Name:	ecl_BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCostsNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of cash activity as the result of exit or disposal activities. May include cash proceeds, but excludes payments associated with a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_CashActivityForRestructuring
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of foreign currency transaction and deconsolidation realized gain (loss), before tax, recorded in the income statement.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_ForeignCurrencyTransactionAndDeconsolidationGainLossRealized
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of foreign currency transaction and deconsolidation realized gain (loss), after tax, recorded in the income statement.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_ForeignCurrencyTransactionAndDeconsolidationGainLossRealizedAfterTax
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_NonRestructuringSpecialGainsAndChargesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_OtherRestructuringInformationAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs net of taxes.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_RestructuringChargesNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of consideration other than cash used to fully or partially settle an accrued restructuring cost, net offsets that represent an increase to the restructuring reserve.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_RestructuringReserveSettledWithoutCashNet
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of expense, after tax, associated with the impact on the entity's business outlook as a result of reduced activity in the oil industry, comprised of inventory write downs and related disposal costs, fixed asset charges, headcount reductions and other charges.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesEnergyRelatedChargesAfterTax
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of expense associated with the impact on the entity's business outlook as a result of reduced activity in the oil industry, comprised of inventory write downs and related disposal costs, fixed asset charges, headcount reductions and other charges.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesEnergyRelatedChargesBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of expense associated with fixed asset impairment and accelerated depreciation charges that was recorded in special gains and charges in the statement of operations.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesEnergyRelatedChargesForFixedAssetImpairmentAndAcceleratedDepreciation
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of expense associated with the impact of the entity's business outlook as a result of reduced activity in the oil industry, comprised of inventory write downs and related disposal costs.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesEnergyRelatedChargesForInventoryWriteDownAndDisposalCosts
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of expense associated with fixed asset impairment and related inventory charges that was recorded in special gains and charges in the statement of operations.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesFixedAssetImpairmentAndInventoryChargesAfterTax
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of expense associated with fixed asset impairment and related inventory inventory charges that was recorded in special gains and charges in the statement of operations.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesFixedAssetImpairmentAndInventoryChargesBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The amount of the gain (loss), before tax, on the sale of investment and litigation related charges that was recorded in special gains and charges in the statement of operations.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesGainLossOnSaleOfInvestmentLitigationRelatedChargesBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The amount of the gain (loss), after tax (benefit) and not previously recognized, on the sale of investment and litigation related charges that was recorded in special gains and charges in the statement of operations.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesGainLossOnSaleOfInvestmentLitigationRelatedChargesNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of expense, after tax, associated with litigation related charges that was recorded in special gains and charges on the statement of operations.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesLitigationRelatedChargesAfterTax
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Special (gains) charges, before tax (benefit) and not previously recognized, on litigation related charges and recovery of funds deposited into escrow as part of a business combination that was recorded in special gains and charges in the statement of operations.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesLitigationRelatedChargesAndRecoveryOfEscrowFunds
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Special (gains) charges, after tax (benefit) and not previously recognized, on litigation related charges and recovery of funds deposited into escrow as part of a business combination that was recorded in special gains and charges on the statement of operations.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesLitigationRelatedChargesAndRecoveryOfEscrowFundsAfterTax
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of expense associated with litigation related charges that was recorded in special gains and charges on the statement of operations.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesLitigationRelatedChargesBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Costs incurred to effect a business combination which have been expensed during the period. Such costs could include business integration costs, systems integration and conversion costs, and severance and other employee-related costs.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Foreign exchange rate used to translate amounts denominated in functional currency to reporting currency.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6897108&loc=SL6897125-166521

Name:	us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyExchangeRateTranslation1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Amount after accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(13))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(14))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(8))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of expenses associated with exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140864-122747

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.4(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Amount of decrease in the reserve for full or partial settlement through consideration other than cash.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b)(2))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserveSettledWithoutCash2
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of foreign currency translation gain (loss) which decreases (increases) the restructuring reserve.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.4(b)(2))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserveTranslationAdjustment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of expenses for special or contractual termination benefits provided to current employees involuntarily terminated under a benefit arrangement associated exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to one-time termination benefits, a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.4(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(10)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65897934&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140864-122747

Name:	us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Liability for amount due employees, in addition to wages and any other money that employers owe employees, when their employment ends through a layoff or other termination. For example, a company may provide involuntarily terminated employees with a lump sum payment equal to one week's salary for every year of employment.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Postemployment Benefits
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519534

Name:	us-gaap_SupplementalUnemploymentBenefitsSeveranceBenefits
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=ecl_GlobalEnergyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis=ecl_CertainUSProductionEquipmentAndBuildingsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_VE
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis=us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	ecl_CurrencyExchangeMechanismAxis=ecl_MarginalCurrencySystemMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=ecl_OtherNonrecurringIncomeExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=ecl_ChampionMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=ecl_NalcoHoldingCompanyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis=ecl_EnergyRestructuringPlanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis=us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis=us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis=us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: