Name:	cat_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetExpectedAmortizationAfterYearFour
Namespace Prefix:	cat_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Amount of amortization expense for finite-lived intangible asset expected to be recognized in next fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). Excludes goodwill and capitalized cost for software to be sold, leased, or marketed.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(3)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482665/350-30-50-2

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 40
-SubTopic 30
-Topic 350
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482640/350-30-55-40

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	instant

Amount of amortization expense for finite-lived intangible asset expected to be recognized in remainder of current fiscal year. Excludes goodwill and capitalized cost for software to be sold, leased, or marketed.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(3)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482665/350-30-50-2

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of amortization expense for finite-lived intangible asset expected to be recognized in fourth fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). Excludes goodwill and capitalized cost for software to be sold, leased, or marketed.

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Period Type:	instant

Amount of amortization expense for finite-lived intangible asset expected to be recognized in third fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). Excludes goodwill and capitalized cost for software to be sold, leased, or marketed.

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of amortization expense for finite-lived intangible asset expected to be recognized in second fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). Excludes goodwill and capitalized cost for software to be sold, leased, or marketed.

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.