Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Results of Operations of unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Sales	$ 253	$ 302	$ 625	$ 741
Cost of sales	206	257	492	616
Gross profit	47	45	133	125
Profit (loss)	17	(12)	39	(46)
Assets:
Current assets	569		569			345
Property, plant and equipment - net	523		523			200
Other assets	558		558			9
Assets	1,650		1,650			554
Liabilities:
Current liabilities	342		342			220
Long-term debt due after one year	724		724			72
Other liabilities	182		182			17
Liabilities	1,248		1,248			309
Equity	402		402			245
Caterpillar's investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Investments in equity method companies	183		183			111
Plus: Investments in cost method companies	16		16			22
Total investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies	$ 199		$ 199			$ 133
Percentage of equity interest retained in subsidiary (as a percent)					35.00%

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.