Derivatives - Currency Effects (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Foreign Currency [Abstract]
Year-on-year foreign currency transaction effects, including hedging impact, gain (loss) impact on pre-tax income	$ 10

The year-on-year derivative and other transaction gains and losses impact on pre-tax net income attributable to the parent.

No definition available.

Name:	mmm_YearOnYearDerivativeAndOtherTransactionGainLossImpactOnNetIncome
Namespace Prefix:	mmm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration