| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 004032 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Schedules for Amortization Expense) (Details) (http://www.mmm.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsSchedulesForAmortizationExpenseDetails)  | 
| Table | (Implied) | 
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0000066740 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) | 
| Finite Lived Intangible Assets | Period [Axis] | ||
|---|---|---|---|
2013-01-01 - 2013-12-31  | 2012-01-01 - 2012-12-31  | 2011-01-01 - 2011-12-31  | |
Finite Lived Intangible Assets  | |||
Amortization expense for acquired intangible assets  | |||
Expected amortization expense for acquired intangible assets recorded as of balance sheet date  | |||
Remainder of 2013  | |||
2014  | |||
2015  | |||
2016  | |||
2017  | |||
2018  | |||
After 2018  | |||