Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for interest by the Finance group to the Manufacturing group	$ 11	$ 26
Net taxes paid by Finance Group's settlements of tax deductions primarily taken for leveraged lease transactions	$ 111

Taxes paid, net of refunds received, for Finance Group's settlement of tax deductions primarily taken for leveraged lease transactions.

No definition available.

Name:	txt_TaxesPaidNetOfRefundsReceivedForFinanceGroupsSettlementOfTaxDeductionsPrimarilyTakenForLeveragedLeaseTransactions
Namespace Prefix:	txt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration