Segment Information (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Asset Reconciling Item
All other operating segments	$ 2,007	$ 2,035
Items not included in segment assets:
Cash and short-term investments	1,635	1,829
Deferred income taxes	3,442	3,576
Goodwill, intangible assets and other assets	4,030	4,461
Operating lease methodology difference	(544)	(511)
Liabilities included in segment assets	12,688	12,088
Inventory methodology differences	(3,078)	(2,786)
Other	28	25
Total assets	83,908	81,446
Reportable segments
Items not included in segment assets:
Total assets	63,700	60,729
Machinery and Power Systems
Segment Reporting Asset Reconciling Item
All other operating segments	2,007	2,035
Items not included in segment assets:
Cash and short-term investments	1,635	1,829
Intercompany receivables	102	75
Investment in Financial Products	4,055	4,035
Deferred income taxes	3,929	4,109
Goodwill, intangible assets and other assets	4,030	4,461
Operating lease methodology difference	(544)	(511)
Liabilities included in segment assets	12,688	12,088
Inventory methodology differences	(3,078)	(2,786)
Other	347	362
Total assets	56,413	54,679
Machinery and Power Systems | Reportable segments
Items not included in segment assets:
Total assets	31,242	28,982
Financial Products
Items not included in segment assets:
Other	(158)	(194)
Total assets	32,300	31,553
Financial Products | Reportable segments
Items not included in segment assets:
Total assets	32,458	31,714
Consolidating Adjustments
Items not included in segment assets:
Intercompany receivables	(102)	(75)
Investment in Financial Products	(4,055)	(4,035)
Deferred income taxes	(487)	(533)
Other	(161)	(143)
Total assets	$ (4,805)	$ (4,786)