CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income including noncontrolling interest	$ 161.0	$ 44.1
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Foreign currency translation	(61.6)	82.4
Gain (loss) on net investment hedge	(2.2)	7.6
Total foreign currency translation adjustments	(63.8)	90.0
Derivatives and hedging instruments	3.9	(1.6)
Pension and postretirement benefits
Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service cost included in net periodic pension and postretirement costs	10.4	7.0
Subtotal	(49.5)	95.4
Total comprehensive income, including noncontrolling interest	111.5	139.5
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(7.9)	(5.3)
Comprehensive income attributable to Ecolab	$ 119.4	$ 144.8