Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012
Results of Operations of unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Sales	$ 258	$ 166
Cost of sales	205	126
Gross profit	53	40
Profit (loss)	(3)	10
Assets:
Current assets	655		715
Property, plant and equipment - net	649		529
Other assets	505		616
Assets	1,809		1,860
Liabilities:
Current liabilities	392		443
Long-term debt due after one year	717		708
Other liabilities	191		170
Liabilities	1,300		1,321
Equity	509		539
Caterpillar's investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Investments in equity method companies	255		256
Plus: Investments in cost method companies	15		16
Total investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies	$ 270		$ 272
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.