Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 2,586	$ 1,548	$ 2,339
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Cumulative translation adjustments	(137)	(645)	(685)
Retirement plan and other retiree benefit adjustments	(109)	196	(329)
Gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	(1)	(7)	(48)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	5	2	2
Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(242)	(454)	(1,060)
Total Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests	2,344	1,094	1,279
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	145	164	159
Less: Cumulative translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12)	(11)	(4)
Total Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	133	153	155
Total Comprehensive income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company	$ 2,211	$ 941	$ 1,124