Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 Five year 2012 senior notes	Sep. 30, 2013 Term loan	Apr. 10, 2013 Champion	Sep. 30, 2012 Champion	Sep. 30, 2013 Champion	Sep. 30, 2012 Champion	Dec. 31, 2012 Champion	Apr. 30, 2013 Champion Term loan
Acquisitions and Dispositions
Estimated annual sales pre-acquisition							$ 1,300
Cash consideration			1,429.9
Stock consideration
Ecolab shares issued to Champion shareholders			6.6
Ecolab's closing stock price on April 10, 2013 (in dollars per share)			$ 82.31
Total fair value of stock consideration			543.0
Total consideration transferred			1,972.9
Period of escrow deposit			2 years
Portion of consideration transferred and deposited in an escrow account to fund post-closing adjustments to the consideration and covenant and other indemnification obligations			100
Acquisition and integration costs				3.8	63.0	3.8
Long-term debt, aggregate principal amount	$ 500	$ 800					$ 500	$ 900
Interest rate (as a percent)	1.45%