Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Results of Operations of unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Sales	$ 166	$ 198
Cost of sales	126	161
Gross profit	40	37
Profit (loss)	10	(17)
Assets:
Current assets	335		345
Property, plant and equipment - net	193		200
Other assets	14		9
Assets	542		554
Liabilities:
Current liabilities	210		220
Long-term debt due after one year	70		72
Other liabilities	15		17
Liabilities	295		309
Equity	247		245
Caterpillar's investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Investments in equity method companies	118		111
Plus: Investments in cost method companies	21		22
Total investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies	$ 139		$ 133

This item represents the disclosure of summarized financial information for unconsolidated subsidiaries and 50 percent-or-less owned entities accounted for using the equity method of accounting. If investments in common stock of corporate joint ventures or other investments accounted for under the equity method are, in the aggregate, material in relation to the financial position or results of operations of an investor, it may be necessary to present summarized information as to liabilities of the investee, or group of investments for which combined disclosure is appropriate, either by individual financial statement caption or in groups, as appropriate. This element represents long-term debt.

No definition available.