XML 122 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information1    
Entity Registrant Name CATERPILLAR INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000018230  
Document Type 10-K  
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2014  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Public Float   $ 68.1dei_EntityPublicFloat
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 606,166,559dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2014  
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY