Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Stock options excluded from calculation of diluted net income per common share	0.9	0.1
Changes in Total equity
Beginning Balance	$ 7,492
Net income	311	286
Other comprehensive loss	226	232
Cash dividends paid	(129)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans-net	54
Ending Balance	7,954
Eaton Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Changes in Total equity
Beginning Balance	7,469
Net income	311
Other comprehensive loss	226
Cash dividends paid	(127)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans-net	54
Ending Balance	7,933
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Changes in Total equity
Beginning Balance	23
Net income	0
Other comprehensive loss	0
Cash dividends paid	(2)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans-net	0
Ending Balance	$ 21