A detergent composition containing at least 0.1% by weight of at least one
polymer selected from the group consisting of 1) a polycarboxylic
acid-based polymer containing a polyalkylene glycol chain in the
structure thereof, 2) a sulfonic acid group-terminated (meth)acrylic
acid-based polymer, and 3) an acrylic acid (salt)-maleic acid
(salt)-based copolymer having a clay dispersibility under a condition of
50 ppm of calcium carbonate of 0.3 or more; and at least 0.5% by weight
of a longer alkyl chain mid-chain branched surfactant compound. The
detergent composition can enhance anti-gelling properties to calcium
ions, improve the dispersibility to solid particles at low temperatures
or under high-hardness conditions, and improve detergency against stains
such as mud and carbon black.