Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Profit of consolidated companies	$ 144	$ 124
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax (expense)/benefit	(104)	106
Derivative financial instruments:
Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax (expense)/benefit	0	0
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax (expense)/benefit	1	1
Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(103)	107
Comprehensive income (loss)	41	231
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	3	3
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation	$ 38	$ 228