Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Caterpillar Japan Ltd. (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Aug. 01, 2008
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Caterpillar Japan Ltd.
Cat Japan, consolidated subsidiary, Caterpillar majority percentage ownership				67.00%
Cat Japan, consolidated subsidiary, MHI minority percentage ownership				33.00%
Increase or decrease in profit employed in the business, due to adjustments to carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ 17	$ 27	$ 81
Term of discounted forecasted cash flow (in years)	5 years
Increase or Decrease in carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interest due to subsidiary's comprehensive income or loss	66	55	(53)
Increase or decrease in profit employed in the business due to adjusting the carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interest to the redemption value	(12)	(55)	53
Redeemable noncontrolling interest, after exchange rates impact	$ 473	$ 461	$ 477

- Definition

The aggregate amount to be paid by the entity upon redemption of the security that is classified as temporary equity. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer.

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