Growth and Value Plan & Discontinued Operations (Restructuring Charges) (Details) (Growth and Value Plan Preparation [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 226	$ 10
Segment, Continuing Operations [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	226
Segment, Continuing Operations [Member] | Professional fees
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	117
Segment, Continuing Operations [Member] | Restructuring charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	68
Segment, Continuing Operations [Member] | Transaction costs for our S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC joint venture
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	15
Segment, Continuing Operations [Member] | Charges related to lease commitments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	8
Segment, Continuing Operations [Member] | Miscellaneous charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	18
Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	61
Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member] | Professional fees
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	17
Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member] | Restructuring charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	39
Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member] | Transaction costs for our S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC joint venture
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0
Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member] | Charges related to lease commitments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	3
Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member] | Miscellaneous charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 2