Debt - Redemptions of Senior Subordinated Notes (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 17, 2012	Jul. 26, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net cash distribution in connection with spin-off	$ 335,000,000
L-3 Communications Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net cash distribution in connection with spin-off	335,000,000
6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes Due October 15, 2015 [Member] | L-3 Communications Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption of 6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015		$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Interest rate on Senior Notes		6.375%