v2.4.0.6

Eaton Shareholders' Equity Eaton Shareholders' Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
Currency translation and related hedging instruments [Member] |  |  |
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items] |  |  |
January 1 beginning balance | $ (502) | $ (261) | $ (183)
Total comprehensive income (loss) | 109 | (241) | (78)
December 31 ending balance | (393) | (502) | (261)
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] |  |  |
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items] |  |  |
January 1 beginning balance | (1,447) | (1,094) | (1,032)
Total comprehensive income (loss) | (152) | (353) | (62)
December 31 ending balance | (1,599) | (1,447) | (1,094)
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] |  |  |
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items] |  |  |
January 1 beginning balance | (15) | 7 | 7
Total comprehensive income (loss) | 17 | (22) | 0
December 31 ending balance | 2 | (15) | 7
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] |  |  |
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Line Items] |  |  |
January 1 beginning balance | (1,964) | (1,348) | (1,208)
Total comprehensive income (loss) | (26) | (616) | (140)
December 31 ending balance | $ (1,990) | $ (1,964) | $ (1,348)

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- Definition Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton common shareholders net of tax + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | etn_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Details
Name: | etn_ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | etn_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Total comprehensive income (loss) + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | etn_TotalComprehensiveIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | etn_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration