Name:	cat_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationEquityContribution
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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For the disposal group that is not a discontinued operation, carrying amount of goodwill (adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and impairment charges).

No definition available.

Name:	cat_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGoodwill
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

The amount of incremental incentive compensation expense arising from the sale of the disposal group that is not a discontinued operation.

No definition available.

Name:	cat_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationIncentiveCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

After tax income (loss) from operations of a disposal group that is not a discontinued operation (exclusive of any gain (loss) on disposal, or provision therefore) during the reporting period, until its disposal.

No definition available.

Name:	cat_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDisposalGroupDuringPhaseOutPeriodNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

For the disposal group that is not a discontinued operation, carrying value (net of any accumulated amortization and write-downs) of nonphysical assets (such as copyrights, customer lists, patents, trade names, core deposits, trade secrets, and contractual rights), not elsewhere itemized.

No definition available.

Name:	cat_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationIntangibleAssetsNet
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
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For the disposal group that is not a discontinued operation, carrying amount of assets not otherwise specified in the taxonomy.

No definition available.

Name:	cat_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationOtherAssets
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
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Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of selling, general and administrative expenses attributable to the disposal group that is not a discontinued operation during the reporting period.

No definition available.

Name:	cat_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenses
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Tax expense or benefit on the gain (loss), not previously recognized and resulting from the sale of a disposal group that is not a discontinued operation, which is recognized at the date of sale. A gain (loss) reflects the amount by which the consideration received exceeds (is exceeded by) the net carrying amount (reflecting previous provisions for loss on disposal, if any) of the disposal group.

No definition available.

Name:	cat_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfIncomeLossFromDisposal
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Represents net sales amount related to divestitures of business.

No definition available.

Name:	cat_DivestitureOfBusinessSaleAmount
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The amount of remaining payment due from the acquiree from the divestiture of business.

No definition available.

Name:	cat_DivestitureOfBusinessSaleAmountRemainingPayment
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Number of sales transactions completed in the period.

No definition available.

Name:	cat_NumberOfSalesTransactionsCompleted
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The number of transactions classifed as held and used after the reporting period.

No definition available.

Name:	cat_NumberOfTransactionsClassifedAsHeldAndUsedAfterReportingPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents percentage of interest in subsidiary sold by the reporting entity during the period.

No definition available.

Name:	cat_PercentageOfInterestSoldInSubsidiary
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Represents the number of transactions classified as held for sale.

No definition available.

Name:	cat_TransactionClassifiedAsHeldForSaleNumber
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The gain (loss) resulting from the sale of a disposal group that is not a discontinued operation. It is included in income from continuing operations before income taxes in the income statement.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 144

-Paragraph 37, 45

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 205

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 144

-Paragraph 47

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 360

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8077374&loc=d3e2443-110228

Name:	us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal
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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The loss (gain) resulting from the write-down of the carrying value of assets classified as a disposal group, but one which is not further classified as a discontinued operation, to fair value less cost to sell. A (gain) results from a subsequent increase in fair value less cost to sell, but not in excess of the cumulative loss previously recognized. For example, the write-down of a disposal group subject to a plan of sale, which was not sold in the current period, to its held-for-sale value. The loss (gain) is included in income from continuing operations before income taxes in the income statement.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 144

-Paragraph 37

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 205

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 144

-Paragraph 47

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 159

-Paragraph 18

-Subparagraph f

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 323

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 18

-Paragraph 20

-Subparagraph a (1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
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This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting as of the balance sheet date.

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

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

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-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 323

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 2

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Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

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The cash outflow for the purchase of amounts due from customers, clients, lessees, borrowers, or others under the terms of its agreements therewith.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 17

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

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Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireFinanceReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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The cash inflow associated with the amount received from the sale of a portion of the company's business, for example a segment, division, branch or other business, during the period.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 15, 16

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.