BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Segment Information
Net sales	$ 5,132	$ 5,080	$ 9,980	$ 9,893
Corporate
Interest expense - net	60	57	121	114
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense			(104)	(116)
Other corporate expense - net	0	5	(15)	(13)
Income before income taxes	570	553	1,034	995
Income tax expense	54	61	86	100
Net income	516	492	948	895
Less net income for noncontrolling interests	(1)	(1)	(1)	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	515	491	947	895
Total business segments [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	5,132	5,080	9,980	9,893
Segment operating profit	802	779	1,501	1,448
Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Products [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,802	1,784	3,514	3,464
Segment operating profit	314	322	611	593
Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Systems and Services [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,414	1,429	2,747	2,771
Segment operating profit	194	178	349	337
Total business segments [Member] | Hydraulics [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	633	589	1,220	1,140
Segment operating profit	74	59	134	100
Total business segments [Member] | Aerospace [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	437	447	865	892
Segment operating profit	81	83	160	163
Total business segments [Member] | Vehicle [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	846	831	1,634	1,626
Segment operating profit	139	137	247	255
Corporate [Member]
Corporate
Amortization of intangible assets	(96)	(98)	(190)	(198)
Interest expense - net	(60)	(57)	(121)	(114)
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	(11)	(13)	(22)	(27)
Other corporate expense - net	$ (65)	$ (58)	$ (134)	$ (114)