Intangible Assets and Goodwilll (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012 ERA Mining Machinery Limited	Mar. 31, 2012 Caterpillar Tohoku Limited	Jun. 30, 2012 Construction Industries	Jun. 30, 2012 Resource Industries	Jun. 30, 2012 Power Systems	Jun. 30, 2012 Other
Carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Goodwill			$ 467	$ 16
Assets classified to held for sale, goodwill	152
Goodwill:
Balance at beginning of year		7,080			378	4,099	2,486	117
Business acquisitions		483			16	467	0	0
Held for sale and business divestitures		(152)			0	(152)	0	0
Other adjustments		(91)			(5)	(59)	(27)	0
Balance at end of period	$ 7,320	$ 7,320			$ 389	$ 4,355	$ 2,459	$ 117

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details

- Definition

The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The increase (decrease) in the recorded value of goodwill for foreign currency translation adjustments and purchase accounting adjustments needed to revise the carrying amount of goodwill to fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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+ Details