Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Profit of consolidated companies	$ 88	$ 98	$ 320	$ 303
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax (expense)/benefit	154	(5)	395	100
Derivative financial instruments:
Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax (expense)/benefit	(14)	(10)	(41)	(15)
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax expense/(benefit)	11	7	41	13
Available-for-sale securities:
Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax (expense)/benefit	(1)	1	0	(1)
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax expense/(benefit)	0	0	0	0
Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	150	(7)	395	97
Comprehensive income (loss)	238	91	715	400
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests	5	1	11	2
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation	$ 233	$ 90	$ 704	$ 398