| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 004011 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (http://www.mmm.com/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails2) |
| Table | Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] |
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0000066740 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) |
| Period [Axis] | 2012-01-01 - 2012-12-31 |
| Property, plant and equipment - at cost | Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Software Development [Member] | ||||
| Range [Axis] | Range [Axis] | Range [Axis] | ||||
| Maximum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | |
Estimated useful life | P40Y | P10Y | P15Y | P3Y | P7Y | P3Y |
Estimated useful life, majority of the assets | P40Y | P20Y | P10Y | P5Y | ||