Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 15,195	$ 16,034	$ 17,277
Cost of sales	6,072	6,635	7,168
Gross profit	9,123	9,399	10,109
Selling, general and administrative expenses	5,249	5,464	5,982
Other (income) expense, net	37	62	570
Charge for Venezuela accounting change	0	1,084	0
Operating profit	3,837	2,789	3,557
Interest (income) expense, net	99	26	24
Total Income before income taxes	3,738	2,763	3,533
Provision for income taxes	1,152	1,215	1,194
Net income including noncontrolling interests	2,586	1,548	2,339
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	145	164	159
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company	$ 2,441	$ 1,384	$ 2,180
Earnings per common share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.74	$ 1.53	$ 2.38
Earnings per common share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.72	$ 1.52	$ 2.36