v3.3.1.900

Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income |  |
Eaton's target percentage of managing intercompany balance sheet exposure | 100.00% |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] |  |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income |  |
Gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ 20 | $ (3)
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss | 16 | 5
Floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] |  |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income |  |
Gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss | 0 | 0
Floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps | Interest expense - net [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] |  |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income |  |
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss | 0 | (1)
Currency exchange contracts | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] |  |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income |  |
Gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss | 20 | (3)
Currency exchange contracts | Cost of products sold [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] |  |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income |  |
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ 16 | $ 6

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