Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Business Segment Information
Net sales	$ 5,492	$ 5,310
Interest expense - net	62	75
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	(99)	(87)
Other corporate expense - net	(5)	(10)
Income before income taxes	453	400
Income tax expense	12	20
Net income	441	380
Less net income for noncontrolling interests	(2)	(2)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	439	378
Electrical Products [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,726	1,660
Segment operating profit	250	241
Electrical Systems and Services [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,524	1,521
Segment operating profit	169	210
Hydraulics [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	782	756
Segment operating profit	108	78
Aerospace [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	464	434
Segment operating profit	62	62
Vehicle [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	996	939
Segment operating profit	151	132
Corporate
Business Segment Information
Amortization of intangible assets	(110)	(107)
Interest expense - net	(62)	(75)
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	(51)	(38)
Inventory step-up adjustment	0	(33)
Other corporate expense - net	(64)	(70)
Total business segments
Business Segment Information
Segment operating profit	$ 740	$ 723