| **Financing Activities**   | 3 Months Ended                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         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| **Receivables [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 except in locations where local regulatory requirements dictate a different method, or instances in which relevant information is known that warrants placing the loan or finance lease on non-accrual status).  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 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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 months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.Individually impaired loans and finance leases for the Customer portfolio segment were as follows:(Millions of dollars)            As of March 31, 2013 As of December 31, 2012Impaired Loans and Finance Leases WithNo Allowance RecordedRecordedInvestment UnpaidPrincipalBalance RelatedAllowance RecordedInvestment UnpaidPrincipalBalance RelatedAllowanceCustomer           North America$25 $23 $— $28 $27 $—Europe44 44 — 45 45 —Asia/Pacific5 5 — 2 2 —Mining— — — 1 1 —Latin America8 8 — 7 7 —Caterpillar Power Finance285 285 — 295 295 —Total$367 $365 $— $378 $377 $—Impaired Loans and Finance Leases WithAn Allowance Recorded           Customer           North America$39 $36 $12 $47 $43 $10Europe37 34 11 40 37 14Asia/Pacific48 48 11 35 35 8Mining40 39 9 23 23 5Latin America60 60 18 43 43 12Caterpillar Power Finance145 141 40 116 112 24Total$369 $358 $101 $304 $293 $73Total Impaired Loans and Finance Leases           Customer           North America$64 $59 $12 $75 $70 $10Europe81 78 11 85 82 14Asia/Pacific53 53 11 37 37 8Mining40 39 9 24 24 5Latin America68 68 18 50 50 12Caterpillar Power Finance430 426 40 411 407 24Total$736 $723 $101 $682 $670 $73             (Millions of dollars)        Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2013 Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2012Impaired Loans and Finance Leases With No AllowanceRecordedAverageRecordedInvestment InterestIncomeRecognized AverageRecordedInvestment InterestIncomeRecognizedCustomer       North America$28 $1 $67 $1Europe45 — 46 —Asia/Pacific4 — 3 —Mining— — 8 —Latin America9 — 6 —Caterpillar Power Finance285 — 185 1Total$371 $1 $315 $2        Impaired Loans and Finance Leases With An AllowanceRecorded       Customer       North America$42 $— $72 $—Europe41 1 40 —Asia/Pacific43 1 20 1Mining32 — 13 —Latin America54 1 26 —Caterpillar Power Finance131 — 87 —Total$343 $3 $258 $1        Total Impaired Loans and Finance Leases       Customer       North America$70 $1 $139 $1Europe86 1 86 —Asia/Pacific47 1 23 1Mining32 — 21 —Latin America63 1 32 —Caterpillar Power Finance416 — 272 1Total$714 $4 $573 $3        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 except in locations where local regulatory requirements dictate a different method, or instances in which relevant information is known that warrants placing the loan or finance lease on non-accrual status).  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 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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)    March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012Customer   North America$48 $59Europe41 38Asia/Pacific53 36Mining12 12Latin America167 148Caterpillar Power Finance196 220Total$517 $513     Aging related to loans and finance leases was as follows: (Millions of dollars)              March 31, 2013 31-60DaysPast Due 61-90DaysPast Due 91+DaysPast Due TotalPast Due Current TotalFinance Receivables 91+ Still AccruingCustomer             North America$27 $7 $43 $77 $5,921 $5,998 $1Europe33 16 41 90 2,411 2,501 6Asia/Pacific62 34 81 177 3,256 3,433 30Mining5 — 12 17 2,102 2,119 —Latin America87 26 152 265 2,592 2,857 —Caterpillar Power Finance8 31 92 131 3,082 3,213 2Dealer           North America— — — — 2,776 2,776 —Europe— — — — 684 684 —Asia/Pacific— — — — 983 983 —Mining— — — — 1 1 —Latin America— — — — 1,049 1,049 —Caterpillar Power Finance— — — — — — —Caterpillar Purchased Receivables           North America17 3 1 21 1,487 1,508 1Europe2 — — 2 452 454 —Asia/Pacific— — — — 761 761 —Mining— — — — — — —Latin America— — — — 433 433 —Caterpillar Power Finance— 1 — 1 9 10 —Total$241 $118 $422 $781 $27,999 $28,780 $40               (Millions of dollars)              December 31, 2012 31-60DaysPast Due 61-90DaysPast Due 91+DaysPast Due TotalPast Due Current TotalFinanceReceivables 91+ Still AccruingCustomer             North America$35 $8 $52 $95 $5,889 $5,984 $—Europe23 9 36 68 2,487 2,555 6Asia/Pacific53 19 54 126 3,354 3,480 18Mining— 1 12 13 1,960 1,973 —Latin America62 19 138 219 2,500 2,719 —Caterpillar Power Finance15 14 126 155 3,017 3,172 4Dealer           North America— — — — 2,931 2,931 —Europe— — — — 652 652 —Asia/Pacific— — — — 945 945 —Mining— — — — 1 1 —Latin America— — — — 1,057 1,057 —Caterpillar Power Finance— — — — — — —Caterpillar Purchased Receivables           North America17 3 2 22 1,334 1,356 2Europe1 — — 1 331 332 —Asia/Pacific— — — — 868 868 —Mining— — — — — — —Latin America— — — — 547 547 —Caterpillar Power Finance— — 1 1 10 11 1Total$206 $73 $421 $700 $27,883 $28,583 $31               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.  An analysis of the Allowance for credit losses was as follows:(Millions of dollars)        March 31, 2013Allowance for Credit Losses:Customer Dealer CaterpillarPurchased Receivables TotalBalance at beginning of year$414 $9 $3 $426Receivables written off(22) — — (22)Recoveries on receivables previously written off12 — — 12Provision for credit losses15 1 — 16Adjustment due to sale of receivables(1) — — (1)Foreign currency translation adjustment(2) — — (2)Balance at end of period$416 $10 $3 $429        Individually evaluated for impairment$101 $— $— $101Collectively evaluated for impairment315 10 3 328Ending Balance$416 $10 $3 $429        Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables:       Individually evaluated for impairment$736 $— $— $736Collectively evaluated for impairment19,385 5,493 3,166 28,044Ending Balance$20,121 $5,493 $3,166 $28,780        (Millions of dollars)        December 31, 2012Allowance for Credit Losses:Customer Dealer CaterpillarPurchased Receivables TotalBalance at beginning of year$360 $6 $3 $369Receivables written off(149) — — (149)Recoveries on receivables previously written off47 — — 47Provision for credit losses157 3 — 160Adjustment due to sale of receivables(2) — — (2)Foreign currency translation adjustment1 — — 1Balance at end of year$414 $9 $3 $426        Individually evaluated for impairment$73 $— $— $73Collectively evaluated for impairment341 9 3 353Ending Balance$414 $9 $3 $426        Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables:       Individually evaluated for impairment$682 $— $— $682Collectively evaluated for impairment19,201 5,586 3,114 27,901Ending Balance$19,883 $5,586 $3,114 $28,583        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, consideration is given to 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)        March 31, 2013 Customer Dealer CaterpillarPurchased Receivables TotalPerforming       North America$5,950 $2,776 $1,508 $10,234Europe2,460 684 454 3,598Asia/Pacific3,380 983 761 5,124Mining2,107 1 — 2,108Latin America2,690 1,049 433 4,172Caterpillar Power Finance3,017 — 10 3,027Total Performing$19,604 $5,493 $3,166 $28,263Non-Performing       North America$48 $— $— $48Europe41 — — 41Asia/Pacific53 — — 53Mining12 — — 12Latin America167 — — 167Caterpillar Power Finance196 — — 196Total Non-Performing$517 $— $— $517Total Performing and Non-Performing       North America$5,998 $2,776 $1,508 $10,282Europe2,501 684 454 3,639Asia/Pacific3,433 983 761 5,177Mining2,119 1 — 2,120Latin America2,857 1,049 433 4,339Caterpillar Power Finance3,213 — 10 3,223Total$20,121 $5,493 $3,166 $28,780        (Millions of dollars)        December 31, 2012 Customer Dealer CaterpillarPurchased Receivables TotalPerforming       North America$5,925 $2,931 $1,356 $10,212Europe2,517 652 332 3,501Asia/Pacific3,444 945 868 5,257Mining1,961 1 — 1,962Latin America2,571 1,057 547 4,175Caterpillar Power Finance2,952 — 11 2,963Total Performing$19,370 $5,586 $3,114 $28,070Non-Performing       North America$59 $— $— $59Europe38 — — 38Asia/Pacific36 — — 36Mining12 — — 12Latin America148 — — 148Caterpillar Power Finance220 — — 220Total Non-Performing$513 $— $— $513Total Performing and Non-Performing       North America$5,984 $2,931 $1,356 $10,271Europe2,555 652 332 3,539Asia/Pacific3,480 945 868 5,293Mining1,973 1 — 1,974Latin America2,719 1,057 547 4,323Caterpillar Power Finance3,172 — 11 3,183Total$19,883 $5,586 $3,114 $28,583        Troubled debt restructuringsA restructuring of a loan 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, consideration is given to 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 modified as TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 for the Dealer or Caterpillar Purchased Receivables portfolio segments.Loans in the Customer portfolio segment modified as TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, were as follows:(Dollars in millions)            Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2013 Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2012 Number ofContracts Pre-TDROutstandingRecorded Investment Post-TDROutstandingRecorded Investment Number ofContracts Pre-TDROutstandingRecorded Investment Post-TDROutstandingRecorded InvestmentCustomer           North America10 $2 $2 23 $2 $2Europe— — — 7 7 7Caterpillar Power Finance(1)4 36 37 5 32 32Total(2)14 $38 $39 35 $41 $41            (1) During the three months ended March 31, 2013, $5 million of additional funds were subsequently loaned to a borrower whose terms had been modified in a TDR.  The $5 million of additional funds is not reflected in the table above as no incremental modifications have been made with the borrower during the period presented.  At March 31, 2013, remaining commitments to lend additional funds to a borrower whose terms have been modified in a TDR were $30 million.(2) 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 months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, which had been modified within twelve months prior to the default date, were as follows:(Dollars in millions)        Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2013 Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2012 Number ofContracts Post-TDRRecordedInvestment Number ofContracts Post-TDRRecordedInvestmentCustomer       North America8 $2 11 $1Caterpillar Power Finance2 3 14 19Total10 $5 25 $20        B. Transfers of ReceivablesCertain finance receivables and equipment on operating leases are sold to third parties with limited or no recourse to us to mitigate the concentration of credit risk with certain customers and are generally accounted for as sales.  We typically maintain servicing responsibilities for these third-party assets, which totaled $278 million and $291 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Because we do not receive a servicing fee for these assets, a servicing liability is recorded.  As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, these liabilities were not material.  These assets are not available to pay our creditors.C. Purchases of Trade Receivables from Caterpillar EntitiesWe 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 $58 million and $57 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, 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
The entire disclosure for financing receivables. Examples of financing receivables include, but are not limited to, loans, trade accounts receivables, notes receivable, credit cards, and receivables relating to a lessor's right(s) to payment(s) from a lease other than an operating lease that is recognized as assets.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2196772Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 14 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7880640&loc=SL6953791-111525
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| - Details**Name:**us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract**Namespace Prefix:**us-gaap_**Data Type:**xbrli:stringItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |