Business Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) (Hussmann Divestiture [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Hussmann Divestiture [Member]
Gain (loss) on sale/asset impairment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 4.5

The gain (loss) resulting from the sale of a disposal group that is not a discontinued operation, and the write-down of the carrying value of assets to fair value less cost to sell, prior to the sale. It is included in income from continuing operations before income taxes in the income statement.

No definition available.

Name:	ir_Disposalgroupnotdiscontinuedoperationgainlossondisposalandwritedown
Namespace Prefix:	ir_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration