
L-3 shareholders' equity:
Treasury stock at cost, shares	37,445,417	[1]	32,037,454
L-3 Holdings (Parent) [Member]
L-3 shareholders' equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	[1]	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	[1]	300,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	105,562,681	[1]	108,623,509
L-3 Communications [Member]
L-3 shareholders' equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	[1]	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100	[1]	100
Common stock, shares issued	100	[1]	100
Common stock, shares outstanding	100	[1]	100

[1] Unaudited