Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets
Cash	$ 367	$ 385
Short-term investments	444	699
Accounts receivable-net	2,588	2,444
Inventory	1,779	1,701
Other current assets	704	597
Total current assets	5,882	5,826
Property, plant and equipment-net	2,660	2,602
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	5,605	5,537
Other intangible assets	2,192	2,192
Deferred income taxes	1,057	1,134
Other assets	597	582
Total assets	17,993	17,873
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	86	86
Current portion of long-term debt	319	321
Accounts payable	1,530	1,491
Accrued compensation	297	420
Other current liabilities	1,333	1,319
Total current liabilities	3,565	3,637
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	3,345	3,366
Pension liabilities	1,511	1,793
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	640	642
Deferred income taxes	450	442
Other noncurrent liabilities	528	501
Total noncurrent liabilities	6,474	6,744
Shareholders' equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	7,933	7,469
Noncontrolling interests	21	23
Total equity	7,954	7,492
Total liabilities and equity	$ 17,993	$ 17,873