Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Net sales Total net sales Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and expenses Cost of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative The aggregate amount provided for estimated restructuring charges, remediation costs, and asset impairment loss during an accounting period. Also includes separately identified items such as acquisition costs, etc. Restructuring and Other Activities Business consolidation and other activities Business consolidation and other activities Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Operating Income (Loss) Earnings before interest and taxes Earnings before interest and taxes Interest Expense, Debt Interest expense Charges against earnings during the period related to debt refinancing and other debt-related costs other than interest expense on debt. Includes such items as amortization of financing fees, redemption and/or refinancing costs, interest rate risk on hedged instruments, and costs related to extinguishment of debt, etc. Debt Refinancing And Other Debt Related Costs Debt refinancing and other costs Interest and Debt Expense Total interest expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Earnings before taxes Earnings before taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax (provision) benefit Tax benefit (expense) on amounts reclassified into earnings Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in results of affiliates, net of tax Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net earnings Net earnings Net earnings Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation Net earnings attributable to Ball Corporation Earnings and Dividends Per Share Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding (000s): Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic (in shares) Basic weighted average common shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Weighted average shares applicable to diluted earnings per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Cash dividends declared and paid, per share (in dollars per share) Dividends paid (in dollars per share) Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio Stock split ratio UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive earnings (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Before Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Before Tax Pension and other postretirement benefits Amount, before tax and after reclassification, of gain (loss) from derivative instrument designated and qualifying cash flow hedge included in assessment of hedge effectiveness. Other Comprehensive Income Loss Cash Flow Hedge Gain Loss After Reclassification Before Tax Effective financial derivatives Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Total other comprehensive earnings (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Income tax (provision) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive earnings Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Ball Corporation Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Ball Corporation UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents – end of year Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents Receivables, Net, Current Receivables, net Receivables, net Inventory, Net Inventories, net Inventories, net Other Assets, Current Other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Noncurrent assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net Net property, plant and equipment Goodwill. Balance at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Goodwill Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Total intangible assets, net Intangible assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities Short Term Borrowings and Long Term debt, Current Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued employee costs Other Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Noncurrent liabilities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt Long-term debt excluding current maturities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Employee benefit obligations Total non-current employee benefit obligations Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred taxes Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shareholders' equity Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Common stock (671,611,572 shares issued - 2018; 670,576,215 shares issued - 2017) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) Treasury Stock, Common, Value Treasury stock, at cost (321,435,190 shares - 2018; 320,694,598 shares - 2017) Treasury stock, at cost Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance Total Ball Corporation shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Treasury Stock, Common, Shares Treasury stock, at cost UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by (used in) continuing operating activities: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax provision (benefit) Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Changes in working capital components, net of dispositions (a) Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash provided by (used in) operating activities Total cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Investing Activities Cash flows from investing activities Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital expenditures This element represent the cash outflow for payments of indemnification guarantees associated with the business divested. Payments For Divestiture Of Business Indemnifications Business dispositions, net of cash sold Payment of indemnification guarantees Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Business dispositions, net of cash sold Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Financing Activities Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Long-term borrowings Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of long-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Net change in short-term borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from issuances of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Acquisitions of treasury stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Common stock dividends Common dividends Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash provided by (used in) financing activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - end of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Total Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting [Text Block] Basis of Presentation New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Accounting Pronouncements Business Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segment Information Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Business Consolidation and Other Activities Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Business Consolidation and Other Activities Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block] Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Receivables Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Receivables Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill Intangible Assets, net Other Assets.. Other Assets. Debt and Interest Costs Long-term Debt [Text Block] Debt and Interest Costs Employee Benefit Obligations Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Employee Benefit Obligations Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Earnings Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Earnings Stock-Based Compensation Programs Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Programs Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings and Dividends Per Share Financial Instruments and Risk Management Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Financial Instruments and Risk Management Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Contingencies Indemnifications and Guarantees Guarantees [Text Block] Indemnifications and Guarantees Subsidiary Guarantees of Debt Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Subsidiary Guarantee of Debt Accounting Pronouncements Disclosure of accounting policy pertaining to new accounting pronouncements recently adopted. Includes, but is not limited to, quantification of the impact. New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted [Policy Text Block] Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Disclosure of accounting policy pertaining to new accounting pronouncements not yet adopted. Includes, but is not limited to, quantification of the expected impact. New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Guidance Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Cumulative effect of change Tabular disclosure of the impact of the adoption of new accounting pronouncements on current period financial statements. Schedule Of New Accounting Pronouncements Impact Of Adoption On Current Statements [Table Text Block] Schedule of impact of adoption of new accounting pronouncements on current period financial statements Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Summary of business by segment Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of the disaggregation of revenue by timing of transfer of control Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule of balances of contract liabilities Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block] Schedule of transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Summary of business consolidation and other activity (charges) / income included in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Summary by segment of the activity in the business consolidation reserves Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Schedule of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of receivables Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of inventories Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of property, plant and equipment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of goodwill Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block] Schedule of other assets Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Employee Benefit Obligations Tabular disclosure of the costs related to the various types of retirement plans including defined benefit pension plan cost, defined contribution plan cost, other postretirement benefit plan cost, and net periodic benefit cost. Also includes costs related to postemployment benefits. Schedule of Costs of Retirement and Post Employment Benefit Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of employee benefit obligations Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Components of net periodic benefit cost Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of activity related to accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of weighted average assumptions used for estimating fair values of options Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of earnings per share Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value of derivative instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of impact on earnings from derivative instruments Schedule of Net Investment Hedges in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) for effective derivatives Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Earnings Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Abstract] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Liabilities [Abstract] Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Amounts attributable to Ball Corporation: Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Ball-sponsored plans: Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs Amount of non-service components of pension and postretirement benefit costs classified as other. Other Non Service Components Of Pension And Postretirement Benefit Costs Other non-service components of pension and postretirement benefit costs