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Eaton Shareholders' Equity Eaton Shareholders' Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]      
Balance at December 31 $ (3,863) $ (2,899)  
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders (964) (1,339) $ 404
Currency translation and related hedging instruments [Member]      
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]      
Balance at December 31 (2,492) (1,414)  
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,078)    
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss 0    
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders (1,078)    
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]      
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]      
Balance at December 31 (1,374) (1,485)  
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (45)    
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss 156    
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders 111    
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]      
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]      
Balance at December 31 3 0  
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 13    
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (10)    
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders 3    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]      
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]      
Balance at December 31 (3,863) $ (2,899)  
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,110)    
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss 146    
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ (964)