Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] 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. Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Long Term Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Long Term Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Long Term Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Senior Notes 1.875% Due 2017 Senior Notes One Point Eight Seven Five Percent Due Twenty Seventeen [Member] Senior Notes One Point Eight Seven Five Percent Due Twenty Seventeen [Member] 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 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 4.65% 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] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Commercial Paper Commercial Paper Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Total debt Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Current maturities and short-term borrowings Debt, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Equity [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Water Unit [Member] Water Unit [Member] Water Unit [Member] Electrical Unit [Member] Electrical Unit [Member] Electrical [Member] Other Other Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net sales Revenue, Net Segment income Operating Income (Loss) Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [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] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, 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] Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Foreign currency contract assets Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Deferred compensation plan Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Fair Value Disclosure Deferred Compensation Plan Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Goodwill Goodwill Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount 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. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Intangible asset amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] 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] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only 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 [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company Guarantor Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiary [Member] 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] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts and notes receivable, net Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net Inventories Inventory, Net Other current assets Other Assets, Current Current assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Investments in subsidiaries Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Amount of Equity Intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Non-current assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Employee compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Current liabilities held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] 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 Non-current liabilities held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] 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] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Q4 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research and development Research and Development Expense Operating income Other (income) expense: Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Equity income of unconsolidated subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments 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 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 from discontinued operations, net of tax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax (Loss) gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax Discontinued Operation, Provision for Loss (Gain) on Disposal, 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] Changes in cumulative translation adjustment (inclusive of divestiture of business reclassified to gain from sale of $0.0 and $374.2 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively) 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 Cash dividends paid per ordinary share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Table] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Table] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] December 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 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] Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share 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 Share repurchase program remaining available amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Share repurchase (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock Repurchased During Period, Value ApprovedNotDeclaredlDividends ApprovedNotDeclaredlDividends Approved by not declared dividend amount by the BOD for the next fiscal year. Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Accounts and notes receivable, allowances Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Common shares, issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Changes in Carrying Amount of Service and Product Warranties Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale, Carrying Value of Asset Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale, Carrying Value of Asset Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] 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] 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 income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Provision for income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent (Loss) 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 Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Ownership percentage Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] 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] Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Operating Income (Loss) Loss (earnings) from continuing operations of investment in subsidiaries Gain (Loss) on Investments Equity income of unconsolidated subsidiaries Loss on sale of business Net interest expense Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 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 Changes in market value of derivative financial instruments Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Pentair plc 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] Assets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowances of $27.3 and $25.6, respectively Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings Ordinary shares $0.01 par value, 426.0 authorized, 181.6 and 181.8 issued at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 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 Accounts and notes 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 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 Asbestos-related insurance receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Asbestos Related Insurance Receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Asbestos Related Insurance Receivable Other non-current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent Non-current assets held for sale Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Employee compensation and benefits Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Employee Compensation and Benefits Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Employee Compensation and Benefits Other current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Current liabilities held for sale 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 Asbestos-related liabilities Disposal Group, including Discontinued Operation, Asbestos Related Liabilities Disposal Group, including Discontinued Operation, Asbestos Related Liabilities Other non-current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Non-current liabilities held for sale Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type 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 Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [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] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Equity Option [Member] Equity Option [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] 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 Share-based Compensation 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, 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 Other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract] Cost in excess of billings Costs 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 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 Other non-current assets Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent prepaid taxes long term prepaid taxes long term prepaid taxes long term 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 rebates 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 non-current liabilities Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Self-insurance liabilities Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent Deferred compensation plan liabilities 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 Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation/other Goodwill, Other Increase (Decrease) Ending Balance Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Corporate and Other [Member] 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 Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Share Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Expense Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Assumptions Used in Calculating Estimated Fair Value of Stock Option Award 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 Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Intercompany Loan Activity, Net Intercompany Loan Activity, Net Intercompany Loan Activity, Net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net repayments of short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit 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 Net change in advances to subsidiaries Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Repurchases of ordinary shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities 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 Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] 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] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Beginning Balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Net income Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Dividends declared Dividends, Common Stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares 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 Shares surrendered by employees to pay taxes Shares Surrendered By Employees Shares Surrendered By Employees Shares surrendered by employees to pay taxes (in shares) Shares Surrendered By Employees Shares Shares Surrendered By Employees, Shares Share-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Ending Balance (in shares) Ending Balance Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] 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] 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] Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and Responsibility for Interim Financial Statements Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Q4 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total debt, excluding unamortized issuance costs and discounts Long-term Debt 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] Variable rate debt Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount Fixed rate debt Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount 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] Restructuring and other Intangible amortization Loss on sale of business Loss of early extinguishment of debt Separation costs Separation Costs of Proposed Spin-Off Separation Costs of Proposed Spin-Off Net interest expense Interest Revenue (Expense), Net 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] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Commercial Paper [Member] Credit facility maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt Instrument, Fee Amount Debt Instrument, Fee Amount Aggregate Debt Redemption Aggregate Debt Redemption Aggregate Debt Redemption unamortized deferred financing costs unamortized deferred financing costs unamortized deferred financing costs Costs and expenses incurred in connection with acquisition excluded from computation of Net Income figure used in our debt covenant calculation Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Debt agreement financial covenant, leverage ratio Leverage Ratio Leverage Ratio EBITDA Ratio for Debt EBITDA Ratio for Debt EBITDA Ratio for Debt Remaining availability under Credit Facility Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, amount outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Proceeds from sale of businesses Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Deal related costs and expenses Business Exit Costs Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Total gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Nature of Event Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Nature of Event 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 [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 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 (used for) operating activities of continuing operations Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation Depreciation Amortization Amortization Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Share-based compensation Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities 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 (used for) 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 (used for) operating activities Other Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities Net repayments of short-term borrowings Net repayments of commercial paper and revolving long-term debt Shares issued to employees, net of shares withheld Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents 2012 Stock and Incentive Plan Two Thousand Twelve Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Twelve Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Number of stock options and restricted stock units issued under stock and incentive plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Number of restricted stock units issued under stock and incentive plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Weighted-average fair value of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock units granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Product Liability Contingency [Table] Product Liability Contingency [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Product Liability Contingency [Line Items] Product Liability Contingency [Line Items] 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 Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition Product Warranty Accrual, Currency Translation, Increase (Decrease) Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Ending balance Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Domestic Plan [Member] Domestic Plan [Member] Foreign Plan [Member] Foreign Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] 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 Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) 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] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Net, indefinite-life intangibles Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Cost Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Net 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 Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] 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 Financial Statements of Parent Company Guarantor Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Derivatives and Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (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 Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block]