v2.4.0.8
Equity (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
Jun. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2013
Jun. 30, 2012
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income     $ 67  
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income (72) (242) (306) (16)
Stock options excluded from calculation of diluted net income per ordinary share 0.2 2.4 0.1 1.7
Eaton Shareholders' Equity [Member]
       
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income     (306)  
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
       
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income     0  
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
       
Balance at December 31, 2012     2  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications     (6)  
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income     (1)  
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income     (5)  
Balance at June 30, 2013 (3)   (3)  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
       
Balance at December 31, 2012     (1,964)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications     (373)  
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income     67  
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income     (306)  
Balance at June 30, 2013 (2,270)   (2,270)  
Currency translation and related hedging instruments [Member]
       
Balance at December 31, 2012     (367)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications     (390)  
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income     0  
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income     (390)  
Balance at June 30, 2013 (757)   (757)  
Pension and other postretirement benefits [Member]
       
Balance at December 31, 2012     (1,599)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications     23  
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income     (66)  
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income     89  
Balance at June 30, 2013 $ (1,510)   $ (1,510)