Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 113	$ 89	$ 243	$ 264
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale investment securities:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale investment securities	7	1	21	3
Foreign currency translation gains (losses):
Net foreign currency translaction gains (losses)	147	224	(5)	201
Income tax benefit (expense)	(65)	(80)	118	(76)
Total	82	144	113	125
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	89	145	134	128
Comprehensive income	202	234	377	392
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			1	2
Comprehensive income attributable to NASDAQ OMX	$ 202	$ 234	$ 378	$ 394

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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