v3.3.1.900

Retirement Benefits Plans Retirement Benefits Plans - Defined Contribution Plans (Details 13) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] |  |  |
Employer contributions to defined contribution plans | $ 137 | $ 141 | $ 121

X
- Definition Defined Contribution Plans, Employer Contributions - Amounts charged to expense + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | etn_DefinedContributionPlansEmployerContributions
Namespace Prefix: | etn_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedContributionPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration