Eaton (ETN) 10-Q 29 Apr 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Eaton Corp plc
Trading Symbol	ETN
Entity Central Index Key	1,551,182
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	458

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 4,813	$ 5,223
Cost of products sold	3,291	3,593
Selling and administrative expense	892	915
Research and development expense	149	158
Interest expense - net	57	57
Other income - net	(18)	(5)
Income before income taxes	442	505
Income tax expense	39	38
Net income	403	467
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	1	(1)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 404	$ 466
Net income per ordinary share
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.88	$ 0.99
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.88	$ 1
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding
Diluted (shares)	459.8	470
Basic (shares)	458.6	467.9
Cash dividends declared per ordinary share (usd per share)	$ 0.57	$ 0.55

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 403	$ 467
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	1	(1)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	404	466
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Currency translation and related hedging instruments	261	(720)
Pensions and other postretirement benefits	34	86
Cash flow hedges	(22)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	273	(634)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 677	$ (168)

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets
Cash	$ 333	$ 268	$ 663	$ 781
Short-term investments	240	177
Accounts receivable - net	3,581	3,479
Inventory	2,391	2,323
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	468	369
Total current assets	7,013	6,616
Property, plant and equipment - net	3,583	3,565
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	13,588	13,479
Other intangible assets	5,947	6,014
Deferred income taxes	380	362
Other assets	1,072	960
Total assets	31,583	30,996
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	820	426
Current portion of long-term debt	253	242
Accounts payable	1,795	1,758
Accrued compensation	276	366
Other current liabilities	1,878	1,833
Total current liabilities	5,022	4,625
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	7,572	7,746
Pension liabilities	1,587	1,586
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	436	440
Deferred income taxes	395	390
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,008	978
Total noncurrent liabilities	10,998	11,140
Shareholders' equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	15,519	15,186
Noncontrolling interests	44	45
Total equity	15,563	15,231
Total liabilities and equity	$ 31,583	$ 30,996

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Operating activities
Net income	$ 403	$ 467
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	233	226
Deferred income taxes	(13)	14
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	59	76
Contributions to pension plans	(42)	(223)
Contributions to other postretirement benefits plans	(11)	(9)
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation	(2)	0
Changes in working capital	(313)	(372)
Other - net	57	(102)
Net cash provided by operating activities	371	77
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(111)	(105)
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	1	(38)
(Purchases) sales of short-term investments - net	(53)	99
Other - net	4	(9)
Net cash used in investing activities	(159)	(53)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	418	266
Payments on borrowings	(241)	(3)
Cash dividends paid	(256)	(251)
Exercise of employee stock options	17	33
Repurchase of shares	(100)	(170)
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation	2	0
Other - net	0	(2)
Net cash used in financing activities	(160)	(127)
Effect of currency on cash	13	(15)
Total increase (decrease) in cash	65	(118)
Cash at the beginning of the period	268	781
Cash at the end of the period	$ 333	$ 663

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Eaton Corporation plc (Eaton or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) for complete financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) have been made that are necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Eaton’s 2015 Form 10-K. The interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Management has evaluated subsequent events through the date this Form 10-Q was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. During the first quarter of 2016 , the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASU 2015-03). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than an asset. The Company has applied this standard retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 resulted in the reclassification of $34 and $35 within the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, from Other noncurrent assets to a reduction in Long-term debt. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), (ASU 2016-02). This accounting standard requires that a lessee recognize a lease asset and a lease liability on its balance sheet for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 will require additional disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements and is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Eaton is evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 and an estimate of the impact to the consolidated financial statements cannot be made at this time. In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09). This accounting standard supersedes all existing US GAAP revenue recognition guidance. Under ASU 2014-09, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers the control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which the company expects to collect in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 will require additional disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements and is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date (ASU 2015-14). This accounting standard defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year and permits early adoption as of the original effective date. Eaton is evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 and an estimate of the impact to the consolidated financial statements cannot be made at this time.

Acquisition of Businesses

Acquisition of Businesses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITION OF BUSINESSES	ACQUISITIONS OF BUSINESSES Acquisition of Ephesus Lighting, Inc. On October 28, 2015, Eaton acquired Ephesus Lighting, Inc. (Ephesus). Ephesus is a leader in LED lighting for stadiums and other high lumen outdoor and industrial applications. Its sales for the 12 months ended September 30, 2015 were $23 . Ephesus is reported within the Electrical Products business segment. Acquisition of UK Safety Technology Manufacturer Oxalis Group Ltd. On January 12, 2015, Eaton acquired Oxalis Group Ltd. (Oxalis). Oxalis is a manufacturer of closed-circuit television camera stations, public address and general alarm systems and other electrical products for the hazardous area, marine and industrial communications markets. Its sales for the 12 months ended December 31, 2014 were $9 . Oxalis is reported within the Electrical Systems and Services business segment.

Acquisition Integration Charges

Acquisition Integration Charges	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Acquisitions Integration Charges [Abstract]
ACQUISITION INTEGRATION CHARGES	ACQUISITION INTEGRATION CHARGES Eaton incurs integration charges related to acquired businesses. A summary of these charges follows: Three months ended 2016 2015 Electrical Products $ — $ 6 Electrical Systems and Services 1 3 Hydraulics — 1 Total business segments 1 10 Corporate — 1 Total acquisition integration charges before income tax $ 1 $ 11 Total after income taxes $ — $ 7 Per ordinary share - diluted $ 0.00 $ 0.02 Business segment acquisition integration charges in the three months ended March 31, 2016 related to the integration of Oxalis Group Ltd. These charges were included in Cost of products sold. Business segment acquisition integration charges in the three months ended March 31, 2015 related primarily to the integration of Cooper Industries plc (Cooper), which was acquired in 2012. The integration of Cooper included costs related to restructuring activities Eaton undertook in an effort to gain efficiencies in selling, marketing, traditional back-office functions, manufacturing, and distribution. These charges were included in Cost of products sold or Selling and administrative expense, as appropriate. In Business Segment Information, the charges reduced Operating profit of the related business segment. See Note 14 for additional information about business segments. Corporate acquisition integration charges in 2015 were related to the acquisition of Cooper. These charges were included in Selling and administrative expense. In Business Segment Information, the charges were included in Other corporate expense - net.

Restructuring Charges

Restructuring Charges	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	RESTRUCTURING CHARGES During 2015 , Eaton announced its intention to undertake actions to reduce its cost structure in all business segments and at corporate. Restructuring charges incurred in the first quarter of 2016 and 2015 were $63 and $10 , respectively. The charges associated with restructuring activities are anticipated to be $140 in 2016 and $130 in 2017. A summary of restructuring charges by segment follows: Three months ended 2016 2015 Electrical Products $ 17 $ — Electrical Systems & Services 10 — Hydraulics 16 8 Aerospace 4 — Vehicle 12 2 Corporate 4 — Total $ 63 $ 10 A summary of liabilities related to workforce reductions, plant closings and other associated costs follows: Workforce reductions Plant closing and other Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ — $ — $ — Liability recognized 112 17 129 Payments (59 ) (3 ) (62 ) Other adjustments 1 (14 ) (13 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 54 — 54 Liability recognized 57 6 63 Payments (23 ) (2 ) (25 ) Other adjustments — (3 ) (3 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 88 $ 1 $ 89 These charges were included in Cost of products sold, Selling and administrative expenses or Other income-net, as appropriate. In Business Segment Information, the charges reduced Operating profit of the related business segment. See Note 14 for additional information about business segments.

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL	GOODWILL A summary of goodwill follows: Electrical Products Electrical Systems and Services Hydraulics Aerospace Vehicle Total December 31, 2015 $ 6,642 $ 4,279 $ 1,259 $ 956 $ 343 $ 13,479 Translation 55 38 17 (3 ) 2 109 March 31, 2016 $ 6,697 $ 4,317 $ 1,276 $ 953 $ 345 $ 13,588

Retirement Benefits Plans

Retirement Benefits Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
RETIREMENT BENEFITS PLANS	RETIREMENT BENEFITS PLANS The components of retirement benefits expense follow: United States Non-United States Other postretirement Three months ended March 31 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost $ 28 $ 31 $ 16 $ 18 $ 1 $ 2 Interest cost 31 39 16 18 4 6 Expected return on plan assets (63 ) (66 ) (24 ) (25 ) (1 ) (1 ) Amortization 23 30 9 10 (2 ) — 19 34 17 21 2 7 Settlement and curtailment loss 21 14 — — — — Total expense $ 40 $ 48 $ 17 $ 21 $ 2 $ 7

Legal Contingencies

Legal Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
LEGAL CONTINGENCIES	LEGAL CONTINGENCIES Eaton is subject to a broad range of claims, administrative and legal proceedings such as lawsuits that relate to contractual allegations, tax audits, patent infringement, personal injuries, antitrust matters and employment-related matters. Eaton is also subject to asbestos claims from historic products which may have contained asbestos. Insurance may cover some of the costs associated with these claims. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome or cost of these matters, the Company believes they will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements. In December 2010, a Brazilian court held that a judgment obtained by a Brazilian company, Raysul, against another Brazilian company, Saturnia, which was sold by Eaton in 2006 , could be enforced against Eaton Ltda. This judgment is based on an alleged violation of an agency agreement between Raysul and Saturnia. At March 31, 2016 , the Company has a total accrual of 100 Brazilian Reais related to this matter ( $28 based on current exchange rates), comprised of 60 Brazilian Reais recognized in the fourth quarter of 2010 ( $17 based on current exchange rates) with an additional 40 Brazilian Reais recognized through March 31, 2016 ( $11 based on current exchange rates). In 2010, Eaton filed motions for clarification with the Brazilian court of appeals which were denied on April 6, 2011 . Eaton Holding and Eaton Ltda. filed appeals on various issues to the Superior Court of Justice in Brasilia. In April 2013, the Superior Court of Justice ruled in favor of Raysul. Additional motions for clarification were filed with the Superior Court of Justice in Brasilia and were denied. On February 2, 2015, a final appeal was filed with the Superior Court of Justice in Brasilia. The Company expects that any sum it may be required to pay in connection with this matter will not exceed the amount of the recorded liability.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2016 was an expense of 9% , compared to an expense of 8% for the first quarter of 2015 . The increase in the effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2016 is primarily due to more income earned in higher tax jurisdictions.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
EQUITY	EQUITY On October 22, 2013, Eaton's Board of Directors adopted a share repurchase program (2013 Program) that authorizes the repurchase of 40 million ordinary shares. During the first quarter of 2016 and 2015 , 1.5 million and 2.4 million ordinary shares were repurchased under the 2013 Program in the open market at a total cost of $82 and $170 , respectively. On February 24, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program for share repurchases up to $2,500 of ordinary shares (2016 Program). Under the 2016 Program, the ordinary shares are expected to be repurchased over time, depending on market conditions, the market price of ordinary shares, capital levels, and other considerations. During the first quarter of 2016 , 0.3 million shares were purchased on the open market under the 2016 Program for a total cost of $18 . The changes in Shareholders’ equity follow: Eaton shareholders’ equity Noncontrolling interests Total equity Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 15,186 $ 45 $ 15,231 Net income 404 (1 ) 403 Other comprehensive income 273 — 273 Cash dividends paid and accrued (261 ) — (261 ) Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net 17 — 17 Repurchase of shares (100 ) — (100 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 15,519 $ 44 $ 15,563 The changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss follow: Currency translation and related hedging instruments Pensions and other postretirement benefits Cash flow hedges Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (2,492 ) $ (1,374 ) $ 3 $ (3,863 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 261 1 (20 ) 242 Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) — 33 (2 ) 31 Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss) 261 34 (22 ) 273 Balance at March 31, 2016 $ (2,231 ) $ (1,340 ) $ (19 ) $ (3,590 ) The reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss follow: Three months ended March 31, 2016 Consolidated statements of income classification Amortization of defined benefit pensions and other postretirement benefits items Actuarial loss and prior service cost $ (51 ) 1 Tax benefit 18 Total, net of tax (33 ) Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges Currency exchange contracts 3 Cost of products sold Tax expense (1 ) Total, net of tax 2 Total reclassifications for the period $ (31 ) 1 These components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 6 for additional information about pension and other postretirement benefits items. Net Income Per Share Attributable to Eaton Ordinary Shareholders A summary of the calculation of net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders follows: Three months ended (Shares in millions) 2016 2015 Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 404 $ 466 Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted 459.8 470.0 Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation 1.2 2.1 Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic 458.6 467.9 Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders Diluted $ 0.88 $ 0.99 Basic 0.88 1.00 For the first quarter of 2016 and 2015 , 2.4 million and 0.9 million stock options, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders because the exercise price of the options exceeded the average market price of the ordinary shares during the period and their effect, accordingly, would have been antidilutive.

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity-based compensation [Abstract]
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION	EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION In February 2016, the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors approved the grant of 604,385 performance share units (PSUs) to certain employees that vest based on the satisfaction of a three-year service period and total shareholder return relative to that of a group of peers. Awards earned at the end of the three-year vesting period range from 0% to 200% of the targeted number of PSU’s granted based on the ranking of total shareholder return of the Company, assuming reinvestment of all dividends, relative to a defined peer group of companies. Equity-based compensation expense for these PSUs is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Upon vesting, dividends that have accumulated during the vesting period are paid on earned awards. The Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value of PSUs with a market condition. The principal assumptions utilized in valuing these PSUs include the expected stock price volatility (based on the most recent 3-year period as of the grant date) and the risk-free interest rate (an estimate based on the yield of United States Treasury zero coupon bonds with a 3-year maturity as of the grant date).

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair value is measured based on an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to satisfy a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a fair value hierarchy is established, which categorizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. A summary of financial instruments recognized at fair value, and the fair value measurements used, follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 March 31, 2016 Cash $ 333 $ 333 $ — $ — Short-term investments 240 240 — — Net derivative contracts 210 — 210 — Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps - net (170 ) — (170 ) — December 31, 2015 Cash $ 268 $ 268 $ — $ — Short-term investments 177 177 — — Net derivative contracts 86 — 86 — Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps - net (94 ) — (94 ) — Eaton values its financial instruments using an industry standard market approach, in which prices and other relevant information is generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. No financial instruments were measured using unobservable inputs. Other Fair Value Measurements Long-term debt and the current portion of long-term debt had a carrying value of $7,825 and fair value of $8,188 at March 31, 2016 compared to $7,988 and $8,231 , respectively, at December 31, 2015 . The fair value of Eaton's debt instruments were estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities, and are considered a Level 2 fair value measurement.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES In the normal course of business, Eaton is exposed to certain risks related to fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices. The Company uses various derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, currency forward exchange contracts, currency swaps and, to a lesser extent, commodity contracts, to manage risks from these market fluctuations. The instruments used by Eaton are straightforward, non-leveraged instruments. The counterparties to these instruments are financial institutions with strong credit ratings. Eaton maintains control over the size of positions entered into with any one counterparty and regularly monitors the credit rating of these institutions. Such instruments are not purchased and sold for trading purposes. Derivative financial instruments are accounted for at fair value and recognized as assets or liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accounting for the gain or loss resulting from the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument depends on whether it has been designated, and is effective, as part of a hedging relationship and, if so, as to the nature of the hedging activity. Eaton formally documents all relationships between derivative financial instruments accounted for as designated hedges and the hedged item, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. This process includes linking derivative financial instruments to a recognized asset or liability, specific firm commitment, forecasted transaction, or net investment in a foreign operation. These financial instruments can be designated as: • Hedges of the change in the fair value of a recognized fixed-rate asset or liability, or the firm commitment to acquire such an asset or liability (a fair value hedge); for these hedges, the gain or loss from the derivative financial instrument, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in income during the period of change in fair value. • Hedges of the variable cash flows of a recognized variable-rate asset or liability, or the forecasted acquisition of such an asset or liability (a cash flow hedge); for these hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss from the derivative financial instrument is recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified to income in the same period when the gain or loss on the hedged item is included in income. • Hedges of the currency exposure related to a net investment in a foreign operation (a net investment hedge); for these hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss from the derivative financial instrument is recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified to income in the same period when the gain or loss related to the net investment in the foreign operation is included in income. The gain or loss from a derivative financial instrument designated as a hedge that is effective is classified in the same line of the Consolidated Statements of Income as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item. The change in fair value of a derivative financial instrument that is not effective as a hedge is immediately recognized in income. For derivatives that are not designated as a hedge, any gain or loss is immediately recognized in income. The majority of derivatives used in this manner relate to risks resulting from assets or liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and certain commodity contracts that arise in the normal course of business. Gains and losses associated with commodity hedge contracts are classified in Cost of products sold. Eaton uses certain of its debt denominated in foreign currency to hedge portions of its net investments in foreign operations against foreign currency exposure (net investment hedges). Foreign currency denominated debt designated on an after-tax basis as non-derivative net investment hedging instruments was $89 at March 31, 2016 and $83 at December 31, 2015 . Derivative Financial Statement Impacts The fair value of derivative financial instruments recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets follows: Notional amount Other current assets Other noncurrent assets Other current liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Type of hedge Term March 31, 2016 Derivatives designated as hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 3,765 $ 1 $ 169 $ — $ — Fair value 1 month to 19 years Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps 250 — — — 9 Cash flow 12 years Currency exchange contracts 873 6 1 18 10 Cash flow 1 to 36 months Commodity contracts 1 — — — — Cash flow 1 to 12 months Total $ 7 $ 170 $ 18 $ 19 Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 3,198 $ 86 $ 18 1 to 12 months Commodity contracts 37 2 — 1 to 12 months Total $ 88 $ 18 December 31, 2015 Derivatives designated as hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 3,715 $ — $ 96 $ — $ 2 Fair value 2 to 19 years Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps 50 — — — — Cash flow 12 years Currency exchange contracts 724 18 1 8 6 Cash flow 1 to 36 months Commodity contracts 1 — — — — Cash flow 1 to 12 months Total $ 18 $ 97 $ 8 $ 8 Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 4,198 $ 27 $ 40 1 to 12 months Total $ 27 $ 40 The currency exchange contracts shown in the table above as derivatives not designated as hedges are primarily contracts entered into to manage currency volatility or exposure on intercompany sales and loans. While Eaton does not elect hedge accounting treatment for these derivatives, Eaton targets managing 100% of the intercompany balance sheet exposure to minimize the effect of currency volatility related to the movement of goods and services in the normal course of its operations. This activity represents the great majority of these currency exchange contracts. The impact of derivative instruments to the Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income follow: Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income Location of gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss Three months ended Three months ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps $ (9 ) $ — Interest expense - net $ — $ — Currency exchange contracts (22 ) 2 Cost of products sold 3 2 Total $ (31 ) $ 2 $ 3 $ 2 Amounts recognized in net income follow: Three months ended 2016 2015 Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 76 $ 48 Related long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps (76 ) (48 ) $ — $ — Gains and losses described above were recognized in Interest expense - net.

Inventory

Inventory	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORY	INVENTORY The components of inventory follow: March 31, December 31, Raw materials $ 893 $ 885 Work-in-process 459 412 Finished goods 1,141 1,131 Inventory at FIFO 2,493 2,428 Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost (102 ) (105 ) Total inventory $ 2,391 $ 2,323

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance. Eaton’s operating segments are Electrical Products, Electrical Systems and Services, Hydraulics, Aerospace and Vehicle. Operating profit includes the operating profit from intersegment sales. For additional information regarding Eaton’s business segments, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the 2015 Form 10-K. Three months ended 2016 2015 Net sales Electrical Products $ 1,680 $ 1,691 Electrical Systems and Services 1,342 1,448 Hydraulics 551 665 Aerospace 445 464 Vehicle 795 955 Total net sales $ 4,813 $ 5,223 Segment operating profit Electrical Products $ 271 $ 260 Electrical Systems and Services 159 186 Hydraulics 41 66 Aerospace 80 77 Vehicle 118 164 Total segment operating profit 669 753 Corporate Amortization of intangible assets (100 ) (102 ) Interest expense - net (57 ) (57 ) Pension and other postretirement benefits expense (14 ) (28 ) Other corporate expense - net (56 ) (61 ) Income before income taxes 442 505 Income tax expense 39 38 Net income 403 467 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests 1 (1 ) Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 404 $ 466

Condensed Consolidating Financi

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS On November 14, 2013, Eaton Corporation registered senior notes under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Senior Notes). Eaton and certain other of Eaton's 100% owned direct and indirect subsidiaries (the Guarantors) fully and unconditionally guaranteed (subject, in the case of the Guarantors, other than Eaton, to customary release provisions as described below), on a joint and several basis, the Senior Notes. The following condensed consolidating financial statements are included so that separate financial statements of Eaton, Eaton Corporation and each of the Guarantors are not required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The consolidating adjustments primarily relate to eliminations of investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions. The condensed consolidating financial statements present investments in subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting. The guarantee of a Guarantor that is not a parent of the issuer will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged in the event of any sale of the Guarantor or of all or substantially all of its assets, or in connection with the release or termination of the Guarantor as a guarantor under all other U.S. debt securities or U.S. syndicated credit facilities, subject to limitations set forth in the indenture. The guarantee of a Guarantor that is a direct or indirect parent of the issuer will only be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged in connection with the release or termination of such Guarantor as a guarantor under all other debt securities or syndicated credit facilities (in both cases, U.S. or otherwise), subject to limitations set forth in the indenture. During 2015, the Company undertook certain steps to restructure ownership of various subsidiaries. The transactions were entirely among wholly-owned subsidiaries under the common control of Eaton. This restructuring has been reflected as of the beginning of the earliest period presented below. CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,538 $ 1,570 $ 2,878 $ (1,173 ) $ 4,813 Cost of products sold — 1,196 1,195 2,075 (1,175 ) 3,291 Selling and administrative expense 2 365 194 331 — 892 Research and development expense — 62 49 38 — 149 Interest expense (income) - net — 53 3 (3 ) 4 57 Other expense (income) - net — 4 (7 ) (15 ) — (18 ) Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax (504 ) (170 ) (669 ) (93 ) 1,436 — Intercompany expense (income) - net 98 (42 ) 260 (316 ) — — Income (loss) before income taxes 404 70 545 861 (1,438 ) 442 Income tax expense (benefit) — 7 1 31 — 39 Net income (loss) 404 63 544 830 (1,438 ) 403 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests — — — — 1 1 Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 404 $ 63 $ 544 $ 830 $ (1,437 ) $ 404 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 273 $ 40 $ 276 $ 298 $ (614 ) $ 273 Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 677 $ 103 $ 820 $ 1,128 $ (2,051 ) $ 677 CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,702 $ 1,696 $ 3,116 $ (1,291 ) $ 5,223 Cost of products sold — 1,310 1,295 2,277 (1,289 ) 3,593 Selling and administrative expense 2 377 176 360 — 915 Research and development expense — 71 45 42 — 158 Interest expense (income) - net — 54 6 (5 ) 2 57 Other expense (income) - net — (5 ) (1 ) 1 — (5 ) Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax (545 ) (209 ) (713 ) (126 ) 1,593 — Intercompany expense (income) - net 77 (41 ) 271 (307 ) — — Income (loss) before income taxes 466 145 617 874 (1,597 ) 505 Income tax expense (benefit) — (22 ) 21 41 (2 ) 38 Net income (loss) 466 167 596 833 (1,595 ) 467 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 466 $ 167 $ 596 $ 832 $ (1,595 ) $ 466 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (634 ) $ 44 $ (620 ) $ (753 ) $ 1,329 $ (634 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton $ (168 ) $ 211 $ (24 ) $ 79 $ (266 ) $ (168 ) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS MARCH 31, 2016 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Assets Current assets Cash $ — $ 6 $ 6 $ 321 $ — $ 333 Short-term investments — — — 240 — 240 Accounts receivable - net — 493 1,069 2,019 — 3,581 Intercompany accounts receivable 6 718 3,907 2,909 (7,540 ) — Inventory — 374 640 1,455 (78 ) 2,391 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 117 43 282 26 468 Total current assets 6 1,708 5,665 7,226 (7,592 ) 7,013 Property, plant and equipment - net — 902 736 1,945 — 3,583 Other noncurrent assets Goodwill — 1,355 6,264 5,969 — 13,588 Other intangible assets — 178 3,576 2,193 — 5,947 Deferred income taxes — 988 — 267 (875 ) 380 Investment in subsidiaries 31,654 13,198 61,031 11,555 (117,438 ) — Intercompany loans receivable — 7,528 1,491 45,362 (54,381 ) — Other assets — 575 126 371 — 1,072 Total assets $ 31,660 $ 26,432 $ 78,889 $ 74,888 $ (180,286 ) $ 31,583 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ — $ 795 $ — $ 25 $ — $ 820 Current portion of long-term debt — 252 — 1 — 253 Accounts payable — 416 314 1,065 — 1,795 Intercompany accounts payable 125 3,925 2,335 1,155 (7,540 ) — Accrued compensation — 42 27 207 — 276 Other current liabilities 7 655 330 887 (1 ) 1,878 Total current liabilities 132 6,085 3,006 3,340 (7,541 ) 5,022 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt — 6,878 672 17 5 7,572 Pension liabilities — 621 166 800 — 1,587 Other postretirement benefits liabilities — 241 116 79 — 436 Deferred income taxes — — 799 471 (875 ) 395 Intercompany loans payable 16,009 1,487 35,288 1,597 (54,381 ) — Other noncurrent liabilities — 353 207 448 — 1,008 Total noncurrent liabilities 16,009 9,580 37,248 3,412 (55,251 ) 10,998 Shareholders’ equity Eaton shareholders' equity 15,519 10,767 38,635 68,099 (117,501 ) 15,519 Noncontrolling interests — — — 37 7 44 Total equity 15,519 10,767 38,635 68,136 (117,494 ) 15,563 Total liabilities and equity $ 31,660 $ 26,432 $ 78,889 $ 74,888 $ (180,286 ) $ 31,583 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2015 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Assets Current assets Cash $ — $ 26 $ 7 $ 235 $ — $ 268 Short-term investments — — 2 175 — 177 Accounts receivable - net — 512 1,030 1,937 — 3,479 Intercompany accounts receivable 1 842 3,888 2,928 (7,659 ) — Inventory — 357 651 1,395 (80 ) 2,323 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 77 40 229 23 369 Total current assets 1 1,814 5,618 6,899 (7,716 ) 6,616 Property, plant and equipment - net — 930 750 1,885 — 3,565 Other noncurrent assets Goodwill — 1,355 6,264 5,860 — 13,479 Other intangible assets — 182 3,624 2,208 — 6,014 Deferred income taxes — 1,016 — 218 (872 ) 362 Investment in subsidiaries 29,627 13,001 60,139 10,163 (112,930 ) — Intercompany loans receivable — 8,641 1,573 44,835 (55,049 ) — Other assets — 492 122 346 — 960 Total assets $ 29,628 $ 27,431 $ 78,090 $ 72,414 $ (176,567 ) $ 30,996 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ — $ 408 $ — $ 18 $ — $ 426 Current portion of long-term debt — 1 240 1 — 242 Accounts payable — 392 260 1,106 — 1,758 Intercompany accounts payable 219 4,009 2,248 1,183 (7,659 ) — Accrued compensation — 77 53 236 — 366 Other current liabilities 1 644 318 875 (5 ) 1,833 Total current liabilities 220 5,531 3,119 3,419 (7,664 ) 4,625 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt — 7,053 675 17 1 7,746 Pension liabilities — 639 165 782 — 1,586 Other postretirement benefits liabilities — 245 118 77 — 440 Deferred income taxes — — 815 447 (872 ) 390 Intercompany loans payable 14,222 2,962 36,432 1,433 (55,049 ) — Other noncurrent liabilities — 346 200 432 — 978 Total noncurrent liabilities 14,222 11,245 38,405 3,188 (55,920 ) 11,140 Shareholders’ equity Eaton shareholders' equity 15,186 10,655 36,566 65,770 (112,991 ) 15,186 Noncontrolling interests — — — 37 8 45 Total equity 15,186 10,655 36,566 65,807 (112,983 ) 15,231 Total liabilities and equity $ 29,628 $ 27,431 $ 78,090 $ 72,414 $ (176,567 ) $ 30,996 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (139 ) $ (47 ) $ 73 $ 484 $ — $ 371 Investing activities Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment — (22 ) (23 ) (66 ) — (111 ) Cash received from (paid for) acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired — — 1 — — 1 Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net — — 2 (55 ) — (53 ) Investments in affiliates (1,250 ) — — (1,250 ) 2,500 — Loans to affiliates — (101 ) — (2,158 ) 2,259 — Repayments of loans from affiliates — 1,255 — 1,645 (2,900 ) — Other - net — 8 11 (15 ) — 4 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (1,250 ) 1,140 (9 ) (1,899 ) 1,859 (159 ) Financing activities Proceeds from borrowings — 418 — — — 418 Payments on borrowings — (1 ) (240 ) — — (241 ) Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates 1,738 264 156 101 (2,259 ) — Payments on borrowings from affiliates (10 ) (1,635 ) (1,247 ) (8 ) 2,900 — Capital contributions from affiliates — — 1,250 1,250 (2,500 ) — Other intercompany financing activities — (161 ) 16 145 — — Cash dividends paid (256 ) — — — — (256 ) Exercise of employee stock options 17 — — — — 17 Repurchase of shares (100 ) — — — — (100 ) Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation — 2 — — — 2 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,389 (1,113 ) (65 ) 1,488 (1,859 ) (160 ) Effect of currency on cash — — — 13 — 13 Total increase (decrease) in cash — (20 ) (1 ) 86 — 65 Cash at the beginning of the period — 26 7 235 — 268 Cash at the end of the period $ — $ 6 $ 6 $ 321 $ — $ 333 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (82 ) $ (187 ) $ 19 $ 327 $ — $ 77 Investing activities Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment — (21 ) (26 ) (58 ) — (105 ) Cash received from (paid for) acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired — — — (38 ) — (38 ) Sales (purchases) of short-term — — — 99 — 99 Loans to affiliates — (154 ) — (3,482 ) 3,636 — Repayments of loans from affiliates — — 11 2,850 (2,861 ) — Other - net — (20 ) 19 (8 ) — (9 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — (195 ) 4 (637 ) 775 (53 ) Financing activities Proceeds from borrowings — 250 — 16 — 266 Payments on borrowings — (2 ) — (1 ) — (3 ) Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates 500 2,982 153 1 (3,636 ) — Payments on borrowings from affiliates (24 ) (2,826 ) — (11 ) 2,861 — Other intercompany financing activities — (159 ) 68 91 — — Cash dividends paid (251 ) — — — — (251 ) Exercise of employee stock options 33 — — — — 33 Repurchase of shares (170 ) — — — — (170 ) Other - net — — — (2 ) — (2 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 88 245 221 94 (775 ) (127 ) Effect of currency on cash — — — (15 ) — (15 ) Total increase (decrease) in cash 6 (137 ) 244 (231 ) — (118 ) Cash at the beginning of the period 1 173 13 594 — 781 Cash at the end of the period $ 7 $ 36 $ 257 $ 363 $ — $ 663

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Eaton Corporation plc (Eaton or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) for complete financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) have been made that are necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Eaton’s 2015 Form 10-K. The interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Management has evaluated subsequent events through the date this Form 10-Q was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Reclassifications	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), (ASU 2016-02). This accounting standard requires that a lessee recognize a lease asset and a lease liability on its balance sheet for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 will require additional disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements and is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Eaton is evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 and an estimate of the impact to the consolidated financial statements cannot be made at this time. In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09). This accounting standard supersedes all existing US GAAP revenue recognition guidance. Under ASU 2014-09, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers the control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which the company expects to collect in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 will require additional disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements and is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date (ASU 2015-14). This accounting standard defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year and permits early adoption as of the original effective date. Eaton is evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 and an estimate of the impact to the consolidated financial statements cannot be made at this time. During the first quarter of 2016 , the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASU 2015-03). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than an asset. The Company has applied this standard retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 resulted in the reclassification of $34 and $35 within the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, from Other noncurrent assets to a reduction in Long-term debt.

Acquisition Integration Charg22

Acquisition Integration Charges (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Acquisitions Integration Charges [Abstract]
Acquisition integration charges	A summary of these charges follows: Three months ended 2016 2015 Electrical Products $ — $ 6 Electrical Systems and Services 1 3 Hydraulics — 1 Total business segments 1 10 Corporate — 1 Total acquisition integration charges before income tax $ 1 $ 11 Total after income taxes $ — $ 7 Per ordinary share - diluted $ 0.00 $ 0.02

Restructuring Charges (Tables)

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges by Segment	A summary of restructuring charges by segment follows: Three months ended 2016 2015 Electrical Products $ 17 $ — Electrical Systems & Services 10 — Hydraulics 16 8 Aerospace 4 — Vehicle 12 2 Corporate 4 — Total $ 63 $ 10
Restructuring Liability Rollforward	A summary of liabilities related to workforce reductions, plant closings and other associated costs follows: Workforce reductions Plant closing and other Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ — $ — $ — Liability recognized 112 17 129 Payments (59 ) (3 ) (62 ) Other adjustments 1 (14 ) (13 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 54 — 54 Liability recognized 57 6 63 Payments (23 ) (2 ) (25 ) Other adjustments — (3 ) (3 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 88 $ 1 $ 89

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	A summary of goodwill follows: Electrical Products Electrical Systems and Services Hydraulics Aerospace Vehicle Total December 31, 2015 $ 6,642 $ 4,279 $ 1,259 $ 956 $ 343 $ 13,479 Translation 55 38 17 (3 ) 2 109 March 31, 2016 $ 6,697 $ 4,317 $ 1,276 $ 953 $ 345 $ 13,588

Retirement Benefits Plans (Tabl

Retirement Benefits Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement benefits plans expense	The components of retirement benefits expense follow: United States Non-United States Other postretirement Three months ended March 31 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost $ 28 $ 31 $ 16 $ 18 $ 1 $ 2 Interest cost 31 39 16 18 4 6 Expected return on plan assets (63 ) (66 ) (24 ) (25 ) (1 ) (1 ) Amortization 23 30 9 10 (2 ) — 19 34 17 21 2 7 Settlement and curtailment loss 21 14 — — — — Total expense $ 40 $ 48 $ 17 $ 21 $ 2 $ 7

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Changes in Shareholders' equity	The changes in Shareholders’ equity follow: Eaton shareholders’ equity Noncontrolling interests Total equity Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 15,186 $ 45 $ 15,231 Net income 404 (1 ) 403 Other comprehensive income 273 — 273 Cash dividends paid and accrued (261 ) — (261 ) Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net 17 — 17 Repurchase of shares (100 ) — (100 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 15,519 $ 44 $ 15,563
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss follow: Currency translation and related hedging instruments Pensions and other postretirement benefits Cash flow hedges Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (2,492 ) $ (1,374 ) $ 3 $ (3,863 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 261 1 (20 ) 242 Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) — 33 (2 ) 31 Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss) 261 34 (22 ) 273 Balance at March 31, 2016 $ (2,231 ) $ (1,340 ) $ (19 ) $ (3,590 )
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	The reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss follow: Three months ended March 31, 2016 Consolidated statements of income classification Amortization of defined benefit pensions and other postretirement benefits items Actuarial loss and prior service cost $ (51 ) 1 Tax benefit 18 Total, net of tax (33 ) Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges Currency exchange contracts 3 Cost of products sold Tax expense (1 ) Total, net of tax 2 Total reclassifications for the period $ (31 ) 1 These components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 6 for additional information about pension and other postretirement benefits items.
Calculation of net income per ordinary share attributable to shareholders	A summary of the calculation of net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders follows: Three months ended (Shares in millions) 2016 2015 Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 404 $ 466 Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted 459.8 470.0 Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation 1.2 2.1 Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic 458.6 467.9 Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders Diluted $ 0.88 $ 0.99 Basic 0.88 1.00

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of financial instruments recognized at fair value and fair value measurement used	A summary of financial instruments recognized at fair value, and the fair value measurements used, follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 March 31, 2016 Cash $ 333 $ 333 $ — $ — Short-term investments 240 240 — — Net derivative contracts 210 — 210 — Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps - net (170 ) — (170 ) — December 31, 2015 Cash $ 268 $ 268 $ — $ — Short-term investments 177 177 — — Net derivative contracts 86 — 86 — Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps - net (94 ) — (94 ) —

Derivative Financial Instrume28

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative financial instruments recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	The fair value of derivative financial instruments recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets follows: Notional amount Other current assets Other noncurrent assets Other current liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Type of hedge Term March 31, 2016 Derivatives designated as hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 3,765 $ 1 $ 169 $ — $ — Fair value 1 month to 19 years Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps 250 — — — 9 Cash flow 12 years Currency exchange contracts 873 6 1 18 10 Cash flow 1 to 36 months Commodity contracts 1 — — — — Cash flow 1 to 12 months Total $ 7 $ 170 $ 18 $ 19 Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 3,198 $ 86 $ 18 1 to 12 months Commodity contracts 37 2 — 1 to 12 months Total $ 88 $ 18 December 31, 2015 Derivatives designated as hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 3,715 $ — $ 96 $ — $ 2 Fair value 2 to 19 years Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps 50 — — — — Cash flow 12 years Currency exchange contracts 724 18 1 8 6 Cash flow 1 to 36 months Commodity contracts 1 — — — — Cash flow 1 to 12 months Total $ 18 $ 97 $ 8 $ 8 Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 4,198 $ 27 $ 40 1 to 12 months Total $ 27 $ 40
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	: Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income Location of gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss Three months ended Three months ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps $ (9 ) $ — Interest expense - net $ — $ — Currency exchange contracts (22 ) 2 Cost of products sold 3 2 Total $ (31 ) $ 2 $ 3 $ 2
Amounts recognized in net income	Amounts recognized in net income follow: Three months ended 2016 2015 Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 76 $ 48 Related long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps (76 ) (48 ) $ — $ —

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of inventory	The components of inventory follow: March 31, December 31, Raw materials $ 893 $ 885 Work-in-process 459 412 Finished goods 1,141 1,131 Inventory at FIFO 2,493 2,428 Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost (102 ) (105 ) Total inventory $ 2,391 $ 2,323

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Three months ended 2016 2015 Net sales Electrical Products $ 1,680 $ 1,691 Electrical Systems and Services 1,342 1,448 Hydraulics 551 665 Aerospace 445 464 Vehicle 795 955 Total net sales $ 4,813 $ 5,223 Segment operating profit Electrical Products $ 271 $ 260 Electrical Systems and Services 159 186 Hydraulics 41 66 Aerospace 80 77 Vehicle 118 164 Total segment operating profit 669 753 Corporate Amortization of intangible assets (100 ) (102 ) Interest expense - net (57 ) (57 ) Pension and other postretirement benefits expense (14 ) (28 ) Other corporate expense - net (56 ) (61 ) Income before income taxes 442 505 Income tax expense 39 38 Net income 403 467 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests 1 (1 ) Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 404 $ 466

Condensed Consolidating Finan31

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,538 $ 1,570 $ 2,878 $ (1,173 ) $ 4,813 Cost of products sold — 1,196 1,195 2,075 (1,175 ) 3,291 Selling and administrative expense 2 365 194 331 — 892 Research and development expense — 62 49 38 — 149 Interest expense (income) - net — 53 3 (3 ) 4 57 Other expense (income) - net — 4 (7 ) (15 ) — (18 ) Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax (504 ) (170 ) (669 ) (93 ) 1,436 — Intercompany expense (income) - net 98 (42 ) 260 (316 ) — — Income (loss) before income taxes 404 70 545 861 (1,438 ) 442 Income tax expense (benefit) — 7 1 31 — 39 Net income (loss) 404 63 544 830 (1,438 ) 403 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests — — — — 1 1 Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 404 $ 63 $ 544 $ 830 $ (1,437 ) $ 404 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 273 $ 40 $ 276 $ 298 $ (614 ) $ 273 Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 677 $ 103 $ 820 $ 1,128 $ (2,051 ) $ 677 CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,702 $ 1,696 $ 3,116 $ (1,291 ) $ 5,223 Cost of products sold — 1,310 1,295 2,277 (1,289 ) 3,593 Selling and administrative expense 2 377 176 360 — 915 Research and development expense — 71 45 42 — 158 Interest expense (income) - net — 54 6 (5 ) 2 57 Other expense (income) - net — (5 ) (1 ) 1 — (5 ) Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax (545 ) (209 ) (713 ) (126 ) 1,593 — Intercompany expense (income) - net 77 (41 ) 271 (307 ) — — Income (loss) before income taxes 466 145 617 874 (1,597 ) 505 Income tax expense (benefit) — (22 ) 21 41 (2 ) 38 Net income (loss) 466 167 596 833 (1,595 ) 467 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 466 $ 167 $ 596 $ 832 $ (1,595 ) $ 466 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (634 ) $ 44 $ (620 ) $ (753 ) $ 1,329 $ (634 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton $ (168 ) $ 211 $ (24 ) $ 79 $ (266 ) $ (168 ) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS MARCH 31, 2016 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Assets Current assets Cash $ — $ 6 $ 6 $ 321 $ — $ 333 Short-term investments — — — 240 — 240 Accounts receivable - net — 493 1,069 2,019 — 3,581 Intercompany accounts receivable 6 718 3,907 2,909 (7,540 ) — Inventory — 374 640 1,455 (78 ) 2,391 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 117 43 282 26 468 Total current assets 6 1,708 5,665 7,226 (7,592 ) 7,013 Property, plant and equipment - net — 902 736 1,945 — 3,583 Other noncurrent assets Goodwill — 1,355 6,264 5,969 — 13,588 Other intangible assets — 178 3,576 2,193 — 5,947 Deferred income taxes — 988 — 267 (875 ) 380 Investment in subsidiaries 31,654 13,198 61,031 11,555 (117,438 ) — Intercompany loans receivable — 7,528 1,491 45,362 (54,381 ) — Other assets — 575 126 371 — 1,072 Total assets $ 31,660 $ 26,432 $ 78,889 $ 74,888 $ (180,286 ) $ 31,583 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ — $ 795 $ — $ 25 $ — $ 820 Current portion of long-term debt — 252 — 1 — 253 Accounts payable — 416 314 1,065 — 1,795 Intercompany accounts payable 125 3,925 2,335 1,155 (7,540 ) — Accrued compensation — 42 27 207 — 276 Other current liabilities 7 655 330 887 (1 ) 1,878 Total current liabilities 132 6,085 3,006 3,340 (7,541 ) 5,022 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt — 6,878 672 17 5 7,572 Pension liabilities — 621 166 800 — 1,587 Other postretirement benefits liabilities — 241 116 79 — 436 Deferred income taxes — — 799 471 (875 ) 395 Intercompany loans payable 16,009 1,487 35,288 1,597 (54,381 ) — Other noncurrent liabilities — 353 207 448 — 1,008 Total noncurrent liabilities 16,009 9,580 37,248 3,412 (55,251 ) 10,998 Shareholders’ equity Eaton shareholders' equity 15,519 10,767 38,635 68,099 (117,501 ) 15,519 Noncontrolling interests — — — 37 7 44 Total equity 15,519 10,767 38,635 68,136 (117,494 ) 15,563 Total liabilities and equity $ 31,660 $ 26,432 $ 78,889 $ 74,888 $ (180,286 ) $ 31,583 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2015 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Assets Current assets Cash $ — $ 26 $ 7 $ 235 $ — $ 268 Short-term investments — — 2 175 — 177 Accounts receivable - net — 512 1,030 1,937 — 3,479 Intercompany accounts receivable 1 842 3,888 2,928 (7,659 ) — Inventory — 357 651 1,395 (80 ) 2,323 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 77 40 229 23 369 Total current assets 1 1,814 5,618 6,899 (7,716 ) 6,616 Property, plant and equipment - net — 930 750 1,885 — 3,565 Other noncurrent assets Goodwill — 1,355 6,264 5,860 — 13,479 Other intangible assets — 182 3,624 2,208 — 6,014 Deferred income taxes — 1,016 — 218 (872 ) 362 Investment in subsidiaries 29,627 13,001 60,139 10,163 (112,930 ) — Intercompany loans receivable — 8,641 1,573 44,835 (55,049 ) — Other assets — 492 122 346 — 960 Total assets $ 29,628 $ 27,431 $ 78,090 $ 72,414 $ (176,567 ) $ 30,996 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ — $ 408 $ — $ 18 $ — $ 426 Current portion of long-term debt — 1 240 1 — 242 Accounts payable — 392 260 1,106 — 1,758 Intercompany accounts payable 219 4,009 2,248 1,183 (7,659 ) — Accrued compensation — 77 53 236 — 366 Other current liabilities 1 644 318 875 (5 ) 1,833 Total current liabilities 220 5,531 3,119 3,419 (7,664 ) 4,625 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt — 7,053 675 17 1 7,746 Pension liabilities — 639 165 782 — 1,586 Other postretirement benefits liabilities — 245 118 77 — 440 Deferred income taxes — — 815 447 (872 ) 390 Intercompany loans payable 14,222 2,962 36,432 1,433 (55,049 ) — Other noncurrent liabilities — 346 200 432 — 978 Total noncurrent liabilities 14,222 11,245 38,405 3,188 (55,920 ) 11,140 Shareholders’ equity Eaton shareholders' equity 15,186 10,655 36,566 65,770 (112,991 ) 15,186 Noncontrolling interests — — — 37 8 45 Total equity 15,186 10,655 36,566 65,807 (112,983 ) 15,231 Total liabilities and equity $ 29,628 $ 27,431 $ 78,090 $ 72,414 $ (176,567 ) $ 30,996 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (139 ) $ (47 ) $ 73 $ 484 $ — $ 371 Investing activities Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment — (22 ) (23 ) (66 ) — (111 ) Cash received from (paid for) acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired — — 1 — — 1 Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net — — 2 (55 ) — (53 ) Investments in affiliates (1,250 ) — — (1,250 ) 2,500 — Loans to affiliates — (101 ) — (2,158 ) 2,259 — Repayments of loans from affiliates — 1,255 — 1,645 (2,900 ) — Other - net — 8 11 (15 ) — 4 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (1,250 ) 1,140 (9 ) (1,899 ) 1,859 (159 ) Financing activities Proceeds from borrowings — 418 — — — 418 Payments on borrowings — (1 ) (240 ) — — (241 ) Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates 1,738 264 156 101 (2,259 ) — Payments on borrowings from affiliates (10 ) (1,635 ) (1,247 ) (8 ) 2,900 — Capital contributions from affiliates — — 1,250 1,250 (2,500 ) — Other intercompany financing activities — (161 ) 16 145 — — Cash dividends paid (256 ) — — — — (256 ) Exercise of employee stock options 17 — — — — 17 Repurchase of shares (100 ) — — — — (100 ) Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation — 2 — — — 2 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,389 (1,113 ) (65 ) 1,488 (1,859 ) (160 ) Effect of currency on cash — — — 13 — 13 Total increase (decrease) in cash — (20 ) (1 ) 86 — 65 Cash at the beginning of the period — 26 7 235 — 268 Cash at the end of the period $ — $ 6 $ 6 $ 321 $ — $ 333 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (82 ) $ (187 ) $ 19 $ 327 $ — $ 77 Investing activities Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment — (21 ) (26 ) (58 ) — (105 ) Cash received from (paid for) acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired — — — (38 ) — (38 ) Sales (purchases) of short-term — — — 99 — 99 Loans to affiliates — (154 ) — (3,482 ) 3,636 — Repayments of loans from affiliates — — 11 2,850 (2,861 ) — Other - net — (20 ) 19 (8 ) — (9 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — (195 ) 4 (637 ) 775 (53 ) Financing activities Proceeds from borrowings — 250 — 16 — 266 Payments on borrowings — (2 ) — (1 ) — (3 ) Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates 500 2,982 153 1 (3,636 ) — Payments on borrowings from affiliates (24 ) (2,826 ) — (11 ) 2,861 — Other intercompany financing activities — (159 ) 68 91 — — Cash dividends paid (251 ) — — — — (251 ) Exercise of employee stock options 33 — — — — 33 Repurchase of shares (170 ) — — — — (170 ) Other - net — — — (2 ) — (2 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 88 245 221 94 (775 ) (127 ) Effect of currency on cash — — — (15 ) — (15 ) Total increase (decrease) in cash 6 (137 ) 244 (231 ) — (118 ) Cash at the beginning of the period 1 173 13 594 — 781 Cash at the end of the period $ 7 $ 36 $ 257 $ 363 $ — $ 663

Basis of Presentation Accountin

Basis of Presentation Accounting Standard Adoption (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt [Member]
Reclassification of Debt Issuance Costs [Line Items]
Reclassification of Debt Issuance Costs	$ 34	$ 35

Acquisition of Businesses (Deta

Acquisition of Businesses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Electrical Products [Member] | Ephesus Lighting, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period	$ 23
Electrical Systems and Services [Member] | Oxalis Group Ltd. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period		$ 9

Acquisition Integration Charg34

Acquisition Integration Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Acquisition integration charges [Line Items]
Acquisition integration charges	$ 1	$ 11
Acquisition integration after tax charges	$ 0	$ 7
Acquisition integration charges per ordinary share	$ 0	$ 0.02
Electrical Products [Member]
Acquisition integration charges [Line Items]
Acquisition integration charges	$ 0	$ 6
Electrical Systems and Services [Member]
Acquisition integration charges [Line Items]
Acquisition integration charges	1	3
Hydraulics [Member]
Acquisition integration charges [Line Items]
Acquisition integration charges	0	1
Total business segments [Member]
Acquisition integration charges [Line Items]
Acquisition integration charges	1	10
Corporate [Member]
Acquisition integration charges [Line Items]
Acquisition integration charges	$ 0	$ 1

Restructuring Charges Narrative

Restructuring Charges Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 63	$ 10	$ 129
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 57		$ 112
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost				$ 130	$ 140

Restructuring Charges Segments

Restructuring Charges Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 63	$ 10	$ 129
Electrical Products [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	17	0
Electrical Systems and Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	10	0
Hydraulics [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	16	8
Aerospace [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	4	0
Vehicle [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	12	2
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 4	$ 0

Restructuring Charges Restructu

Restructuring Charges Restructuring Roll Forward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 54	$ 0	$ 0
Liability recognized	63	10	129
Payments	(25)		(62)
Other adjustments	(3)		(13)
Ending balance	89		54
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	54	0	0
Liability recognized	57		112
Payments	(23)		(59)
Other adjustments	0		1
Ending balance	88		54
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	$ 0	0
Liability recognized	6		17
Payments	(2)		(3)
Other adjustments	(3)		(14)
Ending balance	$ 1		$ 0

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 13,479
Translation	109
Ending balance	13,588
Electrical Products [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	6,642
Translation	55
Ending balance	6,697
Electrical Systems and Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,279
Translation	38
Ending balance	4,317
Hydraulics [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,259
Translation	17
Ending balance	1,276
Aerospace [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	956
Translation	(3)
Ending balance	953
Vehicle [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	343
Translation	2
Ending balance	$ 345

Retirement Benefits Plans (Deta

Retirement Benefits Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
United States pension benefit expense [Member]
Retirement benefits plans expense
Service cost	$ 28	$ 31
Interest cost	31	39
Expected return on plan assets	(63)	(66)
Amortization	23	30
Total	19	34
Settlement and curtailment loss	21	14
Total expense	40	48
Non-United States pension benefit expense [Member]
Retirement benefits plans expense
Service cost	16	18
Interest cost	16	18
Expected return on plan assets	(24)	(25)
Amortization	9	10
Total	17	21
Settlement and curtailment loss	0	0
Total expense	17	21
Other postretirement benefits expense [Member]
Retirement benefits plans expense
Service cost	1	2
Interest cost	4	6
Expected return on plan assets	(1)	(1)
Amortization	(2)	0
Total	2	7
Settlement and curtailment loss	0	0
Total expense	$ 2	$ 7

Legal Contingencies (Details)

Legal Contingencies (Details) - Raysul [Member] BRL in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016BRL	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010BRL	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual	BRL 100				$ 28
Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision	BRL 40	$ 11	BRL 60	$ 17

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	9.00%	8.00%

Equity Changes in Shareholders'

Equity Changes in Shareholders's Equity (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Beginning balance	$ 15,231
Net income	403	$ 467
Other comprehensive income	273	$ (634)
Cash dividends paid and accrued	(261)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net	17
Repurchase of shares	(100)
Ending balance	15,563
Parent [Member]
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Beginning balance	15,186
Net income	404
Other comprehensive income	273
Cash dividends paid and accrued	(261)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net	17
Repurchase of shares	(100)
Ending balance	15,519
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Beginning balance	45
Net income	(1)
Other comprehensive income	0
Cash dividends paid and accrued	0
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net	0
Repurchase of shares	0
Ending balance	$ 44
2013 Program [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	40
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	1.5	2.4
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Repurchase of shares	$ (82)	$ (170)
2016 Program [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	0.3
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 2,500
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Repurchase of shares	$ (18)

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	$ 31
Net current-period Other comprehensive (loss) income	273	$ (634)
Currency translation and related hedging instruments [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(2,492)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	261
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	0
Net current-period Other comprehensive (loss) income	261
Ending balance	(2,231)
Pensions and other postretirement benefits [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(1,374)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	1
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	33
Net current-period Other comprehensive (loss) income	34
Ending balance	(1,340)
Cash flow hedges [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	3
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(20)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	(2)
Net current-period Other comprehensive (loss) income	(22)
Ending balance	(19)
Total AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(3,863)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	242
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	31
Net current-period Other comprehensive (loss) income	273
Ending balance	$ (3,590)

Reclassifications Out of Accumu

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Actuarial loss and prior service cost	$ (51)	[1]
Tax benefit	18
Total, net of tax	(33)
Tax expense	(1)
Total, net of tax	2
Total reclassifications for the period	(31)
Cost of products sold [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Currency exchange contracts	$ 3
[1]	These components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 6 for additional information about pension and other postretirement benefits items.

Calculation of Net Income per O

Calculation of Net Income per Ordinary Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Calculation of net income per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 404	$ 466
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	459.8	470
Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation	1.2	2.1
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic (shares)	458.6	467.9
Stock options excluded from calculation of diluted net income per ordinary share	2.4	0.9
Net income per ordinary share
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.88	$ 0.99
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.88	$ 1

Equity-Based Compensation (Deta

Equity-Based Compensation (Details) - Performance Shares [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016shares
Performance share units [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	604,385
Minimum [Member]
Performance share units [Line Items]
Range of PSU Award	0.00%
Maximum [Member]
Performance share units [Line Items]
Range of PSU Award	200.00%

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	$ 333	$ 268	$ 663	$ 781
Short-term investments	240	177
Net derivative contracts	210	86
Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps - net	(170)	(94)
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	333	268
Short-term investments	240	177
Net derivative contracts	0	0
Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps - net	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	0	0
Short-term investments	0	0
Net derivative contracts	210	86
Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps - net	(170)	(94)
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	0	0
Short-term investments	0	0
Net derivative contracts	0	0
Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps - net	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements Other F

Fair Value Measurements Other Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Carrying value of long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	$ 7,825	$ 7,988
Level 2 [Member]
Other Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	$ 8,188	$ 8,231

Derivative Financial Instrume49

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Debt denominated in foreign currency designated as non-derivative net investment hedging instrument	$ 89	$ 83
Percentage of intercompany balance sheet exposure	100.00%
Other current assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	$ 7	18
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	88	27
Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	170	97
Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	18	8
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liability, at fair value	18	40
Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	19	8
Currency exchange contracts [Member] | Other current assets [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	86	27
Currency exchange contracts [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liability, at fair value	18	40
Commodity contracts [Member] | Other current assets [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	2
Commodity contracts [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liability, at fair value	0
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Fair value hedging [Member] | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Notional Amount	3,765	3,715
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Fair value hedging [Member] | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Other current assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	1	0
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Fair value hedging [Member] | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	169	96
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Fair value hedging [Member] | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	0	0
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Fair value hedging [Member] | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps [Member] | Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	0	2
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Forward Starting Floating-to-Fixed Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Notional Amount	250	50
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Forward Starting Floating-to-Fixed Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other current assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	0	0
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Forward Starting Floating-to-Fixed Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	0	0
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Forward Starting Floating-to-Fixed Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	0	0
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Forward Starting Floating-to-Fixed Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	9	0
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Notional Amount	873	724
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member] | Other current assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	6	18
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member] | Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	1	1
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	18	8
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member] | Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	10	6
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Notional Amount	1	1
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Other current assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	0	0
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	0	0
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	0	0
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	0	0
Derivatives not designated as hedges [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Notional Amount	3,198	$ 4,198
Derivatives not designated as hedges [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 37
Minimum [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Fair value hedging [Member] | Forward Starting Floating-to-Fixed Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Term of Contract	1 month	1 month
Minimum [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Fair value hedging [Member] | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Term of Contract	1 month	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Term of Contract	1 month	1 month
Minimum [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Term of Contract	1 month	1 month
Minimum [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Term of Contract	1 month	1 month
Maximum [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Fair value hedging [Member] | Forward Starting Floating-to-Fixed Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Term of Contract	12 years	12 years
Maximum [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Fair value hedging [Member] | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Term of Contract	19 years	19 years
Maximum [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Term of Contract	36 months	36 months
Maximum [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Term of Contract	12 months	12 months
Maximum [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative, Term of Contract	12 months	12 months

Derivative Financial Instrume50

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - Cash flow hedges [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Interest expense - net [Member] | Floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	$ (9)	$ 0
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Cost of products sold [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	(22)	2
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	3	2
Cost of products sold or Interest expense - net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	(31)	2
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 3	$ 2

Derivative Financial Instrume51

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Amounts Recognized in Net Income (Details) - Interest expense - net [Member] - Fair value hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts recognized in net income	$ 0	$ 0
Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts recognized in net income	76	48
Related long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts recognized in net income	$ (76)	$ (48)

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 893	$ 885
Work-in-process	459	412
Finished goods	1,141	1,131
Inventory at FIFO	2,493	2,428
Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost	(102)	(105)
Total inventory	$ 2,391	$ 2,323

Business Segment Information (D

Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Segment Information
Net sales	$ 4,813	$ 5,223
Interest expense - net	57	57
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	(59)	(76)
Other corporate expense - net	(18)	(5)
Income before income taxes	442	505
Income tax expense	39	38
Net income	403	467
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	1	(1)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	404	466
Total business segments [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	4,813	5,223
Segment operating profit	669	753
Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Products [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,680	1,691
Segment operating profit	271	260
Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Systems and Services [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,342	1,448
Segment operating profit	159	186
Total business segments [Member] | Hydraulics [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	551	665
Segment operating profit	41	66
Total business segments [Member] | Aerospace [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	445	464
Segment operating profit	80	77
Total business segments [Member] | Vehicle [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	795	955
Segment operating profit	118	164
Corporate [Member]
Business Segment Information
Amortization of intangible assets	(100)	(102)
Interest expense - net	(57)	(57)
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	(14)	(28)
Other corporate expense - net	$ (56)	$ (61)

Condensed Consolidating Finan54

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details)	Nov. 20, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Eaton and certain other 100% owned subsidiaries guarantee of Senior Debt	100.00%

Condensed Consolidating Finan55

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 4,813	$ 5,223
Cost of products sold	3,291	3,593
Selling and administrative expense	892	915
Research and development expense	149	158
Interest expense (income) - net	57	57
Other expense (income) - net	(18)	(5)
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	0	0
Intercompany expense (income) - net	0	0
Income before income taxes	442	505
Income tax expense (benefit)	39	38
Net income	403	467
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	1	(1)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	404	466
Other comprehensive income	273	(634)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	677	(168)
Eaton Corporation plc [Member]
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Cost of products sold	0	0
Selling and administrative expense	2	2
Research and development expense	0	0
Interest expense (income) - net	0	0
Other expense (income) - net	0	0
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	(504)	(545)
Intercompany expense (income) - net	98	77
Income before income taxes	404	466
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Net income	404	466
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	404	466
Other comprehensive income	273	(634)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	677	(168)
Eaton Corporation [Member]
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	1,538	1,702
Cost of products sold	1,196	1,310
Selling and administrative expense	365	377
Research and development expense	62	71
Interest expense (income) - net	53	54
Other expense (income) - net	4	(5)
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	(170)	(209)
Intercompany expense (income) - net	(42)	(41)
Income before income taxes	70	145
Income tax expense (benefit)	7	(22)
Net income	63	167
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	63	167
Other comprehensive income	40	44
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	103	211
Guarantors [Member]
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	1,570	1,696
Cost of products sold	1,195	1,295
Selling and administrative expense	194	176
Research and development expense	49	45
Interest expense (income) - net	3	6
Other expense (income) - net	(7)	(1)
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	(669)	(713)
Intercompany expense (income) - net	260	271
Income before income taxes	545	617
Income tax expense (benefit)	1	21
Net income	544	596
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	544	596
Other comprehensive income	276	(620)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	820	(24)
Other subsidiaries [Member]
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	2,878	3,116
Cost of products sold	2,075	2,277
Selling and administrative expense	331	360
Research and development expense	38	42
Interest expense (income) - net	(3)	(5)
Other expense (income) - net	(15)	1
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	(93)	(126)
Intercompany expense (income) - net	(316)	(307)
Income before income taxes	861	874
Income tax expense (benefit)	31	41
Net income	830	833
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	(1)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	830	832
Other comprehensive income	298	(753)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	1,128	79
Consolidating adjustments [Member]
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	(1,173)	(1,291)
Cost of products sold	(1,175)	(1,289)
Selling and administrative expense	0	0
Research and development expense	0	0
Interest expense (income) - net	4	2
Other expense (income) - net	0	0
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	1,436	1,593
Intercompany expense (income) - net	0	0
Income before income taxes	(1,438)	(1,597)
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	(2)
Net income	(1,438)	(1,595)
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	1	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	(1,437)	(1,595)
Other comprehensive income	(614)	1,329
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ (2,051)	$ (266)

Condensed Consolidating Finan56

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets, Captions [Line Items]
Cash	$ 333	$ 268	$ 663	$ 781
Short-term investments	240	177
Accounts receivable - net	3,581	3,479
Intercompany accounts receivable	0	0
Inventory	2,391	2,323
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	468	369
Total current assets	7,013	6,616
Property, plant and equipment - net	3,583	3,565
Goodwill	13,588	13,479
Other intangible assets	5,947	6,014
Deferred income taxes	380	362
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany loans receivables	0	0
Other assets	1,072	960
Total assets	31,583	30,996
Short-term debt	820	426
Current portion of long-term debt	253	242
Accounts payable	1,795	1,758
Intercompany accounts payable	0	0
Accrued compensation	276	366
Other current liabilities	1,878	1,833
Total current liabilities	5,022	4,625
Long-term debt	7,572	7,746
Pension liabilities	1,587	1,586
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	436	440
Deferred income taxes	395	390
Intercompany loans payable	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,008	978
Total noncurrent liabilities	10,998	11,140
Eaton shareholders' equity	15,519	15,186
Noncontrolling interests	44	45
Total equity	15,563	15,231
Total liabilities and equity	31,583	30,996
Eaton Corporation plc [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets, Captions [Line Items]
Cash	0	0	7	1
Short-term investments	0	0
Accounts receivable - net	0	0
Intercompany accounts receivable	6	1
Inventory	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	6	1
Property, plant and equipment - net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	31,654	29,627
Intercompany loans receivables	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	31,660	29,628
Short-term debt	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany accounts payable	125	219
Accrued compensation	0	0
Other current liabilities	7	1
Total current liabilities	132	220
Long-term debt	0	0
Pension liabilities	0	0
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Intercompany loans payable	16,009	14,222
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0
Total noncurrent liabilities	16,009	14,222
Eaton shareholders' equity	15,519	15,186
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	15,519	15,186
Total liabilities and equity	31,660	29,628
Eaton Corporation [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets, Captions [Line Items]
Cash	6	26	36	173
Short-term investments	0	0
Accounts receivable - net	493	512
Intercompany accounts receivable	718	842
Inventory	374	357
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	117	77
Total current assets	1,708	1,814
Property, plant and equipment - net	902	930
Goodwill	1,355	1,355
Other intangible assets	178	182
Deferred income taxes	988	1,016
Investment in subsidiaries	13,198	13,001
Intercompany loans receivables	7,528	8,641
Other assets	575	492
Total assets	26,432	27,431
Short-term debt	795	408
Current portion of long-term debt	252	1
Accounts payable	416	392
Intercompany accounts payable	3,925	4,009
Accrued compensation	42	77
Other current liabilities	655	644
Total current liabilities	6,085	5,531
Long-term debt	6,878	7,053
Pension liabilities	621	639
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	241	245
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Intercompany loans payable	1,487	2,962
Other noncurrent liabilities	353	346
Total noncurrent liabilities	9,580	11,245
Eaton shareholders' equity	10,767	10,655
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	10,767	10,655
Total liabilities and equity	26,432	27,431
Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets, Captions [Line Items]
Cash	6	7	257	13
Short-term investments	0	2
Accounts receivable - net	1,069	1,030
Intercompany accounts receivable	3,907	3,888
Inventory	640	651
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	43	40
Total current assets	5,665	5,618
Property, plant and equipment - net	736	750
Goodwill	6,264	6,264
Other intangible assets	3,576	3,624
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	61,031	60,139
Intercompany loans receivables	1,491	1,573
Other assets	126	122
Total assets	78,889	78,090
Short-term debt	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	240
Accounts payable	314	260
Intercompany accounts payable	2,335	2,248
Accrued compensation	27	53
Other current liabilities	330	318
Total current liabilities	3,006	3,119
Long-term debt	672	675
Pension liabilities	166	165
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	116	118
Deferred income taxes	799	815
Intercompany loans payable	35,288	36,432
Other noncurrent liabilities	207	200
Total noncurrent liabilities	37,248	38,405
Eaton shareholders' equity	38,635	36,566
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	38,635	36,566
Total liabilities and equity	78,889	78,090
Other subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets, Captions [Line Items]
Cash	321	235	363	594
Short-term investments	240	175
Accounts receivable - net	2,019	1,937
Intercompany accounts receivable	2,909	2,928
Inventory	1,455	1,395
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	282	229
Total current assets	7,226	6,899
Property, plant and equipment - net	1,945	1,885
Goodwill	5,969	5,860
Other intangible assets	2,193	2,208
Deferred income taxes	267	218
Investment in subsidiaries	11,555	10,163
Intercompany loans receivables	45,362	44,835
Other assets	371	346
Total assets	74,888	72,414
Short-term debt	25	18
Current portion of long-term debt	1	1
Accounts payable	1,065	1,106
Intercompany accounts payable	1,155	1,183
Accrued compensation	207	236
Other current liabilities	887	875
Total current liabilities	3,340	3,419
Long-term debt	17	17
Pension liabilities	800	782
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	79	77
Deferred income taxes	471	447
Intercompany loans payable	1,597	1,433
Other noncurrent liabilities	448	432
Total noncurrent liabilities	3,412	3,188
Eaton shareholders' equity	68,099	65,770
Noncontrolling interests	37	37
Total equity	68,136	65,807
Total liabilities and equity	74,888	72,414
Consolidating adjustments [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets, Captions [Line Items]
Cash	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Short-term investments	0	0
Accounts receivable - net	0	0
Intercompany accounts receivable	(7,540)	(7,659)
Inventory	(78)	(80)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	26	23
Total current assets	(7,592)	(7,716)
Property, plant and equipment - net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(875)	(872)
Investment in subsidiaries	(117,438)	(112,930)
Intercompany loans receivables	(54,381)	(55,049)
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	(180,286)	(176,567)
Short-term debt	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany accounts payable	(7,540)	(7,659)
Accrued compensation	0	0
Other current liabilities	(1)	(5)
Total current liabilities	(7,541)	(7,664)
Long-term debt	5	1
Pension liabilities	0	0
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(875)	(872)
Intercompany loans payable	(54,381)	(55,049)
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0
Total noncurrent liabilities	(55,251)	(55,920)
Eaton shareholders' equity	(117,501)	(112,991)
Noncontrolling interests	7	8
Total equity	(117,494)	(112,983)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (180,286)	$ (176,567)

Condensed Consolidating Finan57

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$ 371	$ 77
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(111)	(105)
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	1	(38)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	(53)	99
Investments in affiliates	0
Loans to affiliates	0	0
Repayments of loans from affiliates	0	0
Other - net	4	(9)
Net cash used in investing activities	(159)	(53)
Proceeds from borrowings	418	266
Payments on borrowings	(241)	(3)
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	0	0
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	0	0
Capital contributions from affiliates	0
Other intercompany financing activities	0	0
Cash dividends paid	(256)	(251)
Exercise of employee stock options	17	33
Repurchase of shares	(100)	(170)
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation	2	0
Other - net	0	(2)
Net cash used in financing activities	(160)	(127)
Effect of currency on cash	13	(15)
Total increase (decrease) in cash	65	(118)
Cash at the beginning of the period	268	781
Cash at the end of the period	333	663
Eaton Corporation plc [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(139)	(82)
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	0	0
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	0
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	0	0
Investments in affiliates	(1,250)
Loans to affiliates	0	0
Repayments of loans from affiliates	0	0
Other - net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,250)	0
Proceeds from borrowings	0	0
Payments on borrowings	0	0
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	1,738	500
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	(10)	(24)
Capital contributions from affiliates	0
Other intercompany financing activities	0	0
Cash dividends paid	(256)	(251)
Exercise of employee stock options	17	33
Repurchase of shares	(100)	(170)
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation	0
Other - net		0
Net cash used in financing activities	1,389	88
Effect of currency on cash	0	0
Total increase (decrease) in cash	0	6
Cash at the beginning of the period	0	1
Cash at the end of the period	0	7
Eaton Corporation [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(47)	(187)
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(22)	(21)
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	0	0
Investments in affiliates	0
Loans to affiliates	(101)	(154)
Repayments of loans from affiliates	1,255	0
Other - net	8	(20)
Net cash used in investing activities	1,140	(195)
Proceeds from borrowings	418	250
Payments on borrowings	(1)	(2)
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	264	2,982
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	(1,635)	(2,826)
Capital contributions from affiliates	0
Other intercompany financing activities	(161)	(159)
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0
Repurchase of shares	0	0
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation	2
Other - net		0
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,113)	245
Effect of currency on cash	0	0
Total increase (decrease) in cash	(20)	(137)
Cash at the beginning of the period	26	173
Cash at the end of the period	6	36
Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	73	19
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(23)	(26)
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	1	0
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	2	0
Investments in affiliates	0
Loans to affiliates	0	0
Repayments of loans from affiliates	0	11
Other - net	11	19
Net cash used in investing activities	(9)	4
Proceeds from borrowings	0	0
Payments on borrowings	(240)	0
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	156	153
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	(1,247)	0
Capital contributions from affiliates	1,250
Other intercompany financing activities	16	68
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0
Repurchase of shares	0	0
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation	0
Other - net		0
Net cash used in financing activities	(65)	221
Effect of currency on cash	0	0
Total increase (decrease) in cash	(1)	244
Cash at the beginning of the period	7	13
Cash at the end of the period	6	257
Other subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	484	327
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(66)	(58)
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	(38)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	(55)	99
Investments in affiliates	(1,250)
Loans to affiliates	(2,158)	(3,482)
Repayments of loans from affiliates	1,645	2,850
Other - net	(15)	(8)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,899)	(637)
Proceeds from borrowings	0	16
Payments on borrowings	0	(1)
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	101	1
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	(8)	(11)
Capital contributions from affiliates	1,250
Other intercompany financing activities	145	91
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0
Repurchase of shares	0	0
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation	0
Other - net		(2)
Net cash used in financing activities	1,488	94
Effect of currency on cash	13	(15)
Total increase (decrease) in cash	86	(231)
Cash at the beginning of the period	235	594
Cash at the end of the period	321	363
Consolidating adjustments [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	0	0
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	0	0
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	0	0
Investments in affiliates	2,500
Loans to affiliates	2,259	3,636
Repayments of loans from affiliates	(2,900)	(2,861)
Other - net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	1,859	775
Proceeds from borrowings	0	0
Payments on borrowings	0	0
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	(2,259)	(3,636)
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	2,900	2,861
Capital contributions from affiliates	(2,500)
Other intercompany financing activities	0	0
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0
Repurchase of shares	0	0
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation	0
Other - net		0
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,859)	(775)
Effect of currency on cash	0	0
Total increase (decrease) in cash	0	0
Cash at the beginning of the period	0	0
Cash at the end of the period	$ 0	$ 0