Business Segment and Geographic Region Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Segment Information
Net sales	$ 22,046	$ 16,311	$ 16,049
Segment operating profit	3,178	2,216	2,260
Amortization of intangible assets	(437)	(195)	(190)
Interest expense - net	(271)	(208)	(118)
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	(183)	(162)	(142)
Inventory step-up adjustment	(34)	(42)	(5)
Other corporate expense - net	(369)	(358)	(252)
Income before income taxes	1,884	1,251	1,553
Income tax expense	11	31	201
Net income	1,873	1,220	1,352
Less net income for noncontrolling interests	(12)	(3)	(2)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	1,861	1,217	1,350
Business segment acquisition integration pretax charges	117	33	14
Total business acquisition transaction cost	9	178	0
Entity-wide revenue, major customer, amount	0	0	0
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Business Segment Information
Corporate acquisition integration charges	37	11	0
Electrical Products [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	7,026	3,846	3,619
Segment operating profit	1,090	640	531
Business segment acquisition integration pretax charges	44	4	1
Hydraulics [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	2,981	2,960	2,835
Segment operating profit	355	369	438
Business segment acquisition integration pretax charges	36	16	4
Aerospace [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,774	1,719	1,648
Segment operating profit	252	213	244
All Segments [Member]
Business Segment Information
Business segment acquisition integration pretax charges	117	33	14
Electrical Systems and Services [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	6,430	3,872	3,557
Segment operating profit	889	424	352
Business segment acquisition integration pretax charges	37	13	9
Vehicle [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	3,835	3,914	4,390
Segment operating profit	$ 592	$ 570	$ 695