Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Profit of consolidated companies	$ 124	$ 86
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax (expense)/benefit	106	172
Derivative financial instruments:
Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax (expense)/benefit	0	0
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax (expense)/benefit	1	5
Total Other comprehensive income, net of tax	107	177
Comprehensive income	231	263
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	3	4
Comprehensive income attributable to Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation	$ 228	$ 259