Guarantees and Product Warranty (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of equity interest sold in subsidiary (as a percent)			65.00%
Related liability	$ 13	$ 13
Guarantor Obligations
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	808	805
Special-Purpose Corporation assets in Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	981	1,005
Special-Purpose Corporation liabilities in Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	981	1,005
Caterpillar dealer guarantees
Guarantor Obligations
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	201	193
Customer guarantees
Guarantor Obligations
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	62	62
Customer guarantees-supplier consortium
Guarantor Obligations
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	365	364
Third party logistics business guarantees
Guarantor Obligations
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	145	151
Other guarantees
Guarantor Obligations
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	$ 35	$ 35