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Eaton Shareholders' Equity Eaton Shareholders' Equity - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Equity [Abstract]      
Currency translation and related hedging instuments pre-tax $ 118 $ (252) $ (78)
Currency translation and related hedging instruments after-tax 109 (241) (78)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]      
Prior service cost arising during the year pre-tax (1) (5) (2)
Prior service cost arising during the year after-tax (1) (4) (1)
Net loss arising during the year pre-tax (386) (648) (182)
Net loss arising during the year after-tax (262) (417) (123)
Currency translation pre-tax (15) 5 5
Currency translation after-tax (12) 4 5
Other comprehensive income (loss) pension and other post retirement benefits - other pre-tax (2) 0 (4)
Other comprehensive income (loss) pension and other post retirement benefits - other after-tax 15 (15) 3
Amortization of prior service costs reclassified to earnings pre-tax 170 122 87
Amortization of prior service costs reclassified to earnings after-tax 108 79 54
Total pensions and other postretirement benefits included in other comprehensive income pre-tax 234 526 96
Total pensions and other postretirement benefits included in other comprehensive income after-tax 152 353 62
Other Accumulated Other Income (Loss) Cash Flow Hedges      
Gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges pre-tax 10 (28) 8
Gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges after-tax 10 (21) 6
Changes in cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings pre-tax 7 0 (8)
Changes in cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings after-tax 7 (1) (6)
Cash flow hedges, net of reclassification adjustments pre-tax 17 (28) 0
Cash flow hedges, net of reclassification adjustments after-tax 17 (22) 0
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders pre-tax (99) (806) (174)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders after-tax $ (26) $ (616) $ (140)