Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Consolidated Statements of Income classification for currency exchange contracts reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - Cost of products sold	$ 3,858		$ 3,735
Consolidated Statements of Income classification for reclassifications out of AOCI, tax impact - Income tax (benefit) expense	(12)		(20)
Consolidated Statements of Income classification for total AOCI reclassifications for the period, net of tax - Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	439		378
Reclassification out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Consolidated Statements of Income classification for total AOCI reclassifications for the period, net of tax - Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	(40)
Reclassification out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member] | Amortization of defined benefit pension items [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Actuarial loss - Other comprehensive (income) loss, reclassification adjustment from AOCI, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, before tax, total	(66)	[1]
Consolidated Statements of Income classification for reclassifications out of AOCI, tax impact - Income tax (benefit) expense	25
Consolidated Statements of Income classification for total AOCI reclassifications for the period, net of tax - Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	(41)
Reclassification out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member] | Loss on cash flow hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Consolidated Statements of Income classification for reclassifications out of AOCI, tax impact - Income tax (benefit) expense	(1)
Consolidated Statements of Income classification for total AOCI reclassifications for the period, net of tax - Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	1
Reclassification out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member] | Loss on cash flow hedges [Member] | Currency exchange contracts [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Consolidated Statements of Income classification for currency exchange contracts reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - Cost of products sold	$ 2

[1] These components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 5 for additional information about defined benefit pension items.