<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.20.2</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>376</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>303</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>65</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>9</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001001 - Document - Cover Page</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/CoverPage</Role>
      <ShortName>Cover Page</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001002 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFINCOME</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002003 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOME</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003004 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004005 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005006 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1006007 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSHAREHOLDERSEQUITY</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1007008 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSHAREHOLDERSEQUITYParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101101 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/BasisofPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102102 - Disclosure - Use of Estimates</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/UseofEstimates</Role>
      <ShortName>Use of Estimates</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104103 - Disclosure - Recent Accounting Pronouncements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncements</Role>
      <ShortName>Recent Accounting Pronouncements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105104 - Disclosure - Acquisitions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/Acquisitions</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109105 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/RestructuringandRelatedImplementationCharges</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2114106 - Disclosure - Inventories</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/Inventories</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117107 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/EarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2120108 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2123109 - Disclosure - Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/RetirementPlansandOtherRetireeBenefits</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2126110 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2128111 - Disclosure - Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/Contingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2130112 - Disclosure - Segment Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/SegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2134113 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsandFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2203201 - Disclosure - Use of Estimates (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/UseofEstimatesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Use of Estimates (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncements</ParentRole>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/AcquisitionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/Acquisitions</ParentRole>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2310302 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/RestructuringandRelatedImplementationChargesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/RestructuringandRelatedImplementationCharges</ParentRole>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2315303 - Disclosure - Inventories (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/InventoriesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/Inventories</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2318304 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/EarningsPerShare</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2321305 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2324306 - Disclosure - Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/RetirementPlansandOtherRetireeBenefitsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/RetirementPlansandOtherRetireeBenefits</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2331307 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/SegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/SegmentInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2335308 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsandFinancialInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsandFinancialInstruments</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407401 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408402 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Schedule of Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/AcquisitionsScheduleofRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions - Schedule of Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411403 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/RestructuringandRelatedImplementationChargesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/RestructuringandRelatedImplementationChargesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412404 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges - Summary of Restructuring and Related Costs (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/RestructuringandRelatedImplementationChargesSummaryofRestructuringandRelatedCostsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges - Summary of Restructuring and Related Costs (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413405 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges - Restructuring Activity and Related Accruals (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/RestructuringandRelatedImplementationChargesRestructuringActivityandRelatedAccrualsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Related Implementation Charges - Restructuring Activity and Related Accruals (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416406 - Disclosure - Inventories (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/InventoriesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/InventoriesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419407 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422408 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2425409 - Disclosure - Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/RetirementPlansandOtherRetireeBenefitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/RetirementPlansandOtherRetireeBenefitsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2427410 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2429411 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/ContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/Contingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2432412 - Disclosure - Segment Information - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2433413 - Disclosure - Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/SegmentInformationScheduleofSegmentInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2436414 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments and Other Financial Instruments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsandFinancialInstrumentsFairValueofDerivativeInstrumentsandOtherFinancialInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments and Other Financial Instruments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2437415 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsandFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.colgate.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsandFinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2438416 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Long-term Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsandFinancialInstrumentsCarryingValueandEstimatedFairValueofLongtermDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Long-term Debt (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2439417 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - Schedule of Notional Values (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsandFinancialInstrumentsScheduleofNotionalValuesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - Schedule of Notional Values (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2440418 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Hedges Recognized in Income (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsandFinancialInstrumentsScheduleofGainLossonHedgesRecognizedinIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Hedges Recognized in Income (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cl-20200930.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2441419 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - Schedule of Gain (Loss) Included in OCI (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.colgate.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsandFinancialInstrumentsScheduleofGainLossIncludedinOCIDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments - Schedule of Gain (Loss) Included in OCI (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-Q" original="cl-20200930.htm">cl-20200930.htm</File>
    <File>cl-20200930.xsd</File>
    <File>cl-20200930_cal.xml</File>
    <File>cl-20200930_def.xml</File>
    <File>cl-20200930_lab.xml</File>
    <File>cl-20200930_pre.xml</File>
    <File>exhibit10-a093020q32020.htm</File>
    <File>exhibit31a093020q32020.htm</File>
    <File>exhibit31b093020q32020.htm</File>
    <File>exhibit32093020q32020.htm</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2020-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2020-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2020-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
