Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndCharges
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

The amount of the gain or (loss) on the sale of investment that was recorded in special gains and charges in the statement of operations.

No definition available.

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

- References

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the amount of other charges in special gains and charges in the statement of operations.

No definition available.

Name:	ecl_SpecialGainsAndChargesOther
Namespace Prefix:	ecl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

This element represents acquisition-related costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period. Such costs include finder's fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 25
-Paragraph 23
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479405/805-10-25-23

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

Amount of other expense (income) that is infrequent in occurrence or unusual in nature.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483613/220-20-50-1

Name:	us-gaap_OtherNonrecurringIncomeExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Discloses the amount charged against the accrued restructuring reserves, or earnings if not previously accrued, during the period for the specified type of restructuring cost.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.4.d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479823/420-10-S99-2

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.4.b.1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479823/420-10-S99-2

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482017/420-10-50-1

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482017/420-10-50-1

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis=ecl_ImmaterialRestructuringPlanMember
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Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
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Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis=ecl_OneEcolabInitiativeProgramMember
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