Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Results of Operations of unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Sales	$ 390	$ 258
Cost of sales	301	205
Gross profit	89	53
Profit (loss)	(14)	(3)
Assets:
Current assets	695		683
Property, plant and equipment - net	686		710
Other assets	582		608
Assets	1,963		2,001
Liabilities:
Current liabilities	466		437
Long-term debt due after one year	890		900
Other liabilities	216		262
Liabilities	1,572		1,599
Equity	391		402
Caterpillar's investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies:
Investments in equity method companies	256		262
Plus: Investments in cost method companies	10		10
Total investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies	$ 266		$ 272

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.