| **Financing Activities**            | 6 Months Ended                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               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| **Financing Activities [Abstract]** |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              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| Financing Activities                | Financing ActivitiesA. Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and Allowance for Credit LossesWe apply a systematic methodology to determine the allowance for credit losses for finance receivables.  Based upon our analysis of credit losses and risk factors, our portfolio segments are as follows:  •Customer - Finance receivables with retail customers.•Dealer - Finance receivables with Caterpillar dealers.•Caterpillar Purchased Receivables - Trade receivables purchased from Caterpillar entities.We further evaluate our portfolio segments by the class of finance receivables, which is defined as a level of information (below a portfolio segment) in which the finance receivables have the same initial measurement attribute and a similar method for assessing and monitoring credit risk.  Typically, our finance receivables within a geographic area have similar credit risk profiles and methods for assessing and monitoring credit risk.  Our classes, which align with management reporting for credit losses, are as follows:•North America - Finance receivables originated in the United States or Canada.•Europe - Finance receivables originated in Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Commonwealth of Independent States.•Asia/Pacific - Finance receivables originated in Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.•Mining - Finance receivables related to large mining customers worldwide.•Latin America - Finance receivables originated in Central and South American countries and Mexico.•Caterpillar Power Finance - Finance receivables related to marine vessels with Caterpillar engines worldwide and Caterpillar electrical power generation, gas compression and co-generation systems and non-Caterpillar equipment that is powered by these systems worldwide.Impaired loans and finance leasesFor all classes, a loan or finance lease is considered impaired, based on current information and events, if it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan or finance lease.  Loans and finance leases reviewed for impairment include loans and finance leases that are past due, non-performing or in bankruptcy. Recognition of income is suspended and the loan or finance lease is placed on non-accrual status when management determines that collection of future income is not probable (generally after 120 days past due).  Accrual is resumed, and previously suspended income is recognized, when the loan or finance lease becomes contractually current and/or collection doubts are removed.  Cash receipts on impaired loans or finance leases are recorded against the receivable and then to any unrecognized income.There were no impaired loans or finance leases as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, for the Dealer and Caterpillar Purchased Receivables portfolio segments.  The average recorded investment for impaired loans and finance leases for the Dealer and Caterpillar Purchased Receivables portfolio segments was zero for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.Individually impaired loans and finance leases for the customer portfolio segment were as follows:(Millions of dollars)            As of June 30, 2012 As of December 31, 2011Impaired Loans and Finance Leases WithNo Allowance Recorded(1)RecordedInvestment UnpaidPrincipalBalance RelatedAllowance RecordedInvestment(2) UnpaidPrincipalBalance(2) RelatedAllowanceCustomer           North America$46 $44 $— $83 $80 $—Europe45 44 — 47 46 —Asia/Pacific3 3 — 4 4 —Mining8 8 — 8 8 —Latin America5 5 — 9 9 —Caterpillar Power Finance175 174 — 175 170 —Total$282 $278 $— $326 $317 $—Impaired Loans and Finance Leases WithAn Allowance Recorded           Customer           North America$58 $53 $12 $69 $64 $15Europe38 38 11 36 33 12Asia/Pacific28 28 4 13 13 3Mining69 68 7 13 13 4Latin America45 45 7 25 25 6Caterpillar Power Finance112 108 20 93 92 16Total$350 $340 $61 $249 $240 $56Total Impaired Loans and Finance Leases           Customer           North America$104 $97 $12 $152 $144 $15Europe83 82 11 83 79 12Asia/Pacific31 31 4 17 17 3Mining77 76 7 21 21 4Latin America50 50 7 34 34 6Caterpillar Power Finance287 282 20 268 262 16Total$632 $618 $61 $575 $557 $56            (1)There was no related allowance for credit losses due to sufficient collateral value.(2)Amounts previously disclosed have been revised due to immaterial errors. (Millions of dollars)        Three Months EndedJune 30, 2012 Three Months EndedJune 30, 2011Impaired Loans and Finance Leases With No AllowanceRecorded(1)AverageRecordedInvestment InterestIncomeRecognized AverageRecordedInvestment(2) InterestIncomeRecognizedCustomer       North America$57 $— $104 $1Europe45 — 8 —Asia/Pacific3 — 6 —Mining8 — 8 —Latin America5 — 10 —Caterpillar Power Finance203 1 261 —Total$321 $1 $397 $1        Impaired Loans and Finance Leases With An AllowanceRecorded       Customer       North America$66 $1 $162 $2Europe40 — 53 —Asia/Pacific24 — 18 1Mining41 1 — —Latin America40 1 46 1Caterpillar Power Finance86 — 72 —Total$297 $3 $351 $4        Total Impaired Loans and Finance Leases       Customer       North America$123 $1 $266 $3Europe85 — 61 —Asia/Pacific27 — 24 1Mining49 1 8 —Latin America45 1 56 1Caterpillar Power Finance289 1 333 —Total$618 $4 $748 $5        (1)There was no related allowance for credit losses due to sufficient collateral value. (2)Amounts previously disclosed have been revised due to immaterial errors.(Millions of dollars)        Six Months EndedJune 30, 2012 Six Months EndedJune 30, 2011Impaired Loans and Finance Leases With No AllowanceRecorded(1)AverageRecordedInvestment InterestIncomeRecognized AverageRecordedInvestment(2) InterestIncomeRecognizedCustomer       North America$63 $1 $97 $2Europe45 — 7 —Asia/Pacific3 — 5 —Mining8 — 8 —Latin America6 — 7 —Caterpillar Power Finance191 2 231 1Total$316 $3 $355 $3        Impaired Loans and Finance Leases With An AllowanceRecorded       Customer       North America$69 $1 $176 $4Europe40 — 58 1Asia/Pacific22 1 22 1Mining29 1 — —Latin America33 1 46 2Caterpillar Power Finance87 — 59 —Total$280 $4 $361 $8        Total Impaired Loans and Finance Leases       Customer       North America$132 $2 $273 $6Europe85 — 65 1Asia/Pacific25 1 27 1Mining37 1 8 —Latin America39 1 53 2Caterpillar Power Finance278 2 290 1Total$596 $7 $716 $11        (1)There was no related allowance for credit losses due to sufficient collateral value.(2)Amounts previously disclosed have been revised due to immaterial errors. Non-accrual and past due loans and finance leasesFor all classes, we consider a loan or finance lease past due if any portion of a contractual payment is due and unpaid for more than 30 days.  Recognition of income is suspended and the loan or finance lease is placed on non-accrual status when management determines that collection of future income is not probable (generally after 120 days past due).  Accrual is resumed, and previously suspended income is recognized, when the loan or finance lease becomes contractually current and/or collection doubts are removed. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were no loans or finance leases on non-accrual status for the Dealer or Caterpillar Purchased Receivables portfolio segments.The investment in customer loans and finance leases on non-accrual status was as follows: (Millions of dollars)    June 30, 2012 December 31, 2011Customer   North America$92 $112Europe48 58Asia/Pacific30 24Mining12 12Latin America169 108Caterpillar Power Finance297 158Total$648 $472     Aging related to loans and finance leases were as follows: (Millions of dollars)              June 30, 2012 31-60DaysPast Due 61-90DaysPast Due 91+DaysPast Due TotalPast Due Current TotalFinance Receivables 91+ Still AccruingCustomer             North America$41 $17 $89 $147 $5,572 $5,719 $1Europe32 27 56 115 2,204 2,319 10Asia/Pacific82 29 42 153 3,209 3,362 15Mining4 — 12 16 1,708 1,724 —Latin America45 23 157 225 2,354 2,579 —Caterpillar Power Finance83 32 177 292 2,876 3,168 14Dealer           North America— — — — 2,411 2,411 —Europe— — — — 425 425 —Asia/Pacific— — — — 991 991 —Mining— — — — 1 1 —Latin America— — — — 891 891 —Caterpillar Power Finance— — — — — — —Caterpillar Purchased Receivables           North America16 4 1 21 1,802 1,823 1Europe1 — — 1 383 384 —Asia/Pacific— — — — 418 418 —Mining— — — — — — —Latin America— — — — 473 473 —Caterpillar Power Finance2 — — 2 26 28 —Total$306 $132 $534 $972 $25,744 $26,716 $41               (Millions of dollars)              December 31, 2011 31-60DaysPast Due 61-90DaysPast Due 91+DaysPast Due TotalPast Due Current TotalFinanceReceivables 91+ Still AccruingCustomer             North America$75 $39 $111 $225 $5,448 $5,673 $9Europe27 11 57 95 2,129 2,224 10Asia/Pacific48 23 38 109 3,102 3,211 14Mining— — 12 12 1,473 1,485 —Latin America32 15 99 146 2,339 2,485 —Caterpillar Power Finance14 16 125 155 2,765 2,920 25Dealer           North America— — 2 2 2,412 2,414 2Europe— — — — 334 334 —Asia/Pacific— — — — 516 516 —Mining— — — — — — —Latin America— — — — 709 709 —Caterpillar Power Finance— — — — — — —Caterpillar Purchased Receivables           North America25 4 6 35 1,801 1,836 6Europe3 — — 3 399 402 —Asia/Pacific— — — — 465 465 —Mining— — — — — — —Latin America— — — — 422 422 —Caterpillar Power Finance— — — — 29 29 —Total$224 $108 $450 $782 $24,343 $25,125 $66               Allowance for credit losses In estimating the Allowance for credit losses, we review loans and finance leases that are past due, non-performing or in bankruptcy.  The allowance for credit losses as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was as follows:(Millions of dollars)        June 30, 2012Allowance for Credit Losses:Customer Dealer CaterpillarPurchased Receivables TotalBalance at beginning of year$360 $6 $3 $369Receivables written off(50) — — (50)Recoveries on receivables previously written off23 — — 23Provision for credit losses51 2 — 53Adjustment due to sale of receivables(1) — — (1)Foreign currency translation adjustment(1) — — (1)Balance at end of period$382 $8 $3 $393        Individually evaluated for impairment$61 $— $— $61Collectively evaluated for impairment321 8 3 332Ending Balance$382 $8 $3 $393        Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables:       Individually evaluated for impairment$632 $— $— $632Collectively evaluated for impairment18,239 4,719 3,126 26,084Ending Balance$18,871 $4,719 $3,126 $26,716         (Millions of dollars)        December 31, 2011Allowance for Credit Losses:Customer Dealer CaterpillarPurchased Receivables TotalBalance at beginning of year$357 $5 $1 $363Receivables written off(210) — — (210)Recoveries on receivables previously written off52 — — 52Provision for credit losses167 1 2 170Adjustment due to sale of receivables(3) — — (3)Foreign currency translation adjustment(3) — — (3)Balance at end of year$360 $6 $3 $369        Individually evaluated for impairment$56 $— $— $56Collectively evaluated for impairment304 6 3 313Ending Balance$360 $6 $3 $369        Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables(1):       Individually evaluated for impairment$575 $— $— $575Collectively evaluated for impairment17,423 3,973 3,154 24,550Ending Balance$17,998 $3,973 $3,154 $25,125        (1)Amounts previously disclosed for the customer segment have been revised due to immaterial errors.Credit quality of finance receivablesThe credit quality of finance receivables is reviewed on a monthly basis.  Credit quality indicators include performing and non-performing.  Non-performing is defined as finance receivables currently over 120 days past due and/or on non-accrual status or in bankruptcy.  Finance receivables not meeting the criteria listed above are considered performing.  Non-performing receivables have the highest probability for credit loss.  The allowance for credit losses attributable to non-performing receivables is based on the most probable source of repayment, which is normally the liquidation of collateral.  In determining collateral value, we estimate the current fair market value of the collateral.  In addition, we consider credit enhancements such as additional collateral and contractual third-party guarantees in determining the allowance for credit losses attributable to non-performing receivables. The recorded investment in performing and non-performing finance receivables was as follows:(Millions of dollars)        June 30, 2012 Customer Dealer CaterpillarPurchased Receivables TotalPerforming       North America$5,627 $2,411 $1,823 $9,861Europe2,271 425 384 3,080Asia/Pacific3,332 991 418 4,741Mining1,712 1 — 1,713Latin America2,410 891 473 3,774Caterpillar Power Finance2,871 — 28 2,899Total Performing$18,223 $4,719 $3,126 $26,068Non-Performing       North America$92 $— $— $92Europe48 — — 48Asia/Pacific30 — — 30Mining12 — — 12Latin America169 — — 169Caterpillar Power Finance297 — — 297Total Non-Performing$648 $— $— $648Total Performing and Non-Performing       North America$5,719 $2,411 $1,823 $9,953Europe2,319 425 384 3,128Asia/Pacific3,362 991 418 4,771Mining1,724 1 — 1,725Latin America2,579 891 473 3,943Caterpillar Power Finance3,168 — 28 3,196Total$18,871 $4,719 $3,126 $26,716         (Millions of dollars)        December 31, 2011 Customer Dealer CaterpillarPurchased Receivables TotalPerforming       North America$5,561 $2,414 $1,836 $9,811Europe2,166 334 402 2,902Asia/Pacific3,187 516 465 4,168Mining1,473 — — 1,473Latin America2,377 709 422 3,508Caterpillar Power Finance2,762 — 29 2,791Total Performing$17,526 $3,973 $3,154 $24,653Non-Performing       North America$112 $— $— $112Europe58 — — 58Asia/Pacific24 — — 24Mining12 — — 12Latin America108 — — 108Caterpillar Power Finance158 — — 158Total Non-Performing$472 $— $— $472Total Performing and Non-Performing       North America$5,673 $2,414 $1,836 $9,923Europe2,224 334 402 2,960Asia/Pacific3,211 516 465 4,192Mining1,485 — — 1,485Latin America2,485 709 422 3,616Caterpillar Power Finance2,920 — 29 2,949Total$17,998 $3,973 $3,154 $25,125        Troubled Debt RestructuringsA restructuring of a loan or finance lease receivable constitutes a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) when the lender grants a concession it would not otherwise consider to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties. Concessions granted may include extended contract maturities, inclusion of interest only periods, below market interest rates, and extended skip payment periods.  TDRs are reviewed along with other receivables as part of management’s ongoing evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses.  The allowance for credit losses attributable to TDRs is based on the most probable source of repayment, which is normally the liquidation of collateral.  In determining collateral value, we estimate the current fair market value of the collateral.  In addition, we consider credit enhancements such as additional collateral and contractual third-party guarantees in determining the allowance for credit losses attributable to TDRs.There were no loans or finance lease receivables modified as TDRs during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 for the Dealer or Caterpillar Purchased Receivables portfolio segments.Loan and finance lease receivables in the customer portfolio segment modified as TDRs during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, were as follows:(Dollars in millions)            Three Months EndedJune 30, 2012 Three Months EndedJune 30, 2011 Number ofContracts Pre-TDROutstandingRecorded Investment Post-TDROutstandingRecorded Investment Number ofContracts Pre-TDROutstandingRecorded Investment Post-TDROutstandingRecorded InvestmentCustomer           North America18 $2 $2 15 $4 $4Europe— — — 5 6 6Asia/Pacific— — — — — —Mining— — — — — —Latin America— — — 4 5 5  Caterpillar Power Finance (1) (2)— — — 25 60 60Total(3)18 $2 $2 49 $75 $75             Six Months EndedJune 30, 2012 Six Months EndedJune 30, 2011 Number ofContracts Pre-TDROutstandingRecorded Investment Post-TDROutstandingRecorded Investment Number ofContracts Pre-TDROutstandingRecorded Investment Post-TDROutstandingRecorded InvestmentCustomer           North America41 $4 $4 39 $9 $9Europe7 7 7 6 7 7Asia/Pacific— — — — — —Mining— — — — — —Latin America— — — 12 10 10  Caterpillar Power Finance (1) (2)5 32 32 31 113 113Total(3)53 $43 $43 88 $139 $139            (1)Two customers comprise $55 million of the $60 million pre-TDR and post-TDR outstanding recorded investment for the three months ended June 30, 2011.  Three customers comprise the $32 million pre-TDR and post-TDR outstanding recorded investment for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  Four customers comprise $105 million of the $113 million pre-TDR and post-TDR outstanding recorded investment for the six months ended June 30, 2011.(2)During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, $6 million and $15 million, respectively, of additional funds were subsequently loaned to a borrower whose terms had been modified in a TDR.  The $6 million and $15 million of additional funds are not reflected in the tables above as no incremental modifications have been made with the borrower during the periods presented.  At June 30, 2012, remaining commitments to lend additional funds to a borrower whose terms have been modified in a TDR were $7 million.(3)Modifications include extended contract maturities, inclusion of interest only periods, below market interest rates, and extended skip payment periods. TDRs in the customer portfolio segment with a payment default during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, which had been modified within twelve months prior to the default date, were as follows:(Dollars in millions)        Three Months EndedJune 30, 2012 Three Months EndedJune 30, 2011 Number ofContracts Post-TDRRecordedInvestment Number ofContracts Post-TDRRecordedInvestmentCustomer       North America14 $1 7 $3Europe— — 1 1Asia/Pacific— — — —Mining— — — —Latin America— — — —Caterpillar Power Finance2 2 — —Total16 $3 8 $4         Six Months EndedJune 30, 2012 Six Months EndedJune 30, 2011 Number ofContracts Post-TDRRecordedInvestment Number ofContracts Post-TDRRecordedInvestmentCustomer       North America25 $2 41 $9Europe— — 1 1Asia/Pacific— — — —Mining— — — —Latin America— — — —Caterpillar Power Finance(1)16 21 6 5Total41 $23 48 $15        (1)Two customers comprise $19 million of the $21 million post-TDR recorded investment for the six months ended June 30, 2012.B.Sales and Servicing of Finance Receivables Individual loans and leases are sold to third parties with limited or no recourse to us to mitigate the concentration of credit risk with certain customers.  In accordance with accounting for transfers and servicing of financial assets, the transfers to the third parties are accounted for as sales. We typically maintain servicing responsibilities for these third-party assets, which totaled $270 million and $235 million as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Since we do not receive a servicing fee for these assets, a servicing liability is recorded.  As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, these liabilities were not significant.In addition, we have periodically securitized certain finance receivables relating to our retail installment sale contracts and finance leases as part of our asset-backed securitization program.  On April 25, 2011, we exercised a cleanup call on our only outstanding asset-backed securitization transaction.  As a result, we had no assets or liabilities related to our securitization program as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  These transactions provide a source of liquidity and allow for better management of our balance sheet capacity.  None of the receivables that are directly or indirectly sold or transferred to third parties in any of the foregoing transactions are available to pay our creditors.C.Purchases of trade receivables from Caterpillar entities We purchase trade receivables from Caterpillar entities at a discount.  The discount is an estimate of the amount of financing revenue that would be earned at a market rate on these trade receivables over their expected life.  The discount is amortized into revenue on an effective yield basis over the life of the receivables and recognized as Wholesale finance revenue.  Amortized discounts for the trade receivables were $63 million and $57 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $120 million and $102 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  In the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, collection of the discount is included in investing activities as the receivables are collected. |

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| - Definition
This element may include the following disclosures in respect of finance receivables, credit quality of financing receivables and allowance for credit losses, sales and servicing of finance receivables and purchases of trade receivables from Caterpillar entities.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details**Name:**cfsc_FinancingActivities**Namespace Prefix:**cfsc_**Data Type:**nonnum:textBlockItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |
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