Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Reconciliations of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Table [Text Block] Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Table [Text Block] Deferred Taxes Balance Sheet Classification Of Net Deferred Income Tax Assets Table [Text Block] Balance Sheet Classification of Net Deferred Income Tax Assets Tax Effects of Major Items Recorded as Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Computation Of Earnings Per Share Line Items Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Computation Of Earnings Per Share Line Items Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted stock awards (shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Earnings per ordinary share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Continuing operations (USD per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (USD per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic earnings (loss) per common share (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Continuing operations (USD per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (USD per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Impairment charges, related to trade names Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension plans Pension Plan [Member] Other post-retirement plans Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Change in benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Payment for Settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Payment for Settlement Actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Actuarial Net Gains Losses Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Actuarial Net Gains Losses Translation (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Benefit obligation end of year Change in plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Company contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Translation gain (loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Fair value of plan assets end of year Funded status Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan [Abstract] Plan assets less than benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $10.3 and $14.0, respectively Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Inventories Inventory, Net Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Employee compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Pension and other post-retirement compensation and benefits Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Ordinary shares $0.01 par value, 426.0 authorized, 168.3 and 171.4 issued at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Other non-current assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual Service and product warranty provision Product Warranty Expense Payments Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments Foreign currency translation Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Ending balance Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule Of Acquired Intangible Assets By Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Trade names Trade Names [Member] Patented Technology [Member] Patented Technology [Member] Acquired Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items] Acquired Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items] Acquired Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items] Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Finite-life intangibles, cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-life intangibles, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Indefinite-life intangibles Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Total intangibles, cost Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Total intangibles, net Disclosure Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Table Text Block] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information. Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Table] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Table] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Table] Future dividends [Axis] Future dividends [Axis] Future dividends [Axis] Future dividends [Domain] Future dividends [Domain] [Domain] for Future dividends [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] December 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] [Domain] December 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] [Domain] December 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] May 2018 Share Repurchase Program [Member] May 2018 Share Repurchase Program [Member] May 2018 Share Repurchase Program [Member] December 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] December 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] December 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] Shareholders Equity Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items] Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, par value (per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Authorized amount to repurchase shares of common stock Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program Expiration Date Stock Repurchase Program Expiration Date Common stock shares repurchased, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Increase (Decrease) to Quarterly Dividend Rate Increase (Decrease) to Quarterly Dividend Rate Increase (Decrease) to Quarterly Dividend Rate Prior Quarter Approved Quarterly Dividend Prior Quarter Approved Quarterly Dividend Prior Quarter Approved Quarterly Dividend Dividends payable amount per share Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Dividends paid per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Aquatic Systems Aquatic Systems [Member] Aquatic Systems [Member] Filtration Solutions Filtration Solutions [Member] Filtration Solutions [Member] Flow Technologies Flow Technologies [Member] Flow Technologies [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Acquisitions/ divestitures Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign currency translation/other Goodwill, Other Increase (Decrease) Ending Balance Business Combination And Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Abstract] Business Combination And Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Net sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Cost of goods sold Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Gross profit Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gross Profit (Loss) Selling, general and administrative Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Research and development Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Operating (loss) income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) (Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax (benefit) provision Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Gain from sale of discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Provision for Loss (Gain) on Disposal, before Income Tax Provision for income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax (Expense) Benefit from Provision for (Gain) Loss on Disposal Gain from sale / impairment of discontinued operations, net of tax Discontinued Operation, Provision for Loss (Gain) on Disposal, Net of Tax Accounts receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Inventories Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory Other current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current Current assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Intangibles, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets Other non-current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent Non-current assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Other current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Current liabilities held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Pension and other post-retirement compensation and benefits Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Pension Plan Benefit Obligation Deferred tax liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Non-current liabilities held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes 2.450% due 2019 Senior Notes Two Point Four Five Percent Due Twenty Nineteen [Member] Senior Notes Two Point Four Five Percent Due Twenty Nineteen [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, after Tax Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, after Tax Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Schedule of Compensation Cost Share-based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block] Stock Option Activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block] Stock Option Fair Value Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Restricted Stock Activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Performance Shares Award Outstanding Activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Performance Shares, Outstanding Activity [Table Text Block] Accounts and notes receivable, allowances Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Ending balance Options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Options expected to vest at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Weighted Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Beginning balance (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Ending Balance (USD per share) Options exercisable at end of period (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options expected to vest at end of period (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Ending balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options exercisable at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options expected to vest at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Balance at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Options exercisable at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Options expected to vest at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less: imputed interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Total Operating Lease, Liability Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Tender Offer Tender Offer Tender Offer Variable rate debt Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount Fixed rate debt Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount Total debt Long-term Debt Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U.S. UNITED STATES Western Europe Western Europe [Member] Western Europe [Member] Developing Developing Countries [Member] Developing Countries [Member] Other Developed Other Developed Countries [Member] Other Developed Countries [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Impairment of long-lived assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Tax effect of international operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Change in valuation allowances Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Expense (Benefit), Share-based Payment Arrangement, Percent Tax effect of U.S. tax reform Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Tax effect of early extinguishment of debt Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Tax Effect of Early Extinguishment of Debt Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Tax Effect of Early Extinguishment of Debt Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Term Loans [Member] Term Loans [Member] Term Loans Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving credit facilities Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Senior Notes, 4.500% due in 2029 [Member] Senior Notes, 4.500% due in 2029 [Member] Senior Notes, 4.500% due in 2029 [Member] Term Loans, 2.914% due in 2023 Term Loans, 2.914% due in 2023 [Member] Term Loans, 2.914% due in 2023 Senior notes 2.900% due 2018 Senior Notes Two Point Nine Percent Due Twenty Eighteen [Member] Senior Notes Two Point Nine Percent Due Twenty Eighteen [Member] Senior Notes Maturing In 2019 Senior Notes Maturing In 2019 [Member] Senior Notes Maturing In 2019 [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Other Credit Facilities Other Credit Facilities [Member] Other Credit Facilities [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt, gross Long-term Debt, Gross Average interest rate at end of period Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt term Debt Instrument, Term Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net Credit facility maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit increase limit Line of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature, Increase Limit Line of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature, Increase Limit Commercial paper Commercial Paper Covenant, unrestricted cash Debt Instrument, Covenant, Unrestricted Cash Debt Instrument, Covenant, Unrestricted Cash Leverage ratio covenant Debt Instrument, Leverage Ratio Covenant Debt Instrument, Leverage Ratio Covenant EBITDA ratio covenant Debt Instrument, EBITDA Ratio Covenant Debt Instrument, EBITDA Ratio Covenant Remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, amount outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Proceeds from divestiture of businesses Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Total debt Debt, interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Cash tender offer Debt Instrument, Cash Tender Offer Debt Instrument, Cash Tender Offer Loss on extinguishment of debt, before write off of debt issuance cost Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt, before Write off of Debt Issuance Cost Write off of deferred debt issuance cost Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Cost-method Investments, Realized Losses Cost-method Investments, Realized Losses Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company Guarantor Parent Company [Member] Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Issuer [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Ownership percentage Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Recorded Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Long-term Debt and Derivative Financial Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2024 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total debt Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, remaining performance obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Revenue, remaining performance obligation period Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Divestitures [Table] Divestitures [Table] Divestitures [Table] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Separation costs Separation costs Separation costs Gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax Business exit costs Business Exit Costs Current liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Non-current liabilities Benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets Liability, Defined Benefit Plan Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Related Costs Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Restructuring Costs By Segment [Table Text Block] RestructuringCostsBySegment [Table Text Block] The amount of restructuring costs incurred by reportable segment. Restructuring Accrual Activity Recorded on Consolidated Balance Sheets Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax Gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Equity income of unconsolidated subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Depreciation Depreciation Amortization Amortization (Gain) loss on sale of businesses Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Share-based compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Trade name and other impairment Asset Impairment Charges Loss on early extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Pension and other post-retirement expense Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) Pension and other post-retirement contributions Payment for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Employee compensation and benefits Increase (Decrease) in Other Employee-Related Liabilities Other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Other non-current assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from (payments due to) sale of businesses Payments for (Proceeds from) Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used for investing activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net receipts (repayments) of commercial paper and revolving long-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Proceeds from long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Premium paid on early extinguishment of debt Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Distribution of cash from nVent, net of cash transferred Shares issued to employees, net of shares withheld Proceeds, Issuance of Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Including Option Exercised Repurchases of ordinary shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Change in cash held for sale Increase (Decrease) in Assets Held-for-sale Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents, end of year Cash paid for interest, net Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Cash paid for income taxes, net Income Taxes Paid Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Bad debt expense Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Write-offs, net of recoveries Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff Other (1) Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation Ending balance Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Total Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Investments measured at NAV Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Fixed Income Investments [Member] Fixed Income Investments [Member] Cash Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Fixed income Fixed Income Securities [Member] Other Investments Other Investments [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Domain] Investments [Domain] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Other securities Other Securities [Member] Other securities [Member] Fair value of plan assets Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected share price volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected term (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research and development Research and Development Expense Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Other (income) expense Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Loss on early extinguishment of debt Net interest expense Interest Income (Expense), Net Other (income) expense Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income Comprehensive income, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Changes in cumulative translation adjustment (inclusive of divestiture of business reclassified to gain from sale of $374.2 for the year ended December 31, 2017) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Changes in market value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Basic earnings per ordinary share (USD per share) Diluted earnings per ordinary share (USD per share) Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Diluted (shares) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Cumulative translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Market value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Project Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets Pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Benefit obligation assumptions Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Net periodic benefit expense assumptions Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected long-term return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Transferred at Point in Time Transferred at Point in Time [Member] Transferred over Time Transferred over Time [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Impairment losses on contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Revenues, percent Revenues, Percent Revenues, Percent Operating Lease, Liability, Current Operating Lease, Liability, Current Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Other Other Segments [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net sales Segment Income (Loss) Segment Income (Loss) Segment Income (Loss) Identifiable assets Capital expenditures Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Major Customers Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Major Customers Segment Reporting, Net sales associated with Major Customer (percent) Segment Reporting, Net sales associated with Major Customer (percent) Segment Reporting, Net sales associated with Major Customer (percent) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) [Abstract] Changes in Cumulative translation adjustment inclusive of divestiture of business reclassified to gain from sale Changes in Cumulative translation adjustment inclusive of divestiture of business reclassified to gain from sale Changes in Cumulative translation adjustment inclusive of divestiture of business reclassified to gain from sale Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Senior Notes 2.650% due 2019 Senior Notes Two Point Six Five Zero Percent Due Twenty Nineteen [Member] Senior Notes Two Point Six Five Zero Percent Due Twenty Nineteen [Member] Senior Notes 3.625% due 2020 Senior Notes Three Point Six Two Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty [Member] Senior Notes Three Point Six Two Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty [Member] Senior Notes, 5.000% due 2021 Senior Notes Five Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Due Twenty Twenty One [Member] Senior Notes, 5.000 Percent Due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes 3.150% due 2022 Senior Notes Three Point One Five Zero Percent Due Twenty Twenty Two [Member] Senior Notes Three Point One Five Zero Percent Due Twenty Twenty Two [Member] Senior Notes, 4.650% due in 2025 Senior Notes Four Point Six Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty Five [Member] Senior Notes Four Point Six Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty Five [Member] Unamortized issuance costs and discounts Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for following year Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Year the cost trend rate reaches the ultimate trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year Health Care Cost Trend Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Axis] Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Axis] Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Axis] Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Domain] Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Domain] Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Domain] First 1% 401(K) Plan Legacy Group One [Member] 401(K) Plan Legacy Group One [Member] Next 5% 401(K) Plan Legacy Group Two [Member] 401(K) Plan Legacy Group Two [Member] Flow 401(K) Plan Flow 401(K) Plan [Member] Flow 401(K) Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Matching contribution to eligible employee contributions Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay Percent of eligible compensation Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent Annual eligible compensation percentage Employee Stock Ownership Plan Contribution Percentage Match Of Compensation Employee Stock Ownership Plan Contribution Percentage Match Of Compensation 401(k) plan and ESOP combined expenses Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation Other accrued retirement compensation Other Deferred Compensation Arrangements, Liability, Current Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2012 Stock and Incentive Plan Stock Incentive Plan Twenty Twelve [Member] Stock Incentive Plan Twenty Twelve [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type Award Type [Domain] Stock Options Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Equity Option Equity Option [Member] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Performance Shares Performance Shares [Member] Award Date [Axis] Award Date [Axis] Award Date [Domain] Award Date [Domain] Grant Date 2016 Grant Date Of Two Thousand Sixteen [Member] Grant Date Of Two Thousand Sixteen [Member] Grant Date 2017 Grant Date Of Two Thousand Seventeen [Member] Grant Date Of Two Thousand Seventeen [Member] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Tranche 1 Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One [Member] Tranche 2 Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Two [Member] Tranche 3 Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Three [Member] Share-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract] Share-based compensation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Share-based Compensation Expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Share-based Compensation Expense Share Incentive Plans Share Incentive Plans [Abstract] Share Incentive Plans [Abstract] Number of shares authorized for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Expiration period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant Fair value of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Cash received from option exercises Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Tax benefit realized for tax deductions from option exercises Share-based Payment Arrangement, Exercise of Option, Tax Benefit Weighted average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Excluding Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Weighted average period to recognize compensation cost Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Total fair value of shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Tax benefit realized for tax deductions from option exercises Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit Spin-off transaction, equity interests issued per ordinary predecessor share (in share) Spinoff Transaction, Equity Interests Issued Per Ordinary Predecessor Share Spinoff Transaction, Equity Interests Issued Per Ordinary Predecessor Share Conversion rate of target Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Conversion Rate Of Target Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Conversion Rate Of Target Subsidiary Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities Net intercompany loan activity Intercompany Loan Activity, Net Intercompany Loan Activity, Net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net change in advances to subsidiaries Payments For (Proceeds From Collection Of) Advance To Affiliate Payments For (Proceeds From Collection Of) Advance To Affiliate Distribution of cash from nVent, net of cash transferred Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Other Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Data Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit Number of shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Conversion of PSUs (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Conversion Of Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Conversion Of Units Ending Balance (in shares) Weighted average grant date fair value Beginning balance (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Conversion of PSUs (USD per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Conversion Of Unit, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Conversion Of Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Ending balance (USD per share) Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Amount of tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Gross increases for tax positions in prior periods Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Gross decreases for tax positions in prior periods Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Gross increases based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Gross decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Reductions due to statute expiration Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Ending balance Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Effect on total annual service and interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect on other post-retirement benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Reconciliations of Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets of Pension Plans and Funded Status of Plans Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Pension Plans with an Accumulated Benefit Obligation or Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Weighted-Average Assumptions used to Determine Domestic Benefit Obligations and Domestic Net Periodic Benefit Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block] Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Actual Overall Asset Allocation for U.S. And Non-U.S. Plans as Compared to Investment Policy Goals Schedule Of Target And Actual Allocation Of Plan Assets Table [Text Block] Schedule of Target and Actual Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Plan Assets Using Fair Value Hierarchy Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Expected Future Service to Be Paid by Plans Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table] Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items] Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items] Reserve for policy claims Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Pension plan assets yielded returns Historical Rate Of Return On Plan Assets Historical Rate of Return on Plan Assets Quarterly Financial Information [Table] Quarterly Financial Information [Table] Quarterly Financial Information [Table] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] Net sales Revenues Gross profit Operating income Net income from continuing operations (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax Earnings Per Share, Basic (USD per share) Diluted Mark-to-market actuarial gains (losses) on pension and post-retirement benefit plans Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Other Corporate and Other [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Currently payable Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) International Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current taxes Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] International Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total provision (benefit) for income taxes Federal Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic International Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Severance and related costs Severance And Related Costs [Member] Severance And Related Costs [Member] Other Other Restructuring [Member] Restructuring costs Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land Improvements Land Improvements [Member] Buildings and Leasehold Improvements Buildings And Leasehold Improvements [Member] Buildings and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Machinery and Equipment Machinery and Equipment [Member] Estimated Useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Supplemental Guarantor Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity method investment, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Share Plans Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Derivatives and Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Foreign currency contract assets Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign currency contract liabilities Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Deferred compensation plan assets Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Fair Value Disclosure Deferred Compensation Plan Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total recurring fair value measurements Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Table] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Table] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Table] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Line Items] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Line Items] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Line Items] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Raw materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Gross Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Total inventories Other current assets Other Assets Current [Abstract] Other Assets, Current [Abstract] Cost in excess of billings Costs in Excess of Billings Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Deferred income taxes Prepaid Taxes Other Current Assets Other Current Assets Other Current Assets Total other current assets Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract] Land and land improvements Land and Land Improvements Buildings and leasehold improvements Buildings and Improvements, Gross Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment, Gross Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Total property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Total property, plant and equipment, net prepaid taxes long term prepaid taxes long term prepaid taxes long term Other non-current assets Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Other non-current assets Other Long Term Assets Other long term assets, excluding asbestos-related insurance receivables and deferred income taxes. Total other non-current assets Other current liabilities Accrued warranty Product Warranty Accrual, Current Accrued Exchange Fee Rebate Accrued Exchange Fee Rebate Billings in excess of cost Billings in Excess of Cost, Current Taxes Payable Taxes Payable Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Reserve Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total other current liabilities Other non-current liabilities Taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent Deferred Compensation Liability, Current Deferred Compensation Liability, Current Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Other non-current liabilities Other Long Term Liabilities Other Long Term Liabilities Total other non-current liabilities Components of Lease Cost, Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information Related to Leases Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Future Minimum Lease Commitments Under Non-cancelable Operating Leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Future Minimum Lease Commitments Under Non-cancelable Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Changes in Carrying Amount of Service and Product Warranties Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Effect of Change Scenario, Adjustment [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] nVent nVent [Member] nVent New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Total assets Liabilities Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Reclassification From Aoci To Retained Earnings Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017 Reclassification From Aoci To Retained Earnings Reduction in prepaid long-term asset Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Change In Tax Rate, Increase (Decrease) In Prepaid Long-Term Asset Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Change In Tax Rate, Increase (Decrease) In Prepaid Long-Term Asset Deferred tax asset, income tax expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Table] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Table] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items] Mark-to-market actuarial gains (losses) on pension and post-retirement benefit plans Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Lease, Cost [Abstract] Lease, Cost [Abstract] Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Sublease income Sublease Income Total lease cost Lease, Cost Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Weighted-average remaining lease term of operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted-average discount rate of operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Impairment charges, goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Industry Sector [Axis] Industry Sector [Axis] Industry Sector [Domain] Industry Sector [Domain] Residential Residential Sector [Member] Residential Sector [Member] Commercial Commercial Sector [Member] Commercial Sector [Member] Industrial Industrial Sector [Member] Industrial Sector [Member] Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Debt and Average Interest Rates on Debt Outstanding Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Debt Outstanding Matures on Calendar Year Basis Schedule Of Maturities Of Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Debt Disclosure. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block] Text Block [Abstract] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Costs incurred Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Cash payments and other Payments for Restructuring Ending balance 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Aquion Aquion [Member] Aquion [Member] Pelican Pelican [Member] Pelican [Member] Payments to acquire businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-lived intangible assets acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Restructuring costs Inventory Step Up Related To Merger Inventory Step Up Related To Merger Inventory Step Up Related To Merger Amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Impairment of trade names Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Loss on early extinguishment of debt Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Corporate allocations Corporate allocations Corporate allocations Deal related costs and expenses Deal related costs and expenses Deal related costs and expenses excluded from segment income/loss Other Expenses Other Expenses Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Net actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Net periodic benefit expense Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Activity Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Gross unrecognized tax benefits Payment of penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued Payment of interest expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Foreign credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Tax loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign (jurisdictions with unlimited tax loss carryforward periods) Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign (jurisdictions with unlimited tax loss carryforward periods) deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards, foreign (jurisdictions with unlimited tax loss carryforward periods) Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic State tax losses available for carry forward Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Provisional income tax expense Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Measurement period adjustment Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax decrease Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Decrease of income tax expense related to remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Transition tax expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Information by Reportable Business Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Number of employees Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated Expected contribution Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Loss (earnings) from investment in subsidiaries Gain (Loss) on Investments Other (income) expense: Net interest expense Interest Expense Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations of investment in subsidiaries Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) From Investment In Subsidiaries Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Investment in Subsidiaries Net income (loss) from continuing operations before noncontrolling interest Changes in market value of derivative financial instruments Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Identifiable Intangible Assets Schedule Of Intangible Assets Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Intangible Assets. Estimated Future Amortization Expense for Identifiable Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Number of shares Conversion to RSUs (in shares) Conversion to RSUs (USD per share) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Expected Amortization Expense [Table] Expected Amortization Expense [Table] Expected Amortization Expense [Table] Expected Amortization Expense Expected Amortization Expense [Line Items] Expected Amortization Expense [Line Items] Estimated amortization expense 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Estimated amortization expense 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Estimated amortization expense 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Estimated amortization expense 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Estimated amortization expense 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Schedule of Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fiscal Year Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade Receivables and Concentration of Credit Risk Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and other post-retirement plans Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Insurance Subsidiary Property Liability Reserve Estimate, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] New accounting standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Award Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] Salaried Plan Salaried Plan [Member] Salaried Plan [Member] Lump-sum payments Benefit obligation Plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss), Immediate Recognition as Component in Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss), Immediate Recognition as Component in Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Accounts and notes receivable, net Investments in subsidiaries Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Amount of Equity Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities held for sale Non-current liabilities held for sale Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current Contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability Net contract assets Contract With Customer, Asset (Liability), Net Contract With Customer, Asset (Liability), Net $ Change Contract With Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount [Abstract] Contract with Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Contract assets Contract With Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Contract with Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Contract liabilities Contract With Customer, Liability, Increase (Decrease), Amount Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase (Decrease), Amount Net contract assets Contract With Customer, Asset (Liability), Net, Increase (Decrease), Amount Contract with Customer, Asset (Liability), Net, Increase (Decrease), Amount % Change Contract With Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease), Percent [Abstract] Contract With Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease), Percent [Abstract] Contract assets Contract With Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease), Percent Contract With Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease), Percent Contract liabilities Contract With Customer, Liability, Increase (Decrease), Percent Contract With Customer, Liability, Increase (Decrease), Percent Net contract assets Contract With Customer, Asset (Liability), Net, Increase (Decrease), Percent Contract With Customer, Asset (Liability), Net, Increase (Decrease), Percent Percent of contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized, Percent Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized, Percent Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Table] Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Table] Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Table] Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract] Accrued liabilities and reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Pension and other post-retirement compensation and benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Employee compensation and benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation Tax loss and credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards And Tax Credit Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards And Tax Credit Carryforwards Interest limitations Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Goodwill and other intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Other liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Purchase, Sale, and Settlement [Abstract] Asset allocation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage Target Allocation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract] Asset allocation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Quarterly Financial Information Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Cover page. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Document Type Document Type Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity File Number Entity File Number Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Document Annual Report Document Annual Report Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Country Entity Address, Country Country Region Country Region City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Documents Incorporated by Reference Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common shares Common Stock [Member] Capital contribution reserve Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Total Pentair plc Parent [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Beginning Balance Net income Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Distribution to nVent Distributions To Spin-Off Successor Distributions To Spin-Off Successor Dividends declared Dividends, Common Stock Share repurchase (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Share repurchases Exercise of options, net of shares tendered for payment (in shares) Exercise of options, net of shares tendered for payment Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of restricted shares, net of cancellations (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of restricted shares, net of cancellations Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Shares surrendered by employees to pay taxes (in shares) Shares Surrendered By Employees Shares Shares Surrendered By Employees, Shares Shares surrendered by employees to pay taxes Shares Surrendered By Employees Shares Surrendered By Employees Share-based compensation APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Balance (in shares) Ending Balance Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five Thereafter Defined Benefit Plan Expected Future Benefit Payments After Year Five Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments after Year Five Acquisitions and Discontinued Operations Business Combination And Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combination And Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]