Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Goodwill balance by business segment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 7,047
Acquisition activity	139
Translation and other	30
Balance at the end of the period	7,216
Industrial and Transportation
Goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,961
Acquisition activity	6
Translation and other	23
Balance at the end of the period	1,990
Health Care
Goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,514
Acquisition activity	88
Translation and other	(5)
Balance at the end of the period	1,597
Consumer and Office
Goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	228
Acquisition activity	6
Translation and other	6
Balance at the end of the period	240
Safety, Security and Protection Services
Goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,675
Acquisition activity	0
Translation and other	19
Balance at the end of the period	1,694
Display and Graphics
Goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	993
Acquisition activity	39
Translation and other	(7)
Balance at the end of the period	1,025
Electro and Communications
Goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	676
Acquisition activity	0
Translation and other	(6)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 670