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Retirement Benefits Plans Retirement Benefits Plans - Defined Contribution Plans (Details 13) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||||
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Dec. 31, 2012
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Dec. 31, 2011
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Dec. 31, 2010
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Dec. 05, 2012
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Dec. 04, 2012
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| Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items] | |||||
| Employer contributions to defined contribution plans | $ 74 | $ 65 | $ 33 | ||
| Eaton common shares purchased by Cooper Retirement Savings and Stock Ownership Plan Trust | 3.2 | ||||
| Purchase price of Eaton shares acquired by Cooper Retirement Savings and Stock Ownership Plant Trust | $ 166 | ||||
| Per share value of Eaton shares purchased by Cooper Retirement Savings and Stock Ownership Plan Trust | $ 51.26 | ||||