2.2.0.25falsefalse0040 - Statement - Consolidated Statement of Cash FlowtruefalseIn Millions, except Share datafalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
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USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
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USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
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falsefalse12false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventoriesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-2667000000-2667falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse25010000002501falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-833000000-833falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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falsefalse13false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse25700000002570falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-1878000000-1878falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-129000000-129falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations due within one year (or one business cycle). This may include trade payables, amounts due to related parties, royalties payable, and other obligations.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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falsefalse15false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse847000000847falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-534000000-534falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse154000000154falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of pension, postretirement, workers' compensation, and other similar obligations and liabilities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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falsefalse16false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInCustomerAdvancesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse604000000604falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-646000000-646falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse286000000286falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in the amount of prepayments by customers for goods or services to be provided at a later date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Number 95
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falsefalse17false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse358000000358falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse235000000235falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-470000000-470falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in other operating assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Number 95
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falsefalse18false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-23000000-23falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1200000012falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-371000000-371falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in other operating obligations not otherwise defined in the taxonomy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Number 95
-Paragraph 28
falsefalse19false0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse50090000005009falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse64990000006499falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse46720000004672falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 26
truefalse20true0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse21false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssetsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1575000000-1575falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-1504000000-1504falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-2320000000-2320falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 15
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph c
falsefalse22false0cat_ExpendituresForEquipmentLeasedToOtherscatfalsecreditdurationThe cash outflow for purchases on long lived, depreciable tangible personal property, non consumable in nature, with finite...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1011000000-1011falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-968000000-968falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-1566000000-1566falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow for purchases on long lived, depreciable tangible personal property, non consumable in nature, with finite lives used to generate rental income.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse23false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse14690000001469falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse12420000001242falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse982000000982falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow from the sale of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Paragraph 15
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-Number 95
-Paragraph 16
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falsefalse24false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireFinanceReceivablesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-8498000000-8498falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-7107000000-7107falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-14031000000-14031falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow for the purchase of amounts due from customers, clients, lessees, borrowers, or others under the terms of its agreements therewith.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Paragraph 15
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph a
falsefalse25false0cat_CollectionsOfFinanceReceivablescatfalsedebitdurationThe cash inflow associated with the collection of receivables arising from the financing of goods and services.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse89870000008987falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse92880000009288falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse97170000009717falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow associated with the collection of receivables arising from the financing of goods and services.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse26false0cat_ProceedsFromSalesOfFinanceReceivablescatfalsedebitdurationThe cash inflow associated with the sale of receivables arising from the financing of goods and services.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1600000016falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse100000000100falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse949000000949falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow associated with the sale of receivables arising from the financing of goods and services.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse27false0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliatesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1126000000-1126falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-19000000-19falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-117000000-117falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash inflow (outflow) associated with the sale or (acquisition) of a business segment during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 15, 16, 17
falsefalse28false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse228000000228falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse291000000291falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse357000000357falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow associated with the sale of debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 16
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
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falsefalse29false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-217000000-217falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-349000000-349falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-339000000-339falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to acquire debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities which would be classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 95
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falsefalse30false0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivitiesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse132000000132falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-128000000-128falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse197000000197falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash outflow (inflow) from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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falsefalse31false0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-1595000000-1595falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse846000000846falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-6171000000-6171falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 95
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truefalse32true0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse33false0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStockus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1084000000-1084falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-1029000000-1029falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-953000000-953falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow from the distribution of an entity's earnings in the form of dividends to common shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 18
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-Number 95
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falsefalse34false0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterestus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-10000000-10falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-10000000-10falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow for the return on capital for noncontrolled interest in the entity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 18
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
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falsefalse35false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquityus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse296000000296falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8900000089falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse135000000135falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow from the issuance of common, preferred, and treasury stocks, stock options, and such forth.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 18
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 19
-Subparagraph a
falsefalse36false0cat_PaymentForStockRepurchaseDerivativeContractscatfalsecreditdurationThe cash flow to acquire stock repurchase derivative contracts.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-38000000-38falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash flow to acquire stock repurchase derivative contracts.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse37false0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStockus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-1800000000-1800falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 95
-Paragraph 18
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph a
falsefalse38false0us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse153000000153falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2100000021falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse5600000056falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReductions in the entity's income taxes that arise when compensation cost (from non-qualified share-based compensation) recognized on the entity's tax return exceeds compensation cost from share-based compensation recognized in financial statements. This element represents the cash inflow reported in the enterprise's financing activities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph A240
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 00-15
-Paragraph 3
falsefalse39false0us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholdersus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-132000000-132falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-6000000-6falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to return capital to noncontrolled interest, which generally occurs when noncontrolling shareholders reduce their ownership stake (in a subsidiary of the entity). This element does not include dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Paragraph 18
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-Subparagraph a
falsefalse40true0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebtAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse41false0cat_MachineryAndEnginescatfalsedebitdurationThe cash inflow from a borrowing having initial term of repayment of more than three months from Machinery and Engines lines...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse216000000216falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse458000000458falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse16730000001673falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow from a borrowing having initial term of repayment of more than three months from Machinery and Engines lines of business.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse42false0cat_FinancialProductscatfalsedebitdurationThe cash inflow from a borrowing having initial term of repayment of more than three months from Financial Products line of...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse81080000008108falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1183300000011833falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1625700000016257falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow from a borrowing having initial term of repayment of more than three months from Financial Products line of business.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse43true0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse44false0cat_PaymentsMachineryAndEnginescatfalsecreditdurationThe cash outflow from repayment of a borrowing having initial term of repayment of more than three months from Machinery and...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1298000000-1298falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-918000000-918falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-296000000-296falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow from repayment of a borrowing having initial term of repayment of more than three months from Machinery and Engines lines of business.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse45false0cat_PaymentsFinancialProductscatfalsecreditdurationThe cash outflow from repayment of a borrowing having initial term of repayment of more than three months from Financial...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-11163000000-11163falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-11769000000-11769falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-14143000000-14143falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow from repayment of a borrowing having initial term of repayment of more than three months from Financial Products line of business.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse46false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLessus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse291000000291falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-3884000000-3884falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse20740000002074falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow from a borrowing net of the cash outflow from repayment of a borrowing having initial term of repayment within three months.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 18
falsefalse47false0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-4613000000-4613falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-5215000000-5215falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse29550000002955falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activity for the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 26
truefalse48false0us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-76000000-76falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10000001falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse158000000158falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 25
falsefalse49false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-1275000000-1275falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse21310000002131falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse16140000001614falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change between the beginning and ending balance of cash and cash equivalents.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 26
truefalse50false0us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestmentsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse48670000004867falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse27360000002736falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse11220000001122falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the customer may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include Short-Term, highly liquid Investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Short-term investments, exclusive of cash equivalents, are marketable securities intended to be sold within one year (or the normal operating cycle if longer) and include trading securities, available-for-sale securities, and held-to-maturity securities (if maturing within one year).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 1
-Article 5
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 7, 8, 9, 10
falsefalse51false0us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestmentsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse35920000003592falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse48670000004867falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse27360000002736falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the customer may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include Short-Term, highly liquid Investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Short-term investments, exclusive of cash equivalents, are marketable securities intended to be sold within one year (or the normal operating cycle if longer) and include trading securities, available-for-sale securities, and held-to-maturity securities (if maturing within one year).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 1
-Article 5
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 7, 8, 9, 10
falsefalse52true0us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDesignated to encapsulate the entire footnote disclosure that gives information on the supplemental cash flow activities for noncash (or part noncash) transactions for the period. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.falsefalse53false0cat_CommonSharesIssuedSharesFromTreasuryStockForBenefitPlanscatfalsenadurationThe number of common shares issued during the period from treasury stock for benefit plans.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse14874811487481[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1962481019624810[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe number of common shares issued during the period from treasury stock for benefit plans.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse54false0cat_CommonSharesIssuedFromTreasuryStockForBenefitPlanscatfalsecreditdurationValue of common stock issued from treasury stock for benefit plans.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse9400000094[1]falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse718000000718[1]falsetruefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of common stock issued from treasury stock for benefit plans.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse1See Note 12 regarding shares issued for benefit plans.350Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow (USD $)MillionsNoRoundingUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue