XML 24 R54.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS (Details 4) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dispositions        
Consideration from sale of business $ 13.0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses      
Gain on sale of investment 13.0us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal      
Mobotec equipment design and build business        
Dispositions        
Sales of disposed operation   27us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ecl_MobotecEquipmentDesignAndBuildBusinessMember
   
Vehicle Care division        
Dispositions        
Sales of disposed operation       65us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ecl_VehicleCareBusinessMember
Consideration from sale of business     116.9us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ecl_VehicleCareBusinessMember
 
Gain on sale of business, before tax     $ 76.3us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ecl_VehicleCareBusinessMember