Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	[3]	Dec. 31, 2015	[3]
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	[1]	$ 2,986	$ 1,919	[2]	$ 1,974	[2]
Less net income for noncontrolling interests		(1)	(3)		(2)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders		2,985	1,916	[2],[4]	1,972	[2],[4]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Currency translation and related hedging instruments		807	(570)		(1,078)
Pensions and other postretirement benefits		241	(6)		111
Cash flow hedges		(4)	(9)		3
Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss)		1,044	(585)		(964)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders		$ 4,029	$ 1,331		$ 1,008

[1] *The balances at January 1, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2016 amounts have been adjusted to reflect the change in inventory accounting method, as described in Notes 1 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements.

[2] *Other corporate expense - net and Income tax expense in 2016 and 2015 have been adjusted to reflect the change in inventory accounting method, as described in Notes 1 and 14.

[3] *Year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 amounts have been adjusted to reflect the change in inventory accounting method, as described in Notes 1 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements.

[4] *Certain amounts have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of the Company's change in inventory accounting method, as described in Notes 1 and 14.