Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit	$ 885	$ 867
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company	570	$ 533
Excess tax benefits recognized	$ 18
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 | Scenario, Forecast
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit			$ 100
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company			$ 0