Growth and Value Plan (Restructuring Charges) (Details) (Growth and Value Plan Preparation [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 99	$ 0	$ 174	$ 0
Professional Fees [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		40	84
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		50	50
Transaction Costs, S&P/Dow Jones Indices, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0	15
Lease Commitment Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		3	11
Other Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 6	$ 14