| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 29, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 29, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | EATON CORPORATION plc |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | L2 |
| Entity File Number | 000-54863 |
| 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 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001551182 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Ordinary shares ($0.01 par value) |
| Trading Symbol | ETN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
