Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assumptions used in valuing the options granted
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per option (in usd per share)		$ 10.61	$ 10.02
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock option expense	$ 10	$ 19	$ 18
Restricted stock and unit awards expense	83	58	33
Total stock-based compensation expense	93	77	51
Tax benefit	36	29	20
Minimum Range [Member]
Assumptions used in valuing the options granted
Risk-free average interest rate		0.20%	0.30%
Dividend yield		2.50%	2.90%
Volatility		21.00%	28.00%
Expected life		6 years 1 month 6 days	5 years 9 months 18 days
Maximum Range [Member]
Assumptions used in valuing the options granted
Risk-free average interest rate		3.50%	4.20%
Dividend yield		3.00%	3.10%
Volatility		51.00%	60.00%
Expected life		6 years 2 months 12 days	7 years
Group of Individuals Transferred to MHE [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 5	$ 4	$ 2

Share-based compensation expense from continuing operations.

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- Definition

The total recognized tax benefit related to compensation cost for equity-based payment arrangements recognized in income during the period.

+ References

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- Definition

The noncash expense that represents the cost of restricted stock or unit distributed to employees as compensation.

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- Definition

The estimated dividend rate (a percentage of the share price) to be paid (expected dividends) to holders of the underlying shares over the option's term.

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- Definition

Expected term of share-based compensation awards, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

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The estimated measure of the percentage by which a share price is expected to fluctuate during a period. Volatility also may be defined as a probability-weighted measure of the dispersion of returns about the mean. The volatility of a share price is the standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a specified period. That is the same as the standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the stock prices plus dividends, if any, over the period.

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- Definition

The risk-free interest rate assumption that is used in valuing an option on its own shares.

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- Definition

The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the reporting period as calculated by applying the disclosed option pricing methodology.

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- Definition

The noncash expense that accounts for the value of stock or unit options distributed to employees as compensation.

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