Receivables - trade and other Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Long-term receivables - trade and other Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less: Accumulated depreciation Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount Finite-lived intangible assets acquired Indefinite-lived intangible assets in process research & development Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount Investments and acquisitions (net of cash acquired) Payments for (Proceeds from) Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Initial capital contribution under joint venture operating agreement Capital expenditures - excluding equipment leased to others Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Property, plant and equipment Depreciation Consolidated depreciation expense Impairment of Retained Interest Impairment losses on securitized retained interest, net of tax Net impairment losses recognized in earnings Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization expense Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net Foreign exchange contracts, Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Deferred net gains, foreign currency exchange rate risk, to be reclassified from equity to current earnings over the next twelve months Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net Interest rate contracts, Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Deferred net gains (losses), interest rate risk, to be reclassified from equity to current earnings over the next twelve months Assumption for Fair Value of Assets or Liabilities that relate to Transferor's Continuing Involvement, Expected Credit Losses Expected credit losses (as a percent) Assumption for Fair Value of Assets or Liabilities that relate to Transferor's Continuing Involvement, Prepayment Speed Expected prepayment rate (as a percent) Assumption for Fair Value of Assets or Liabilities that relate to Transferor's Continuing Involvement, Weighted Average Life Weighted-average maturity (in months) Fair Value Assumption, Date of Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Transferor's Continuing Involvement, Servicing Assets or Liabilities, Discount Rate Discount rate on retained interest at the time of securitization (as a percent) Discount rate (as a percent) Fair Value Assumption, Date of Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Transferor's Continuing Involvement, Servicing Assets or Liabilities, Expected Credit Losses Expected credit losses at the time of securitization on retained interests (as a percent) Expected credit losses (as a percent) Fair Value Assumption, Date of Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Transferor's Continuing Involvement, Servicing Assets or Liabilities, Prepayment Speed Weighted average prepayment rate on retained interest at the time of securitization (as a percent) Weighted-average prepayment rate (as a percent) Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Gross gains from the sale of available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Gross losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities Average Balance During Period of Loans Held-in-portfolio Average securitized principal balance for the year ended December 31, Profit per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Assuming no dilution (A/B) (in dollars per share) Profit (loss) per common share Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Purchase price of acquired entity Total purchase price Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Percentage of equity acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired Increase in property, plant and equipment following redemption Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Inventory Inventories Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Receivables Receivables Trade & Other Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Goodwill acquired in business combination Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Expected tax deductible amount on goodwill obtained in acquisition Goodwill acquired in business combination, tax deductible Total Liabilities Assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment net Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Capital lease obligations Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation Less: Accumulated depreciation Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net Net capital leases Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current 2012 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current 2012 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years 2016 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Five Years 2016 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2015 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Four Years 2015 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2014 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Three Years 2014 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2013 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Two Years 2013 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable Due Thereafter Thereafter Capital Leases, Net Investment in Sales Type Leases Net retail finance leases Capital Leases, Net Investment in Sales Type Leases, Minimum Payments to be Received Total minimum lease payments receivable Capital Leases, Net Investment in Sales Type Leases, Deferred Income Less: Unearned income Capital Leases, Net Investment in Sales Type Leases, Unguaranteed Residual Values of Leased Property Unguaranteed Cash and short-term investments Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Cash and short-term investments at beginning of period Cash and short-term investments at end of period Interest Paid, Net Interest paid on short-term and long-term borrowings Customer advances Increase (Decrease) in Customer Advances Accrued wages, salaries and employee benefits Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Receivables - trade and other Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses Long-term Commercial Paper, Noncurrent Commercial paper Commercial paper outstanding, classified as long-term Common stock, Authorized shares Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, Issued shares Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Shares outstanding as of December 31 Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss). Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Concentration of credit risk Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) U.S. Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-U.S. Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current tax provision (benefit) Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) State (U.S.) Customer advances Customer Advances and Deposits, Current Debt, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debentures, face value Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Debentures' effective yield to maturity (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt instrument, interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Funds for Acquisition Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Postemployment Benefits Liability, Noncurrent Other postemployment benefits Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) U.S. Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-U.S. Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax provision (benefit) Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred taxes reported on line Deferred and refundable income taxes in the Statement of Financial Position Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current Deferred taxes reported on line Other current liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State (U.S.) Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred income tax assets, Total Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory Unrealized profit excluded from inventories Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net Deferred income taxes-net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Total deferred tax assets reported as Total assets in the Statement of Financial Position Deferred Tax Assets, Other Other-net Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Tax carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research U.S. research and development credits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation Deferred compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions Pension Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Postemployment benefits other than pensions Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Stock based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Allowance for credit losses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Warranty Reserves Warranty reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred income tax liabilities, Total Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Translation Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred taxes reported on line Other liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Costs related to defined contribution plans Deposits Deposit obligations Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Interest rate swaps-net Derivative financial instruments, net Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative financial instruments and risk management Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Gains or (Losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative financial instruments Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Related liability Guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations by Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Guarantor Obligations Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Profit per common share - diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Assuming full dilution (A/C) (in dollars per share) Profit (loss) per common share - diluted Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of consolidation Severance Costs Increase in liability (separation charges) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic U.S Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Non-U.S Equity in profit (loss) of unconsolidated affiliated companies Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Effect of LIFO Inventory Liquidation on Income Liquidation of LIFO inventory layers, effect on profit Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Provision (benefit) for income taxes (as a percent) Release of valuation allowances (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate U. S. statutory tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential Non-U.S. subsidiaries taxed at other than 35% (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Other-net (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes Prior year tax and interest adjustments (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes State and local taxes, net of federal (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credits U.S. tax credits (as a percent) Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense, before tax (in dollars) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Income tax benefit corresponding to stock-based compensation expense Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] External sales and revenues from products and services: Cost Method Investments Plus: Investments in cost method companies Investments in equity method companies Equity Method Investments Revenues of Financial Products Financial Services Revenue Less: Revenues Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life Useful life of goodwill (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life Weighted Amortizable Life (in years) Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign currency translation Future Amortization Expense, Year Five 2016 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four 2015 Future Amortization Expense, Year One 2012 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two 2013 Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Recognized in Earnings (Ineffective Portion) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion) Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness Foreign exchange contracts, Recognized in Earnings (Ineffective Portion) Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Foreign exchange contracts, Gains or (Losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives, Net, before Tax Foreign exchange contracts, Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion) Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness Interest rate contracts, Recognized in Earnings (Ineffective Portion) Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate contracts, Gains or (Losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Forward starting swap costs included in Miscellaneous income (loss) Gain (Loss) on Price Risk Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Commodity contracts, Gains or (Losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net (Gain) Loss Due to Settlements Settlement losses for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill [Line Items] Carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Gross Profit Gross margin Goodwill, Impairment Loss Impairment of goodwill Impairment of goodwill Less: Profit (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Joint Venture Partners Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense Interest and penalties, recognized Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued Interest and penalties, accrued Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income taxes Income Tax Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential Non-U.S. subsidiaries taxed at other than 35% Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Taxes at U.S. statutory rate Income Tax Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Other-net Income Tax Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes Prior year tax and interest adjustments Income Tax Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes State and local taxes, net of federal Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits U.S. tax credits Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Settlements, Domestic Income tax settlement, benefit, settlement of tax years 1995 to 1999 Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Proceeds from net income tax and related interest refunds Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Hedged Item in Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Gains (Losses) on Borrowings Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedging Instruments Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Other assets - net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Shares issuable on exercise of stock awards, net of shares assumed to be purchased out of proceeds at average market price Intangible assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Total intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Net Goodwill Goodwill Balance Balance Interest Rate Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Interest rate swaps-net Inventory, LIFO Reserve Incremental value of inventory if FIFO method had been in use Inventories Inventory, Net Total inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Investment Income, Net Investment and interest income Investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Total investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies Capital Leases in Financial Statements of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Assets recorded under capital leases Total liabilities Liabilities. Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Profit employed in the business Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Less: Utilized credit Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Total credit lines available Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Available credit Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Credit commitments Line of Credit Facility [Table] Loans and Leases Receivable, Impaired, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Investment in loans/finance leases on nonaccrual status Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2012 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2013 Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Total long-term debt due after one year Consolidated Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Management of foreign currency cash flow, maximum period (in years) Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Cat Japan, consolidated subsidiary, MHI minority percentage ownership Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Cat Japan, consolidated subsidiary, Caterpillar majority percentage ownership Distribution to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual Net Credit Losses During Period on Loans Managed or Securitized or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement Net credit losses during the year Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current 2012 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Thereafter Operating Leases, Income Statement, Depreciation Expense on Property Subject to or Held-for-lease Depreciation on equipment leased to others Operating Loss Carryforwards U.S. state tax net operating losses Net operating loss carryforwards Operating profit Operating Income (Loss) Segment profit (loss) Total profit from reportable segments Total sales and revenues Revenues Sales and revenues External sales and revenues Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Nature of Operations Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Total recognized in other comprehensive income Current year actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $1,276, $214 and $401 for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized (Gain) Loss Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Current year actuarial gain (loss), tax Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $3, $73 and $37 for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Current year prior service credit (cost), net of tax of $51, $3 and $249 for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Tax Available-for-sale securities, (Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Tax Derivative financial instruments, (Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, tax (Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax of $21, $18 and $36 for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost Recognized in Net Periodic Pension Cost, Net of Tax Amortization of prior service (credit) cost, net of tax of $11, $12 and $8 for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax of $12, $29 and $16 for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Derivative financial instruments, Gains (losses) deferred, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax of $2, $25 and $47 for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Available-for-sale securities, Gains (losses) deferred, tax Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Other income (expense) Other - net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense) Other income (expense) Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Dividends paid Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Payments of Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Distribution to noncontrolling interests Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Postretirement benefit expense Percentage of LIFO Inventory Percentage of value of inventories on the LIFO basis to total inventories Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses Actuarial losses (gains) Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Expected benefit payments from 2017-2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net actuarial loss / (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses) Actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Prior service cost / (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Transition Asset (Obligation) Transition obligation (asset) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets) Transition obligation / (asset) Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Net amount recognized in financial position Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Benefits paid - gross Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Benefit Obligation Acquisitions / other Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Plan Assets Acquisitions / other Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Change in benefit obligation: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Target allocations Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Company contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants Participant contributions Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Accrued wages, salaries and employee benefits (current liability) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Effect of a one-percentage-point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect of a one-percentage-point decrease in current year service and interest cost components of other postretirement benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Effect of a one-percentage-point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect of a one-percentage-point increase in current year service and interest cost components of other postretirement benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment on Accumulated Benefit Obligation Increase (decrease) in post employment benefit liability due to plan remeasurement Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment on Net Periodic Benefit Cost Reduction in other postretirement benefits expense due to plan amendment Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Employer's contribution expected for 2012 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One Expected benefit payments for 2012 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two Expected benefit payments for 2013 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three Expected benefit payments for 2014 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four Expected benefit payments for 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five Expected benefit payments for 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year Fair value of plan assets, end of year Fair value of plan assets, end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Benefit Obligation Foreign currency exchange rates Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Foreign currency exchange rates Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Over (under) funded status recognized in financial position Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Net actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Total cost included in operating profit Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Reduction due to plan amendments Plan amendments Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Prior service cost (credit) Current year prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of compensation increase (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Net Curtailment losses for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Transition Assets (Obligations), before Tax Transition obligation (asset) Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined benefit plan ultimate health care cost trend rate in 2019 (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Benefit obligation, beginning of year Benefit obligation, end of year Benefit obligations, end of year Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Other postretirement benefits, Medicare Part D subsidy expected from 2017-2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Gross Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts Received Less: federal subsidy on benefits paid Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year One Other postretirement benefits, Medicare Part D subsidy expected in 2012 Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year Two Other postretirement benefits, Medicare Part D subsidy expected in 2013 Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year Three Other postretirement benefits, Medicare Part D subsidy expected in 2014 Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year Four Other postretirement benefits, Medicare Part D subsidy expected in 2015 Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year Five Other postretirement benefits, Medicare Part D subsidy expected in 2016 Price Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Commodity contracts-net Principal Amount Outstanding of Loans Held-in-portfolio Total securitized principal balance at December 31, Common stock issued, including treasury shares reissued Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Other Investments Proceeds from release of security deposit Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from disposals of leased assets and property, plant and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Total property, plant and equipment, at cost Property, plant and equipment - net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Net property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment - net Investments in available-for-sale securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Additions to finance receivables Payments to Acquire Finance Receivables Financing provided to buyer Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture Contribution to joint venture Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits Treasury shares purchased Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Restricted cash and short-term investments Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Employee separation charges Profit employed in the business Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) License fee income Licenses Revenue Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Sales and revenue recognition Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership before Transaction Equity method investment ownership percentage sold (as a percent) Sales of Machinery and Power Systems Revenue, Net Sales Schedule of Assumptions for Fair Value as of Balance Sheet Date of Assets or Liabilities that relate to Transferor's Continuing Involvement [Table Text Block] Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the retained interests as on the balance sheet date Schedule of Fair Value Assumption, Date of Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Transferor's Continuing Involvement, Servicing Assets or Liabilities [Table Text Block] Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the retained interests at the time of the transaction Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Components of net periodic benefit cost and weighted-average assumptions used to determine net cost Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Intangible assets Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Guarantees Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Long-term debt Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Goodwill Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Credit commitments Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block] Short-term borrowings Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, plant and equipment Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale, Gain (Loss) on Sale Pre-tax gains on sale of individual leases and finance receivables Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangements, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale by Type [Axis] Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items] Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale Schedule of Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangements, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Table] Security Deposit Security deposit related to a deposit obligation Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment information Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting Asset Reconciling Item Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Assets: Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Profit before taxes: Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Sales and revenues: Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment Total sales and revenues Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Reconciliation of Consolidated profit (loss) before taxes Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Senior Notes, Noncurrent Notes Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair Value Per Award (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares) Outstanding at end of year (in shares) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock-based compensation awards (in dollars) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Term of amortization of unrecognized compensation cost over weighted-average remaining requisite service periods (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period of 2011, 2010 and 2009 awards, after the date of grant (in years) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Axis] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Terms of Award Criteria for "Long Service Separation" Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Weighted-average dividend yield (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Weighted-average expected lives (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Weighted-average volatility (as a percent) Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted-average interest rates on short-term borrowings (as a percent) Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term borrowings: Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Short-term Debt Short-term borrowings Total short-term borrowings Site Contingency, Nature of Contingency [Domain] Site Contingency by Nature [Axis] Site Contingency [Line Items] Environmental Contingency, Penalties and Information Site Contingency [Table] Standard Product Warranty Accrual Warranty liability, beginning balance Warranty liability, ending balance Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Payments Reduction in liability (payments) Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Preexisting, Increase (Decrease) Changes in estimates for pre-existing warranties State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] U.S. state taxing jurisdictions Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Consolidated subsidiary, percentage ownership (as a percent) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible assets and goodwill Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount U.S. state tax credit carryforwards Tax credit carryforwards Income Taxes Paid Income taxes paid Total current assets Assets, Current Sales and servicing of trade receivables Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Treasury stock Treasury Stock [Member] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Current assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Equity or Capital Equity Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) Gross profit Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities Current liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Profit (loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Assets Unrecognized Tax Benefits Benefit for income taxes Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning Unrecognized tax benefits, ending Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Reductions for expiration of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Reductions for settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions related to current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate Unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Average common shares outstanding for fully diluted computation (C) Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (B) Common Stock [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum Maximum Useful Lives (Years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum Minimum Useful Lives (Years) Research and Development Expense Research and development expenses Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value Due in one year or less, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value Due after one year through five years, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Due after ten years, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Fair Value Total assets Assets. Segment assets Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Wholesale inventory receivable Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Income Tax Authority [Domain] Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends declared per share of common stock Types of Financial Instruments [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred taxes reported on line Noncurrent deferred and refundable income taxes in the Statement of Financial Position Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Equity method investment realized gain (loss) Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-based compensation Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Table Text Block] Equipment leased to others Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying amount of assets excluded from measurement at fair value Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Retained Interest, Fair Value Disclosure Securitized retained interests Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Undistributed profits of the unconsolidated affiliated companies Statement Statement [Line Items] Transferor's Interests in Transferred Financial Assets, Fair Value Outstanding retained interests of retail finance receivables, at fair value Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Balance Balance Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, Sales, Issuances, Settlements Purchases, issuances and settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Unrealized losses on securitized retained interests included in earnings Gains or losses included in earnings (realized and unrealized) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Gains or losses included in earnings (realized and unrealized). Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases, Sales, Issuances, Settlements Purchases, issuances and settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Expected return on plan assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of compensation increase (as a percent) Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Summary of tax credit carryforwards Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Summary of net operating loss carryforwards Common stock of $1.00 par: Authorized shares: 2,000,000,000 Issued shares: (2011, 2010 and 2009 - 814,894,624) at paid-in amount Common Stock, Including Additional Paid in Capital Selected quarterly financial results (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation. Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Fair value of plan assets. Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligation. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Amortization of actuarial (loss) gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax Current year prior service cost (credit) Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock: (2011 - 167,361,280 shares; 2010 - 176,071,910 shares; and 2009 - 190,171,905 shares) at cost Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net (Gain) Loss Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax of $221, $173 and $113 for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Tax Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Transition Asset (Obligation), Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax Amortization of transition (asset) obligation, net of tax of $1 Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Amortization of prior service (cost) credit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year Total Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair value disclosures Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Values of Financial Instruments Redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 24) Temporary Equity, Redemption Value Redeemable noncontrolling interest, after exchange rates impact Capital Leased Assets, Gross Gross capital leases Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Transition Asset (Obligation), Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Tax Amortization of transition (asset) obligation, tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Derivative financial instruments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Available-for-sale securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Pension and other postretirement benefits Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Long-term material purchase obligations Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Total Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets [Text Block] Securitizations Other Cost and Expense, Operating Other operating (income) expenses Other Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Other Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Transition Asset (Obligation), Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Amortization of transition (obligation) asset Total operating costs Operating Expenses Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Common shares under SARs and stock options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill related to business acquisition Business combination Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Other adjustments Other liabilities - net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Consolidated profit before taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities. Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares (Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax of $1, $2 and $5 for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Foreign currency translation, tax Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment Release of valuation allowances Income Tax Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision (benefit) for income taxes Provision (benefit) for income taxes Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Foreign exchange gains (losses) Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Profit employed in the business Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Equity Component [Domain] Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign currency contracts-net Short-term borrowings - net (original maturities three months or less) Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less Short-term Debt [Text Block] Short-term borrowings Long-term Debt [Text Block] Long-term debt Schedule of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum Maximum amortizable period of purchased intangibles (in years) Stock-based compensation expense Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Pre-tax stock-based compensation cost (in dollars) Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Raw materials Inventory, Supplies, Net of Reserves Supplies Segment, Geographical [Domain] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Shares repurchased: 27,267,026 Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Shares repurchased (in shares) Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income [Member] Non-cash activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of Options Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward] Restricted stock units activity Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value Available-for-sale securities Fair Value Dividends declared Dividends, Common Stock Net excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Profit per share Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Profit of consolidated and affiliated companies Profit (loss) of consolidated and affiliated companies Profit of consolidated and affiliated companies Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Profit (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Profit (loss) of consolidated and affiliated companies Profit (loss) of consolidated and affiliated companies Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Total depreciation and amortization Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) Total Comprehensive income (in dollars) Total stockholders' equity Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividends declared Medium-term Notes, Noncurrent Medium-term notes Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accrued expenses Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses Dividends Payable, Current Dividends payable Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued wages, salaries and employee benefits Defined Benefit Plan by Plan Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets by Measurement [Axis] Fair Value Plan Asset Measurement [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Transfers Between Measurement Levels Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Other assets (non-current asset) Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Liability for postemployment benefits (non-current liability)