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	229			224		5
Dividend paid to Cat Inc.	(250)			(250)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	(61)				(61)
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax	0				0
Balance at Jun. 30, 2012	3,388	745	2	2,486	55	100
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	3,723	745	2	2,694	176	106
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Profit of consolidated companies	258			252		6
Dividend paid to Cat Inc.	(100)			(100)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	(165)				(167)	2
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax	4				4
Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	$ 3,720	$ 745	$ 2	$ 2,846	$ 13	$ 114