Caterpillar Financial Services 10-Q 1 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	1-May-15
Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	CATERPILLAR FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	764764
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1

Consolidated_Statements_of_Pro

Consolidated Statements of Profit (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Retail finance	$320		$338
Operating lease	256		259
Wholesale finance	73		73
Other, net	40		41
Total revenues	689		711
Expenses:
Interest	151		162
Depreciation on equipment leased to others	212		214
General, operating and administrative	103		101
Provision for credit losses	18		37
Other	9		8
Total expenses	493		522
Other income (expense)	-9		-7
Profit before income taxes	187		182
Provision for income taxes	52		48
Profit of consolidated companies	135		134
Less: Profit attributable to noncontrolling interests	2		3
Profit	$133	[1]	$131	[1]
[1]	Profit attributable to Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Profit of consolidated companies	$135	$134
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax (expense)/benefit	-402	4
Derivative financial instruments:
Gains (losses) deferred, net of tax (expense)/benefit	1	-2
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax expense/(benefit)	1	1
Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-400	3
Comprehensive income (loss)	-265	137
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	1	2
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation	($266)	$135

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, tax	($100)	$0
Derivative financial instruments:
Gains (losses) deferred, tax	-1	0
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, tax	$0	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Fin

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,147	$857
Finance receivables
Retail notes receivable	10,685	11,005
Wholesale notes receivable	4,285	4,514
Finance leases and installment sale contracts - Retail	13,819	14,455
Finance leases and installment sale contracts - Wholesale	436	384
Total gross finance receivables	29,225	30,358
Less: Unearned income	-816	-883
Less: Allowance for credit losses	-392	-401
Total net finance receivables	28,017	29,074
Notes receivable from Caterpillar	454	414
Equipment on operating leases, less accumulated depreciation	3,525	3,624
Deferred and refundable income taxes	189	206
Other assets	1,009	1,001
Total assets	34,341	35,176
Liabilities and stockholder's equity:
Payable to dealers and others	134	113
Payable to Caterpillar - other	46	69
Accrued expenses	206	212
Income taxes payable	38	66
Payable to Caterpillar - borrowings	1,100	1,108
Short-term borrowings	5,259	4,699
Current maturities of long-term debt	6,192	6,283
Long-term debt	17,308	18,291
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities	769	681
Total liabilities	31,052	31,522
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Notes 7 and 9)
Common stock - $1 par value Authorized: 2,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: one share (at paid-in amount)	745	745
Additional paid-in capital	2	2
Retained earnings	3,172	3,139
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	-763	-364
Noncontrolling interests	133	132
Total stockholder's equity	3,289	3,654
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity	$34,341	$35,176

Consolidated_Statements_of_Fin1

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholdersb Equity:
Common stock - par value	$1	$1
Common stock - authorized	2,000	2,000
Common stock - issued	1	1
Common stock - outstanding	1	1

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity (USD $)	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	Noncontrolling interests
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$3,991	$745	$2	$3,004	$117	$123
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Profit of consolidated companies	134			131		3
Dividend paid to Caterpillar	0
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	4				5	-1
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax	-1				-1
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	4,128	745	2	3,135	121	125
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	3,654	745	2	3,139	-364	132
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Profit of consolidated companies	135			133		2
Dividend paid to Caterpillar	-100			-100
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	-402				-401	-1
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax	2				2
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$3,289	$745	$2	$3,172	($763)	$133

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Profit of consolidated companies	$135	$134
Adjustments for non-cash items:
Depreciation and amortization	215	217
Amortization of receivables purchase discount	-58	-58
Provision for credit losses	18	37
Gain on sales of receivables	0	-1
Other, net	-47	-2
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables from others	-29	-6
Other receivables/payables with Caterpillar	1	-12
Payable to dealers and others	34	-19
Accrued interest payable	13	-32
Accrued expenses and other liabilities, net	-21	-45
Income taxes payable	-16	63
Other assets, net	2	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	247	276
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures for equipment on operating leases and other capital expenditures	-294	-269
Proceeds from disposals of equipment	159	160
Additions to finance receivables	-2,901	-3,198
Collections of finance receivables	2,953	2,873
Net changes in Caterpillar purchased receivables	118	-339
Proceeds from sales of receivables	43	23
Additions to other notes receivable with Caterpillar	-50	0
Collections on other notes receivable with Caterpillar	11	8
Restricted cash and cash equivalents activity, net	-5	-34
Settlements of derivatives	-37	3
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	-3	-773
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt issued (original maturities greater than three months)	1,527	2,146
Payments on debt issued (original maturities greater than three months)	-2,313	-2,773
Short-term borrowings, net (original maturities three months or less)	950	942
Dividend paid to Caterpillar	-100	0
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	64	315
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-18	-3
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	290	-185
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	857	1,320
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$1,147	$1,135

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of (a) the consolidated profit for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, (b) the consolidated comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, (c) the consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, (d) the consolidated changes in stockholder's equity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and (e) the consolidated cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts.  The most significant estimates include those related to the residual values for leased assets, our Allowance for credit losses and income taxes.  Actual results may differ from these estimates.
	Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC on February 17, 2015.
	The December 31, 2014 financial position data included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC on February 17, 2015, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
	We consolidate all variable-interest entities (VIEs) where we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the performance of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the entity. Please refer to Note 7 for more information.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
	Comprehensive income/(loss) and its components are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, included in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity, consisted of the following:
	(Millions of dollars)	Foreign				Derivative				Total
		currency				financial
		translation				instruments
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	122			$	(5	)		$	117
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	5				(2		)		3
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	—				1				1
	Other comprehensive income/(loss)	5				(1		)		4
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	127			$	(6	)		$	121
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(359	)		$	(5	)		$	(364	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(401		)		1				(400		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	—				1				1
	Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(401		)		2				(399		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(760	)		$	(3	)		$	(763	)
	The effect of the reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Profit was as follows:
	(Millions of dollars)			Three Months Ended March 31,
		Classification of		2015				2014
		income (expense)
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other income (expense)		$	—			$	—
	Interest rate contracts	Interest expense		(1		)		(1		)
	Reclassifications before tax			(1		)		(1		)
	Tax (provision) benefit			—				—
	Total reclassifications from Accumulated			$	(1	)		$	(1	)
	other comprehensive income/(loss)

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	Reporting discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity – In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued accounting guidance for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The guidance defines a discontinued operation as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. This guidance was effective January 1, 2015 and did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
	Revenue recognition – In May 2014, the FASB issued new revenue recognition guidance to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. Under the new guidance, an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. A five step model has been introduced for an entity to apply when recognizing revenue. The new guidance also includes enhanced disclosure requirements and is effective January 1, 2017. Entities have the option to apply the new guidance under a retrospective approach to each prior reporting period presented, or a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new guidance recognized at the date of initial application within the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholder's Equity. We are in the process of evaluating the application and implementation of the new guidance.
	Variable interest entities – In February 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance on the consolidation of VIEs. The new guidance revises previous guidance by establishing an analysis for determining whether a limited partnership or similar entity is a VIE and whether outsourced decision-maker fees are considered variable interests. In addition, the new guidance revises how a reporting entity evaluates economics and related parties when assessing who should consolidate a VIE. This guidance is effective January 1, 2016. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial statements.
	Presentation of debt issuance costs – In April 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability. Prior to the issuance of the standard, debt issuance costs were required to be presented in the balance sheet as an asset. This guidance is effective January 1, 2016. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial statements.

Financing_Activities

Financing Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing Activities	Financing Activities
	A. Credit Quality of Finance Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses
	We 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 receivables
	For 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, 2014
	Impaired Finance Receivables With	Recorded				Unpaid				Related				Recorded				Unpaid				Related
	No Allowance Recorded	Investment				Principal				Allowance				Investment				Principal				Allowance
						Balance												Balance
	Customer
	North America	$	13			$	13			$	—			$	14			$	14			$	—
	Europe	43				43				—				44				43				—
	Asia/Pacific	6				6				—				2				2				—
	Mining	119				119				—				29				29				—
	Latin America	32				32				—				34				34				—
	Caterpillar Power Finance	189				188				—				129				128				—
	Total	$	402			$	401			$	—			$	252			$	250			$	—
	Impaired Finance Receivables With
	An Allowance Recorded
	Customer
	North America	$	6			$	6			$	2			$	6			$	6			$	1
	Europe	17				17				4				12				12				4
	Asia/Pacific	25				24				8				29				29				8
	Mining	43				43				6				138				137				9
	Latin America	48				48				16				42				42				12
	Caterpillar Power Finance	123				123				38				135				134				41
	Total	$	262			$	261			$	74			$	362			$	360			$	75
	Total Impaired Finance Receivables
	Customer
	North America	$	19			$	19			$	2			$	20			$	20			$	1
	Europe	60				60				4				56				55				4
	Asia/Pacific	31				30				8				31				31				8
	Mining	162				162				6				167				166				9
	Latin America	80				80				16				76				76				12
	Caterpillar Power Finance	312				311				38				264				262				41
	Total	$	664			$	662			$	74			$	614			$	610			$	75
	(Millions of dollars)
		Three Months Ended								Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15								31-Mar-14
	Impaired Finance Receivables With No Allowance	Average				Interest				Average				Interest
	Recorded	Recorded				Income				Recorded				Income
		Investment				Recognized				Investment				Recognized
	Customer
	North America	$	14			$	—			$	25			$	1
	Europe	44				—				48				—
	Asia/Pacific	4				—				6				—
	Mining	102				2				134				2
	Latin America	32				—				17				—
	Caterpillar Power Finance	135				1				205				2
	Total	$	331			$	3			$	435			$	5
	Impaired Finance Receivables With An Allowance
Recorded
Customer
North America	$	6			$	—			$	10			$	—
Europe	14				—				19				—
Asia/Pacific	26				—				16				—
Mining	63				1				24				—
Latin America	46				1				34				—
Caterpillar Power Finance	128				—				82				1
Total	$	283			$	2			$	185			$	1
Total Impaired Finance Receivables
Customer
North America	$	20			$	—			$	35			$	1
Europe	58				—				67				—
Asia/Pacific	30				—				22				—
Mining	165				3				158				2
Latin America	78				1				51				—
Caterpillar Power Finance	263				1				287				3
Total	$	614			$	5			$	620			$	6
Non-accrual and past due finance receivables
For 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,				December 31,
	2015				2014
Customer
North America	$	31			$	27
Europe	43				28
Asia/Pacific	44				54
Mining	124				62
Latin America	213				201
Caterpillar Power Finance	143				96
Total	$	598			$	468
Aging related to finance receivables was as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
	March 31, 2015
	31-60				61-90				91+				Total				Current				Total		91+ Still
	Days				Days				Days				Past Due								Finance		Accruing
	Past Due				Past Due				Past Due												Receivables
Customer
North America	$	37			$	14			$	35			$	86			$	7,337			$	7,423	$	9
Europe	26				15				43				84				2,335				2,419		6
Asia/Pacific	73				32				64				169				2,518				2,687		24
Mining	20				10				76				106				1,883				1,989		50
Latin America	100				47				190				337				2,181				2,518		—
Caterpillar Power Finance	17				1				87				105				3,055				3,160		1
Dealer
North America	—				—				—				—				3,266				3,266		—
Europe	—				—				—				—				463				463		—
Asia/Pacific	2				—				—				2				596				598		—
Mining	—				—				—				—				3				3		—
Latin America	—				—				—				—				800				800		—
Caterpillar Power Finance	—				—				—				—				—				—		—
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables
North America	8				2				1				11				1,937				1,948		1
Europe	1				—				5				6				418				424		—
Asia/Pacific	—				—				—				—				384				384		—
Mining	—				—				—				—				—				—		—
Latin America	—				—				—				—				311				311		—
Caterpillar Power Finance	2				—				—				2				14				16		—
Total	$	286			$	121			$	501			$	908			$	27,501			$	28,409	$	91
(Millions of dollars)
	December 31, 2014
	31-60				61-90				91+				Total				Current				Total		91+ Still
	Days				Days				Days				Past Due								Finance		Accruing
	Past Due				Past Due				Past Due												Receivables
Customer
North America	$	46			$	8			$	27			$	81			$	7,291			$	7,372	$	4
Europe	16				23				29				68				2,607				2,675		6
Asia/Pacific	29				22				69				120				2,773				2,893		16
Mining	28				—				11				39				2,084				2,123		—
Latin America	55				23				196				274				2,583				2,857		8
Caterpillar Power Finance	1				4				64				69				3,079				3,148		1
Dealer
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 America	23				5				1				29				1,916				1,945		1
Europe	4				1				5				10				429				439		1
Asia/Pacific	—				—				—				—				401				401		—
Mining	—				—				—				—				—				—		—
Latin America	6				5				—				11				420				431		—
Caterpillar Power Finance	—				—				1				1				21				22		1
Total	$	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, 2015
Allowance for Credit Losses:	Customer				Dealer				Caterpillar				Total
									Purchased
									Receivables
Balance at beginning of year	$	388			$	10			$	3			$	401
Receivables written off	(23		)		—				—				(23		)
Recoveries on receivables previously written off	11				—				—				11
Provision for credit losses	18				(1		)		—				17
Adjustment 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			$	—			$	—			$	74
Collectively evaluated for impairment	306				9				3				318
Ending Balance	$	380			$	9			$	3			$	392
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	664			$	—			$	—			$	664
Collectively evaluated for impairment	19,532				5,130				3,083				27,745
Ending Balance	$	20,196			$	5,130			$	3,083			$	28,409
(Millions of dollars)
	December 31, 2014
Allowance for Credit Losses:	Customer				Dealer				Caterpillar				Total
									Purchased
									Receivables
Balance at beginning of year	$	374			$	10			$	3			$	387
Receivables written off	(146		)		—				—				(146		)
Recoveries on receivables previously written off	47				—				—				47
Provision for credit losses	136				—				—				136
Adjustment 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			$	—			$	—			$	75
Collectively evaluated for impairment	313				10				3				326
Ending Balance	$	388			$	10			$	3			$	401
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	614			$	—			$	—			$	614
Collectively evaluated for impairment	20,454				5,169				3,238				28,861
Ending Balance	$	21,068			$	5,169			$	3,238			$	29,475
Credit quality of finance receivables
The 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				Caterpillar				Total
									Purchased
									Receivables
Performing
North America	$	7,392			$	3,266			$	1,948			$	12,606
Europe	2,376				463				419				3,258
Asia/Pacific	2,643				598				384				3,625
Mining	1,865				3				—				1,868
Latin America	2,305				800				311				3,416
Caterpillar Power Finance	3,017				—				16				3,033
Total Performing	$	19,598			$	5,130			$	3,078			$	27,806
Non-Performing
North America	$	31			$	—			$	—			$	31
Europe	43				—				5				48
Asia/Pacific	44				—				—				44
Mining	124				—				—				124
Latin America	213				—				—				213
Caterpillar Power Finance	143				—				—				143
Total Non-Performing	$	598			$	—			$	5			$	603
Total Performing and Non-Performing
North America	$	7,423			$	3,266			$	1,948			$	12,637
Europe	2,419				463				424				3,306
Asia/Pacific	2,687				598				384				3,669
Mining	1,989				3				—				1,992
Latin America	2,518				800				311				3,629
Caterpillar Power Finance	3,160				—				16				3,176
Total	$	20,196			$	5,130			$	3,083			$	28,409
(Millions of dollars)
	December 31, 2014
	Customer				Dealer				Caterpillar				Total
									Purchased
									Receivables
Performing
North America	$	7,345			$	3,209			$	1,945			$	12,499
Europe	2,647				467				435				3,549
Asia/Pacific	2,839				637				401				3,877
Mining	2,061				3				—				2,064
Latin America	2,656				853				431				3,940
Caterpillar Power Finance	3,052				—				22				3,074
Total Performing	$	20,600			$	5,169			$	3,234			$	29,003
Non-Performing
North America	$	27			$	—			$	—			$	27
Europe	28				—				4				32
Asia/Pacific	54				—				—				54
Mining	62				—				—				62
Latin America	201				—				—				201
Caterpillar Power Finance	96				—				—				96
Total Non-Performing	$	468			$	—			$	4			$	472
Total Performing and Non-Performing
North America	$	7,372			$	3,209			$	1,945			$	12,526
Europe	2,675				467				439				3,581
Asia/Pacific	2,893				637				401				3,931
Mining	2,123				3				—				2,126
Latin America	2,857				853				431				4,141
Caterpillar Power Finance	3,148				—				22				3,170
Total	$	21,068			$	5,169			$	3,238			$	29,475
Troubled debt restructurings
A 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 Ended											Three Months Ended
	31-Mar-15											31-Mar-14
	Number of			Pre-TDR				Post-TDR				Number of			Pre-TDR				Post-TDR
	Contracts			Recorded				Recorded				Contracts			Recorded				Recorded
				Investment				Investment							Investment				Investment
Customer
North America	3			$	1			$	1			3			$	2			$	2
Europe	—			—				—				3			5				5
Mining	—			—				—				1			11				10
Latin America	—			—				—				10			30				29
Caterpillar Power Finance	2			83				80				1			1				1
Total(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 Ended							Three Months Ended
	31-Mar-15							31-Mar-14
	Number of			Post-TDR				Number of			Post-TDR
	Contracts			Recorded				Contracts			Recorded
				Investment							Investment
Customer
North America	4			$	1			7			$	1
Europe	—			—				7			1
Latin America	1			—				—			—
Total	5			$	1			14			$	2
B.	Transfers of Receivables
Certain 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 Entities
We purchase trade receivables from Caterpillar entities at a discount. The discount is an estimate of the amount of financing revenue that would be earned at a market rate on these trade receivables over their expected life. The discount is amortized into revenue on an effective yield basis over the life of the receivables and recognized as Wholesale finance revenue. Amortized discounts for the trade receivables were $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.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management	Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management
	Our earnings and cash flow are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.  Our Risk Management Policy (policy) allows for the use of derivative financial instruments to prudently manage foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate exposures.  Our policy specifies that derivatives are not to be used for speculative purposes.  Derivatives that we use are primarily foreign currency forward, option and cross currency contracts and interest rate swaps.  Our derivative activities are subject to the management, direction and control of our senior financial officers.  Risk management practices, including the use of financial derivative instruments, are presented to our Board of Directors and the Audit Committee of the Caterpillar Inc. Board of Directors at least annually.
	All derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at their fair value.  On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the derivative instrument is (1) designated as a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge), (2) designated as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the cash flow variability associated with variable-rate debt (cash flow hedge) or (3) undesignated.  Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated and highly effective as a fair value hedge, along with the gain or loss on the hedged recognized asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current earnings.  Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated and highly effective as a cash flow hedge are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (AOCI), to the extent effective, on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position until they are reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivative instruments and the ineffective portion of designated derivative instruments are reported in current earnings.  Cash flows from designated derivative financial instruments are classified within the same category as the item being hedged on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  Cash flows from undesignated derivative financial instruments are included in the investing category on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions.  This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and linking cash flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions or variability of cash flow.
	We also formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the designated derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flow of hedged items.  When a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively, in accordance with derecognition criteria for hedge accounting.
	Foreign currency exchange rate risk
	We have net foreign currency balance sheet positions and expected future transactions denominated in foreign currencies, thereby creating exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates. In managing foreign currency risk, our objective is to minimize earnings volatility resulting from conversion and the remeasurement of net foreign currency balance sheet positions and expected future transactions denominated in foreign currencies.  Our policy allows the use of foreign currency forward, option and cross currency contracts to offset the risk of currency mismatch between our assets and liabilities and exchange rate risk associated with expected future transactions denominated in foreign currencies.  Substantially all such foreign currency forward, option and cross currency contracts are undesignated.
	Interest rate risk
	Interest rate movements create a degree of risk by affecting the amount of our interest payments and the value of our fixed-rate debt.  Our practice is to use interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to interest rate changes and, in some cases, to lower the cost of borrowed funds.
	We have a match-funding policy that addresses interest rate risk by aligning the interest rate profile (fixed or floating rate) of our debt portfolio with the interest rate profile of our receivables portfolio within predetermined ranges on an ongoing basis.  In connection with that policy, we use interest rate derivative instruments to modify the debt structure to match assets within the receivables portfolio.  This matched funding reduces the volatility of margins between interest-bearing assets and interest-bearing liabilities, regardless of which direction interest rates move.
	Our policy allows us to use fixed-to-floating, floating-to-fixed and floating-to-floating interest rate swaps to meet the match-funding objective.  We designate fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps as fair value hedges to protect debt against changes in fair value due to changes in the benchmark interest rate.  We designate most floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges to protect against the variability of cash flows due to changes in the benchmark interest rate.
	As of March 31, 2015, $1 million of deferred net losses, net of tax, included in equity (AOCI in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position), related to our floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, are expected to be reclassified to Interest expense over the next twelve months.  The actual amount recorded in Interest expense will vary based on interest rates at the time the hedged transactions impact earnings.
	We have, at certain times, liquidated fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps that resulted in deferred gains at the time of liquidation.  The deferred gains associated with these interest rate swaps are included in Long-term debt in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and are being amortized to Interest expense over the remaining term of the previously designated hedged item.
	The location and fair value of derivative instruments reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position were as follows:
	(Millions of dollars)
				Asset (Liability) Fair Value
		Consolidated Statements of		March 31,			December 31,
		Financial Position Location		2015			2014
	Designated derivatives
	Interest rate contracts	Other assets		$	77		$	79
	Interest rate contracts	Accrued expenses		(6		)	(8		)
				$	71		$	71
	Undesignated derivatives
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other assets		$	8		$	5
	Foreign exchange contracts	Accrued expenses		(18		)	(15		)
	Cross currency contracts	Other assets		27			17
				$	17		$	7
	The total notional amounts of the derivative instruments were $4.75 billion and $5.25 billion as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The notional amounts of the derivative financial instruments do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amounts exchanged by the parties are calculated by reference to the notional amounts and by other terms of the derivatives, such as foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the deferred gains (losses) recorded in AOCI on the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity associated with our cash flow interest rate contract hedges were as follows:
	(Millions of dollars)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014, net of tax of $3	$	(5	)
	Gains (losses) deferred during the period, net of tax of $1	1
	(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax of $0	1
	Balance as of March 31, 2015, net of tax of $2	$	(3	)
	(Millions of dollars)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013, net of tax of $3	$	(5	)
	Gains (losses) deferred during the period, net of tax of $0	(2		)
	(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax of $0	1
	Balance as of March 31, 2014, net of tax of $3	$	(6	)
	The effect of derivatives designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Profit was as follows:
	Fair Value Hedges
	(Millions of dollars)
				Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
				31-Mar-15						31-Mar-14
		Classification		Gains			Gains			Gains			Gains
				(Losses)			(Losses)			(Losses)			(Losses)
				on			on			on			on
				Derivatives			Borrowings			Derivatives			Borrowings
	Interest rate contracts	Other income (expense)		$	(1	)	$	1		$	(13	)	$	13
	Cash Flow Hedges
	(Millions of dollars)
				Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		Classification		Reclassified from AOCI			Recognized in Earnings
				to Earnings			(Ineffective Portion)
				(Effective Portion)
	Interest rate contracts	Interest expense		$	(1	)	$	—
	Interest rate contracts	Other income (expense)		—			—
				$	(1	)	$	—
				Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Classification		Reclassified from AOCI			Recognized in Earnings
				to Earnings			(Ineffective Portion)
				(Effective Portion)
	Interest rate contracts	Interest expense		$	(1	)	$	—
	Interest rate contracts	Other income (expense)		—			—
			$	(1	)	$	—
The effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Profit was as follows:
Undesignated Derivatives
(Millions of dollars)			Three Months Ended March 31,
	Classification		2015			2014
Foreign exchange contracts	Other income (expense)		$	(38	)	$	(1	)
Cross currency contracts	Other income (expense)		10			(4		)
			$	(28	)	$	(5	)
Balance sheet offsetting
We enter into International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master netting agreements that permit the net settlement of amounts owed under their respective derivative contracts. Under these master netting agreements, net settlement generally permits us or the counterparty to determine the net amount payable for contracts due on the same date and in the same currency for similar types of derivative transactions. The master netting agreements generally also provide for net settlement of all outstanding contracts with a counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event.
Collateral is generally not required of the counterparties or us under the master netting agreements. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, no cash collateral was received or pledged under the master netting agreements.
The effect of net settlement provisions of the master netting agreements on our derivative balances upon an event of default or a termination event was as follows:
Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities
(Millions of dollars)
			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014
Derivative Assets
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets			$	112		$	101
Gross Amounts Offset			—			—
Net Amount of Assets(1)			112			101
Gross Amounts Not Offset			(14		)	(8		)
Net Amount			$	98		$	93
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities			$	(24	)	$	(23	)
Gross Amounts Offset			—			—
Net Amount of Liabilities(1)			(24		)	(23		)
Gross Amounts Not Offset			14			8
Net Amount			$	(10	)	$	(15	)
(1) As presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	A.     Description of Segments
	Our segment data is based on disclosure requirements of accounting guidance on segment reporting, which requires that financial information be reported on the basis that is used internally for measuring segment performance. Internally, we report information for operating segments based on management responsibility. Our operating segments offer primarily the same types of services within each of the respective segments. The operating segments are as follows:
	•	North America - Includes our operations in the United States and Canada that serve local dealers and customers.
	•	Europe and Caterpillar Power Finance - This segment includes our operations that serve dealers and customers in Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Commonwealth of Independent States.  This segment also includes Caterpillar Power Finance (CPF), which finances marine vessels with Caterpillar engines worldwide and also provides debt financing for Caterpillar electrical power generation, gas compression and co-generation systems, as well as non-Caterpillar equipment that is powered by these systems worldwide.
	•	Asia/Pacific - This segment includes our operations in Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia that serve local dealers and customers.
	•	Latin America - Includes our operations in Brazil, Mexico and Chile that serve local dealers and customers in Central and South America.
	•	Mining - This segment includes large mining customers worldwide. This segment also provides project financing in various countries.
	B.     Measurement and Reconciliations
	Cash, debt and other expenses are allocated to operating segments based on their respective portfolios. The related Interest expense is calculated based on the amount of allocated debt and the rates associated with that debt. The performance of each segment is assessed based on a consistent leverage ratio. The Provision for credit losses included in each operating segment's profit is based on each operating segment's share of the Company's Allowance for credit losses.
	Reconciling items are created based on accounting differences between operating segment reporting and our consolidated external reporting. For the reconciliation of profit before income taxes, we have grouped the reconciling items as follows:
	•	Unallocated - This item is related to corporate requirements and strategies that are considered to be for the benefit of the entire organization. Also included are the consolidated results of the special purpose corporation (see Note 7 for additional information) and other miscellaneous items.
	•	Timing - Timing differences in the recognition of costs between operating segment reporting and consolidated external reporting.
	•	Methodology - Methodology differences between our operating segment reporting and our consolidated external reporting are as follows:
	◦	Segment assets include off-balance sheet managed assets for which we typically maintain servicing responsibilities.
	◦	The impact of the difference between the actual leverage and the segment leverage ratios is included as a methodology difference.
	◦	Interest expense includes realized forward points on foreign currency forward contracts, with the mark-to-market elements of the forward exchange contracts included as a methodology difference.
	◦	The net gain or loss from interest rate derivatives is included as a methodology difference.
	◦	The profit attributable to noncontrolling interests is considered a component of segment profit.
	As noted above, the operating segment information is presented on a management-reporting basis. Unlike financial reporting, there is no authoritative guidance for management reporting equivalent to U.S. GAAP.
	Supplemental segment data and reconciliations to consolidated external reporting for the three months ended March 31 was as follows:
	(Millions of dollars)	Revenues			Segment			Interest			Depreciation		Provision			Segment			Capital
					Profit			Expense			on equipment		for			Assets at			expenditures
											leased to		credit			March 31,
											others		losses			2015
	2015
	North America	$	284		$	97		$	63		$	101	$	(4	)	$	13,818		$	176
	Europe and CPF	113			35			17			21		13			7,327			20
	Asia/Pacific	80			20			31			5		9			4,586			4
	Latin America	102			24			29			27		6			4,181			24
	Mining	100			29			14			58		(10		)	3,013			69
	Total Segments	679			205			154			212		14			32,925			293
	Unallocated	18			(19		)	16			—		—			1,748			—
	Timing	(8		)	(11		)	—			—		4			103			1
	Methodology	—			12			(19		)	—		—			(221		)	—
	Inter-segment Eliminations	—			—			—			—		—			(214		)	—
	Total	$	689		$	187		$	151		$	212	$	18		$	34,341		$	294
	2014	Revenues			Segment			Interest			Depreciation		Provision			Segment			Capital
					Profit			Expense			on equipment		for			Assets at			expenditures
											leased to		credit			December 31,
											others		losses			2014
	North America	$	247		$	77		$	60		$	80	$	3		$	13,661		$	130
	Europe and CPF	130			41			24			26		9			7,601			31
	Asia/Pacific	92			38			28			6		7			4,767			10
	Latin America	105			26			32			27		4			4,676			35
	Mining	123			10			18			75		13			3,161			63
	Total Segments	697			192			162			214		36			33,866			269
	Unallocated	21			(13		)	12			—		—			1,648			—
	Timing	(7		)	(2		)	—			—		1			120			—
	Methodology	—			5			(12		)	—		—			(215		)	—
	Inter-segment Eliminations	—			—			—			—		—			(243		)	—
	Total	$	711		$	182		$	162		$	214	$	37		$	35,176		$	269

Guarantees

Guarantees	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees	Guarantees
	We provide loan guarantees to third-party lenders for financing associated with machinery purchased by customers.  These guarantees have varying terms and are secured by the machinery being financed.  In addition, we participate in standby letters of credit issued to third parties on behalf of our customers.  These standby letters of credit have varying terms and beneficiaries and are secured by customer assets.
	No significant loss has been experienced or is anticipated under any of these guarantees.  At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the related liability was $1 million. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted and without reduction for any amounts that may possibly be recovered under recourse or collateralized provisions) we could be required to make under the guarantees was $52 million and $42 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	We provide guarantees to repurchase certain loans of Caterpillar dealers from a special purpose corporation (SPC) that qualifies as a VIE (see Note 1 for additional information regarding the accounting guidance on the consolidation of VIEs).  The purpose of the SPC is to provide short-term working capital loans to Caterpillar dealers.  This SPC issues commercial paper and uses the proceeds to fund its loan program.  We have a loan purchase agreement with the SPC that obligates us to purchase certain loans that are not paid at maturity.  We receive a fee for providing this guarantee, which provides a source of liquidity for the SPC.  We are the primary beneficiary of the SPC as our guarantees result in us having both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the SPC's economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses and therefore we have consolidated the financial statements of the SPC.  As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the SPC’s assets of $1.14 billion and $1.09 billion, respectively, are primarily comprised of loans to dealers, which are included in Retail notes receivable in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, and the SPC's liabilities of $1.14 billion and $1.08 billion, respectively, are primarily comprised of commercial paper, which is included in Short-term borrowings in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.  The assets of the SPC are not available to pay our creditors. We may be obligated to perform under the guarantee if the SPC experiences losses. No loss has been experienced or is anticipated under this loan purchase agreement.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	A.	Fair Value Measurements
	The guidance on fair value measurements defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  This guidance also specifies a fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques.  Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions.  In accordance with this guidance, fair value measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:
	•	Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	•	Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable in active markets.
	•	Level 3 – Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers are unobservable.
	When available, we use quoted market prices to determine fair value and we classify such measurements within Level 1. In some cases where market prices are not available, we make use of observable market-based inputs to calculate fair value, in which case the measurements are classified within Level 2.  If quoted or observable market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use, where possible, current market-based parameters such as interest rates, yield curves and currency rates.  These measurements are classified within Level 3.
	Fair value measurements are classified according to the lowest level input or value-driver that is significant to the valuation.  A measurement may therefore be classified within Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable.
	Fair value measurement includes the consideration of nonperformance risk.  Nonperformance risk refers to the risk that an obligation (either by a counterparty or us) will not be fulfilled.  For financial assets traded in an active market (Level 1), the nonperformance risk is included in the market price.  For certain other financial assets and liabilities (Level 2 and 3), our fair value calculations have been adjusted accordingly.
	Derivative financial instruments
	The fair value of interest rate swap derivatives is primarily based on standard industry accepted models that utilize the appropriate market-based forward swap curves and zero-coupon interest rates to determine discounted cash flows.  The fair value of foreign currency forward and cross currency contracts is based on a standard industry accepted valuation model that discounts cash flows resulting from the differential between the contract price and the market-based forward rate.
	Guarantees
	The fair value of guarantees is based on our estimate of the premium a market participant would require to issue the same guarantee in a stand-alone, arms-length transaction with an unrelated party.  If quoted or observable market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that utilize current market-based assumptions.
	Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at fair value included in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are summarized below:
	(Millions of dollars)
		March 31, 2015
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total Assets/Liabilities,
											at Fair Value
	Assets
	Derivative financial instruments, net	$	—		$	88		$	—		$	88
	Total Assets	$	—		$	88		$	—		$	88
	Liabilities
	Guarantees	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
	Total Liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total Assets/Liabilities,
											at Fair Value
	Assets
	Derivative financial instruments, net	$	—		$	78		$	—		$	78
	Total Assets	$	—		$	78		$	—		$	78
	Liabilities
	Guarantees	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
	Total Liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
	Below are roll-forwards of liabilities measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. These instruments were valued using pricing models that, in management’s judgment, reflect the assumptions of a marketplace participant.
	(Millions of dollars)	Guarantees
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	1
	Issuance of guarantees	—
	Expiration of guarantees	—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	1
	(Millions of dollars)	Guarantees
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	1
	Issuance of guarantees	—
	Expiration of guarantees	—
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	1
	Impaired loans
	In addition to the amounts above, our impaired loans are subject to measurement at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. A loan is considered impaired when management determines that collection of contractual amounts due is not probable. In these cases, an Allowance for credit losses may be established based primarily on the fair value of associated collateral. As the collateral's fair value is based on observable market prices and/or current appraised values, the impaired loans are classified as Level 2 measurements. We had impaired loans carried at the fair value of the underlying collateral value of $151 million and $248 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	B.	Fair Values of Financial Instruments
	In addition to the methods and assumptions we use to record the fair value of financial instruments as discussed in the Fair Value Measurements section above, we used the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of our financial instruments.
	Cash and cash equivalents – carrying amount approximated fair value.
	Finance receivables, net – fair value was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current rates representative of receivables with similar remaining maturities.
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents – carrying amount approximated fair value.
	Short-term borrowings – carrying amount approximated fair value.
	Long-term debt – fair value for fixed and floating-rate debt was estimated based on quoted market prices.
	Please refer to the table below for the fair values of our financial instruments.
	(Millions of dollars)	March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair			Fair Value	Reference
		Amount			Value			Amount			Value			Levels
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,147		$	1,147		$	857		$	857		1
	Foreign currency contracts:
	In a receivable position	$	8		$	8		$	5		$	5		2	Note 5
	In a payable position	$	(18	)	$	(18	)	$	(15	)	$	(15	)	2	Note 5
	Cross currency contracts
	In a receivable position	$	27		$	27		$	17		$	17		2	Note 5
	Finance receivables, net (excluding finance leases(1))	$	20,918		$	20,688		$	21,434		$	21,093		3	Note 4
Restricted cash and cash equivalents(2)	$	16		$	16		$	11		$	11		1
Short-term borrowings	$	(5,259	)	$	(5,259	)	$	(4,699	)	$	(4,699	)	1
Long-term debt	$	(23,500	)	$	(24,107	)	$	(24,574	)	$	(25,103	)	2
Interest rate swaps:
In a net receivable position	$	77		$	77		$	79		$	79		2	Note 5
In a net payable position	$	(6	)	$	(6	)	$	(8	)	$	(8	)	2	Note 5
Guarantees	$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	(1	)	3	Note 7
(1)As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, represents finance leases with a net carrying value of $7.10 billion and $7.64 billion, respectively.
(2) Included in Other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies
	We are involved in unresolved legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of our unresolved legal actions, we believe that these unresolved legal actions will neither individually nor in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Provision for income taxes reflects an estimated annual tax rate of 28 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared with 26 percent in the first quarter of 2014. The increase in the estimated annual tax rate is primarily due to changes in the geographic mix of pre-tax profits.

Critical_Accounting_Policies_P

Critical Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Residual values for leased assets	Residual values for leased assets
	Lease residual values are an estimate of the market value of leased equipment at the end of the lease term and are based on an analysis of historical wholesale market sales prices, projected forward on a level trend line without consideration for inflation or possible future pricing action.  At the inception of the lease, residual values are estimated with consideration of the following critical factors: market size and demand, any known significant market/product trends, total expected hours of usage, machine configuration, application, location, model changes, quantities and past re-marketing experience, third-party residual guarantees and contractual customer purchase options.  Many of these factors are gathered in an application survey that is completed prior to quotation.  The lease agreement also clearly defines applicable return conditions and remedies for non-compliance, to ensure that the leased equipment will be in good operating condition upon return.  Model changes and updates, as well as market strength and product acceptance, are monitored and adjustments are made to residual values in accordance with the significance of any such changes.  Remarketing sales staff works closely with customers and dealers to manage the sale of lease returns and the recovery of residual exposure.
	During the term of the leases, residual values are monitored.  If estimated end-of-term market values of leased equipment reflect a non-temporary impairment due to economic factors, obsolescence or other adverse circumstances, the residual value of the leased equipment is adjusted so that the carrying value at end of lease term will approximate the estimated end-of-term market value. For equipment on operating leases, adjustments are made on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the lease through depreciation expense.  For finance leases, adjustments are recognized at the time of assessment through a reduction of finance revenue.
Allowance for credit losses	Allowance for credit losses
	The Allowance for credit losses is an estimate of the losses inherent in our finance receivable portfolio and includes consideration of accounts that have been individually identified as impaired, as well as pools of finance receivables where it is probable that certain receivables in the pool are impaired but the individual accounts cannot yet be identified.   In identifying and measuring impairment, management takes into consideration past loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of underlying collateral and current economic conditions.  In estimating probable credit losses, we review accounts that are past due, non-performing, in bankruptcy or otherwise identified as at-risk for potential credit loss including accounts which have been modified.  Accounts are identified as at-risk for potential credit loss using information available about the customer, such as financial statements, news reports and published credit ratings, as well as general information regarding industry trends and the economic environment in which our customers operate.
	The Allowance for credit losses attributable to specific accounts 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. We also consider credit enhancements such as additional collateral and contractual third-party guarantees. The Allowance for credit losses attributable to the remaining accounts not yet individually identified as impaired is estimated utilizing probabilities of default and the estimated loss given default.  In addition, qualitative factors not able to be fully captured in previous analysis including industry trends, macroeconomic factors and model imprecision are considered in the evaluation of the adequacy of the Allowance for credit losses.  These qualitative factors are subjective and require a degree of management judgment.
	While management believes it has exercised prudent judgment and applied reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that in the future, changes in economic conditions or other factors would not cause changes in the financial health of our customers.  If the financial health of our customers deteriorates, the timing and level of payments received could be impacted and therefore, could result in a change to our estimated losses. Please see Item 4 for discussion of a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting relating to the Allowance for credit losses and our related remediation plan.
Income taxes	Income taxes
	We are subject to the income tax laws of the many jurisdictions in which we operate. These tax laws are complex and the manner in which they apply to our facts is sometimes open to interpretation. In establishing the Provision for income taxes, we must make judgments about the application of these inherently complex tax laws.
	Despite our belief that our tax return positions are consistent with applicable tax laws, we believe that taxing authorities could challenge certain positions. Settlement of any challenge can result in no change, a complete disallowance, or some partial adjustment reached through negotiations or litigation. We record tax benefits for uncertain tax positions based upon management's evaluation of the information available at the reporting date. To be recognized in the financial statements, a tax benefit must be at least more likely than not of being sustained based on the technical merits of the position. The benefit for positions meeting the recognition threshold is measured as the largest benefit more likely than not of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Significant judgment is required in making these determinations and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits may be necessary to reflect actual taxes payable upon settlement. Adjustments related to positions impacting the effective tax rate affect the Provision for income taxes. Adjustments related to positions impacting the timing of income or deductions impact deferred tax assets and liabilities.
	Our income tax positions and analysis are based on currently enacted tax law. Future changes in tax law could significantly impact the Provision for income taxes, the amount of taxes payable and the deferred tax asset and liability balances. Deferred tax assets generally represent tax benefits for tax deductions or credits available in future tax returns. Certain estimates and assumptions are required to determine whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the benefit of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making this assessment, management analyzes and estimates the impact of future taxable income, reversing temporary differences and available prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Should a change in facts or circumstances lead to a change in judgment about the realizability of a deferred tax asset, we record or adjust the related valuation allowance in the period that the change in facts and circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding increase or decrease in the Provision for income taxes.
	A provision for U.S. income taxes has not been recorded on undistributed profits of our non-U.S. subsidiaries that we have determined to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. If management intentions or U.S. tax law changes in the future, there may be a significant negative impact on the Provision for income taxes to record an incremental tax liability in the period the change occurs. A deferred tax asset is recognized only if we have definite plans to generate a U.S. tax benefit by repatriating earnings in the foreseeable future.
	Income taxes are based on the statutory tax rate of the jurisdiction where earnings are subject to taxation which may differ from the jurisdiction where that entity is incorporated. Taxes are paid in the jurisdictions where earnings are subject to taxation. The annual tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to results of non-U.S. subsidiaries being subject to statutory tax rates which are generally lower than the U.S. rate of 35%.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, included in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity, consisted of the following:
	(Millions of dollars)	Foreign				Derivative				Total
		currency				financial
		translation				instruments
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	122			$	(5	)		$	117
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	5				(2		)		3
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	—				1				1
	Other comprehensive income/(loss)	5				(1		)		4
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	127			$	(6	)		$	121
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(359	)		$	(5	)		$	(364	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(401		)		1				(400		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	—				1				1
	Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(401		)		2				(399		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(760	)		$	(3	)		$	(763	)
Reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	The effect of the reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Profit was as follows:
	(Millions of dollars)			Three Months Ended March 31,
		Classification of		2015				2014
		income (expense)
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other income (expense)		$	—			$	—
	Interest rate contracts	Interest expense		(1		)		(1		)
	Reclassifications before tax			(1		)		(1		)
	Tax (provision) benefit			—				—
	Total reclassifications from Accumulated			$	(1	)		$	(1	)
	other comprehensive income/(loss)

Financing_Activities_Tables

Financing Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Impaired finance receivables	Individually impaired finance receivables for the Customer portfolio segment were as follows:
	(Millions of dollars)
		As of March 31, 2015												As of December 31, 2014
	Impaired Finance Receivables With	Recorded				Unpaid				Related				Recorded				Unpaid				Related
	No Allowance Recorded	Investment				Principal				Allowance				Investment				Principal				Allowance
						Balance												Balance
	Customer
	North America	$	13			$	13			$	—			$	14			$	14			$	—
	Europe	43				43				—				44				43				—
	Asia/Pacific	6				6				—				2				2				—
	Mining	119				119				—				29				29				—
	Latin America	32				32				—				34				34				—
	Caterpillar Power Finance	189				188				—				129				128				—
	Total	$	402			$	401			$	—			$	252			$	250			$	—
	Impaired Finance Receivables With
	An Allowance Recorded
	Customer
	North America	$	6			$	6			$	2			$	6			$	6			$	1
	Europe	17				17				4				12				12				4
	Asia/Pacific	25				24				8				29				29				8
	Mining	43				43				6				138				137				9
	Latin America	48				48				16				42				42				12
	Caterpillar Power Finance	123				123				38				135				134				41
	Total	$	262			$	261			$	74			$	362			$	360			$	75
	Total Impaired Finance Receivables
	Customer
	North America	$	19			$	19			$	2			$	20			$	20			$	1
	Europe	60				60				4				56				55				4
	Asia/Pacific	31				30				8				31				31				8
	Mining	162				162				6				167				166				9
	Latin America	80				80				16				76				76				12
	Caterpillar Power Finance	312				311				38				264				262				41
	Total	$	664			$	662			$	74			$	614			$	610			$	75
	(Millions of dollars)
		Three Months Ended								Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15								31-Mar-14
	Impaired Finance Receivables With No Allowance	Average				Interest				Average				Interest
	Recorded	Recorded				Income				Recorded				Income
		Investment				Recognized				Investment				Recognized
	Customer
	North America	$	14			$	—			$	25			$	1
	Europe	44				—				48				—
	Asia/Pacific	4				—				6				—
	Mining	102				2				134				2
	Latin America	32				—				17				—
	Caterpillar Power Finance	135				1				205				2
	Total	$	331			$	3			$	435			$	5
	Impaired Finance Receivables With An Allowance
	Recorded
	Customer
	North America	$	6			$	—			$	10			$	—
	Europe	14				—				19				—
	Asia/Pacific	26				—				16				—
	Mining	63				1				24				—
	Latin America	46				1				34				—
	Caterpillar Power Finance	128				—				82				1
	Total	$	283			$	2			$	185			$	1
	Total Impaired Finance Receivables
	Customer
	North America	$	20			$	—			$	35			$	1
	Europe	58				—				67				—
	Asia/Pacific	30				—				22				—
	Mining	165				3				158				2
	Latin America	78				1				51				—
Caterpillar Power Finance	263				1				287				3
Total	$	614			$	5			$	620			$	6
Investment in customer finance receivables on non-accrual status	The investment in customer finance receivables on non-accrual status was as follows:
	(Millions of dollars)
		March 31,				December 31,
		2015				2014
	Customer
	North America	$	31			$	27
	Europe	43				28
	Asia/Pacific	44				54
	Mining	124				62
	Latin America	213				201
	Caterpillar Power Finance	143				96
	Total	$	598			$	468
Aging related to finance receivables	Aging related to finance receivables was as follows:
	(Millions of dollars)
		March 31, 2015
		31-60				61-90				91+				Total				Current				Total		91+ Still
		Days				Days				Days				Past Due								Finance		Accruing
		Past Due				Past Due				Past Due												Receivables
	Customer
	North America	$	37			$	14			$	35			$	86			$	7,337			$	7,423	$	9
	Europe	26				15				43				84				2,335				2,419		6
	Asia/Pacific	73				32				64				169				2,518				2,687		24
	Mining	20				10				76				106				1,883				1,989		50
	Latin America	100				47				190				337				2,181				2,518		—
	Caterpillar Power Finance	17				1				87				105				3,055				3,160		1
	Dealer
	North America	—				—				—				—				3,266				3,266		—
	Europe	—				—				—				—				463				463		—
	Asia/Pacific	2				—				—				2				596				598		—
	Mining	—				—				—				—				3				3		—
	Latin America	—				—				—				—				800				800		—
	Caterpillar Power Finance	—				—				—				—				—				—		—
	Caterpillar Purchased Receivables
	North America	8				2				1				11				1,937				1,948		1
	Europe	1				—				5				6				418				424		—
	Asia/Pacific	—				—				—				—				384				384		—
	Mining	—				—				—				—				—				—		—
	Latin America	—				—				—				—				311				311		—
	Caterpillar Power Finance	2				—				—				2				14				16		—
	Total	$	286			$	121			$	501			$	908			$	27,501			$	28,409	$	91
	(Millions of dollars)
		December 31, 2014
		31-60				61-90				91+				Total				Current				Total		91+ Still
		Days				Days				Days				Past Due								Finance		Accruing
		Past Due				Past Due				Past Due												Receivables
	Customer
	North America	$	46			$	8			$	27			$	81			$	7,291			$	7,372	$	4
	Europe	16				23				29				68				2,607				2,675		6
	Asia/Pacific	29				22				69				120				2,773				2,893		16
	Mining	28				—				11				39				2,084				2,123		—
	Latin America	55				23				196				274				2,583				2,857		8
	Caterpillar Power Finance	1				4				64				69				3,079				3,148		1
	Dealer
	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 America	23				5				1				29				1,916				1,945		1
	Europe	4				1				5				10				429				439		1
	Asia/Pacific	—				—				—				—				401				401		—
	Mining	—				—				—				—				—				—		—
	Latin America	6				5				—				11				420				431		—
	Caterpillar Power Finance	—				—				1				1				21				22		1
	Total	$	208			$	91			$	403			$	702			$	28,773			$	29,475	$	38
Allowance for credit losses and recorded investment in finance receivables	An analysis of the Allowance for credit losses was as follows:
	(Millions of dollars)
		March 31, 2015
	Allowance for Credit Losses:	Customer				Dealer				Caterpillar				Total
										Purchased
										Receivables
	Balance at beginning of year	$	388			$	10			$	3			$	401
	Receivables written off	(23		)		—				—				(23		)
	Recoveries on receivables previously written off	11				—				—				11
	Provision for credit losses	18				(1		)		—				17
	Adjustment 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			$	—			$	—			$	74
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	306				9				3				318
	Ending Balance	$	380			$	9			$	3			$	392
	Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	664			$	—			$	—			$	664
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	19,532				5,130				3,083				27,745
	Ending Balance	$	20,196			$	5,130			$	3,083			$	28,409
	(Millions of dollars)
		December 31, 2014
	Allowance for Credit Losses:	Customer				Dealer				Caterpillar				Total
										Purchased
										Receivables
	Balance at beginning of year	$	374			$	10			$	3			$	387
	Receivables written off	(146		)		—				—				(146		)
	Recoveries on receivables previously written off	47				—				—				47
	Provision for credit losses	136				—				—				136
	Adjustment 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			$	—			$	—			$	75
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	313				10				3				326
	Ending Balance	$	388			$	10			$	3			$	401
	Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	614			$	—			$	—			$	614
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	20,454				5,169				3,238				28,861
	Ending Balance	$	21,068			$	5,169			$	3,238			$	29,475
Recorded investment in performing and 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				Caterpillar				Total
										Purchased
										Receivables
	Performing
	North America	$	7,392			$	3,266			$	1,948			$	12,606
	Europe	2,376				463				419				3,258
	Asia/Pacific	2,643				598				384				3,625
	Mining	1,865				3				—				1,868
	Latin America	2,305				800				311				3,416
	Caterpillar Power Finance	3,017				—				16				3,033
	Total Performing	$	19,598			$	5,130			$	3,078			$	27,806
	Non-Performing
	North America	$	31			$	—			$	—			$	31
	Europe	43				—				5				48
	Asia/Pacific	44				—				—				44
	Mining	124				—				—				124
	Latin America	213				—				—				213
	Caterpillar Power Finance	143				—				—				143
	Total Non-Performing	$	598			$	—			$	5			$	603
	Total Performing and Non-Performing
	North America	$	7,423			$	3,266			$	1,948			$	12,637
	Europe	2,419				463				424				3,306
	Asia/Pacific	2,687				598				384				3,669
	Mining	1,989				3				—				1,992
	Latin America	2,518				800				311				3,629
	Caterpillar Power Finance	3,160				—				16				3,176
	Total	$	20,196			$	5,130			$	3,083			$	28,409
	(Millions of dollars)
		December 31, 2014
		Customer				Dealer				Caterpillar				Total
										Purchased
										Receivables
	Performing
	North America	$	7,345			$	3,209			$	1,945			$	12,499
	Europe	2,647				467				435				3,549
	Asia/Pacific	2,839				637				401				3,877
	Mining	2,061				3				—				2,064
	Latin America	2,656				853				431				3,940
	Caterpillar Power Finance	3,052				—				22				3,074
	Total Performing	$	20,600			$	5,169			$	3,234			$	29,003
	Non-Performing
	North America	$	27			$	—			$	—			$	27
	Europe	28				—				4				32
	Asia/Pacific	54				—				—				54
	Mining	62				—				—				62
	Latin America	201				—				—				201
	Caterpillar Power Finance	96				—				—				96
	Total Non-Performing	$	468			$	—			$	4			$	472
	Total Performing and Non-Performing
	North America	$	7,372			$	3,209			$	1,945			$	12,526
	Europe	2,675				467				439				3,581
	Asia/Pacific	2,893				637				401				3,931
	Mining	2,123				3				—				2,126
	Latin America	2,857				853				431				4,141
	Caterpillar Power Finance	3,148				—				22				3,170
	Total	$	21,068			$	5,169			$	3,238			$	29,475
Finance receivables modified as TDRs	Finance receivables in the Customer portfolio segment modified as TDRs were as follows:
	(Dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended											Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15											31-Mar-14
		Number of			Pre-TDR				Post-TDR				Number of			Pre-TDR				Post-TDR
		Contracts			Recorded				Recorded				Contracts			Recorded				Recorded
					Investment				Investment							Investment				Investment
	Customer
	North America	3			$	1			$	1			3			$	2			$	2
	Europe	—			—				—				3			5				5
	Mining	—			—				—				1			11				10
	Latin America	—			—				—				10			30				29
	Caterpillar Power Finance	2			83				80				1			1				1
	Total(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 Ended							Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15							31-Mar-14
		Number of			Post-TDR				Number of			Post-TDR
		Contracts			Recorded				Contracts			Recorded
					Investment							Investment
	Customer
	North America	4			$	1			7			$	1
	Europe	—			—				7			1
	Latin America	1			—				—			—
	Total	5			$	1			14			$	2

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Location and fair value of derivative instruments reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
	(Millions of dollars)
				Asset (Liability) Fair Value
		Consolidated Statements of		March 31,			December 31,
		Financial Position Location		2015			2014
	Designated derivatives
	Interest rate contracts	Other assets		$	77		$	79
	Interest rate contracts	Accrued expenses		(6		)	(8		)
				$	71		$	71
	Undesignated derivatives
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other assets		$	8		$	5
	Foreign exchange contracts	Accrued expenses		(18		)	(15		)
	Cross currency contracts	Other assets		27			17
				$	17		$	7
Deferred gains (losses) recorded in AOCI on the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the deferred gains (losses) recorded in AOCI on the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity associated with our cash flow interest rate contract hedges were as follows:
	(Millions of dollars)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014, net of tax of $3	$	(5	)
	Gains (losses) deferred during the period, net of tax of $1	1
	(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax of $0	1
	Balance as of March 31, 2015, net of tax of $2	$	(3	)
	(Millions of dollars)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013, net of tax of $3	$	(5	)
	Gains (losses) deferred during the period, net of tax of $0	(2		)
	(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax of $0	1
	Balance as of March 31, 2014, net of tax of $3	$	(6	)
Schedule of effect of derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Profit	The effect of derivatives designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Profit was as follows:
	Fair Value Hedges
	(Millions of dollars)
				Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
				31-Mar-15						31-Mar-14
		Classification		Gains			Gains			Gains			Gains
				(Losses)			(Losses)			(Losses)			(Losses)
				on			on			on			on
				Derivatives			Borrowings			Derivatives			Borrowings
	Interest rate contracts	Other income (expense)		$	(1	)	$	1		$	(13	)	$	13
Schedule of effect of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Profit
	Cash Flow Hedges
	(Millions of dollars)
				Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		Classification		Reclassified from AOCI			Recognized in Earnings
				to Earnings			(Ineffective Portion)
				(Effective Portion)
	Interest rate contracts	Interest expense		$	(1	)	$	—
	Interest rate contracts	Other income (expense)		—			—
				$	(1	)	$	—
				Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Classification		Reclassified from AOCI			Recognized in Earnings
				to Earnings			(Ineffective Portion)
				(Effective Portion)
	Interest rate contracts	Interest expense		$	(1	)	$	—
	Interest rate contracts	Other income (expense)		—			—
				$	(1	)	$	—
Schedule of effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Profit	The effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Profit was as follows:
	Undesignated Derivatives
	(Millions of dollars)			Three Months Ended March 31,
		Classification		2015			2014
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other income (expense)		$	(38	)	$	(1	)
	Cross currency contracts	Other income (expense)		10			(4		)
				$	(28	)	$	(5	)
Schedule of offsetting of derivative assets and liabilities	The effect of net settlement provisions of the master netting agreements on our derivative balances upon an event of default or a termination event was as follows:
	Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities
	(Millions of dollars)
				March 31,			December 31,
				2015			2014
	Derivative Assets
	Gross Amount of Recognized Assets			$	112		$	101
	Gross Amounts Offset			—			—
	Net Amount of Assets(1)			112			101
	Gross Amounts Not Offset			(14		)	(8		)
	Net Amount			$	98		$	93
	Derivative Liabilities
	Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities			$	(24	)	$	(23	)
	Gross Amounts Offset			—			—
	Net Amount of Liabilities(1)			(24		)	(23		)
	Gross Amounts Not Offset			14			8
	Net Amount			$	(10	)	$	(15	)
	(1) As presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Supplemental segment data and reconciliations to consolidated external reporting for the three months ended March 31 was as follows:
	(Millions of dollars)	Revenues			Segment			Interest			Depreciation		Provision			Segment			Capital
					Profit			Expense			on equipment		for			Assets at			expenditures
											leased to		credit			March 31,
											others		losses			2015
	2015
	North America	$	284		$	97		$	63		$	101	$	(4	)	$	13,818		$	176
	Europe and CPF	113			35			17			21		13			7,327			20
	Asia/Pacific	80			20			31			5		9			4,586			4
	Latin America	102			24			29			27		6			4,181			24
	Mining	100			29			14			58		(10		)	3,013			69
	Total Segments	679			205			154			212		14			32,925			293
	Unallocated	18			(19		)	16			—		—			1,748			—
	Timing	(8		)	(11		)	—			—		4			103			1
	Methodology	—			12			(19		)	—		—			(221		)	—
	Inter-segment Eliminations	—			—			—			—		—			(214		)	—
	Total	$	689		$	187		$	151		$	212	$	18		$	34,341		$	294
	2014	Revenues			Segment			Interest			Depreciation		Provision			Segment			Capital
					Profit			Expense			on equipment		for			Assets at			expenditures
											leased to		credit			December 31,
											others		losses			2014
	North America	$	247		$	77		$	60		$	80	$	3		$	13,661		$	130
	Europe and CPF	130			41			24			26		9			7,601			31
	Asia/Pacific	92			38			28			6		7			4,767			10
	Latin America	105			26			32			27		4			4,676			35
	Mining	123			10			18			75		13			3,161			63
	Total Segments	697			192			162			214		36			33,866			269
	Unallocated	21			(13		)	12			—		—			1,648			—
	Timing	(7		)	(2		)	—			—		1			120			—
	Methodology	—			5			(12		)	—		—			(215		)	—
	Inter-segment Eliminations	—			—			—			—		—			(243		)	—
	Total	$	711		$	182		$	162		$	214	$	37		$	35,176		$	269

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value	Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at fair value included in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are summarized below:
	(Millions of dollars)
		March 31, 2015
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total Assets/Liabilities,
											at Fair Value
	Assets
	Derivative financial instruments, net	$	—		$	88		$	—		$	88
	Total Assets	$	—		$	88		$	—		$	88
	Liabilities
	Guarantees	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
	Total Liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total Assets/Liabilities,
											at Fair Value
	Assets
	Derivative financial instruments, net	$	—		$	78		$	—		$	78
	Total Assets	$	—		$	78		$	—		$	78
	Liabilities
	Guarantees	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
	Total Liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
Roll-forwards of liabilities measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs	Below are roll-forwards of liabilities measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. These instruments were valued using pricing models that, in management’s judgment, reflect the assumptions of a marketplace participant.
	(Millions of dollars)	Guarantees
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	1
	Issuance of guarantees	—
	Expiration of guarantees	—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	1
	(Millions of dollars)	Guarantees
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	1
	Issuance of guarantees	—
	Expiration of guarantees	—
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	1
Fair values of financial instruments	Please refer to the table below for the fair values of our financial instruments.
	(Millions of dollars)	March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair			Fair Value	Reference
		Amount			Value			Amount			Value			Levels
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,147		$	1,147		$	857		$	857		1
	Foreign currency contracts:
	In a receivable position	$	8		$	8		$	5		$	5		2	Note 5
	In a payable position	$	(18	)	$	(18	)	$	(15	)	$	(15	)	2	Note 5
	Cross currency contracts
	In a receivable position	$	27		$	27		$	17		$	17		2	Note 5
	Finance receivables, net (excluding finance leases(1))	$	20,918		$	20,688		$	21,434		$	21,093		3	Note 4
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents(2)	$	16		$	16		$	11		$	11		1
	Short-term borrowings	$	(5,259	)	$	(5,259	)	$	(4,699	)	$	(4,699	)	1
	Long-term debt	$	(23,500	)	$	(24,107	)	$	(24,574	)	$	(25,103	)	2
	Interest rate swaps:
	In a net receivable position	$	77		$	77		$	79		$	79		2	Note 5
	In a net payable position	$	(6	)	$	(6	)	$	(8	)	$	(8	)	2	Note 5
	Guarantees	$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	(1	)	$	(1	)	3	Note 7
	(1)As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, represents finance leases with a net carrying value of $7.10 billion and $7.64 billion, respectively.
	(2) Included in Other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	($364)	$117
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-400	3
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	1	1
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	-399	4
Balance at end of period	-763	121
Foreign currency translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	-359	122
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-401	5
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	0	0
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	-401	5
Balance at end of period	-760	127
Derivative financial instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	-5	-5
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	1	-2
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	1	1
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	2	-1
Balance at end of period	($3)	($6)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other income (expense)	($9)		($7)
Interest	-151		-162
Tax (provision) benefit	-52		-48
Total reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	133	[1]	131	[1]
Reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) | Derivative financial instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications before tax	-1		-1
Tax (provision) benefit	0		0
Total reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	-1		-1
Reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) | Derivative financial instruments | Foreign exchange contracts
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other income (expense)	0		0
Reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) | Derivative financial instruments | Interest rate contracts
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest	($1)		($1)
[1]	Profit attributable to Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation.

Financing_Activities_Details

Financing Activities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Customer
Financing Receivable, Impaired
Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	$402		$252
Unpaid Principal Balance With No Allowance Recorded	401		250
Related Allowance With No Allowance Recorded	0		0
Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	262		362
Unpaid Principal Balance With An Allowance Recorded	261		360
Related Allowance With An Allowance Recorded	74		75
Recorded Investment, Total	664		614
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	662		610
Related Allowance, Total	74		75
Average Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	331	435
Interest Income Recognized With No Allowance Recorded	3	5
Average Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	283	185
Interest Income Recognized With An Allowance Recorded	2	1
Average Recorded Investment, Total	614	620
Interest Income Recognized, Total	5	6
Customer | North America
Financing Receivable, Impaired
Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	13		14
Unpaid Principal Balance With No Allowance Recorded	13		14
Related Allowance With No Allowance Recorded	0		0
Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	6		6
Unpaid Principal Balance With An Allowance Recorded	6		6
Related Allowance With An Allowance Recorded	2		1
Recorded Investment, Total	19		20
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	19		20
Related Allowance, Total	2		1
Average Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	14	25
Interest Income Recognized With No Allowance Recorded	0	1
Average Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	6	10
Interest Income Recognized With An Allowance Recorded	0	0
Average Recorded Investment, Total	20	35
Interest Income Recognized, Total	0	1
Customer | Europe
Financing Receivable, Impaired
Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	43		44
Unpaid Principal Balance With No Allowance Recorded	43		43
Related Allowance With No Allowance Recorded	0		0
Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	17		12
Unpaid Principal Balance With An Allowance Recorded	17		12
Related Allowance With An Allowance Recorded	4		4
Recorded Investment, Total	60		56
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	60		55
Related Allowance, Total	4		4
Average Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	44	48
Interest Income Recognized With No Allowance Recorded	0	0
Average Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	14	19
Interest Income Recognized With An Allowance Recorded	0	0
Average Recorded Investment, Total	58	67
Interest Income Recognized, Total	0	0
Customer | Asia/Pacific
Financing Receivable, Impaired
Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	6		2
Unpaid Principal Balance With No Allowance Recorded	6		2
Related Allowance With No Allowance Recorded	0		0
Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	25		29
Unpaid Principal Balance With An Allowance Recorded	24		29
Related Allowance With An Allowance Recorded	8		8
Recorded Investment, Total	31		31
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	30		31
Related Allowance, Total	8		8
Average Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	4	6
Interest Income Recognized With No Allowance Recorded	0	0
Average Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	26	16
Interest Income Recognized With An Allowance Recorded	0	0
Average Recorded Investment, Total	30	22
Interest Income Recognized, Total	0	0
Customer | Mining
Financing Receivable, Impaired
Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	119		29
Unpaid Principal Balance With No Allowance Recorded	119		29
Related Allowance With No Allowance Recorded	0		0
Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	43		138
Unpaid Principal Balance With An Allowance Recorded	43		137
Related Allowance With An Allowance Recorded	6		9
Recorded Investment, Total	162		167
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	162		166
Related Allowance, Total	6		9
Average Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	102	134
Interest Income Recognized With No Allowance Recorded	2	2
Average Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	63	24
Interest Income Recognized With An Allowance Recorded	1	0
Average Recorded Investment, Total	165	158
Interest Income Recognized, Total	3	2
Customer | Latin America
Financing Receivable, Impaired
Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	32		34
Unpaid Principal Balance With No Allowance Recorded	32		34
Related Allowance With No Allowance Recorded	0		0
Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	48		42
Unpaid Principal Balance With An Allowance Recorded	48		42
Related Allowance With An Allowance Recorded	16		12
Recorded Investment, Total	80		76
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	80		76
Related Allowance, Total	16		12
Average Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	32	17
Interest Income Recognized With No Allowance Recorded	0	0
Average Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	46	34
Interest Income Recognized With An Allowance Recorded	1	0
Average Recorded Investment, Total	78	51
Interest Income Recognized, Total	1	0
Customer | Caterpillar Power Finance
Financing Receivable, Impaired
Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	189		129
Unpaid Principal Balance With No Allowance Recorded	188		128
Related Allowance With No Allowance Recorded	0		0
Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	123		135
Unpaid Principal Balance With An Allowance Recorded	123		134
Related Allowance With An Allowance Recorded	38		41
Recorded Investment, Total	312		264
Unpaid Principal Balance, Total	311		262
Related Allowance, Total	38		41
Average Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded	135	205
Interest Income Recognized With No Allowance Recorded	1	2
Average Recorded Investment With An Allowance Recorded	128	82
Interest Income Recognized With An Allowance Recorded	0	1
Average Recorded Investment, Total	263	287
Interest Income Recognized, Total	1	3
Dealer
Financing Receivable, Impaired
Recorded Investment, Total	0		0
Average Recorded Investment, Total	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables
Financing Receivable, Impaired
Recorded Investment, Total	0		0
Average Recorded Investment, Total	$0	$0

Financing_Activities_Details_2

Financing Activities (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Period after which unpaid installments are considered as past due	30 days
Period after which collection of future income is considered as not probable	120 days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	$286	$208
61-90 Days Past Due	121	91
91 Plus Days Past Due	501	403
Total Past Due	908	702
Current	27,501	28,773
Total gross finance receivables	28,409	29,475
91 Plus, Still Accruing	91	38
Investment in finance receivables on non-accrual status	598	468
North America
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
Total gross finance receivables	12,637	12,526
Europe
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
Total gross finance receivables	3,306	3,581
Asia/Pacific
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
Total gross finance receivables	3,669	3,931
Mining
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
Total gross finance receivables	1,992	2,126
Latin America
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
Total gross finance receivables	3,629	4,141
Caterpillar Power Finance
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
Total gross finance receivables	3,176	3,170
Customer
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
Total gross finance receivables	20,196	21,068
Customer | North America
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	37	46
61-90 Days Past Due	14	8
91 Plus Days Past Due	35	27
Total Past Due	86	81
Current	7,337	7,291
Total gross finance receivables	7,423	7,372
91 Plus, Still Accruing	9	4
Investment in finance receivables on non-accrual status	31	27
Customer | Europe
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	26	16
61-90 Days Past Due	15	23
91 Plus Days Past Due	43	29
Total Past Due	84	68
Current	2,335	2,607
Total gross finance receivables	2,419	2,675
91 Plus, Still Accruing	6	6
Investment in finance receivables on non-accrual status	43	28
Customer | Asia/Pacific
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	73	29
61-90 Days Past Due	32	22
91 Plus Days Past Due	64	69
Total Past Due	169	120
Current	2,518	2,773
Total gross finance receivables	2,687	2,893
91 Plus, Still Accruing	24	16
Investment in finance receivables on non-accrual status	44	54
Customer | Mining
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	20	28
61-90 Days Past Due	10	0
91 Plus Days Past Due	76	11
Total Past Due	106	39
Current	1,883	2,084
Total gross finance receivables	1,989	2,123
91 Plus, Still Accruing	50	0
Investment in finance receivables on non-accrual status	124	62
Customer | Latin America
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	100	55
61-90 Days Past Due	47	23
91 Plus Days Past Due	190	196
Total Past Due	337	274
Current	2,181	2,583
Total gross finance receivables	2,518	2,857
91 Plus, Still Accruing	0	8
Investment in finance receivables on non-accrual status	213	201
Customer | Caterpillar Power Finance
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	17	1
61-90 Days Past Due	1	4
91 Plus Days Past Due	87	64
Total Past Due	105	69
Current	3,055	3,079
Total gross finance receivables	3,160	3,148
91 Plus, Still Accruing	1	1
Investment in finance receivables on non-accrual status	143	96
Dealer
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
Total gross finance receivables	5,130	5,169
Investment in finance receivables on non-accrual status	0	0
Dealer | North America
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Plus Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	3,266	3,209
Total gross finance receivables	3,266	3,209
91 Plus, Still Accruing	0	0
Dealer | Europe
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Plus Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	463	467
Total gross finance receivables	463	467
91 Plus, Still Accruing	0	0
Dealer | Asia/Pacific
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	2	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Plus Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	2	0
Current	596	637
Total gross finance receivables	598	637
91 Plus, Still Accruing	0	0
Dealer | Mining
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Plus Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	3	3
Total gross finance receivables	3	3
91 Plus, Still Accruing	0	0
Dealer | Latin America
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Plus Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	800	853
Total gross finance receivables	800	853
91 Plus, Still Accruing	0	0
Dealer | Caterpillar Power Finance
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Plus Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	0	0
Total gross finance receivables	0	0
91 Plus, Still Accruing	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
Total gross finance receivables	3,083	3,238
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | North America
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	8	23
61-90 Days Past Due	2	5
91 Plus Days Past Due	1	1
Total Past Due	11	29
Current	1,937	1,916
Total gross finance receivables	1,948	1,945
91 Plus, Still Accruing	1	1
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Europe
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	1	4
61-90 Days Past Due	0	1
91 Plus Days Past Due	5	5
Total Past Due	6	10
Current	418	429
Total gross finance receivables	424	439
91 Plus, Still Accruing	0	1
Investment in finance receivables on non-accrual status	5	4
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Asia/Pacific
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Plus Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	384	401
Total gross finance receivables	384	401
91 Plus, Still Accruing	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Mining
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	0	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Plus Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	0	0
Total gross finance receivables	0	0
91 Plus, Still Accruing	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Latin America
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	0	6
61-90 Days Past Due	0	5
91 Plus Days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	11
Current	311	420
Total gross finance receivables	311	431
91 Plus, Still Accruing	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Caterpillar Power Finance
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due
31-60 Days Past Due	2	0
61-90 Days Past Due	0	0
91 Plus Days Past Due	0	1
Total Past Due	2	1
Current	14	21
Total gross finance receivables	16	22
91 Plus, Still Accruing	$0	$1

Financing_Activities_Details_3

Financing Activities (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses
Balance at beginning of year	$401	$387
Receivables written off	-23	-146
Recoveries on receivables previously written off	11	47
Provision for credit losses	17	136
Adjustment due to sale of receivables	0	-3
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-14	-20
Balance at end of period	392	401
Allowance for Credit Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment	74	75
Collectively evaluated for impairment	318	326
Allowance, Ending Balance	392	401
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables
Individually evaluated for impairment	664	614
Collectively evaluated for impairment	27,745	28,861
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	28,409	29,475
Customer
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses
Balance at beginning of year	388	374
Receivables written off	-23	-146
Recoveries on receivables previously written off	11	47
Provision for credit losses	18	136
Adjustment due to sale of receivables	0	-3
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-14	-20
Balance at end of period	380	388
Allowance for Credit Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment	74	75
Collectively evaluated for impairment	306	313
Allowance, Ending Balance	380	388
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables
Individually evaluated for impairment	664	614
Collectively evaluated for impairment	19,532	20,454
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	20,196	21,068
Dealer
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses
Balance at beginning of year	10	10
Receivables written off	0	0
Recoveries on receivables previously written off	0	0
Provision for credit losses	-1	0
Adjustment due to sale of receivables	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0	0
Balance at end of period	9	10
Allowance for Credit Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	9	10
Allowance, Ending Balance	9	10
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	5,130	5,169
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	5,130	5,169
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses
Balance at beginning of year	3	3
Receivables written off	0	0
Recoveries on receivables previously written off	0	0
Provision for credit losses	0	0
Adjustment due to sale of receivables	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0	0
Balance at end of period	3	3
Allowance for Credit Losses
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	3	3
Allowance, Ending Balance	3	3
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	3,083	3,238
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	$3,083	$3,238

Financing_Activities_Details_4

Financing Activities (Details 4) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	$28,409	$29,475
Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	27,806	29,003
Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	603	472
North America
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	12,637	12,526
North America | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	12,606	12,499
North America | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	31	27
Europe
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,306	3,581
Europe | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,258	3,549
Europe | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	48	32
Asia/Pacific
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,669	3,931
Asia/Pacific | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,625	3,877
Asia/Pacific | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	44	54
Mining
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	1,992	2,126
Mining | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	1,868	2,064
Mining | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	124	62
Latin America
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,629	4,141
Latin America | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,416	3,940
Latin America | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	213	201
Caterpillar Power Finance
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,176	3,170
Caterpillar Power Finance | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,033	3,074
Caterpillar Power Finance | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	143	96
Customer
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	20,196	21,068
Customer | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	19,598	20,600
Customer | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	598	468
Customer | North America
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	7,423	7,372
Customer | North America | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	7,392	7,345
Customer | North America | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	31	27
Customer | Europe
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	2,419	2,675
Customer | Europe | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	2,376	2,647
Customer | Europe | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	43	28
Customer | Asia/Pacific
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	2,687	2,893
Customer | Asia/Pacific | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	2,643	2,839
Customer | Asia/Pacific | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	44	54
Customer | Mining
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	1,989	2,123
Customer | Mining | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	1,865	2,061
Customer | Mining | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	124	62
Customer | Latin America
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	2,518	2,857
Customer | Latin America | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	2,305	2,656
Customer | Latin America | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	213	201
Customer | Caterpillar Power Finance
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,160	3,148
Customer | Caterpillar Power Finance | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,017	3,052
Customer | Caterpillar Power Finance | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	143	96
Dealer
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	5,130	5,169
Dealer | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	5,130	5,169
Dealer | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Dealer | North America
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,266	3,209
Dealer | North America | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,266	3,209
Dealer | North America | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Dealer | Europe
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	463	467
Dealer | Europe | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	463	467
Dealer | Europe | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Dealer | Asia/Pacific
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	598	637
Dealer | Asia/Pacific | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	598	637
Dealer | Asia/Pacific | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Dealer | Mining
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3	3
Dealer | Mining | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3	3
Dealer | Mining | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Dealer | Latin America
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	800	853
Dealer | Latin America | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	800	853
Dealer | Latin America | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Dealer | Caterpillar Power Finance
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Dealer | Caterpillar Power Finance | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Dealer | Caterpillar Power Finance | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,083	3,238
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	3,078	3,234
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	5	4
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | North America
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	1,948	1,945
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | North America | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	1,948	1,945
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | North America | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Europe
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	424	439
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Europe | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	419	435
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Europe | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	5	4
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Asia/Pacific
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	384	401
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Asia/Pacific | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	384	401
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Asia/Pacific | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Mining
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Mining | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Mining | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Latin America
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	311	431
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Latin America | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	311	431
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Latin America | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Caterpillar Power Finance
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	16	22
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Caterpillar Power Finance | Performing
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	16	22
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables | Caterpillar Power Finance | Nonperforming
Recorded investment in finance receivables
Recorded Investment in Finance Receivables, Ending Balance	$0	$0

Financing_Activities_Details_5

Financing Activities (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	contracts	contracts
Finance receivables modified as TDRs
Number of Contracts	5	18
Pre-TDR Recorded Investment	$84	$49
Post-TDR Recorded Investment	81	47
TDRs with a payment default which had been modified within twelve months prior to the default date
Number of Contracts	5	14
Post-TDR Recorded Investment	1	2
Customer | North America
Finance receivables modified as TDRs
Number of Contracts	3	3
Pre-TDR Recorded Investment	1	2
Post-TDR Recorded Investment	1	2
TDRs with a payment default which had been modified within twelve months prior to the default date
Number of Contracts	4	7
Post-TDR Recorded Investment	1	1
Customer | Europe
Finance receivables modified as TDRs
Number of Contracts	0	3
Pre-TDR Recorded Investment	0	5
Post-TDR Recorded Investment	0	5
TDRs with a payment default which had been modified within twelve months prior to the default date
Number of Contracts	0	7
Post-TDR Recorded Investment	0	1
Customer | Mining
Finance receivables modified as TDRs
Number of Contracts	0	1
Pre-TDR Recorded Investment	0	11
Post-TDR Recorded Investment	0	10
Customer | Latin America
Finance receivables modified as TDRs
Number of Contracts	0	10
Pre-TDR Recorded Investment	0	30
Post-TDR Recorded Investment	0	29
TDRs with a payment default which had been modified within twelve months prior to the default date
Number of Contracts	1	0
Post-TDR Recorded Investment	0	0
Customer | Caterpillar Power Finance
Finance receivables modified as TDRs
Number of Contracts	2	1
Pre-TDR Recorded Investment	83	1
Post-TDR Recorded Investment	80	1
TDRs with a payment default which had been modified within twelve months prior to the default date
Remaining commitments	$0		$0
Dealer
Finance receivables modified as TDRs
Number of Contracts	0	0
Caterpillar Purchased Receivables
Finance receivables modified as TDRs
Number of Contracts	0	0

Financing_Activities_Details_6

Financing Activities (Details 6) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Loans Managed, Securitized or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement
Off balance-sheet managed assets	$331		$316
Servicing liability	1		1
Purchase of trade receivables from Caterpillar Entities
Amortization of receivables purchase discount	$58	$58

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative
Deferred net losses, interest rate risk, to be reclassified from equity to current earnings over the next twelve months	$1

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Fair Value	$112	$101
Liability Fair Value	-24	-23
Designated derivatives
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset (Liability) Fair Value	71	71
Designated derivatives | Interest rate contracts | Other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Fair Value	77	79
Designated derivatives | Interest rate contracts | Accrued expenses
Derivatives, Fair Value
Liability Fair Value	-6	-8
Undesignated derivatives
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset (Liability) Fair Value	17	7
Undesignated derivatives | Foreign exchange contracts | Other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Fair Value	8	5
Undesignated derivatives | Foreign exchange contracts | Accrued expenses
Derivatives, Fair Value
Liability Fair Value	-18	-15
Undesignated derivatives | Cross currency contracts | Other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Fair Value	$27	$17

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Details 3) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative
Derivative instruments, notional amount	$4.75	$5.25

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative
Balance at beginning of period, net of tax	($5)	($5)
Gains (losses) deferred during the period, net of tax	1	-2
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, net of tax	1	1
Balance at end of period, net of tax	-3	-6
Beginning balance, tax	3	3
Gains (losses) deferred during the period, tax	-1	0
(Gains) losses reclassified to earnings, tax	0	0
Ending balance, tax	$2	$3

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen6

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Designated derivatives | Fair value hedges | Interest rate contracts | Other income (expense)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Gains (Losses) on Derivatives	($1)	($13)
Gains (Losses) on Borrowings	1	13
Designated derivatives | Cash flow hedges | Interest rate contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (Effective Portion)	-1	-1
Recognized in Earnings (Ineffective Portion)	0	0
Designated derivatives | Cash flow hedges | Interest rate contracts | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (Effective Portion)	-1	-1
Recognized in Earnings (Ineffective Portion)	0	0
Designated derivatives | Cash flow hedges | Interest rate contracts | Other income (expense)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (Effective Portion)	0	0
Recognized in Earnings (Ineffective Portion)	0	0
Undesignated derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	-28	-5
Undesignated derivatives | Foreign exchange contracts | Other income (expense)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	-38	-1
Undesignated derivatives | Cross currency contracts | Other income (expense)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	$10	($4)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen7

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Details 6) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets	$112	$101
Gross Amounts Offset	0	0
Net Amount of Assets	112	101
Gross Amounts Not Offset	-14	-8
Net Amount	98	93
Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities	-24	-23
Gross Amounts Offset	0	0
Net Amount of Liabilities	-24	-23
Gross Amounts Not Offset	14	8
Net Amount	($10)	($15)

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	$689	$711
Segment Profit	187	182
Interest Expense	151	162
Depreciation on equipment leased to others	212	214
Provision for credit losses	18	37
Segment Assets	34,341		35,176
Capital expenditures	294	269
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	679	697
Segment Profit	205	192
Interest Expense	154	162
Depreciation on equipment leased to others	212	214
Provision for credit losses	14	36
Segment Assets	32,925		33,866
Capital expenditures	293	269
Unallocated
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	18	21
Segment Profit	-19	-13
Interest Expense	16	12
Depreciation on equipment leased to others	0	0
Provision for credit losses	0	0
Segment Assets	1,748		1,648
Capital expenditures	0	0
Timing
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	-8	-7
Segment Profit	-11	-2
Interest Expense	0	0
Depreciation on equipment leased to others	0	0
Provision for credit losses	4	1
Segment Assets	103		120
Capital expenditures	1	0
Methodology
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	0	0
Segment Profit	12	5
Interest Expense	-19	-12
Depreciation on equipment leased to others	0	0
Provision for credit losses	0	0
Segment Assets	-221		-215
Capital expenditures	0	0
Inter-segment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	0	0
Segment Profit	0	0
Interest Expense	0	0
Depreciation on equipment leased to others	0	0
Provision for credit losses	0	0
Segment Assets	-214		-243
Capital expenditures	0	0
North America | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	284	247
Segment Profit	97	77
Interest Expense	63	60
Depreciation on equipment leased to others	101	80
Provision for credit losses	-4	3
Segment Assets	13,818		13,661
Capital expenditures	176	130
Europe and CPF | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	113	130
Segment Profit	35	41
Interest Expense	17	24
Depreciation on equipment leased to others	21	26
Provision for credit losses	13	9
Segment Assets	7,327		7,601
Capital expenditures	20	31
Asia/Pacific | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	80	92
Segment Profit	20	38
Interest Expense	31	28
Depreciation on equipment leased to others	5	6
Provision for credit losses	9	7
Segment Assets	4,586		4,767
Capital expenditures	4	10
Latin America | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	102	105
Segment Profit	24	26
Interest Expense	29	32
Depreciation on equipment leased to others	27	27
Provision for credit losses	6	4
Segment Assets	4,181		4,676
Capital expenditures	24	35
Mining | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	100	123
Segment Profit	29	10
Interest Expense	14	18
Depreciation on equipment leased to others	58	75
Provision for credit losses	-10	13
Segment Assets	3,013		3,161
Capital expenditures	$69	$63

Guarantees_Details

Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Related liability	$1,000,000	$1,000,000
Guarantees, maximum potential amount of future payments	52,000,000	42,000,000
SPC's assets in Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	1,140,000,000	1,090,000,000
SPC's liabilities in Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	$1,140,000,000	$1,080,000,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Level 3
Liabilities
Guarantees	$1	$1
Recurring basis
Assets
Derivative financial instruments, net	88	78
Total Assets	88	78
Liabilities
Guarantees	1	1
Total Liabilities	1	1
Recurring basis | Level 1
Assets
Derivative financial instruments, net	0	0
Total Assets	0	0
Liabilities
Guarantees	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Recurring basis | Level 2
Assets
Derivative financial instruments, net	88	78
Total Assets	88	78
Liabilities
Guarantees	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Recurring basis | Level 3
Assets
Derivative financial instruments, net	0	0
Total Assets	0	0
Liabilities
Guarantees	1	1
Total Liabilities	$1	$1

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) (Level 3, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Level 3
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$1	$1
Issuance of guarantees	0	0
Expiration of guarantees	0	0
Balance at end of period	$1	$1

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail2

Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) (Level 2, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of impaired loans	$151	$248

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail3

Fair Value Measurements (Details 4) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings
Short-term borrowings	($5,259,000,000)	($4,699,000,000)
Fair Value, Level 1
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings
Cash and cash equivalents	1,147,000,000	857,000,000
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	16,000,000	11,000,000
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings
Short-term borrowings	-5,259,000,000	-4,699,000,000
Fair Value, Level 2
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings
Foreign currency contracts, in a receivable position	8,000,000	5,000,000
Interest rate swaps, in a net receivable position	77,000,000	79,000,000
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings
Foreign currency contracts, in a payable position	-18,000,000	-15,000,000
Long-term debt	-24,107,000,000	-25,103,000,000
Interest rate swaps, in a net payable position	-6,000,000	-8,000,000
Fair Value, Level 3
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings
Finance receivables, net (excluding finance leases)	20,688,000,000	21,093,000,000
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings
Guarantees	-1,000,000	-1,000,000
Carrying Amount
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings
Cash and cash equivalents	1,147,000,000	857,000,000
Foreign currency contracts, in a receivable position	8,000,000	5,000,000
Finance receivables, net (excluding finance leases)	20,918,000,000	21,434,000,000
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	16,000,000	11,000,000
Interest rate swaps, in a net receivable position	77,000,000	79,000,000
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings
Foreign currency contracts, in a payable position	-18,000,000	-15,000,000
Short-term borrowings	-5,259,000,000	-4,699,000,000
Long-term debt	-23,500,000,000	-24,574,000,000
Interest rate swaps, in a net payable position	-6,000,000	-8,000,000
Guarantees	-1,000,000	-1,000,000
Carrying amount of assets excluded from measurement at fair value
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings
Finance leases	7,100,000,000	7,640,000,000
Cross currency contracts | Fair Value, Level 2
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings
Foreign currency contracts, in a receivable position	27,000,000	17,000,000
Cross currency contracts | Carrying Amount
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings
Foreign currency contracts, in a receivable position	$27,000,000	$17,000,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated annual tax rate	28.00%	26.00%