Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Investment [Axis] Investment [Axis] Investment [Domain] Investment [Domain] Russian Business Russian Business [Member] Russian Business [Member] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Loss on investment in Russian business Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Stock in Subsidiary Deferred tax asset, Russian business Deferred Tax Assets, Investment in Subsidiaries Deferred tax asset expected to be utilized Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating loss carryforwards - indefinite lived Operating Loss Carryforwards - indefinite lived Operating Loss Carryforwards - indefinite lived Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance U.S. state tax credit carryforwards definite lived Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Valuation allowance state tax credit carryforwards Statetaxcreditcarryforwardsvaluationallowance State tax credit carryforwards valuation allowance Income taxes paid net of refunds Income Taxes Paid Undistributed earnings of offshore investments Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries U.S. maximum tax liability Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized Undistributed Foreign Earnings The estimated amount as of the balance sheet date of undistributed foreign earnings on which the entity has not provided deferred taxes as these amounts are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. Unrecognized tax benefits reversing within 12 months Unrecognized Tax Benefits reversing within 12 months Unrecognized Tax Benefits reversing within 12 months Uncertain tax positions that impacted the effective rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Provision for income taxes Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited or expired (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Vested shares (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Vested and expected to vest (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Beginning balance (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted, weighted average exercise price (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised, weighted average exercise price (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited or expired, weighted average exercise price (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Vested shares, weighted average exercise price (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Vested and expected to vest, weighted average exercise price (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Beginning balance (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Vested shares, average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Vested and expected to vest, average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Exercised shares, aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Vested shares, aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Vested and expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net earnings Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings 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 Stock-Based Compensation Expense Share-based Compensation Deferred Income Taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Exchange Loss from Devaluation Amount Recognized in Income Due to Inflationary Accounting Mark-to-market on Trading Security Increase (Decrease) in Trading Securities Pension and Other Post-employment Benefits Expense Pension Expense Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued Expenses, Rebates and Returns Increase decrease in accrued liabilities rebates and returns represents the net increase or decrease in accrued liabilities, rebates and returns incurred during the period Income Taxes Payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Other Assets and Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Payments for Settlement of Interest Rate Forward Swaps Payments for Termination of Interest Rate Swaps Payments for Termination of Interest Rate Swaps Pension and Other Post-employment Benefits Contributions Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Payments for Capital Expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from/(Investment in) Other Companies Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Proceeds from Short-term Borrowings Proceeds from Bank Debt Repayments of Short-term Borrowings Repayments of Bank Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Notes, net of original issue discounts and expenses paid Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of Notes Payable Repayments of Notes Payable Proceeds from Long-term Revolver Borrowings, net of original issue discount and expenses paid Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Repayment of Long-term Revolver Borrowings Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Payments of Dividends Payments of Dividends Stock-based-compensation-related Proceeds and Excess Tax Benefits Proceeds and Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Stock-based Compensation Tax Withholdings Payments for Repurchase of Equity Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchase of Redeemable Shares Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Purchase of Trading Securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Sale of Trading Securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Net Cash Used in Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Effects of Changes in Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract] Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value End of Period Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Amount of cash equal to the Repurchase Price [Axis] Amount of cash equal to the Repurchase Price [Axis] Amount of cash equal to the Repurchase Price [Axis] Amount of cash equal to the Repurchase Price [Domain] Amount of cash equal to the Repurchase Price [Domain] [Domain] for Amount of cash equal to the Repurchase Price [Axis] Number of shares of Company common stock that could be purchased with an amount of cash equal to the Repurchase Price Number of shares of Company common stock that could be purchased with an amount of cash equal to the Repurchase Price [Member] Number of shares of Company common stock that could be purchased with an amount of cash equal to the Repurchase Price [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Total Equity/ (Deficit) Parent [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] 2013 Authorization Septembertwothousandthirteenrepurchase [Member] [Member] Septembertwothousandthirteenrepurchase [Member] [Member] October 2015 Authorization Octobertwothousandfifteen [Member] Octobertwothousandfifteen [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Share repurchase authorization Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Reduction of retained earnings Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Treasury stock purchases Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Accelerated share repurchase amount Accelerated Share Repurchases, Settlement (Payment) or Receipt Shares of common stock available in repurchase Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Percentage of shares retired Stock Repurchase Program, Percentage of Shares Retired Stock Repurchase Program, Percentage of Shares Retired Deferred losses on derivatives qualifying as hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Interest rate forward swaps, fair value Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] DERIVATIVES Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Depreciation Depreciation Interest capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Additions to long lived assets not yet paid Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Leases [Abstract] Schedule of Commitments Under Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] RESTRUCTURING Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of Products Sold Cost of Sales [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Tax Benefit/(Expense) Other Expense [Member] Forward Exchange Contracts Foreign Exchange [Member] Commodity Contracts Commodity Option [Member] Interest Rate Forward Swap Deferred Gains/(Losses) on Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges: Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Pension and Other Post-employment Benefit Plans: Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Cost of Products Sold Cost of Goods Sold Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Tax Benefit/(Expense) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Notes 4.90 Percent Due 2019 Notes 4.90 Percent Due 2019 [Member] Notes payable at 4.90%, due in 2019. Notes 3.0 Percent Due 2020 Notes 3.0 Percent Due 2020 [Member] [Member] Notes 3.0 Percent Due 2020 [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Interest Rate Swap, 2019 settled swaps Interest Rate Swap, 2019 settled swaps [Member] Interest Rate Swap, 2019 settled swaps [Member] Interest Rate Swap, 2014 settled swaps Interest Rate Swap, 2014 settled swaps [Member] Interest Rate Swap, 2014 settled swaps [Member] Commodity Contract Commodity Contract [Member] Interest rate swaps 2019 note mjn_Notes460PercentDue2044 [Domain] mjn_Notes460PercentDue2044 [Domain] Interest Rate Swap, 2019 open swaps Interest Rate Swap, 2019 open swaps [Member] Interest Rate Swap, 2019 open swaps [Member] Interest rate swaps 2020 note mjn_Notes300PercentDue2020 [Domain] [Domain] mjn_Notes300PercentDue2020 [Domain] [Domain] Interest Rate Swap, 2020 open swaps Interest Rate Swap, 2020 open swaps [Member] Interest Rate Swap, 2020 open swaps [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging Fair Value Hedging [Member] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Terminated Contract Terminated Contract [Member] Represents terminated derivative contracts. Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] No transfers between levels in fair value hierarchy No transfers between levels in fair value hierarchy No transfers between levels in fair value hierarchy This concept is to be used to represent no transfers between any levels during the period. Maximum period for discontinuation of foreign currency cash flow hedge due to forecasted transaction is probable of not occurring Maximum Period for Discontinuation of Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Is Probable of Not Occurring MaximumPeriodForDiscontinuationOfForeignCurrencyCashFlowHedgeDueToForecastedTransactionIsProbableOfNotOccurring Foreign currency purchases anticipated time frame Maximum Length of Time, Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness related to the company's foreign exchange hedges on earnings Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness Balance of effective portion of changes in hedge instruments included in accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Derivative, notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Reduction in interest expense Derivative, Gain on Derivative Forward interest rates of swaps Derivative, Forward Interest Rate Derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges deferred in other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Derivative, net hedge ineffectiveness Derivative, Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain (Loss) Amortization of settlement related to incremental interest expense Amortization of Deferred Hedge Gains Derivative, number of instruments entered into Derivative, Number of Instruments Entered Into Derivative, Number of Instruments Entered Into Proceeds from termination of hedge Proceeds from Termination of Hedge The cash inflow from the termination of interest rate swaps that meets the hedge criteria as either cash flow hedge, fair value hedge or hedge of net investment in foreign operations. Money market funds, carrying value Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Major categories of property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by class of intangible assets Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of amortizable finite-lived intangible assets, including the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization along with disclosure of the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. Schedule of expected amortization expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Effect on total of service and interest cost of one percentage point increase Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect on total of service and interest cost of one percentage point decrease Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Increase/(decrease) in post-employment benefit obligation one percentage point increase Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Increase/(decrease) in post-employment benefit obligation from one percentage point decrease Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance Employee Severance [Member] Contract Termination Contract Termination [Member] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Fuel for Growth Fuel for Growth [Member] Fuel for Growth [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Reduction in headcount Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated Payment period Restructuring and Related Cost, Payment Period Restructuring and Related Cost, Payment Period Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivatives Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Outstanding Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Schedule of Outstanding Foreign Exchange Contracts [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of foreign exchange contracts outstanding. Schedule of Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and the Impact on Earnings from Foreign Exchange Contracts Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Liabilities at Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Liabilities at Fair Value [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Customer One Customer One [Member] Represents the details that pertain to one customer that accounts for 10 percent or more of the entity's revenues. Customer Two Customer Two [Member] Represents the details that pertain to second customer that accounts for 10 percent or more of the entity's revenues. Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] North America/Europe North America Europe [Member] Represents the North America/ Europe reporting segment of the entity. Asia Asia [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Consolidated gross sales Concentration Risk, Percentage LONG-LIVED ASSETS Property, Plant, and Equipment and Intangible Assets [Text Block] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Infant Formula Infant Formula [Member] Represents the infant formula product line of the entity. Children’s Nutrition Children Nutrition [Member] Represents the children's nutrition product line of the entity. Other Other Product [Member] Represents the product lines not otherwise defined. Net sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Other Operating Income (Expense) Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] Severance and Employee Benefits Other Exit Costs Other Restructuring [Member] Asset Write-off Asset Write-off [Member] Asset Write-off [Member] Charges Restructuring Charges Cash Payments Payments for Restructuring Accrued Balance Restructuring Reserve U.S. statutory rate amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount U.S. statutory rate percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent U.S. state and local taxes (net of federal benefit) amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount U.S. state and local taxes (net of federal benefit) percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Foreign income taxed at different rates amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Foreign income taxed at different rates percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Repatriation of foreign income amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Repatriation of foreign income percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Percent Tax rulings and agreements amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Tax rulings and agreements percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Reversal of deferred tax on prior years' unremitted foreign earnings due to an indefinite investment assertion amount Reversaldeferredtaxonprioryearduetoreinvestmtassertion Reversal of deferred tax on prior years' unremitted foreign earnings due to a permanent reinvestment assertion Reversal of deferred tax on prior years' unremitted foreign earnings due to an indefinite investment assertion percent UsGaapEffectiveincometaxratereconciliationreversaldeftaxduetopermanentreinvassertion Reversal of deferred tax on prior years' unremitted foreign earnings due to a permanent reinvestment assertion (rate) Administrative penalty (China) amount Administrative penalty related to China antitrust review Admin penalty China related to antitrust review Administrative penalty (China) percent EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationchangeAdminPenaltyChina Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation change Admin Penalty China Unrecognized tax benefits and related interest/penalties amount Unrecognizedtaxbenefitsandrelatedinterestpenalties Unrecognized tax benefits and related interest penalties Unrecognized tax benefits and related interest/penalties percent EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationUnrecognizedtaxbenefitsandrelatedinterestpenalties Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Unrecognized tax benefits and related interest penalties Other amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Other percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Total Total provision/effective tax rate percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Stock-based compensation tax benefit Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Dividends Declared per Share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared LEASES Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Severance and other costs Severance and Other Costs The charge against earnings in the period for known and estimated costs of termination benefits provided to current employees that are involuntarily terminated under a benefit arrangement associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding costs or losses pertaining to an entity newly acquired in a business combination or a discontinued operation as defined by generally accepted accounting principles, costs associated with one-time termination benefits and other costs not otherwise stated. SEC Settlement Legal Fees Loss on asset disposals Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Foreign exchange losses—net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Marketable securities gain Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Administrative penalty (China) Administrative penalty (China) Administrative penalty (China) Gain on sale of investment Gain on Sale of Investments Pension curtailment gain Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Other—net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other (income)/expenses—net Other Expenses (Income) - net Other Expenses/(Income)—net [Abstract] operating and non-operating U.S. federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) U.S. states Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-U.S. Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current income tax expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) U.S. federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) U.S. states Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-U.S. Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred income tax expense/(benefit) Foreign Exchange Contract Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Canadian dollar Canada, Dollars Mexican peso Mexico, Pesos Malaysian ringgit Malaysia, Ringgits Philippine peso Philippines, Pesos Weighted-average Forward Rate Derivative, Average Forward Exchange Rate Notional Amount Fair Value Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset VENEZUELA CURRENCY MATTERS [Abstract] VENEZUELA CURRENCY MATTERS [Abstract] Venezuela Currency Matters [Table] Venezuela Currency Matters [Table] Venezuela Currency Matters [Table] - disclosure related to Venezuela currency matters Exchange Rate [Axis] Exchange Rate [Axis] Exchange Rate [Axis] Exchange Rate [Domain] Exchange Rate [Domain] [Domain] for Exchange Rate [Axis] CENCOEX CENCOEX [Member] CENCOEX [Member] National Center for Foreign Commerce SICAD I SICAD I [Member] SICAD I [Member] SIMADI SIMADI [Member] SIMADI [Member] Venezuelan bolívar fuerte Venezuelan bolívar fuerte Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] VENEZUELA VENEZUELA Venezuela Currency Matters [Line Items] Venezuela Currency Matters [Line Items] [Line Items] for Venezuela Currency Matters [Table] - disclosure related to Venezuela currency matters Foreign currency exchange rate Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Remeasurement loss Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Remeasurement (Gain) Loss Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Remeasurement (Gain) Loss Foreign currency transaction gains Percentage of net sales % of Total Net Sales % of Total Net Sales Net monetary assets Net monetary assets Net monetary assets Net non-monetary assets Net Non-Monetary Assets Net Non-Monetary Assets Intercompany payables Intercompany Payables Intercompany Payables Commodity Option Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Other Assets Other Assets [Member] Accrued Expenses Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities Other Liabilities [Member] Derivative asset, fair value Derivative liability, fair value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Net asset/(liability) of derivatives designated as hedging items Derivative, Fair Value, Net Income Statement [Abstract] NET SALES Cost of Products Sold GROSS PROFIT Gross Profit Operating Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Selling, General and Administrative Advertising and Promotion Marketing and Advertising Expense Research and Development Research and Development Expense Other (Income)/Expenses – net EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Interest Expense, Interest Income, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interests, Net Interest Expense – net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Total Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for Income Taxes NET EARNINGS Less: Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings per Share – Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings per Share – Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders (in dollars per share - diluted) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Weighted-average Shares - Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted-average Shares - Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] US GAAP Equity Securities Equity Securities [Member] US GAAP Debt Securities Debt Securities [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension Benefits Pension Plan [Member] Other Benefits Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] United States Pension Plan of US Entity United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations U.S. pension plan allocation weight Defined Benefit Plan, Percentage in Pension Assets and Obligations Represents the percentage of total pension assets and obligations held by a specified pension plan. Expected long term return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets in Next Fiscal Year An assumption for the next fiscal year as to the rate of return on plan assets reflecting the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the benefit obligation. Period of notice for quarterly redemption of diversified hedge Period of Notice for Quarterly Redemption of Diversified Hedge Period of Notice for Quarterly Redemption of Diversified Hedge U.S. pension plan, estimated future contributions Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Defined benefit plan, costs recognized Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Components of long-term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Components of interest expense-net Schedule of Interest (Expense) Interest Income and Cash Payments for Interest [Table Text Block] Represents the tabular disclosure of interest expense, interest income and cash payments for interest. Schedule of company's segment, product and geographic results Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory Valuation Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment/Capitalized Software Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Post-employment Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Costs Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Recently Issued Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Provisions for bad debts/valuation allowance Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Bad debts written off Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Release of valuation allowance/ other Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments Balance at end of period Schedule II Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible asset amortization expense 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Intangible asset amortization expense 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Intangible asset amortization expense 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Intangible asset amortization expense 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Intangible asset amortization expense 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Intangible asset amortization expense later years Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic earnings per share: Weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares) Net earnings attributable to shareholders Dividends and undistributed earnings attributable to unvested shares Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic Net earnings attributable to shareholders used for basic earnings per share calculation Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings per share: Incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise/vesting of dilutive stock options/performance shares (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted-average shares - diluted (in shares) Dividends and undistributed earnings attributable to unvested shares Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Diluted Net earnings attributable to shareholders used for diluted earnings per share calculation Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Accrued expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Accrued rebates and returns Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Accrued Rebates and Returns The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax effects arising from rebates and reserves, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when losses pertaining to such reserves are actually incurred, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Pension and other post-employment liabilities Deferred Tax Assets Tax, Deferred Expense Pension, Post Retirement and Post Employment Liabilities The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of estimated future tax deductions arising from pension, postretirement and post employment benefits, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when actual costs are incurred, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Stock-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Obsolescence reserves and other inventory items Deferred Tax Assets, Intercompany Profit and Other Inventory Items The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions attributable to intercompany profit and other inventory related items which can only be realized if sufficient taxable income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Settlement loss on interest rate forward swaps Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments Statutory loss on investment in subsidiaries State tax credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Other—net Deferred Tax Assets, Other Valuation allowance Total deferred tax assets Depreciation and amortization Deferred Tax Liabilities, Depreciation and Amortization The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to depreciation and amortization expensed for tax purposes but capitalized in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, which will reverse in future periods when amortization of such capitalized costs cannot be deducted for tax purposes. Unremitted earnings and cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Other—net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Net deferred income tax liabilities—noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Net deferred income tax liabilities—noncurrent Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax assets—net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Operating expenses Operating Expenses Gross profit Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] EMPLOYEE STOCK BENEFIT PLANS Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Interest Expense Interest Expense [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Term Loan Agreement Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Notes 3.0 Percent Due 2020 and Notes 4.125 Percent Due 2025 Notes 3.0 Percent Due 2020 and Notes 4.125 Percent Due 2025 [Member] Notes 3.0 Percent Due 2020 and Notes 4.125 Percent Due 2025 [Member] Notes 4.125 Percent Due 2025 Notes 4.125 Percent Due 2025 [Member] Notes 4.125 Percent Due 2025 [Member] Notes 4.60 Percent Due 2044 Notes 4.60 Percent Due 2044 [Member] Notes 4.60 Percent Due 2044 [Member] Notes 350 Percent Due 2014 Notes 350 Percent Due 2014 [Member] Notes payable at 3.50%, due in 2014. Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Notes Payable to Banks Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Gross Short-term borrowings Short-term Debt Short-term borrowings weighted average interest rate shorttermborrowingsinterestrateatendofperiod shorttermborrowingsinterestrateatendofperiod Proceeds from notes payable Proceeds from Notes Payable Repayments of notes payable Debt instrument, payoff amount Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Debt Instrument, Term Debt Instrument, Term Adjustment to debt for EBITDA calculation Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, EBITDA Ratio Calculation, Adjustment to Debt, Amount Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, EBITDA Ratio Calculation, Adjustment to Debt, Amount Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, EBITDA Ratio Calculation, Adjustment to Debt, Domestic Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, EBITDA Ratio Calculation, Adjustment to Debt, Domestic Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, EBITDA Ratio Calculation, Adjustment to Debt, Domestic Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Percent of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents used as collateral Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, EBITDA Ratio Calculation, Adjustment to Debt, Foreign Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Debt Instrument, Covenant Terms, EBITDA Ratio Calculation, Adjustment to Debt, Foreign Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity with request and consent (up to) Line of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity with Request and Consent Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility which can be granted upon request by the entity and approval of the lenders. Line of credit facility, ratio of consolidated adjusted total debt to consolidated EBITDA (not to exceed) Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Debt to EBIDTA Numerator Represents the numerator in the calculation of the ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization under the terms of the entity's credit facility covenants. Line of credit facility, ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense (not less than) Line Of Credit Facility Covenant EBIDTA To Interest Expense Numerator Represents the numerator in the calculation of the ratio of consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) to consolidated interest expense under the terms of the entity's credit facility covenants. Debt instrument, margin over base rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Line of credit facility, facility fee Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of credit facility, gross borrowings Proceeds from Lines of Credit Line of credit facility, gross repayments Repayments of Lines of Credit Long-term line of credit, outstanding borrowings Long-term Line of Credit Senior notes Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Public offering price Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Net proceeds Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Fair value adjustment Long-term debt, fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Receivables—net of allowances of $5.4 and $9.6, respectively Receivables, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Income Taxes Receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Total Current Assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment—net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other Intangible Assets – net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred Income Taxes – net of valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent TOTAL Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] CURRENT LIABILITIES: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term Borrowings Accounts Payable Accounts Payable, Current Dividends Payable Dividends Payable, Current Accrued Expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued Rebates and Returns Accrued Rebates and Returns Accrued Rebates and Returns - estimated obligations due within one year for rebates and returns, including WIC rebates, product returns due to expiration, coupons and sales discounts. Deferred Income – current Deferred Revenue, Current Income Taxes Payable Income Taxes Payable and Deferred This element represent Income Taxes-payable and deferred. Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt Deferred Income Taxes – noncurrent Pension and Other Post-employment Liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount EQUITY Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common Stock, $0.01 par value: 3,000 authorized, 191.4 and 207.2 issued, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional Paid-in/(Distributed) Capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained Earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury Stock – at cost Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Shareholders’ Equity/(Deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity/(Deficit) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest TOTAL Liabilities and Equity Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract] RECEIVABLES Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in (Distributed) Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Redeemable Non- controlling Interest Comprehensive Income [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stock-based Compensation Awards (includes excess tax benefits) Stock Granted, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Treasury Stock Acquired Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests Retirement of Treasury stock Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests Cash Dividends Declared Dividends, Common Stock Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Accretion Equity Impact of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Accretion Represents equity impact of accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest during the reporting period. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Other OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOther Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Ending balance Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, beginning balance Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Period Increase (Decrease) Net Earnings Temporary Equity, Net Income Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Accretion Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Accretion Represents accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest during the reporting period. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Temporary Equity, Other Changes Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest Other Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Increase in redeemable noncontrolling interest balance because of a business combination that occurred during the period. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, ending balance Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] CHINA CHINA ARGENTINA ARGENTINA INDONESIA INDONESIA Noncontrolling interest disclosures Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling interests (as a percent) Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Marketable Securities [Abstract] MARKETABLE SECURITIES Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] ORGANIZATION Nature of Operations [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] GOODWILL Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Beginning balance (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Changes in Common Shares and Treasury Stock [Roll Forward] Changes in Common Shares and Treasury Stock [Roll Forward] [Roll Forward] Changes in Common Shares and Treasury Stock [Roll Forward] [Roll Forward] Common stock (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Stock-based compensation (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Benefit Plan Treasury stock purchases (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Retirement of treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Accelerated Share Repurchase (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Common stock (in shares) Treasury stock (in shares) Treasury stock, beginning value Treasury stock reissued at lower than repurchase price Treasury Stock Reissued at Lower than Repurchase Price Treasury stock purchases Accelerated Share Repurchase Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Treasury stock, ending value Schedule of assumptions used in the valuations of stock options Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of performance share awards activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation Performance Share Awards Activity [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the number and weighted-average grant-date fair value for other than share options (or share units) that were outstanding at the end of the year and the shares granted and earned during the period. Also includes the grant date and cycle measurement date. Summary of restricted stock unit activity Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of stock-based compensation expense by award type Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] INVENTORIES Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Table] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Table] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Change in Assumptions for Pension Plans Change in Assumptions for Pension Plans [Member] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items] Reduction of interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Debt issuance cost Deferred Finance Costs, Net Current deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred income taxes - noncurrent Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected long-term return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Latin America Latin America [Member] Details of goodwill Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill at the beginning of the period Translation adjustments Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Goodwill at the end of the period Accumulated impairment loss Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Performance share awards Performance Share Awards [Member] Stock units awarded by a company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation dependent upon meeting established cumulative performance objectives over a specified period. Restricted stock units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Shares approved and registered with SEC Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Percent of closing market price on grant date (no less than) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Percentage of Market Price to Purchase Common Stock Represents the percentage of market price at which options are granted to purchase common stock. Option installment, exercisable percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Percentage of Stock Options Exercisable on First Till Fourth Anniversaries of Grant Date Under one of the company's vesting schedules, represents the percentage of stock options exercisable in installments on each of the first through the fourth anniversaries of the grant date. Option installment, exercisable percentage, three year installments Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Percentage of Stock Options Exercisable on First Till Third Anniversaries of Grant Date Under the second of two vesting schedules, represents the percentage of stock options exercisable in installments on each of the first through the third anniversaries of the grant date. Stock award performance period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Performance period, stock based awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Share based payment award, percentage payout Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Percentage Payout Represents the percentage payout to employees dependent upon meeting the targets during the period. Weighted average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Cash proceeds from options exercised Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Tax benefit realized from stock options exercised Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted average amortization period, share awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Plan performance percent adjusted for forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Grants and Earned in Period Assumptions on Percentage of Plan Performance. Represents the percentage of plan performance assumed under shares granted and earned during the period. Capitalized stock-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Summary of Restructuring Charges and Related Reserves Related to Fuel for Growth Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Trade receivables Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Miscellaneous receivables Miscellaneous accounts receivable gross current Amount due from customers, clients, or other third-parties, or arising from transactions not separately disclosed, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), including receivables in connection with manufacturing services provided to a third-party. Less allowances Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Receivables—net Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1: Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases based on current year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Decreases based on current year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Increases based on prior year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decreases based on prior year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Lapse of statute of limitations Lapse of statute of limitations Lapse of statute of limitations Cumulative translation adjustment Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Cumulative Translation Adjustment The amount of increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from cumulative translation adjustment. Balance at December 31: Fixed Rate Received Variable Rate Paid (U.S. 3 Month LIBOR ) variableratepaid Variable rate paid Fair value hedge asset Fair Value Hedge Assets Fair value hedge liability Fair Value Hedge Liabilities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Deferred Gains/(Losses) on Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges Pension and Other Post-employment Benefits Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Description of aggregate carrying amount of all noncontrolling interests which are redeemable by the (parent) entity (1) at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date, (2) at the option of the holder of the noncontrolling interest, or (3) upon occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the (parent) entity. This item includes noncontrolling interest holder's ownership (or holders' ownership) regardless of the type of equity interest (common, preferred, other) including all potential organizational (legal) forms of the investee entity. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Deferred Gains/(Losses) Reclassification Adjustment for (Gains)/ Losses Included in Net Earnings Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Tax Benefit/(Expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Ending balance Beginning balance Derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges deferred in other comprehensive income Derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges reclassified to cost of products sold Derivatives qualifying as cashflow hedges reclassified to cost of products sold (effective portion) Derivatives qualifying as cashflow hedges reclassified to cost of products sold (effective portion) Change in deferred taxes Ending balance Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land Land [Member] Buildings Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery, equipment and fixtures Machinery and Equipment [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment ScheduleOfOtherIncomeAndOtherExpenseNet [Table] ScheduleOfOtherIncomeAndOtherExpenseNet [Table] Schedule Of Other Income And Other Expense Net [Table]- summary of OIE Change in Accounting Method Accounted for as Change in Estimate Change in Accounting Method Accounted for as Change in Estimate [Member] ScheduleOfOtherIncomeAndOtherExpenseNet [Line Items] ScheduleOfOtherIncomeAndOtherExpenseNet [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule Of Other Income And Other Expense Net [Table]- summary of OIE Restructuring costs, fuel for growth program Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) U.S. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Non-U.S. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Stock based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Net tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] DEBT Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Disclosure of the details of amortizable finite-lived intangible assets, including the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization along with disclosure of the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Computer software Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] Distributor-customer relationship Customer Relationships [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trademark Trademarks [Member] Non-compete agreement Noncompete Agreements [Member] Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items] Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items] Indefinite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Accumulated amortization, indefinite lived intangible assets Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Indefinite-lived intangible assets zero amortization Indefinite-lived intangible assets zero amortization Indefinite-lived intangible assets zero amortization Finite-lived intangible assets, gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization, finite intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-lived intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets, gross carrying amount Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets, net Temporary Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Axis] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Axis] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Domain] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Domain] Put Option Put Option [Member] Call Option Call Option [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Nutricion para el Conosur S.A. Nutricion Para El Conosur SA [Member] Represents information pertaining to Nutricion para el Conosur S.A., the acquiree, which manufactures, distributes and sells infant formulas and children's nutrition products in Argentina. Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Percentage of outstanding shares of capital stock acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Ownership interest, percentage Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Including Subsequent Acquisition, Percentage Purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash outflow from acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Noncontrolling interest owner right to purchase (up to) Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Cost of products sold Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member] The allocation (or location) of expense to (in) selling, general and administrative expense. Research and development Research and Development Expense [Member] Investments in debt securities Trading Securities, Debt Debt securities sold Proceeds from Sale of Trading Securities Held-for-investment Net gain on trading securities Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Trading Securities US gaap defined benefit plan asset categories [Axis] US gaap defined benefit plan asset categories [Axis] US-gaap_definedbenefitplanassetcategories [Axis] US gaap defined benefit plan asset categories [Domain] US gaap defined benefit plan asset categories [Domain] [Domain] for US-gaap_definedbenefitplanassetcategories [Axis] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] U.S. large-cap USLargeCapEquitySecurities [Member] USLargeCapEquitySecurities [Member] U.S. small-cap growth USsmallcapgrowthequitysecurities [Member] USsmallcapgrowthequitysecurities [Member] Emerging markets emergingmarketequitysecurities [Member] emergingmarketequitysecurities [Member] Real estate investment trusts realestateinvestmenttrusts [Member] realestateinvestmenttrusts [Member] International large-cap value internationallargecapvalueequitysecurities [Member] internationallargecapvalueequitysecurities [Member] Hedge fund Hedge Funds [Member] Government bonds Municipal Bonds [Member] Corporate bonds Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Emerging markets Emerging markets Fixed Income [Domain] Emerging markets Fixed Income [Domain] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Potential shares outstanding (in shares) Potential Shares Outstanding Potential shares outstanding. Shares not included in diluted earnings per share calculation (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Translation Adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Tax Benefit/(Expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Deferred Gains/(Losses) on Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] Deferred Gains/(Losses) on Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges for the Period Reclassification Adjustment for (Gains)/Losses Included in Net Earnings Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax Tax Benefit/(Expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Deferred Gains/(Losses) on Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments and Tax Reclassification Adjustment for (Gains)/Losses Included in Net Earnings Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent VENEZUELA CURRENCY MATTERS Foreign Currency Disclosure [Text Block] Shares Granted and Earned (in thousands) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Grants and Earned in Period The number of grants made and earned during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Weighted- Average Grant- Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Outstanding Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value The weighted average fair value of outstanding awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units. Performance Shares Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Outstanding Number The number of outstanding equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date. Document and Entity Information -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Components of other expenses/(income) net Schedule of Other Income and Other Expense Net [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of other income and expenses, net, operating and non-operating. SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Change in carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of major categories of receivables Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the balance sheet Schedule of Net Funded Status and Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of net funded status of benefit plans, amounts recognized in the balance sheet, amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost and the accumulated benefit obligation. Schedule of accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of net periodic benefit cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of assumed health care cost trend rates Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of effect of one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair values of the pension plan assets by asset category Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition [Abstract] WIC rebate accruals Accrued W I C Rebates Represents accruals for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) rebates which are included in accrued rebates and returns on the Balance Sheet. Reduction in revenue due to rebates under the WIC program Reduction in Revenue Due to W I C Rebates Represents the reduction in revenue due to rebates under the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Sales return accruals Accrued Sales Return Represents sales return accruals which are included in accrued rebates and returns on the Balance Sheet. Reduction in sales due to sales returns Reduction in Sales Due to Returns Represents the reduction in sales due to sales returns. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Maturity of highly liquid investments (less than) Maximum Term of Original Maturity to Classify Instruments as Cash and Cash Equivalents Represents the maximum period for maturity of cash and cash equivalents. Money market funds, classified as level two Building Building [Member] Machinery, Equipment and Fixtures Machinery, Equipment and Fixtures [Member] Tangible personal property including fixtures, non consumable in nature, with finite lives used to produce goods and services. Capitalized Software Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Estimated useful lives (up to) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Estimated useful life, capitalized software Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Impairment of goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedges Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge [Abstract] Cash-flow hedge discontinuation number of days from original forecasted transaction date cashflow hedge discontinuation number of days from original forecasted transaction date mjn_cashflowhedgediscontinuationnumberofdaysfromoriginalforecastedtransactiondate Shipping and handling costs Direct Operating Costs [Abstract] Shipping and handling costs, including warehousing expenses Shipping, Handling and Transportation Costs Advertising Costs Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract] Advertising costs Advertising Expense Schedule of major categories of inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] 4.900% Notes due 2019 3.000% Notes due 2020 4.125% Notes due 2025 5.900% Notes due 2039 Notes 5.90 Percent Due 2039 [Member] Notes payable at 5.90%, due in 2039. 4.600% Notes due 2044 Unamortized basis adjustment for settled interest rate swaps Deferred Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Unamortized bond discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Unamortized debt issuance costs Fair-value interest rate swaps Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Liability at Fair Value Long-term debt Defined benefit plan, expected future payments in 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months Defined benefit plan, expected future payment in 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two Defined benefit plan, expected future payment in 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three Defined benefit plan, expected future payment 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four Defined benefit plan, expected future payments 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five Defined benefit plan, expected future payments years 2021-2025 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] OTHER (INCOME)/EXPENSES-NET Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of components of earnings before income taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Summary of components of provision (benefit) for income taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Summary of components of current and noncurrent deferred income tax assets (liabilities) Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of changes in uncertain tax positions Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense-net Interest payments, net of amounts related to interest rate swaps Interest Paid Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Beginning benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost—benefits earned during the year Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost on projected benefit obligations Actuarial assumptions (gains)/losses Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Settlements and curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Exchange rate changes Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss) Benefit obligations at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Beginning fair value of plan assets Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets Benefits paid Exchange rate changes Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Fair value of plan assets at end of year Underfunded status at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Other assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Current liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Pension and other post-employment liabilities Balance in the consolidated balance sheet at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Prior service/(benefit) and Transition Obligation Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Raw and packaging materials Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves Inventories United States UNITED STATES China China / Hong Kong [Member] Represents the geographic area of China and Hong Kong. Mexico MEXICO Singapore SINGAPORE Other Other Country [Member] Represents the other countries not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Long-Lived Assets Long-Lived Assets Service cost — benefits earned during the period Interest cost on projected benefit obligations Expected return on pension plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service/(benefit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of transition cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets) Sub-total Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Excluding Settlements Represents the total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period, excluding settlements. Curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Net actuarial (gains)/losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Total Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefit costs Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of changes in common shares and treasury stock Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Receivables, allowances (in dollars) Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, issued (in shares) Operating leases, future minimum payments due in 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Operating leases, future minimum payments, due after 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Minimum Payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Operating leases rental expenses Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Total operating segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate and Other Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Corporate, Non-Segment and Other Corporate, Non-Segment and Other [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment and Other [Member] Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes Year-End Assets Payments for Capital Expenditures