Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Director deferred stock ownership plan amount to be credited to deferred stock accounts	50.00%
Share delivery term if elected	5 years
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 99	$ 93	$ 77
Award vesting period	3 years
Percentage of compensation costs recognized			50.00%
Total fair value of stock options, vested	12	21	18
Excess tax benefits from stock options exercised reported in cash flows	43	42	20
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years		2 years
Award expiration period	10 years		10 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Graded Vesting Method [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years		2 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Ratable Vest One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of compensation costs recognized	33.33%
Award cost recognition period	12 months		12 months
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Ratable Vest Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of compensation costs recognized	33.33%
Award cost recognition period	24 months		24 months
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Ratable Vest Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award cost recognition period	36 months
McGraw Hill Education [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation from discontinued operations	7	16	19
Group of Individuals Transferred to MHE [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense		$ 5	$ 4