Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Change in Accounting Principle (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]

Schedule of Maximum Exposure to Loss from Variable Interest Entities

Our maximum exposure to loss from VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary was as follows:

(Millions of dollars)	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Receivables - trade and other	$	64	$	55
Receivables - finance	147		174
Long-term receivables - finance	233		246
Investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies	36		31
Guarantees	216		210
Total	$	696	$	716

In addition, Cat Financial has end-user customers that are VIEs of which we are not the primary beneficiary. Although we have provided financial support to these entities and therefore have a variable interest, we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance. Our maximum exposure to loss from our involvement with these VIEs is limited to the credit risk inherently present in the financial support that we have provided. These risks are evaluated and reflected in our financial statements as part of our overall portfolio of finance receivables and related allowance for credit losses.