Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
Net sales	$ 1,804.6	$ 2,097.0	$ 2,172.3	$ 1,923.1	$ 2,032.4	$ 2,238.9	$ 2,291.9	$ 2,006.8	$ 7,997.0	$ 8,570.0	$ 8,468.1
Gross profit	307.7	346.0	336.5	304.8	336.9	372.4	387.9	336.5	1,295.0	1,433.7
Earnings before taxes	62.6	17.6	237.8	27.5	98.3	187.9	215.3	144.1	345.5	645.6	583.6
Net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation	$ 55.3	$ 44.5	$ 160.4	$ 20.7	$ 76.0	$ 147.4	$ 153.1	$ 93.5	$ 280.9	$ 470.0	$ 406.8
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.40	$ 0.32	$ 1.16	$ 0.15	$ 0.56	$ 1.07	$ 1.10	$ 0.67	$ 2.05	$ 3.39	$ 2.79
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39	$ 0.32	$ 1.13	$ 0.15	$ 0.54	$ 1.04	$ 1.07	$ 0.65	$ 1.99	$ 3.30	$ 2.73
Depreciation and amortization related to cost of sales									$ 241.7	$ 232.8