Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating profit	$ 927	$ 1,071	$ 2,665	$ 2,882
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company	607	$ 702	1,701	$ 1,835
Excess tax benefits recognized	$ 17		$ 43
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