2.2.0.25truefalse4065 - Disclosure - Cat Financial Financing Activities (Details 6)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_FinanceReceivablesLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse3false0cat_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetscatfalsedebitinstantThe carrying amount of the consolidated Variable Interest Entity's assets included in the reporting entity's statement of...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse324000000324falsetruefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe carrying amount of the consolidated Variable Interest Entity's assets included in the reporting entity's statement of financial position.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse4false0cat_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilitiescatfalsecreditinstantThe carrying amount of the consolidated Variable Interest Entity's liabilities included in the reporting entity's statement...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse327000000327falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe carrying amount of the consolidated Variable Interest Entity's liabilities included in the reporting entity's statement of financial position.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse5false0cat_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetcatfalsedebitdurationThe amount of other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on equity securities, OTTI related to credit losses on debt...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1200000012falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse3700000037falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on equity securities, OTTI related to credit losses on debt securities, and OTTI losses on debt securities when the entity intends to sell the securities or it is more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Additionally, this item includes OTTI losses recognized during the period on investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse8false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.cat.com/role/disclosurecatfinancialfinancingactivitiesdetails61falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleAxis} : Asset-backed securities
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
$D2009_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_FRhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseAsset-backed securitiesus-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleAxis} : Asset-backed securities
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
$D2008_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_FRhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseAsset-backed securitiesus-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleAxis} : Asset-backed securities
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$I2010_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_FRhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000018230instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseAsset-backed securitiesus-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse9true0cat_FinanceReceivablesLineItemscatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse10false0cat_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetscatfalsedebitinstantThe carrying amount of the consolidated Variable Interest Entity's assets included in the reporting entity's statement of...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse136000000136falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe carrying amount of the consolidated Variable Interest Entity's assets included in the reporting entity's statement of financial position.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse11false0cat_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilitiescatfalsecreditinstantThe carrying amount of the consolidated Variable Interest Entity's liabilities included in the reporting entity's statement...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse7300000073falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe carrying amount of the consolidated Variable Interest Entity's liabilities included in the reporting entity's statement of financial position.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse12false0us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleGainLossOnSaleus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1200000012falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects by transferred financial asset type the amount of sales proceeds in excess of or deficient from the sum of the carrying amounts of transferred financial assets plus transaction costs. The transferor surrenders control of all or a portion of the financial assets and receives consideration other than a beneficial interest in the assets transferredReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4 and FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph B11
-Subparagraph a(2)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph h(2)
falsefalse13false0cat_InitialFairValueOfCertificatesIncludedInSubordinatedRetainedInterestscatfalsedebitinstantThis element represents the initial fair value of certificates included in subordinated retained interests.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2700000027falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the initial fair value of certificates included in subordinated retained interests.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse14false0cat_InitialFairValueOfInterestInFutureCashFlowExcesscatfalsedebitinstantThis element represents the initial fair value of interest in future cash flow (excess).falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse80000008falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the initial fair value of interest in future cash flow (excess).No authoritative reference available.falsefalse15false0cat_InitialFairValueOfReserveAccountcatfalsedebitinstantThis element represents the initial fair value of reserve account.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse90000009falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the initial fair value of reserve account.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse16false0us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOnSecuritizationDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesDiscountRateus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsetruefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truetruefalse0.0720.072falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:percentItemTypepureThe discount rate which is used to value residual cash flows generated by financial assets of the securitization or asset-backed financing arrangement. This is used as a key assumption in measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities that relate to a transferor's continuing involvement (including interests that continue to be held by the transferor and servicing assets or servicing liabilities), if any, at the time of securitization or asset-backed financing.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4 and FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph B11
-Subparagraph b(3)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph h(3)
falsefalse17false0us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOnSecuritizationDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesPrepaymentSpeedus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsetruefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truetruefalse0.1450.145falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:percentItemTypepureEstimated speed of prepayments of principal on financial assets. This is used as a key assumption in measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities that relate to a transferor's continuing involvement (including interests that continue to be held by the transferor and servicing assets or servicing liabilities), if any, at the time of securitization or asset-backed financing.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4 and FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph B11
-Subparagraph b(3)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph h(3)
falsefalse18false0us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOnSecuritizationDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesExpectedCreditLossesus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsetruefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truetruefalse0.0160.016falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:percentItemTypepureThe rate at which principal will not be repaid on securitized financial assets. This is used as a key input and assumption in measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities that relate to a transferor's continuing involvement (including interests that continue to be held by the transferor and servicing assets or servicing liabilities), if any, at the time of securitization or asset-backed financing.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4 and FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph B11
-Subparagraph b(3)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph h(3)
falsefalse19false0us-gaap_InterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorFairValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse102000000102falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse5200000052falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe carrying amount (fair value) as of the balance sheet date of interests in financial instruments (typically securitized receivables) that continue to be held (which are generally not involved in the collection of principal) following transfer of significant portions of such financial instruments to other parties. Such interests could be ancillary cash flows and interest-only strips.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4 and FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph B11
-Subparagraph b(5)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph i
falsefalse20false0cat_InterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorAtCostcatfalsedebitinstantThe amortized cost basis as of the balance sheet date of interests in financial instruments (typically securitized...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse107000000107falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse6200000062falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amortized cost basis as of the balance sheet date of interests in financial instruments (typically securitized receivables) that continue to be held (which are generally not involved in the collection of principal) following transfer of significant portions of such financial instruments to other parties. Such interests could be ancillary cash flows and interest-only strips.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse21false0cat_InterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorAtContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionForTwelveMonthsOrLongerAtFairValuecatfalsedebitinstantThe carrying amount (fair value) as of the balance sheet date of interests in financial instruments (typically securitized...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse102000000102falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe carrying amount (fair value) as of the balance sheet date of interests in financial instruments (typically securitized receivables) that continue to be held (which are generally not involved in the collection of principal) following transfer of significant portions of such financial instruments to other parties that has been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse22false0cat_InterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorAtContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionForTwelveMonthsOrLongerAtCostcatfalsedebitinstantThe amortized cost basis as of the balance sheet date of interests in financial instruments (typically securitized...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse107000000107falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amortized cost basis as of the balance sheet date of interests in financial instruments (typically securitized receivables) that continue to be held (which are generally not involved in the collection of principal) following transfer of significant portions of such financial instruments to other parties that has been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse23false0cat_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesDiscountRateMinimumRangecatfalsenadurationThe minimum discount rate which is used to value residual cash flows generated by financial assets of the securitization or...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsetruefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruefalse0.0770.077falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truetruefalse0.1670.167falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:percentItemTypepureThe minimum discount rate which is used to value residual cash flows generated by financial assets of the securitization or asset-backed financing arrangement. This is used as a key assumption in measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities that relate to a transferor's continuing involvement (including interests that continue to be held by the transferor and servicing assets or servicing liabilities), if any, as of the date of the latest statement of financial position presented.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse24false0cat_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesDiscountRateMaximumRangecatfalsenadurationThe maximum discount rate which is used to value residual cash flows generated by financial assets of the securitization or...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsetruefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruefalse0.1240.124falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truetruefalse0.2330.233falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:percentItemTypepureThe maximum discount rate which is used to value residual cash flows generated by financial assets of the securitization or asset-backed financing arrangement. This is used as a key assumption in measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities that relate to a transferor's continuing involvement (including interests that continue to be held by the transferor and servicing assets or servicing liabilities), if any, as of the date of the latest statement of financial position presented.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse25false0us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesWeightedAverageLifeus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2222falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2828falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:decimalItemTypedecimalThe weighted average life of securitized assets. This is used as a key input and assumption in measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities that relate to a transferor's continuing involvement (including interests that continue to be held by the transferor and servicing assets or servicing liabilities), if any, as of the date of the latest statement of financial position presented.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4 and FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph B11
-Subparagraph b(3)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph i(2)
falsefalse26false0us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesPrepaymentSpeedus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsetruefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruefalse0.1800.180falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truetruefalse0.1900.190falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:percentItemTypepureEstimated speed of prepayments of principal on financial assets. This is used as a key assumption in measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities that relate to a transferor's continuing involvement (including interests that continue to be held by the transferor and servicing assets or servicing liabilities), if any, as of the date of the latest statement of financial position presented.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4 and FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph B11
-Subparagraph b(3)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph i(2)
falsefalse27false0cat_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesExpectedCreditLossesLowEndOfRangecatfalsenadurationThe minimum rate at which principal will not be repaid on securitized financial assets. This is used as a key input and...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsetruefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruefalse0.0470.047falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truetruefalse0.0170.017falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:percentItemTypepureThe minimum rate at which principal will not be repaid on securitized financial assets. This is used as a key input and assumption in measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities that relate to a transferor's continuing involvement (including interests that continue to be held by the transferor and servicing assets or servicing liabilities), if any, as of the date of the latest statement of financial position presented.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse28false0cat_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesExpectedCreditLossesHighEndOfRangecatfalsenadurationThe maximum rate at which principal will not be repaid on securitized financial assets. This is used as a key input and...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsetruefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruefalse0.0480.048falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truetruefalse0.0310.031falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:percentItemTypepureThe maximum rate at which principal will not be repaid on securitized financial assets. This is used as a key input and assumption in measuring the fair value of assets or liabilities that relate to a transferor's continuing involvement (including interests that continue to be held by the transferor and servicing assets or servicing liabilities), if any, as of the date of the latest statement of financial position presented.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse29false0cat_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetcatfalsedebitdurationThe amount of other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on equity securities, OTTI related to credit losses on debt...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3400000034falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2700000027falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on equity securities, OTTI related to credit losses on debt securities, and OTTI losses on debt securities when the entity intends to sell the securities or it is more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Additionally, this item includes OTTI losses recognized during the period on investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse30false0cat_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestcatfalsedebitdurationThe amount of other than temporary impairment (OTTI) loss on a debt security, categorized as either Available-for-sale or...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1200000012falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of other than temporary impairment (OTTI) loss on a debt security, categorized as either Available-for-sale or Held-to-maturity, related to factors other than credit losses when the entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. This amount, which includes the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest, if any, is deducted from the total impairment losses of investments (before taxes) presented on the income statement; this amount is also referred to as the amount incurred by the reporting entity or the consolidated entity.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse31true0cat_CashFlowsBetweenTransfereeAndTransferorAbstractcatfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse32false0cat_CashFlowsBetweenTransfereeAndTransferorProceedsFromNewTransferscatfalsedebitdurationCash Flows between a transferor and a transferee attributable to newly transferred assets related to either a securitization,...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse600000000600falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash Flows between a transferor and a transferee attributable to newly transferred assets related to either a securitization, asset-backed financing arrangement, or similar transfer in which the transferor has continuing involvement with the transferred financial assets underlying the transaction (including, but not limited to, servicing, recourse, and restrictions on transferor's interests in the transferred financial assets).No authoritative reference available.falsefalse33false0cat_CashFlowsBetweenTransfereeAndTransferorPurchasesOfPreviouslyTransferredFinancialAssetscatfalsecreditdurationCash Flows between a transferor and a transferee attributable to purchases of previously transferred financial assets (or its...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse9500000095falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse8100000081falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash Flows between a transferor and a transferee attributable to purchases of previously transferred financial assets (or its underlying collateral) related to either a securitization, asset-backed financing arrangement, or similar transfer in which the transferor has continuing involvement with the transferred financial assets underlying the transaction (including, but not limited to, servicing, recourse, and restrictions on transferor's interests in the transferred financial assets).No authoritative reference available.falsefalse34false0cat_CashFlowsBetweenTransfereeAndTransferorServicingFeescatfalsedebitdurationCash Flows between a transferee and a transferor attributable to servicing fees related to a securitization, asset-backed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse60000006falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1200000012falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash Flows between a transferee and a transferor attributable to servicing fees related to a securitization, asset-backed financing arrangement, or similar transfer in which the transferor has continuing involvement with the transferred financial assets underlying the transaction (including, but not limited to, servicing, recourse, and restrictions on transferor's interests in the transferred financial assets).No authoritative reference available.falsefalse35false0cat_CashFlowsBetweenTransfereeAndTransferorOtherCashFlowsReceivedOnRetainedInterestscatfalsedebitdurationThis element represents other cash flows received on retained interests related to either a securitization, asset-backed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1000000010falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2500000025falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents other cash flows received on retained interests related to either a securitization, asset-backed financing arrangement, or similar transfers accounted for as a sale, in which the transferor has continuing involvement.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse36true0us-gaap_LoansManagedOrSecuritizedAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse37false0us-gaap_PrincipalAmountOutstandingOfLoansHeldInPortfolious-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse346000000346falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse909000000909falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis is the result of the principal amount outstanding of total loans managed or securitized less securitized loans and loans that are in the process of being securitized.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4 and FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph B11
-Subparagraph b(6)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph i(4)
falsefalse38false0us-gaap_AverageBalanceDuringPeriodOfLoansHeldInPortfolious-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse583000000583falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse11470000001147falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis is the result of the average balance during the period of total loans managed or securitized less securitized loans and loans that are in the process of being securitized.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4 and FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph B11
-Subparagraph b(6)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph i(4)
falsefalse39false0cat_PrincipalOutstandingAmountOfLoansHeldInPortfolioForMoreThan30DaysPastDuecatfalsedebitinstantThis element represents the principal amount, outstanding, of total loans securitized, which were more than 30 days past due.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse6200000062falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse9800000098falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the principal amount, outstanding, of total loans securitized, which were more than 30 days past due.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse40false0us-gaap_NetCreditLossesDuringPeriodOnLoansManagedOrSecuritizedus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3600000036falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2300000023falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis is the sum of charge-offs (credit losses) on loans managed or securitized during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4 and FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph B11
-Subparagraph b(6)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph i(4)
falsefalse337Cat Financial Financing Activities (Details 6) (USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnowntruetrue