Eaton Shareholders' Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign curency translation and related hedging instruments (net of income tax benefits of $43 in 2011 and $32 in 2010)	$ (502)	$ (261)
Pensions (net of income tax benefit of $651 in 2011 and $489 in 2010)	(1,309)	(972)
Other postretirement benefits (net of income tax benefits of $110 in 2011 and $99 in 2010)	(138)	(122)
Cash flow hedges (net of income tax benefit of $8 in 2011 and income tax expense of $4 in 2010)	(15)	7
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,964)	(1,348)
Foreign currency translation and related hedging instruments income tax benefit	43	32
Pensions income tax benefits	651	489
Postretirement benefits income tax benefits	110	99
Cash flow hedges income tax expense		4
Cash flow hedges income tax benefit	$ 8