Eaton (ETN) 10-Q 1 May 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018shares
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, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
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 (in shares)	437.3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 5,251	$ 4,848
Cost of products sold	3,573	3,307
Selling and administrative expense	889	876
Research and development expense	156	143
Interest expense - net	70	61
Other income - net	(2)	(6)
Income before income taxes	565	467
Income tax expense	78	33
Net income	487	434
Less net loss for noncontrolling interests	1	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 488	$ 434
Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 1.10	$ 0.96
Basic (usd per share)	$ 1.11	$ 0.97
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding
Diluted (shares)	441.7	451
Basic (shares)	438.8	448.8
Cash dividends declared per ordinary share (usd per share)	$ 0.66	$ 0.6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 487	$ 434
Less net loss for noncontrolling interests	1	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	488	434
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Currency translation and related hedging instruments	257	228
Pensions and other postretirement benefits	26	33
Cash flow hedges	13	2
Other comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	296	263
Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 784	$ 697

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets
Cash	$ 317	$ 561
Short-term investments	510	534
Accounts receivable - net	4,005	3,943
Inventory	2,745	2,620
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	552	679
Total current assets	8,129	8,337
Land and buildings	2,531	2,491
Machinery and equipment	6,135	6,014
Gross property, plant and equipment	8,666	8,505
Accumulated depreciation	(5,123)	(5,003)
Net property, plant and equipment	3,543	3,502
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	13,698	13,568
Other intangible assets	5,206	5,265
Deferred income taxes	356	253
Other assets	1,736	1,698
Total assets	32,668	32,623
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	185	6
Current portion of long-term debt	847	578
Accounts payable	2,203	2,166
Accrued compensation	300	453
Other current liabilities	1,861	1,872
Total current liabilities	5,396	5,075
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	6,845	7,167
Pension liabilities	1,225	1,226
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	359	362
Deferred income taxes	557	538
Other noncurrent liabilities	985	965
Total noncurrent liabilities	9,971	10,258
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders’ equity	17,263	17,253
Noncontrolling interests	38	37
Total equity	17,301	17,290
Total liabilities and equity	$ 32,668	$ 32,623

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Operating activities
Net income	$ 487	$ 434
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	230	225
Deferred income taxes	(12)	(37)
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	43	51
Contributions to pension plans	(40)	(128)
Contributions to other postretirement benefits plans	(5)	(6)
Changes in working capital	(459)	(166)
Other - net	95	90
Net cash provided by operating activities	339	463
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(131)	(116)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	31	(93)
Other - net	(37)	(20)
Net cash used in investing activities	(137)	(229)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	179	194
Payments on borrowings	(33)	(254)
Cash dividends paid	(284)	(263)
Exercise of employee stock options	19	38
Repurchase of shares	(300)	(255)
Employee taxes paid from shares withheld	(23)	(20)
Other - net	(1)	(3)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(443)	(563)
Effect of currency on cash	(3)	8
Total decrease in cash	(244)	(321)
Cash at the beginning of the period	561	543
Cash at the end of the period	$ 317	$ 222

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 2017 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 2018, Eaton re-segmented certain reportable operating segments due to a reorganization of the Company's businesses. The new reportable business segment is eMobility (which includes certain legacy Electrical Products and Vehicle product lines). For the reportable segments that were re-segmented, previously reported segment financial information has been updated for 2016 and 2017. See Note 13 for additional information related to these segments. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Revenue Recognition Sales are recognized when control of promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Control is transferred when the customer has the ability to direct the use of and obtain benefits from the goods or services. The majority of the Company’s sales agreements contain performance obligations satisfied at a point in time when control is transferred to the customer. Sales recognized over time are generally accounted for using an input measure to determine progress completed at the end of the period. Sales for service contracts generally are recognized as the services are provided. For agreements with multiple performance obligations, judgment is required to determine whether performance obligations specified in these agreements are distinct and should be accounted for as separate revenue transactions for recognition purposes. In these types of agreements, we generally allocate sales price to each distinct obligation based on the price of each item sold in separate transactions. Payment terms vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. Generally, the time between when revenue is recognized and payment is due is not significant. Eaton does not evaluate whether the selling price includes a financing interest component for contracts that are less than a year. Sales, value add, and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue are excluded from sales. Shipping and handling costs are treated as fulfillment costs and are included in Cost of products sold. Eaton records reductions to sales for returns, and customer and distributor incentives, primarily comprised of rebates, at the time of the initial sale. Rebates are estimated based on sales terms, historical experience, trend analysis, and projected market conditions in the various markets served. The rebate programs offered vary across businesses due to the numerous markets Eaton serves, but the most common incentives relate to amounts paid or credited to customers for achieving defined volume levels. Returns are estimated at the time of the sale primarily based on historical experience and recorded gross on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 3 for additional information. Adoption of New Accounting Standards Eaton adopted Accounting Standard Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, at the start of the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective approach and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings based on the current terms and conditions for open contracts as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated financial statements. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Consolidated Balance Sheet Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments due to ASU 2014-09 Balance at January 1, 2018 Assets Accounts receivable - net $ 3,943 $ (99 ) $ 3,844 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 679 129 808 Deferred income taxes 253 1 254 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Other current liabilities $ 1,872 $ 33 $ 1,905 Eaton shareholders' equity 17,253 (2 ) 17,251 Eaton adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (ASU 2016-16), at the start of the first quarter of 2018. This accounting standard requires companies to recognize the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers of assets other than inventory in the period in which the transfer occurs. The previous accounting standard required companies to defer the income tax effects of intercompany transfers of assets by recording a prepaid tax, until such assets were sold to an outside party or otherwise recognized. ASU 2016-16 requires companies to write off any income tax amounts that had been deferred as prepaid taxes from past intercompany transactions, and record deferred tax balances for amounts that have not been recognized, through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $199 to reduce retained earnings. Eaton adopted Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (ASU 2017-07), at the start of the first quarter of 2018. The new standard requires companies to present service costs consistent with other employee compensation costs on the income statement and separate from all other elements of pension costs. The retrospective adoption of this standard resulted in a reduction in selling and administrative expense with a corresponding decrease in Other income - net of $1 and $9 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement In February 2016, the 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. A project team has been formed to evaluate and implement the new standard. The project team is working to gather the data required to account for leases under the new standard, and validating the functionality of third-party lease accounting software. In addition, the Company is in the process of identifying and implementing the appropriate changes to business processes and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new standard. Eaton plans to adopt the standard as of the first quarter of 2019. 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.

ACQUISITION INTEGRATION CHARGES

ACQUISITION INTEGRATION CHARGES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 March 31 2018 2017 Electrical Products $ — $ 1 Total acquisition integration charges before income taxes — 1 Income taxes — — Total after income taxes $ — $ 1 Per ordinary share - diluted $ — $ — Business segment acquisition integration charges in 2017 related to the integration of Ephesus Lighting, Inc. (Ephesus), which was acquired in 2015. The charges associated with Ephesus were included in Selling and administrative expense. In Business Segment Information, the charges reduced Operating profit of the related business segment. See Note 13 for additional information about business segments.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

REVENUE RECOGNITION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
REVENUE RECOGNITION	REVENUE RECOGNITION Sales are recognized when obligations under the terms of the contract are satisfied and control of promised goods or services have transferred to our customers. Sales are measured at the amount of consideration the Company expects to be paid in exchange for these products or services. The majority of the Company’s sales agreements contain performance obligations satisfied at a point in time when title and risk and rewards of ownership have transferred to the customer. Sales recognized over time are less than 5% of Eaton’s Consolidated Net Sales. Sales recognized over time are generally accounted for using an input measure to determine progress completed at the end of the period. Sales for service contracts generally are recognized as the services are provided. For agreements with multiple performance obligations, judgment is required to determine whether performance obligations specified in these agreements are distinct and should be accounted for as separate revenue transactions for recognition purposes. In these types of agreements, we generally allocate sales price to each distinct obligation based on the price of each item sold in separate transactions. Due to the nature of the work required to be performed for obligations recognized over time, Eaton estimates total costs by contract. The estimate of total costs are subject to judgment. Estimated amounts are included in the recognized sales price to the extent it is not probable that a significant reversal of cumulative sales will occur. Additionally, contracts can be modified to account for changes in contract specifications, requirements or sale price. The effect of a contract modification on the sales price or adjustments to the measure of completion under the input method are recognized as adjustments to revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis. Payment terms vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. Generally, the time between when revenue is recognized and when payment is due is not significant. Eaton does not evaluate whether the selling price includes a financing interest component for contracts that are less than a year. Sales, value add, and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue are excluded from sales. Shipping and handling costs are treated as fulfillment costs and are included in Cost of products sold. Eaton records reductions to sales for returns, and customer and distributor incentives, primarily comprised of rebates, at the time of the initial sale. Rebates are estimated based on sales terms, historical experience, trend analysis, and projected market conditions in the various markets served. The rebate programs offered vary across businesses due to the numerous markets Eaton serves, but the most common incentives relate to amounts paid or credited to customers for achieving defined volume levels. Returns are estimated at the time of the sale primarily based on historical experience and are recorded gross on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Sales commissions are expensed when the amortization period is less than a year and are generally not capitalized as they are typically earned at the completion of the contract when the customer is invoiced or when the customer pays Eaton. Sales of products and services varies by segment and are discussed in Note 15 of Eaton’s 2017 Form 10-K and in Note 13. In the Electrical Products segment, sales contracts are primarily for electrical components, industrial components, residential products, single phase power quality, emergency lighting, fire detection, wiring devices, structural support systems, circuit protection, and lighting products. These sales contracts are primarily based on a customer’s purchase order followed by our order acknowledgement, and may also include a master supply or distributor agreement. In this segment, performance obligations are generally satisfied at a point in time either when we ship the product from our facility, or when it arrives at the customer’s facility. In the Electrical Systems and Services segment, sales contracts are primarily for power distribution and assemblies, three phase power quality, hazardous duty electrical equipment, intrinsically safe explosion-proof instrumentation, utility power distribution, power reliability equipment, and services. The majority of the sales contracts in this segment contain performance obligations satisfied at a point in time either when we ship the product from our facility, or when it arrives at the customer’s facility; however, certain power distribution and power quality services are recognized over time. Many of the products and services in power distribution and power quality services meet the definition of continuous transfer of control to customers and are recognized over time. These products are engineered to a customer’s design specifications, have no alternative use to Eaton, and are controlled by the customer as evidenced by the customer’s contractual ownership of the work in process or our right to payment for work performed to date plus a reasonable margin. As control is transferring over time, sales are recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the obligation. Eaton generally uses an input method to determine the progress completed and sales are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred. Incurred cost represent work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the customer. In the Hydraulics segment, sales contracts are primarily for hydraulic components and systems for industrial and mobile equipment. These sales contracts are primarily based on a customer’s purchase order. In this segment, performance obligations are generally satisfied at a point in time when we ship the product from our facility. In the Aerospace segment, sales contracts are primarily for aerospace fuel, hydraulics, and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use. These sales contracts are primarily based on a customer’s purchase order, and frequently covered by terms and conditions included in a long-term agreement. In this segment, performance obligations are generally satisfied at a point in time either when we ship the product from our facility, or when it arrives at the customer’s facility. Our military contracts are primarily fixed-price contracts that are not subject to performance-based payments or progress payments from the customer. In the Vehicle segment, sales contracts are primarily for drivetrains, powertrain systems and critical components that reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, stability, performance, and safety of cars, light trucks and commercial vehicles. These sales contracts are primarily based on a customer’s purchase order or a blanket purchase order subject to firm releases, frequently covered by terms and conditions included in a master supply agreement. In this segment, performance obligations are generally satisfied at a point in time either when we ship the product from our facility, or when it arrives at the customer’s facility. In the eMobility segment, sales contracts are primarily for electronic and mechanical components and systems that improves the power management and performance of both on-road and off-road vehicles. These sales contracts are primarily based on a customer’s purchase order. In this segment, performance obligations are generally satisfied at a point in time either when we ship the product from our facility, or when it arrives at the customer’s facility. In limited circumstances, primarily in the Electrical and Vehicle segments, Eaton sells separately-priced warranties that extend the warranty coverage beyond the standard coverage offered on specific products. Sales for these separately-priced warranties are recorded based on their stand-alone selling price and are recognized as revenue over the length of the warranty period. The Company’s six operating segments and the following tables disaggregate sales by lines of businesses, geographic destination, market channel or end market. Net sales United States Rest of world Total Electrical Products $ 960 $ 772 $ 1,732 Electrical Systems and Services 894 487 1,381 Hydraulics 297 413 710 Original Equipment Manufacturers Aftermarket, Distribution and End User Aerospace $ 264 $ 194 458 Commercial Passenger and Light Duty Vehicle $ 430 $ 463 893 eMobility 77 Total $ 5,251 The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable, unbilled receivables (revenue recognized exceeds amount billed to the customer), and deferred revenue (advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized). Accounts receivables from customers were $3,520 and $3,399 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Amounts are billed as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms, either at periodic intervals or upon achievement of contractual milestones. These assets and liabilities are reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. Unbilled receivables were $129 and $117 at March 31, 2018 and January 1, 2018, respectively, and are recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets. The increase in the unbilled receivables was primarily due to revenue recognized and not yet billed, partially offset by billings to customers during the quarter. Changes in the deferred revenue liabilities are as follows: Deferred Revenue Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 227 Customer deposits and billings 232 Revenue recognized in the period (209 ) Translation 1 Balance at March 31, 2018 $ 251 A significant portion of open orders placed with Eaton are by original equipment manufacturers or distributors. These open orders are not considered firm as they have been historically subject to releases by customers. In measuring backlog of unsatisfied or partially satisfied obligations, only the amount of orders to which customers are firmly committed are included. Using this criterion, total backlog at March 31, 2018 was approximately $5.2 billion . Eaton expects to recognize approximately 88% of this backlog in the next twelve months and the rest thereafter. Impact of new accounting standard In accordance with the new revenue accounting requirements, the impact of the adoption on the financial statement line items within the accompanying financial statements was as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income As Reported Adjustment Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 Net sales $ 5,251 $ (7 ) $ 5,244 Cost of products sold 3,573 (4 ) 3,569 Income before income taxes 565 (3 ) 562 Income tax expense 78 (1 ) 77 Net income 487 (2 ) 485 Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 488 $ (2 ) $ 486 March 31, 2018 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets As Reported Adjustment Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 Assets Accounts receivable - net $ 4,005 $ 107 $ 4,112 Inventory 2,745 3 2,748 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 552 (139 ) 413 Deferred income taxes 356 (1 ) 355 Liabilities Other current liabilities $ 1,861 $ (30 ) $ 1,831

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	RESTRUCTURING CHARGES During 2015, Eaton announced its commitment to undertake actions to reduce its cost structure in all business segments and at corporate. The multi-year initiative concluded at the end of 2017. A summary of liabilities related to workforce reductions, plant closings and other associated costs announced as part of this program follows: Workforce reductions Plant closings and other Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 113 $ 1 $ 114 Liability recognized 57 59 116 Payments (102 ) (39 ) (141 ) Other adjustments (1 ) (16 ) (17 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 67 5 72 Payments (13 ) (3 ) (16 ) Other adjustments (8 ) — (8 ) Balance at March 31, 2018 $ 46 $ 2 $ 48

GOODWILL

GOODWILL	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL	GOODWILL Change in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment follows: December 31, Translation March 31, Electrical Products $ 6,678 $ 77 $ 6,755 Electrical Systems and Services 4,311 42 4,353 Hydraulics 1,257 5 1,262 Aerospace 947 4 951 Vehicle 294 1 295 eMobility 81 1 82 Total $ 13,568 $ 130 $ 13,698 Eaton re-segmented certain reportable operating segments due to a reorganization of the Company's businesses. The new reportable business segment is eMobility (which includes certain legacy Electrical Products and Vehicle product lines). The Company used the relative fair value method to reallocate goodwill to the associated reporting units.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS PLANS

RETIREMENT BENEFITS PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [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 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 Service cost $ 25 $ 24 $ 16 $ 17 $ 1 $ 1 Interest cost 30 31 14 13 3 3 Expected return on plan assets (63 ) (61 ) (27 ) (23 ) (1 ) (1 ) Amortization 24 20 10 13 (3 ) (3 ) 16 14 13 20 — — Settlements 14 17 — — — — Total expense $ 30 $ 31 $ 13 $ 20 $ — $ — The components of retirement benefits expense other than service costs are included in Other income - net.

LEGAL CONTINGENCIES

LEGAL CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 and proceedings. 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 2011, Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Company, Inc. (“Pepsi”) filed an action against (a) Cooper Industries, LLC, Cooper Industries, Ltd., Cooper Holdings, Ltd., Cooper US, Inc., and Cooper Industries plc (collectively, “Cooper”), (b) M&F Worldwide Corp., Mafco Worldwide Corp., Mafco Consolidated Group LLC, and PCT International Holdings, Inc. (collectively, “Mafco”), and (c) the Pneumo Abex Asbestos Claims Settlement Trust (the “Trust”) in Texas state court. Pepsi alleged that it was harmed by a 2011 settlement agreement (“2011 Settlement”) among Cooper, Mafco, and Pneumo Abex, LLC (“Pneumo,” which prior to the 2011 Settlement was a Mafco subsidiary), which settlement resolved litigation that Pneumo had previously brought against Cooper involving, among other things, a guaranty related to Pneumo’s friction products business. In November 2015, after a Texas court ruled that Pepsi's claims should be heard in arbitration, Pepsi filed a demand for arbitration against Cooper, Mafco, the Trust, and Pneumo. Pepsi subsequently dropped claims against all parties except Cooper. An arbitration under the auspices of the American Arbitration Association commenced in October 2017. Pepsi’s experts have opined, among other things, that the value contributed to the Trust for a release of the guaranty was approximately $440 below reasonably equivalent value, and that an inability of Pneumo to satisfy future liabilities may result in plaintiffs suing Pepsi under various theories. Cooper submitted various expert reports and, among other things, Cooper’s experts have opined that Pepsi has no basis to seek any damages and that Cooper paid reasonably equivalent value for the release of its indemnity obligations under the guaranty. The arbitration proceedings closed in December 2017. The parties are awaiting the issuance of a decision. The Company believes that the claims of Pepsi are without merit, and that the ultimate resolution of this matter will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2018 was expense of 13.8% compared to expense of 7.0% for the first quarter of 2017. The increase in the effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2018 was due to the impact of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) and the impact of realization of a foreign deferred tax asset in the first quarter of 2017. The TCJA was enacted on December 22, 2017 and the Company recorded provisional tax amounts in the fourth quarter of 2017 for the remeasurement of deferred tax balances, including valuation allowances related to the realization of deferred tax assets, and the one-time transition tax. The Company continues to analyze aspects of the TCJA, including potential impact to the provisional amounts recorded for the remeasurement of deferred tax balances and related valuation allowances, and the one-time transition tax. The Company did not record any adjustments to the 2017 provisional tax amounts in the first quarter of 2018.

EQUITY

EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
EQUITY	EQUITY During the first quarter of 2018 and 2017, 3.7 million and 3.6 million ordinary shares, respectively, were repurchased under the 2016 Program in the open market at a total cost of $300 and $255 , respectively. The changes in Shareholders’ equity follow: Eaton shareholders’ equity Noncontrolling interests Total equity Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 17,253 $ 37 $ 17,290 Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2014-09 (2 ) — (2 ) Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-16 (199 ) — (199 ) Net income (loss) 488 (1 ) 487 Other comprehensive income 296 — 296 Cash dividends paid and accrued (290 ) — (290 ) Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net 17 — 17 Repurchase of shares (300 ) — (300 ) Changes in noncontrolling interest - net — 2 2 Balance at March 31, 2018 $ 17,263 $ 38 $ 17,301 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, 2017 $ (2,255 ) $ (1,139 ) $ (10 ) $ (3,404 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 257 (12 ) 10 255 Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) — 38 3 41 Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss) 257 26 13 296 Balance at March 31, 2018 $ (1,998 ) $ (1,113 ) $ 3 $ (3,108 ) The reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss follow: Three months ended March 31, 2018 Consolidated statements of income classification Amortization of defined benefit pensions and other postretirement benefits items Actuarial loss and prior service cost $ (45 ) 1 Tax benefit 7 Total, net of tax (38 ) Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges Currency exchange contracts (4 ) Cost of products sold Tax benefit 1 Total, net of tax (3 ) Total reclassifications for the period $ (41 ) 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 March 31 (Shares in millions) 2018 2017 Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 488 $ 434 Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted 441.7 451.0 Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation 2.9 2.2 Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic 438.8 448.8 Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders Diluted $ 1.10 $ 0.96 Basic 1.11 0.97 For the first quarter of 2018 and 2017, 0.1 million and 1.2 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.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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, 2018 Cash $ 317 $ 317 $ — $ — Short-term investments 510 510 — — Net derivative contracts (13 ) — (13 ) — December 31, 2017 Cash $ 561 $ 561 $ — $ — Short-term investments 534 534 — — Net derivative contracts 36 — 36 — 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 $7,692 and fair value of $7,790 at March 31, 2018 compared to $7,745 and $8,048 , respectively, at December 31, 2017 . 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, 2018
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. The cash flows resulting from these financial instruments are classified in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 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 as non-derivative net investment hedging instruments on an after-tax basis was $94 at March 31, 2018 and $88 at December 31, 2017 , and designated on a pre-tax basis was $670 at March 31, 2018 and $652 at December 31, 2017 . 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, 2018 Derivatives designated as hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 2,965 $ — $ 21 $ 2 $ 37 Fair value 2 months to 17 years Currency exchange contracts 990 9 13 15 1 Cash flow 1 to 36 months Total $ 9 $ 34 $ 17 $ 38 Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 3,543 $ 19 $ 20 1 to 12 months Commodity contracts 17 — — 1 to 12 months Total $ 19 $ 20 December 31, 2017 Derivatives designated as hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 2,965 $ 1 $ 41 $ — $ 17 Fair value 6 months to 17 years Currency exchange contracts 924 7 7 22 2 Cash flow 1 to 36 months Total $ 8 $ 48 $ 22 $ 19 Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 3,719 $ 39 $ 19 1 to 12 months Commodity contracts 13 1 — 1 to 12 months Total $ 40 $ 19 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 2018 2017 2018 2017 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 13 $ (1 ) Cost of products sold $ (4 ) $ (4 ) Total $ 13 $ (1 ) $ (4 ) $ (4 ) Amounts recognized in net income follow: Three months ended March 31 2018 2017 Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ (43 ) $ (11 ) Related long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps 43 11 $ — $ — Gains and losses described above were recognized in Interest expense - net.

INVENTORY

INVENTORY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORY	INVENTORY Inventory is carried at lower of cost or net realizable value. The components of inventory follow: March 31, December 31, Raw materials $ 1,019 $ 953 Work-in-process 523 471 Finished goods 1,203 1,196 Total inventory $ 2,745 $ 2,620

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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. During the first quarter of 2018, Eaton re-segmented certain reportable operating segments due to a reorganization of the Company's businesses. The new reportable business segment is eMobility (which includes certain legacy Electrical Products and Vehicle product lines). The eMobility segment designs, manufactures, markets, and supplies electrical and electronic components and systems that improve the power management and performance of both on-road and off-road vehicles. Products include high voltage inverters, converters, fuses, onboard chargers, circuit protection units, vehicle controls, power distribution, fuel tank isolation valves, and commercial vehicle hybrid systems. The principal markets for the eMobility segment are original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket customers of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and construction, agriculture, and mining equipment. Eaton’s operating segments are Electrical Products, Electrical Systems and Services, Hydraulics, Aerospace, Vehicle, and eMobility. 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 2017 Form 10-K. Three months ended March 31 2018 2017 Net sales Electrical Products $ 1,732 $ 1,651 Electrical Systems and Services 1,381 1,333 Hydraulics 710 587 Aerospace 458 428 Vehicle 893 786 eMobility 77 63 Total net sales $ 5,251 $ 4,848 Segment operating profit Electrical Products $ 307 $ 286 Electrical Systems and Services 167 155 Hydraulics 90 60 Aerospace 89 79 Vehicle 132 108 eMobility 11 11 Total segment operating profit 796 699 Corporate Amortization of intangible assets (98 ) (94 ) Interest expense - net (70 ) (61 ) Pension and other postretirement benefits expense (2 ) (11 ) Other corporate expense - net (61 ) (66 ) Income before income taxes 565 467 Income tax expense 78 33 Net income 487 434 Less net loss for noncontrolling interests 1 — Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 488 $ 434 New Business Segments - Results of Operations For the reportable segments that were re-segmented, previously reported segment financial information has been updated for all periods reported in 2016 and 2017. The re-segmentation did not impact previously reported consolidated results of operations. Electrical Products Year ended December 31, 2017 Quarter ended in 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Quarter ended in 2016 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Net sales $ 6,917 $ 1,750 $ 1,785 $ 1,731 $ 1,651 $ 6,703 $ 1,665 $ 1,705 $ 1,717 $ 1,616 Operating profit $ 1,233 $ 318 $ 330 $ 299 $ 286 $ 1,186 $ 305 $ 317 $ 304 $ 260 Operating margin 17.8 % 18.2 % 18.5 % 17.3 % 17.3 % 17.7 % 18.3 % 18.6 % 17.7 % 16.1 % Acquisition integration charges $ 4 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ 3 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ — Before acquisition integration charges Operating profit $ 1,237 $ 319 $ 331 $ 300 $ 287 $ 1,189 $ 306 $ 318 $ 305 $ 260 Operating margin 17.9 % 18.2 % 18.5 % 17.3 % 17.4 % 17.7 % 18.4 % 18.7 % 17.8 % 16.1 % Vehicle Year ended December 31, 2017 Quarter ended in 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Quarter ended in 2016 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Net sales $ 3,326 $ 837 $ 858 $ 845 $ 786 $ 3,141 $ 739 $ 784 $ 825 $ 793 Operating profit $ 541 $ 142 $ 150 $ 141 $ 108 $ 471 $ 97 $ 122 $ 135 $ 117 Operating margin 16.3 % 17.0 % 17.5 % 16.7 % 13.7 % 15.0 % 13.1 % 15.6 % 16.4 % 14.8 % eMobility Year ended December 31, 2017 Quarter ended in 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Quarter ended in 2016 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Net sales $ 283 $ 73 $ 75 $ 72 $ 63 $ 266 $ 63 $ 64 $ 73 $ 66 Operating profit $ 50 $ 10 $ 16 $ 13 $ 11 $ 57 $ 11 $ 14 $ 20 $ 12 Operating margin 17.7 % 13.7 % 21.3 % 18.1 % 17.5 % 21.4 % 17.5 % 21.9 % 27.4 % 18.2 %

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCI

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Registered Senior Notes issued by Eaton Corporation are registered under the Securities Act of 1933. Eaton and certain 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 Registered 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. See Note 6 of Eaton's 2017 Form 10-K for additional information related to the Registered Senior Notes. 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 2018 and 2017, 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, 2018 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,689 $ 1,700 $ 3,191 $ (1,329 ) $ 5,251 Cost of products sold — 1,352 1,236 2,310 (1,325 ) 3,573 Selling and administrative expense 3 341 178 367 — 889 Research and development expense — 39 41 76 — 156 Interest expense (income) - net — 68 4 (1 ) (1 ) 70 Other expense (income) - net 18 5 (9 ) (16 ) — (2 ) Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax (514 ) (178 ) (829 ) (659 ) 2,180 — Intercompany expense (income) - net 5 (21 ) 486 (470 ) — — Income (loss) before income taxes 488 83 593 1,584 (2,183 ) 565 Income tax expense (benefit) — (6 ) (14 ) 99 (1 ) 78 Net income (loss) 488 89 607 1,485 (2,182 ) 487 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests — — — 1 — 1 Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 488 $ 89 $ 607 $ 1,486 $ (2,182 ) $ 488 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 296 $ 38 $ 296 $ 613 $ (947 ) $ 296 Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 784 $ 127 $ 903 $ 2,099 $ (3,129 ) $ 784 CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,572 $ 1,656 $ 2,930 $ (1,310 ) $ 4,848 Cost of products sold — 1,251 1,228 2,140 (1,312 ) 3,307 Selling and administrative expense 32 317 199 328 — 876 Research and development expense — 54 49 40 — 143 Interest expense (income) - net — 62 5 (5 ) (1 ) 61 Other expense (income) - net 7 10 1 (24 ) — (6 ) Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax (583 ) 169 (790 ) (658 ) 1,862 — Intercompany expense (income) - net 110 (30 ) 338 (418 ) — — Income (loss) before income taxes 434 (261 ) 626 1,527 (1,859 ) 467 Income tax expense (benefit) — (3 ) 16 18 2 33 Net income (loss) 434 (258 ) 610 1,509 (1,861 ) 434 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests — — — (1 ) 1 — Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 434 $ (258 ) $ 610 $ 1,508 $ (1,860 ) $ 434 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 263 $ 63 $ 262 $ 516 $ (841 ) $ 263 Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 697 $ (195 ) $ 872 $ 2,024 $ (2,701 ) $ 697 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS MARCH 31, 2018 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Assets Current assets Cash $ — $ 10 $ 6 $ 301 $ — $ 317 Short-term investments — — — 510 — 510 Accounts receivable - net — 453 1,407 2,145 — 4,005 Intercompany accounts receivable 3 1,607 1,724 2,952 (6,286 ) — Inventory — 517 766 1,549 (87 ) 2,745 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 108 97 317 30 552 Total current assets 3 2,695 4,000 7,774 (6,343 ) 8,129 Property, plant and equipment - net — 841 698 2,004 — 3,543 Other noncurrent assets Goodwill — 1,317 6,705 5,676 — 13,698 Other intangible assets — 135 3,168 1,903 — 5,206 Deferred income taxes — 360 3 298 (305 ) 356 Investment in subsidiaries 15,651 9,742 54,848 23,602 (103,843 ) — Intercompany loans receivable 3,122 3,235 5,313 64,992 (76,662 ) — Other assets — 741 166 829 — 1,736 Total assets $ 18,776 $ 19,066 $ 74,901 $ 107,078 $ (187,153 ) $ 32,668 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ — $ 90 $ — $ 95 $ — $ 185 Current portion of long-term debt — 844 2 1 — 847 Accounts payable — 504 392 1,307 — 2,203 Intercompany accounts payable 6 1,388 3,243 1,649 (6,286 ) — Accrued compensation — 46 31 223 — 300 Other current liabilities 8 492 311 1,050 — 1,861 Total current liabilities 14 3,364 3,979 4,325 (6,286 ) 5,396 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt — 5,841 995 9 — 6,845 Pension liabilities — 333 88 804 — 1,225 Other postretirement benefits liabilities — 191 95 73 — 359 Deferred income taxes — — 605 257 (305 ) 557 Intercompany loans payable 1,499 3,955 70,262 946 (76,662 ) — Other noncurrent liabilities — 330 270 385 — 985 Total noncurrent liabilities 1,499 10,650 72,315 2,474 (76,967 ) 9,971 Shareholders’ equity Eaton shareholders' equity 17,263 5,052 (1,393 ) 100,241 (103,900 ) 17,263 Noncontrolling interests — — — 38 — 38 Total equity 17,263 5,052 (1,393 ) 100,279 (103,900 ) 17,301 Total liabilities and equity $ 18,776 $ 19,066 $ 74,901 $ 107,078 $ (187,153 ) $ 32,668 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2017 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Assets Current assets Cash $ — $ 183 $ 18 $ 360 $ — $ 561 Short-term investments — — — 534 — 534 Accounts receivable - net — 482 1,376 2,085 — 3,943 Intercompany accounts receivable 8 2,865 5,155 2,716 (10,744 ) — Inventory — 473 737 1,493 (83 ) 2,620 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 229 145 277 28 679 Total current assets 8 4,232 7,431 7,465 (10,799 ) 8,337 Property, plant and equipment - net — 859 702 1,941 — 3,502 Other noncurrent assets Goodwill — 1,316 6,705 5,547 — 13,568 Other intangible assets — 138 3,206 1,921 — 5,265 Deferred income taxes — 356 6 215 (324 ) 253 Investment in subsidiaries 15,045 9,503 75,379 39,848 (139,775 ) — Intercompany loans receivable 3,122 7,105 2,909 61,427 (74,563 ) — Other assets — 748 166 784 — 1,698 Total assets $ 18,175 $ 24,257 $ 96,504 $ 119,148 $ (225,461 ) $ 32,623 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ — $ — $ — $ 6 $ — $ 6 Current portion of long-term debt — 542 35 1 — 578 Accounts payable — 549 330 1,287 — 2,166 Intercompany accounts payable 4 4,917 4,418 1,405 (10,744 ) — Accrued compensation — 128 65 260 — 453 Other current liabilities 1 566 317 989 (1 ) 1,872 Total current liabilities 5 6,702 5,165 3,948 (10,745 ) 5,075 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt — 6,180 976 9 2 7,167 Pension liabilities — 341 89 796 — 1,226 Other postretirement benefits liabilities — 192 96 74 — 362 Deferred income taxes — — 607 255 (324 ) 538 Intercompany loans payable 917 3,808 68,685 1,153 (74,563 ) — Other noncurrent liabilities — 314 273 378 — 965 Total noncurrent liabilities 917 10,835 70,726 2,665 (74,885 ) 10,258 Shareholders’ equity Eaton shareholders' equity 17,253 6,720 20,613 112,498 (139,831 ) 17,253 Noncontrolling interests — — — 37 — 37 Total equity 17,253 6,720 20,613 112,535 (139,831 ) 17,290 Total liabilities and equity $ 18,175 $ 24,257 $ 96,504 $ 119,148 $ (225,461 ) $ 32,623 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2018 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 2 $ (66 ) $ 82 $ 321 $ — $ 339 Investing activities Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment — (23 ) (24 ) (84 ) — (131 ) Sales (purchases) of short-term — — — 31 — 31 Investments in affiliates — (36 ) — — 36 — Loans to affiliates — — (486 ) (1,177 ) 1,663 — Repayments of loans from affiliates — 16 886 1,299 (2,201 ) — Other - net — (15 ) (4 ) (18 ) — (37 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — (58 ) 372 51 (502 ) (137 ) Financing activities Proceeds from borrowings — 90 — 89 — 179 Payments on borrowings — — (33 ) — — (33 ) Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates 585 1,050 28 — (1,663 ) — Payments on borrowings from affiliates (22 ) (1,409 ) (16 ) (754 ) 2,201 — Capital contributions from affiliates — — — 36 (36 ) — Other intercompany financing activities — 237 (441 ) 204 — — Cash dividends paid (284 ) — — — — (284 ) Exercise of employee stock options 19 — — — — 19 Repurchase of shares (300 ) — — — — (300 ) Employee taxes paid from shares withheld — (16 ) (4 ) (3 ) — (23 ) Other - net — (1 ) — — — (1 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (2 ) (49 ) (466 ) (428 ) 502 (443 ) Effect of currency on cash — — — (3 ) — (3 ) Total increase (decrease) in cash — (173 ) (12 ) (59 ) — (244 ) Cash at the beginning of the period — 183 18 360 — 561 Cash at the end of the period $ — $ 10 $ 6 $ 301 $ — $ 317 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 611 $ 430 $ 733 $ 196 $ (1,507 ) $ 463 Investing activities Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment — (20 ) (26 ) (70 ) — (116 ) Sales (purchases) of short-term — — — (93 ) — (93 ) Investments in affiliates — (1 ) — — 1 — Loans to affiliates — (6 ) (87 ) (2,348 ) 2,441 — Repayments of loans from affiliates — 19 55 2,195 (2,269 ) — Other - net — (11 ) 2 (11 ) — (20 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — (19 ) (56 ) (327 ) 173 (229 ) Financing activities Proceeds from borrowings — 194 — — — 194 Payments on borrowings — (250 ) — (4 ) — (254 ) Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates 668 1,107 662 4 (2,441 ) — Payments on borrowings from affiliates (800 ) (1,435 ) (17 ) (17 ) 2,269 — Capital contributions from affiliates — — — 1 (1 ) — Other intercompany financing activities — (63 ) (519 ) 582 — — Cash dividends paid (263 ) — — — — (263 ) Cash dividends paid to affiliates — — (800 ) (707 ) 1,507 — Exercise of employee stock options 38 — — — — 38 Repurchase of shares (255 ) — — — — (255 ) Employee taxes paid from shares withheld — (13 ) (4 ) (3 ) — (20 ) Other - net — — (1 ) (2 ) — (3 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (612 ) (460 ) (679 ) (146 ) 1,334 (563 ) Effect of currency on cash — — — 8 — 8 Total increase (decrease) in cash (1 ) (49 ) (2 ) (269 ) — (321 ) Cash at the beginning of the period 1 92 12 438 — 543 Cash at the end of the period $ — $ 43 $ 10 $ 169 $ — $ 222

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 2017 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 2018, Eaton re-segmented certain reportable operating segments due to a reorganization of the Company's businesses. The new reportable business segment is eMobility (which includes certain legacy Electrical Products and Vehicle product lines). For the reportable segments that were re-segmented, previously reported segment financial information has been updated for 2016 and 2017. See Note 13 for additional information related to these segments.
Reclassifications	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Revenue Recognition, Policy	Revenue Recognition Sales are recognized when control of promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Control is transferred when the customer has the ability to direct the use of and obtain benefits from the goods or services. The majority of the Company’s sales agreements contain performance obligations satisfied at a point in time when control is transferred to the customer. Sales recognized over time are generally accounted for using an input measure to determine progress completed at the end of the period. Sales for service contracts generally are recognized as the services are provided. For agreements with multiple performance obligations, judgment is required to determine whether performance obligations specified in these agreements are distinct and should be accounted for as separate revenue transactions for recognition purposes. In these types of agreements, we generally allocate sales price to each distinct obligation based on the price of each item sold in separate transactions. Payment terms vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. Generally, the time between when revenue is recognized and payment is due is not significant. Eaton does not evaluate whether the selling price includes a financing interest component for contracts that are less than a year. Sales, value add, and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue are excluded from sales. Shipping and handling costs are treated as fulfillment costs and are included in Cost of products sold. Eaton records reductions to sales for returns, and customer and distributor incentives, primarily comprised of rebates, at the time of the initial sale. Rebates are estimated based on sales terms, historical experience, trend analysis, and projected market conditions in the various markets served. The rebate programs offered vary across businesses due to the numerous markets Eaton serves, but the most common incentives relate to amounts paid or credited to customers for achieving defined volume levels. Returns are estimated at the time of the sale primarily based on historical experience and recorded gross on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 3 for additional information.
Adoption of ASU 2014-09	Adoption of New Accounting Standards Eaton adopted Accounting Standard Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, at the start of the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective approach and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings based on the current terms and conditions for open contracts as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated financial statements. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Consolidated Balance Sheet Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments due to ASU 2014-09 Balance at January 1, 2018 Assets Accounts receivable - net $ 3,943 $ (99 ) $ 3,844 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 679 129 808 Deferred income taxes 253 1 254 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Other current liabilities $ 1,872 $ 33 $ 1,905 Eaton shareholders' equity 17,253 (2 ) 17,251
Adoption of ASU 2016-16	Eaton adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (ASU 2016-16), at the start of the first quarter of 2018. This accounting standard requires companies to recognize the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers of assets other than inventory in the period in which the transfer occurs. The previous accounting standard required companies to defer the income tax effects of intercompany transfers of assets by recording a prepaid tax, until such assets were sold to an outside party or otherwise recognized. ASU 2016-16 requires companies to write off any income tax amounts that had been deferred as prepaid taxes from past intercompany transactions, and record deferred tax balances for amounts that have not been recognized, through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $199 to reduce retained earnings.
Adoption of ASU 2017-17	Eaton adopted Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (ASU 2017-07), at the start of the first quarter of 2018. The new standard requires companies to present service costs consistent with other employee compensation costs on the income statement and separate from all other elements of pension costs. The retrospective adoption of this standard resulted in a reduction in selling and administrative expense with a corresponding decrease in Other income - net of $1 and $9 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement In February 2016, the 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. A project team has been formed to evaluate and implement the new standard. The project team is working to gather the data required to account for leases under the new standard, and validating the functionality of third-party lease accounting software. In addition, the Company is in the process of identifying and implementing the appropriate changes to business processes and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new standard. Eaton plans to adopt the standard as of the first quarter of 2019. 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.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Tables)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of the Impact of Adoption of ASU 2014-09	Consolidated Balance Sheet Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments due to ASU 2014-09 Balance at January 1, 2018 Assets Accounts receivable - net $ 3,943 $ (99 ) $ 3,844 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 679 129 808 Deferred income taxes 253 1 254 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Other current liabilities $ 1,872 $ 33 $ 1,905 Eaton shareholders' equity 17,253 (2 ) 17,251 In accordance with the new revenue accounting requirements, the impact of the adoption on the financial statement line items within the accompanying financial statements was as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income As Reported Adjustment Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 Net sales $ 5,251 $ (7 ) $ 5,244 Cost of products sold 3,573 (4 ) 3,569 Income before income taxes 565 (3 ) 562 Income tax expense 78 (1 ) 77 Net income 487 (2 ) 485 Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 488 $ (2 ) $ 486 March 31, 2018 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets As Reported Adjustment Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 Assets Accounts receivable - net $ 4,005 $ 107 $ 4,112 Inventory 2,745 3 2,748 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 552 (139 ) 413 Deferred income taxes 356 (1 ) 355 Liabilities Other current liabilities $ 1,861 $ (30 ) $ 1,831

ACQUISITION INTEGRATION CHARG22

ACQUISITION INTEGRATION CHARGES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Acquisitions Integration Charges [Abstract]
Acquisition Integration Charges	Eaton incurs integration charges related to acquired businesses. A summary of these charges follows: Three months ended March 31 2018 2017 Electrical Products $ — $ 1 Total acquisition integration charges before income taxes — 1 Income taxes — — Total after income taxes $ — $ 1 Per ordinary share - diluted $ — $ —

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Disaggregation of Sales	Net sales United States Rest of world Total Electrical Products $ 960 $ 772 $ 1,732 Electrical Systems and Services 894 487 1,381 Hydraulics 297 413 710 Original Equipment Manufacturers Aftermarket, Distribution and End User Aerospace $ 264 $ 194 458 Commercial Passenger and Light Duty Vehicle $ 430 $ 463 893 eMobility 77 Total $ 5,251
Schedule of Changes in Deferred Revenue Liabilities	Changes in the deferred revenue liabilities are as follows: Deferred Revenue Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 227 Customer deposits and billings 232 Revenue recognized in the period (209 ) Translation 1 Balance at March 31, 2018 $ 251
Schedule of the Impact of Adoption of ASU 2014-09	Consolidated Balance Sheet Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments due to ASU 2014-09 Balance at January 1, 2018 Assets Accounts receivable - net $ 3,943 $ (99 ) $ 3,844 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 679 129 808 Deferred income taxes 253 1 254 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Other current liabilities $ 1,872 $ 33 $ 1,905 Eaton shareholders' equity 17,253 (2 ) 17,251 In accordance with the new revenue accounting requirements, the impact of the adoption on the financial statement line items within the accompanying financial statements was as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2018 Consolidated Statements of Income As Reported Adjustment Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 Net sales $ 5,251 $ (7 ) $ 5,244 Cost of products sold 3,573 (4 ) 3,569 Income before income taxes 565 (3 ) 562 Income tax expense 78 (1 ) 77 Net income 487 (2 ) 485 Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 488 $ (2 ) $ 486 March 31, 2018 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets As Reported Adjustment Balances without Adoption of ASC 606 Assets Accounts receivable - net $ 4,005 $ 107 $ 4,112 Inventory 2,745 3 2,748 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 552 (139 ) 413 Deferred income taxes 356 (1 ) 355 Liabilities Other current liabilities $ 1,861 $ (30 ) $ 1,831

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Tables)

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Liability Rollforward	A summary of liabilities related to workforce reductions, plant closings and other associated costs announced as part of this program follows: Workforce reductions Plant closings and other Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 113 $ 1 $ 114 Liability recognized 57 59 116 Payments (102 ) (39 ) (141 ) Other adjustments (1 ) (16 ) (17 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 67 5 72 Payments (13 ) (3 ) (16 ) Other adjustments (8 ) — (8 ) Balance at March 31, 2018 $ 46 $ 2 $ 48

GOODWILL (Tables)

GOODWILL (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	Change in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment follows: December 31, Translation March 31, Electrical Products $ 6,678 $ 77 $ 6,755 Electrical Systems and Services 4,311 42 4,353 Hydraulics 1,257 5 1,262 Aerospace 947 4 951 Vehicle 294 1 295 eMobility 81 1 82 Total $ 13,568 $ 130 $ 13,698 Eaton re-segmented certain reportable operating segments due to a reorganization of the Company's businesses. The new reportable business segment is eMobility (which includes certain legacy Electrical Products and Vehicle product lines). The Company used the relative fair value method to reallocate goodwill to the associated reporting units.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Table

RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Benefits Plans Expense	The components of retirement benefits expense follow: United States Non-United States Other postretirement Three months ended March 31 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 Service cost $ 25 $ 24 $ 16 $ 17 $ 1 $ 1 Interest cost 30 31 14 13 3 3 Expected return on plan assets (63 ) (61 ) (27 ) (23 ) (1 ) (1 ) Amortization 24 20 10 13 (3 ) (3 ) 16 14 13 20 — — Settlements 14 17 — — — — Total expense $ 30 $ 31 $ 13 $ 20 $ — $ —

EQUITY (Tables)

EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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, 2017 $ 17,253 $ 37 $ 17,290 Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2014-09 (2 ) — (2 ) Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-16 (199 ) — (199 ) Net income (loss) 488 (1 ) 487 Other comprehensive income 296 — 296 Cash dividends paid and accrued (290 ) — (290 ) Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net 17 — 17 Repurchase of shares (300 ) — (300 ) Changes in noncontrolling interest - net — 2 2 Balance at March 31, 2018 $ 17,263 $ 38 $ 17,301
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, 2017 $ (2,255 ) $ (1,139 ) $ (10 ) $ (3,404 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 257 (12 ) 10 255 Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) — 38 3 41 Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss) 257 26 13 296 Balance at March 31, 2018 $ (1,998 ) $ (1,113 ) $ 3 $ (3,108 )
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss follow: Three months ended March 31, 2018 Consolidated statements of income classification Amortization of defined benefit pensions and other postretirement benefits items Actuarial loss and prior service cost $ (45 ) 1 Tax benefit 7 Total, net of tax (38 ) Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges Currency exchange contracts (4 ) Cost of products sold Tax benefit 1 Total, net of tax (3 ) Total reclassifications for the period $ (41 ) 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 March 31 (Shares in millions) 2018 2017 Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 488 $ 434 Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted 441.7 451.0 Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation 2.9 2.2 Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic 438.8 448.8 Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders Diluted $ 1.10 $ 0.96 Basic 1.11 0.97

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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, 2018 Cash $ 317 $ 317 $ — $ — Short-term investments 510 510 — — Net derivative contracts (13 ) — (13 ) — December 31, 2017 Cash $ 561 $ 561 $ — $ — Short-term investments 534 534 — — Net derivative contracts 36 — 36 —

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME29

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments Recognized in 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, 2018 Derivatives designated as hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 2,965 $ — $ 21 $ 2 $ 37 Fair value 2 months to 17 years Currency exchange contracts 990 9 13 15 1 Cash flow 1 to 36 months Total $ 9 $ 34 $ 17 $ 38 Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 3,543 $ 19 $ 20 1 to 12 months Commodity contracts 17 — — 1 to 12 months Total $ 19 $ 20 December 31, 2017 Derivatives designated as hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 2,965 $ 1 $ 41 $ — $ 17 Fair value 6 months to 17 years Currency exchange contracts 924 7 7 22 2 Cash flow 1 to 36 months Total $ 8 $ 48 $ 22 $ 19 Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 3,719 $ 39 $ 19 1 to 12 months Commodity contracts 13 1 — 1 to 12 months Total $ 40 $ 19
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	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 2018 2017 2018 2017 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 13 $ (1 ) Cost of products sold $ (4 ) $ (4 ) Total $ 13 $ (1 ) $ (4 ) $ (4 )
Amounts recognized in Net Income	Amounts recognized in net income follow: Three months ended March 31 2018 2017 Derivatives designated as fair value hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ (43 ) $ (11 ) Related long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps 43 11 $ — $ —

INVENTORY (Tables)

INVENTORY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventory	The components of inventory follow: March 31, December 31, Raw materials $ 1,019 $ 953 Work-in-process 523 471 Finished goods 1,203 1,196 Total inventory $ 2,745 $ 2,620

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (T

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Three months ended March 31 2018 2017 Net sales Electrical Products $ 1,732 $ 1,651 Electrical Systems and Services 1,381 1,333 Hydraulics 710 587 Aerospace 458 428 Vehicle 893 786 eMobility 77 63 Total net sales $ 5,251 $ 4,848 Segment operating profit Electrical Products $ 307 $ 286 Electrical Systems and Services 167 155 Hydraulics 90 60 Aerospace 89 79 Vehicle 132 108 eMobility 11 11 Total segment operating profit 796 699 Corporate Amortization of intangible assets (98 ) (94 ) Interest expense - net (70 ) (61 ) Pension and other postretirement benefits expense (2 ) (11 ) Other corporate expense - net (61 ) (66 ) Income before income taxes 565 467 Income tax expense 78 33 Net income 487 434 Less net loss for noncontrolling interests 1 — Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 488 $ 434 Electrical Products Year ended December 31, 2017 Quarter ended in 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Quarter ended in 2016 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Net sales $ 6,917 $ 1,750 $ 1,785 $ 1,731 $ 1,651 $ 6,703 $ 1,665 $ 1,705 $ 1,717 $ 1,616 Operating profit $ 1,233 $ 318 $ 330 $ 299 $ 286 $ 1,186 $ 305 $ 317 $ 304 $ 260 Operating margin 17.8 % 18.2 % 18.5 % 17.3 % 17.3 % 17.7 % 18.3 % 18.6 % 17.7 % 16.1 % Acquisition integration charges $ 4 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ 3 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ — Before acquisition integration charges Operating profit $ 1,237 $ 319 $ 331 $ 300 $ 287 $ 1,189 $ 306 $ 318 $ 305 $ 260 Operating margin 17.9 % 18.2 % 18.5 % 17.3 % 17.4 % 17.7 % 18.4 % 18.7 % 17.8 % 16.1 % Vehicle Year ended December 31, 2017 Quarter ended in 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Quarter ended in 2016 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Net sales $ 3,326 $ 837 $ 858 $ 845 $ 786 $ 3,141 $ 739 $ 784 $ 825 $ 793 Operating profit $ 541 $ 142 $ 150 $ 141 $ 108 $ 471 $ 97 $ 122 $ 135 $ 117 Operating margin 16.3 % 17.0 % 17.5 % 16.7 % 13.7 % 15.0 % 13.1 % 15.6 % 16.4 % 14.8 % eMobility Year ended December 31, 2017 Quarter ended in 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Quarter ended in 2016 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Net sales $ 283 $ 73 $ 75 $ 72 $ 63 $ 266 $ 63 $ 64 $ 73 $ 66 Operating profit $ 50 $ 10 $ 16 $ 13 $ 11 $ 57 $ 11 $ 14 $ 20 $ 12 Operating margin 17.7 % 13.7 % 21.3 % 18.1 % 17.5 % 21.4 % 17.5 % 21.9 % 27.4 % 18.2 %

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN32

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2018 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,689 $ 1,700 $ 3,191 $ (1,329 ) $ 5,251 Cost of products sold — 1,352 1,236 2,310 (1,325 ) 3,573 Selling and administrative expense 3 341 178 367 — 889 Research and development expense — 39 41 76 — 156 Interest expense (income) - net — 68 4 (1 ) (1 ) 70 Other expense (income) - net 18 5 (9 ) (16 ) — (2 ) Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax (514 ) (178 ) (829 ) (659 ) 2,180 — Intercompany expense (income) - net 5 (21 ) 486 (470 ) — — Income (loss) before income taxes 488 83 593 1,584 (2,183 ) 565 Income tax expense (benefit) — (6 ) (14 ) 99 (1 ) 78 Net income (loss) 488 89 607 1,485 (2,182 ) 487 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests — — — 1 — 1 Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 488 $ 89 $ 607 $ 1,486 $ (2,182 ) $ 488 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 296 $ 38 $ 296 $ 613 $ (947 ) $ 296 Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 784 $ 127 $ 903 $ 2,099 $ (3,129 ) $ 784 CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,572 $ 1,656 $ 2,930 $ (1,310 ) $ 4,848 Cost of products sold — 1,251 1,228 2,140 (1,312 ) 3,307 Selling and administrative expense 32 317 199 328 — 876 Research and development expense — 54 49 40 — 143 Interest expense (income) - net — 62 5 (5 ) (1 ) 61 Other expense (income) - net 7 10 1 (24 ) — (6 ) Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax (583 ) 169 (790 ) (658 ) 1,862 — Intercompany expense (income) - net 110 (30 ) 338 (418 ) — — Income (loss) before income taxes 434 (261 ) 626 1,527 (1,859 ) 467 Income tax expense (benefit) — (3 ) 16 18 2 33 Net income (loss) 434 (258 ) 610 1,509 (1,861 ) 434 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests — — — (1 ) 1 — Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 434 $ (258 ) $ 610 $ 1,508 $ (1,860 ) $ 434 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 263 $ 63 $ 262 $ 516 $ (841 ) $ 263 Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 697 $ (195 ) $ 872 $ 2,024 $ (2,701 ) $ 697 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS MARCH 31, 2018 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Assets Current assets Cash $ — $ 10 $ 6 $ 301 $ — $ 317 Short-term investments — — — 510 — 510 Accounts receivable - net — 453 1,407 2,145 — 4,005 Intercompany accounts receivable 3 1,607 1,724 2,952 (6,286 ) — Inventory — 517 766 1,549 (87 ) 2,745 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 108 97 317 30 552 Total current assets 3 2,695 4,000 7,774 (6,343 ) 8,129 Property, plant and equipment - net — 841 698 2,004 — 3,543 Other noncurrent assets Goodwill — 1,317 6,705 5,676 — 13,698 Other intangible assets — 135 3,168 1,903 — 5,206 Deferred income taxes — 360 3 298 (305 ) 356 Investment in subsidiaries 15,651 9,742 54,848 23,602 (103,843 ) — Intercompany loans receivable 3,122 3,235 5,313 64,992 (76,662 ) — Other assets — 741 166 829 — 1,736 Total assets $ 18,776 $ 19,066 $ 74,901 $ 107,078 $ (187,153 ) $ 32,668 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ — $ 90 $ — $ 95 $ — $ 185 Current portion of long-term debt — 844 2 1 — 847 Accounts payable — 504 392 1,307 — 2,203 Intercompany accounts payable 6 1,388 3,243 1,649 (6,286 ) — Accrued compensation — 46 31 223 — 300 Other current liabilities 8 492 311 1,050 — 1,861 Total current liabilities 14 3,364 3,979 4,325 (6,286 ) 5,396 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt — 5,841 995 9 — 6,845 Pension liabilities — 333 88 804 — 1,225 Other postretirement benefits liabilities — 191 95 73 — 359 Deferred income taxes — — 605 257 (305 ) 557 Intercompany loans payable 1,499 3,955 70,262 946 (76,662 ) — Other noncurrent liabilities — 330 270 385 — 985 Total noncurrent liabilities 1,499 10,650 72,315 2,474 (76,967 ) 9,971 Shareholders’ equity Eaton shareholders' equity 17,263 5,052 (1,393 ) 100,241 (103,900 ) 17,263 Noncontrolling interests — — — 38 — 38 Total equity 17,263 5,052 (1,393 ) 100,279 (103,900 ) 17,301 Total liabilities and equity $ 18,776 $ 19,066 $ 74,901 $ 107,078 $ (187,153 ) $ 32,668 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2017 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Assets Current assets Cash $ — $ 183 $ 18 $ 360 $ — $ 561 Short-term investments — — — 534 — 534 Accounts receivable - net — 482 1,376 2,085 — 3,943 Intercompany accounts receivable 8 2,865 5,155 2,716 (10,744 ) — Inventory — 473 737 1,493 (83 ) 2,620 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 229 145 277 28 679 Total current assets 8 4,232 7,431 7,465 (10,799 ) 8,337 Property, plant and equipment - net — 859 702 1,941 — 3,502 Other noncurrent assets Goodwill — 1,316 6,705 5,547 — 13,568 Other intangible assets — 138 3,206 1,921 — 5,265 Deferred income taxes — 356 6 215 (324 ) 253 Investment in subsidiaries 15,045 9,503 75,379 39,848 (139,775 ) — Intercompany loans receivable 3,122 7,105 2,909 61,427 (74,563 ) — Other assets — 748 166 784 — 1,698 Total assets $ 18,175 $ 24,257 $ 96,504 $ 119,148 $ (225,461 ) $ 32,623 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ — $ — $ — $ 6 $ — $ 6 Current portion of long-term debt — 542 35 1 — 578 Accounts payable — 549 330 1,287 — 2,166 Intercompany accounts payable 4 4,917 4,418 1,405 (10,744 ) — Accrued compensation — 128 65 260 — 453 Other current liabilities 1 566 317 989 (1 ) 1,872 Total current liabilities 5 6,702 5,165 3,948 (10,745 ) 5,075 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt — 6,180 976 9 2 7,167 Pension liabilities — 341 89 796 — 1,226 Other postretirement benefits liabilities — 192 96 74 — 362 Deferred income taxes — — 607 255 (324 ) 538 Intercompany loans payable 917 3,808 68,685 1,153 (74,563 ) — Other noncurrent liabilities — 314 273 378 — 965 Total noncurrent liabilities 917 10,835 70,726 2,665 (74,885 ) 10,258 Shareholders’ equity Eaton shareholders' equity 17,253 6,720 20,613 112,498 (139,831 ) 17,253 Noncontrolling interests — — — 37 — 37 Total equity 17,253 6,720 20,613 112,535 (139,831 ) 17,290 Total liabilities and equity $ 18,175 $ 24,257 $ 96,504 $ 119,148 $ (225,461 ) $ 32,623 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2018 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 2 $ (66 ) $ 82 $ 321 $ — $ 339 Investing activities Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment — (23 ) (24 ) (84 ) — (131 ) Sales (purchases) of short-term — — — 31 — 31 Investments in affiliates — (36 ) — — 36 — Loans to affiliates — — (486 ) (1,177 ) 1,663 — Repayments of loans from affiliates — 16 886 1,299 (2,201 ) — Other - net — (15 ) (4 ) (18 ) — (37 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — (58 ) 372 51 (502 ) (137 ) Financing activities Proceeds from borrowings — 90 — 89 — 179 Payments on borrowings — — (33 ) — — (33 ) Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates 585 1,050 28 — (1,663 ) — Payments on borrowings from affiliates (22 ) (1,409 ) (16 ) (754 ) 2,201 — Capital contributions from affiliates — — — 36 (36 ) — Other intercompany financing activities — 237 (441 ) 204 — — Cash dividends paid (284 ) — — — — (284 ) Exercise of employee stock options 19 — — — — 19 Repurchase of shares (300 ) — — — — (300 ) Employee taxes paid from shares withheld — (16 ) (4 ) (3 ) — (23 ) Other - net — (1 ) — — — (1 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (2 ) (49 ) (466 ) (428 ) 502 (443 ) Effect of currency on cash — — — (3 ) — (3 ) Total increase (decrease) in cash — (173 ) (12 ) (59 ) — (244 ) Cash at the beginning of the period — 183 18 360 — 561 Cash at the end of the period $ — $ 10 $ 6 $ 301 $ — $ 317 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 611 $ 430 $ 733 $ 196 $ (1,507 ) $ 463 Investing activities Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment — (20 ) (26 ) (70 ) — (116 ) Sales (purchases) of short-term — — — (93 ) — (93 ) Investments in affiliates — (1 ) — — 1 — Loans to affiliates — (6 ) (87 ) (2,348 ) 2,441 — Repayments of loans from affiliates — 19 55 2,195 (2,269 ) — Other - net — (11 ) 2 (11 ) — (20 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — (19 ) (56 ) (327 ) 173 (229 ) Financing activities Proceeds from borrowings — 194 — — — 194 Payments on borrowings — (250 ) — (4 ) — (254 ) Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates 668 1,107 662 4 (2,441 ) — Payments on borrowings from affiliates (800 ) (1,435 ) (17 ) (17 ) 2,269 — Capital contributions from affiliates — — — 1 (1 ) — Other intercompany financing activities — (63 ) (519 ) 582 — — Cash dividends paid (263 ) — — — — (263 ) Cash dividends paid to affiliates — — (800 ) (707 ) 1,507 — Exercise of employee stock options 38 — — — — 38 Repurchase of shares (255 ) — — — — (255 ) Employee taxes paid from shares withheld — (13 ) (4 ) (3 ) — (20 ) Other - net — — (1 ) (2 ) — (3 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (612 ) (460 ) (679 ) (146 ) 1,334 (563 ) Effect of currency on cash — — — 8 — 8 Total increase (decrease) in cash (1 ) (49 ) (2 ) (269 ) — (321 ) Cash at the beginning of the period 1 92 12 438 — 543 Cash at the end of the period $ — $ 43 $ 10 $ 169 $ — $ 222

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Accounts receivable - net	$ 4,005		$ 3,844	$ 3,943
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	552		808	679
Deferred income taxes	356		254	253
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Other current liabilities	1,861		1,905	1,872
Eaton shareholders' equity	17,263		17,251	17,253
Reduction in selling and administrative expense	(889)	$ (876)
Corresponding decrease in Other income - net	(2)	(6)
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption	(2)
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606
Assets
Accounts receivable - net	4,112			3,943
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	413			679
Deferred income taxes	355			253
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Other current liabilities	1,831			1,872
Eaton shareholders' equity				$ 17,253
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member]
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption			199
ASU 2014-09 | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606
Assets
Accounts receivable - net			(99)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			129
Deferred income taxes			1
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Other current liabilities			33
Eaton shareholders' equity			$ (2)
ASU 2017-07
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Reduction in selling and administrative expense	1	9
Corresponding decrease in Other income - net	1	$ 9
ASU 2017-07 | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606
Assets
Accounts receivable - net	107
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(139)
Deferred income taxes	(1)
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Other current liabilities	$ (30)

ACQUISITION AND INTEGRATION CHA

ACQUISITION AND INTEGRATION CHARGES (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Acquisition integration charges [Line Items]
Acquisition integration charges	$ 0	$ 1
Income taxes	0	0
Total after income taxes	$ 0	$ 1
Per ordinary share - diluted (dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Electrical Products [Member]
Acquisition integration charges [Line Items]
Acquisition integration charges	$ 0	$ 1

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Narrative

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)segment	Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Sales recognized over time, as a percent of Consolidated Net Sales (less than)	5.00%
Number of operating segments | segment	6
Accounts receivables from customers	$ 3,520		$ 3,399
Unbilled receivables	129	$ 117
Backlog of unsatisfied or partially satisfied obligations	$ 5,200
Backlog expected to be recognized in the next twelve months (as a percent)	88.00%

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Schedule

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Schedule of Disaggregation of Sales (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 5,251
Electrical Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,732
Electrical Products [Member] | United States [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	960
Electrical Products [Member] | Rest of world [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	772
Electrical Systems and Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,381
Electrical Systems and Services [Member] | United States [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	894
Electrical Systems and Services [Member] | Rest of world [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	487
Hydraulics [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	710
Hydraulics [Member] | United States [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	297
Hydraulics [Member] | Rest of world [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	413
Aerospace [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	458
Aerospace [Member] | Original Equipment Manufacturers [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	264
Aerospace [Member] | Aftermarket, Distribution and End User [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	194
Vehicle [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	893
Vehicle [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	430
Vehicle [Member] | Passenger and Light Duty [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	463
eMobility [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 77

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Schedul37

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Schedule of Changes in Deferred Revenue Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 227
Customer deposits and billings	232
Revenue recognized in the period	(209)
Translation	1
Ending balance	$ 251

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Schedul38

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Schedule of the Impact of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Income
Net sales	$ 5,251	$ 4,848
Cost of products sold	3,573	3,307
Income before income taxes	565	467
Income tax expense	78	33
Net income	487	434
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	488	$ 434
Assets
Accounts receivable - net	4,005		$ 3,844	$ 3,943
Inventory	2,745			2,620
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	552		808	679
Deferred income taxes	356		254	253
Liabilities
Other current liabilities	1,861		$ 1,905	1,872
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Adjustment
Consolidated Statements of Income
Net sales	(7)
Cost of products sold	(4)
Income before income taxes	(3)
Income tax expense	(1)
Net income	(2)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	(2)
Assets
Accounts receivable - net	107
Inventory	3
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(139)
Deferred income taxes	(1)
Liabilities
Other current liabilities	(30)
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606
Consolidated Statements of Income
Net sales	5,244
Cost of products sold	3,569
Income before income taxes	562
Income tax expense	77
Net income	485
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	486
Assets
Accounts receivable - net	4,112			3,943
Inventory	2,748
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	413			679
Deferred income taxes	355			253
Liabilities
Other current liabilities	$ 1,831			$ 1,872

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES - Restruc

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES - Restructuring Roll Forward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 72	$ 114
Liability recognized		116
Payments	(16)	(141)
Other adjustments	(8)	(17)
Ending balance	48	72
Workforce reductions [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	67	113
Liability recognized		57
Payments	(13)	(102)
Other adjustments	(8)	(1)
Ending balance	46	67
Plant closings and other [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	5	1
Liability recognized		59
Payments	(3)	(39)
Other adjustments	0	(16)
Ending balance	$ 2	$ 5

GOODWILL (Details)

GOODWILL (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 13,568
Translation	130
Ending balance	13,698
Electrical Products [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	6,678
Translation	77
Ending balance	6,755
Electrical Systems and Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,311
Translation	42
Ending balance	4,353
Hydraulics [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,257
Translation	5
Ending balance	1,262
Aerospace [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	947
Translation	4
Ending balance	951
Vehicle [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	294
Translation	1
Ending balance	295
eMobility [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	81
Translation	1
Ending balance	$ 82

RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Detai

RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Pension plan | United States pension benefit expense
Retirement benefits plans expense
Service cost	$ 25	$ 24
Interest cost	30	31
Expected return on plan assets	(63)	(61)
Amortization	24	20
Total	16	14
Settlements and other	14	17
Total expense	30	31
Pension plan | Non-United States pension benefit expense
Retirement benefits plans expense
Service cost	16	17
Interest cost	14	13
Expected return on plan assets	(27)	(23)
Amortization	10	13
Total	13	20
Settlements and other	0	0
Total expense	13	20
Other postretirement benefits expense
Retirement benefits plans expense
Service cost	1	1
Interest cost	3	3
Expected return on plan assets	(1)	(1)
Amortization	(3)	(3)
Total	0	0
Settlements and other	0	0
Total expense	$ 0	$ 0

LEGAL CONTINGENCIES (Details)

LEGAL CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Millions	Oct. 20, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 440

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	13.80%	7.00%

EQUITY - Changes in Shareholder

EQUITY - Changes in Shareholders's Equity (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2017	$ 17,290
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2014-09	(2)
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-16	(199)
Net income (loss)	487	$ 434
Other comprehensive income	296	$ 263
Cash dividends paid and accrued	(290)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net	17
Repurchase of shares	(300)
Changes in noncontrolling interest - net	2
Balance at March 31, 2018	17,301
Parent [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2017	17,253
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2014-09	(2)
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-16	(199)
Net income (loss)	488
Other comprehensive income	296
Cash dividends paid and accrued	(290)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net	17
Repurchase of shares	(300)
Changes in noncontrolling interest - net	0
Balance at March 31, 2018	17,263
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2017	37
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2014-09	0
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-16	0
Net income (loss)	(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
Changes in noncontrolling interest - net	2
Balance at March 31, 2018	$ 38
2016 Program [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Ordinary shares purchased (in shares)	3.7	3.6
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Repurchase of shares	$ (300)	$ (255)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2014-09			$ 199

EQUITY - Changes in Accumulated

EQUITY - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	$ 41
Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss)	296	$ 263
Currency translation and related hedging instruments [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(2,255)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	257
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	0
Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss)	257
Ending balance	(1,998)
Pensions and other postretirement benefits [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(1,139)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(12)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	38
Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss)	26
Ending balance	(1,113)
Cash flow hedges [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(10)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	10
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	3
Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss)	13
Ending balance	3
Total AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(3,404)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	255
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	41
Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss)	296
Ending balance	$ (3,108)

EQUITY - Reclassifications Out

EQUITY - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Actuarial loss and prior service cost	$ (45)	[1]
Tax benefit	7
Total, net of tax	(38)
Currency exchange contracts	(4)
Tax benefit	1
Total, net of tax	(3)
Total reclassifications for the period	$ (41)
[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.

EQUITY - Calculation of Net Inc

EQUITY - Calculation of Net Income per Ordinary Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Calculation of net income per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 488	$ 434
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	441.7	451
Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation (shares)	(2.9)	(2.2)
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic (shares)	438.8	448.8
Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 1.10	$ 0.96
Basic (usd per share)	$ 1.11	$ 0.97
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0.1	1.2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Summa

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Summary of Financial Instruments at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	$ 317	$ 561	$ 222	$ 543
Short-term investments	510	534
Net derivative contracts	(13)	36
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	317	561
Short-term investments	510	534
Net derivative contracts	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	(13)	36
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

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Other

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Other Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Level 2 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Carrying value of long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	$ 7,692	$ 7,745
Fair value of long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	$ 7,790	$ 8,048

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME50

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Derivative Financial Instrument Recognized in the Consolidated Balance sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Note Payable, Noncurrent, after-tax	$ 94	$ 88
Foreign Currency Note Payable, Noncurrent, pre-tax	$ 670	652
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Percentage of intercompany balance sheet exposure	100.00%
Other current assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	$ 9	8
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	19	40
Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	34	48
Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	17	22
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liability, at fair value	20	19
Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	38	19
Currency exchange contracts [Member] | Other current assets [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	19	39
Currency exchange contracts [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liability, at fair value	20	19
Commodity contracts [Member] | Other current assets [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	0	1
Commodity contracts [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liability, at fair value	0	0
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Fair value hedging [Member] | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Notional amount	2,965	2,965
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	0	1
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	21	41
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	2	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	37	17
Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Notional amount	990	924
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	9	7
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	13	7
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	15	22
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	1	2
Derivatives not designated as hedges [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Notional amount	3,543	3,719
Derivatives not designated as hedges [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedges
Notional amount	$ 17	$ 13
Minimum [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Fair value hedging [Member] | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	2 months	6 months
Minimum [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	1 month	1 month
Minimum [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	1 month	1 month
Minimum [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	1 month	1 month
Maximum [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Fair value hedging [Member] | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	17 years	17 years
Maximum [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	36 months	36 months
Maximum [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	12 months	12 months
Maximum [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedges [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	12 months	12 months

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME51

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, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Cost of products sold [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	$ 13	$ (1)
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4)	(4)
Cost of products sold or Interest expense - net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	13	(1)
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (4)	$ (4)

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME52

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, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
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	(43)	(11)
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	$ 43	$ 11

INVENTORY (Details)

INVENTORY (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 1,019	$ 953
Work-in-process	523	471
Finished goods	1,203	1,196
Total inventory	$ 2,745	$ 2,620

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (D

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Segment Information
Net sales	$ 5,251				$ 4,848
Corporate
Interest expense - net	70				61
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	(43)				(51)
Other corporate expense - net	(2)				(6)
Income before income taxes	565				467
Income tax expense	78				33
Net income	487				434
Less net loss for noncontrolling interests	1				0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	488				434
New Business Segments - Results of Operations
Net sales	5,251				4,848
Acquisition integration charges	0				1
Electrical Products [Member]
New Business Segments - Results of Operations
Acquisition integration charges	0				1
Total business segments [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	5,251				4,848
Segment operating profit	796				699
New Business Segments - Results of Operations
Net sales	5,251				4,848
Operating profit	796				699
Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Products [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,732	$ 1,750	$ 1,785	$ 1,731	1,651	$ 1,665	$ 1,705	$ 1,717	$ 1,616	$ 6,917	$ 6,703
Segment operating profit	307	318	330	299	286	305	317	304	260	1,233	1,186
New Business Segments - Results of Operations
Net sales	1,732	1,750	1,785	1,731	1,651	1,665	1,705	1,717	1,616	6,917	6,703
Operating profit	307	$ 318	$ 330	$ 299	$ 286	$ 305	$ 317	$ 304	$ 260	$ 1,233	$ 1,186
Operating margin		18.20%	18.50%	17.30%	17.30%	18.30%	18.60%	17.70%	16.10%	17.80%	17.70%
Acquisition integration charges		$ 1	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1	$ 0	$ 4	$ 3
Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Systems and Services [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,381				1,333
Segment operating profit	167				155
New Business Segments - Results of Operations
Net sales	1,381				1,333
Operating profit	167				155
Total business segments [Member] | Hydraulics [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	710				587
Segment operating profit	90				60
New Business Segments - Results of Operations
Net sales	710				587
Operating profit	90				60
Total business segments [Member] | Aerospace [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	458				428
Segment operating profit	89				79
New Business Segments - Results of Operations
Net sales	458				428
Operating profit	89				79
Total business segments [Member] | Vehicle [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	893	837	858	845	786	739	784	825	793	3,326	3,141
Segment operating profit	132	142	150	141	108	97	122	135	117	541	471
New Business Segments - Results of Operations
Net sales	893	837	858	845	786	739	784	825	793	3,326	3,141
Operating profit	132	$ 142	$ 150	$ 141	$ 108	$ 97	$ 122	$ 135	$ 117	$ 541	$ 471
Operating margin		17.00%	17.50%	16.70%	13.70%	13.10%	15.60%	16.40%	14.80%	16.30%	15.00%
Total business segments [Member] | eMobility [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	77	$ 73	$ 75	$ 72	$ 63	$ 63	$ 64	$ 73	$ 66	$ 283	$ 266
Segment operating profit	11	10	16	13	11	11	14	20	12	50	57
New Business Segments - Results of Operations
Net sales	77	73	75	72	63	63	64	73	66	283	266
Operating profit	11	$ 10	$ 16	$ 13	$ 11	$ 11	$ 14	$ 20	$ 12	$ 50	$ 57
Operating margin		13.70%	21.30%	18.10%	17.50%	17.50%	21.90%	27.40%	18.20%	17.70%	21.40%
Corporate [Member]
Corporate
Amortization of intangible assets	(98)				$ (94)
Interest expense - net	(70)				(61)
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	(2)				(11)
Other corporate expense - net	$ (61)				(66)
Before acquisition integration charges [Member] | Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Products [Member]
Business Segment Information
Segment operating profit		$ 319	$ 331	$ 300	287	$ 306	$ 318	$ 305	$ 260	$ 1,237	$ 1,189
New Business Segments - Results of Operations
Operating profit		$ 319	$ 331	$ 300	$ 287	$ 306	$ 318	$ 305	$ 260	$ 1,237	$ 1,189
Operating margin		18.20%	18.50%	17.30%	17.40%	18.40%	18.70%	17.80%	16.10%	17.90%	17.70%

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN55

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2018	Nov. 14, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Eaton and certain other 100% owned subsidiaries guarantee of Senior Debt	100.00%	100.00%

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN56

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 5,251	$ 4,848
Cost of products sold	3,573	3,307
Selling and administrative expense	889	876
Research and development expense	156	143
Interest expense (income) - net	70	61
Other income - net	(2)	(6)
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	0	0
Intercompany expense (income) - net	0	0
Income before income taxes	565	467
Income tax expense (benefit)	78	33
Net income	487	434
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	1	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	488	434
Other comprehensive income	296	263
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	784	697
Guarantors
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	1,700	1,656
Cost of products sold	1,236	1,228
Selling and administrative expense	178	199
Research and development expense	41	49
Interest expense (income) - net	4	5
Other income - net	(9)	1
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	(829)	(790)
Intercompany expense (income) - net	486	338
Income before income taxes	593	626
Income tax expense (benefit)	(14)	16
Net income	607	610
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	607	610
Other comprehensive income	296	262
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	903	872
Other subsidiaries [Member]
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	3,191	2,930
Cost of products sold	2,310	2,140
Selling and administrative expense	367	328
Research and development expense	76	40
Interest expense (income) - net	(1)	(5)
Other income - net	(16)	(24)
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	(659)	(658)
Intercompany expense (income) - net	(470)	(418)
Income before income taxes	1,584	1,527
Income tax expense (benefit)	99	18
Net income	1,485	1,509
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	1	(1)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	1,486	1,508
Other comprehensive income	613	516
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	2,099	2,024
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	3	32
Research and development expense	0	0
Interest expense (income) - net	0	0
Other income - net	18	7
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	(514)	(583)
Intercompany expense (income) - net	5	110
Income before income taxes	488	434
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Net income	488	434
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	488	434
Other comprehensive income	296	263
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	784	697
Eaton Corporation [Member]
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	1,689	1,572
Cost of products sold	1,352	1,251
Selling and administrative expense	341	317
Research and development expense	39	54
Interest expense (income) - net	68	62
Other income - net	5	10
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	(178)	169
Intercompany expense (income) - net	(21)	(30)
Income before income taxes	83	(261)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(6)	(3)
Net income	89	(258)
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	89	(258)
Other comprehensive income	38	63
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	127	(195)
Consolidating adjustments [Member]
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	(1,329)	(1,310)
Cost of products sold	(1,325)	(1,312)
Selling and administrative expense	0	0
Research and development expense	0	0
Interest expense (income) - net	(1)	(1)
Other income - net	0	0
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	2,180	1,862
Intercompany expense (income) - net	0	0
Income before income taxes	(2,183)	(1,859)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(1)	2
Net income	(2,182)	(1,861)
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	1
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	(2,182)	(1,860)
Other comprehensive income	(947)	(841)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ (3,129)	$ (2,701)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN57

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash	$ 317		$ 561	$ 222	$ 543
Short-term investments	510		534
Accounts receivable - net	4,005	$ 3,844	3,943
Intercompany accounts receivable	0		0
Inventory	2,745		2,620
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	552	808	679
Total current assets	8,129		8,337
Property, plant and equipment - net	3,543		3,502
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	13,698		13,568
Other intangible assets	5,206		5,265
Deferred income taxes	356	254	253
Investment in subsidiaries	0		0
Intercompany loans receivables	0		0
Other assets	1,736		1,698
Total assets	32,668		32,623
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	185		6
Current portion of long-term debt	847		578
Accounts payable	2,203		2,166
Intercompany accounts payable	0		0
Accrued compensation	300		453
Other current liabilities	1,861	1,905	1,872
Total current liabilities	5,396		5,075
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	6,845		7,167
Pension liabilities	1,225		1,226
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	359		362
Deferred income taxes	557		538
Intercompany loans payable	0		0
Other noncurrent liabilities	985		965
Total noncurrent liabilities	9,971		10,258
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	17,263	$ 17,251	17,253
Noncontrolling interests	38		37
Total equity	17,301		17,290
Total liabilities and equity	32,668		32,623
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Current assets
Cash	0		0	0	0
Short-term investments	0		0
Accounts receivable - net	0		0
Intercompany accounts receivable	(6,286)		(10,744)
Inventory	(87)		(83)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	30		28
Total current assets	(6,343)		(10,799)
Property, plant and equipment - net	0		0
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	0		0
Other intangible assets	0		0
Deferred income taxes	(305)		(324)
Investment in subsidiaries	(103,843)		(139,775)
Intercompany loans receivables	(76,662)		(74,563)
Other assets	0		0
Total assets	(187,153)		(225,461)
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	0		0
Current portion of long-term debt	0		0
Accounts payable	0		0
Intercompany accounts payable	(6,286)		(10,744)
Accrued compensation	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		(1)
Total current liabilities	(6,286)		(10,745)
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	0		2
Pension liabilities	0		0
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	0		0
Deferred income taxes	(305)		(324)
Intercompany loans payable	(76,662)		(74,563)
Other noncurrent liabilities	0		0
Total noncurrent liabilities	(76,967)		(74,885)
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	(103,900)		(139,831)
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	(103,900)		(139,831)
Total liabilities and equity	(187,153)		(225,461)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Current assets
Cash	301		360	169	438
Short-term investments	510		534
Accounts receivable - net	2,145		2,085
Intercompany accounts receivable	2,952		2,716
Inventory	1,549		1,493
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	317		277
Total current assets	7,774		7,465
Property, plant and equipment - net	2,004		1,941
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	5,676		5,547
Other intangible assets	1,903		1,921
Deferred income taxes	298		215
Investment in subsidiaries	23,602		39,848
Intercompany loans receivables	64,992		61,427
Other assets	829		784
Total assets	107,078		119,148
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	95		6
Current portion of long-term debt	1		1
Accounts payable	1,307		1,287
Intercompany accounts payable	1,649		1,405
Accrued compensation	223		260
Other current liabilities	1,050		989
Total current liabilities	4,325		3,948
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	9		9
Pension liabilities	804		796
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	73		74
Deferred income taxes	257		255
Intercompany loans payable	946		1,153
Other noncurrent liabilities	385		378
Total noncurrent liabilities	2,474		2,665
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	100,241		112,498
Noncontrolling interests	38		37
Total equity	100,279		112,535
Total liabilities and equity	107,078		119,148
Guarantors [Member]
Current assets
Cash	6		18	10	12
Short-term investments	0		0
Accounts receivable - net	1,407		1,376
Intercompany accounts receivable	1,724		5,155
Inventory	766		737
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	97		145
Total current assets	4,000		7,431
Property, plant and equipment - net	698		702
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	6,705		6,705
Other intangible assets	3,168		3,206
Deferred income taxes	3		6
Investment in subsidiaries	54,848		75,379
Intercompany loans receivables	5,313		2,909
Other assets	166		166
Total assets	74,901		96,504
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	0		0
Current portion of long-term debt	2		35
Accounts payable	392		330
Intercompany accounts payable	3,243		4,418
Accrued compensation	31		65
Other current liabilities	311		317
Total current liabilities	3,979		5,165
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	995		976
Pension liabilities	88		89
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	95		96
Deferred income taxes	605		607
Intercompany loans payable	70,262		68,685
Other noncurrent liabilities	270		273
Total noncurrent liabilities	72,315		70,726
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	(1,393)		20,613
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	(1,393)		20,613
Total liabilities and equity	74,901		96,504
Eaton Corporation [Member]
Current assets
Cash	10		183	43	92
Short-term investments	0		0
Accounts receivable - net	453		482
Intercompany accounts receivable	1,607		2,865
Inventory	517		473
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	108		229
Total current assets	2,695		4,232
Property, plant and equipment - net	841		859
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	1,317		1,316
Other intangible assets	135		138
Deferred income taxes	360		356
Investment in subsidiaries	9,742		9,503
Intercompany loans receivables	3,235		7,105
Other assets	741		748
Total assets	19,066		24,257
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	90		0
Current portion of long-term debt	844		542
Accounts payable	504		549
Intercompany accounts payable	1,388		4,917
Accrued compensation	46		128
Other current liabilities	492		566
Total current liabilities	3,364		6,702
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	5,841		6,180
Pension liabilities	333		341
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	191		192
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Intercompany loans payable	3,955		3,808
Other noncurrent liabilities	330		314
Total noncurrent liabilities	10,650		10,835
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	5,052		6,720
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	5,052		6,720
Total liabilities and equity	19,066		24,257
Eaton Corporation plc [Member]
Current assets
Cash	0		0	$ 0	$ 1
Short-term investments	0		0
Accounts receivable - net	0		0
Intercompany accounts receivable	3		8
Inventory	0		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0		0
Total current assets	3		8
Property, plant and equipment - net	0		0
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	0		0
Other intangible assets	0		0
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Investment in subsidiaries	15,651		15,045
Intercompany loans receivables	3,122		3,122
Other assets	0		0
Total assets	18,776		18,175
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	0		0
Current portion of long-term debt	0		0
Accounts payable	0		0
Intercompany accounts payable	6		4
Accrued compensation	0		0
Other current liabilities	8		1
Total current liabilities	14		5
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	0		0
Pension liabilities	0		0
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	0		0
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Intercompany loans payable	1,499		917
Other noncurrent liabilities	0		0
Total noncurrent liabilities	1,499		917
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	17,263		17,253
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total equity	17,263		17,253
Total liabilities and equity	$ 18,776		$ 18,175

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN58

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 339	$ 463
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(131)	(116)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	31	(93)
Investments in affiliates	0	0
Loans to affiliates	0	0
Repayments of loans from affiliates	0	0
Other - net	(37)	(20)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(137)	(229)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	179	194
Payments on borrowings	(33)	(254)
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	0	0
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	0	0
Capital contributions from affiliates	0	0
Other intercompany financing activities	0	0
Cash dividends paid	(284)	(263)
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates		0
Exercise of employee stock options	19	38
Repurchase of shares	(300)	(255)
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	(23)	(20)
Other - net	(1)	(3)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(443)	(563)
Effect of currency on cash	(3)	8
Total increase (decrease) in cash	(244)	(321)
Cash at the beginning of the period	561	543
Cash at the end of the period	317	222
Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	82	733
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(24)	(26)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	0	0
Investments in affiliates	0	0
Loans to affiliates	(486)	(87)
Repayments of loans from affiliates	886	55
Other - net	(4)	2
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	372	(56)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	0	0
Payments on borrowings	(33)	0
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	28	662
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	(16)	(17)
Capital contributions from affiliates	0	0
Other intercompany financing activities	(441)	(519)
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates		800
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0
Repurchase of shares	0	0
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	(4)	(4)
Other - net	0	(1)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(466)	(679)
Effect of currency on cash	0	0
Total increase (decrease) in cash	(12)	(2)
Cash at the beginning of the period	18	12
Cash at the end of the period	6	10
Other subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	321	196
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(84)	(70)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	31	(93)
Investments in affiliates	0	0
Loans to affiliates	(1,177)	(2,348)
Repayments of loans from affiliates	1,299	2,195
Other - net	(18)	(11)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	51	(327)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	89	0
Payments on borrowings	0	(4)
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	0	4
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	(754)	(17)
Capital contributions from affiliates	36	1
Other intercompany financing activities	204	582
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates		707
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0
Repurchase of shares	0	0
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	(3)	(3)
Other - net	0	(2)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(428)	(146)
Effect of currency on cash	(3)	8
Total increase (decrease) in cash	(59)	(269)
Cash at the beginning of the period	360	438
Cash at the end of the period	301	169
Eaton Corporation plc [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	2	611
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	0	0
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	0	0
Investments in affiliates	0	0
Loans to affiliates	0	0
Repayments of loans from affiliates	0	0
Other - net	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	0	0
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	0	0
Payments on borrowings	0	0
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	585	668
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	(22)	(800)
Capital contributions from affiliates	0	0
Other intercompany financing activities	0	0
Cash dividends paid	(284)	(263)
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates		0
Exercise of employee stock options	19	38
Repurchase of shares	(300)	(255)
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	0	0
Other - net	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(2)	(612)
Effect of currency on cash	0	0
Total increase (decrease) in cash	0	(1)
Cash at the beginning of the period	0	1
Cash at the end of the period	0	0
Eaton Corporation [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(66)	430
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(23)	(20)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	0	0
Investments in affiliates	(36)	(1)
Loans to affiliates	0	(6)
Repayments of loans from affiliates	16	19
Other - net	(15)	(11)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(58)	(19)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	90	194
Payments on borrowings	0	(250)
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	1,050	1,107
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	(1,409)	(1,435)
Capital contributions from affiliates	0	0
Other intercompany financing activities	237	(63)
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates		0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0
Repurchase of shares	0	0
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	(16)	(13)
Other - net	(1)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(49)	(460)
Effect of currency on cash	0	0
Total increase (decrease) in cash	(173)	(49)
Cash at the beginning of the period	183	92
Cash at the end of the period	10	43
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	0	(1,507)
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	0	0
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	0	0
Investments in affiliates	36	1
Loans to affiliates	1,663	2,441
Repayments of loans from affiliates	(2,201)	(2,269)
Other - net	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(502)	173
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	0	0
Payments on borrowings	0	0
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	(1,663)	(2,441)
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	2,201	2,269
Capital contributions from affiliates	(36)	(1)
Other intercompany financing activities	0	0
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates		(1,507)
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0
Repurchase of shares	0	0
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	0	0
Other - net	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	502	1,334
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