Cover Page	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023 shares
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2023
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-768
Entity Registrant Name	CATERPILLAR INC
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	37-0602744
Entity Address, Address Line One	5205 N. O'Connor Boulevard,
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 100,
Entity Address, City or Town	Irving,
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	75039
City Area Code	972
Local Phone Number	891-7700
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	509,084,743
Entity Central Index Key	0000018230
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Common Stock
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock ($1.00 par value)
Trading Symbol	CAT
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
5.3% Debentures due September 15, 2035
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	5.3% Debentures due September 15, 2035
Trading Symbol	CAT35
Security Exchange Name	NYSE