Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 2,558	$ 2,174	$ 2,586
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Cumulative translation adjustments	(237)	302	(137)
Retirement plan and other retiree benefit adjustments	38	54	(109)
Gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	0	0	(1)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	10	(14)	5
Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(189)	342	(242)
Total Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests	2,369	2,516	2,344
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	158	150	145
Less: Cumulative translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests	(19)	17	(12)
Total Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	139	167	133
Total Comprehensive income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company	$ 2,230	$ 2,349	$ 2,211