Equity-Based Compensation Stock Options Activity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011 Weighted-average price per option [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Weighted-average price per option [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Stock Options [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Weighted-average remaining contractual life in years [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Member]
Summary of stock options
Outstanding at January 1, 2011		$ 36.84	$ 34.62
Granted		$ 53.45
Exercised		$ 28.79
Forfeited and cancelled		$ 36.85
Outstanding at December, 31 2011		$ 36.84	$ 34.62
Exercisable at December 31,2011		$ 35.84
Outstanding at January 1, 2011, shares				14,900,000
Granted				800,000
Exercised				(2,500,000)
Forfeited and cancelled				(100,000)
Outstanding at December 31, 2011, shares				13,100,000
Exercisable at December 31, 2011				12,200,000
Reserved for future grants at December 31, 2011				7,500,000
Outstanding at December 31, 2011					4.3
Exercisable at December 31, 2011					4.0
Outstanding at December 31, 2011						$ 96
Exercisable at December 31, 2011						$ 94
Closing price of Eaton common shares on last trading day	$ 43.53