Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Net sales	$ 7,534	$ 7,680	$ 15,020	$ 14,991
Operating expenses
Cost of sales	3,870	4,040	7,759	7,842
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,528	1,581	3,080	3,114
Research, development and related expenses	408	404	819	802
Total operating expenses	5,806	6,025	11,658	11,758
Operating income	1,728	1,655	3,362	3,233
Interest expense and income
Interest expense	43	50	83	93
Interest income	(10)	(9)	(19)	(19)
Total interest expense - net	33	41	64	74
Income before income taxes	1,695	1,614	3,298	3,159
Provision for income taxes	509	437	971	879
Net income including noncontrolling interest	1,186	1,177	2,327	2,280
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	19	17	35	39
Net income attributable to 3M	$ 1,167	$ 1,160	$ 2,292	$ 2,241
Weighted average 3M common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	694.3	713.4	695.5	712.5
Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.68	$ 1.63	$ 3.30	$ 3.15
Weighted average 3M common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	702.6	726.5	704.4	726.4
Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.66	$ 1.60	$ 3.25	$ 3.09
Cash dividends paid per 3M common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 0.55	$ 1.18	$ 1.10