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.