Segment and Related Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 Segment	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments (in segments)	4
Revenue	$ 1,236	$ 1,181
Operating Profit	430	278
S&P Ratings
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	569	561
Operating Profit	240	249
S&P Capital IQ
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	301	288
Operating Profit	53	50
S&P DJ Indices
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	137	115
Operating Profit	91	64
C&C
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	251	236
Operating Profit	76	60
Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	(22)	(19)
Operating Profit	0	0
Total
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,236	1,181
Operating Profit	460	423
Unallocated expense
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0
Operating Profit	(30)	(145)
Growth and value plan | Unallocated expense
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded		44
Pre-tax legal settlements | Unallocated expense
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded		$ 77