XML 64 R65.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Percentage Of Fixed Income Portfolio Invested In Us Treasury Or Agency Securities 50.00%cl_PercentageOfFixedIncomePortfolioInvestedInUsTreasuryOrAgencySecurities 50.00%cl_PercentageOfFixedIncomePortfolioInvestedInUsTreasuryOrAgencySecurities  
Two Thousand Twelve Restructuring Program [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Restructuring Reserve, Charges Against Assets $ 31cl_RestructuringReserveChargesAgainstAssets
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
$ 44cl_RestructuringReserveChargesAgainstAssets
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
$ 0cl_RestructuringReserveChargesAgainstAssets
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
(91)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
 
Other Restructuring [Member] | Two Thousand Twelve Restructuring Program [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Restructuring Reserve, Charges Against Assets 0cl_RestructuringReserveChargesAgainstAssets
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
0cl_RestructuringReserveChargesAgainstAssets
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
0cl_RestructuringReserveChargesAgainstAssets
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
(91)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
 
One-time Termination Benefits [Member] | Two Thousand Twelve Restructuring Program [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Restructuring Reserve, Charges Against Assets 5cl_RestructuringReserveChargesAgainstAssets
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
17cl_RestructuringReserveChargesAgainstAssets
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
0cl_RestructuringReserveChargesAgainstAssets
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= cl_TwoThousandTwelveRestructuringProgramMember
 
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]      
Target asset allocation 100.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
   
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 1,771us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
1,736us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
1,597us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Dividends received by plans on the Company's common stock 2cl_DefinedBenefitPlanDividendsReceivedOnEmployerSecurities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
3cl_DefinedBenefitPlanDividendsReceivedOnEmployerSecurities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
Defined Benefit Plan Percentage Of Equity Securities Invested In Employer Securities 7.00%cl_DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfEquitySecuritiesInvestedInEmployerSecurities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
6.00%cl_DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageOfEquitySecuritiesInvestedInEmployerSecurities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Common Shares Sold 0cl_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsSold
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
1,540,215cl_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsSold
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Equity securities      
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]      
Target asset allocation 27.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
   
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Cash & cash equivalents | Level 1 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 48us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
97us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
 
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | U.S. common stocks | Level 1 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 130us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_UsCommonStocksMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
127us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_UsCommonStocksMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
 
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | International common stocks | Level 1 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_InternationalCommonStockMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
51us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_InternationalCommonStockMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
 
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Fixed income securities      
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]      
Target asset allocation 53.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
   
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Fixed income securities | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 625us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[1] 433us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[1]  
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Developed market equity index funds | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 352us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_EquityIndexFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 359us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_EquityIndexFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Emerging market equity index funds | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 32us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_EmergingMarketEquityIndexFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 33us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_EmergingMarketEquityIndexFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Other common stock funds | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 118us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_OtherCommonStockFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 123us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_OtherCommonStockFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Fixed income funds: U.S. or foreign government and agency securities | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 115us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsUsOrForeignGovernmentAndAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 149us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsUsOrForeignGovernmentAndAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Fixed income funds: investment grade corporate bonds | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 168us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsInvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 203us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsInvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Fixed income funds: high yield corporate bonds and other | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 136us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsHighYieldCorporateBondsAndOtherMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 119us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsHighYieldCorporateBondsAndOtherMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Guaranteed investment contracts | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_GuaranteedInvestmentContractsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[3] 2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_GuaranteedInvestmentContractsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[3]  
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Real Estate [Member] | Level 3 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 46us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
[4] 40us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
[4]  
United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] | Real estate and other investments      
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]      
Target asset allocation 20.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_RealEstateandOtherInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
   
International Pension Benefits [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]      
Target asset allocation 100.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 552us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
558us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
486us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Equity securities      
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]      
Target asset allocation 39.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Cash & cash equivalents | Level 1 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 10us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
23us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
 
International Pension Benefits [Member] | U.S. common stocks | Level 1 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_UsCommonStocksMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_UsCommonStocksMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
 
International Pension Benefits [Member] | International common stocks | Level 1 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_InternationalCommonStockMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_InternationalCommonStockMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
 
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Fixed income securities      
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]      
Target asset allocation 47.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Fixed income securities | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[1] 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[1]  
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Developed market equity index funds | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 193us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_EquityIndexFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 229us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_EquityIndexFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Emerging market equity index funds | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_EmergingMarketEquityIndexFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_EmergingMarketEquityIndexFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Other common stock funds | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 27us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_OtherCommonStockFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 41us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_OtherCommonStockFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Fixed income funds: U.S. or foreign government and agency securities | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 107us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsUsOrForeignGovernmentAndAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 73us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsUsOrForeignGovernmentAndAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Fixed income funds: investment grade corporate bonds | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 75us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsInvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 71us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsInvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Fixed income funds: high yield corporate bonds and other | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 54us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsHighYieldCorporateBondsAndOtherMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 35us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsHighYieldCorporateBondsAndOtherMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Guaranteed investment contracts | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 54us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_GuaranteedInvestmentContractsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[3] 56us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_GuaranteedInvestmentContractsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[3]  
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Real Estate [Member] | Level 3 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 19us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
[4] 21us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
[4] 20us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssetsSoldDuringPeriod
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssetsSoldDuringPeriod
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
 
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Still Held (1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssetsStillHeld
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssetsStillHeld
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
 
Defined Benefit Plan, Purchases, Sales, and Settlements (1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPurchasesSalesAndSettlements
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPurchasesSalesAndSettlements
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
 
International Pension Benefits [Member] | Real estate and other investments      
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]      
Target asset allocation 14.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_RealEstateandOtherInvestmentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Other Retiree Benefits [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 41us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
41us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
37us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Other Retiree Benefits [Member] | Cash & cash equivalents | Level 1 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
 
Other Retiree Benefits [Member] | U.S. common stocks | Level 1 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_UsCommonStocksMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_UsCommonStocksMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
 
Other Retiree Benefits [Member] | International common stocks | Level 1 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_InternationalCommonStockMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_InternationalCommonStockMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
 
Other Retiree Benefits [Member] | Fixed income securities | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 13us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[1] 8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[1]  
Other Retiree Benefits [Member] | Developed market equity index funds | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_EquityIndexFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_EquityIndexFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
Other Retiree Benefits [Member] | Emerging market equity index funds | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_EmergingMarketEquityIndexFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_EmergingMarketEquityIndexFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
Other Retiree Benefits [Member] | Other common stock funds | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_OtherCommonStockFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_OtherCommonStockFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
Other Retiree Benefits [Member] | Fixed income funds: U.S. or foreign government and agency securities | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsUsOrForeignGovernmentAndAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsUsOrForeignGovernmentAndAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
Other Retiree Benefits [Member] | Fixed income funds: investment grade corporate bonds | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsInvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsInvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
Other Retiree Benefits [Member] | Fixed income funds: high yield corporate bonds and other | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsHighYieldCorporateBondsAndOtherMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2] 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_FixedIncomeFundsHighYieldCorporateBondsAndOtherMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[2]  
Other Retiree Benefits [Member] | Guaranteed investment contracts | Level 2 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_GuaranteedInvestmentContractsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[3] 0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= cl_GuaranteedInvestmentContractsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[3]  
Other Retiree Benefits [Member] | Real Estate [Member] | Level 3 [Member]      
Allocation of plan assets and level of valuation input for each major asset category [Abstract]      
Total investments at fair value $ 1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
[4] $ 1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_RealEstateMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
[4]  
[1] The fixed income securities are traded over the counter and certain of these securities lack daily pricing or liquidity and as such are classified as Level 2. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately 50% of the fixed income portfolio was invested in U.S. treasury or agency securities, with the remainder invested in other government bonds and corporate bonds.
[2] Interests in common/collective trust funds are valued using the net asset value (“NAV”) per unit in each fund. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying investments owned by each trust, minus its liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding.
[3] The guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) represent contracts with insurance companies measured at the cash surrender value of each contract. The Level 2 valuation reflects that the cash surrender value is based principally on a referenced pool of investment funds with active redemption.
[4] Real estate is valued using the NAV per unit of funds that are invested in real estate property. The investment value of the real estate property is determined quarterly using independent market appraisals as determined by the investment manager. Since the appraisals include unobservable inputs, these investments are classified as Level 3. These unobservable inputs may include items such as annual gross rents, projected vacancy rates, collection losses and recovery rates, yield rates, growth assumptions and risk adjusted discount rates.