Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Net sales	$ 4,200	$ 3,994
Total Operating profit	938	915
Pretax costs related to sale of land	7		13
Costs before tax associated with various Business Realignment and other cost-saving initiatives	5
Oral, Personal and Home Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Net sales	3,658	3,460
Total Operating profit	930	906
Pet Nutrition [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Net sales	542	534
Total Operating profit	148	141
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Operating profit	(140)	(132)
North America [Member] | Oral, Personal and Home Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Net sales	755	718
Total Operating profit	183	192
Latin America [Member] | Oral, Personal and Home Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Net sales	1,170	1,097
Total Operating profit	344	326
Europe/South Pacific [Member] | Oral, Personal and Home Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Net sales	854	832
Total Operating profit	183	185
Greater Asia/Africa [Member] | Oral, Personal and Home Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Net sales	879	813
Total Operating profit	$ 220	$ 203