Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Profit of consolidated companies	$ 390	$ 461	$ 544
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax (expense)/benefit	(104)	(545)	(481)
Derivative financial instruments:
Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax (expense)/benefit	15	2	(4)
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax expense/(benefit)	(16)	3	4
Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(105)	(540)	(481)
Comprehensive income (loss)	285	(79)	63
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1)	(6)	9
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation	$ 286	$ (73)	$ 54