Calculation of Net Income per Ordinary Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Calculation of net income per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 171	$ 494	$ 610	$ 872
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted	478.5	476.3	478.7	475.7
Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation	2.6	2.9	2.8	3.1
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic	475.9	473.4	475.9	472.6
Stock options excluded from calculation of diluted net income per ordinary share	0.5	0.2	0.3	0.1
Net income per ordinary share
Diluted	$ 0.36	$ 1.04	$ 1.27	$ 1.83
Basic	$ 0.36	$ 1.04	$ 1.28	$ 1.84