Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets
Cash	$ 385	$ 333
Short-term investments	699	838
Accounts receivable-net	2,444	2,239
Inventory	1,701	1,564
Deferred income taxes	398	303
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	199	229
Total current assets	5,826	5,506
Property, Plant and Equipment
Land and buildings	1,525	1,494
Machinery and equipment	4,669	4,485
Gross property, plant and equipment	6,194	5,979
Accumulated depreciation	(3,592)	(3,502)
Net property, plant and equipment	2,602	2,477
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	5,537	5,454
Other intangible assets	2,192	2,272
Deferred income taxes	1,134	1,001
Other assets	582	542
Total assets	17,873	17,252
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	86	72
Current portion of long-term debt	321	4
Accounts payable	1,491	1,408
Accrued compensation	420	465
Other current liabilities	1,319	1,284
Total current liabilities	3,637	3,233
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	3,366	3,382
Pension liabilities	1,793	1,429
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	642	743
Deferred income taxes	442	487
Other noncurrent liabilities	501	575
Total noncurrent liabilities	6,744	6,616
Shareholders' equity
Common shares (334.4 million outstanding in 2011 and 339.9 million in 2010)	167	170
Capital in excess of par	4,169	4,093
Retained earnings	5,103	4,455
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,964)	(1,348)
Deferred compensation plans	(6)	(8)
Total Eaton shareholders' equity	7,469	7,362
Noncontrolling interests	23	41
Total equity	7,492	7,403
Total liabilities and equity	$ 17,873	$ 17,252