Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income		$ (225)	$ 677	$ 760
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(120)	(123)	(25)
Unrealized losses on hedging instruments	[1]	(3)	(6)	(2)
Pension and postretirement benefit plans:
Amortization of net loss and prior service cost previously recognized	[2]	43	9	53
Net prior service costs arising during the period	[3]			(9)
Net gain (loss) arising during the period	[4]	90	(354)	423
Net change in pension and postretirement benefit plans		133	(345)	467
Total other comprehensive income (loss)		10	(474)	440
Comprehensive (loss) income		(215)	203	1,200
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(15)	(13)	(9)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to L-3		$ (230)	$ 190	$ 1,191

[1] Net of income tax benefits of $2 million in 2015, $1 million in 2014 and $3 million in 2013.

[2] Net of income taxes of $24 million in 2015, $6 million in 2014 and $30 million in 2013.

[3] Net of an income tax benefit of $5 million in 2013.

[4] Net of income taxes of $49 million in 2015, an income tax benefit of $211 million in 2014 and income taxes of $243 million in 2013. The 2015 amount includes $9 million (net of income taxes of $5 million) for the reclassification of actuarial losses into net income related to the Marine Systems International business divestiture in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 715 Defined Benefit Plans - Pension.