Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Results of Operations of unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Sales	$ 206	$ 241	$ 372	$ 439
Cost of sales	160	198	286	359
Gross profit	46	43	86	80
Profit (loss)	12	(17)	22	(34)
Assets:
Current assets	332		332		345
Property, plant and equipment - net	107		107		200
Other assets	17		17		9
Assets	456		456		554
Liabilities:
Current liabilities	197		197		220
Long-term debt due after one year	50		50		72
Other liabilities	9		9		17
Liabilities	256		256		309
Equity	200		200		245
Caterpillar's investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Investments in equity method companies	108		108		111
Plus: Investments in cost method companies	16		16		22
Total investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies	$ 124		$ 124		$ 133

This item represents the disclosure of summarized financial information for unconsolidated subsidiaries and 50 percent-or-less owned entities accounted for using the equity method of accounting. If investments in common stock of corporate joint ventures or other investments accounted for under the equity method are, in the aggregate, material in relation to the financial position or results of operations of an investor, it may be necessary to present summarized information as to liabilities of the investee, or group of investments for which combined disclosure is appropriate, either by individual financial statement caption or in groups, as appropriate. This element represents long-term debt.

No definition available.