Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
Net sales	$ 2,747	$ 2,908	$ 2,855	$ 2,473	$ 2,523	$ 2,752	$ 2,030	$ 1,756	$ 10,983	$ 9,061	$ 7,997
Gross profit	481	455	431	390	406	372	367	275	1,757	1,420
Earnings (loss) before taxes	268	50	112	84	92	50	192	(209)	514	125	346
Net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation	$ 159	$ 48	$ 99	$ 68	$ 52	$ 31	$ 307	$ (127)	$ 374	$ 263	$ 281
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.45	$ 0.14	$ 0.28	$ 0.19	$ 0.15	$ 0.09	$ 1.08	$ (0.45)	$ 1.07	$ 0.83	$ 1.02
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.45	$ 0.13	$ 0.28	$ 0.19	$ 0.15	$ 0.09	$ 1.06	$ (0.45)	$ 1.05	$ 0.81	$ 1.00
Depreciation and amortization related to cost of sales									$ 510	$ 345

The expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of a tangible asset over the asset's useful life. This element applies only to an asset used in the production of goods sold.

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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Aggregate revenue less cost of goods and services sold or operating expenses directly attributable to the revenue generation activity.

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Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations before deduction of income tax expense (benefit) and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, and addition of income (loss) from equity method investments.

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Amount, after deduction of tax, noncontrolling interests, dividends on preferred stock and participating securities; of income (loss) available to common shareholders.

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Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts.

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