v3.2.0.727
Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015
Jun. 30, 2014
Jun. 30, 2015
Jun. 30, 2014
Business Segment Information        
Net sales $ 5,372 $ 5,767 $ 10,595 $ 11,259
Litigation settlements 0 (644) 0 (644)
Interest expense - net 59 55 116 117
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense     (158) (180)
Other corporate (expense) benefit - net (19) (166) (24) (171)
Income before income taxes 598 57 1,103 510
Income tax expense (benefit) 63 (115) 101 (103)
Net income 535 172 1,002 613
Less net income for noncontrolling interests 0 (1) (1) (3)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders 535 171 1,001 610
Total business segments [Member]        
Business Segment Information        
Net sales 5,372 5,767 10,595 11,259
Segment operating profit 840 812 1,593 1,552
Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Products [Member]        
Business Segment Information        
Net sales 1,784 1,832 3,475 3,558
Segment operating profit 276 300 536 550
Total business segments [Member] | Electrical Systems and Services [Member]        
Business Segment Information        
Net sales 1,502 1,628 2,950 3,152
Segment operating profit 223 194 409 363
Total business segments [Member] | Hydraulics [Member]        
Business Segment Information        
Net sales 643 787 1,308 1,569
Segment operating profit 74 94 140 202
Total business segments [Member] | Aerospace [Member]        
Business Segment Information        
Net sales 454 486 918 950
Segment operating profit 77 69 154 131
Total business segments [Member] | Vehicle [Member]        
Business Segment Information        
Net sales 989 1,034 1,944 2,030
Segment operating profit 190 155 354 306
Corporate [Member]        
Business Segment Information        
Litigation settlements 0 644 0 644
Amortization of intangible assets (102) (109) (204) (219)
Interest expense - net (59) (55) (116) (117)
Pension and other postretirement benefits expense (33) (32) (61) (83)
Other corporate (expense) benefit - net $ (48) $ 85 $ (109) $ 21