Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Building [Member]
Buildings useful life	40
Customer Relationships [Member]
Weighted average amortization period for customer relationships	17
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Machinery and equipment minimum useful life	3
Machinery and equipment maximum useful life	10
Patents and Technology [Member]
Weighted average amortization period for intangible assets	18
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Net sales	$ 16,049	$ 13,715	$ 11,873
Software [Member]
Software amortization maximum life	10
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Textuals Abstract
Number of Eaton employees	73,000
Countries of operation	over 50
Area of operation	more than 150
Minimum ownership interest	20.00%
Maximum ownership interest	50.00%