CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 3,884	$ 4,002
Cost of sales	1,597	1,594
Gross profit	2,287	2,408
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,365	1,392
Other (income) expense, net	43	33
Operating profit	879	983
Non-service related postretirement costs	25	24
Interest (income) expense, net	40	35
Income before income taxes	814	924
Provision for income taxes	214	246
Net income including noncontrolling interests	600	678
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	40	44
Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company	$ 560	$ 634
Earnings per common share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.65	$ 0.72
Earnings per common share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.65	$ 0.72