Investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2012 Third party logistics business
Results of Operations of unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Sales	$ 1,084	$ 966	$ 812
Cost of sales	872	797	627
Gross profit	212	169	185
Profit (loss)	28	(46)	(36)
Assets:
Current assets	715	345	414
Property, plant and equipment - net	529	200	196
Other assets	616	9	39
Assets	1,860	554	649
Liabilities:
Current liabilities	443	220	274
Long-term debt due after one year	708	72	72
Other liabilities	170	17	40
Liabilities	1,321	309	386
Equity	539	245	263
Caterpillar's investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Investments in equity method companies	256	111	135
Plus: Investments in cost method companies	16	22	29
Total investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies	$ 272	$ 133	$ 164
Disposal groups
Ownership percentage of investments in companies accounted for under the equity method (as a percent)				35.00%

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.