v2.4.0.6
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Textuals) [Abstract]    
Eaton's target percentage of managing intercompany balance sheet exposure 100.00%  
Cost of Sales [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member]
   
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income    
Gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ 10 $ (21)
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (7) 0
Interest Rate Contract Floating to Fixed Interest Rate Swap [Domain] | Cost of Sales [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
   
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income    
Gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (3) 0
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 0
Foreign currency exchange contracts | Cost of Sales [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
   
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income    
Gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 12 (10)
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss 1 (6)
Commodity contracts | Cost of Sales [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
   
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income    
Gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 1 (12)
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (7) 6
Cross currency swaps | Cost of Sales [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member]
   
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income    
Gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 0 1
Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 0 $ 0