Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012
Results of Operations of unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Sales	$ 349	$ 253	$ 916	$ 625
Cost of sales	284	206	722	492
Gross profit	65	47	194	133
Profit (loss)	(6)	17	(31)	39
Assets:
Current assets	707		707		715
Property, plant and equipment - net	714		714		529
Other assets	498		498		616
Assets	1,919		1,919		1,860
Liabilities:
Current liabilities	450		450		443
Long-term debt due after one year	887		887		708
Other liabilities	167		167		170
Liabilities	1,504		1,504		1,321
Equity	415		415		539
Caterpillar's investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Investments in equity method companies	268		268		256
Plus: Investments in cost method companies	10		10		16
Total investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies	$ 278		$ 278		$ 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.