2.2.0.25truefalse4062 - Disclosure - Cat Financial Financing Activities (Details 3)truefalseIn Millions, unless otherwise specifiedfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
$D2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDPerShareDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
$D2009http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDPerShareDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
$D2008http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDPerShareDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2true0cat_FinancialFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse3false0cat_CreditQualityNumberOfPortfolioSegmentscatfalsenadurationThis element represents the number of portfolio segments considered for application of methodology to determine the allowance...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse22falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:integerItemTypeintegerThis element represents the number of portfolio segments considered for application of methodology to determine the allowance for credit losses for finance receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse4false0cat_CreditQualityNumberOfGeographicalClassescatfalsenadurationThis element represents the number of finance receivable classes which have similar credit risk profiles and methods for...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse55falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:integerItemTypeintegerThis element represents the number of finance receivable classes which have similar credit risk profiles and methods for assessing and monitoring credit risk.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse5false0cat_PeriodAfterWhichCollectionOfFutureIncomeIsConsideredAsNotProbablecatfalsenadurationThis element represents the period after which collection of future income is considered as not probable.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse120120falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:integerItemTypeintegerThis element represents the period after which collection of future income is considered as not probable.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse6true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse7false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse513000000513falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse479000000479falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse8false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedAllowancecatfalsecreditinstantAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse117000000117falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse5900000059falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse9false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse425000000425falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse306000000306falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse10false0cat_PeriodAfterWhichUnpaidInstallmentsAreConsideredAsPastDuecatfalsenadurationThis element represents the period after which the unpaid contractual payments are considered as past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse3030falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:integerItemTypeintegerThis element represents the period after which the unpaid contractual payments are considered as past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse11false0us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableImpairedNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterestus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse678000000678falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse422000000422falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of loans deemed to be questionable as to collection on which no interest is continuing to be recognized.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph g
falsefalse12true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse13false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment31To60DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are less than 61 days past due but more than 30 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse291000000291falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are less than 61 days past due but more than 30 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse14false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment61To90DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are less than 91 days past due but more than 60 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse106000000106falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are less than 91 days past due but more than 60 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse15false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentGreaterThan91DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are more than 91 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse569000000569falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are more than 91 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse16false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantRecorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due at the balance sheet date.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse966000000966falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRecorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due at the balance sheet date.No authoritative reference available.truefalse17false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrentcatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are current.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1895700000018957falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are current.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse18false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1992300000019923falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse19false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment91DaysPastDueAndStillAccruingcatfalsedebitinstantRecorded investment in financing receivables that are 91 days or more past due and still accruing.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse9100000091falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse134000000134falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse119000000119falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRecorded investment in financing receivables that are 91 days or more past due and still accruing.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse20false0us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableImpairedEndOfPeriodInAllowanceForLoanLossus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse448000000448falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse258000000258falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of loans which have been written down and for which there is a related reserve for credit loss.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 114
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph a
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph j(ii)
-Subsection I
falsefalse21false0us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableImpairedEndOfPeriodNotInAllowanceForLoanLossus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse6500000065falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse221000000221falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of loans which have been written down and for which there is no related reserve for credit loss.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 114
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph a
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph j(ii)
-Subsection I
falsefalse22false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse24true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse25false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse641000000641falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse26false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse626000000626falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse27false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedAllowancecatfalsecreditinstantAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse7900000079falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse28false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse604000000604falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse29false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethodcatfalsecreditdurationThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2300000023falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing receivables were impaired.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse30false0us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableImpairedNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterestus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse639000000639falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of loans deemed to be questionable as to collection on which no interest is continuing to be recognized.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph g
falsefalse31true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse32false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1798000000017980falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse33false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : North America
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_NorthAmericaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNorth Americacat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_NorthAmericaMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse35true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse36false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse278000000278falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse37false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse272000000272falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse38false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedAllowancecatfalsecreditinstantAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4400000044falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse39false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse310000000310falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse40false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethodcatfalsecreditdurationThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1300000013falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing receivables were impaired.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse41false0us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableImpairedNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterestus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse217000000217falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of loans deemed to be questionable as to collection on which no interest is continuing to be recognized.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph g
falsefalse42true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse43false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment31To60DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are less than 61 days past due but more than 30 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse139000000139falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are less than 61 days past due but more than 30 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse44false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment61To90DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are less than 91 days past due but more than 60 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4400000044falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are less than 91 days past due but more than 60 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse45false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentGreaterThan91DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are more than 91 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse228000000228falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are more than 91 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse46false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantRecorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due at the balance sheet date.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse411000000411falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRecorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due at the balance sheet date.No authoritative reference available.truefalse47false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrentcatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are current.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse60370000006037falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are current.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse48false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse64480000006448falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse49false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment91DaysPastDueAndStillAccruingcatfalsedebitinstantRecorded investment in financing receivables that are 91 days or more past due and still accruing.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2700000027falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRecorded investment in financing receivables that are 91 days or more past due and still accruing.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse50false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : North America
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with No Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithNoAllowanceRecordedMember_NorthAmericaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNorth Americacat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_NorthAmericaMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseImpaired Loans and Finance Leases with No Allowance Recordedcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithNoAllowanceRecordedMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse52true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse53false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse8700000087falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse54false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse8700000087falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse55false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse3900000039falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse56false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethodcatfalsecreditdurationThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse20000002falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing receivables were impaired.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse58false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : North America
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithAllowanceRecordedMember_NorthAmericaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNorth Americacat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_NorthAmericaMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseImpaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recordedcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithAllowanceRecordedMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse60true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse61false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse191000000191falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse62false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse185000000185falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse63false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedAllowancecatfalsecreditinstantAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4400000044falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse64false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse271000000271falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse65false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethodcatfalsecreditdurationThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1100000011falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing receivables were impaired.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse67false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Europe
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_EuropeMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseEuropecat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_EuropeMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse69true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse70false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse6800000068falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse71false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse6100000061falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse72false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedAllowancecatfalsecreditinstantAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1500000015falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse73false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse9200000092falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse74false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethodcatfalsecreditdurationThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse40000004falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing receivables were impaired.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse75false0us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableImpairedNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterestus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse8900000089falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of loans deemed to be questionable as to collection on which no interest is continuing to be recognized.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph g
falsefalse76true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse77false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment31To60DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are less than 61 days past due but more than 30 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2700000027falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are less than 61 days past due but more than 30 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse78false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment61To90DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are less than 91 days past due but more than 60 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1200000012falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are less than 91 days past due but more than 60 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse79false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentGreaterThan91DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are more than 91 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse106000000106falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are more than 91 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse80false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantRecorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due at the balance sheet date.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse145000000145falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRecorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due at the balance sheet date.No authoritative reference available.truefalse81false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrentcatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are current.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse23650000002365falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are current.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse82false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse25100000002510falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse83false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment91DaysPastDueAndStillAccruingcatfalsedebitinstantRecorded investment in financing receivables that are 91 days or more past due and still accruing.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2600000026falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRecorded investment in financing receivables that are 91 days or more past due and still accruing.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse84false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Europe
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with No Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithNoAllowanceRecordedMember_EuropeMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseEuropecat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_EuropeMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseImpaired Loans and Finance Leases with No Allowance Recordedcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithNoAllowanceRecordedMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse86true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse87false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse60000006falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse88false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse40000004falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse89false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse91false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse10falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Europe
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithAllowanceRecordedMember_EuropeMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseEuropecat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_EuropeMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseImpaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recordedcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithAllowanceRecordedMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse93true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse94false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse6200000062falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse95false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse5700000057falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse96false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedAllowancecatfalsecreditinstantAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1500000015falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse97false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse8500000085falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse98false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethodcatfalsecreditdurationThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse40000004falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing receivables were impaired.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse100false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse11falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Asia/Pacific
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_AsiaPacificMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseAsia/Pacificcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_AsiaPacificMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse102true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse103false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4000000040falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse104false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4000000040falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse105false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedAllowancecatfalsecreditinstantAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse106false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4900000049falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse107false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethodcatfalsecreditdurationThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing receivables were impaired.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse108false0us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableImpairedNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterestus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse3100000031falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of loans deemed to be questionable as to collection on which no interest is continuing to be recognized.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph g
falsefalse109true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse110false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment31To60DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are less than 61 days past due but more than 30 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse6300000063falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are less than 61 days past due but more than 30 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse111false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment61To90DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are less than 91 days past due but more than 60 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1700000017falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are less than 91 days past due but more than 60 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse112false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentGreaterThan91DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are more than 91 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse3700000037falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are more than 91 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse113false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantRecorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due at the balance sheet date.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse117000000117falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRecorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due at the balance sheet date.No authoritative reference available.truefalse114false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrentcatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are current.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse34120000003412falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are current.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse115false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse35290000003529falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse116false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment91DaysPastDueAndStillAccruingcatfalsedebitinstantRecorded investment in financing receivables that are 91 days or more past due and still accruing.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1200000012falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRecorded investment in financing receivables that are 91 days or more past due and still accruing.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse117false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse12falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Asia/Pacific
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with No Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithNoAllowanceRecordedMember_AsiaPacificMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseAsia/Pacificcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_AsiaPacificMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseImpaired Loans and Finance Leases with No Allowance Recordedcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithNoAllowanceRecordedMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse119true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse120false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1300000013falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse121false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1300000013falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse122false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse90000009falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse124false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse13falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Asia/Pacific
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithAllowanceRecordedMember_AsiaPacificMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseAsia/Pacificcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_AsiaPacificMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseImpaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recordedcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithAllowanceRecordedMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse126true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse127false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2700000027falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse128false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2700000027falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse129false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedAllowancecatfalsecreditinstantAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse130false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4000000040falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse131false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethodcatfalsecreditdurationThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing receivables were impaired.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse133false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse14falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Latin America
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_LatinAmericaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseLatin Americacat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LatinAmericaMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse135true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse136false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4700000047falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse137false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4600000046falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse138false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedAllowancecatfalsecreditinstantAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse90000009falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse139false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4400000044falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse140false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethodcatfalsecreditdurationThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing receivables were impaired.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse141false0us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableImpairedNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterestus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse139000000139falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of loans deemed to be questionable as to collection on which no interest is continuing to be recognized.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph g
falsefalse142true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse143false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment31To60DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are less than 61 days past due but more than 30 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4400000044falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are less than 61 days past due but more than 30 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse144false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment61To90DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are less than 91 days past due but more than 60 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1600000016falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are less than 91 days past due but more than 60 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse145false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentGreaterThan91DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are more than 91 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse144000000144falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are more than 91 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse146false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantRecorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due at the balance sheet date.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse204000000204falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRecorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due at the balance sheet date.No authoritative reference available.truefalse147false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrentcatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are current.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse22220000002222falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are current.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse148false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse24260000002426falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse149false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment91DaysPastDueAndStillAccruingcatfalsedebitinstantRecorded investment in financing receivables that are 91 days or more past due and still accruing.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse10000001falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRecorded investment in financing receivables that are 91 days or more past due and still accruing.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse150false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse15falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Latin America
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with No Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithNoAllowanceRecordedMember_LatinAmericaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseLatin Americacat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LatinAmericaMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseImpaired Loans and Finance Leases with No Allowance Recordedcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithNoAllowanceRecordedMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse152true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse153false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse154false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse155false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse50000005falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse157false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse16falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Latin America
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithAllowanceRecordedMember_LatinAmericaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseLatin Americacat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LatinAmericaMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseImpaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recordedcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithAllowanceRecordedMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse159true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse160false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4400000044falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse161false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4300000043falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse162false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedAllowancecatfalsecreditinstantAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse90000009falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse163false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse3900000039falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse164false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethodcatfalsecreditdurationThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing receivables were impaired.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse166false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse17falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Customer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Global Power Finance
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_GlobalPowerFinanceMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseGlobal Power Financecat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_GlobalPowerFinanceMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse168true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse169false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse208000000208falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse170false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse207000000207falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse171false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedAllowancecatfalsecreditinstantAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse40000004falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse172false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse109000000109falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse173false0us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableImpairedNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterestus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse163000000163falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of loans deemed to be questionable as to collection on which no interest is continuing to be recognized.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph g
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{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Global Power Finance
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with No Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
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{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Global Power Finance
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
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{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with No Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
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{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_CustomerMember_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithAllowanceRecordedMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCustomercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_CustomerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseImpaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recordedcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithAllowanceRecordedMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse207true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse208false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitinstantThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse358000000358falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe recorded investment related to impaired impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse209false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalancecatfalsedebitinstantThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse345000000345falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe unpaid principal balance related to impaired financing receivables.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse210false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedAllowancecatfalsecreditinstantAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse7900000079falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of allowance for credit losses related to impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse211false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse452000000452falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse212false0cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeCashBasisMethodcatfalsecreditdurationThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2100000021falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe interest income recognized on a cash-basis method of accounting during the time within that period that the financing receivables were impaired.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse214false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse22falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Dealer
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$I2010_DealerMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseDealercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_DealerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse217true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse218false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse19430000001943falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse219false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse23falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Dealer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : North America
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$I2010_DealerMember_NorthAmericaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseDealercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_DealerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNorth Americacat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_NorthAmericaMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse222true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse223false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrentcatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are current.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse12910000001291falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are current.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse224false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse12910000001291falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse225false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse24falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Dealer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Europe
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$I2010_DealerMember_EuropeMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseDealercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_DealerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseEuropecat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_EuropeMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse228true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse229false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrentcatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are current.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4100000041falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are current.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse230false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse4100000041falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse231false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse25falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Dealer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Europe
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxis} : Impaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recorded
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$D2010_DealerMember_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithAllowanceRecordedMember_EuropeMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseDealercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_DealerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseEuropecat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_EuropeMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseImpaired Loans and Finance Leases with An Allowance Recordedcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_ImpairedLoansAndFinanceLeasesWithAllowanceRecordedMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAllowancesRecordedAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse233true0cat_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItemscatfalsenadurationLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalse234false0cat_ImpairedLoansAndLeasesReceivableAverageRecordedInvestmentcatfalsedebitdurationThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1900000019falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe average recorded investment in impaired loans and finance leases.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse236false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse26falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Dealer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Asia/Pacific
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$I2010_DealerMember_AsiaPacificMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseDealercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_DealerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseAsia/Pacificcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_AsiaPacificMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse239true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse240false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrentcatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are current.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse151000000151falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are current.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse241false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse151000000151falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse242false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse27falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Dealer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Latin America
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$I2010_DealerMember_LatinAmericaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseDealercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_DealerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseLatin Americacat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LatinAmericaMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse245true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse246false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrentcatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are current.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse457000000457falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are current.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse247false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse457000000457falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse248false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse28falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis} : Dealer
{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Global Power Finance
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$I2010_DealerMember_GlobalPowerFinanceMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseDealercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_DealerMembercat_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseGlobal Power Financecat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_GlobalPowerFinanceMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse251true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse252false0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrentcatfalsedebitinstantFinancing receivables that are current.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancing receivables that are current.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse253false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse254false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse29falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : North America
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$I2010_NorthAmericaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseNorth Americacat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_NorthAmericaMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse257true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse258false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse77390000007739falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse259false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse30falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Europe
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$I2010_EuropeMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseEuropecat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_EuropeMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse262true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse263false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse25510000002551falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse264false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse31falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Asia/Pacific
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$I2010_AsiaPacificMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseAsia/Pacificcat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_AsiaPacificMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse267true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse268false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse36800000003680falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse269false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse32falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Latin America
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$I2010_LatinAmericaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseLatin Americacat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_LatinAmericaMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse272true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse273false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse28830000002883falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse274false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse33falsefalseUSDtruefalse{cat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxis} : Global Power Finance
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$I2010_GlobalPowerFinanceMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseGlobal Power Financecat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicat_GlobalPowerFinanceMembercat_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse277true0cat_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse278false0cat_FinancingReceivablecatfalsedebitinstantThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse30700000003070falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.No authoritative reference available.truefalse3223Cat Financial Financing Activities (Details 3) (USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnowntruetrue
