Cover Page shares in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 shares
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Entity File Number	000-54863
Entity Registrant Name	EATON CORPORATION plc
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	L2
Entity Tax Identification Number	98-1059235
Entity Address, Address Line One	Eaton House,
Entity Address, Address Line Two	30 Pembroke Road,
Entity Address, City or Town	Dublin 4,
Entity Address, Country	IE
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	D04 Y0C2
City Area Code	+353
Local Phone Number	1637 2900
Title of 12(b) Security	Ordinary shares ($0.01 par value)
Trading Symbol	ETN
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	398.6
Entity Central Index Key	0001551182
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false