BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Segment Information
Net sales	$ 4,987	$ 5,203	$ 14,880	$ 15,798
Corporate
Interest expense - net	59	59	173	175
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense			(177)	(244)
Other corporate expense - net	(15)	(3)	(28)	(27)
Income before income taxes	573	487	1,568	1,590
Income tax expense	51	42	151	143
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
Total business segments [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	4,987	5,203	14,880	15,798
Segment operating profit	799	745	2,247	2,338
Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Products [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,767	1,771	5,231	5,246
Segment operating profit	331	322	924	858
Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Systems and Services [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,436	1,487	4,207	4,437
Segment operating profit	197	164	534	573
Total business segments [Member] | Hydraulics [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	562	599	1,702	1,907
Segment operating profit	61	44	161	184
Total business segments [Member] | Aerospace [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	436	449	1,328	1,367
Segment operating profit	88	79	251	233
Total business segments [Member] | Vehicle [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	786	897	2,412	2,841
Segment operating profit	122	136	377	490
Corporate [Member]
Corporate
Amortization of intangible assets	(99)	(102)	(297)	(306)
Interest expense - net	(59)	(59)	(173)	(175)
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	(18)	(38)	(45)	(99)
Other corporate expense - net	$ (50)	$ (59)	$ (164)	$ (168)