CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income including noncontrolling interest	$ 194.5	$ 161.0
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Foreign currency translation	(67.0)	(61.6)
Loss on net investment hedge	(3.7)	(2.2)
Total foreign currency translation adjustments	(70.7)	(63.8)
Derivatives and hedging instruments		3.9
Pension and postretirement benefits
Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service cost included in net periodic pension and postretirement costs	2.6	10.4
Subtotal	(68.1)	(49.5)
Total comprehensive income, including noncontrolling interest	126.4	111.5
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	3.5	(7.9)
Comprehensive income attributable to Ecolab	$ 122.9	$ 119.4