Eaton (ETN) 10-Q 30 Apr 19 2019 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Eaton Corp plc
Trading Symbol	ETN
Entity Central Index Key	0001551182
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)	423.1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 5,305	$ 5,251
Cost of products sold	3,573	3,573
Selling and administrative expense	917	889
Research and development expense	156	156
Interest expense - net	66	70
Other (income) expense - net	(10)	(2)
Income before income taxes	603	565
Income tax expense	81	78
Net income	522	487
Less net loss for noncontrolling interests	0	1
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 522	$ 488
Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 1.23	$ 1.10
Basic (usd per share)	$ 1.23	$ 1.11
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding
Diluted (shares)	425.9	441.7
Basic (shares)	424	438.8
Cash dividends declared per ordinary share (usd per share)	$ 0.71	$ 0.66

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 522	$ 487
Less net loss for noncontrolling interests	0	1
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	522	488
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Currency translation and related hedging instruments	53	257
Pensions and other postretirement benefits	21	26
Cash flow hedges	(7)	13
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	67	296
Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 589	$ 784

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets
Cash	$ 303	$ 283
Short-term investments	143	157
Accounts receivable - net	3,865	3,858
Inventory	2,897	2,785
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	536	507
Total current assets	7,744	7,590
Land and buildings	2,457	2,466
Machinery and equipment	6,145	6,106
Gross property, plant and equipment	8,602	8,572
Accumulated depreciation	(5,129)	(5,105)
Net property, plant and equipment	3,473	3,467
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	13,318	13,328
Other intangible assets	4,754	4,846
Operating lease assets	420	0
Deferred income taxes	309	293
Other assets	1,631	1,568
Total assets	31,649	31,092
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	741	414
Current portion of long-term debt	42	339
Accounts payable	2,274	2,130
Accrued compensation	302	457
Other current liabilities	1,927	1,814
Total current liabilities	5,286	5,154
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	6,782	6,768
Pension liabilities	1,265	1,304
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	320	321
Operating lease liabilities	308	0
Deferred income taxes	360	349
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,061	1,054
Total noncurrent liabilities	10,096	9,796
Shareholders’ equity
Ordinary shares (423.1 million outstanding in 2019 and 423.6 million in 2018)	4	4
Capital in excess of par value	12,085	12,090
Retained Earnings	8,225	8,161
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(4,078)	(4,145)
Shares held in trust	(3)	(3)
Total Eaton shareholders’ equity	16,233	16,107
Noncontrolling interests	34	35
Total equity	16,267	16,142
Total liabilities and equity	$ 31,649	$ 31,092

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Operating activities
Net income	$ 522	$ 487
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	221	230
Deferred income taxes	(3)	(12)
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	36	43
Contributions to pension plans	(39)	(40)
Contributions to other postretirement benefits plans	(5)	(5)
Changes in working capital	(306)	(459)
Other - net	125	95
Net cash provided by operating activities	551	339
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(149)	(131)
Sales of short-term investments - net	16	31
Proceeds for settlement of currency exchange contracts not designated as hedges - net	51	0
Other - net	14	(37)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(68)	(137)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	342	179
Payments on borrowings	(315)	(33)
Cash dividends paid	(302)	(284)
Exercise of employee stock options	20	19
Repurchase of shares	(180)	(300)
Employee taxes paid from shares withheld	(35)	(23)
Other - net	(1)	(1)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(471)	(443)
Effect of currency on cash	8	(3)
Total increase (decrease) in cash	20	(244)
Cash at the beginning of the period	283	561
Cash at the end of the period	$ 303	$ 317

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 2018 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. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. As most leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, Eaton uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The length of a lease term includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise those options. The Company made an accounting policy election to not recognize lease assets or liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less. Additionally, when accounting for leases, the Company combines payments for leased assets, related services and other components of a lease. Adoption of New Accounting Standards Eaton adopted Accounting Standard Update 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), and related amendments, in the first quarter of 2019 using the optional transition method and has not restated prior periods. The Company elected to use the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed the carry forward of historical lease classification of existing leases. The Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of less than $1 to retained earnings as of January 1, 2019. Additionally, the adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of lease assets and lease liabilities for operating leases of $435 and $446 , respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income or Cash Flows. Eaton adopted Accounting Standard Update 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, in the first quarter 2019 using the modified retrospective approach for hedge instruments that existed at the date of adoption. ASU 2017-12 is intended to better align the Company's risk management activities with financial reporting for hedging relationships. The standard eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness, expands the ability to hedge specific risk components, and generally requires the change in value of the hedge instrument and hedged item to be presented in the same income statement line. The new disclosure requirements were applied on a prospective basis and comparative information has not been restated. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ACQUISITION, INTEGRATION AND DI

ACQUISITION, INTEGRATION AND DIVESTITURE CHARGES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Acquisition, Integration and Divestiture Charges [Abstract]
ACQUISITION INTEGRATION CHARGES	Note 3. ACQUISITION INTEGRATION AND DIVESTITURE CHARGES Eaton incurs integration charges related to acquired businesses, and transaction and other charges to divest businesses. A summary of these charges follows: Three months ended 2019 2018 Electrical Products $ 1 $ — Corporate 11 — Total acquisition integration and divestiture charges before income tax 12 — Income taxes 1 — Total after income taxes $ 11 $ — Per ordinary share - diluted $ 0.03 $ — Business segment charges in 2019 related to the planned spin-off of the Lighting business and were included in Selling and administrative expense. In Business Segment Information, the charges reduced Operating profit of the related business segment. Corporate charges in 2019 related primarily to the planned spin-off of the Lighting business and were included in Selling and administrative expense. In Business Segment Information, the charges were included in Other corporate expense - net. See Note 14 for additional information about business segments.

ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURE OF

ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURE OF BUSINESSES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition and Divestiture of Businesses	Note 2. ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURES OF BUSINESSES Acquired controlling interest of Ulusoy Elektrik Imalat Taahhut ve Ticaret A.S. On April 15, 2019, Eaton completed the acquisition of an 82.275% controlling interest in Ulusoy Elektrik Imalat Taahhut ve Ticaret A.S., a leading manufacturer of electrical switchgear based in Ankara, Turkey, with a primary focus on medium voltage solutions for industrial and utility customers. Its sales for the 12 months ended September 30, 2018 were $126 . The purchase price for the shares is approximately $214 on a cash and debt free basis. As required by the Turkish capital markets legislation, Eaton filed an application to execute a mandatory tender offer for the remaining shares shortly after the transaction closed. Spin-off of Lighting business On March 1, 2019, Eaton announced it plans to pursue a tax-free spin-off of its Lighting business. The spin-off will create an independent, publicly traded company and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019. Plan to divest Automotive Fluid Conveyance business On March 1, 2019, Eaton announced it plans to sell its Automotive Fluid Conveyance business.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

REVENUE RECOGNITION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 Company’s six operating segments and the following tables disaggregate sales by lines of businesses, geographic destination, market channel or end market. Three months ended March 31, 2019 Net sales United States Rest of World Total Electrical Products $ 1,047 $ 713 $ 1,760 Electrical Systems and Services 976 488 1,464 Hydraulics 290 396 686 Original Equipment Manufacturers Aftermarket, Distribution and End User Aerospace $ 287 $ 215 502 Commercial Passenger and Light Duty Vehicle $ 431 $ 379 810 eMobility 83 Total $ 5,305 Three months ended March 31, 2018 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 $3,469 and $3,402 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. Unbilled receivables were $104 and $94 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively, and are recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets. The increase in 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 December 31, 2018 $ 248 Customer deposits and billings 208 Revenue recognized in the period (205 ) Translation 6 Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 257 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, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was approximately $5.5 billion and $5.3 billion , respectively. At both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , Eaton expects to recognize approximately 87% of this backlog in the next twelve months and the rest thereafter.

GOODWILL

GOODWILL	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 $ 6,562 $ (11 ) $ 6,551 Electrical Systems and Services 4,241 8 4,249 Hydraulics 1,212 (9 ) 1,203 Aerospace 941 3 944 Vehicle 292 (1 ) 291 eMobility 80 — 80 Total $ 13,328 $ (10 ) $ 13,318

LEASES

LEASES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	LEASES Eaton leases certain manufacturing facilities, warehouses, distribution centers, office space, vehicles and equipment. Most real estate leases contain renewal options. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company's sole discretion. The Company's lease agreements typically do not contain any significant residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants, and payments within certain lease agreements are adjusted periodically for changes in an index or rate. The components of lease expense follows: Three months ended March 31, 2019 Operating lease cost $ 42 Finance lease cost - amortization of lease assets 1 Short-term lease cost 13 Variable lease cost 4 Sublease income (1 ) Total lease cost $ 59 The net gain recorded on sale leaseback transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $18 . Supplemental cash flow information related to leases follows: Three months ended March 31, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows - payments on operating leases $ (38 ) Financing cash outflows - payments on finance lease obligations (1 ) Lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease obligations: Operating leases $ 21 Finance leases 8 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases follows: March 31, 2019 Operating Leases Operating lease assets $ 420 Other current liabilities 124 Operating lease liabilities 308 Total operating lease liabilities $ 432 Finance Leases Land and buildings $ 18 Machinery and equipment 8 Accumulated depreciation (11 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 15 Current portion of long-term debt $ 4 Long-term debt 12 Total finance lease liabilities $ 16 Weighted-average remaining lease term Operating leases 5.1 years Finance leases 4.7 years Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 3.6 % Finance leases 6.9 % Maturities of lease liabilities at March 31, 2019 follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases 2019 $ 108 $ 3 2020 115 5 2021 85 4 2022 54 3 2023 35 3 Thereafter 84 1 Total lease payments $ 481 $ 19 Less imputed interest 49 3 Total present value of lease liabilities $ 432 $ 16 A summary of minimum rental commitments at December 31, 2018 under noncancelable operating leases, which expire at various dates and in most cases contain renewal options, for each of the next five years and thereafter in the aggregate, follow: Operating Leases 2019 $ 165 2020 133 2021 106 2022 75 2023 53 Thereafter 110 Total lease commitments $ 642

RETIREMENT BENEFITS PLANS

RETIREMENT BENEFITS PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service cost $ 23 $ 25 $ 14 $ 16 $ — $ 1 Interest cost 34 30 15 14 3 3 Expected return on plan assets (58 ) (63 ) (27 ) (27 ) — (1 ) Amortization 15 24 10 10 (3 ) (3 ) 14 16 12 13 — — Settlements 10 14 — — — — Total expense $ 24 $ 30 $ 12 $ 13 $ — $ — 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, 2019
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 opined, among other things, that the value contributed to the Trust for a release of the guaranty was below reasonably equivalent value, and that an inability of Pneumo to satisfy future liabilities could result in plaintiffs suing Pepsi under various theories. Cooper submitted various expert reports and, among other things, Cooper’s experts opined that Pepsi had 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. On July 11, 2018, the arbitration panel made certain findings and concluded that the value contributed to the Trust did not constitute reasonably equivalent value, but ordered the parties to recalculate the amount that should have been contributed to the Trust as of the date of the 2011 transaction. Based on the findings made by the panel and the recalculation ordered by the panel, Cooper believed that no additional amount should be contributed. Pepsi argued that an additional $347 should be contributed. Cooper and its expert disagreed with Pepsi’s argument and believed that Pepsi’s recalculation was flawed and failed to comply with the instructions of the panel. On August 23, 2018, the panel issued its final award and ordered Cooper to pay $293 to Pneumo Abex. On August 30, 2018, Pepsi sought to confirm the award in Texas state court, which Cooper opposed on October 9, 2018. Cooper further requested that the court vacate the award on various grounds, including that Cooper was prejudiced by the conduct of the proceedings, the panel exceeded its powers, and because the panel denied Cooper a full and fair opportunity to present certain evidence. The court confirmed the award at the confirmation hearing, which was held on October 12, 2018. On November 2, 2018, the Company appealed. On November 28, 2018, the Company paid $297 , the full judgment plus accrued post-judgment interest, to Pneumo Abex and preserved its rights, including to appeal. On April 25, 2019, the appeal that Cooper filed was dismissed.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2019 was expense of 13.5% compared to expense of 13.8% for the first quarter of 2018 . As the Company has previously disclosed, Eaton's United States subsidiaries ("Eaton US") received a Notice in 2014 from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for tax years 2007 through 2010 which included proposed assessments involving two issues: the recognition of income for several of Eaton US's controlled foreign corporations, and transfer pricing adjustments for products manufactured in the Company's facilities in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic and sold to affiliated companies located in the United States. The Company believed the proposed assessments were without merit and contested both matters in the United States Tax Court ("Tax Court"). Eaton US and the IRS both moved for partial summary judgment on the controlled foreign corporation income recognition issue. The Tax Court heard oral arguments on the motions in January 2018, following which the Court ordered further briefing, which was completed in March 2018. On February 25, 2019, the Tax Court granted the IRS's motion for partial summary judgment and denied Eaton's. The Company intends to appeal the Tax Court's partial summary judgment decision to the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Company believes that it will be successful on appeal and has not recorded any additional impact of the Tax Court's decision in its consolidated financial statements. As previously disclosed, the transfer pricing issue included in the Notice remains unresolved at this point. The total potential impact of the Tax Court's partial summary judgment decision on the controlled foreign corporation income recognition issue is not estimable until all matters in the open tax years have been resolved.

EQUITY

EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
EQUITY	EQUITY On February 24, 2016, the Board of Directors adopted a share repurchase program for share repurchases up to $2,500 of ordinary shares (2016 Program). During the first quarter of 2018 , 3.7 million ordinary shares were repurchased under the 2016 Program in the open market at a total cost of $300 . On February 27, 2019, the Board of Directors adopted a new share repurchase program for share repurchases up to $5,000 of ordinary shares (2019 Program). Under the 2019 Program, the ordinary shares are expected to be repurchased over time, depending on market conditions, the market price of ordinary shares, capital levels, and other considerations. During the first quarter of 2019 , 1.9 million ordinary shares were repurchased under the 2019 Program in the open market at a total cost of $150 . The changes in Shareholders’ equity follow: Ordinary shares Capital in excess of par value Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive loss Shares held in trust Total Eaton shareholders' equity Noncontrolling interests Total equity (In millions) Shares Dollars Balance at December 31, 2018 423.6 $ 4 $ 12,090 $ 8,161 $ (4,145 ) $ (3 ) $ 16,107 $ 35 $ 16,142 Net income — — — 522 — — 522 — 522 Other comprehensive income, net of tax 67 67 — 67 Cash dividends paid and accrued — — — (309 ) — — (309 ) (1 ) (310 ) Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans 1.4 — (5 ) 1 — — (4 ) — (4 ) Repurchase of shares (1.9 ) — — (150 ) — — (150 ) — (150 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 423.1 $ 4 $ 12,085 $ 8,225 $ (4,078 ) $ (3 ) $ 16,233 $ 34 $ 16,267 Ordinary shares Capital in excess of par value Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive loss Shares held in trust Total Eaton shareholders' equity Noncontrolling interests Total equity (In millions) Shares Dollars Balance at December 31, 2017 439.9 $ 4 $ 11,987 $ 8,669 $ (3,404 ) $ (3 ) $ 17,253 $ 37 $ 17,290 Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2014-09 — — — (2 ) — — (2 ) — (2 ) Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-16 — — — (199 ) — — (199 ) — (199 ) Net income — — — 488 — — 488 (1 ) 487 Other comprehensive income, net of tax 296 296 — 296 Cash dividends paid and accrued — — — (290 ) — — (290 ) — (290 ) Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans 1.1 — 18 (1 ) — — 17 — 17 Changes in noncontrolling interest of consolidated subsidiaries - net — — — — — — — 2 2 Repurchase of shares (3.7 ) — — (300 ) — — (300 ) — (300 ) Balance at March 31, 2018 437.3 $ 4 $ 12,005 $ 8,365 $ (3,108 ) $ (3 ) $ 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, 2018 $ (2,864 ) $ (1,278 ) $ (3 ) $ (4,145 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 53 (7 ) (5 ) 41 Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss — 28 (2 ) 26 Net current-period Other comprehensive (loss) income 53 21 (7 ) 67 Balance at March 31, 2019 $ (2,811 ) $ (1,257 ) $ (10 ) $ (4,078 ) The reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss follow: Three months ended March 31, 2019 Consolidated statements of income classification Amortization of defined benefit pensions and other postretirement benefits items Actuarial loss and prior service cost $ (32 ) 1 Tax benefit 4 Total, net of tax (28 ) Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges Currency exchange contracts 2 Cost of products sold Tax expense — Total, net of tax 2 Total reclassifications for the period $ (26 ) 1 These components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 7 for additional information about pension and other postretirement benefits items. Net Income Per Share Attributable to Eaton Ordinary Shareholders A summary of the calculation of net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders follows: Three months ended (Shares in millions) 2019 2018 Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 522 $ 488 Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted 425.9 441.7 Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation 1.9 2.9 Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic 424.0 438.8 Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders Diluted $ 1.23 $ 1.10 Basic 1.23 1.11 For the first quarter of 2019 and 2018 , 1.6 million and 0.1 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, 2019
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, 2019 Cash $ 303 $ 303 $ — $ — Short-term investments 143 143 — — Net derivative contracts 17 — 17 — December 31, 2018 Cash $ 283 $ 283 $ — $ — Short-term investments 157 157 — — Net derivative contracts 14 — 14 — 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 $6,824 and fair value of $7,024 at March 31, 2019 compared to $7,107 and $7,061 , respectively, at December 31, 2018 . 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, 2019
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, 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 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 gain or loss from the derivative financial instrument is recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income 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 gain or loss from the derivative financial instrument is recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income 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 is classified in the same line of the Consolidated Statements of Income as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item. 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. 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 a non-derivative net investment hedging instrument had a carrying value on a pre-tax basis of $612 at March 31, 2019 and $623 at December 31, 2018 . Derivative Financial Statement Impacts The fair value of derivative financial instruments recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets follows: Notional amount Other current assets Other noncurrent assets Other current liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Type of hedge Term March 31, 2019 Derivatives designated as hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 2,250 $ — $ 32 $ — $ 14 Fair value 3 months to 16 years Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps 300 — — — 12 Cash flow 34 years Currency exchange contracts 1,000 14 1 9 6 Cash flow 1 to 36 months Commodity contracts 16 2 — — — Cash flow 1 to 9 months Total $ 16 $ 33 $ 9 $ 32 Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 4,165 $ 18 $ 9 1 to 12 months Commodity contracts 9 — — 1 month Total $ 18 $ 9 December 31, 2018 Derivatives designated as hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 2,550 $ — $ 22 $ 1 $ 26 Fair value 3 months to 16 years Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps 100 — — — 3 Cash flow 34 years Currency exchange contracts 951 19 2 11 8 Cash flow 1 to 36 months Total $ 19 $ 24 $ 12 $ 37 Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 3,886 $ 40 $ 20 1 to 12 months Total $ 40 $ 20 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 receivables, payables 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. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 , $51 of cash inflow resulting from the settlement of these derivatives has been classified in investing activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The net cash flow from the settlement of these derivatives has been presented in operating activities in prior periods and have not been restated as such amounts are not material. As of March 31, 2019 , the volume of outstanding commodity contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted transactions: March 31, 2019 Commodity (millions of pounds) Term Copper 6 1 to 9 months The following amounts were recorded on the consolidated balance sheet related to fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps: Carrying amount of the hedged assets (liabilities) Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustment included in the carrying amount of the hedged asset (liabilities) (a) Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet March 31, 2019 March 31, 2019 Long-term debt $ (2,863 ) $ (60 ) (a) At March 31, 2019 , these amounts include the cumulative liability amount of fair value hedging adjustments remaining for which the hedge accounting has been discontinued of $42 . The impact of hedging activities to the Consolidated Statement of Income are as follow: Three months ended March 31, 2019 Net Sales Cost of products sold Interest expense - net Amounts from Consolidated Statement of Income $ 5,305 $ 3,573 $ 66 Gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Currency exchange contracts Hedged item $ 3 $ (5 ) $ — Derivative designated as hedging instrument (3 ) 5 — Commodity contracts Hedged item $ — $ — $ — Derivative designated as hedging instrument — — — Gain (loss) on derivatives designated as fair value hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps Hedged item $ — $ — $ (23 ) Derivative designated as hedging instrument — — 23 The impact of derivatives not designated as hedges to the Consolidated Statement of Income are as follow: Gain (loss) recognized in Consolidated Statement of Income Consolidated Statement of Income classification Three months ended 2019 Gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 40 Other income - net Commodity Contracts 1 Cost of products sold Total $ 41 The impact of derivative and non-derivative instruments designated as hedges to the Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income follow: Gain (loss) recognized in Location of gain (loss) Gain (loss) reclassified Three months ended Three months ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Derivatives designated as cash Forward starting floating-to-fixed $ (9 ) $ — Interest expense - net $ — $ — Currency exchange contracts — 13 Cost of products sold 2 (4 ) Commodity contracts 2 — Cost of products sold — — Non-derivative designated as net investment hedges Foreign currency denominated debt 12 (24 ) Other income - net — — Total $ 5 $ (11 ) $ 2 $ (4 ) At March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 , a gain of $7 and a loss of $6 , respectively, of estimated unrealized net gains or losses associated with our cash flow hedges were expected to be reclassified to income from Accumulated other comprehensive loss within the next twelve months.

INVENTORY

INVENTORY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 $ 1,120 $ 1,077 Work-in-process 549 500 Finished goods 1,228 1,208 Total inventory $ 2,897 $ 2,785

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance. Eaton’s operating segments are Electrical Products, Electrical Systems and Services, Hydraulics, Aerospace, Vehicle, and eMobility. Operating profit includes the operating profit from intersegment sales. For additional information regarding Eaton’s business segments, see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the 2018 Form 10-K. Three months ended 2019 2018 Net sales Electrical Products $ 1,760 $ 1,732 Electrical Systems and Services 1,464 1,381 Hydraulics 686 710 Aerospace 502 458 Vehicle 810 893 eMobility 83 77 Total net sales $ 5,305 $ 5,251 Segment operating profit Electrical Products $ 331 $ 307 Electrical Systems and Services 192 167 Hydraulics 80 90 Aerospace 116 89 Vehicle 122 132 eMobility 5 11 Total segment operating profit 846 796 Corporate Amortization of intangible assets (93 ) (98 ) Interest expense - net (66 ) (70 ) Pension and other postretirement benefits expense — (2 ) Other corporate expense - net (84 ) (61 ) Income before income taxes 603 565 Income tax expense 81 78 Net income 522 487 Less net loss for noncontrolling interests — 1 Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 522 $ 488

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCI

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 7 of Eaton's 2018 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 , 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. These restructurings have been reflected as of the beginning of the earliest period presented below. CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,758 $ 1,820 $ 3,038 $ (1,311 ) $ 5,305 Cost of products sold — 1,390 1,289 2,195 (1,301 ) 3,573 Selling and administrative expense 4 361 205 347 — 917 Research and development expense — 41 38 77 — 156 Interest expense (income) - net — 70 4 (7 ) (1 ) 66 Other expense (income) - net (12 ) (8 ) (8 ) 18 — (10 ) Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax (527 ) (306 ) (831 ) (735 ) 2,399 — Intercompany expense (income) - net 13 (36 ) 447 (424 ) — — Income (loss) before income taxes 522 246 676 1,567 (2,408 ) 603 Income tax expense (benefit) — 9 (12 ) 86 (2 ) 81 Net income (loss) 522 237 688 1,481 (2,406 ) 522 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests — — — — — — Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 522 $ 237 $ 688 $ 1,481 $ (2,406 ) $ 522 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 67 $ (6 ) $ 72 $ 91 $ (157 ) $ 67 Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 589 $ 231 $ 760 $ 1,572 $ (2,563 ) $ 589 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 ) (248 ) (797 ) (641 ) 2,200 — Intercompany expense (income) - net 5 (22 ) 487 (470 ) — — Income (loss) before income taxes 488 154 560 1,566 (2,203 ) 565 Income tax expense (benefit) — (6 ) (14 ) 99 (1 ) 78 Net income (loss) 488 160 574 1,467 (2,202 ) 487 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests — — — 1 — 1 Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 488 $ 160 $ 574 $ 1,468 $ (2,202 ) $ 488 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 296 $ 10 $ 284 $ 609 $ (903 ) $ 296 Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 784 $ 170 $ 858 $ 2,077 $ (3,105 ) $ 784 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS MARCH 31, 2019 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Assets Current assets Cash $ 2 $ 18 $ 11 $ 272 $ — $ 303 Short-term investments — — — 143 — 143 Accounts receivable - net — 492 1,381 1,992 — 3,865 Intercompany accounts receivable 16 1,452 1,809 2,141 (5,418 ) — Inventory — 559 850 1,574 (86 ) 2,897 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 116 26 377 17 536 Total current assets 18 2,637 4,077 6,499 (5,487 ) 7,744 Property, plant and equipment - net — 850 673 1,950 — 3,473 Other noncurrent assets Goodwill — 1,330 6,705 5,283 — 13,318 Other intangible assets — 126 3,016 1,612 — 4,754 Operating lease assets — 139 49 232 — 420 Deferred income taxes — 318 — 302 (311 ) 309 Investment in subsidiaries 17,045 8,012 72,214 26,299 (123,570 ) — Intercompany loans receivable 1,009 6,417 7,241 59,957 (74,624 ) — Other assets — 755 155 721 — 1,631 Total assets $ 18,072 $ 20,584 $ 94,130 $ 102,855 $ (203,992 ) $ 31,649 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ — $ 730 $ — $ 11 $ — $ 741 Current portion of long-term debt — 41 — 1 — 42 Accounts payable — 514 460 1,300 — 2,274 Intercompany accounts payable 25 1,216 2,460 1,717 (5,418 ) — Accrued compensation — 48 32 222 — 302 Other current liabilities 8 597 258 1,065 (1 ) 1,927 Total current liabilities 33 3,146 3,210 4,316 (5,419 ) 5,286 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt — 5,842 933 6 1 6,782 Pension liabilities — 381 129 755 — 1,265 Other postretirement benefits liabilities — 165 82 73 — 320 Operating lease liabilities — 100 37 171 — 308 Deferred income taxes — — 506 165 (311 ) 360 Intercompany loans payable 1,806 5,791 66,260 767 (74,624 ) — Other noncurrent liabilities — 395 289 377 — 1,061 Total noncurrent liabilities 1,806 12,674 68,236 2,314 (74,934 ) 10,096 Shareholders’ equity Eaton shareholders' equity 16,233 4,764 22,684 96,191 (123,639 ) 16,233 Noncontrolling interests — — — 34 — 34 Total equity 16,233 4,764 22,684 96,225 (123,639 ) 16,267 Total liabilities and equity $ 18,072 $ 20,584 $ 94,130 $ 102,855 $ (203,992 ) $ 31,649 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2018 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Assets Current assets Cash $ 1 $ 21 $ — $ 261 $ — $ 283 Short-term investments — — — 157 — 157 Accounts receivable - net — 483 1,400 1,975 — 3,858 Intercompany accounts receivable — 1,575 1,851 2,968 (6,394 ) — Inventory — 540 766 1,555 (76 ) 2,785 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 107 32 354 14 507 Total current assets 1 2,726 4,049 7,270 (6,456 ) 7,590 Property, plant and equipment - net — 843 678 1,946 — 3,467 Other noncurrent assets Goodwill — 1,330 6,705 5,293 — 13,328 Other intangible assets — 128 3,054 1,664 — 4,846 Deferred income taxes — 340 — 288 (335 ) 293 Investment in subsidiaries 16,476 7,658 71,334 25,551 (121,019 ) — Intercompany loans receivable 1,508 5,843 8,406 59,147 (74,904 ) — Other assets — 746 117 705 — 1,568 Total assets $ 17,985 $ 19,614 $ 94,343 $ 101,864 $ (202,714 ) $ 31,092 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ — $ 388 $ — $ 26 $ — $ 414 Current portion of long-term debt — 338 — 1 — 339 Accounts payable — 496 416 1,218 — 2,130 Intercompany accounts payable 32 1,127 3,206 2,029 (6,394 ) — Accrued compensation — 135 71 251 — 457 Other current liabilities 30 525 259 1,002 (2 ) 1,814 Total current liabilities 62 3,009 3,952 4,527 (6,396 ) 5,154 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt — 5,814 945 7 2 6,768 Pension liabilities — 383 130 791 — 1,304 Other postretirement benefits liabilities — 166 83 72 — 321 Deferred income taxes — 1 508 175 (335 ) 349 Intercompany loans payable 1,816 5,182 66,507 1,399 (74,904 ) — Other noncurrent liabilities — 389 291 374 — 1,054 Total noncurrent liabilities 1,816 11,935 68,464 2,818 (75,237 ) 9,796 Shareholders’ equity Eaton shareholders' equity 16,107 4,670 21,927 94,484 (121,081 ) 16,107 Noncontrolling interests — — — 35 — 35 Total equity 16,107 4,670 21,927 94,519 (121,081 ) 16,142 Total liabilities and equity $ 17,985 $ 19,614 $ 94,343 $ 101,864 $ (202,714 ) $ 31,092 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (36 ) $ (19 ) $ 202 $ 404 $ — $ 551 Investing activities Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment — (27 ) (28 ) (94 ) — (149 ) Sales (purchases) of short-term — — — 16 — 16 Loans to affiliates — (185 ) — (1,665 ) 1,850 — Repayments of loans from affiliates — 272 — 1,416 (1,688 ) — Proceeds (payments) for settlement of currency exchange contracts not designated as hedges - net — (2 ) — 53 — 51 Other - net — (5 ) 24 (5 ) — 14 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — 53 (4 ) (279 ) 162 (68 ) Financing activities Proceeds from borrowings — 342 — — — 342 Payments on borrowings — (301 ) — (14 ) — (315 ) Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates 499 1,133 33 185 (1,850 ) — Payments on borrowings from affiliates — (1,386 ) (30 ) (272 ) 1,688 — Other intercompany financing activities — 204 (184 ) (20 ) — — Cash dividends paid (302 ) — — — — (302 ) Exercise of employee stock options 20 — — — — 20 Repurchase of shares (180 ) — — — — (180 ) Employee taxes paid from shares withheld — (29 ) (6 ) — — (35 ) Other - net — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 37 (37 ) (187 ) (122 ) (162 ) (471 ) Effect of currency on cash — — — 8 — 8 Total increase (decrease) in cash 1 (3 ) 11 11 — 20 Cash at the beginning of the period 1 21 — 261 — 283 Cash at the end of the period $ 2 $ 18 $ 11 $ 272 $ — $ 303 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 $ (49 ) $ 82 $ 304 $ — $ 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 — 220 (441 ) 221 — — 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 ) (66 ) (466 ) (411 ) 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

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 2018 Form 10-K. The interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Management has evaluated subsequent events through the date this Form 10-Q was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Reclassifications	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]	Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. As most leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, Eaton uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The length of a lease term includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise those options. The Company made an accounting policy election to not recognize lease assets or liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less. Additionally, when accounting for leases, the Company combines payments for leased assets, related services and other components of a lease.
Adoption of ASU 2016-02	Adoption of New Accounting Standards Eaton adopted Accounting Standard Update 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), and related amendments, in the first quarter of 2019 using the optional transition method and has not restated prior periods. The Company elected to use the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed the carry forward of historical lease classification of existing leases. The Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of less than $1 to retained earnings as of January 1, 2019. Additionally, the adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of lease assets and lease liabilities for operating leases of $435 and $446 , respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income or Cash Flows.
Adoption of ASU 2017-12	Eaton adopted Accounting Standard Update 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, in the first quarter 2019 using the modified retrospective approach for hedge instruments that existed at the date of adoption. ASU 2017-12 is intended to better align the Company's risk management activities with financial reporting for hedging relationships. The standard eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness, expands the ability to hedge specific risk components, and generally requires the change in value of the hedge instrument and hedged item to be presented in the same income statement line. The new disclosure requirements were applied on a prospective basis and comparative information has not been restated. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

ACQUISITION, INTEGRATION AND _2

ACQUISITION, INTEGRATION AND DIVESTITURE CHARGES (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Acquisition, Integration and Divestiture Charges [Abstract]
Acquisition Integration Charges	Eaton incurs integration charges related to acquired businesses, and transaction and other charges to divest businesses. A summary of these charges follows: Three months ended 2019 2018 Electrical Products $ 1 $ — Corporate 11 — Total acquisition integration and divestiture charges before income tax 12 — Income taxes 1 — Total after income taxes $ 11 $ — Per ordinary share - diluted $ 0.03 $ —

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Schedule of Disaggregation of Sales	The Company’s six operating segments and the following tables disaggregate sales by lines of businesses, geographic destination, market channel or end market. Three months ended March 31, 2019 Net sales United States Rest of World Total Electrical Products $ 1,047 $ 713 $ 1,760 Electrical Systems and Services 976 488 1,464 Hydraulics 290 396 686 Original Equipment Manufacturers Aftermarket, Distribution and End User Aerospace $ 287 $ 215 502 Commercial Passenger and Light Duty Vehicle $ 431 $ 379 810 eMobility 83 Total $ 5,305 Three months ended March 31, 2018 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 December 31, 2018 $ 248 Customer deposits and billings 208 Revenue recognized in the period (205 ) Translation 6 Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 257 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

GOODWILL (Tables)

GOODWILL (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 $ 6,562 $ (11 ) $ 6,551 Electrical Systems and Services 4,241 8 4,249 Hydraulics 1,212 (9 ) 1,203 Aerospace 941 3 944 Vehicle 292 (1 ) 291 eMobility 80 — 80 Total $ 13,328 $ (10 ) $ 13,318

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Components of Lease Expense	The components of lease expense follows: Three months ended March 31, 2019 Operating lease cost $ 42 Finance lease cost - amortization of lease assets 1 Short-term lease cost 13 Variable lease cost 4 Sublease income (1 ) Total lease cost $ 59
Supplemental Cash Flow Related To Leases	Supplemental cash flow information related to leases follows: Three months ended March 31, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflows - payments on operating leases $ (38 ) Financing cash outflows - payments on finance lease obligations (1 ) Lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease obligations: Operating leases $ 21 Finance leases 8
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases follows: March 31, 2019 Operating Leases Operating lease assets $ 420 Other current liabilities 124 Operating lease liabilities 308 Total operating lease liabilities $ 432 Finance Leases Land and buildings $ 18 Machinery and equipment 8 Accumulated depreciation (11 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 15 Current portion of long-term debt $ 4 Long-term debt 12 Total finance lease liabilities $ 16 Weighted-average remaining lease term Operating leases 5.1 years Finance leases 4.7 years Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 3.6 % Finance leases 6.9 %
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity	Maturities of lease liabilities at March 31, 2019 follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases 2019 $ 108 $ 3 2020 115 5 2021 85 4 2022 54 3 2023 35 3 Thereafter 84 1 Total lease payments $ 481 $ 19 Less imputed interest 49 3 Total present value of lease liabilities $ 432 $ 16
Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity	Maturities of lease liabilities at March 31, 2019 follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases 2019 $ 108 $ 3 2020 115 5 2021 85 4 2022 54 3 2023 35 3 Thereafter 84 1 Total lease payments $ 481 $ 19 Less imputed interest 49 3 Total present value of lease liabilities $ 432 $ 16
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	at December 31, 2018 under noncancelable operating leases, which expire at various dates and in most cases contain renewal options, for each of the next five years and thereafter in the aggregate, follow: Operating Leases 2019 $ 165 2020 133 2021 106 2022 75 2023 53 Thereafter 110 Total lease commitments $ 642

RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Table

RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service cost $ 23 $ 25 $ 14 $ 16 $ — $ 1 Interest cost 34 30 15 14 3 3 Expected return on plan assets (58 ) (63 ) (27 ) (27 ) — (1 ) Amortization 15 24 10 10 (3 ) (3 ) 14 16 12 13 — — Settlements 10 14 — — — — Total expense $ 24 $ 30 $ 12 $ 13 $ — $ —

EQUITY (Tables)

EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Changes in Shareholders' equity	The changes in Shareholders’ equity follow: Ordinary shares Capital in excess of par value Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive loss Shares held in trust Total Eaton shareholders' equity Noncontrolling interests Total equity (In millions) Shares Dollars Balance at December 31, 2018 423.6 $ 4 $ 12,090 $ 8,161 $ (4,145 ) $ (3 ) $ 16,107 $ 35 $ 16,142 Net income — — — 522 — — 522 — 522 Other comprehensive income, net of tax 67 67 — 67 Cash dividends paid and accrued — — — (309 ) — — (309 ) (1 ) (310 ) Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans 1.4 — (5 ) 1 — — (4 ) — (4 ) Repurchase of shares (1.9 ) — — (150 ) — — (150 ) — (150 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 423.1 $ 4 $ 12,085 $ 8,225 $ (4,078 ) $ (3 ) $ 16,233 $ 34 $ 16,267 Ordinary shares Capital in excess of par value Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive loss Shares held in trust Total Eaton shareholders' equity Noncontrolling interests Total equity (In millions) Shares Dollars Balance at December 31, 2017 439.9 $ 4 $ 11,987 $ 8,669 $ (3,404 ) $ (3 ) $ 17,253 $ 37 $ 17,290 Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2014-09 — — — (2 ) — — (2 ) — (2 ) Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-16 — — — (199 ) — — (199 ) — (199 ) Net income — — — 488 — — 488 (1 ) 487 Other comprehensive income, net of tax 296 296 — 296 Cash dividends paid and accrued — — — (290 ) — — (290 ) — (290 ) Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans 1.1 — 18 (1 ) — — 17 — 17 Changes in noncontrolling interest of consolidated subsidiaries - net — — — — — — — 2 2 Repurchase of shares (3.7 ) — — (300 ) — — (300 ) — (300 ) Balance at March 31, 2018 437.3 $ 4 $ 12,005 $ 8,365 $ (3,108 ) $ (3 ) $ 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, 2018 $ (2,864 ) $ (1,278 ) $ (3 ) $ (4,145 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 53 (7 ) (5 ) 41 Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss — 28 (2 ) 26 Net current-period Other comprehensive (loss) income 53 21 (7 ) 67 Balance at March 31, 2019 $ (2,811 ) $ (1,257 ) $ (10 ) $ (4,078 )
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss follow: Three months ended March 31, 2019 Consolidated statements of income classification Amortization of defined benefit pensions and other postretirement benefits items Actuarial loss and prior service cost $ (32 ) 1 Tax benefit 4 Total, net of tax (28 ) Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges Currency exchange contracts 2 Cost of products sold Tax expense — Total, net of tax 2 Total reclassifications for the period $ (26 ) 1 These components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 7 for additional information about pension and other postretirement benefits items.
Calculation of Net Income Per Ordinary Share Attributable to Shareholders	A summary of the calculation of net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders follows: Three months ended (Shares in millions) 2019 2018 Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 522 $ 488 Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted 425.9 441.7 Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation 1.9 2.9 Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic 424.0 438.8 Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders Diluted $ 1.23 $ 1.10 Basic 1.23 1.11

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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, 2019 Cash $ 303 $ 303 $ — $ — Short-term investments 143 143 — — Net derivative contracts 17 — 17 — December 31, 2018 Cash $ 283 $ 283 $ — $ — Short-term investments 157 157 — — Net derivative contracts 14 — 14 —

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 Consolidated Balance Sheets follows: Notional amount Other current assets Other noncurrent assets Other current liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Type of hedge Term March 31, 2019 Derivatives designated as hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 2,250 $ — $ 32 $ — $ 14 Fair value 3 months to 16 years Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps 300 — — — 12 Cash flow 34 years Currency exchange contracts 1,000 14 1 9 6 Cash flow 1 to 36 months Commodity contracts 16 2 — — — Cash flow 1 to 9 months Total $ 16 $ 33 $ 9 $ 32 Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 4,165 $ 18 $ 9 1 to 12 months Commodity contracts 9 — — 1 month Total $ 18 $ 9 December 31, 2018 Derivatives designated as hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 2,550 $ — $ 22 $ 1 $ 26 Fair value 3 months to 16 years Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps 100 — — — 3 Cash flow 34 years Currency exchange contracts 951 19 2 11 8 Cash flow 1 to 36 months Total $ 19 $ 24 $ 12 $ 37 Derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 3,886 $ 40 $ 20 1 to 12 months Total $ 40 $ 20
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions	As of March 31, 2019 , the volume of outstanding commodity contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted transactions: March 31, 2019 Commodity (millions of pounds) Term Copper 6 1 to 9 months
Schedule Of Derivative Instruments Recorded In Balance Sheet	The following amounts were recorded on the consolidated balance sheet related to fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps: Carrying amount of the hedged assets (liabilities) Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustment included in the carrying amount of the hedged asset (liabilities) (a) Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet March 31, 2019 March 31, 2019 Long-term debt $ (2,863 ) $ (60 ) (a) At March 31, 2019 , these amounts include the cumulative liability amount of fair value hedging adjustments remaining for which the hedge accounting has been discontinued of $42 .
Schedule of Impact of Hedging Activities to Consolidated Statement of Income	The impact of hedging activities to the Consolidated Statement of Income are as follow: Three months ended March 31, 2019 Net Sales Cost of products sold Interest expense - net Amounts from Consolidated Statement of Income $ 5,305 $ 3,573 $ 66 Gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Currency exchange contracts Hedged item $ 3 $ (5 ) $ — Derivative designated as hedging instrument (3 ) 5 — Commodity contracts Hedged item $ — $ — $ — Derivative designated as hedging instrument — — — Gain (loss) on derivatives designated as fair value hedges Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps Hedged item $ — $ — $ (23 ) Derivative designated as hedging instrument — — 23
Amounts Recognized in Net Income	The impact of derivatives not designated as hedges to the Consolidated Statement of Income are as follow: Gain (loss) recognized in Consolidated Statement of Income Consolidated Statement of Income classification Three months ended 2019 Gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedges Currency exchange contracts $ 40 Other income - net Commodity Contracts 1 Cost of products sold Total $ 41
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The impact of derivative and non-derivative instruments designated as hedges to the Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income follow: Gain (loss) recognized in Location of gain (loss) Gain (loss) reclassified Three months ended Three months ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Derivatives designated as cash Forward starting floating-to-fixed $ (9 ) $ — Interest expense - net $ — $ — Currency exchange contracts — 13 Cost of products sold 2 (4 ) Commodity contracts 2 — Cost of products sold — — Non-derivative designated as net investment hedges Foreign currency denominated debt 12 (24 ) Other income - net — — Total $ 5 $ (11 ) $ 2 $ (4 )

INVENTORY (Tables)

INVENTORY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventory	The components of inventory follow: March 31, December 31, Raw materials $ 1,120 $ 1,077 Work-in-process 549 500 Finished goods 1,228 1,208 Total inventory $ 2,897 $ 2,785

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (T

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Three months ended 2019 2018 Net sales Electrical Products $ 1,760 $ 1,732 Electrical Systems and Services 1,464 1,381 Hydraulics 686 710 Aerospace 502 458 Vehicle 810 893 eMobility 83 77 Total net sales $ 5,305 $ 5,251 Segment operating profit Electrical Products $ 331 $ 307 Electrical Systems and Services 192 167 Hydraulics 80 90 Aerospace 116 89 Vehicle 122 132 eMobility 5 11 Total segment operating profit 846 796 Corporate Amortization of intangible assets (93 ) (98 ) Interest expense - net (66 ) (70 ) Pension and other postretirement benefits expense — (2 ) Other corporate expense - net (84 ) (61 ) Income before income taxes 603 565 Income tax expense 81 78 Net income 522 487 Less net loss for noncontrolling interests — 1 Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 522 $ 488

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,758 $ 1,820 $ 3,038 $ (1,311 ) $ 5,305 Cost of products sold — 1,390 1,289 2,195 (1,301 ) 3,573 Selling and administrative expense 4 361 205 347 — 917 Research and development expense — 41 38 77 — 156 Interest expense (income) - net — 70 4 (7 ) (1 ) 66 Other expense (income) - net (12 ) (8 ) (8 ) 18 — (10 ) Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax (527 ) (306 ) (831 ) (735 ) 2,399 — Intercompany expense (income) - net 13 (36 ) 447 (424 ) — — Income (loss) before income taxes 522 246 676 1,567 (2,408 ) 603 Income tax expense (benefit) — 9 (12 ) 86 (2 ) 81 Net income (loss) 522 237 688 1,481 (2,406 ) 522 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests — — — — — — Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 522 $ 237 $ 688 $ 1,481 $ (2,406 ) $ 522 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 67 $ (6 ) $ 72 $ 91 $ (157 ) $ 67 Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 589 $ 231 $ 760 $ 1,572 $ (2,563 ) $ 589 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 ) (248 ) (797 ) (641 ) 2,200 — Intercompany expense (income) - net 5 (22 ) 487 (470 ) — — Income (loss) before income taxes 488 154 560 1,566 (2,203 ) 565 Income tax expense (benefit) — (6 ) (14 ) 99 (1 ) 78 Net income (loss) 488 160 574 1,467 (2,202 ) 487 Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests — — — 1 — 1 Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 488 $ 160 $ 574 $ 1,468 $ (2,202 ) $ 488 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 296 $ 10 $ 284 $ 609 $ (903 ) $ 296 Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders $ 784 $ 170 $ 858 $ 2,077 $ (3,105 ) $ 784 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS MARCH 31, 2019 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Assets Current assets Cash $ 2 $ 18 $ 11 $ 272 $ — $ 303 Short-term investments — — — 143 — 143 Accounts receivable - net — 492 1,381 1,992 — 3,865 Intercompany accounts receivable 16 1,452 1,809 2,141 (5,418 ) — Inventory — 559 850 1,574 (86 ) 2,897 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 116 26 377 17 536 Total current assets 18 2,637 4,077 6,499 (5,487 ) 7,744 Property, plant and equipment - net — 850 673 1,950 — 3,473 Other noncurrent assets Goodwill — 1,330 6,705 5,283 — 13,318 Other intangible assets — 126 3,016 1,612 — 4,754 Operating lease assets — 139 49 232 — 420 Deferred income taxes — 318 — 302 (311 ) 309 Investment in subsidiaries 17,045 8,012 72,214 26,299 (123,570 ) — Intercompany loans receivable 1,009 6,417 7,241 59,957 (74,624 ) — Other assets — 755 155 721 — 1,631 Total assets $ 18,072 $ 20,584 $ 94,130 $ 102,855 $ (203,992 ) $ 31,649 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ — $ 730 $ — $ 11 $ — $ 741 Current portion of long-term debt — 41 — 1 — 42 Accounts payable — 514 460 1,300 — 2,274 Intercompany accounts payable 25 1,216 2,460 1,717 (5,418 ) — Accrued compensation — 48 32 222 — 302 Other current liabilities 8 597 258 1,065 (1 ) 1,927 Total current liabilities 33 3,146 3,210 4,316 (5,419 ) 5,286 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt — 5,842 933 6 1 6,782 Pension liabilities — 381 129 755 — 1,265 Other postretirement benefits liabilities — 165 82 73 — 320 Operating lease liabilities — 100 37 171 — 308 Deferred income taxes — — 506 165 (311 ) 360 Intercompany loans payable 1,806 5,791 66,260 767 (74,624 ) — Other noncurrent liabilities — 395 289 377 — 1,061 Total noncurrent liabilities 1,806 12,674 68,236 2,314 (74,934 ) 10,096 Shareholders’ equity Eaton shareholders' equity 16,233 4,764 22,684 96,191 (123,639 ) 16,233 Noncontrolling interests — — — 34 — 34 Total equity 16,233 4,764 22,684 96,225 (123,639 ) 16,267 Total liabilities and equity $ 18,072 $ 20,584 $ 94,130 $ 102,855 $ (203,992 ) $ 31,649 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2018 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Assets Current assets Cash $ 1 $ 21 $ — $ 261 $ — $ 283 Short-term investments — — — 157 — 157 Accounts receivable - net — 483 1,400 1,975 — 3,858 Intercompany accounts receivable — 1,575 1,851 2,968 (6,394 ) — Inventory — 540 766 1,555 (76 ) 2,785 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 107 32 354 14 507 Total current assets 1 2,726 4,049 7,270 (6,456 ) 7,590 Property, plant and equipment - net — 843 678 1,946 — 3,467 Other noncurrent assets Goodwill — 1,330 6,705 5,293 — 13,328 Other intangible assets — 128 3,054 1,664 — 4,846 Deferred income taxes — 340 — 288 (335 ) 293 Investment in subsidiaries 16,476 7,658 71,334 25,551 (121,019 ) — Intercompany loans receivable 1,508 5,843 8,406 59,147 (74,904 ) — Other assets — 746 117 705 — 1,568 Total assets $ 17,985 $ 19,614 $ 94,343 $ 101,864 $ (202,714 ) $ 31,092 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Current liabilities Short-term debt $ — $ 388 $ — $ 26 $ — $ 414 Current portion of long-term debt — 338 — 1 — 339 Accounts payable — 496 416 1,218 — 2,130 Intercompany accounts payable 32 1,127 3,206 2,029 (6,394 ) — Accrued compensation — 135 71 251 — 457 Other current liabilities 30 525 259 1,002 (2 ) 1,814 Total current liabilities 62 3,009 3,952 4,527 (6,396 ) 5,154 Noncurrent liabilities Long-term debt — 5,814 945 7 2 6,768 Pension liabilities — 383 130 791 — 1,304 Other postretirement benefits liabilities — 166 83 72 — 321 Deferred income taxes — 1 508 175 (335 ) 349 Intercompany loans payable 1,816 5,182 66,507 1,399 (74,904 ) — Other noncurrent liabilities — 389 291 374 — 1,054 Total noncurrent liabilities 1,816 11,935 68,464 2,818 (75,237 ) 9,796 Shareholders’ equity Eaton shareholders' equity 16,107 4,670 21,927 94,484 (121,081 ) 16,107 Noncontrolling interests — — — 35 — 35 Total equity 16,107 4,670 21,927 94,519 (121,081 ) 16,142 Total liabilities and equity $ 17,985 $ 19,614 $ 94,343 $ 101,864 $ (202,714 ) $ 31,092 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 Eaton Corporation plc Eaton Corporation Guarantors Other subsidiaries Consolidating adjustments Total Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (36 ) $ (19 ) $ 202 $ 404 $ — $ 551 Investing activities Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment — (27 ) (28 ) (94 ) — (149 ) Sales (purchases) of short-term — — — 16 — 16 Loans to affiliates — (185 ) — (1,665 ) 1,850 — Repayments of loans from affiliates — 272 — 1,416 (1,688 ) — Proceeds (payments) for settlement of currency exchange contracts not designated as hedges - net — (2 ) — 53 — 51 Other - net — (5 ) 24 (5 ) — 14 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — 53 (4 ) (279 ) 162 (68 ) Financing activities Proceeds from borrowings — 342 — — — 342 Payments on borrowings — (301 ) — (14 ) — (315 ) Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates 499 1,133 33 185 (1,850 ) — Payments on borrowings from affiliates — (1,386 ) (30 ) (272 ) 1,688 — Other intercompany financing activities — 204 (184 ) (20 ) — — Cash dividends paid (302 ) — — — — (302 ) Exercise of employee stock options 20 — — — — 20 Repurchase of shares (180 ) — — — — (180 ) Employee taxes paid from shares withheld — (29 ) (6 ) — — (35 ) Other - net — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 37 (37 ) (187 ) (122 ) (162 ) (471 ) Effect of currency on cash — — — 8 — 8 Total increase (decrease) in cash 1 (3 ) 11 11 — 20 Cash at the beginning of the period 1 21 — 261 — 283 Cash at the end of the period $ 2 $ 18 $ 11 $ 272 $ — $ 303 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 $ (49 ) $ 82 $ 304 $ — $ 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 — 220 (441 ) 221 — — 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 ) (66 ) (466 ) (411 ) 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

BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Narrati

BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 420		$ 0
Operating Lease Liabilities	$ 432
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption		$ 1
Operating lease assets		435
Operating Lease Liabilities		$ 446

ACQUISITION, INTEGRATION AND _3

ACQUISITION, INTEGRATION AND DIVESTITURE CHARGES (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Acquisition, integration and divestiture charges [Line Items]
Acquisition integration charges	$ 12	$ 0
Income taxes	1	0
Total after income taxes	$ 11	$ 0
Per ordinary share - diluted (dollars per share)	$ 0.03	$ 0
Electrical Products
Acquisition, integration and divestiture charges [Line Items]
Acquisition integration charges	$ 1	$ 0
Corporate [Member]
Acquisition, integration and divestiture charges [Line Items]
Acquisition integration charges	$ 11	$ 0

ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURE O_2

ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURE OF BUSINESSES (Details) - Ulusoy Elektrik Imalat Taahhut ve Ticaret A.S. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 15, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue		$ 126
Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	82.275%
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 214

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Narrative

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | segment	6
Accounts receivables from customers	$ 3,469	$ 3,402
Unbilled receivables	104	94
Backlog of unsatisfied or partially satisfied obligations	$ 5,500	$ 5,300
Backlog expected to be recognized in the next twelve months (as a percent)	87.00%	87.00%

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Schedule

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Schedule of Disaggregation of Sales (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 5,305	$ 5,251
Electrical Products
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,760	1,732
Electrical Products | United States [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,047	960
Electrical Products | Rest of world [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	713	772
Electrical Systems and Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,464	1,381
Electrical Systems and Services | United States [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	976	894
Electrical Systems and Services | Rest of world [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	488	487
Hydraulics
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	686	710
Hydraulics | United States [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	290	297
Hydraulics | Rest of world [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	396	413
Aerospace
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	502	458
Aerospace | Original Equipment Manufacturers [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	287	264
Aerospace | Aftermarket, Distribution and End User [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	215	194
Vehicle
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	810	893
Vehicle | Commercial [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	431	430
Vehicle | Passenger and Light Duty [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	379	463
eMobility
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 83	$ 77

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Schedul_2

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Schedule of Changes in Deferred Revenue Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 248	$ 227
Customer deposits and billings	208	232
Revenue recognized in the period	(205)	(209)
Translation	6	1
Ending balance	$ 257	$ 251

GOODWILL (Details)

GOODWILL (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 13,328
Translation	(10)
Ending balance	13,318
Electrical Products
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	6,562
Translation	(11)
Ending balance	6,551
Electrical Systems and Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,241
Translation	8
Ending balance	4,249
Hydraulics
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,212
Translation	(9)
Ending balance	1,203
Aerospace
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	941
Translation	3
Ending balance	944
Vehicle
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	292
Translation	(1)
Ending balance	291
eMobility
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	80
Translation	0
Ending balance	$ 80

LEASES - Components of Lease Ex

LEASES - Components of Lease Expense (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 42
Finance lease cost - amortization of lease assets	1
Short-term lease cost	13
Variable lease cost	4
Sublease income	(1)
Total lease cost	$ 59

LEASES - Narrative (Details)

LEASES - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Net gain on sale leaseback transaction	$ 18

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related To Leases (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash outflows - payments on operating leases	$ (38)
Financing cash outflows - payments on finance lease obligations	(1)
Lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease obligations:
Operating leases	21
Finance leases	$ 8

LEASES - Supplemental Balance S

LEASES - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 420	$ 0
Other current liabilities	124
Operating lease liabilities	308	$ 0
Total operating lease liabilities	432
Accumulated depreciation	(11)
Net property, plant and equipment	15
Current portion of long-term debt	4
Long-term debt	12
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 16
Operating leases, weighted average remaining term	5 years 1 month 6 days
Finance leases, weighted average remaining lease term	4 years 8 months 12 days
Operating Lease, weighted average discount rate	3.60%
Finance Lease, weighted average discount rate	6.90%
Land and Building
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Finance Lease, right-of-use asset	$ 18
Machinery and Equipment
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Finance Lease, right-of-use asset	$ 8

LEASES - Maturities of Lease Li

LEASES - Maturities of Lease Liabilities Operating and Financing (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Operating Lease Liabilities, Payments Due [Abstract]
2019	$ 108
2020	115
2021	85
2022	54
2023	35
Thereafter	84
Total lease payments	481
Less imputed interest	49
Operating Lease Liabilities	432
Finance Lease Liabilities, Payments, Due [Abstract]
2019	3
2020	5
2021	4
2022	3
2023	3
Thereafter	1
Total lease payments	19
Less imputed interest	3
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 16

LEASES - Maturities of Lease _2

LEASES - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2019	$ 165
2020	133
2021	106
2022	75
2023	53
Thereafter	110
Total lease payments	$ 642

RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Detai

RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Pension plan | United States pension benefit expense
Retirement benefits plans expense
Service cost	$ 23	$ 25
Interest cost	34	30
Expected return on plan assets	(58)	(63)
Amortization	15	24
Total	14	16
Settlements	10	14
Total expense	24	30
Pension plan | Non-United States pension benefit expense
Retirement benefits plans expense
Service cost	14	16
Interest cost	15	14
Expected return on plan assets	(27)	(27)
Amortization	10	10
Total	12	13
Settlements	0	0
Total expense	12	13
Other postretirement benefits expense
Retirement benefits plans expense
Service cost	0	1
Interest cost	3	3
Expected return on plan assets	0	(1)
Amortization	(3)	(3)
Total	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Total expense	$ 0	$ 0

LEGAL CONTINGENCIES (Details)

LEGAL CONTINGENCIES (Details) - Pneumo Abex Case - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 28, 2018	Aug. 23, 2018	Jul. 11, 2018
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value			$ 347
Amount awarded to other party		$ 293
Payments for Legal Settlements	$ 297

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax rate, percent	13.50%	13.80%

EQUITY - Changes in Shareholder

EQUITY - Changes in Shareholders's Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Feb. 27, 2019	Feb. 24, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 16,142	$ 17,290
Net income	522	487
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	67	296
Cash dividends paid	(310)	(290)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans	(4)	17
Changes in noncontrolling interest of consolidated subsidiaries - net		2
Repurchase of shares	(150)	(300)
Ending balance	16,267	17,301
Common Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 4	$ 4
Beginning balance, shares	423,600,000	439,900,000
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans, shares	1,400,000	1,100,000
Repurchase of shares, shares	(1,900,000)	(3,700,000)
Ending balance, shares	423,100,000	437,300,000
Ending balance	$ 4	$ 4
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	12,090	11,987
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans	(5)	18
Ending balance	12,085	12,005
Retained Earnings [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	8,161	8,669
Net income	522	488
Cash dividends paid	(309)	(290)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans	1	(1)
Repurchase of shares	(150)	(300)
Ending balance	8,225	8,365
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(4,145)	(3,404)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	67	296
Ending balance	(4,078)	(3,108)
Trust for Benefit of Employees [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(3)	(3)
Ending balance	(3)	(3)
Eaton shareholders’ equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	16,107	17,253
Net income	522	488
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	67	296
Cash dividends paid	(309)	(290)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans	(4)	17
Repurchase of shares	(150)	(300)
Ending balance	16,233	17,263
Noncontrolling interests
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	35	37
Net income		(1)
Cash dividends paid	(1)
Changes in noncontrolling interest of consolidated subsidiaries - net		2
Ending balance	$ 34	38
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2014-09
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU		(2)
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Retained Earnings [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU		(2)
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Eaton shareholders’ equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU		(2)
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-16
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU		(199)
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-16 | Retained Earnings [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU		(199)
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-16 | Eaton shareholders’ equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU		$ (199)
2016 Program
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Share repurchase program, authorized (in shares)				2,500,000,000
Ordinary shares purchased (in shares)		3,700,000
Shares repurchased		$ 300
2019 Program
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Share repurchase program, authorized (in shares)			5,000,000,000
Ordinary shares purchased (in shares)	1,900,000
Shares repurchased	$ 150

EQUITY - Changes in Accumulated

EQUITY - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (4,145)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	41
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	26
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	67	$ 296
Ending balance	(4,078)
Currency translation and related hedging instruments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(2,864)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	53
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	53
Ending balance	(2,811)
Pensions and other postretirement benefits
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(1,278)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(7)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	28
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	21
Ending balance	(1,257)
Cash flow hedges
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(3)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(5)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2)
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	(7)
Ending balance	(10)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(4,145)
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	67	$ 296
Ending balance	$ (4,078)

EQUITY - Reclassifications Out

EQUITY - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Currency exchange contracts		$ 3,573	$ 3,573
Income tax expense		81	$ 78
Total reclassifications for the period		(26)
Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications for the period		2
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications for the period		(26)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of defined benefit pensions and other postretirement benefits items
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Actuarial loss and prior service cost	[1]	(32)
Income tax expense		4
Total reclassifications for the period		(28)
Currency exchange contracts | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Currency exchange contracts		2
Income tax expense		0
Total reclassifications for the period		$ 2
[1]	These components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 7 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, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Calculation of net income per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders
Net Income Attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 522	$ 488
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	425.9	441.7
Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation (shares)	1.9	2.9
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic (shares)	424	438.8
Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 1.23	$ 1.10
Basic (usd per share)	$ 1.23	$ 1.11
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1.6	0.1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Summa

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Summary of Financial Instruments at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	$ 303	$ 283	$ 317	$ 561
Short-term investments	143	157
Net derivative contracts	17	14
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	303	283
Short-term investments	143	157
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	17	14
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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Carrying value of long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	$ 6,824	$ 7,107
Fair value of long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	$ 7,024	$ 7,061

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_3

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, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign currency note payable, noncurrent, pre-tax	$ 612		$ 623
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Percentage of intercompany balance sheet exposure	100.00%
Proceeds for settlement of currency exchange contracts not designated as hedges - net	$ 51	$ 0
Other current assets
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	16		19
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	18		40
Other noncurrent assets
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	33		24
Other current liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	9		12
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liability, at fair value	9		20
Other noncurrent liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	32		37
Currency exchange contracts | Other current assets
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	18		40
Currency exchange contracts | Other current liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liability, at fair value	9		20
Commodity contracts | Other current assets
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value	0
Commodity contracts | Other current liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liability, at fair value	0
Derivatives designated as hedges | Fair value hedging | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps
Derivatives designated as hedges
Notional amount	2,250		2,550
Derivatives designated as hedges | Fair value hedging | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps | Other current assets
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	0		0
Derivatives designated as hedges | Fair value hedging | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps | Other noncurrent assets
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	32		22
Derivatives designated as hedges | Fair value hedging | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps | Other current liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	0		1
Derivatives designated as hedges | Fair value hedging | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps | Other noncurrent liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	14		26
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps
Derivatives designated as hedges
Notional amount	300		100
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps | Other current assets
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	0		0
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps | Other noncurrent assets
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	0		0
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps | Other current liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	0		0
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps | Other noncurrent liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	12		3
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Currency exchange contracts
Derivatives designated as hedges
Notional amount	1,000		951
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Currency exchange contracts | Other current assets
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	14		19
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Currency exchange contracts | Other noncurrent assets
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	1		2
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Currency exchange contracts | Other current liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	9		11
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Currency exchange contracts | Other noncurrent liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	6		8
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity contracts
Derivatives designated as hedges
Notional amount	16
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity contracts | Other current assets
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	2
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity contracts | Other noncurrent assets
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument	0
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity contracts | Other current liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	0
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity contracts | Other noncurrent liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument	0
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Currency exchange contracts
Derivatives designated as hedges
Notional amount	4,165		$ 3,886
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Commodity contracts
Derivatives designated as hedges
Notional amount	$ 9
Minimum | Commodity contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	1 month
Minimum | Derivatives designated as hedges | Fair value hedging | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	3 months		3 months
Minimum | Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, remaining maturity	34 years		34 years
Minimum | Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Currency exchange contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	1 month		1 month
Minimum | Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	1 month
Minimum | Derivatives not designated as hedges | Currency exchange contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	1 month		1 month
Minimum | Derivatives not designated as hedges | Commodity contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	1 month
Maximum | Commodity contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	9 months
Maximum | Derivatives designated as hedges | Fair value hedging | Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	16 years		16 years
Maximum | Derivatives designated as hedges | Fair value hedging | Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, remaining maturity	34 years		34 years
Maximum | Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Currency exchange contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	36 months		36 months
Maximum | Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	9 months
Maximum | Derivatives not designated as hedges | Currency exchange contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	12 months		12 months
Maximum | Derivatives not designated as hedges | Commodity contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	1 month

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_4

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Volume of Outstanding Commodity Contracts (Details) - Commodity contracts	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019lb
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, outstanding commodity contract	6,000,000
Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	1 month
Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	9 months

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_5

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Amounts Recorded on Balance Sheet Related to Fixed-to-Floating Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - Long-term debt $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Discontinued hedge, cumulative adjustment	$ (42)
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Carrying amount of the hedged assets (liabilities)	(2,863)
Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustment included in the carrying amount of the hedged asset (liabilities)	$ (60)

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_6

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Impact of Derivative on Consolidated Statement of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 5,305	$ 5,251
Cost of products sold	3,573	$ 3,573
Interest expense - net	66
Net Sales | Commodity contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on hedged item	0
Gain (loss) on hedging instrument	0
Net Sales | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on hedged item	0
Gain (loss) on hedging instrument	0
Cost of products sold | Commodity contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on hedged item	0
Gain (loss) on hedging instrument	0
Cost of products sold | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on hedged item	0
Gain (loss) on hedging instrument	0
Interest expense - net | Commodity contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on hedged item	0
Gain (loss) on hedging instrument	0
Interest expense - net | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on hedged item	(23)
Gain (loss) on hedging instrument	23
Cash Flow Hedging | Net Sales | Currency exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on hedged item	3
Gain (loss) on hedging instrument	(3)
Cash Flow Hedging | Cost of products sold | Currency exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on hedged item	(5)
Gain (loss) on hedging instrument	5
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest expense - net | Currency exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on hedged item	0
Gain (loss) on hedging instrument	$ 0

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_7

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Impact of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedges	$ 41
Currency exchange contracts | Other income - net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedges	40
Commodity Contract [Member] | Cost of products sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedges	$ 1

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_8

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified within the next twelve months	$ (7)	$ (6)
Net Investment Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	12	(24)
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Interest expense - net | Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	(9)	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Cost of products sold | Currency exchange contracts | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	0	13
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	2	(4)
Cost of products sold | Commodity Contract [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	2	0
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Total | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	2	(4)
Total, gain (loss) on derivative and net investment hedge recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	$ 5	$ (11)

INVENTORY (Details)

INVENTORY (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 1,120	$ 1,077
Work-in-process	549	500
Finished goods	1,228	1,208
Total inventory	$ 2,897	$ 2,785

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (D

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Business Segment Information
Net sales	$ 5,305	$ 5,251
Corporate
Interest expense - net	66	70
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	36	43
Other corporate expense - net	(10)	(2)
Income before income taxes	603	565
Income tax expense	81	78
Net income	522	487
Less net loss for noncontrolling interests	0	1
Net Income Attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	522	488
Electrical Products
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,760	1,732
Electrical Systems and Services
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,464	1,381
Hydraulics
Business Segment Information
Net sales	686	710
Aerospace
Business Segment Information
Net sales	502	458
Vehicle
Business Segment Information
Net sales	810	893
eMobility
Business Segment Information
Net sales	83	77
Total business segments [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	5,305	5,251
Segment operating profit	846	796
Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Products
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,760	1,732
Segment operating profit	331	307
Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Systems and Services
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,464	1,381
Segment operating profit	192	167
Total business segments [Member] | Hydraulics
Business Segment Information
Net sales	686	710
Segment operating profit	80	90
Total business segments [Member] | Aerospace
Business Segment Information
Net sales	502	458
Segment operating profit	116	89
Total business segments [Member] | Vehicle
Business Segment Information
Net sales	810	893
Segment operating profit	122	132
Total business segments [Member] | eMobility
Business Segment Information
Net sales	83	77
Segment operating profit	5	11
Corporate [Member]
Corporate
Amortization of intangible assets	(93)	(98)
Interest expense - net	(66)	(70)
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	0	2
Other corporate expense - net	$ (84)	$ (61)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Narrative (Details)	Sep. 15, 2017	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 FINAN_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 5,305	$ 5,251
Cost of products sold	3,573	3,573
Selling and administrative expense	917	889
Research and development expense	156	156
Interest expense (income) - net	66	70
Other (income) expense - net	(10)	(2)
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	0	0
Intercompany expense (income) - net	0	0
Income before income taxes	603	565
Income tax expense (benefit)	81	78
Net income	522	487
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	1
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	522	488
Other comprehensive income (loss)	67	296
Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	589	784
Guarantors
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	1,820	1,700
Cost of products sold	1,289	1,236
Selling and administrative expense	205	178
Research and development expense	38	41
Interest expense (income) - net	4	4
Other (income) expense - net	(8)	(9)
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	(831)	(797)
Intercompany expense (income) - net	447	487
Income before income taxes	676	560
Income tax expense (benefit)	(12)	(14)
Net income	688	574
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	688	574
Other comprehensive income (loss)	72	284
Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	760	858
Other subsidiaries
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	3,038	3,191
Cost of products sold	2,195	2,310
Selling and administrative expense	347	367
Research and development expense	77	76
Interest expense (income) - net	(7)	(1)
Other (income) expense - net	18	(16)
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	(735)	(641)
Intercompany expense (income) - net	(424)	(470)
Income before income taxes	1,567	1,566
Income tax expense (benefit)	86	99
Net income	1,481	1,467
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	1
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	1,481	1,468
Other comprehensive income (loss)	91	609
Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	1,572	2,077
Consolidating adjustments
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	(1,311)	(1,329)
Cost of products sold	(1,301)	(1,325)
Selling and administrative expense	0	0
Research and development expense	0	0
Interest expense (income) - net	(1)	(1)
Other (income) expense - net	0	0
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	2,399	2,200
Intercompany expense (income) - net	0	0
Income before income taxes	(2,408)	(2,203)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(2)	(1)
Net income	(2,406)	(2,202)
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	(2,406)	(2,202)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(157)	(903)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	(2,563)	(3,105)
Eaton Corporation plc
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Cost of products sold	0	0
Selling and administrative expense	4	3
Research and development expense	0	0
Interest expense (income) - net	0	0
Other (income) expense - net	(12)	18
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	(527)	(514)
Intercompany expense (income) - net	13	5
Income before income taxes	522	488
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Net income	522	488
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	522	488
Other comprehensive income (loss)	67	296
Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	589	784
Eaton Corporation
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	1,758	1,689
Cost of products sold	1,390	1,352
Selling and administrative expense	361	341
Research and development expense	41	39
Interest expense (income) - net	70	68
Other (income) expense - net	(8)	5
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax	(306)	(248)
Intercompany expense (income) - net	(36)	(22)
Income before income taxes	246	154
Income tax expense (benefit)	9	(6)
Net income	237	160
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	237	160
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(6)	10
Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 231	$ 170

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN_5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets
Cash	$ 303	$ 283	$ 317	$ 561
Short-term investments	143	157
Accounts receivable - net	3,865	3,858
Intercompany accounts receivable	0	0
Inventory	2,897	2,785
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	536	507
Total current assets	7,744	7,590
Property, plant and equipment - net	3,473	3,467
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	13,318	13,328
Other intangible assets	4,754	4,846
Operating lease assets	420	0
Deferred income taxes	309	293
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany loans receivables	0	0
Other assets	1,631	1,568
Total assets	31,649	31,092
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	741	414
Current portion of long-term debt	42	339
Accounts payable	2,274	2,130
Intercompany accounts payable	0	0
Accrued compensation	302	457
Other current liabilities	1,927	1,814
Total current liabilities	5,286	5,154
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	6,782	6,768
Pension liabilities	1,265	1,304
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	320	321
Operating lease liabilities	308	0
Deferred income taxes	360	349
Intercompany loans payable	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,061	1,054
Total noncurrent liabilities	10,096	9,796
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	16,233	16,107
Noncontrolling interests	34	35
Total equity	16,267	16,142	17,301	17,290
Total liabilities and equity	31,649	31,092
Consolidating adjustments
Current assets
Cash	0	0	0	0
Short-term investments	0	0
Accounts receivable - net	0	0
Intercompany accounts receivable	(5,418)	(6,394)
Inventory	(86)	(76)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17	14
Total current assets	(5,487)	(6,456)
Property, plant and equipment - net	0	0
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets	0	0
Operating lease assets	0
Deferred income taxes	(311)	(335)
Investment in subsidiaries	(123,570)	(121,019)
Intercompany loans receivables	(74,624)	(74,904)
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	(203,992)	(202,714)
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany accounts payable	(5,418)	(6,394)
Accrued compensation	0	0
Other current liabilities	(1)	(2)
Total current liabilities	(5,419)	(6,396)
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	1	2
Pension liabilities	0	0
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	0	0
Operating lease liabilities	0
Deferred income taxes	(311)	(335)
Intercompany loans payable	(74,624)	(74,904)
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0
Total noncurrent liabilities	(74,934)	(75,237)
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	(123,639)	(121,081)
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	(123,639)	(121,081)
Total liabilities and equity	(203,992)	(202,714)
Other subsidiaries
Current assets
Cash	272	261	301	360
Short-term investments	143	157
Accounts receivable - net	1,992	1,975
Intercompany accounts receivable	2,141	2,968
Inventory	1,574	1,555
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	377	354
Total current assets	6,499	7,270
Property, plant and equipment - net	1,950	1,946
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	5,283	5,293
Other intangible assets	1,612	1,664
Operating lease assets	232
Deferred income taxes	302	288
Investment in subsidiaries	26,299	25,551
Intercompany loans receivables	59,957	59,147
Other assets	721	705
Total assets	102,855	101,864
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	11	26
Current portion of long-term debt	1	1
Accounts payable	1,300	1,218
Intercompany accounts payable	1,717	2,029
Accrued compensation	222	251
Other current liabilities	1,065	1,002
Total current liabilities	4,316	4,527
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	6	7
Pension liabilities	755	791
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	73	72
Operating lease liabilities	171
Deferred income taxes	165	175
Intercompany loans payable	767	1,399
Other noncurrent liabilities	377	374
Total noncurrent liabilities	2,314	2,818
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	96,191	94,484
Noncontrolling interests	34	35
Total equity	96,225	94,519
Total liabilities and equity	102,855	101,864
Guarantors
Current assets
Cash	11	0	6	18
Short-term investments	0	0
Accounts receivable - net	1,381	1,400
Intercompany accounts receivable	1,809	1,851
Inventory	850	766
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	26	32
Total current assets	4,077	4,049
Property, plant and equipment - net	673	678
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	6,705	6,705
Other intangible assets	3,016	3,054
Operating lease assets	49
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	72,214	71,334
Intercompany loans receivables	7,241	8,406
Other assets	155	117
Total assets	94,130	94,343
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable	460	416
Intercompany accounts payable	2,460	3,206
Accrued compensation	32	71
Other current liabilities	258	259
Total current liabilities	3,210	3,952
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	933	945
Pension liabilities	129	130
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	82	83
Operating lease liabilities	37
Deferred income taxes	506	508
Intercompany loans payable	66,260	66,507
Other noncurrent liabilities	289	291
Total noncurrent liabilities	68,236	68,464
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	22,684	21,927
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	22,684	21,927
Total liabilities and equity	94,130	94,343
Eaton Corporation
Current assets
Cash	18	21	10	183
Short-term investments	0	0
Accounts receivable - net	492	483
Intercompany accounts receivable	1,452	1,575
Inventory	559	540
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	116	107
Total current assets	2,637	2,726
Property, plant and equipment - net	850	843
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	1,330	1,330
Other intangible assets	126	128
Operating lease assets	139
Deferred income taxes	318	340
Investment in subsidiaries	8,012	7,658
Intercompany loans receivables	6,417	5,843
Other assets	755	746
Total assets	20,584	19,614
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	730	388
Current portion of long-term debt	41	338
Accounts payable	514	496
Intercompany accounts payable	1,216	1,127
Accrued compensation	48	135
Other current liabilities	597	525
Total current liabilities	3,146	3,009
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	5,842	5,814
Pension liabilities	381	383
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	165	166
Operating lease liabilities	100
Deferred income taxes	0	1
Intercompany loans payable	5,791	5,182
Other noncurrent liabilities	395	389
Total noncurrent liabilities	12,674	11,935
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	4,764	4,670
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	4,764	4,670
Total liabilities and equity	20,584	19,614
Eaton Corporation plc
Current assets
Cash	2	1	$ 0	$ 0
Short-term investments	0	0
Accounts receivable - net	0	0
Intercompany accounts receivable	16	0
Inventory	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	18	1
Property, plant and equipment - net	0	0
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets	0	0
Operating lease assets	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	17,045	16,476
Intercompany loans receivables	1,009	1,508
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	18,072	17,985
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany accounts payable	25	32
Accrued compensation	0	0
Other current liabilities	8	30
Total current liabilities	33	62
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	0	0
Pension liabilities	0	0
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	0	0
Operating lease liabilities	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Intercompany loans payable	1,806	1,816
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0
Total noncurrent liabilities	1,806	1,816
Shareholders’ equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	16,233	16,107
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	16,233	16,107
Total liabilities and equity	$ 18,072	$ 17,985

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN_6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 551	$ 339
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(149)	(131)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	16	31
Investments in affiliates		0
Loans to affiliates	0	0
Repayments of loans from affiliates	0	0
Proceeds (payments) for settlement of currency exchange contracts not designated as hedges - net	51	0
Other - net	14	(37)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(68)	(137)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	342	179
Payments on borrowings	(315)	(33)
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	0	0
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	0	0
Capital contributions from affiliates		0
Other intercompany financing activities	0	0
Cash dividends paid	(302)	(284)
Exercise of employee stock options	20	19
Repurchase of shares	(180)	(300)
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	(35)	(23)
Other - net	(1)	(1)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(471)	(443)
Effect of currency on cash	8	(3)
Total increase (decrease) in cash	20	(244)
Cash at the beginning of the period	283	561
Cash at the end of the period	303	317
Consolidating adjustments
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	0	0
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	0	0
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	0	0
Investments in affiliates		36
Loans to affiliates	1,850	1,663
Repayments of loans from affiliates	(1,688)	(2,201)
Proceeds (payments) for settlement of currency exchange contracts not designated as hedges - net	0
Other - net	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	162	(502)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	0	0
Payments on borrowings	0	0
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	(1,850)	(1,663)
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	1,688	2,201
Capital contributions from affiliates		(36)
Other intercompany financing activities	0	0
Cash dividends paid	0	0
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	(162)	502
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
Guarantors
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	202	82
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(28)	(24)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	0	0
Investments in affiliates		0
Loans to affiliates	0	(486)
Repayments of loans from affiliates	0	886
Proceeds (payments) for settlement of currency exchange contracts not designated as hedges - net	0
Other - net	24	(4)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(4)	372
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	0	0
Payments on borrowings	0	(33)
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	33	28
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	(30)	(16)
Capital contributions from affiliates		0
Other intercompany financing activities	(184)	(441)
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0
Repurchase of shares	0	0
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	(6)	(4)
Other - net	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(187)	(466)
Effect of currency on cash	0	0
Total increase (decrease) in cash	11	(12)
Cash at the beginning of the period	0	18
Cash at the end of the period	11	6
Other subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	404	304
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(94)	(84)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	16	31
Investments in affiliates		0
Loans to affiliates	(1,665)	(1,177)
Repayments of loans from affiliates	1,416	1,299
Proceeds (payments) for settlement of currency exchange contracts not designated as hedges - net	53
Other - net	(5)	(18)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(279)	51
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	0	89
Payments on borrowings	(14)	0
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	185	0
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	(272)	(754)
Capital contributions from affiliates		36
Other intercompany financing activities	(20)	221
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0
Repurchase of shares	0	0
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	0	(3)
Other - net	(1)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(122)	(411)
Effect of currency on cash	8	(3)
Total increase (decrease) in cash	11	(59)
Cash at the beginning of the period	261	360
Cash at the end of the period	272	301
Eaton Corporation plc
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(36)	2
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	0	0
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	0	0
Investments in affiliates		0
Loans to affiliates	0	0
Repayments of loans from affiliates	0	0
Proceeds (payments) for settlement of currency exchange contracts not designated as hedges - net	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	499	585
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	0	(22)
Capital contributions from affiliates		0
Other intercompany financing activities	0	0
Cash dividends paid	(302)	(284)
Exercise of employee stock options	20	19
Repurchase of shares	(180)	(300)
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	0	0
Other - net	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	37	(2)
Effect of currency on cash	0	0
Total increase (decrease) in cash	1	0
Cash at the beginning of the period	1	0
Cash at the end of the period	2	0
Eaton Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(19)	(49)
Investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(27)	(23)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net	0	0
Investments in affiliates		(36)
Loans to affiliates	(185)	0
Repayments of loans from affiliates	272	16
Proceeds (payments) for settlement of currency exchange contracts not designated as hedges - net	(2)
Other - net	(5)	(15)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	53	(58)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	342	90
Payments on borrowings	(301)	0
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates	1,133	1,050
Payments on borrowings from affiliates	(1,386)	(1,409)
Capital contributions from affiliates		0
Other intercompany financing activities	204	220
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0
Repurchase of shares	0	0
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	(29)	(16)
Other - net	0	(1)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(37)	(66)
Effect of currency on cash	0	0
Total increase (decrease) in cash	(3)	(173)
Cash at the beginning of the period	21	183
Cash at the end of the period	$ 18	$ 10