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% | |||||||||||||