Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information - Dividends and Transfer of Ownership Interest (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Dividends declared in current period (in dollars per share)	$ 1.36	$ 1.36	$ 1.36	$ 1.36	$ 1.175	$ 1.175	$ 1.175	$ 1.175	$ 1.11	$ 1.11	$ 1.11	$ 1.11	$ 5.44	$ 4.70	$ 4.44
3M India Limited
3M's ownership (as a percent)	75.00%												75.00%