Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 ClassActions
Commercial Litigation - Ceradyne Inc.
Loss contingencies
Number of purported class actions filed	4
Commercial Litigation - Ceradyne Inc. California Superior Court
Loss contingencies
Number of purported class actions filed	2
Commercial Litigation - Ceradyne Inc. Delaware Chancery Court
Loss contingencies
Number of purported class actions filed	2
Commercial Litigation - TransWeb Corporation
Loss contingencies
Number of counts jury did not rule in favor of Transweb	1
Number of 3M patents unenforceable due to inequitable conduct	2
Potential maximum loss exposure due to judgment against 3M	$ 26