Equity (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Net income	$ 338	$ 229	$ 624	$ 385
Foreign currency translation and related hedging instruments	121	(307)	338	(483)
Pensions and other postretirement benefits	19	28	35	47
Cash flow hedges	(4)	(5)	(5)	(9)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	136	(284)	368	(445)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	474	(55)	992	(60)
Adjustment for comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1)	(3)	(1)	(4)
Total Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton common shareholders	473	(58)	991	(64)
Calculation of net income per common share attributable to common shareholders
Net income attributable to Eaton common shareholders	$ 336	$ 226	$ 623	$ 381
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - diluted	345,700,000	340,400,000	345,700,000	339,800,000
Less dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock awards	4,800,000	5,700,000	5,200,000	5,300,000
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - basic	340,900,000	334,700,000	340,500,000	334,500,000
Net income per common share
Diluted	$ 0.97	$ 0.66	$ 1.80	$ 1.12
Basic	$ 0.99	$ 0.67	$ 1.83	$ 1.14
Stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per common share	700,000	7,200,000	700,000	7,200,000
Shares authorized for share repurchase plan	10,000,000		10,000,000