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Significant Accounting Policies - Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle |  |
Net sales | $ 8,278 | $ 7,685
Operating expenses |  |
Cost of sales | 4,236 | 3,882
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 2,573 | 1,614
Research, development and related expenses | 486 | 476
Gain on sale of businesses | (24) | (29)
Total operating expenses | 7,271 | 5,943
Operating income | 1,007 | 1,742
Other expense (income), net | 42 | 5
Income before income taxes | $ 965 | 1,737
Previously Reported | ASU 2017-07 Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost |  |
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle |  |
Net sales |  | 7,685
Operating expenses |  |
Cost of sales |  | 3,869
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  | 1,600
Research, development and related expenses |  | 471
Gain on sale of businesses |  | (29)
Total operating expenses |  | 5,911
Operating income |  | 1,774
Other expense (income), net |  | 37
Income before income taxes |  | 1,737
Change | ASU 2017-07 Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost |  |
Operating expenses |  |
Cost of sales |  | 13
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  | 14
Research, development and related expenses |  | 5
Total operating expenses |  | 32
Operating income |  | (32)
Other expense (income), net |  | $ (32)

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- Definition The aggregate costs incurred during an accounting period to research and develop new products/technologies when the technological feasibility has not been reached, and related expenses, which primarily include technical support provided by 3M to customers who are using existing 3M products; internally developed patent costs, which include costs and fees incurred to prepare, file, secure and maintain patents; and amortization of acquired patents. + References No definition available. + Details
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