CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income including noncontrolling interest	$ 215.8	$ 183.4	$ 376.8	$ 227.5
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Foreign currency translation	(89.1)	(251.3)	(150.7)	(168.9)
Gain on net investment hedge	2.2	18.1		25.7
Total foreign currency translation adjustments	(86.9)	(233.2)	(150.7)	(143.2)
Derivatives and hedging instruments	3.6	3.0	7.5	1.4
Pension and postretirement benefits
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustment		(1.6)		(1.6)
Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service cost included in net periodic pension and postretirement costs	10.5	7.6	20.9	14.6
Total pension and postretirement benefits	10.5	6.0	20.9	13.0
Subtotal	(72.8)	(224.2)	(122.3)	(128.8)
Total comprehensive income (loss), including noncontrolling interest	143.0	(40.8)	254.5	98.7
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(3.1)	(2.6)	(11.0)	(7.9)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ecolab	$ 146.1	$ (38.2)	$ 265.5	$ 106.6