Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cat Financial and consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) in which Cat Financial is the primary beneficiary. We consolidate all VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary. For VIEs, we assess whether we are the primary beneficiary as prescribed by the accounting guidance on the consolidation of VIEs. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the entity. Please refer to Note 11 for more information. We have customers and dealers that are VIEs of which we are not the primary beneficiary. Although we have provided financial support to these entities and therefore have a variable interest, we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance. Our maximum exposure to loss from our involvement with these VIEs is limited to the credit risk inherently present in the financial support that we have provided. These risks are evaluated and reflected in our financial statements as part of our overall portfolio of finance receivables and related allowance for credit losses. Certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to conform with current period financial statement presentation.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Finance revenue is recorded over the life of the related finance receivable using the interest method, including the accretion of purchased receivables discount and certain direct origination costs that are deferred. Revenue from rental payments received on operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Recognition of finance revenue and operating lease revenue is suspended and the account is placed on non-accrual status when management determines that collection of future income is not probable (generally after 120 days past due). Recognition is resumed and previously suspended income is recognized when the account becomes current and collection of remaining amounts is considered probable. Interest earned but uncollected prior to the receivable being placed on non-accrual status is written off through Provision for credit losses when, in the judgment of management, it is considered uncollectible. We participate in certain marketing programs offered in conjunction with Caterpillar and/or Caterpillar dealers that allow us to periodically offer financing to customers at interest rates that are below market rates. Under these marketing programs, Caterpillar and/or the dealer funds an amount at the outset of the transaction, which we then recognize as revenue over the term of the financing. The funds we receive from Caterpillar and/or the dealer equal an amount that when combined with the customer’s contractual interest provides us with a market interest rate. Other revenue includes: (1) late charges, (2) fee revenue, primarily commitment fees and fees on committed lines of credit or letters of credit, (3) gains and losses on sales of returned or repossessed equipment, (4) impairments on returned or repossessed equipment held for sale, (5) gains and losses on loan and lease sales and (6) other miscellaneous revenues. Other revenue items are recognized in accordance with relevant authoritative pronouncements.
Depreciation	Depreciation Depreciation for equipment on operating leases is recognized using the straight-line method over the lease term, typically one to seven years. The depreciable basis is the original cost of the equipment less the estimated residual value of the equipment at the end of the lease term.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments Our earnings and cash flow are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. Our Risk Management Policy (policy) allows for the use of derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate exposures. Our policy specifies that derivatives are not to be used for speculative purposes. Derivatives that we use are primarily foreign currency forward, option and cross currency contracts and interest rate contracts. All derivatives are recorded at fair value. See Note 9 for additional information.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency for most of our subsidiaries is the respective local currency. Gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of foreign currency amounts to the functional currency are included in Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Profit. Gains and losses resulting from translating assets and liabilities from the functional currency to U.S. dollars are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Estimates in Financial Statements	Estimates in Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts. Significant estimates include residual values for leased assets, allowance for credit losses and income taxes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.