Guarantees and Product Warranty (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of equity interest sold in subsidiary (as a percent)			65.00%
Related liability	$ 15	$ 14
Guarantor Obligations
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	804	486
Special-Purpose Corporation assets in Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	1,044	927
Special-Purpose Corporation liabilities in Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	1,043	927
Caterpillar dealer guarantees
Guarantor Obligations
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	201	180
Customer guarantees
Guarantor Obligations
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	53	77
Customer guarantees-supplier consortium
Guarantor Obligations
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	359	0
Third party logistics business guarantees
Guarantor Obligations
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	156	176
Other guarantees
Guarantor Obligations
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	$ 35	$ 53