Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net sales	$ 7,497	$ 7,531	$ 22,517	$ 22,522
Operating expenses
Cost of sales	3,935	4,027	11,694	11,869
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,487	1,534	4,567	4,648
Research, development and related expenses	397	389	1,216	1,191
Total operating expenses	5,819	5,950	17,477	17,708
Operating income	1,678	1,581	5,040	4,814
Interest expense and income
Interest expense	44	48	127	141
Interest income	(10)	(10)	(29)	(29)
Total interest expense - net	34	38	98	112
Income before income taxes	1,644	1,543	4,942	4,702
Provision for income taxes	464	440	1,435	1,319
Net income including noncontrolling interest	1,180	1,103	3,507	3,383
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	19	15	54	54
Net income attributable to 3M	$ 1,161	$ 1,088	$ 3,453	$ 3,329
Weighted average 3M common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	693.0	707.7	694.7	710.9
Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.68	$ 1.54	$ 4.97	$ 4.68
Weighted average 3M common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	703.1	715.5	703.9	722.8
Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.65	$ 1.52	$ 4.91	$ 4.61
Cash dividends paid per 3M common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 0.55	$ 1.77	$ 1.65