Eaton Shareholders' Equity Eaton Shareholders' Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Balance at December 31	$ (1,560)	$ (1,964)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	144
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	404	0	(616)
Currency translation and related hedging instruments [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Balance at December 31	(395)	(367)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(28)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	0
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(28)
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Balance at December 31	(1,170)	(1,599)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	285
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	144
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	429
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Balance at December 31	5	2
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	3
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	0
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	3
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items]
Balance at December 31	(1,560)	(1,964)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	260
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	144
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	$ 404