| Cover | Jul. 27, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 27, 2021 |
| Entity File Number | 1-3285 |
| Entity Registrant Name | 3M COMPANY |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000066740 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 41-0417775 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3M Center |
| Entity Address, City or Town | St. Paul |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 55144-1000 |
| City Area Code | 651 |
| Local Phone Number | 733-1110 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, Par Value $.01 Per Share |
| Trading Symbol | MMM |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Common Stock [Member] | CHICAGO STOCK EXCHANGE, INC [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, Par Value $.01 Per Share |
| Trading Symbol | MMM |
| Security Exchange Name | CHX |
| Notes 1. 500 Percent Due 2026 [Member] | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.500% Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | MMM26 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Notes 0. 375 Percent Due 2022 [Member] | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.375% Notes due 2022 |
| Trading Symbol | MMM22A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Notes 0. 950 Percent Due 2023 [Member] | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.950% Notes due 2023 |
| Trading Symbol | MMM23 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Notes 1. 750 Percent Due 2030 [Member] | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.750% Notes due 2030 |
| Trading Symbol | MMM30 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Notes 1. 500 Percent Due 2031 [Member] | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.500% Notes due 2031 |
| Trading Symbol | MMM31 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
