<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<presentation xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"
              xmlns:x="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:excel"
              xmlns:ss="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:spreadsheet"
              xmlns:dei="http://xbrl.us/dei/2009-01-31"
              xmlns:negated="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/negated/2008-03-31"
              xmlns:mmm="http://www.mmm.com/20090630"
              xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt"
              xmlns:ref="http://www.xbrl.org/2006/ref"
              xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"
              xmlns:us-gaap="http://xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009-01-31"
              xmlns:xl="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/XLink"
              xmlns:dei-std="http://xbrl.us/dei-std/2009-01-31"
              xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance"
              xmlns:us-roles="http://xbrl.us/us-roles/2009-01-31"
              xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase"
              xmlns:us-types="http://xbrl.us/us-types/2009-01-31">
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/StatementOfIncome"
                  definition="0010 - Statement - Consolidated Statement of Income">
      <concept id="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" qname="us-gaap:IncomeStatementAbstract"
               label="Consolidated Statement of Income"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" qname="us-gaap:SalesRevenueNet" label="Net sales"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  balance="credit"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" qname="us-gaap:CostsAndExpensesAbstract"
                  label="Operating expenses"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="true"
                  period-type="duration">
            <concept id="us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" qname="us-gaap:CostOfRevenue" label="Cost of sales"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="duration"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"
                     qname="us-gaap:SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"
                     label="Selling, general and administrative expenses"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="duration"/>
            <concept id="mmm_ResearchDevelopmentAndRelatedExpenses"
                     qname="mmm:ResearchDevelopmentAndRelatedExpenses"
                     label="Research, development and related expenses"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="duration"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal"
                     qname="us-gaap:DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal"
                     label="(Gain)/loss from sale of businesses"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="credit"
                     period-type="duration"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" qname="us-gaap:CostsAndExpenses"
                     label="Total operating expenses"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="duration"/>
         </concept>
         <concept id="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" qname="us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss"
                  label="Operating income"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  balance="credit"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract"
                  qname="us-gaap:NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract"
                  label="Interest expense and income"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="true"
                  period-type="duration">
            <concept id="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense" qname="us-gaap:InterestAndDebtExpense"
                     label="Interest expense"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="duration"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncome" qname="us-gaap:OtherNonoperatingIncome"
                     label="Interest income"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="credit"
                     period-type="duration"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense"
                     qname="us-gaap:NonoperatingIncomeExpense"
                     label="Total interest expense (income)"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="credit"
                     period-type="duration"/>
         </concept>
         <concept id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"
                  qname="us-gaap:IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"
                  label="Income before income taxes"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  balance="credit"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" qname="us-gaap:IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"
                  label="Provision for income taxes"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  balance="debit"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" qname="us-gaap:ProfitLoss"
                  label="Net income including noncontrolling interest"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  balance="credit"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"
                  qname="us-gaap:NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"
                  label="Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  balance="debit"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" qname="us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss"
                  label="Net income attributable to 3M"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  balance="credit"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"
                  qname="us-gaap:WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"
                  label="Weighted average 3M common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:sharesItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:sharesItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" qname="us-gaap:EarningsPerShareBasic"
                  label="Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders - basic (in dollars per share)"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:perShareItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:decimalItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"
                  qname="us-gaap:WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"
                  label="Weighted average 3M common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:sharesItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:sharesItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" qname="us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted"
                  label="Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders - diluted (in dollars per share)"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:perShareItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:decimalItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid"
                  qname="us-gaap:CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid"
                  label="Cash dividends paid per 3M common share (in dollars per share)"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:perShareItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:decimalItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/BalanceSheet"
                  definition="0020 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheet">
      <concept id="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"
               qname="us-gaap:StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"
               label="Consolidated Balance Sheet"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" qname="us-gaap:AssetsAbstract" label="Assets:"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="true"
                  period-type="duration">
            <concept id="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" qname="us-gaap:AssetsCurrentAbstract"
                     label="Current assets"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                     abstract="true"
                     period-type="duration">
               <concept id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"
                        qname="us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"
                        label="Cash and cash equivalents"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="instant"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrent"
                        qname="us-gaap:MarketableSecuritiesCurrent"
                        label="Marketable securities - current"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="instant"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"
                        qname="us-gaap:AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"
                        label="Accounts receivable - net"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="instant"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_InventoryNetAbstract" qname="us-gaap:InventoryNetAbstract"
                        label="Inventories"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                        abstract="true"
                        period-type="duration">
                  <concept id="us-gaap_InventoryFinishedGoods" qname="us-gaap:InventoryFinishedGoods"
                           label="Finished goods"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="debit"
                           period-type="instant"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_InventoryWorkInProcess" qname="us-gaap:InventoryWorkInProcess"
                           label="Work in process"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="debit"
                           period-type="instant"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies"
                           qname="us-gaap:InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies"
                           label="Raw materials and supplies"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="debit"
                           period-type="instant"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_InventoryNet" qname="us-gaap:InventoryNet"
                           label="Total inventories"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="debit"
                           period-type="instant"/>
               </concept>
               <concept id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" qname="us-gaap:OtherAssetsCurrent"
                        label="Other current assets"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="instant"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" qname="us-gaap:AssetsCurrent"
                        label="Total current assets"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="instant"/>
            </concept>
            <concept id="us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrent"
                     qname="us-gaap:MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrent"
                     label="Marketable securities - non-current"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_LongTermInvestments" qname="us-gaap:LongTermInvestments"
                     label="Investments"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross"
                     qname="us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross"
                     label="Property, plant and equipment"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"
                     qname="us-gaap:AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"
                     label="Less: Accumulated depreciation"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="credit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"
                     qname="us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"
                     label="Property, plant and equipment - net"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_Goodwill" qname="us-gaap:Goodwill" label="Goodwill"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill"
                     qname="us-gaap:IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill"
                     label="Intangible assets - net"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent"
                     qname="us-gaap:DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent"
                     label="Prepaid pension benefits"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" qname="us-gaap:OtherAssetsNoncurrent"
                     label="Other assets"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_Assets" qname="us-gaap:Assets" label="Total assets"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
         </concept>
         <concept id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"
                  qname="us-gaap:LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"
                  label="Liabilities and Equity"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="true"
                  period-type="duration">
            <concept id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" qname="us-gaap:LiabilitiesAbstract"
                     label="Liabilities:"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                     abstract="true"
                     period-type="duration">
               <concept id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"
                        qname="us-gaap:LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"
                        label="Current liabilities"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                        abstract="true"
                        period-type="duration">
                  <concept id="us-gaap_DebtCurrent" qname="us-gaap:DebtCurrent"
                           label="Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="credit"
                           period-type="instant"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" qname="us-gaap:AccountsPayableCurrent"
                           label="Accounts payable"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="credit"
                           period-type="instant"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent"
                           qname="us-gaap:EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent"
                           label="Accrued payroll"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="credit"
                           period-type="instant"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent"
                           qname="us-gaap:AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent"
                           label="Accrued income taxes"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="credit"
                           period-type="instant"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" qname="us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent"
                           label="Other current liabilities"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="credit"
                           period-type="instant"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" qname="us-gaap:LiabilitiesCurrent"
                           label="Total current liabilities"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="credit"
                           period-type="instant"/>
               </concept>
               <concept id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" qname="us-gaap:LongTermDebtNoncurrent"
                        label="Long-term debt"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="instant"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent"
                        qname="us-gaap:PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent"
                        label="Pension and postretirement benefits"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="instant"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"
                        qname="us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"
                        label="Other liabilities"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="instant"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_Liabilities" qname="us-gaap:Liabilities" label="Total liabilities"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="instant"/>
            </concept>
            <concept id="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies2009"
                     qname="us-gaap:CommitmentsAndContingencies2009"
                     label="Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     period-type="duration"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_CommonStockValue" qname="us-gaap:CommonStockValue"
                     label="Common stock par value, $.01 par value, 944,033,056 shares issued"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="credit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock"
                     qname="us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock"
                     label="Additional paid-in capital"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="credit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"
                     qname="us-gaap:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"
                     label="Retained earnings"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="credit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" qname="us-gaap:TreasuryStockValue"
                     label="Treasury stock, at cost; 245,712,394 shares at June 30, 2009; 250,489,769 shares at Dec. 31, 2008"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_UnearnedESOPShares" qname="us-gaap:UnearnedESOPShares"
                     label="Unearned compensation"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"
                     qname="us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"
                     label="Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="credit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" qname="us-gaap:StockholdersEquity"
                     label="Total 3M Company shareholders' equity"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="credit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_MinorityInterest" qname="us-gaap:MinorityInterest"
                     label="Noncontrolling interest"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="credit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"
                     qname="us-gaap:StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"
                     label="Total equity"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="credit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"
                     qname="us-gaap:LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"
                     label="Total liabilities and equity"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="credit"
                     period-type="instant"/>
         </concept>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical"
                  definition="0025 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical)">
      <concept id="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"
               qname="us-gaap:StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"
               label="Consolidated Balance Sheet"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"
                  qname="us-gaap:CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"
                  label="Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:perShareItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:decimalItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="instant"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" qname="us-gaap:CommonStockSharesIssued"
                  label="Common stock, shares issued"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:sharesItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:sharesItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="instant"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" qname="us-gaap:TreasuryStockShares"
                  label="Treasury stock, shares"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:sharesItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:sharesItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="instant"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/CashFlows"
                  definition="0030 - Statement - Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows">
      <concept id="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract"
               qname="us-gaap:StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract"
               label="Cash Flows"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract"
                  qname="us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract"
                  label=""
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="true"
                  period-type="duration">
            <concept id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"
                     qname="us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"
                     label="Cash Flows from Operating Activities"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                     abstract="true"
                     period-type="duration">
               <concept id="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" qname="us-gaap:ProfitLoss"
                        label="Net income including noncontrolling interest"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"
                        qname="us-gaap:AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"
                        label="Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interest to net cash provided by operating activities"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                        abstract="true"
                        period-type="duration">
                  <concept id="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization"
                           qname="us-gaap:DepreciationAndAmortization"
                           label="Depreciation and amortization"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="debit"
                           period-type="duration"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitContributions"
                           qname="us-gaap:PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitContributions"
                           label="Company pension and postretirement contributions"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="credit"
                           period-type="duration"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense"
                           qname="us-gaap:PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense"
                           label="Company pension and postretirement expense"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="debit"
                           period-type="duration"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" qname="us-gaap:ShareBasedCompensation"
                           label="Stock-based compensation expense"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="debit"
                           period-type="duration"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal"
                           qname="us-gaap:DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal"
                           label="(Gain)/loss from sale of businesses"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="credit"
                           period-type="duration"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"
                           qname="us-gaap:DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"
                           label="Deferred income taxes"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="debit"
                           period-type="duration"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities"
                           qname="us-gaap:ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities"
                           label="Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                           abstract="false"
                           balance="credit"
                           period-type="duration"/>
                  <concept id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"
                           qname="us-gaap:IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"
                           label="Changes in assets and liabilities"
                           substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                           data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                           xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                           abstract="true"
                           period-type="duration">
                     <concept id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables"
                              qname="us-gaap:IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables"
                              label="Accounts receivable"
                              substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                              data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                              xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                              abstract="false"
                              balance="credit"
                              period-type="duration"/>
                     <concept id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories"
                              qname="us-gaap:IncreaseDecreaseInInventories"
                              label="Inventories"
                              substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                              data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                              xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                              abstract="false"
                              balance="credit"
                              period-type="duration"/>
                     <concept id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable"
                              qname="us-gaap:IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable"
                              label="Accounts payable"
                              substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                              data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                              xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                              abstract="false"
                              balance="debit"
                              period-type="duration"/>
                     <concept id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable"
                              qname="us-gaap:IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable"
                              label="Accrued income taxes"
                              substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                              data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                              xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                              abstract="false"
                              balance="debit"
                              period-type="duration"/>
                     <concept id="mmm_ChangeInProductOtherInsuranceReceivablesClaims"
                              qname="mmm:ChangeInProductOtherInsuranceReceivablesClaims"
                              label="Product and other insurance receivables and claims"
                              substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                              data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                              xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                              abstract="false"
                              balance="debit"
                              period-type="duration"/>
                     <concept id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet"
                              qname="us-gaap:IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet"
                              label="Other - net"
                              substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                              data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                              xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                              abstract="false"
                              balance="credit"
                              period-type="duration"/>
                  </concept>
               </concept>
               <concept id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"
                        qname="us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"
                        label="Net cash provided by operating activities"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        period-type="duration"/>
            </concept>
            <concept id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract"
                     qname="us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract"
                     label="Cash Flows from Investing Activities"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                     abstract="true"
                     period-type="duration">
               <concept id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"
                        qname="us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"
                        label="Purchases of property, plant and equipment (PP&amp;E)"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets"
                        qname="us-gaap:ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets"
                        label="Proceeds from sale of PP&amp;E and other assets"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired"
                        qname="us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired"
                        label="Acquisitions, net of cash acquired"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments"
                        qname="us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireInvestments"
                        label="Purchases of marketable securities and investments"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="mmm_ProceedsFromSaleOfMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestments"
                        qname="mmm:ProceedsFromSaleOfMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestments"
                        label="Proceeds from sale of marketable securities and investments"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities"
                        qname="us-gaap:ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities"
                        label="Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses"
                        qname="us-gaap:ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses"
                        label="Proceeds from sale of businesses"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities"
                        qname="us-gaap:PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities"
                        label="Other investing"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"
                        qname="us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"
                        label="Net cash used in investing activities"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
            </concept>
            <concept id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"
                     qname="us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"
                     label="Cash Flows from Financing Activities"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                     abstract="true"
                     period-type="duration">
               <concept id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt"
                        qname="us-gaap:ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt"
                        label="Change in short-term debt - net"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfOtherDebt" qname="us-gaap:RepaymentsOfOtherDebt"
                        label="Repayment of debt (maturities greater than 90 days)"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock"
                        qname="us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock"
                        label="Purchases of treasury stock"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfTreasuryStock"
                        qname="us-gaap:ProceedsFromSaleOfTreasuryStock"
                        label="Reissuances of treasury stock"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"
                        qname="us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"
                        label="Dividends paid to stockholders"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest"
                        qname="us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest"
                        label="Distributions to noncontrolling interest"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="credit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities"
                        qname="us-gaap:ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities"
                        label="Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities"
                        qname="us-gaap:ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities"
                        label="Other - net"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
               <concept id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"
                        qname="us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"
                        label="Net cash used in financing activities"
                        substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                        data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                        abstract="false"
                        balance="debit"
                        period-type="duration"/>
            </concept>
            <concept id="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents"
                     qname="us-gaap:EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents"
                     label="Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     balance="debit"
                     period-type="duration"/>
            <concept id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease"
                     qname="us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease"
                     label="Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents"
                     substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                     data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                     abstract="false"
                     period-type="duration"/>
         </concept>
         <concept id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"
                  qname="us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"
                  label="Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  balance="debit"
                  period-type="instant"/>
         <concept id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"
                  qname="us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"
                  label="Cash and cash equivalents at end of period"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  balance="debit"
                  period-type="instant"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/SignificantAccountingPolicies"
                  definition="1010 - Notes - Significant Accounting Policies">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock"
                  label="Significant Accounting Policies"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/Acquisitions"
                  definition="1020 - Notes - Acquisitions">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 2. Acquisitions"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets"
                  definition="1030 - Notes - Goodwill and Intangible Assets">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/RestructuringActionsAndExitActivities"
                  definition="1040 - Notes - Restructuring Actions and Exit Activities">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 4. Restructuring Actions and Exit Activities"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/SupplementalEquityAndComprehensiveIncomeInformation"
                  definition="1050 - Notes - Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 5. Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/IncomeTaxes"
                  definition="1060 - Notes - Income Taxes">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 6. Income Taxes"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/MarketableSecurities"
                  definition="1070 - Notes - Marketable Securities">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:MarketableSecuritiesTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 7. Marketable Securities"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitPlans"
                  definition="1080 - Notes - Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 8. Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/Derivatives"
                  definition="1090 - Notes - Derivatives">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 9. Derivatives"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/FairValueMeasurements"
                  definition="1100 - Notes - Fair Value Measurements">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 10. Fair Value Measurements"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies"
                  definition="1110 - Notes - Commitments and Contingencies">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 11. Commitments and Contingencies"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/StockBasedCompensation"
                  definition="1120 - Notes - Stock-Based Compensation">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 12. Stock-Based Compensation"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/BusinessSegments"
                  definition="1130 - Notes - Business Segments">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 13. Business Segments"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/SubsequentEvents"
                  definition="1140 - Notes - Subsequent Events">
      <concept id="mmm_NotesToFinancialsAbstract" qname="mmm:NotesToFinancialsAbstract"
               label="Notes to Financials"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSubsequentEventsTextBlock"
                  qname="us-gaap:ScheduleOfSubsequentEventsTextBlock"
                  label="NOTE 14. Subsequent Events"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:textBlockItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.mmm.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation"
                  definition="9999 - Disclosure - Document and Entity Information">
      <concept id="mmm_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract"
               qname="mmm:DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract"
               label="Document and Entity Information"
               substitution-group="xbrli:item"
               data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
               abstract="true"
               period-type="duration">
         <concept id="dei_DocumentType" qname="dei:DocumentType" label="Document Type"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:SECReportItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:tokenItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" qname="dei:DocumentPeriodEndDate"
                  label="Document Period End Date"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:dateItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:dateItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="dei_AmendmentFlag" qname="dei:AmendmentFlag" label="Amendment Flag"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:booleanItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:booleanItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="dei_AmendmentDescription" qname="dei:AmendmentDescription"
                  label="Amendment Description"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:stringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="dei_EntityRegistrantName" qname="dei:EntityRegistrantName"
                  label="Entity Registrant Name"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:normalizedStringItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:normalizedStringItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" qname="dei:EntityCentralIndexKey"
                  label="Entity Central Index Key"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:centralIndexKeyItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:tokenItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" qname="dei:EntityCurrentReportingStatus"
                  label="Entity Current Reporting Status"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:yesNoItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:tokenItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" qname="dei:EntityVoluntaryFilers"
                  label="Entity Voluntary Filers"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:yesNoItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:tokenItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" qname="dei:CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"
                  label="Current Fiscal Year End Date"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:gMonthDayItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:gMonthDayItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="dei_EntityFilerCategory" qname="dei:EntityFilerCategory"
                  label="Entity Filer Category"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:filerCategoryItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:tokenItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer"
                  qname="dei:EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer"
                  label="Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="us-types:yesNoItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:tokenItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="duration"/>
         <concept id="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"
                  qname="dei:EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"
                  label="Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:sharesItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:sharesItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  period-type="instant"/>
         <concept id="dei_EntityPublicFloat" qname="dei:EntityPublicFloat"
                  label="Entity Public Float"
                  substitution-group="xbrli:item"
                  data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  xbrl-data-type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"
                  abstract="false"
                  balance="credit"
                  period-type="instant"/>
      </concept>
   </extended-link>
   <extended-link uri="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/link"
                  definition="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/link"/>
</presentation>
