Debt - Redemption of Senior Subordinated Notes (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012 L-3 Communications Corporation's [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 L-3 Communications Corporation's [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 L-3 Communications Corporation's [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 L-3 Communications Corporation's [Member] 6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due October 15, 2015 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 L-3 Communications Corporation's [Member] 6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due October 15, 2015 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 L-3 Communications Corporation's [Member] 6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due October 15, 2015 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 L-3 Communications Corporation's [Member] 5 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due January 15, 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption Date						Oct. 15, 2012	Jul. 26, 2012	Dec. 22, 2011	Mar. 09, 2011
Principal Amount Redeemed						$ 250	$ 250	$ 500	$ 650
Debt retirement charge	$ (13)	$ (35)	$ (13)	$ (35)		$ 5	$ 8	$ 17	$ 18
Redemption Price % of Principal					101.00%	101.063%	102.125%	102.125%	101.958%