| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 19, 2019 |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 19, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | COLGATE PALMOLIVE COMPANY |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-644 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 13-1815595 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 300 Park Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10022 |
| City Area Code | 212 |
| Local Phone Number | 310-2000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000021665 |
| Common Stock, $1.00 par value [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $1.00 par value |
| Trading Symbol | CL |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 0.500% Notes due 2026 [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.500% Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | CL 26 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.375% Notes due 2034 [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.375% Notes due 2034 |
| Trading Symbol | CL 34 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
