Calculation of Net Income per Ordinary Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Calculation of net income per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders	$ 602	$ 510	$ 1,212	$ 1,382
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted	477.2	477.2	478.2	476.2
Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation	2.4	3.2	2.7	3.1
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic	474.8	474.0	475.5	473.1
Stock options excluded from calculation of diluted net income per ordinary share	0.5	0.2	0.3	0.2
Net income per ordinary share
Diluted	$ 1.26	$ 1.07	$ 2.53	$ 2.90
Basic	$ 1.27	$ 1.08	$ 2.55	$ 2.92