Retirement Benefits Plans Retirement Benefits Plans - Defined Contribution Plans (Details 13) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
Employer contributions to defined contribution plans	$ 65	$ 33	$ 25

Defined Contribution Plans, Employer Contributions - Amounts charged to expense

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	etn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration