Business Segments - Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Business Segment Information
Net sales	$ 8,942	$ 8,350	$ 26,743	$ 23,601
Total operating Income	1,788	1,909	5,753	5,312
Gain/(loss) on sale of businesses	0	0	0	389
Total operating expenses	7,154	6,441	20,990	18,289
Other expense (income), net	31	83	113	248
Income before income taxes	1,757	1,826	5,640	5,064
Health Care
Business Segment Information
Net sales	2,249	2,160	6,775	6,087
Operating Segments
Business Segment Information
Total operating Income	1,815	1,982	5,869	5,187
Operating Segments | Safety and Industrial
Business Segment Information
Net sales	3,235	3,017	9,816	8,601
Total operating Income	620	774	2,149	2,091
Operating Segments | Transportation and Electronics
Business Segment Information
Net sales	2,450	2,316	7,463	6,492
Total operating Income	465	514	1,602	1,338
Operating Segments | Health Care
Business Segment Information
Net sales	2,249	2,160	6,775	6,087
Total operating Income	529	493	1,614	1,246
Operating Segments | Consumer
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,525	1,412	4,380	3,893
Total operating Income	332	343	932	886
Corporate and Unallocated
Business Segment Information
Net sales	3	(2)	2	(1)
Significant litigation-related (charges)/benefits	0	0	0	(17)
Gain/(loss) on sale of businesses	0	0	0	389
Divestiture-related restructuring actions	0	0	0	(55)
Other corporate expense - net	(27)	(73)	(116)	(192)
Total operating expenses	(27)	(73)	(116)	125
Elimination of Dual Credit
Business Segment Information
Net sales	(520)	(553)	(1,693)	(1,471)
Total operating Income	$ (131)	$ (142)	$ (428)	$ (374)