Eaton Shareholders' Equity - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Currency exchange contracts		$ 13,400	$ 14,292	$ 15,646
Tax benefit (expense)		(202)	(164)	42
Total reclassifications, net of tax		1,922	$ 1,979	$ 1,793
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, net of tax		(138)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits items [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Actuarial loss and prior service cost	[1]	(201)
Tax benefit (expense)		68
Total reclassifications, net of tax		(133)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Gains and losses on cash flow hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Tax benefit (expense)		3
Total reclassifications, net of tax		(5)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member] | Gains and losses on cash flow hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Currency exchange contracts		$ (8)

[1] These components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 7 for additional information about defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits items.