Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Profit of consolidated companies	$ 131	$ 88	$ 302	$ 320
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax (expense)/benefit	(50)	154	(241)	395
Derivative financial instruments:
Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax (expense)/benefit	42	(14)	115	(41)
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax expense/(benefit)	(42)	11	(118)	41
Available-for-sale securities
Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax (expense)/benefit	0	(1)	0	0
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax expense/(benefit)	0	0	0	0
Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(50)	150	(244)	395
Comprehensive income (loss)	81	238	58	715
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests	0	5	7	11
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation	$ 81	$ 233	$ 51	$ 704