Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 15,544	$ 15,454	$ 15,195
Cost of sales	6,313	6,174	6,072
Gross profit	9,231	9,280	9,123
Selling, general and administrative expenses	5,389	5,400	5,143
Other (income) expense, net	148	173	25
Operating profit	3,694	3,707	3,955
Non-service related postretirement costs	87	118	118
Interest (income) expense, net	143	102	99
Income before income taxes	3,464	3,487	3,738
Provision for income taxes	906	1,313	1,152
Net income including noncontrolling interests	2,558	2,174	2,586
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	158	150	145
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company	$ 2,400	$ 2,024	$ 2,441
Earnings per common share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.76	$ 2.30	$ 2.74
Earnings per common share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.75	$ 2.28	$ 2.72