Business Segment Information (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
Business Segment Information
Net sales	$ 3,950	$ 4,123	$ 11,978	$ 12,016
Segment operating profit	569	599	1,705	1,658
Amortization of intangible assets	(45)	(47)	(129)	(143)
Interest expense-net	(42)	(29)	(100)	(92)
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense	(41)	(35)	(121)	(105)
Other corporate expense-net	(65)	(56)	(192)	(155)
Income before income taxes	376	432	1,163	1,163
Income tax expense	29	65	123	172
Net income	347	367	1,040	991
Less net income for noncontrolling interests	(2)	(2)	(2)	(3)
Net income attributable to Eaton common shareholders	345	365	1,038	988
Electrical Americas [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,143	1,074	3,363	3,071
Segment operating profit	207	156	559	432
Electrical Rest of World [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	686	755	2,020	2,285
Segment operating profit	76	62	181	209
Hydraulics [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	763	717	2,267	2,130
Segment operating profit	93	109	325	335
Aerospace [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	419	420	1,285	1,218
Segment operating profit	49	71	168	166
Truck [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	549	715	1,805	1,964
Segment operating profit	103	139	339	349
Automotive [Member]
Business Segment Information
Net sales	390	442	1,238	1,348
Segment operating profit	$ 41	$ 62	$ 133	$ 167