v3.3.1.900

Eaton Shareholders' Equity Eaton Shareholders' Equity - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Currency exchange contracts |  | $ 14,292 | $ 15,646 | $ 15,369
Tax benefit (expense) |  | (164) | 42 | (11)
Total reclassifications, net of tax |  | 1,979 | $ 1,793 | $ 1,861
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 |  | (146) |  |
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] | (237) |  |
Tax benefit (expense) |  | 81 |  |
Total reclassifications, net of tax |  | (156) |  |
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) |  | (6) |  |
Total reclassifications, net of tax |  | 10 |  |
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 |  | $ 16 |  |
[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.

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