Retirement Benefits Plans - Defined Contribution Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employer contributions to defined contribution plans	$ 72	$ 137	$ 141

Defined Contribution Plans, Employer Contributions - Amounts charged to expense

No definition available.

Name:	etn_DefinedContributionPlansEmployerContributions
Namespace Prefix:	etn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration