Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit	$ 853	$ 944	$ 1,738	$ 1,811
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company	524	$ 600	1,094	$ 1,133
Excess tax benefits recognized	$ 8		$ 26
Scenario, Forecast | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit					$ 100
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company					$ 0