Restructuring (Details) (2014 Restructuring Plan, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014 position
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Workforce reduction (in positions)		590
Restructuring charges paid	$ 18us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
S&P Ratings
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	45
Ending Reserve Balance	31
S&P Capital IQ
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	9
Ending Reserve Balance	6
C&C
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	16
Ending Reserve Balance	10
C&C \| McGraw Hill Construction [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	3
Ending Reserve Balance	1
Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	16
Ending Reserve Balance	13
Total
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	86
Ending Reserve Balance	$ 60	78

Amount of cash payments made as the result of exit or disposal activities. Excludes payments associated with a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

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- Definition

The number of positions eliminated during the period as a result of restructuring activities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Amount of expenses associated with exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140864-122747

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 5

-Section P

-Subsection 3, 4

+ Details

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Balance Type:	debit
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- Details

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- Definition

Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 5

-Section P

-Subsection 3, 4

+ Details

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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant