Equity-Based Compensation Information Related to Restricted Stock Units (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Information Related to RSU's [Line Items]
Pretax expense for RSU's	$ 50	$ 39	$ 25
After-tax expense for RSU's	$ 32	$ 25	$ 17

Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award equity instruments other than option expenses before taxes.

No definition available.

Name:	etn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionExpensesBeforeTaxes
Namespace Prefix:	etn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration