Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Stock options excluded from calculation of diluted net income per common share	4.2	2.7	2.5	1.1
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Beginning Balance			$ 7,492
Net income	347	367	1,040	991
Other comprehensive loss			156
Cash dividends paid and accrued			(515)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans-net			69
Repurchase of shares			0	(343)
Ending Balance	8,242		8,242
Eaton Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Beginning Balance			7,469
Net income			1,038
Other comprehensive loss			156
Cash dividends paid and accrued			(512)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans-net			69
Ending Balance	8,220		8,220
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Changes in Shareholders' equity
Beginning Balance			23
Net income			2
Other comprehensive loss			0
Cash dividends paid and accrued			(3)
Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans-net			0
Ending Balance	$ 22		$ 22