CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Narrative (Details)	Nov. 20, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Eaton and certain other 100% owned 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