Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	Noncontrolling interests
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 3,470	$ 745	$ 2	$ 2,512	$ 116	$ 95
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
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
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	3,723	745	2	2,694	176	106
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Profit of consolidated companies	144			141		3
Dividend paid to Cat Inc.	0
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	(104)				(104)	0
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax	1				1
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 3,764	$ 745	$ 2	$ 2,835	$ 73	$ 109