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CATERPILLAR INC

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12/31/2010 USD ($) $D2010_EarthMovingMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseEarthmovingus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_EarthMovingMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$18falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Earthmoving {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_EarthMovingMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseEarthmovingus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_EarthMovingMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$19falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Earthmoving {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $D2008_EarthMovingMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseEarthmovingus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_EarthMovingMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse33true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse34false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse6300000063falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-324000000-324falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse450000000450falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment before unusual Items, equity method income or loss, income taxes, and extraordinary items.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 falsefalse35false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse20falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Electric Power 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_ElectricPowerMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseElectric Powerus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ElectricPowerMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse36true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse37false0cat_RedundancyCostsReconcilingAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationThis element represents amount of profit or losses from redundancy cost adjustments before taxes.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-22000000-22falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents amount of profit or losses from redundancy cost adjustments before taxes.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse38false0cat_SegmentOperatingIncomeLossAfterRedundancyCostsAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse132000000132falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.No authoritative reference available.truefalse39false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse21falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Electric Power {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $D2010_ElectricPowerMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseElectric Powerus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ElectricPowerMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$22falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Electric Power {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_ElectricPowerMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseElectric Powerus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ElectricPowerMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$23falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Electric Power {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $D2008_ElectricPowerMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseElectric Powerus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ElectricPowerMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse40true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse41false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse236000000236falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse154000000154falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse258000000258falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment before unusual Items, equity method income or loss, income taxes, and extraordinary items.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 falsefalse42false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse24falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Excavation 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_ExcavationMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseExcavationus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ExcavationMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse43true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse44false0cat_RedundancyCostsReconcilingAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationThis element represents amount of profit or losses from redundancy cost adjustments before taxes.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-61000000-61falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents amount of profit or losses from redundancy cost adjustments before taxes.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse45false0cat_SegmentOperatingIncomeLossAfterRedundancyCostsAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-409000000-409falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.No authoritative reference available.truefalse46false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse25falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Excavation {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $D2010_ExcavationMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseExcavationus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ExcavationMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$26falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Excavation {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_ExcavationMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseExcavationus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ExcavationMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$27falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Excavation {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $D2008_ExcavationMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseExcavationus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ExcavationMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse47true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse48false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2600000026falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-348000000-348falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse3100000031falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment before unusual Items, equity method income or loss, income taxes, and extraordinary items.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 falsefalse49false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse28falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Large Power Systems 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_LargePowerSystemsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseLarge Power Systemsus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LargePowerSystemsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse50true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse51false0cat_RedundancyCostsReconcilingAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationThis element represents amount of profit or losses from redundancy cost adjustments before taxes.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-90000000-90falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents amount of profit or losses from redundancy cost adjustments before taxes.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse52false0cat_SegmentOperatingIncomeLossAfterRedundancyCostsAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1900000019falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.No authoritative reference available.truefalse53false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse29falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Large Power Systems {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $D2010_LargePowerSystemsMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseLarge Power Systemsus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LargePowerSystemsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$30falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Large Power Systems {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_LargePowerSystemsMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseLarge Power Systemsus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LargePowerSystemsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$31falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Large Power Systems {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $D2008_LargePowerSystemsMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseLarge Power Systemsus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LargePowerSystemsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse54true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse55false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse527000000527falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse109000000109falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse595000000595falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment before unusual Items, equity method income or loss, income taxes, and extraordinary items.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 falsefalse56false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse32falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Logistics 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_LogisticsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseLogisticsus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LogisticsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse57true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse58false0cat_RedundancyCostsReconcilingAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationThis element represents amount of profit or losses from redundancy cost adjustments before taxes.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-29000000-29falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents amount of profit or losses from redundancy cost adjustments before taxes.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse59false0cat_SegmentOperatingIncomeLossAfterRedundancyCostsAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse383000000383falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.No authoritative reference available.truefalse60false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse33falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Logistics {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $D2010_LogisticsMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseLogisticsus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LogisticsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$34falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Logistics {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_LogisticsMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseLogisticsus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LogisticsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$35falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Logistics {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $D2008_LogisticsMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseLogisticsus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LogisticsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse61true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse62false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse462000000462falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse412000000412falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse391000000391falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment before unusual Items, equity method income or loss, income taxes, and extraordinary items.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 falsefalse63false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse36falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Marine and Petroleum Power 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_MarinePetroleumPowerMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseMarine and Petroleum Powerus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_MarinePetroleumPowerMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse64true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse65false0cat_RedundancyCostsReconcilingAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationThis element represents amount of profit or losses from redundancy cost adjustments before taxes.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-13000000-13falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents amount of profit or losses from redundancy cost adjustments before taxes.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse66false0cat_SegmentOperatingIncomeLossAfterRedundancyCostsAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse235000000235falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.No authoritative reference available.truefalse67false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse37falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Marine and Petroleum Power {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $D2010_MarinePetroleumPowerMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseMarine and Petroleum Powerus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_MarinePetroleumPowerMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$38falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Marine and Petroleum Power {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_MarinePetroleumPowerMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseMarine and Petroleum Powerus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_MarinePetroleumPowerMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$39falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Marine and Petroleum Power {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $D2008_MarinePetroleumPowerMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseMarine and Petroleum Powerus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_MarinePetroleumPowerMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse68true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse69false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse202000000202falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse248000000248falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse429000000429falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment before unusual Items, equity method income or loss, income taxes, and extraordinary items.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 falsefalse70false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse40falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Mining 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_MiningMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseMiningus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_MiningMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse71true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse72false0cat_RedundancyCostsReconcilingAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationThis element represents amount of profit or losses from redundancy cost adjustments before taxes.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-54000000-54falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents amount of profit or losses from redundancy cost adjustments before taxes.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse73false0cat_SegmentOperatingIncomeLossAfterRedundancyCostsAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse298000000298falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.No authoritative reference available.truefalse74false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse41falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Mining {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $D2010_MiningMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseMiningus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_MiningMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$42falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Mining {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_MiningMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseMiningus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_MiningMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$43falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Mining {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $D2008_MiningMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseMiningus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_MiningMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse75true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse76false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse786000000786falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse352000000352falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse598000000598falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment before unusual Items, equity method income or loss, income taxes, and extraordinary items.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 falsefalse77false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse44falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Turbines 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_TurbinesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseTurbinesus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_TurbinesMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse78true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse79false0cat_SegmentOperatingIncomeLossAfterRedundancyCostsAdjustmentcatfalsecreditdurationAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse807000000807falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment after adjustments for redundancy costs.No authoritative reference available.truefalse80false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse45falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Turbines {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $D2010_TurbinesMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseTurbinesus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_TurbinesMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$46falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Turbines {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $D2009_TurbinesMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseTurbinesus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_TurbinesMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$47falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Turbines {us-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxis} : Reportable segments 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $D2008_TurbinesMember_ReportableSegmentsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseTurbinesus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_TurbinesMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseReportable segmentsus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ReportableSegmentsMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingRevenueReconcilingItemAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse81true0cat_ReconciliationOfRedundancyCostsLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse82false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationOperatingIncomeLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse726000000726falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse807000000807falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse628000000628falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of income or loss for the reportable segment before unusual Items, equity method income or loss, income taxes, and extraordinary items.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 falsefalse83false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosuresegmentinformationdetails41falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse48falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Financing and Insurance Services 1/1/2009 - 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