Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Profit of consolidated companies	$ 594	$ 390	$ 461
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax (expense)/benefit	414	(104)	(545)
Derivative financial instruments:
Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax (expense)/benefit	(49)	15	2
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax expense/(benefit)	45	(16)	3
Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	410	(105)	(540)
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,004	285	(79)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests	15	(1)	(6)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation	$ 989	$ 286	$ (73)