Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets
Cash	$ 425	$ 385
Short-term investments	620	699
Accounts receivable-net	2,645	2,444
Inventory	1,801	1,701
Other current assets	704	597
Total current assets	6,195	5,826
Property, plant and equipment-net	2,794	2,602
Other noncurrent assets
Goodwill	5,838	5,537
Other intangible assets	2,253	2,192
Deferred income taxes	1,064	1,134
Other assets	656	582
Total assets	18,800	17,873
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	108	86
Current portion of long-term debt	307	321
Accounts payable	1,441	1,491
Accrued compensation	385	420
Other current liabilities	1,467	1,319
Total current liabilities	3,708	3,637
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt	3,690	3,366
Pension liabilities	1,509	1,793
Other postretirement benefits liabilities	645	642
Deferred income taxes	569	442
Other noncurrent liabilities	437	501
Total noncurrent liabilities	6,850	6,744
Shareholders' equity
Eaton shareholders' equity	8,220	7,469
Noncontrolling interests	22	23
Total equity	8,242	7,492
Total liabilities and equity	$ 18,800	$ 17,873