Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Transactions with 3M India Limited
Sale of subsidiary shares	$ 8
Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital
Transactions with 3M India Limited
Sale of subsidiary shares	7
Noncontrolling Interest
Transactions with 3M India Limited
Sale of subsidiary shares	$ 1
3M India Limited
Transactions with 3M India Limited
3M's effective ownership before transaction (as a percent)	76.00%
3M's effective ownership after transaction (as a percent)	75.00%
Minimum percentage of public shareholding required by an amendment to Indian Securities regulations to comply with the sale of shares for 3M India Limited	25.00%