Represents the notional amount of the hedging instrument that was closed.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_DerivativeNotionalAmountClosed
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the amount of derivative notional amount that was reclassified, and not designated as hedging instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecl_DerivativeNotionalAmountReclassifiedToNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrument
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of interest rate swap contracts entered into and subsequently closed in the same fiscal year.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecl_NumberOfInterestRateSwapContractsEnteredAndClosedInSameFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Aggregate notional amount specified by the derivative(s). Expressed as an absolute value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 12

-Section 13

-Sentence Column B

+ Details

Name:	invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix:	invest_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-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=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in the fair value of derivatives recognized in the income statement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4A

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5618551-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4C

-Subparagraph (a),(c),(d),(e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624171-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- 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_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The effective portion of net gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4C

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4D

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624177-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The effective portion of gains and losses (net) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income during the current period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total amount of gain (loss) derived from fair value hedges recognized in earnings in the period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnFairValueHedgesRecognizedInEarnings
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum length of time over which the entity is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions, excluding those forecasted transactions related to the payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736893&loc=d3e80748-113994

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MaximumLengthOfTimeHedgedInCashFlowHedge1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Nominal or face amount used to calculate payments on a nonderivative instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfNonderivativeInstruments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SummaryOfNetInvestmentHedgeActivityAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Current period adjustment in other comprehensive income reflecting gains or losses on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity, net of tax effect.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 830

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 20

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32211-110900

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4C

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624171-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TranslationAdjustmentForNetInvestmentHedgeIncreaseDecreaseNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_FiveYear2012SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_ThreeYear2018SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_SeriesAPrivatePlacementSeniorNotesDue2018Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_FiveYear2011SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

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

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecl_SeriesBPrivatePlacementSeniorNotesDue2016Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis=us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=ecl_InterestExpenseNetMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis=us-gaap_NondesignatedMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=us-gaap_NetInvestmentHedgingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=ecl_ForeignExchangeContractOneMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=ecl_ForeignExchangeContractTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=ecl_ForeignExchangeContractThreeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Derivatives and Hedging Transactions (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2006 contract	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 EUR (€)	Jan. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	May. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Derivatives and Hedging Transactions
Maximum period for hedged transactions					3 years	3 years
Number of interest rate swap contracts entered into and subsequently closed \| contract								2
Net Investment Hedge:
Revaluation gain (loss), net of tax		$ (12.0)		$ 7.4		$ 66.8	$ 5.6
Five year 2012 senior notes
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Aggregate principal amount									$ 500.0
Three year 2015 senior notes
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Aggregate principal amount									300.0
Interest rate (as a percent)											1.55%
Series A private placement senior notes due 2018
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Aggregate principal amount									250.0
Five year 2011 senior notes
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Aggregate principal amount									1,250.0
Ten Year 2015 senior euro notes
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Aggregate principal amount \| €	€ 575				€ 575
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.63%
Series B private placement senior euro notes, due 2016
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Aggregate principal amount \| €					175
Foreign currency forward contracts.
Net Investment Hedge:
Notional values									3,800.0				$ 2,800.0
Interest rate swaps
Net Investment Hedge:
Notional values									$ 1,675.0			€ 400	$ 725.0
Cash Flow Hedges \| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized into AOCI (effective portion)		26.7		6.0		40.1	3.3
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)		13.5		(0.1)		21.7	1.4
Cash Flow Hedges \| Foreign currency forward contracts. \| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)		14.9		0.9		25.7	4.4
Cash Flow Hedges \| Foreign currency forward contracts. \| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments \| AOCI (equity)
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized into AOCI (effective portion)		19.0		5.5		38.9	2.8
Cash Flow Hedges \| Foreign currency forward contracts. \| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments \| Cost of sales
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)		13.3		0.9		23.2	3.4
Cash Flow Hedges \| Foreign currency forward contracts. \| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments \| Selling, general and administrative expenses
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)		0.2				1.1	1.0
Cash Flow Hedges \| Foreign currency forward contracts. \| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments \| Interest expense, net
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)		1.4				1.4
Cash Flow Hedges \| Foreign currency forward contracts. \| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Gain (loss) on derivative recognized in income		6.8		(3.3)		(4.5)	(1.9)
Cash Flow Hedges \| Foreign currency forward contracts. \| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Selling, general and administrative expenses
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Gain (loss) on derivative recognized in income		7.1		(0.6)		6.4	6.2
Cash Flow Hedges \| Foreign currency forward contracts. \| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Interest expense, net
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Gain (loss) on derivative recognized in income		(0.3)		(2.7)		(10.9)	(8.1)
Cash Flow Hedges \| Interest rate swaps \| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments \| AOCI (equity)
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized into AOCI (effective portion)		7.7		0.5		1.2	0.5
Cash Flow Hedges \| Interest rate swaps \| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments \| Interest expense, net
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)		(1.4)		(1.0)		(4.0)	(3.0)
Fair Value Hedges \| Interest rate swaps
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Aggregate principal amount														$ 500.0
Interest rate (as a percent)														1.45%
Fair Value Hedges \| Interest rate swaps \| Three year 2015 senior notes
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Aggregate principal amount											$ 300.0
Interest rate (as a percent)											1.55%
Fair Value Hedges \| Interest rate swaps \| Series A private placement senior notes due 2018
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Aggregate principal amount											$ 250.0
Interest rate (as a percent)											3.69%
Fair Value Hedges \| Interest rate swaps \| Five year 2011 senior notes
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Aggregate principal amount											$ 1,250.0
Interest rate (as a percent)											3.00%
Fair Value Hedges \| Interest rate swaps \| Interest expense, net
Impact on AOCI and earnings from derivative contracts
Gain (loss) on derivative recognized in income		7.6		(3.4)		9.5	(4.4)
Gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income		(7.6)		3.4		(9.5)	4.4
Net Investment Hedges
Net Investment Hedge:
Notional values \| €					80							€ 495
Notional contract amount closed \| €	€ 495
Revaluation gain (loss), net of tax		$ (12.0)		$ 7.4		66.8	$ 5.6
Net Investment Hedges \| Ten Year 2015 senior euro notes
Net Investment Hedge:
Euro-denominated debt outstanding					575	639.0
Net Investment Hedges \| Series B private placement senior euro notes, due 2016
Net Investment Hedge:
Euro-denominated debt outstanding					€ 175	$ 196.0
Net Investment Hedges \| Foreign currency forward contract 1
Net Investment Hedge:
Notional values \| €										€ 360
Net Investment Hedges \| Foreign currency forward contract 2
Net Investment Hedge:
Notional values \| €										€ 80
Net Investment Hedges \| Foreign currency forward contract 3 \| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Net Investment Hedge:
Notional amount de-designated \| €			€ 360
Net Investment Hedges \| Foreign currency forward contract 3 \| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Net Investment Hedge:
Notional values \| €			€ 360