Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity (USD $) In Millions	Total	Common stock [Member]	Additional paid-in capital [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]	Noncontrolling interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 3,781	$ 745	$ 2	$ 2,734	$ 217	$ 83
Profit of consolidated companies	86			83		3
Dividend paid to Cat Inc.	(300)			(300)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	172				171	1
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax	5				5
Balance at Mar. 31, 2011	3,744	745	2	2,517	393	87
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	3,470	745	2	2,512	116	95
Profit of consolidated companies	124			120		4
Dividend paid to Cat Inc.	(250)			(250)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	106				107	(1)
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax	1				1
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 3,451	$ 745	$ 2	$ 2,382	$ 224	$ 98