Restructuring (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013 Restructuring Plan, 2013 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Restructuring Plan, 2012 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 S&P Ratings [Member] Restructuring Plan, 2013 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 S&P Ratings [Member] Restructuring Plan, 2012 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 S&P Capital IQ [Member] Restructuring Plan, 2013 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 S&P Capital IQ [Member] Restructuring Plan, 2012 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 S&P DJ Indices Restructuring Plan, 2013 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 S&P DJ Indices Restructuring Plan, 2012 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 C&C [Member] Restructuring Plan, 2013 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 C&C [Member] Restructuring Plan, 2012 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Corporate [Member] Restructuring Plan, 2013 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Corporate [Member] Restructuring Plan, 2012 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	$ 49	$ 68	$ 13	$ 15	$ 10	$ 19	$ 0	$ 1	$ 10	$ 12	$ 16	$ 21
Ending Reserve Balance	39	6	13	3	9	1	0	0	7	2	10	0
MHE, Initial Charge Recorded	0	39
MHE, Ending Reserve Balance	0	8
Initial Charge Recorded, Including Discontinued Operations	49	107
Ending Reserve Balance, Including Discontinued Operations	$ 39	$ 14