| **Financing Activities**   | 3 Months Ended                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         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| **Receivables [Abstract]** |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          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| Financing Activities       | Financing ActivitiesA.     Credit Quality of Finance 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 finance receivablesFor all classes, a finance receivable 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 finance receivable.  Finance receivables reviewed for impairment include those that are past due, non-performing or in bankruptcy. Recognition of income is suspended and the finance receivable 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 finance receivable on non-accrual status).  Accrual is resumed and previously suspended income is recognized, when the finance receivable becomes contractually current and/or collection doubts are removed.  Cash receipts on impaired finance receivables are recorded against the receivable and then to any unrecognized income.There were no impaired finance receivables as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, for the Dealer and Caterpillar Purchased Receivables portfolio segments.  The average recorded investment for impaired finance receivables within the Dealer and Caterpillar Purchased Receivables portfolio segments was zero for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.Individually impaired finance receivables for the Customer portfolio segment were as follows:(Millions of dollars)            As of March 31, 2015 As of December 31, 2014Impaired Finance Receivables WithNo Allowance RecordedRecordedInvestment UnpaidPrincipalBalance RelatedAllowance RecordedInvestment UnpaidPrincipalBalance RelatedAllowanceCustomer           North America$13 $13 $— $14 $14 $—Europe43 43 — 44 43 —Asia/Pacific6 6 — 2 2 —Mining119 119 — 29 29 —Latin America32 32 — 34 34 —Caterpillar Power Finance189 188 — 129 128 —Total$402 $401 $— $252 $250 $—Impaired Finance Receivables WithAn Allowance Recorded           Customer           North America$6 $6 $2 $6 $6 $1Europe17 17 4 12 12 4Asia/Pacific25 24 8 29 29 8Mining43 43 6 138 137 9Latin America48 48 16 42 42 12Caterpillar Power Finance123 123 38 135 134 41Total$262 $261 $74 $362 $360 $75Total Impaired Finance Receivables           Customer           North America$19 $19 $2 $20 $20 $1Europe60 60 4 56 55 4Asia/Pacific31 30 8 31 31 8Mining162 162 6 167 166 9Latin America80 80 16 76 76 12Caterpillar Power Finance312 311 38 264 262 41Total$664 $662 $74 $614 $610 $75             (Millions of dollars)        Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2015 Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2014Impaired Finance Receivables With No AllowanceRecordedAverageRecordedInvestment InterestIncomeRecognized AverageRecordedInvestment InterestIncomeRecognizedCustomer       North America$14 $— $25 $1Europe44 — 48 —Asia/Pacific4 — 6 —Mining102 2 134 2Latin America32 — 17 —Caterpillar Power Finance135 1 205 2Total$331 $3 $435 $5Impaired Finance Receivables With An AllowanceRecorded       Customer       North America$6 $— $10 $—Europe14 — 19 —Asia/Pacific26 — 16 —Mining63 1 24 —Latin America46 1 34 —Caterpillar Power Finance128 — 82 1Total$283 $2 $185 $1Total Impaired Finance Receivables       Customer       North America$20 $— $35 $1Europe58 — 67 —Asia/Pacific30 — 22 —Mining165 3 158 2Latin America78 1 51 —Caterpillar Power Finance263 1 287 3Total$614 $5 $620 $6        Non-accrual and past due finance receivablesFor all classes, we consider a finance receivable 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 finance receivable 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 finance receivable on non-accrual status).  Accrual is resumed and previously suspended income is recognized, when the finance receivable becomes contractually current and/or collection doubts are removed.As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no finance receivables on non-accrual status for the Dealer portfolio segment.  As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was $5 million and $4 million, respectively, in finance receivables on non-accrual status for the Caterpillar Purchased Receivables portfolio segment, all of which was in the Europe finance receivable class.The investment in customer finance receivables on non-accrual status was as follows: (Millions of dollars)    March 31, 2015 December 31, 2014Customer   North America$31 $27Europe43 28Asia/Pacific44 54Mining124 62Latin America213 201Caterpillar Power Finance143 96Total$598 $468     Aging related to finance receivables was as follows: (Millions of dollars)              March 31, 2015 31-60DaysPast Due 61-90DaysPast Due 91+DaysPast Due TotalPast Due Current TotalFinance Receivables 91+ Still AccruingCustomer             North America$37 $14 $35 $86 $7,337 $7,423 $9Europe26 15 43 84 2,335 2,419 6Asia/Pacific73 32 64 169 2,518 2,687 24Mining20 10 76 106 1,883 1,989 50Latin America100 47 190 337 2,181 2,518 —Caterpillar Power Finance17 1 87 105 3,055 3,160 1Dealer           North America— — — — 3,266 3,266 —Europe— — — — 463 463 —Asia/Pacific2 — — 2 596 598 —Mining— — — — 3 3 —Latin America— — — — 800 800 —Caterpillar Power Finance— — — — — — —Caterpillar Purchased Receivables           North America8 2 1 11 1,937 1,948 1Europe1 — 5 6 418 424 —Asia/Pacific— — — — 384 384 —Mining— — — — — — —Latin America— — — — 311 311 —Caterpillar Power Finance2 — — 2 14 16 —Total$286 $121 $501 $908 $27,501 $28,409 $91               (Millions of dollars)              December 31, 2014 31-60DaysPast Due 61-90DaysPast Due 91+DaysPast Due TotalPast Due Current TotalFinanceReceivables 91+ Still AccruingCustomer             North America$46 $8 $27 $81 $7,291 $7,372 $4Europe16 23 29 68 2,607 2,675 6Asia/Pacific29 22 69 120 2,773 2,893 16Mining28 — 11 39 2,084 2,123 —Latin America55 23 196 274 2,583 2,857 8Caterpillar Power Finance1 4 64 69 3,079 3,148 1Dealer           North America— — — — 3,209 3,209 —Europe— — — — 467 467 —Asia/Pacific— — — — 637 637 —Mining— — — — 3 3 —Latin America— — — — 853 853 —Caterpillar Power Finance— — — — — — —Caterpillar Purchased Receivables           North America23 5 1 29 1,916 1,945 1Europe4 1 5 10 429 439 1Asia/Pacific— — — — 401 401 —Mining— — — — — — —Latin America6 5 — 11 420 431 —Caterpillar Power Finance— — 1 1 21 22 1Total$208 $91 $403 $702 $28,773 $29,475 $38               Allowance for credit losses An analysis of the Allowance for credit losses was as follows:(Millions of dollars)        March 31, 2015Allowance for Credit Losses:Customer Dealer CaterpillarPurchased Receivables TotalBalance at beginning of year$388 $10 $3 $401Receivables written off(23) — — (23)Recoveries on receivables previously written off11 — — 11Provision for credit losses18 (1) — 17Adjustment due to sale of receivables— — — —Foreign currency translation adjustment(14) — — (14)Balance at end of period$380 $9 $3 $392        Individually evaluated for impairment$74 $— $— $74Collectively evaluated for impairment306 9 3 318Ending Balance$380 $9 $3 $392        Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables:       Individually evaluated for impairment$664 $— $— $664Collectively evaluated for impairment19,532 5,130 3,083 27,745Ending Balance$20,196 $5,130 $3,083 $28,409        (Millions of dollars)        December 31, 2014Allowance for Credit Losses:Customer Dealer CaterpillarPurchased Receivables TotalBalance at beginning of year$374 $10 $3 $387Receivables written off(146) — — (146)Recoveries on receivables previously written off47 — — 47Provision for credit losses136 — — 136Adjustment due to sale of receivables(3) — — (3)Foreign currency translation adjustment(20) — — (20)Balance at end of year$388 $10 $3 $401        Individually evaluated for impairment$75 $— $— $75Collectively evaluated for impairment313 10 3 326Ending Balance$388 $10 $3 $401        Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables:       Individually evaluated for impairment$614 $— $— $614Collectively evaluated for impairment20,454 5,169 3,238 28,861Ending Balance$21,068 $5,169 $3,238 $29,475        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 finance receivables have the highest probability for credit loss.  The Allowance for credit losses attributable to non-performing finance 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 less selling costs.  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 finance receivables. The recorded investment in performing and non-performing finance receivables was as follows:(Millions of dollars)        March 31, 2015 Customer Dealer CaterpillarPurchased Receivables TotalPerforming       North America$7,392 $3,266 $1,948 $12,606Europe2,376 463 419 3,258Asia/Pacific2,643 598 384 3,625Mining1,865 3 — 1,868Latin America2,305 800 311 3,416Caterpillar Power Finance3,017 — 16 3,033Total Performing$19,598 $5,130 $3,078 $27,806Non-Performing       North America$31 $— $— $31Europe43 — 5 48Asia/Pacific44 — — 44Mining124 — — 124Latin America213 — — 213Caterpillar Power Finance143 — — 143Total Non-Performing$598 $— $5 $603Total Performing and Non-Performing       North America$7,423 $3,266 $1,948 $12,637Europe2,419 463 424 3,306Asia/Pacific2,687 598 384 3,669Mining1,989 3 — 1,992Latin America2,518 800 311 3,629Caterpillar Power Finance3,160 — 16 3,176Total$20,196 $5,130 $3,083 $28,409        (Millions of dollars)        December 31, 2014 Customer Dealer CaterpillarPurchased Receivables TotalPerforming       North America$7,345 $3,209 $1,945 $12,499Europe2,647 467 435 3,549Asia/Pacific2,839 637 401 3,877Mining2,061 3 — 2,064Latin America2,656 853 431 3,940Caterpillar Power Finance3,052 — 22 3,074Total Performing$20,600 $5,169 $3,234 $29,003Non-Performing       North America$27 $— $— $27Europe28 — 4 32Asia/Pacific54 — — 54Mining62 — — 62Latin America201 — — 201Caterpillar Power Finance96 — — 96Total Non-Performing$468 $— $4 $472Total Performing and Non-Performing       North America$7,372 $3,209 $1,945 $12,526Europe2,675 467 439 3,581Asia/Pacific2,893 637 401 3,931Mining2,123 3 — 2,126Latin America2,857 853 431 4,141Caterpillar Power Finance3,148 — 22 3,170Total$21,068 $5,169 $3,238 $29,475        Troubled debt restructuringsA restructuring of a finance 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, extended skip payment periods and reduction of principal and/or accrued interest.  TDRs are reviewed along with other finance 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 less selling costs.  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 remaining commitments to lend additional funds to a borrower whose terms have been modified in a TDR as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.There were no finance receivables modified as TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 for the Dealer or Caterpillar Purchased Receivables portfolio segments.Finance receivables in the Customer portfolio segment modified as TDRs were as follows:(Dollars in millions)Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2015 Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2014 Number ofContracts Pre-TDRRecorded Investment Post-TDRRecorded Investment Number ofContracts Pre-TDRRecorded Investment Post-TDRRecorded InvestmentCustomer           North America3 $1 $1 3 $2 $2Europe— — — 3 5 5Mining— — — 1 11 10Latin America— — — 10 30 29Caterpillar Power Finance2 83 80 1 1 1Total(1)5 $84 $81 18 $49 $47                        (1) Modifications include extended contract maturities, inclusion of interest only periods, below market interest rates, extended skip payment periods and reduction of principal and/or accrued interest.TDRs in the Customer portfolio segment with a payment default during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, which had been modified within twelve months prior to the default date, were as follows:(Dollars in millions)Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2015 Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2014 Number ofContracts Post-TDRRecordedInvestment Number ofContracts Post-TDRRecordedInvestmentCustomer       North America4 $1 7 $1Europe— — 7 1Latin America1 — — —Total5 $1 14 $2                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 $331 million and $316 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Because we do not receive a servicing fee for these assets, a servicing liability is recorded.  As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, these liabilities were $1 million.  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 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.  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 -Section 55 -Paragraph 14 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=32702940&loc=SL6953791-111525Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35738203&loc=d3e4975-111524
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| - Details**Name:**us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract**Namespace Prefix:**us-gaap_**Data Type:**xbrli:stringItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |