Industry Segment and Geographic Data (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Total assets for each reportable segment
Total assets	$ 4,679		$ 4,400	[1]
Water Infrastructure
Total assets for each reportable segment
Total assets	2,844		2,745	[1]
Applied Water
Total assets for each reportable segment
Total assets	1,253		1,241	[1]
Corporate and other
Total assets for each reportable segment
Total assets	$ 582	[2]	$ 414	[1],[2]

[1] During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company changed its method of accounting for those inventories which were accounted for under the LIFO method to the FIFO method. See Note 1 for discussion of this accounting change and its related impact.

[2] Corporate and other consists of items pertaining to our corporate headquarters function, which principally consist of deferred tax assets and certain property, plant and equipment.