XML 85 R66.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.20.4

DEBT AND INTEREST - Other Debt Information (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jan. 31, 2021 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2020 EUR (€) | May 11, 2020 USD ($)
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 6,671.1 |  |  |  | $ 6,274.0 |  |  |  | $ 6,671.1 | $ 6,274.0 |  |  |
Long-term debt, current maturities |  | (1.8) |  |  |  | (300.9) |  |  |  | (1.8) | (300.9) |  |  |
Long-term debt |  | 6,669.3 |  |  |  | 5,973.1 |  |  |  | 6,669.3 | 5,973.1 |  |  |
Credit facility amount |  | 0.0 |  |  |  | 0.0 |  |  |  | 0.0 | 0.0 |  |  |
Debt refinancing charges, net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 64.0 |  |  |  |
Components of the aggregate purchase prices of the completed acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 7.3
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2021 |  | 2.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.0 |  |  |  |
2022 |  | 502.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 502.0 |  |  |  |
2023 |  | 400.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 400.0 |  |  |  |
2024 |  | 683.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 683.0 |  |  |  |
2025 |  | 683.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 683.0 |  |  |  |
Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 304.8 | 214.4 | $ 235.5 |  |
Interest income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (14.6) | (23.7) | (14.4) |  |
Interest expense, net |  | 48.4 | $ 134.8 | $ 58.7 | $ 48.3 | 46.1 | $ 46.1 | $ 49.2 | $ 49.3 | 290.2 | 190.7 | $ 221.1 |  |
Debt extinguishment charges |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (77.1) |  |  |  |
Subsequent event |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Components of the aggregate purchase prices of the completed acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total consideration | $ 100.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt refinancing charges, pre-tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 83.1 |  |  |  |
Debt refinancing charges, net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 64.0 |  |  |  |
Public Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal outstanding payable at time of prepayment of notes (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 101.00% |  |  |  |
Ten year 2011 senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  |  |  |  |  | 1,018.3 |  |  |  |  | 1,018.3 |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,020.0 |  |  |  |  | $ 1,020.0 |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  | 4.35% |  |  |  |  | 4.35% |  |  |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  | 4.43% |  |  |  |  | 4.43% |  |  |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10 years |  |  |  |
Thirty year 2011 senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | 452.2 |  |  |  | $ 451.9 |  |  |  | $ 452.2 | $ 451.9 |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  | $ 458.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 458.0 |  |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  | 5.50% |  |  |  | 5.50% |  |  |  | 5.50% | 5.50% |  | 5.50% |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  | 5.56% |  |  |  | 5.56% |  |  |  | 5.56% | 5.56% |  | 5.56% |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 30 years |  |  |  |
Five year 2017 senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 498.6 |  |  |  | $ 497.8 |  |  |  | $ 498.6 | $ 497.8 |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  | $ 500.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 500.0 |  |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  | 2.38% |  |  |  | 2.38% |  |  |  | 2.38% | 2.38% |  | 2.38% |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  | 2.55% |  |  |  | 2.55% |  |  |  | 2.55% | 2.55% |  | 2.55% |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5 years |  |  |  |
Ten year 2017 senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 496.0 |  |  |  | $ 495.4 |  |  |  | $ 496.0 | $ 495.4 |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  | $ 500.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 500.0 |  |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  | 3.25% |  |  |  | 3.25% |  |  |  | 3.25% | 3.25% |  | 3.25% |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  | 3.37% |  |  |  | 3.37% |  |  |  | 3.37% | 3.37% |  | 3.37% |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10 years |  |  |  |
Thirty year 2017 senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 611.9 |  |  |  | $ 610.4 |  |  |  | $ 611.9 | $ 610.4 |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  | $ 700.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 700.0 |  |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  | 3.95% |  |  |  | 3.95% |  |  |  | 3.95% | 3.95% |  | 3.95% |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  | 4.16% |  |  |  | 4.15% |  |  |  | 4.16% | 4.15% |  | 4.16% |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 30 years |  |  |  |
Thirty year 2020 senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 490.1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 490.1 |  |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  | $ 500.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 500.0 |  |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  | 2.13% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.13% |  |  | 2.13% |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  | 2.15% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.15% |  |  | 2.15% |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 30 years |  |  |  |
Ten year 2020 senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 765.2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 765.2 |  |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  | $ 750.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 750.0 |  |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  | 4.80% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.80% |  |  | 4.80% |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  | 4.64% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.64% |  |  | 4.64% |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10 years |  |  |  |
Ten year 2020 senior notes, maturing in 2031 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 594.4 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 594.4 |  |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  | $ 600.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 600.0 |  |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  | 1.30% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.30% |  |  | 1.30% |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  | 1.34% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.34% |  |  | 1.34% |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10 years |  |  |  |
Seven year 2016 senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 399.0 |  |  |  | $ 398.5 |  |  |  | $ 399.0 | $ 398.5 |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  | $ 400.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 400.0 |  |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  | 3.25% |  |  |  | 3.25% |  |  |  | 3.25% | 3.25% |  | 3.25% |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  | 3.49% |  |  |  | 3.49% |  |  |  | 3.49% | 3.49% |  | 3.49% |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7 years |  |  |  |
Seven year 2016 senior euro notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 682.0 |  |  |  | $ 628.4 |  |  |  | $ 682.0 | $ 628.4 |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount | € |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | € 575 |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  | 1.00% |  |  |  | 1.00% |  |  |  | 1.00% | 1.00% |  | 1.00% |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  | 1.18% |  |  |  | 1.10% |  |  |  | 1.18% | 1.10% |  | 1.18% |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7 years |  |  |  |
Ten year 2016 senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 745.3 |  |  |  | $ 744.5 |  |  |  | $ 745.3 | $ 744.5 |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  | $ 750.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 750.0 |  |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  | 2.70% |  |  |  | 2.70% |  |  |  | 2.70% | 2.70% |  | 2.70% |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  | 2.93% |  |  |  | 2.93% |  |  |  | 2.93% | 2.93% |  | 2.93% |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10 years |  |  |  |
Thirty year 2016 senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 246.4 |  |  |  | $ 246.2 |  |  |  | $ 246.4 | $ 246.2 |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  | $ 250.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 250.0 |  |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  | 3.70% |  |  |  | 3.70% |  |  |  | 3.70% | 3.70% |  | 3.70% |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  | 3.76% |  |  |  | 3.76% |  |  |  | 3.76% | 3.76% |  | 3.76% |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 30 years |  |  |  |
Five year 2015 senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300.0 |  |  |  |  | $ 300.0 |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300.0 |  |  |  |  | $ 300.0 |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  | 2.25% |  |  |  |  | 2.25% |  |  |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  | 2.79% |  |  |  |  | 2.79% |  |  |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5 years |  |  |  |
Ten Year 2015 senior euro notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 682.9 |  |  |  | $ 630.0 |  |  |  | $ 682.9 | $ 630.0 |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount | € |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | € 575 |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  | 2.63% |  |  |  | 2.63% |  |  |  | 2.63% | 2.63% |  | 2.63% |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  | 2.85% |  |  |  | 2.96% |  |  |  | 2.85% | 2.96% |  | 2.85% |
Debt instrument, term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10 years |  |  |  |
Series B private placement senior notes due 2023 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  |  |  |  |  | $ 249.6 |  |  |  |  | $ 249.6 |  |  |
Aggregate principal amount |  |  |  |  |  | $ 250.0 |  |  |  |  | $ 250.0 |  |  |
AVERAGE INTEREST RATE (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  | 4.32% |  |  |  |  | 4.32% |  |  |
Effective interest rate (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  | 4.36% |  |  |  |  | 4.36% |  |  |
Other |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CARRYING VALUE |  | $ 7.1 |  |  |  | $ 3.0 |  |  |  | $ 7.1 | $ 3.0 |  |  |
364-day Revolving Credit Agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit agreement |  | 500.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 500.0 |  |  |  |
Credit facility amount |  | $ 0.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0.0 |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Charges associated with debt refinancing. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ecl_DebtRefinancingCharges
Namespace Prefix: | ecl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Charges associated with debt refinancing, net of tax. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ecl_DebtRefinancingChargesNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | ecl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ecl_InterestDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | ecl_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period net of income derived from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents the earnings of which reflect the time value of money or transactions in which the payments are for the use or forbearance of money. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ecl_InterestExpenseNet
Namespace Prefix: | ecl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element represents the percentage of principal outstanding at the time of prepayment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ecl_PrincipalOutstandingPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | ecl_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of property, plant, and equipment recognized as of the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 37 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121600890&loc=d3e2207-128464 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121647850&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of short-term and long-term debt and lease obligation. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.13,16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120520924&loc=SL6036836-161870 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12355-112629 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12317-112629 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28555-108399 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (210.5-03(11)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395209&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399700&loc=SL114874048-224260 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before accretion (amortization) of purchase discount (premium) of interest income on nonoperating securities. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395209&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt and lease obligation, classified as noncurrent. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt and lease obligation, classified as current. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.20) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirement, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable price and date, maturing in next fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e24072-122690 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirement, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable price and date, maturing in fifth fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e24072-122690 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirement, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable price and date, maturing in fourth fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e24072-122690 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirement, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable price and date, maturing in third fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e24072-122690 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirement, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable price and date, maturing in second fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e24072-122690 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt outstanding calculated at point in time. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period. The cash portion only of the acquisition price. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120321790&loc=d3e6927-128479 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_PublicNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_TenYear2011SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_ThirtyYear2011SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_FiveYear2017SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_TenYear2017SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_ThirtyYear2017SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_ThirtyYear2020SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_TenYear2020SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_TenYear2020SeniorNotesMaturing2031Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_SevenYear2016SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_SevenYear2016SeniorEuroNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_TenYear2016SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_ThirtyYear2016SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_FiveYear2015SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_TenYear2015SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_SeriesBPrivatePlacementSeniorNotesDue2023Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_OtherLongTermDebtMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_ThreeHundredAndSixtyDayRevolvingCreditAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |