Document and Entity Information (USD $) Share data in Millions | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2011 | Oct. 14, 2011 | Jun. 30, 2010 | |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |||
| Entity Registrant Name | MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES INC | ||
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000064040 | ||
| Document Type | 10-Q | ||
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2011 | ||
| Amendment Flag | false | ||
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2011 | ||
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | ||
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | ||
| Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes | ||
| Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
| Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
| Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | ||
| Entity Public Float | $ 8,696,533,785 | ||
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 293.4 |