Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Total gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 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 2.45% Due 2019 Senior Notes Two Point Four Five Percent Due Twenty Nineteen [Member] Senior Notes Two Point Four Five 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 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] Senior Notes 4.500% Due 2029 Senior Notes Four Point Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty Nine [Member] Senior Notes Four Point Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty Nine [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] Average interest rate as of September 30, 2019 Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Commercial paper Commercial Paper Unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Total debt Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [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] Other Corporate and Other [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Number of employees Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated Total restructuring costs Restructuring Charges Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible asset amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [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] 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] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Net sales Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Lease, Cost [Abstract] Lease, Cost [Abstract] Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Sublease income Sublease Income Total lease cost Lease, Cost 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 Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Acquisitions and Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2012 Stock Incentive Plan Two Thousand Twelve Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Twelve Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Restricted stock units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Stock options Equity Option [Member] Performance share units Performance Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based compensation associated with discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Share-based Compensation Expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Share-based Compensation Expense Grants in period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Shares issued (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Options granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars 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 Weighted-average grant date fair value of options (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and Responsibility for Interim Financial Statements Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Operating Lease, Liability, Current Operating Lease, Liability, Current Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset 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, Liability, Increase (Decrease), Percent Contract With Customer, Liability, Increase (Decrease), Percent Contract liabilities Contract With Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease), Percent Contract With Customer, Asset, 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 Impairment losses on contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Revenues Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Other (income) expense: Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] (Gain) loss on sale of business Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Loss on early extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Net interest expense Interest Income (Expense), Net Other Income Other Income Other expense Other Expenses 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 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net income Changes in cumulative translation adjustment 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, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Earnings (loss) per ordinary share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings (loss) Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic earnings (loss) per ordinary share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings (loss) Per Share, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted earnings (loss) per ordinary share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation, Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company Guarantor Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Issuer [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Segment income (Earnings) loss from continuing operations of investment in subsidiaries Gain (Loss) on Investments Loss on sale of business Loss on early extinguishment of debt Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) From Investment In Subsidiaries Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) From Investment In Subsidiaries Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Investment in Subsidiaries Changes in cumulative translation adjustment Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Total share-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Components of Lease Cost and Other Information Related to Leases Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases Cash Flow, Lessee [Table Text Block] Cash Flow, Lessee [Table Text Block] Future Minimum Lease Commitments Under Non-cancelable Operating Leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Changes in Carrying Amount of Service and Product Warranties Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Disclosure Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract] Inventories Inventory, Net [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 Inventory, Net Other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract] Cost in excess of billings Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid income taxes Prepaid Taxes Other current assets Other Current Assets Other Current Assets Total other current assets Other Assets, Current 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 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Prepaid income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent 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 Assets, Noncurrent Other current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Accrued warranty Product Warranty Accrual, Current Accrued rebates and incentives Accrued Exchange Fee Rebate Billings in excess of cost Billings in Excess of Cost, Current Income taxes payable Taxes Payable Accrued restructuring Restructuring Reserve Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total other current liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Self-insurance liabilities Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent Deferred compensation plan liabilities Deferred Compensation Liability, Current Foreign currency contract liabilities Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Other non-current liabilities Other Long Term Liabilities Other Long Term Liabilities Total other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Q3 - Q4 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total debt Long-term Debt Equity [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] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] May 2018 Share Repurchase Program [Member] May 2018 Share Repurchase Program [Member] May 2018 Share Repurchase Program [Member] December 2014 Share Repurchase Program December 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] December 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items] Repurchase of shares of our common stock up to a maximum aggregate value Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Common stock authorized for repurchase, expiration date Stock Repurchase Program Expiration Date Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Share repurchase program remaining available amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Cash dividends declared per ordinary share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared 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. Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block] Cover page. Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report 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 Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Document Type Document Type 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 Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Country Region Country Region 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, Country Entity Address, Country Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 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] 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] 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 Q4 2019 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 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 Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Ordinary shares Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Dividends declared, $0.18 per share Dividends, Common Stock Share repurchase (in shares) Share repurchase Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Exercise of options, net of shares tendered for payment Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of options, net of shares tendered for payment (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period 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 Cumulative effect of accounting changes Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Distribution to nVent Distributions To Spin-Off Successor Distributions To Spin-Off Successor Share-based compensation APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Ending Balance (in shares) Ending Balance 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 Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Actuarial gain Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss), Immediate Recognition as Component in Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit Net periodic benefit cost 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 Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Pension and other post-retirement plan contribution Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Actuarial gain Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Recorded Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Variable rate debt Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount Fixed rate debt Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount 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] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Separation costs Separation costs Separation costs Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Goodwill Acquisitions/divestitures Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation/other Goodwill, Other Increase (Decrease) Ending Balance Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Detail of 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] Q3 - Q4 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] 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] Dilutive impact of stock options, restricted stock units and performance share units Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted (shares) Earnings per common share attributable to Pentair plc Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic earnings (loss) per ordinary share (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings (loss) per ordinary share (in dollars per share) Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Other Other Segments [Member] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Reconciliation from Segment Income to Operating Income [Abstract] Reconciliation from Segment Income to Operating Income [Abstract] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] 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] Deal related costs and expenses Deal related costs and expenses Deal related costs and expenses excluded from segment income/loss Inventory step-up Inventory Step Up Related To Merger Inventory Step Up Related To Merger Restructuring and other Intangible amortization Pension settlement (loss) gain Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Asset Impairment Asset Impairment Charges (Loss) gain on sale of business Corporate allocations Separation Costs of Proposed Spin-Off Separation Costs of Proposed Spin-Off Net interest expense Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Other expense Income from continuing operations before income taxes Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Table Text Block] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information. 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 Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] 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] 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 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] 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] Foreign currency contract assets Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign currency contract liabilities Deferred compensation plan 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 Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Supplemental Guarantor Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowances of $13.4 and $14.0, respectively Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Inventories Other current assets Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Other assets Goodwill Intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other non-current assets Total other assets Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Employee compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other liabilities 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 Total liabilities Liabilities Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Ordinary shares $0.01 par value, 426.0 authorized, 168.1 and 171.4 issued at September 30, 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 Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity 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 Accounts and notes receivable, net Investments in subsidiaries Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Amount of Equity Liabilities and Equity Total equity Accounts and notes receivable, allowances Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Ordinary shares, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivatives and Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Ownership percentage Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Share Plans Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block] Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Other Credit Facilities [Member] Other Credit Facilities [Member] Other Credit Facilities [Member] Debt term Debt Instrument, Term Credit facility maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit facility available borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Optional line of credit limit increase Line of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature, Increase Limit Line of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature, Increase Limit Line of Credit Facility, Increase Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net Debt covenant, unrestricted cash Debt Instrument, Covenant, Unrestricted Cash Debt Instrument, Covenant, Unrestricted Cash Debt agreement financial covenant, leverage ratio Debt Instrument, Leverage Ratio Covenant Debt Instrument, Leverage Ratio Covenant Leverage ratio covenant period Debt Instrument, Leverage Ratio Covenant Period Debt Instrument, Leverage Ratio Covenant Period EBITDA ratio for debt Debt Instrument, EBITDA Ratio Covenant Debt Instrument, EBITDA Ratio Covenant Borrowings outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Debt Aggregate principal amount maturing in the next twelve months Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 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 expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Research and development expenses 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 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Financial Information by Reportable Segment Schedule Of Financial Performance By Reportable Segment Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Financial Performance By Reportable Segment Table. Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [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] Recorded Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Long-term Debt and Derivative Financial Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] 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] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Indefinite-lived trade name intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Definite-lived customer relationships Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Estimated useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life 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 Change in net contract assets Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Deferred foreign currency gain (loss) Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, after Tax Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities 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 Payments for (Proceeds from) Productive Assets Proceeds from (payments due to) the sale of businesses, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Acquisitions, net of cash acquired 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 cash used for 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 investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net receipts 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 Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Premium paid on early extinguishment of debt Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Cash Divested from Deconsolidation Cash Divested from Deconsolidation Distribution of cash from nVent Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Net change in advances to subsidiaries Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Shares issued to employees, net of shares withheld Proceeds, Issuance of Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Including Option Exercised Repurchases of ordinary shares Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Net cash provided by 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 period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used for) 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 Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Share-based compensation Trade name and other impairment Pension settlement (gain) loss Pension and other post-retirement plan contributions Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts and notes 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 used for operating activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Other Premium paid on early extinguishment of debt Transfer of cash to nVent Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] 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 intangibles 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] Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Net, indefinite-life intangibles Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Cost Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Net 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 Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]