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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Principles of Consolidation [Abstract]      
Investments accounted for using the equity method, minimum interest 20.00%cl_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageMinimum    
Investments accounted for using the equity method, maximum interest 50.00%cl_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageMaximum    
Equity method investments included in Other assets $ 31us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments $ 27us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments  
Investments accounted for using the cost method, maximum interest 20.00%cl_CostMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageMaximum    
Shipping and Handling Costs [Abstract]      
Shipping and handling costs classified as Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 1,326us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts $ 1,304us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts $ 1,262us-gaap_ShippingHandlingAndTransportationCosts
Inventories [Abstract]      
Approximate percentage of inventories determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method 80.00%us-gaap_PercentageOfFIFOInventory    
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life 3 years    
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life 15 years    
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life 40 years