Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Stock options excluded from calculation of diluted net income per common share	2.4	0.5	1.7	0.3
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Beginning Balance			$ 7,492
Net income	382	338	693	624
Other comprehensive loss	(242)	136	(16)	368
Cash dividends paid			(257)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans-net			46
Repurchase of shares			0	(68)
Ending Balance	7,958		7,958
Eaton Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Beginning Balance			7,469
Net income			693
Other comprehensive loss			(16)
Cash dividends paid			(255)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans-net			46
Ending Balance	7,937		7,937
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Changes in Shareholders' 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		$ 21