CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 522	$ 445	$ 1,417	$ 1,447
Less net loss for noncontrolling interests	1	1	1	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	523	446	1,418	1,447
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Currency translation and related hedging instruments	(22)	(372)	(57)	(883)
Pensions and other postretirement benefits	45	60	132	164
Cash flow hedges	1	0	(33)	3
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	24	(312)	42	(716)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 547	$ 134	$ 1,460	$ 731