Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 20, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Issuance of senior notes	$ 4,900
Eaton Corp. and certain other subsidiaries guarantee of Senior Debt	100.00%

Eaton Corp. and certain other subsidiaries guarantee of Senior Debt

No definition available.

Name:	etn_EatonCorp.andcertainothersubsidiariesguaranteeofSeniorDebt
Namespace Prefix:	etn_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant