Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Profit of consolidated companies	$ 325	$ 594	$ 390
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax (expense)/benefit	(309)	414	(104)
Derivative financial instruments:
Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax (expense)/benefit	98	(49)	15
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax expense/(benefit)	(129)	45	(16)
Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(340)	410	(105)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(15)	1,004	285
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests	13	15	(1)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation	$ (28)	$ 989	$ 286