Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 337	$ 374	$ 684	$ 713
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	35	(61)	22	(34)
Income tax effect, foreign currency translation adjustment	(5)	4	(11)	11
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax effect	30	(57)	11	(23)
Pension and other post-retirment benefit plans	8	8	36	28
Income tax effect, pension and other post-retirment benefit plans	(3)	(3)	(13)	(9)
Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of income tax effect	5	5	23	19
Unrealized loss on investments and forward exchange contracts	2	0	2	(10)
Income tax effect, unrealized loss on investments and forward exchange contracts	(1)	0	(2)	4
Unrealized loss on investments and forward exchange contracts, net of income tax effect	1	0	0	(6)
Comprehensive income	373	322	718	703
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(10)	(2)	(15)	(12)
Comprehensive income attributable to The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.	$ 363	$ 320	$ 703	$ 691