Business Segments - Segment information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Segment Information
Net sales	$ 8,278	$ 7,685
Operating Income	1,007	1,742
Assets	38,575		$ 37,987
Depreciation and amortization	382	438
Capital expenditures	304	287
Business Segments. | Industrial
Business Segment Information
Net sales	3,144	2,936
Operating Income	719	670
Business Segments. | Safety and Graphics
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,783	1,550
Operating Income	483	399
Business Segments. | Health Care
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,536	1,435
Operating Income	460	429
Business Segments. | Electronics and Energy
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,350	1,291
Operating Income	337	256
Business Segments. | Consumer
Business Segment Information
Net sales	1,127	1,073
Operating Income	218	223
Corporate and Unallocated
Business Segment Information
Net sales		1
Operating Income	(1,046)	(93)
Elimination of Dual Credit
Business Segment Information
Net sales	(662)	(601)
Operating Income	$ (164)	$ (142)