Accounting Policies [Abstract] Use of Estimates Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Unearned Compensation Unearned Compensation [Member] Amount corresponds to the amount of leveraged ESOP debt guaranteed by the company. When the debt is recorded on the company's books, the equity reserve for unearned compensation is also recorded. Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Changes in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Dividends Dividends, Common Stock Stock-based compensation expense APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Shares issued for stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Shares issued for restricted stock units Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Treasury stock acquired Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Ending balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss, cumulative translation losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), unrecognized retirement plan and other retiree benefit costs Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Hello Product LLC Hello Product LLC [Member] Hello Product LLC [Member] Laboratoires Filorga Cosmétiques Laboratoires Filorga Cosmétiques [Member] Laboratoires Filorga Cosmétiques [Member] Nigeria Joint Venture Nigeria Joint Venture [Member] Nigeria Joint Venture [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trademarks Trademarks [Member] Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] North America North America [Member] Europe Europe [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Payments to acquire business, cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Purchase price consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Other intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill Additional purchase price consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other Useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Controlling interest acquired (in percent) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Global Growth and Efficiency Program Global Growth and Efficiency Program [Member] Global Growth and Efficiency Program [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Restructuring and Implementation-Related Charges Restructuring And Implementation-Related Charges [Member] Restructuring And Implementation-Related Charges [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Inventory, Net, Items Net of Reserve Alternative [Abstract] Inventories by Major Class Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Net Sales and Operating Profit by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Receivables (net of allowances of $84 and $76, respectively) Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment: Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Notes and loans payable Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued income taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Other accruals Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Unearned compensation Unearned Compensation Amount corresponds to the amount of leveraged ESOP debt guaranteed by the company. When the debt is recorded on the company's books, the equity reserve for unearned compensation is also recorded. Treasury stock, at cost Treasury Stock, Value Total Colgate-Palmolive Company shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Raw materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total Inventories, net Inventory, Net, Including Noncurrent Inventory, Net, Including Noncurrent Non-current inventory, net Inventory, Noncurrent Current Inventories, net Loss Contingency [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Minimum number of countries and territories serving consumers (more than) (in countries and territories) Minimum Number Of Countries And Territories Serving Consumers Minimum Number Of Countries And Territories Serving Consumers Loss contingency, possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Brazilian internal revenue authority, matter 1 Tax Assessments With Interest The amount of tax assessment with estimated interest accrued as of the balance sheet date arising from income tax examinations related to an acquisition. Loss contingency, number of cases on appeal Loss Contingency, Number Of Cases On Appeal Loss Contingency, Number of Cases On Appeal Loss contingency, number of appeals lost (in appeals) Loss Contingency, Number Of Appeals Lost Loss Contingency, Number Of Appeals Lost Brazilian internal revenue authority, matter 2 Tax Assessments With Interest And Penalties The amount of tax assessment with estimated penalties and interest accrued as of the balance sheet date arising from income tax examinations related to investments held by a foreign subsidiary. Fine imposed by Greek competition authority Fine Imposed By Greek Competition Authority Fine Imposed by Greek Competition Authority Loss contingency, pending claims, number (in cases) Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Loss contingency, new claims filed, number (in cases) Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Loss contingency, claims dismissed or settled, number (in cases) Loss Contingency, Claims Settled and Dismissed, Number Loss contingency, number of cases resulting in adverse jury verdict Loss Contingency, Cases Resulting In Adverse Jury Verdict, Number Loss Contingency, Cases Resulting In Adverse Jury Verdict, Number Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income including noncontrolling interests Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operations: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Restructuring and termination benefits, net of cash Restructuring, net of cash The amount of noncash restructuring costs net of cash payments. Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Voluntary benefit plan contributions Payment for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cash effects of changes in: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Accounts payable and other accruals Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Other non-current assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Purchases of marketable securities and investments Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Proceeds from sale of marketable securities and investments Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Payment for acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Principal payments on debt Repayments of Debt Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends Purchases of treasury shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in Cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of sales Gross Profit [Member] Gross Profit [Member] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Other (income) expense, net Other (Income) Expense, Net [Member] Other (Income) Expense, Net [Member] Non-service related postretirement costs Non-Service Related Postretirement Costs [Member] Non-Service Related Postretirement Costs [Member] Total Global Growth and Efficiency Program charges, pretax Total Global Growth and Efficiency Program charges, aftertax Restructuring And Related Cost, Incurred Cost, After Tax Restructuring And Related Cost, Incurred Cost, After Tax New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Number of dividends declared per quarter Number Of Dividends Declared Per Quarter Number of Dividends Declared Per Quarter Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Cumulative translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Retirement plans and other retiree benefit adjustments Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Total Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Cumulative translation adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Comprehensive income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Receivables Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Other assets and liabilities, net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets And Liabilities, Other, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets And Liabilities, Other, Net Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Other current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other Deferred income taxes Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncontrolling interests Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Fair value of net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Fair value of net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue, Net Revenue Benchmark [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Included in Operating profit (loss) Operating Income (Loss) [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of product segments (in segments) Number Of Product Segments Number of Product Segments Number of reportable segments (in segments) Number of Reportable Segments Number of operating segments (in segments) Number of Operating Segments Percentage of consolidated Net sales represented by sales outside US Percentage Of Consolidated Net Sales Represented By Sales Outside US Percentage of Consolidated Net Sales represented by Sales outside US Percentage of consolidated Net sales coming from emerging markets Percentage Of Consolidated Net Sales Coming From Emerging Markets Percentage of Consolidated Net Sales coming from Emerging Markets Acquisition related costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Cost of sales Cost of Sales [Member] Interest (income) expense, net Interest (Income) Expense, Net [Member] Interest (Income) Expense, Net [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedges Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swaps Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Currency Contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gain (loss) on derivative instrument Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Gain (loss) on hedged items Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Amount reclassified from OCI Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax Total gain (loss) on hedges recognized in income Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Domestic Plan Domestic Plan [Member] United States UNITED STATES International Foreign Plan [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Benefits Pension Plan [Member] Other Retiree Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Components of net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Voluntary benefit plan contribution Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Schedule of derivative instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of hedged item and cumulative adjustment to carrying amount Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of notional values Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Schedule of gains (losses) recognized in Statements of Income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of gains (losses) included in Other Comprehensive Income Schedule Of Cash Flow And Net Investment Hedges Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Cash Flow And Net Investment Hedges Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Commodity Contracts Foreign Currency Debt Debt [Member] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Cash flow hedges [Abstract] Effect of Cash Flow Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract] Gain (loss) recognized in OCI Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Net investment hedges [Abstract] Summary of Net Investment Hedge Activity [Abstract] Gain (loss) on instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Gain (loss) on hedged items Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Hedged Item In Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), Before Reclassification And Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Hedged Item In Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), Before Reclassification and Tax Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Estimated fair value of long-term debt Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Carrying value of long-term debt Long-term Debt Carrying amount of hedged item Hedged Liability, Fair Value Hedge Cumulative hedging adjustment included in the carrying amount Hedged Liability, Fair Value Hedge, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Cover [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] 0.000% Notes due 2021 0.000% Notes due 2021 [Member] 0.000% Notes due 2021 [Member] 0.500% Notes Due 2026 0.500% Notes Due 2026 [Member] 0.500% Notes Due 2026 [Member] 1.375% Notes Due 2034 1.375% Notes Due 2034 [Member] 1.375% Notes Due 2034 [Member] 0.875% Notes due 2039 0.875% Notes due 2039 [Member] 0.875% Notes due 2039 [Member] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Cost of sales Cost of Revenue Gross profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Other (income) expense, net Other Operating Income (Expense), Net Operating profit Operating Income (Loss) Non-service related postretirement costs Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component Interest (income) expense, net Interest expense, net The aggregate interest and debt related expenses associated with nonoperating financing activities of the entity, less the amount of income derived from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents, the earnings of which reflect the time value of money or transactions in which the payments are for the use or forbearance of money. Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income including noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings per common share, basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings per common share, diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Cumulative translation adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Retirement plans and other retiree benefits adjustments Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Total Other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, pretax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Reclassification from AOCI, pretax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassification from AOCI, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Fair Value Hedges Fair Value Hedging [Member] Net Investment Hedges Net Investment Hedging [Member] Notional values Derivative, Notional Amount Fair Value Derivatives Balance Sheet Location [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other current assets Other Current Assets [Member] Other assets Other Assets [Member] Other accruals Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other liabilities Other Liabilities [Member] Interest rate swap contracts Foreign currency contracts Derivative and Financial Instruments, Fair Value [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Designated derivative instruments Designated derivative instruments [Abstract] Designated derivative instruments [Abstract] Derivative assets, designated Derivative Asset Derivative liabilities, designated Derivative Liability Other financial instruments Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract] Marketable securities Marketable Securities Total other financial instruments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Latin America Latin America [Member] Asia Pacific Asia Pacific [Member] Africa/Eurasia Africa Eurasia [Member] A specified group of foreign regions about which segment information is provided by the entity. Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Oral, Personal and Home Care Oral, Personal and Home Care [Member] Oral, Personal and Home Care Pet Nutrition Pet Nutrition [Member] Pet Nutrition Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Product Concentration Risk Product Concentration Risk [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Oral Care Oral Care [Member] Oral Care products include toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouth rinses and other similar items. Personal Care Personal Care [Member] Personal Care products include bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants and other similar items. Home Care Home Care [Member] Home Care products include laundry and dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, bleaches and other similar items. Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Total Net sales Percent of net sales Concentration Risk, Percentage Total Operating profit Employee-Related Costs One-time Termination Benefits [Member] Incremental Depreciation Incremental Depreciation [Member] Incremental Depreciation [Member] Asset Impairments Asset Impairment [Member] Asset Impairment [Member] Other Other Restructuring [Member] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Restructuring Reserve Cash payments Payments for Restructuring Charges against assets Restructuring Reserve, Charges Against Assets Restructuring Reserve, Charges Against Assets Foreign exchange Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Other Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Ending Balance Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Net income attributable to Colgate-Palmolive Company Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract] Basic EPS Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Diluted EPS Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic EPS (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Stock options and restricted stock units (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted EPS (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Per Share Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic EPS (in dollars per share) Diluted EPS (in dollars per share) Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Provisional income tax benefit Discrete Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Discrete Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Foreign withholding income tax Foreign Withholding Income Tax Foreign Withholding Income Tax Valuation allowance against deferred tax asset Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Withholding tax due Withholding Tax Due Withholding Tax Due Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]