Equity Changes in Shareholders's Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	40		40
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	3.4		4.8
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Balance at December 31, 2013			$ 16,863
Net income	605	514	1,218	1,391
Other comprehensive loss	(567)	322	(481)	16
Cash dividends paid			(702)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net			106
Repurchase of shares	(225)		(324)
Change in capital			(35)
Balance at September 30, 2014	16,645		16,645
Eaton shareholders' equity [Member]
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Balance at December 31, 2013			16,791
Net income			1,212
Other comprehensive loss			(481)
Cash dividends paid			(700)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net			106
Repurchase of shares			(324)
Change in capital			(17)
Balance at September 30, 2014	16,587		16,587
Noncontrolling interests [Member]
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Balance at December 31, 2013			72
Net income			6
Other comprehensive loss			0
Cash dividends paid			(2)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net			0
Repurchase of shares			0
Change in capital			(18)
Balance at September 30, 2014	$ 58		$ 58