Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] BASIS OF PRESENTATION Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Eaton Shareholders' Equity [Member] Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Stock options excluded from calculation of diluted net income per common share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount 2011 stock repurchase program, number of shares authorized to be repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased 2011 stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Changes in Shareholders' equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cash dividends paid Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans-net Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Business divestiture Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Equity Issuance or Sale of Parent Equity Interest Repurchase of shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Ending Balance Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods Inventories at FIFO FIFO Inventory Amount Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost Excess of Replacement or Current Costs over Stated LIFO Value Total inventory Inventory, Net Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Net Investment Hedging [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps (fair value hedges) [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract Floating to Fixed Interest Rate Swap [Domain] Interest Rate Contract Floating to Fixed Interest Rate Swap [Domain] Interest Rate Contract Floating to Fixed Interest Rate Swap [Domain] Foreign currency exchange contracts (cash flow hedges) [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Commodity contracts (cash flow hedges) [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Cross currency swaps (net investment hedges) [Member] Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Related long term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps [Member] Related Long Term Debt Converted To Floating Interest Rates By Interest Rate Swaps [Member] Related Long Term Debt Converted To Floating Interest Rates By Interest Rate Swaps. Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other current assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other long-term assets [Member] Other Long Term Assets [Member] Included In Other Long Term Assets. Other current liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other long-term liabilites [Member] Other long-term liabilites [Member] Other long-term liabilites [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Debt denominated in foreign currency designated as non-derivative net investment hedging instrument Debt denominated in foreign currency designated as non-derivative net investment hedging instrument Debt denominated in foreign currency designated as non-derivative net investment hedging instrument Percentage of intercompany balance sheet exposure Percentage of intercompany balance sheet exposure Percentage of intercompany balance sheet exposure. Derivatives designated as hedges Derivatives Designated As Hedges Abstract Derivatives designated as hedges. Notional amount Notional Amount of Derivative Instruments Designated as Net Investment Hedges Derivative asset designated as hedging instrument Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liability designated as hedging instrument Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Period of derivatives designated as hedges Period of derivatives designated as hedges Period of derivatives designated as hedges. Derivatives not designated as hedges Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges Abstract Derivatives not designated as hedges. Notional amount Notional Amount of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, asset, at fair value Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, liability, at fair value Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value Period of derivatives not designated as hedges Period of derivatives not designated as hedges Period of derivatives not designated as hedges. (Gain) loss on commodity contracts not designated as hedges classified in cost of goods sold The (gain) or loss on commodity contracts not designated as hedges classified in cost of goods sold Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Debt Disclosure [Abstract] DEBT Long-term Debt [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment, Business [Domain] Segment [Domain] Electrical Americas [Member] Segment Four Member Segment Four Member. Electrical Rest of World [Member] Segment One [Member] Segment One Member. Hydraulics [Member] Segment Two Member Segment two. Aerospace [Member] Segment Five Member Segment Five Member. Truck [Member] Segment Seven Member Segment Seven Member. Automotive [Member] Segment Three Member Segment Three Member. Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Business Segment Information Business Combinations [Abstract] Net sales Revenue, Net Segment operating profit Operating Income (Loss) Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Interest expense-net Interest Income (Expense), Net Pension and other postretirement benefits expense Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Other corporate expense-net Other Corporate Expense Net Other corporate expense-net. Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Less net income for noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Eaton common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Components of inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Polimer Kaucuk Sanayi ve Pazarlama A.S. [Domain] Polimer Kaucuk Sanayi ve Pazarlama A.S. [Domain] Polimer Kaucuk Sanayi ve Pazarlama A.S. [Member] Gycom Electrical Low-Voltage Power Distribution, Control and Automation [Domain] Gycom Electrical Low-Voltage Power Distribution, Control and Automation [Domain] Gycom Electrical Low-Voltage Power Distribution, Control and Automation [Domain] E.A. Pedersen Company [Member] E.A. Pedersen Company [Member] E.A. Pedersen Company [Member] IE Power, Inc. [Member] IE Power, Inc. [Member] IE Power, Inc. acquisition in November 30, 2010 E. Begerow GmbH Co. KG [Member] E. Begerow GmbH Co. KG [Member] E. Begerow GmbH Co. KG acquisition ACTOM Low Voltage [Member] ACTOM Low Voltage [Member] ACTOM Low Voltage acquisition C.I. ESI de Colombia S.A. [Member] C.I. ESI de Colombia S.A. [Member] C.I. ESI de Colombia S.A. [Member] Internormen Technology Group [Member] Internormen Technology Group [Member] Internormen Technology Group. Eaton-SAMC (Shanghai Aircraft) Conveyance System Manufacturing Co., Ltd [Member] Eaton-SAMC (Shanghai Aircraft) Conveyance System Manufacturing Co., Ltd [Member] Eaton-SAMC (Shanghai) Aircraft Conveyance System Manufacturing Co., Ltd [Member] Tuthill Coupling Group [Member] Tuthill Coupling Group [Member] Tuthill coupling group. Jeil Hydraulics Co. Ltd. [Member] Jeil Hydraulics Co. Ltd. [Member] Jeil Hydraulics Co. Ltd. [Member] Cooper Industries plc [Domain] Cooper Industries plc [Domain] Cooper Industries plc [Domain] Electrical Americas [Member] Electrical Americas [Member] Electrical Americas [Member] Hydraulics [Member] Hydraulics [Member] Hydraulics [Member] Aerospace [Member] Aerospace [Member] Aerospace [Member] Electrical Rest of World [Member] Electrical Rest of World [Member] Electrical Rest of World [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Description of annual sales from acquired entity from previous periods Description of annual sales from acquired entity from previous periods Abstract Description of annual sales from acquired entity from previous periods. Business acquisition, revenue reported by acquired entity for last annual period Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period Cooper shareholders receipt of cash per ordinary share of Cooper Industries plc Cooper shareholders receipt of cash per ordinary share of Cooper Industries plc Cooper shareholders receipt of cash per ordinary share of Cooper Industries plc Cooper shareholder % receipt of a New Eaton share for an ordinary share of Copper Industries plc Cooper shareholder % receipt of a New Eaton share for an ordinary share of Copper Industries plc Cooper shareholder % receipt of a New Eaton share for an ordinary share of Copper Industries plc Total consideration to be paid to Cooper Industries shareholders Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value Compensation to Cooper shareholders based on closing price of Eaton common stock Compensation to Cooper shareholders based on closing price of Eaton common stock Compensation to Cooper shareholders based on closing price of Eaton common stock Former Eaton shareholders ownership of New Eaton Former Eaton shareholders ownership of New Eaton Former Eaton shareholders ownership of New Eaton Former Copper Industries shareholders ownership of New Eaton Former Copper Industries shareholders ownership of New Eaton Former Copper Industries shareholders ownership of New Eaton Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Change in Shareholders' equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Calculation of net income per common share attributable to common shareholders Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements. Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Summary of financial instruments recognized at fair value and fair value measurement used [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Other Observable inputs Level 2) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Short-term investments Short-term Investments Summary of financial instruments recognized at fair value and fair value measurement used Summary Of Financial Instruments Recognized At Fair Value And Fair Value Measurement Used Abstract Summary of financial instruments recognized at fair value and fair value measurement used. Net derivative contracts Derivative, Fair Value, Net Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps - net Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net Carrying value of long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt Fair value of long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Cost of products sold Cost of Revenue Selling and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research and development expense Research and Development Expense Interest expense-net Other expense (income)-net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Net income attributable to Eaton common shareholders Net income per common share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Cash dividends paid per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location [Domain] Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Net Investment Hedging [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income Amounts Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Abstract Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Amounts recognized in net income Amounts Recognized In Net Income Abstract Amounts recognized in net income. Gain (loss) recognized in net income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Acquisition Integration and Restructuring Charges (Details) [Abstract] Acquisition Integration And Restructuring Charges. Schedule of Acquisition Integration Charges [Table] Schedule of Acquisition Integration Charges [Table] Total integration charges before income taxes [Domain] Electrical Rest of World [Member] Hydraulics [Member] Acquisition Integration Charges [Line Items] Acquisition Integration Charges [Line Items] Acquisition Integration Charges Acquisition Integration Charges [Abstract] Acquisition Integration Charges Abstract. Total business segment integration charges before income taxes Acquisition Integration Pretax Charges Acquisition Integration Pretax Charges. After-tax integration charges Acquisition Integration After Tax Charges Acquisition Integration After Tax Charges. Per common share Acquisition Integration Charges Per Common Share Acquisition Integration Charges Per Common Share. Acquisition Integration and Restructuring Charges (Tables) [Abstract] Acquisition Integration and Restructuring Charges. Acquisition Integration Charges Acquisition Integration Charges [Text Block] Acquisition Integration Charges Text Block. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Contributions to pension plans Pension Contributions Contributions to other postretirement benefits plans Other Postretirement Benefits Payments Changes in working capital Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Other-net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Sales of short-term investments-net Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Other-net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings with original maturities of more than three months Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months [Abstract] Proceeds Proceeds from Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months Payments Repayments of Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months (Payments) borrowings with original maturities of less than three months-net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less Deferred financing fees Amortization of Financing Costs Cash dividends paid Payments of Dividends Exercise of equity-based awards Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Other-net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Total increase (decrease) in cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash at the beginning of the period Cash at the end of the period Description of annual sales from acquired entity from previous periods Description Of Annual Sales From Acquired Entity From Previous Periods Text Block Description Of Annual Sales From Acquired Entity From Previous Periods Text Block. Business Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements (Tables) [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements. Summary of financial instruments recognized at fair value and fair value measurement used Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] LEGAL CONTINGENCIES Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill Goodwill ACQUISITIONS OF BUSINESSES Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable-net Receivables, Net, Current Inventory Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment-net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other noncurrent assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Goodwill Other intangible assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term debt Short-term Debt Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Pension liabilities Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Other postretirement benefits liabilities Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Eaton shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Acquisition and Integration Charges [Abstract] Acquisition and Integration Charges [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance [Member] Plant Closing [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Beginning Balance, employees Restructuring Reserve Employees Restructuring reserve, Employees Liabilities recognized employees Liabilities Recognized Employees Liabilities recognized employees. Utilized employees Utilization Of Various Components Employees Payment and other liability adjustments Ending Balance, employees Beginning Balance Restructuring Reserve Liabilities recognized Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense Utiliized Utilization Of Various Components utilization of various components. Ending Balance GOODWILL Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisition Integration and Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Acquisition Integration and Restructuring Charges. ACQUISITION INTEGRATION AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES Business Acquisition, Integration, Restructuring and Other Related Costs [Text Block] Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Beginning balance, loss contingency Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value Loss contingency provision Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Provision Ending balance, loss contingency Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Obligation to Repurchase Receivables Sold [Member] Obligation to Repurchase Receivables Sold [Member] Pending or Threatened Litigation [Member] Pending or Threatened Litigation [Member] Damages from Product Defects [Member] Damages from Product Defects [Member] Insurance Claims [Member] Insurance Claims [Member] Insurance-related Assessments [Member] Insurance-related Assessments [Member] Loss from Catastrophes [Member] Loss from Catastrophes [Member] Loss on Long-term Purchase Commitment [Member] Loss on Long-term Purchase Commitment [Member] Withdrawal from Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan [Member] Withdrawal from Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan [Member] Unasserted Claim [Member] Unasserted Claim [Member] Guarantee Obligations [Member] Guarantee Obligations [Member] Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member] Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member] Market Value Guarantee [Member] Market Value Guarantee [Member] Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member] Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Indirect Guarantee of Indebtedness [Member] Indirect Guarantee of Indebtedness [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Meritor Judgment Motion Denial Zero Damages And No Injuctive Relief Meritor Judgment Motion Denial Zero Damages And No Injuctive Relief Meritor judgment motion denial, zero damages, and no injuctive relief Final judgment of Eaton's liability by US district court in Meritor lawsuit Final judgment of Eaton's liability by US District Court in Meritor lawsuit Final judgment of Eaton's liability by US District Court in Meritor lawsuit Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair value measurements. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures, Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] United States pension benefit expense [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] Non-United States pension benefit expense [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Other postretirement benefit expense [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Funding postretirement Medicare Part D prescription drug benefits Funding postretirement Medicare Part D prescription drug benefits Funding postretirement Medicare Part D prescription drug benefits for for union employees and non-union retirees. Retirement benefit plans expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Total benefit plans Benefit Plans Total Benefit Plans. Curtailment loss Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Settlement loss Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net (Gain) Loss Due to Settlements Total expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Penalties associated with IRS Statutory Notice of Deficiency proposed assessment Penalties associated with IRS Statutory Notice of Deficiency proposed assessment Penalties associated with IRS Statutory Notice of Deficiency proposed assessment IRS Statutory Notice of Deficiency proposed assessment of additional federal taxes IRS Statutory Notice of Deficiency proposed assessment of additional federal taxes IRS Statutory Notice of Deficiency proposed assessment of additional federal and state taxes Restored tax assets with the funding of Medicare Part D Restored tax assets with the funding of Medicare Part D Restored tax assets with the funding of Medicare Part D prescription drug benefits. Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Notes due June 28, 2021 [Member] Notes due June 28, 2021 [Member] Notes due June 28, 2021 [Member] Notes due June 28, 2023 [Member] Notes due June 28, 2023 [Member] Notes due June 28, 2023 [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Bridge facility Bridge Loan Bridge facility duration Bridge facility duration Bridge facility duration Bridge facility interest rate first possibility Bridge facility interest rate first possibility Bridge facility interest rate first possibility Bridge facility interest rate second possibility Bridge facility interest rate second possibility Bridge facility interest rate second possibility Deferred finance fees Deferred Finance Costs, Current, Net Refinanced three year revolving credit facility Refinanced three year revolving credit facility Refinanced three year revolving credit facility Refinanced five year revolving credit facility Refinanced five year revolving credit facility Refinanced five year revolving credit facility Previous long-term line of credit Previous long-term line of credit Previous long-term line of credit Long-term line of credit Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt New five year revolving credit facility New five year revolving credit facility New five year revolving credit facility New three year revolving credit facility New three year revolving credit facility New three year revolving credit facility Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Percentage of principal company must offer to purchase all or part of the note if certain change of control events occur Percentage of Princiapal Company Must Offer To Purchase Note At If Change of Control Events Occur Percentage of Princiapal Company Must Offer To Purchase Note At If Change of Control Events Occur Revolving credit due to expire Revolving credit due to expire Revolving credit expiring at a given date Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Amount borrowed under Eaton's revolving credit Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Retirement benefit plans expense Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract] CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract] Less net income for noncontrolling interests Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Foreign currency translation and related hedging instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Pensions and other postretirement benefits Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income Adjustment for other comprehensive income for noncontrolling interests Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton common shareholders Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton common shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Calculation of net income per common share attributable to common shareholders Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract] Net income attributable to Eaton common shareholders Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - diluted Less dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock awards Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - basic Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Textuals) [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Derivative financial instruments recognized in the consolidated Balance sheet Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Derivative Financial Instruments Amounts Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Text Block Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts recognized in net income Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] INVENTORY Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information. Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type