Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Profit of consolidated companies Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation, net of tax (expense)/benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Derivative financial instruments: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax (expense)/benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax (Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax (expense)/benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Guarantees [Abstract] Related liability Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted SPC's assets in Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Financial Special Purpose Company Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated Carrying Amount, Assets The carrying amount of the consolidated Special-Purpose Company's assets included in the reporting entity's statement of financial position. SPC's liabilities in Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Financial Special Purpose Company Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated Carrying Amount, Liabilities The carrying amount of the consolidated Special-Purpose Company's liabilities included in the reporting entity's statement of financial position. Receivables [Abstract] Impaired loans and finance leases Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Investment in customer loans and finance leases on non-accrual status Schedule of Financing Receivables, Non Accrual Status [Table Text Block] Aging related to loans and finance leases Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Allowance for credit losses and recorded investment in finance receivables Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Recorded investment in performing and non-performing finance receivables Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Loans and finance lease receivables modified as TDRs Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] TDR's with a payment default that had been modified within twelve months prior to the default date Troubled Debt Restructuring Payment Default by Customer Location [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of troubled debt restructurings with a payment default that had been modified within twelve months. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table] Financing Receivable Information by Portfolio Segment Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Financing Receivable Allowance Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Customer Customer [Member] Represents the information pertaining to the customer portfolio segment. Dealer Dealer [Member] Represents the information pertaining to the dealer portfolio segment. Caterpillar Purchased Receivables Caterpillar Purchased Receivables [Member] Represents the information pertaining to the trade receivables purchased from Caterpillar entities. Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Receivables written off Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Recoveries on receivables previously written off Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Recovery Provision for credit losses Provision for Loan and Lease Losses excluding Miscellaneous Receivables Provision charged for the period based on estimated losses to be realized from loan and lease transactions, excluding miscellaneous other receivables. Adjustment due to sale of receivables Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Adjustment Due to Sale of Receivables Reduction to the allowance for credit losses related to adjustments due to sale of receivables. Foreign currency translation adjustment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Reduction to the allowance for credit losses related to foreign currency translation adjustment. Balance at end of period Allowance for Credit Losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract] Individually evaluated for impairment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Collectively evaluated for impairment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Allowance, Ending Balance Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables Finance Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Individually evaluated for impairment Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Collectively evaluated for impairment Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income Derivative Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument Risk Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Derivative [Line Items] Derivative instruments, notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Transfers and Servicing Transfers and Servicing [Abstract] Loans Managed, Securitized or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement Loans Managed, Securitized or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement [Abstract] Off balance-sheet managed assets Principal Amount Outstanding on Loans Managed and Securitized or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement Servicing liability Servicing Liability Purchase of trade receivables from Caterpillar Entities Purchases of trade receivables from Caterpillar [Abstract] Purchases of trade receivables from parent entity [Abstract] Amortization of receivables purchase discount Amortization of receivables purchase discount This element represents the revenue recognized in the current period associated with the discount received on purchases of trade receivables from parent entity. Accounting Policies [Abstract] Residual values for leased assets Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for credit losses Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block] Income tax reserve Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Foreign currency translation, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Derivative financial instruments: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Effect [Abstract] Gains (losses) deferred, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax (Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments Segments [Axis] Segment Segments [Domain] North America North America [Member] Europe and CPF Europe and CPF [Member] This segment includes our operations that serve dealers and customers in Europe, Africa, Middle East, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Also includes Caterpillar Power Finance (CPF), which finances marine vessels with Caterpillar engines worldwide and also provides debt financing for Caterpillar electrical power generation, gas compression and co-generation systems, as well as non-Caterpillar equipment that is powered by these systems worldwide. Asia/Pacific Asia Pacific [Member] Latin America Latin America [Member] Mining Mining Reportable Segment [Member] This segment includes large mining customers worldwide. This segment also provides project financing in various countries. Consolidation Items Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Unallocated Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Timing Timing [Member] Timing differences in the recognition of costs between segment reporting and consolidated external reporting. Methodology Methodology [Member] Methodology differences between operating segment reporting and external reporting, including: (1) Segment assets include off-balance sheet managed assets for which servicing responsibilities are maintained; (2) The impact of the difference between the actual leverage and the segment leverage ratios; (3) Interest expense includes realized forward points on foreign currency forward contracts, with the mark-to-market elements of the forward exchange contracts included as methodology differences; and (4) Profit attributable to noncontrolling interests is considered a component of segment profit. Inter-segment Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segment Reporting Information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Financial Services Revenue Segment Profit Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Interest Expense Interest Expense Depreciation on equipment leased to others Operating Leases, Income Statement, Depreciation Expense on Property Subject to or Held-for-lease Provision for credit losses Provision for Loan and Lease Losses Segment Assets Assets Capital expenditures Expenditures for equipment on operating leases and for non leased transactions The cash outflow for purchases on long lived, depreciable tangible personal property, nonconsumable in nature, with finite lives used to generate rental income and the cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Issuance of guarantees Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Issuances Expiration of guarantees Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Liability Expiration Expiration of liabilities during the period in relation to liabilities measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Balance at end of period Location and fair value of derivative instruments reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Deferred gains (losses) recorded in AOCI on the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of effect of derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Profit Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of effect of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Profit Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Profit Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of offsetting of derivative assets and liabilities OffsettingAssetsandLiabilities [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of derivative and other financial assets and liabilities that are subject to offsetting, including master netting arrangements. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Roll-forwards of assets and liabilities measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair values of financial instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Cross currency contracts Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying amount of assets excluded from measurement at fair value Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Level 3 Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign currency contracts, in a receivable position Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Finance receivables, net (excluding finance leases) Finance Receivables, Net The carrying amount of outstanding finance receivables including accrued interest that are being measured at fair value. Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Interest rate swaps, in a net receivable position Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Finance leases Leases Receivable Net Commercial Lease Financing The amount, net of any allowance, of commercial loans (money lent to commercial entities rather than consumers) made in the form of direct financing leases where the reporting entity (lessor) only recognizes interest revenue from the lease. It also includes the amount of lease financing arising from involvement with leveraged lease transactions where the entity is in the position of long-term creditor. Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Foreign currency contracts, in a payable position Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Short-term borrowings Short-term Debt Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Interest rate swaps, in a net payable position Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Guarantees Guarantees, Fair Value Disclosure Period after which unpaid installments are considered as past due Period after which Unpaid Installments are Considered as Past Due This element represents the period after which the unpaid contractual payments are considered as past due. Period after which collection of future income is considered as not probable Period after which Collection of Future Income is Considered as Not Probable This element represents the period after which collection of future income is considered as not probable. Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Impaired Financing Receivable Impaired Financing Receivable [Axis] Attributes of financing receivables classified as impaired. Impaired Financing Receivable Impaired Financing Receivable [Domain] Represents a subset of a class of impaired financing receivables. Europe EMEA [Member] Mining Mining [Member] Finance receivables related to large mining customers worldwide. Caterpillar Power Finance Caterpillar Power Finance [Member] Finance receivables related to marine vessels with Caterpillar engines worldwide and Caterpillar electrical power generation, gas compression and co-generation systems and non-Caterpillar equipment that is powered by these systems worldwide. Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Abstract] 31-60 Days Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 31 to 60 Days Past Due Financing receivables that are less than 61 days past due but more than 30 days past due. 61-90 Days Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 61 to 90 Days Past Due Financing receivables that are less than 91 days past due but more than 60 days past due. 91 Plus Days Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Greater than 91 Days Past Due Financing receivables that are 91 days or more past due. Total Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Current Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Current Total gross finance receivables 91 Plus, Still Accruing Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 91 Days Past Due and Still Accruing Recorded investment in financing receivables that are 91 days or more past due and still accruing. Investment in loans and finance leases on non-accrual status Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Accrual of Interest Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Stockholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock - par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock - authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock - issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock - outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Designation Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Undesignated derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair value hedges Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cash flow hedges Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Income Statement Location Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest expense Interest Expense [Member] Other income (expense) Other Income (Expense) [Member] This element represents the location in statement of operations. Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Gains (Losses) on Borrowings Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Amount of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Recognized in Earnings (Ineffective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Guarantees Guarantees [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Financing Activities Financing Receivables [Text Block] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Internal Credit Assessment Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Total Performing and Non-Performing Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Performing Performing Financing Receivable [Member] Nonperforming Nonperforming Financing Receivable [Member] Recorded investment in finance receivables Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments for non-cash items: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Amortization of receivables purchase discount Gain on sales of receivables Gain (Loss) on Sale of Loans and Leases Other, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Receivables from others Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Other receivables/payables with Caterpillar Increase Decrease In Other Receivables Payables With Parent The net change during the reporting period in the total amount due within one year (or one operating cycle) from parent entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classifed as operating activities. Payable to dealers and others Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued interest payable Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Accrued expenses and other liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Payments on interest rate swaps Proceeds Payments On Interest Rate Swaps Net change during the period in the amount of cash proceeds/payments on interest rate swaps. Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures for equipment on operating leases and other capital expenditures Proceeds from disposals of equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Additions to finance receivables Payments to Acquire Finance Receivables Collections of finance receivables Proceeds from Collection of Finance Receivables Net changes in Caterpillar purchased receivables Net changes in Caterpillar purchased receivables The net change during the reporting period in receivables purchased from parent entity. Proceeds from sales of receivables Proceeds from Sale of Finance Receivables Net change in variable lending to Caterpillar Net Change In Variable Lending To Parent The net cash inflow or outflow associated with the variable lending agreement with parent entity. Additions to other notes receivable with Caterpillar Origination of Notes Receivable from Related Parties Collections on other notes receivable with Caterpillar Repayment of Notes Receivable from Related Parties Restricted cash and cash equivalents activity, net Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net change in variable lending from Caterpillar Net change in variable lending from Caterpillar The net cash inflow or outflow associated with the variable lending agreement with parent entity. Proceeds from debt issued (original maturities greater than three months) Proceeds from Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months Payments on debt issued (original maturities greater than three months) Repayments of Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months Short-term borrowings, net (original maturities three months or less) Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less Dividend paid to Caterpillar Payments of Dividends Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Information Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Derivative, by Nature Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name Derivative, Name [Domain] Balance at beginning of period, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Gains (losses) deferred during the period, net of tax (Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax Balance at end of period, net of tax Beginning balance, tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Ta Tax effect of the accumulated change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains and losses. Gains (losses) deferred during the period, tax (Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, tax Ending balance, tax Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement Statement [Table] Statement, Equity Components Equity Components [Axis] Total equity Equity Component [Domain] Common stock Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Foreign currency translation, net of tax Derivative financial instruments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Balance Reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Equity Components Equity Component Derivative financial instruments Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Other income (expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest Reclassifications before tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Tax (provision) benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Assets: Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Finance receivables Financing Receivable, Net [Abstract] Retail notes receivable Retail notes receivable Includes amounts due from loans that allow customers to use their equipment and other assets as collateral to obtain financing and amounts due from loans that allow dealers to use their equipment or other collateral to obtain financing for used equipment or working capital loans. Wholesale notes receivable Wholesale notes receivable Includes amounts due from inventory/rental programs, which provide assistance to dealers by financing their new equipment inventory and rental fleets. Also includes short-term receivables we purchase from parent entity at a discount. Finance leases and installment sale contracts - Retail Finance leases and installment sales contracts - Retail Amounts due from finance leases where the lessee is considered to be the owner of the equipment during the term of the lease and installment sales contracts that enable customers to purchase equipment with a down payment or trade-in and structure payment over time. Finance leases and installment sale contracts - Wholesale Finance leases and installment sales contracts - Wholesale Amounts due from inventory/rental programs, which assist dealers by financing their new equipment inventory and rental fleets either through finance leases where the lessee is considered to be the owner of the equipment or installment sales contracts that enables the dealer to purchase equipment with a down payment or trade-in. Total gross finance receivables Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross Less: Unearned income Loans and Leases Receivable, Deferred Income Less: Allowance for credit losses Total net finance receivables Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount Notes receivable from Caterpillar Notes Receivable, Related Parties Equipment on operating leases, less accumulated depreciation Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net Deferred and refundable income taxes Deferred and refundable income taxes Includes, as of the balance sheet date, 1) the aggregate tax effects of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and GAAP basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after deducting any allocated valuation allowance. 2) carrying amount due from tax authorities representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes. Other assets Other Assets Total assets Liabilities and stockholder's equity: Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Payable to dealers and others Accounts Payable Payable to Caterpillar - other Accounts Payable, Related Parties Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities Income taxes payable Taxes Payable Payable to Caterpillar - borrowings Notes Payable, Related Parties Short-term borrowings Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Deferred income taxes and other liabilities Deferred income taxes and Other Liabilities The aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future taxable amounts arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which will become taxable pursuant to enacted tax laws. Also, includes the aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingent liabilities (Notes 7 and 9) Commitments and Contingencies Common stock - $1 par value Authorized: 2,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: one share (at paid-in amount) Common Stocks, Including Additional Paid in Capital Additional paid-in capital Noncontrolling Interest Additional Paid In Capital Represents the difference between the consideration paid and the adjustment to the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest. Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholder's equity Total liabilities and stockholder's equity Liabilities and Equity New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Estimated annual tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Benefit reflecting the impact of the American Taxpayer Relief Act Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Other, Amount Schedule of Impaired Financing Receivable Schedule of Impaired Financing Receivable [Table] Financing Receivable, Impaired Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items] Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance With No Allowance Recorded Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance Related Allowance With No Allowance Recorded ImpairedFinancingReceivableNoRelatedAllowance Amount of allowance for credit losses related to recorded investment. Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance With An Allowance Recorded Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance Related Allowance Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance Recorded Investment, Total Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance, Total Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance Related Allowance, Total Average Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized With No Allowance Recorded Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method Average Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized With An Allowance Recorded Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method Average Recorded Investment, Total Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized, Total Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Level 1 Level 2 Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative financial instruments, net Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Total Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Guarantees Total Liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Deferred net losses, interest rate risk, to be reclassified from equity to current earnings over the next twelve months Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Schedule of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Foreign currency translation Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Balance at beginning of period Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income/(loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Balance at end of period Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructurings Schedule of Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructurings [Table] Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructurings Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Axis] Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructurings Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Domain] Financing Receivable, Modifications Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items] Loans and finance lease receivables modified as TDRs Loan and finance lease receivables modified as TDRs [Abstract] Loan and finance lease receivables modified as TDRs Number of Contracts Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts Pre-TDR Outstanding Recorded Investment Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment Post-TDR Outstanding Recorded Investment Financing Receivable, Modifications, Post-Modification Recorded Investment TDRs with a payment default which had been modified within twelve months prior to the default date TDRs which had been modified within twelve months of the default date [Abstract] Loans and leases modified as TDRs within previous twelve months that subsequently defaulted Number of Contracts Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts Post-TDR Recorded Investment Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Recorded Investment Additional investments not recorded Additional investments not recorded The amount of the additional funds subsequently loaned to a borrower whose terms had been modified in a troubled debt restructuring. Remaining commitments Remaining commitments The amount of remaining commitments to loan funds to a borrower whose terms had been modified in a troubled debt restructuring. Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Gross Amount of Recognized Assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Gross Amounts Offset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net Amount of Assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Gross Amounts Not Offset, Financial Instruments Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Gross Amounts Not Offset, Cash Collateral Received Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Net Amount Derivative Asset Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Gross Amounts Offset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net Amount of Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Gross Amounts Not Offset, Financial Instruments Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Gross Amounts Not Offset, Cash Collateral Pledged Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Net Amount Derivative Liability Fair value of impaired loans Fair value of impaired loans The fair value of impaired loans. Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Retail finance Retail finance revenue Includes revenue earned on loans that allow customers and dealers to use their equipment or other assets as collateral to obtain financing. Also includes the revenue recognized from retail finance leases and installment sales contract. Operating lease Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Wholesale finance Wholesale finance revenue Includes revenue earned on inventory/rental programs, which provide assistance to dealers by financing their new equipment inventory and rental fleets. Also includes revenue earned on short-term receivables we purchase from parent entity at a discount. Other, net Revenue, Other Financial Services Total revenues Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Interest General, operating and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Other Other Cost and Expense, Operating Total expenses Financial Services Costs Profit before income taxes Provision for income taxes Profit of consolidated companies Less: Profit attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Profit Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Balance Sheet Location Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other assets Other Assets [Member] Accrued expenses Other Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Asset Fair Value Liability Fair Value Asset (Liability) Fair Value Derivative, Fair Value, Net Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]