S&P Global (SPGI) 10-Q 29 Apr 21 2021 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 23, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-1023
Entity Registrant Name	S&P Global Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NY
Entity Tax Identification Number	13-1026995
Entity Address, Address Line One	55 Water Street
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10041
City Area Code	212
Local Phone Number	438-1000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock (par value $1.00 per share)
Trading Symbol	SPGI
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		240.9
Entity Central Index Key	0000064040
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 2,016	$ 1,786
Expenses:
Operating-related expenses	527	518
Selling and general expenses	360	314
Depreciation	19	20
Amortization of intangibles	31	29
Total expenses	937	881
Gain on dispositions	(2)	(7)
Operating profit	1,081	912
Other (income) expense, net	(7)	1
Interest expense, net	32	34
Income before taxes on income	1,056	877
Provision for taxes on income	248	188
Net income	808	689
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(53)	(50)
Net income attributable to S&P Global Inc.	$ 755	$ 639
Net income:
Basic (USD per share)	$ 3.14	$ 2.64
Diluted (USD per share)	$ 3.12	$ 2.62
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (shares)	240.6	242.1
Diluted (shares)	241.6	243.3
Actual shares outstanding at period end (shares)	240.9	240.9

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 808	$ 689
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(25)	(37)
Income tax effect	(5)	6
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax effect	(30)	(31)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	21	3
Income tax effect	(4)	(1)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income tax effect	17	2
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	2	(9)
Income tax effect	0	2
Unrealized gain on investment and forward exchange contracts, net of income tax effect	2	(7)
Comprehensive income	797	653
Less: comprehensive income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	(2)	(1)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(51)	(49)
Comprehensive income attributable to S&P Global Inc.	$ 744	$ 603

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,500	$ 4,108
Restricted cash	18	14
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts: 2021 - $33; 2020 - $30	1,509	1,593
Prepaid and other current assets	279	273
Total current assets	6,306	5,988
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation: 2021 - $599; 2020 - $587	281	284
Right of use assets	479	494
Goodwill	3,713	3,735
Other intangible assets, net	1,332	1,352
Other non-current assets	719	684
Total assets	12,830	12,537
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	241	233
Accrued compensation and contributions to retirement plans	261	551
Income taxes currently payable	238	84
Unearned revenue	2,111	2,168
Other current liabilities	552	551
Total current liabilities	3,403	3,587
Long-term debt	4,111	4,110
Lease liabilities — non-current	525	544
Pension and other postretirement benefits	287	291
Other non-current liabilities	598	653
Total liabilities	8,924	9,185
Redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 8)	2,808	2,781
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Equity:
Common stock	294	294
Additional paid-in capital	935	946
Retained income	13,920	13,367
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(648)	(637)
Less: common stock in treasury	(13,469)	(13,461)
Total equity — controlling interests	1,032	509
Total equity — noncontrolling interests	66	62
Total equity	1,098	571
Total liabilities and equity	$ 12,830	$ 12,537

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 33	$ 30
Accumulated depreciation	$ 599	$ 587

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 808	$ 689
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	19	20
Amortization of intangibles	31	29
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	10	10
Deferred income taxes	(3)	(6)
Stock-based compensation	19	11
Gain on dispositions	(2)	(7)
Other	19	29
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts receivable	65	76
Prepaid and other current assets	(56)	(52)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(239)	(251)
Unearned revenue	(61)	(12)
Other current liabilities	25	49
Net change in prepaid/accrued income taxes	172	125
Net change in other assets and liabilities	(39)	(30)
Cash provided by operating activities	768	680
Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(18)	(11)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(9)	(183)
Proceeds from disposition	2	0
Changes in short-term investments	1	11
Cash used for investing activities	(24)	(183)
Financing Activities:
Dividends paid to shareholders	(186)	(161)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders, net	(69)	(51)
Repurchase of treasury shares	0	(1,153)
Exercise of stock options	3	8
Employee withholding tax on share-based payments	(41)	(44)
Cash used for financing activities	(293)	(1,401)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(55)	(30)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	396	(934)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	4,122	2,886
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$ 4,518	$ 1,952

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Total	Total SPGI Equity	Common Stock $1 par	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Less: Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019		$ 536	$ 479	$ 294	$ 903	$ 12,205	$ (624)	$ (12,299)	$ 57
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	[1]	604	603			639	(36)		1
Dividends		(161)	(161)			(161)
Share repurchases		(1,153)	(1,153)		(120)			1,033
Employee stock plans		(26)	(26)		(29)			(3)
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest		11	11			11
Other		(5)	(3)			(3)			(2)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2020		(194)	(250)	294	754	12,691	(660)	(13,329)	56
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2020		571	509	294	946	13,367	(637)	(13,461)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	[1]	746	744			755	(11)		2
Dividends		(186)	(186)			(186)
Employee stock plans		(19)	(19)		(11)			8
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest		(16)	(16)			16
Other		2	0						(2)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2021		$ 1,098	$ 1,032	$ 294	$ 935	$ 13,920	$ (648)	$ (13,469)	$ 66
[1]	Excludes comprehensive income of $51 million and $49 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, attributable to our redeemable noncontrolling interest.

Consolidated Statements of Eq_2

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit) (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per common share (USD per share)	$ 0.77	$ 0.67
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	$ 51	$ 49

Nature of Operations and Basis

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation	Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation S&P Global Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, "S&P Global," the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading provider of transparent and independent ratings, benchmarks, analytics and data to the capital and commodity markets worldwide. Our operations consist of four reportable segments: S&P Global Ratings ("Ratings"), S&P Global Market Intelligence ("Market Intelligence"), S&P Global Platts ("Platts") and S&P Dow Jones Indices ("Indices"). • Ratings is an independent provider of credit ratings, research, and analytics, offering investors and other market participants information, ratings and benchmarks. • Market Intelligence is a global provider of multi-asset-class data, research and analytical capabilities, which integrate cross-asset analytics and desktop services. • Platts is the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodity and energy markets. • Indices is a global index provider that maintains a wide variety of valuation and index benchmarks for investment advisors, wealth managers and institutional investors. The accompanying unaudited financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Therefore, the financial statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (our “Form 10-K”). Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current presentation. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods have been included. The operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, pension plans, incentive compensation and stock-based compensation, income taxes, contingencies and redeemable noncontrolling interests. Since the date of our Form 10-K, there have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates. Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $18 million and $14 million included in our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, includes amounts held in escrow accounts in connection with our acquisition of Kensho. Contract Assets Contract assets include unbilled amounts from when the Company transfers service to a customer before a customer pays consideration or before payment is due. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, contract assets were $16 million and $7 million, respectively, and are included in accounts receivable in our consolidated balance sheets. Unearned Revenue We record unearned revenue when cash payments are received in advance of our performance. The decrease in the unearned revenue balance at March 31, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020 is primarily driven by $883 million of revenues recognized that were included in the unearned revenue balance at the beginning of the period, offset by cash payments received in advance of satisfying our performance obligations. Remaining Performance Obligations Remaining performance obligations represent the transaction price of contracts for work that has not yet been performed. As of March 31, 2021, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $2.2 billion. We expect to recognize revenue on approximately half and three-quarters of the remaining performance obligations over the next 12 and 24 months, respectively, with the remainder recognized thereafter. We do not disclose the value of unfulfilled performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts where revenue is a usage-based royalty promised in exchange for a license of intellectual property. Costs to Obtain a Contract We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. We have determined that the costs associated with certain sales commission programs are incremental to the costs to obtain contracts with customers and therefore meet the criteria to be capitalized. Total capitalized costs to obtain a contract were $124 million and $129 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and are included in prepaid and other current assets and other non-current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. The capitalized asset will be amortized over a period consistent with the transfer to the customer of the goods or services to which the asset relates, calculated based on the customer term and the average life of the products and services underlying the contracts which has been determined to be approximately 5 years. The expense is recorded within selling and general expenses. We expense sales commissions when incurred if the amortization period is one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling and general expenses. Other (Income) Expense, net The components of other (income) expense, net for the three months ended March 31 are as follows: (in millions) 2021 2020 Other components of net periodic benefit cost $ (11) $ (9) Net loss from investments 4 10 Other (income) expense, net $ (7) $ 1

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Divestitures	Acquisitions and Divestitures Acquisitions Merger Agreement In November of 2020, S&P Global and IHS Markit Ltd ("IHS Markit") entered into a merger agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, a subsidiary of S&P Global will merge with and into IHS Markit, with IHS Markit surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of S&P Global. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each share of IHS Markit issued and outstanding (other than excluded shares and dissenting shares) will be converted into the right to receive 0.2838 fully paid and nonassessable shares of S&P Global common stock (and, if applicable, cash in lieu of fractional shares, without interest), less any applicable withholding taxes. As of February 28, 2021, IHS Markit had approximately 398.5 million shares outstanding. On March 11, 2021, S&P Global and IHS Markit shareholders voted to approve the merger agreement. Subject to certain closing conditions, the merger is expected to be completed in the second half of 2021. 2021 During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we did not complete any material acquisitions. 2020 In February of 2020, CRISIL, included within our Ratings segment, completed the acquisition of Greenwich Associates LLC ("Greenwich"), a leading provider of proprietary benchmarking data, analytics and qualitative, actionable insights that helps financial services firms worldwide measure and improve business performance. The acquisition will complement CRISIL's existing portfolio of products and expand offerings to new segments across financial services including commercial banks and asset and wealth managers. The acquisition of Greenwich is not material to our consolidated financial statements. In January of 2020, we completed the acquisition of the ESG Ratings Business from RobecoSAM, which includes the widely followed SAM* Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices. The acquisition will bolster our position as the premier resource for essential environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") insights and product solutions for our customers. Through this acquisition, we will be able to offer our customers even more transparent, robust and comprehensive ESG solutions. The acquisition of the ESG Ratings Business is not material to our consolidated financial statements. Divestitures 2021 During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we did not complete any dispositions. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $2 million ($2 million after-tax) in Gain on dispositions in the consolidated statements of income related to the sale of Standard & Poor's Investment Advisory Services LLC ("SPIAS"), a business within our Market Intelligence segment, in July of 2019. 2020 In January of 2020, Market Intelligence entered into a strategic alliance to transition S&P Global Market Intelligence's Investor Relations ("IR") webhosting business to Q4 Inc. ("Q4"), a third party provider of investor relations related services. This alliance will integrate Market Intelligence's proprietary data into Q4's portfolio of solutions, enabling further opportunities for commercial collaboration. In connection with transitioning its IR webhosting business to Q4, Market Intelligence made a minority investment in Q4. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $7 million ($7 million after-tax) in Gain on dispositions in the consolidated statements of income related to the sale of IR. The operating profit of our businesses that were disposed of for the periods ending March 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows: (in millions) 2021 2020 Operating profit 1 $ 1 $ — 1 The three months ended March 31, 2021 excludes a pre-tax gain related to the sale of the SPIAS of $2 million. The three months ended March 31, 2020 excludes a pre-tax gain on the sale of the IR webhosting business of $7 million.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The effective income tax rate was 23.4% and 21.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively. The increase in the three months ended March 31, 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in the recognition of excess tax benefits associated with share-based payments and an increase in taxes on foreign operations. At the end of each interim period, we estimate the annual effective tax rate and apply that rate to our ordinary quarterly earnings. The tax expense or benefit related to significant unusual or infrequently occurring items that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effect, and are individually computed, is recognized in the interim period in which those items occur. In addition, the effect of changes in enacted tax laws or rates or tax status is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs. The Company is continuously subject to tax examinations in various jurisdictions. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the total amount of federal, state and local, and foreign unrecognized tax benefits was $126 million and $121 million, respectively, exclusive of interest and penalties. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and operating-related expense, respectively. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had $25 million and $24 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits. Based on the current status of income tax audits, we believe that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $18 million in the next twelve months as a result of the resolution of local tax examinations.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt A summary of long-term debt outstanding is as follows: (in millions) March 31, December 31, 4.0% Senior Notes, due 2025 1 695 695 2.95% Senior Notes, due 2027 2 495 495 2.5% Senior Notes, due 2029 3 496 495 1.25% Senior Notes, due 2030 4 592 592 6.55% Senior Notes, due 2037 5 290 290 4.5% Senior Notes, due 2048 6 273 273 3.25% Senior Notes, due 2049 7 589 589 2.3% Senior Notes, due 2060 8 681 681 Long-term debt 4,111 4,110 1 Interest payments are due semiannually on June 15 and December 15, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $5 million. 2 Interest payments are due semiannually on January 22 and July 22, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $5 million. 3 Interest payments are due semiannually on June 1 and December 1, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $4 million. 4 Interest payments are due semiannually on February 15 and August 15, beginning on February 15, 2021, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $8 million. 5 Interest payments are due semiannually on May 15 and November 15, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $3 million. 6 Interest payments are due semiannually on May 15 and November 15, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $10 million. 7 Interest payments are due semiannually on June 1 and December 1, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $11 million. 8 Interest payments are due semiannually on February 15 and August 15, beginning on February 15, 2021, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $19 million. The fair value of our total debt borrowings was $4.3 billion and $4.6 billion as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and was estimated based on quoted market prices. On April 26, 2021, we entered into a revolving $1.5 billion five-year credit agreement (our "credit facility") that will terminate on April 26, 2026. This credit facility replaced our revolving $1.2 billion five-year credit facility (our "previous credit facility") that was scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2022. The previous credit facility was canceled immediately after the new credit facility became effective. There were no outstanding borrowings under the previous credit facility when it was replaced. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had the ability to borrow a total of $1.2 billion through our commercial paper program, which was supported by our previous credit facility that we entered into on June 30, 2017. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there was no commercial paper issued or outstanding, and we similarly did not draw or have any borrowings outstanding from the previous credit facility during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Depending on our corporate credit rating, we paid a commitment fee of 8 to 17.5 basis points for our previous credit facility, whether or not amounts have been borrowed. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we paid a commitment fee of 10 basis points. The interest rate on borrowings under our previous credit facility was, at our option, calculated using rates that are primarily based on either the prevailing London Inter-Bank Offer Rate, the prime rate determined by the administrative agent or the Federal Funds Rate. For certain borrowings under this previous credit facility, there was also a spread based on our corporate credit rating.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments Our exposure to market risk includes changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. We have operations in foreign countries where the functional currency is primarily the local currency. For international operations that are determined to be extensions of the parent company, the U.S. dollar is the functional currency. We typically have naturally hedged positions in most countries from a local currency perspective with offsetting assets and liabilities. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we have entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate or hedge the effect of adverse fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and cross currency swap contracts to hedge a portion of our net investment in a foreign subsidiary against volatility in foreign exchange rates. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we entered into a series of interest rate swaps to mitigate or hedge the adverse fluctuations in interest rates on our future debt refinancing. These contracts are recorded at fair value that is based on foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates in active markets; therefore, we classify these derivative contracts within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We do not enter into any derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Undesignated Derivative Instruments During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, we entered into foreign exchange forward contracts in order to mitigate the change in fair value of specific assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. These forward contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the aggregate notional value of these outstanding forward contracts was $178 million and $460 million, respectively. The changes in fair value of these forward contracts are recorded in prepaid and other assets or other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet with their corresponding change in fair value recognized in selling and general expenses in the consolidated statement of income. The amount recorded in other current liabilities as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $1 million and $2 million, respectively. The amount recorded in selling and general expense related to these contracts was a net loss of $6 million and $11 million for three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Net Investment Hedges During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, we entered into cross currency swaps to hedge a portion of our net investment in a certain European subsidiary against volatility in the Euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate. These swaps are designated and qualify as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary and are scheduled to mature in 2024, 2029, 2030 As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the notional value of our outstanding cross currency swaps designated as a net investment hedge was $1 billion. The changes in the fair value of swaps are recognized in foreign currency translation adjustments, a component of other comprehensive income (loss), and reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss in our consolidated balance sheet. The gain or loss will be subsequently reclassified into net earnings when the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated. We have elected to assess the effectiveness of our net investment hedges based on changes in spot exchange rates. Accordingly, amounts related to the cross currency swaps recognized directly in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 represent net periodic interest settlements and accruals, which are recognized in interest expense, net. We recognized net interest income of $5 million and $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, we entered into a series of foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge a portion of the Indian rupee, British pound, and Euro exposures through the first quarter of 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2022, respectively.These contracts are intended to offset the impact of movement of exchange rates on future revenue and operating costs and are scheduled to mature within twenty-four months. The changes in the fair value of these contracts are initially reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss in our consolidated balance sheet and are subsequently reclassified into revenue and selling and general expenses in the same period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. As of March 31, 2021, we estimate that $19 million of pre-tax gain related to foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges recorded in other comprehensive income is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twenty-four months. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the aggregate notional value of our outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges was $491 million and $489 million, respectively. Interest Rate Swaps During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we entered into a series of interest rate swaps. These contracts are intended to mitigate or hedge the adverse fluctuations in interest rates on our future debt refinancing and are scheduled to mature beginning in the first quarter of 2027. These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. The changes in the fair value of these contracts are initially reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss in our consolidated balance sheet and are subsequently reclassified into Interest expense, net in the same period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. As of March 31, 2021, we estimate that $2 million of pre-tax gains related to interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges recorded in other comprehensive income is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twenty-four months. As of March 31, 2021, the aggregate notional value of our outstanding interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges was $2.3 billion. The following table provides information on the location and fair value amounts of our cash flow hedges and net investment hedges as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: (in millions) March 31, December 31, Balance Sheet Location 2021 2020 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Prepaid and other current assets Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 21 $ 23 Prepaid and other current assets Interest rate swap contracts $ 2 $ — Other current liabilities Foreign exchange forward contracts $ — $ 2 Derivatives designated as net investment hedges : Other non-current liabilities Cross currency swaps $ 89 $ 107 The following table provides information on the location and amounts of pre-tax gains (losses) on our cash flow hedges and net investment hedges for the three months ended March 31: (in millions) Gain (Loss) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (effective portion) Location of Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (effective portion) Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (effective portion) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Cash flow hedges - designated as hedging instruments Foreign exchange forward contracts $ — $ (7) Revenue, Selling and general expenses $ 5 $ (2) Interest rate swap contracts $ 2 $ — Interest expense, net $ — $ — Net investment hedges - designated as hedging instruments Cross currency swaps $ 15 $ 32 $ — $ — The activity related to the change in unrealized gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive loss was as follows for the three months ended March 31: (in millions) 2021 2020 Cash Flow Hedges Foreign exchange forward contracts Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of taxes, beginning of period $ 14 $ 2 Change in fair value, net of tax 5 (9) Reclassification into earnings, net of tax (5) 2 Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of taxes, end of period $ 14 $ (5) Interest rate swap contracts Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of taxes, beginning of period $ — $ — Change in fair value, net of tax 2 — Reclassification into earnings, net of tax — — Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of taxes, end of period $ 2 $ — Net Investment Hedges Net unrealized gains (losses) on net investment hedges, net of taxes, beginning of period $ (81) $ (8) Change in fair value, net of tax 11 24 Reclassification into earnings, net of tax — — Net unrealized gains (losses) on net investment hedges, net of taxes, end of period $ (70) $ 16

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	Employee Benefits We maintain a number of active defined contribution retirement plans for our employees. The majority of our defined benefit plans are frozen. As a result, no new employees will be permitted to enter these plans and no additional benefits for current participants in the frozen plans will be accrued. We also have supplemental benefit plans that provide senior management with supplemental retirement, disability and death benefits. Certain supplemental retirement benefits are based on final monthly earnings. In addition, we sponsor a voluntary 401(k) plan under which we may match employee contributions up to certain levels of compensation as well as profit-sharing plans under which we contribute a percentage of eligible employees' compensation to the employees' accounts. We also provide certain medical, dental and life insurance benefits for active and retired employees and eligible dependents. The medical and dental plans and supplemental life insurance plan are contributory, while the basic life insurance plan is noncontributory. We currently do not prefund any of these plans. We recognize the funded status of our retirement and postretirement plans in the consolidated balance sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes. The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss represent net unrecognized actuarial losses and unrecognized prior service costs. These amounts will be subsequently recognized as net periodic pension cost pursuant to our accounting policy for amortizing such amounts. Net periodic benefit cost for our retirement and postretirement plans other than the service cost component are included in other (income) expense, net in our consolidated statements of income. The components of net periodic benefit cost for our retirement plans and postretirement plans for the three months ended March 31 are as follows: (in millions) 2021 2020 Service cost $ 1 $ 1 Interest cost 10 13 Expected return on assets (26) (26) Amortization of prior service credit / actuarial loss 4 4 Net periodic benefit cost $ (11) $ (8) Net periodic benefit cost related to our postretirement plans reflected in the table above was not material for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. As discussed in our Form 10-K, we changed certain discount rate assumptions for our retirement and postretirement plans and our expected return on assets assumption for our retirement plans which became effective on January 1, 2021. The effect of the assumption changes on retirement and postretirement expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 did not have a material impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In the first three months of 2021, we contributed $3 million to our retirement plans and expect to make additional required contributions of approximately $8 million to our retirement plans during the remainder of the year. We may elect to make additional non-required contributions depending on investment performance or any potential deterioration of our pension plan status in the remaining nine months of 2021.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation We issue stock-based incentive awards to our eligible employees under the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan ("2019 Plan") and to our eligible non-employee Directors under a Director Deferred Stock Ownership Plan. The 2019 Plan permits the granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance stock, restricted stock and other stock-based awards. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, total stock-based compensation expense primarily related to restricted stock and unit awards was $19 million and $11 million, respectively. Total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock and unit awards as of March 31, 2021 was $73 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Equity Stock Repurchases On January 29, 2020, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the purchase of 30 million shares (the "2020 Repurchase Program"), which was approximately 12% of the total shares of our outstanding common stock at that time. On December 4, 2013, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the purchase of 50 million shares (the "2013 Repurchase Program"), which was approximately 18% of the total shares of our outstanding common stock at that time. Our purchased shares may be used for general corporate purposes, including the issuance of shares for stock compensation plans and to offset the dilutive effect of the exercise of employee stock options. As of March 31, 2021, 30 million shares remained available under the 2020 Repurchase Program and 0.8 million shares remained available under the 2013 repurchase program. Our 2020 Repurchase Program and 2013 Repurchase Program have no expiration date and purchases under these programs may be made from time to time on the open market and in private transactions, depending on market conditions. We have entered into accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements with financial institutions to initiate share repurchases of our common stock. Under an ASR agreement, we pay a specified amount to the financial institution and receive an initial delivery of shares. This initial delivery of shares represents the minimum number of shares that we may receive under the agreement. Upon settlement of the ASR agreement, the financial institution delivers additional shares. The total number of shares ultimately delivered, and therefore the average price paid per share, is determined at the end of the applicable purchase period of each ASR agreement based on the volume weighted-average share price, less a discount. We account for our ASR agreements as two transactions: a stock purchase transaction and a forward stock purchase contract. The shares delivered under the ASR agreements resulted in a reduction of outstanding shares used to determine our weighted average common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share. The repurchased shares are held in Treasury. The forward stock purchase contracts were classified as equity instruments. The ASR agreements were executed under our 2013 Repurchase Program, approved on December 4, 2013. The terms of each ASR agreement entered for the three months ended March 31, 2020, structured as outlined above, are as follows: (in millions, except average price) ASR Agreement Initiation Date ASR Agreement Completion Date Initial Shares Delivered Additional Shares Delivered Total Number of Shares Average Price Paid Per Share Total Cash Utilized February 11, 2020 1 July 27, 2020 1.3 0.4 1.7 $ 292.13 $ 500 February 11, 2020 2 July 27, 2020 1.4 0.3 1.7 $ 292.13 $ 500 1 The ASR agreement was structured as a capped ASR agreement in which we paid $500 million and received an initial delivery of 1.3 million shares and an additional amount of 0.2 million during the month of February, representing a minimum number of shares of our common stock to be repurchased based on a calculation using a specified capped price per share. We completed the ASR agreement on July 27, 2020 and received an additional 0.2 million shares. 2 The ASR agreement was structured as an uncapped ASR agreement in which we paid $500 million and received an initial delivery of 1.4 million shares, representing 85% of the $500 million at a price equal to the then market price of the Company. We completed the ASR agreement on July 27, 2020 and received an additional 0.3 million shares. Additionally, we purchased shares of our common stock in the open market for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as follows: (in millions, except average price) Total Number of Shares Average Price Paid Per Share Total Cash Utilized March 31, 2020 0.5 $ 291.99 $ 150 During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we did not use cash to repurchase shares. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we purchased a total of 3.4 million shares for $1,150 million of cash. During the fourth quarter of 2019, we repurchased shares for $3 million, which settled in the first quarter of 2020, resulting in $1,153 million of cash used to repurchase shares. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests The agreement with the minority partners that own 27% of our S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC joint venture contains redemption features whereby interests held by minority partners are redeemable either (i) at the option of the holder or (ii) upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely within our control. Specifically, under the terms of the operating agreement of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, CME Group and CME Group Index Services LLC ("CGIS") has the right at any time to sell, and we are obligated to buy, at least 20% of their share in S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. In addition, in the event there is a change of control of the Company, for the 15 days following a change in control, CME Group and CGIS will have the right to put their interest to us at the then fair value of CME Group's and CGIS' minority interest. If interests were to be redeemed under this agreement, we would generally be required to purchase the interest at fair value on the date of redemption. This interest is presented on the consolidated balance sheets outside of equity under the caption “Redeemable noncontrolling interest” with an initial value based on fair value for the portion attributable to the net assets we acquired, and based on our historical cost for the portion attributable to our S&P Index business. We adjust the redeemable noncontrolling interest each reporting period to its estimated redemption value, but never less than its initial fair value, using both income and market valuation approaches. Our income and market valuation approaches incorporate Level 3 fair value measures for instances when observable inputs are not available. The more significant judgmental assumptions used to estimate the value of the S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC joint venture include an estimated discount rate, a range of assumptions that form the basis of the expected future net cash flows (e.g., the revenue growth rates and operating margins), and a company specific beta. The significant judgmental assumptions used that incorporate market data, including the relative weighting of market observable information and the comparability of that information in our valuation models, are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions. Any adjustments to the redemption value will impact retained income. Noncontrolling interests that do not contain such redemption features are presented in equity. Changes to redeemable noncontrolling interest during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were as follows: (in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 2,781 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest 51 Distributions payable to redeemable noncontrolling interest (40) Redemption value adjustment 16 Balance as of March 31, 2021 $ 2,808 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table summarizes the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021: (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ (323) $ (328) $ 14 $ (637) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (30) 1 13 7 (10) Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net earnings — 4 2 (5) 3 (1) Net other comprehensive (loss) income (30) 17 2 (11) Balance as of March 31, 2021 $ (353) $ (311) $ 16 $ (648) 1 Includes an unrealized gain related to our cross currency swaps. See note 5 – Derivative Instruments for additional detail of items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss. 2 Reflects amortization of net actuarial losses and is net of a tax benefit of $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. See Note 6 — Employee Benefits for additional details of items reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net earnings. 3 See Note 5 — Derivative Instruments for additional details of items reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net earnings.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per ShareBasic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income attributable to the common shareholders of the Company by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed in the same manner as basic EPS, except the number of shares is increased to include additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potential common shares with a dilutive effect had been issued. Potential common shares consist primarily of stock options and restricted performance shares calculated using the treasury stock method. The calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31 is as follows: (in millions, except per share amounts) 2021 2020 Amounts attributable to S&P Global Inc. common shareholders: Net income $ 755 $ 639 Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 240.6 242.1 Effect of stock options and other dilutive securities 1.0 1.2 Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 241.6 243.3 Earnings per share attributable to S&P Global Inc. common shareholders: Net income: Basic $ 3.14 $ 2.64 Diluted $ 3.12 $ 2.62 We have certain stock options and restricted performance shares that are potentially excluded from the computation of diluted EPS. The effect of the potential exercise of stock options is excluded when the average market price of our common stock is lower than the exercise price of the related option during the period or when a net loss exists because the effect would have been antidilutive. Additionally, restricted performance shares are excluded because the necessary vesting conditions had not been met or when a net loss exists. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no stock options excluded. Restricted performance shares outstanding of 0.4 million as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, were excluded.

Restructuring

Restructuring	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	Restructuring We continuously evaluate our cost structure to identify cost savings associated with streamlining our management structure. Our 2020 restructuring plan consisted of a company-wide workforce reduction of approximately 830 positions, and are further detailed below. The charges for the restructuring plans are classified as selling and general expenses within the consolidated statements of income and the reserves are included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. In certain circumstances, reserves are no longer needed because of efficiencies in carrying out the plans or because employees previously identified for separation resigned from the Company and did not receive severance or were reassigned due to circumstances not foreseen when the original plans were initiated. In these cases, we reverse reserves through the consolidated statements of income during the period when it is determined they are no longer needed. The initial restructuring charge recorded and the ending reserve balance as of March 31, 2021 by segment is as follows: 2020 Restructuring Plan (in millions) Initial Charge Recorded Ending Reserve Balance Ratings $ 4 $ 2 Market Intelligence 27 17 Platts 10 7 Indices 5 4 Corporate 19 12 Total $ 65 $ 42 The ending reserve balance for the 2020 restructuring plan was $58 million as of December 31, 2020. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we have reduced the reserve for the 2020 restructuring plan by $16 million. The reductions primarily related to cash payments for employee severance charges.

Segment and Related Information

Segment and Related Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Related Information	Segment and Related Information We have four reportable segments: Ratings, Market Intelligence, Platts and Indices. Our Chief Executive Officer is our chief operating decision-maker and evaluates performance of our segments and allocates resources based primarily on operating profit. Segment operating profit does not include Corporate Unallocated, other (income) expense, net, or interest expense, net, as these are amounts that do not affect the operating results of our reportable segments. A summary of operating results for the three months ended March 31 is as follows: Revenue (in millions) 2021 2020 Ratings $ 1,017 $ 825 Market Intelligence 539 519 Platts 225 215 Indices 270 259 Intersegment elimination 1 (35) (32) Total revenue $ 2,016 $ 1,786 Operating Profit (in millions) 2021 2020 Ratings 2 $ 681 $ 520 Market Intelligence 3 166 147 Platts 4 129 112 Indices 5 191 182 Total reportable segments 1,167 961 Corporate Unallocated expense 6 (86) (49) Total operating profit $ 1,081 $ 912 1 Revenue for Ratings and expenses for Market Intelligence include an intersegment royalty charged to Market Intelligence for the rights to use and distribute content and data developed by Ratings. 2 Operating profit for 2021 includes amortization of intangibles from acquisitions of $5 million. 3 Operating profit for 2021 includes a gain on disposition of $2 million, and operating profit for 2020 includes a gain on disposition of $7 million and employee severance charges of $2 million. Additionally, operating profit for 2021 and 2020 includes amortization of intangibles from acquisitions of $16 million and $19 million, respectively. 4 Operating profit for both 2021 and 2020 includes amortization of intangibles from acquisitions of $2 million. 5 Operating profit for both 2021 and 2020 includes amortization of intangibles from acquisitions of $1 million. 6 Corporate Unallocated expense for 2021 includes IHS Markit merger costs of $49 million and Kensho retention related expense of $2 million. Corporate Unallocated expense for 2020 includes employee severance charges of $7 million and Kensho retention related expense of $5 million. Additionally, Corporate Unallocated expense for both 2021 and 2020 includes amortization of intangibles from acquisitions of $7 million. The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by revenue type for the three months ended March 31: (in millions) Ratings Market Intelligence Platts Indices Intersegment Elimination 1 Total 2021 Subscription $ — $ 527 $ 208 $ 46 $ — $ 781 Non-subscription / Transaction 582 12 1 — — 595 Non-transaction 435 — — — (35) 400 Asset-linked fees — — — 183 — 183 Sales usage-based royalties — — 16 41 — 57 Total revenue $ 1,017 $ 539 $ 225 $ 270 $ (35) $ 2,016 Timing of revenue recognition Services transferred at a point in time $ 582 $ 12 $ 1 $ — $ — $ 595 Services transferred over time 435 527 224 270 (35) 1,421 Total revenue $ 1,017 $ 539 $ 225 $ 270 $ (35) $ 2,016 (in millions) Ratings Market Intelligence Platts Indices Intersegment Elimination 1 Total 2020 2 Subscription $ — $ 505 $ 197 $ 46 $ — $ 748 Non-subscription / Transaction 430 13 1 — — 444 Non-transaction 395 — — — (32) 363 Asset-linked fees — 1 — 159 — 160 Sales usage-based royalties — — 17 54 — 71 Total revenue $ 825 $ 519 $ 215 $ 259 $ (32) $ 1,786 Timing of revenue recognition Services transferred at a point in time $ 430 $ 13 $ 1 $ — $ — $ 444 Services transferred over time 395 506 214 259 (32) 1,342 Total revenue $ 825 $ 519 $ 215 $ 259 $ (32) $ 1,786 1 Intersegment eliminations primarily consists of a royalty charged to Market Intelligence for the rights to use and distribute content and data developed by Ratings. 2 In the first quarter of 2021, we reevaluated our transaction and non-transaction presentation for Ratings which resulted in a reclassification from transaction revenue to non-transaction revenue of $2 million for the first quarter of 2020. The following provides revenue by geographic region for the three months ended March 31: (in millions) 2021 2020 U.S. $ 1,238 $ 1,108 European region 473 405 Asia 208 184 Rest of the world 97 89 Total $ 2,016 $ 1,786 See Note 2 — Acquisitions and Divestitures and Note 10 — Restructuring for additional actions that impacted the segment operating results.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Leases We determine whether an arrangement meets the criteria for an operating lease or a finance lease at the inception of the arrangement. We have operating leases for office space and equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 12 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 12 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. We consider these options in determining the lease term used to establish our right of use ("ROU") assets and associated lease liabilities. We sublease certain real estate leases to third parties which mainly consist of operating leases for space within our offices. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; we recognize lease expenses for these leases on a straight line-basis over the lease term in operating-related expenses and selling and general expenses. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. Our future minimum based payments used to determine our lease liabilities include minimum based rent payments and escalations. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The following table provides information on the location and amounts of our leases on our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: (in millions) March 31, December 31, Balance Sheet Location 2021 2020 Assets Right of use assets Lease right of use assets $ 479 $ 494 Liabilities Other current liabilities Current lease liabilities 100 100 Lease liabilities — non-current Non-current lease liabilities 525 544 The components of lease expense for the three months ended March 31 are as follows: (in millions) 2021 2020 Operating lease cost $ 33 $ 36 Sublease income (1) (4) Total lease cost $ 32 $ 32 Supplemental information related to leases for the three months ended March 31 are as follows: (in millions) 2021 2020 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement for operating lease liabilities Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 32 $ 39 Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations Operating leases — 6 Weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for our operating leases are as follows: March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) 8.4 8.5 Weighted-average discount rate 3.45 % 3.78 % Maturities of lease liabilities for our operating leases are as follows: (in millions) 2021 (Excluding the three months ended March 31, 2021) $ 89 2022 103 2023 85 2024 68 2025 60 2026 and beyond 304 Total undiscounted lease payments $ 709 Less: Imputed interest 84 Present value of lease liabilities $ 625 Related Party Agreements In June of 2012, we entered into a license agreement (the "License Agreement") with the holder of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC noncontrolling interest, CME Group, replacing the 2005 license agreement between Indices and CME Group. Under the terms of the License Agreement, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC receives a share of the profits from the trading and clearing of CME Group's equity index products. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC earned $37 million and $47 million, respectively, of revenue under the terms of the License Agreement. The entire amount of this revenue is included in our consolidated statement of income and the portion related to the 27% noncontrolling interest is removed in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Legal and Regulatory Matters In the normal course of business both in the United States and abroad, the Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in a number of legal proceedings and are often the subject of government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries. In the second quarter of 2020, Indices, a joint venture with CME Group controlled by the Company, received a “Wells Notice” from the Staff of the SEC stating that the Staff has made a preliminary determination to recommend that the SEC file an enforcement action against Indices. The proposed action would allege violations of federal securities laws with respect to the absence of disclosure of a quality assurance mechanism and the impact of that mechanism on certain volatility related index values published on one business day in 2018. The Staff’s recommendation may involve a civil injunctive action, a cease and desist proceeding, disgorgement, pre-judgment interest and civil money penalties. The Wells Notice is neither a formal allegation nor a finding of wrongdoing. It allows Indices the opportunity to provide its perspective and to address the issues raised by the Staff before any decision is made by the SEC on whether to authorize the commencement of an enforcement proceeding. Indices has been cooperating with the SEC in this matter and intends to continue to do so. A class action lawsuit was filed in Australia on August 7, 2020 against the Company and a subsidiary of the Company. A separate lawsuit was filed against the Company and a subsidiary of the Company in Australia on February 2, 2021 by two entities within the Basis Capital investment group. The lawsuits both relate to alleged investment losses in collateralized debt obligations rated by Ratings prior to the financial crisis. We can provide no assurance that we will not be obligated to pay significant amounts in order to resolve these matters on terms deemed acceptable. From time to time, the Company receives customer complaints, particularly, though not exclusively, in its Ratings and Indices segments. The Company believes it has strong contractual protections in the terms and conditions included in its arrangements with customers. Nonetheless, in the interest of managing customer relationships, the Company from time to time engages in dialogue with such customers in an effort to resolve such complaints, and if such complaints cannot be resolved through dialogue, may face litigation regarding such complaints. The Company does not expect to incur material losses as a result of these matters. Moreover, various government and self-regulatory agencies frequently make inquiries and conduct investigations into our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including those related to ratings activities and antitrust matters. For example, as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization registered with the SEC under Section 15E of the Exchange Act, S&P Global Ratings is in ongoing communication with the staff of the SEC regarding compliance with its extensive obligations under the federal securities laws. Although S&P Global seeks to promptly address any compliance issues that it detects or that the staff of the SEC or another regulator raises, there can be no assurance that the SEC or another regulator will not seek remedies against S&P Global for one or more compliance deficiencies. Any of these proceedings, investigations or inquiries could ultimately result in adverse judgments, damages, fines, penalties or activity restrictions, which could adversely impact our consolidated financial condition, cash flows, business or competitive position. In view of the uncertainty inherent in litigation and government and regulatory enforcement matters, we cannot predict the eventual outcome of such matters or the timing of their resolution, or in most cases reasonably estimate what the eventual judgments, damages, fines, penalties or impact of activity (if any) restrictions may be. As a result, we cannot provide assurance that such outcomes will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, cash flows, business or competitive position. As litigation or the process to resolve pending matters progresses, as the case may be, we will continue to review the latest information available and assess our ability to predict the outcome of such matters and the effects, if any, on our consolidated financial condition, cash flows, business or competitive position, which may require that we record liabilities in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Recently Issued or Adopted Acco

Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Standards	Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Standards In August of 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance that amends the accounting for convertible instruments and the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity's own equity. The guidance was effective on January 1, 2021, and the adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January of 2020, the FASB intended to clarify the interaction of the accounting for equity securities under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 321, investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting under ASC 323, and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options accounted for under ASC 815. The guidance clarifies how to account for the transition into and out of the equity method of accounting when considering observable transactions under the measurement alternative. The guidance was effective on January 1, 2021, and the adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In December of 2019, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the accounting for income taxes, which eliminates certain exceptions to the general principles of Topic 740. The guidance is effective for reporting periods after December 15, 2020. Our adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2021 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Nature of Operations and Basi_2

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature Of Operations	S&P Global Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, "S&P Global," the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading provider of transparent and independent ratings, benchmarks, analytics and data to the capital and commodity markets worldwide. Our operations consist of four reportable segments: S&P Global Ratings ("Ratings"), S&P Global Market Intelligence ("Market Intelligence"), S&P Global Platts ("Platts") and S&P Dow Jones Indices ("Indices"). • Ratings is an independent provider of credit ratings, research, and analytics, offering investors and other market participants information, ratings and benchmarks. • Market Intelligence is a global provider of multi-asset-class data, research and analytical capabilities, which integrate cross-asset analytics and desktop services. • Platts is the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodity and energy markets. • Indices is a global index provider that maintains a wide variety of valuation and index benchmarks for investment advisors, wealth managers and institutional investors.
Basis of Presentation	The accompanying unaudited financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Therefore, the financial statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (our “Form 10-K”). Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current presentation. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods have been included. The operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.
Use of Estimates	On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, pension plans, incentive compensation and stock-based compensation, income taxes, contingencies and redeemable noncontrolling interests.
Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Standards	Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Standards In August of 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance that amends the accounting for convertible instruments and the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity's own equity. The guidance was effective on January 1, 2021, and the adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January of 2020, the FASB intended to clarify the interaction of the accounting for equity securities under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 321, investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting under ASC 323, and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options accounted for under ASC 815. The guidance clarifies how to account for the transition into and out of the equity method of accounting when considering observable transactions under the measurement alternative. The guidance was effective on January 1, 2021, and the adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In December of 2019, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the accounting for income taxes, which eliminates certain exceptions to the general principles of Topic 740. The guidance is effective for reporting periods after December 15, 2020. Our adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2021 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Nature of Operations and Basi_3

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Other Income, Net	The components of other (income) expense, net for the three months ended March 31 are as follows: (in millions) 2021 2020 Other components of net periodic benefit cost $ (11) $ (9) Net loss from investments 4 10 Other (income) expense, net $ (7) $ 1

Acquisitions and Divestitures (

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Operating Profit of Business Held-for-Sale	The operating profit of our businesses that were disposed of for the periods ending March 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows: (in millions) 2021 2020 Operating profit 1 $ 1 $ — 1 The three months ended March 31, 2021 excludes a pre-tax gain related to the sale of the SPIAS of $2 million. The three months ended March 31, 2020 excludes a pre-tax gain on the sale of the IR webhosting business of $7 million.

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Short-term and Long-term Debt Outstanding	A summary of long-term debt outstanding is as follows: (in millions) March 31, December 31, 4.0% Senior Notes, due 2025 1 695 695 2.95% Senior Notes, due 2027 2 495 495 2.5% Senior Notes, due 2029 3 496 495 1.25% Senior Notes, due 2030 4 592 592 6.55% Senior Notes, due 2037 5 290 290 4.5% Senior Notes, due 2048 6 273 273 3.25% Senior Notes, due 2049 7 589 589 2.3% Senior Notes, due 2060 8 681 681 Long-term debt 4,111 4,110 1 Interest payments are due semiannually on June 15 and December 15, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $5 million. 2 Interest payments are due semiannually on January 22 and July 22, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $5 million. 3 Interest payments are due semiannually on June 1 and December 1, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $4 million. 4 Interest payments are due semiannually on February 15 and August 15, beginning on February 15, 2021, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $8 million. 5 Interest payments are due semiannually on May 15 and November 15, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $3 million. 6 Interest payments are due semiannually on May 15 and November 15, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $10 million. 7 Interest payments are due semiannually on June 1 and December 1, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $11 million. 8 Interest payments are due semiannually on February 15 and August 15, beginning on February 15, 2021, and as of March 31, 2021, the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs total $19 million.

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Location and Fair Value Amounts of Cash Flow Hedges	The following table provides information on the location and fair value amounts of our cash flow hedges and net investment hedges as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: (in millions) March 31, December 31, Balance Sheet Location 2021 2020 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Prepaid and other current assets Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 21 $ 23 Prepaid and other current assets Interest rate swap contracts $ 2 $ — Other current liabilities Foreign exchange forward contracts $ — $ 2 Derivatives designated as net investment hedges : Other non-current liabilities Cross currency swaps $ 89 $ 107
Schedule of Pre-tax Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges	The following table provides information on the location and amounts of pre-tax gains (losses) on our cash flow hedges and net investment hedges for the three months ended March 31: (in millions) Gain (Loss) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (effective portion) Location of Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (effective portion) Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (effective portion) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Cash flow hedges - designated as hedging instruments Foreign exchange forward contracts $ — $ (7) Revenue, Selling and general expenses $ 5 $ (2) Interest rate swap contracts $ 2 $ — Interest expense, net $ — $ — Net investment hedges - designated as hedging instruments Cross currency swaps $ 15 $ 32 $ — $ —
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges included in AOCI	The activity related to the change in unrealized gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive loss was as follows for the three months ended March 31: (in millions) 2021 2020 Cash Flow Hedges Foreign exchange forward contracts Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of taxes, beginning of period $ 14 $ 2 Change in fair value, net of tax 5 (9) Reclassification into earnings, net of tax (5) 2 Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of taxes, end of period $ 14 $ (5) Interest rate swap contracts Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of taxes, beginning of period $ — $ — Change in fair value, net of tax 2 — Reclassification into earnings, net of tax — — Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of taxes, end of period $ 2 $ — Net Investment Hedges Net unrealized gains (losses) on net investment hedges, net of taxes, beginning of period $ (81) $ (8) Change in fair value, net of tax 11 24 Reclassification into earnings, net of tax — — Net unrealized gains (losses) on net investment hedges, net of taxes, end of period $ (70) $ 16

Employee Benefits (Tables)

Employee Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost for our retirement plans and postretirement plans for the three months ended March 31 are as follows: (in millions) 2021 2020 Service cost $ 1 $ 1 Interest cost 10 13 Expected return on assets (26) (26) Amortization of prior service credit / actuarial loss 4 4 Net periodic benefit cost $ (11) $ (8)

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreements	The terms of each ASR agreement entered for the three months ended March 31, 2020, structured as outlined above, are as follows: (in millions, except average price) ASR Agreement Initiation Date ASR Agreement Completion Date Initial Shares Delivered Additional Shares Delivered Total Number of Shares Average Price Paid Per Share Total Cash Utilized February 11, 2020 1 July 27, 2020 1.3 0.4 1.7 $ 292.13 $ 500 February 11, 2020 2 July 27, 2020 1.4 0.3 1.7 $ 292.13 $ 500 1 The ASR agreement was structured as a capped ASR agreement in which we paid $500 million and received an initial delivery of 1.3 million shares and an additional amount of 0.2 million during the month of February, representing a minimum number of shares of our common stock to be repurchased based on a calculation using a specified capped price per share. We completed the ASR agreement on July 27, 2020 and received an additional 0.2 million shares. 2 The ASR agreement was structured as an uncapped ASR agreement in which we paid $500 million and received an initial delivery of 1.4 million shares, representing 85% of the $500 million at a price equal to the then market price of the Company. We completed the ASR agreement on July 27, 2020 and received an additional 0.3 million shares.
Schedule of Share Repurchases	Additionally, we purchased shares of our common stock in the open market for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as follows: (in millions, except average price) Total Number of Shares Average Price Paid Per Share Total Cash Utilized March 31, 2020 0.5 $ 291.99 $ 150
Schedule of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Rollforward	Changes to redeemable noncontrolling interest during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were as follows: (in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 2,781 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest 51 Distributions payable to redeemable noncontrolling interest (40) Redemption value adjustment 16 Balance as of March 31, 2021 $ 2,808
Schedule of Changes in the Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table summarizes the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021: (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ (323) $ (328) $ 14 $ (637) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (30) 1 13 7 (10) Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net earnings — 4 2 (5) 3 (1) Net other comprehensive (loss) income (30) 17 2 (11) Balance as of March 31, 2021 $ (353) $ (311) $ 16 $ (648) 1 Includes an unrealized gain related to our cross currency swaps. See note 5 – Derivative Instruments for additional detail of items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss. 2 Reflects amortization of net actuarial losses and is net of a tax benefit of $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. See Note 6 — Employee Benefits for additional details of items reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net earnings. 3 See Note 5 — Derivative Instruments for additional details of items reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net earnings.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Calculation for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31 is as follows: (in millions, except per share amounts) 2021 2020 Amounts attributable to S&P Global Inc. common shareholders: Net income $ 755 $ 639 Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 240.6 242.1 Effect of stock options and other dilutive securities 1.0 1.2 Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 241.6 243.3 Earnings per share attributable to S&P Global Inc. common shareholders: Net income: Basic $ 3.14 $ 2.64 Diluted $ 3.12 $ 2.62

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Initial Restructuring Charge Recorded and the Ending Reserve Balance	The initial restructuring charge recorded and the ending reserve balance as of March 31, 2021 by segment is as follows: 2020 Restructuring Plan (in millions) Initial Charge Recorded Ending Reserve Balance Ratings $ 4 $ 2 Market Intelligence 27 17 Platts 10 7 Indices 5 4 Corporate 19 12 Total $ 65 $ 42

Segment and Related Informati_2

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Information	A summary of operating results for the three months ended March 31 is as follows: Revenue (in millions) 2021 2020 Ratings $ 1,017 $ 825 Market Intelligence 539 519 Platts 225 215 Indices 270 259 Intersegment elimination 1 (35) (32) Total revenue $ 2,016 $ 1,786 Operating Profit (in millions) 2021 2020 Ratings 2 $ 681 $ 520 Market Intelligence 3 166 147 Platts 4 129 112 Indices 5 191 182 Total reportable segments 1,167 961 Corporate Unallocated expense 6 (86) (49) Total operating profit $ 1,081 $ 912 1 Revenue for Ratings and expenses for Market Intelligence include an intersegment royalty charged to Market Intelligence for the rights to use and distribute content and data developed by Ratings. 2 Operating profit for 2021 includes amortization of intangibles from acquisitions of $5 million. 3 Operating profit for 2021 includes a gain on disposition of $2 million, and operating profit for 2020 includes a gain on disposition of $7 million and employee severance charges of $2 million. Additionally, operating profit for 2021 and 2020 includes amortization of intangibles from acquisitions of $16 million and $19 million, respectively. 4 Operating profit for both 2021 and 2020 includes amortization of intangibles from acquisitions of $2 million. 5 Operating profit for both 2021 and 2020 includes amortization of intangibles from acquisitions of $1 million. 6 Corporate Unallocated expense for 2021 includes IHS Markit merger costs of $49 million and Kensho retention related expense of $2 million. Corporate Unallocated expense for 2020 includes employee severance charges of $7 million and Kensho retention related expense of $5 million. Additionally, Corporate Unallocated expense for both 2021 and 2020 includes amortization of intangibles from acquisitions of $7 million. The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by revenue type for the three months ended March 31: (in millions) Ratings Market Intelligence Platts Indices Intersegment Elimination 1 Total 2021 Subscription $ — $ 527 $ 208 $ 46 $ — $ 781 Non-subscription / Transaction 582 12 1 — — 595 Non-transaction 435 — — — (35) 400 Asset-linked fees — — — 183 — 183 Sales usage-based royalties — — 16 41 — 57 Total revenue $ 1,017 $ 539 $ 225 $ 270 $ (35) $ 2,016 Timing of revenue recognition Services transferred at a point in time $ 582 $ 12 $ 1 $ — $ — $ 595 Services transferred over time 435 527 224 270 (35) 1,421 Total revenue $ 1,017 $ 539 $ 225 $ 270 $ (35) $ 2,016 (in millions) Ratings Market Intelligence Platts Indices Intersegment Elimination 1 Total 2020 2 Subscription $ — $ 505 $ 197 $ 46 $ — $ 748 Non-subscription / Transaction 430 13 1 — — 444 Non-transaction 395 — — — (32) 363 Asset-linked fees — 1 — 159 — 160 Sales usage-based royalties — — 17 54 — 71 Total revenue $ 825 $ 519 $ 215 $ 259 $ (32) $ 1,786 Timing of revenue recognition Services transferred at a point in time $ 430 $ 13 $ 1 $ — $ — $ 444 Services transferred over time 395 506 214 259 (32) 1,342 Total revenue $ 825 $ 519 $ 215 $ 259 $ (32) $ 1,786 1 Intersegment eliminations primarily consists of a royalty charged to Market Intelligence for the rights to use and distribute content and data developed by Ratings. 2 In the first quarter of 2021, we reevaluated our transaction and non-transaction presentation for Ratings which resulted in a reclassification from transaction revenue to non-transaction revenue of $2 million for the first quarter of 2020.
Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Region	The following provides revenue by geographic region for the three months ended March 31: (in millions) 2021 2020 U.S. $ 1,238 $ 1,108 European region 473 405 Asia 208 184 Rest of the world 97 89 Total $ 2,016 $ 1,786

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Location and Amounts of Leases	The following table provides information on the location and amounts of our leases on our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: (in millions) March 31, December 31, Balance Sheet Location 2021 2020 Assets Right of use assets Lease right of use assets $ 479 $ 494 Liabilities Other current liabilities Current lease liabilities 100 100 Lease liabilities — non-current Non-current lease liabilities 525 544
Schedule of Components of Lease Expense and Supplemental Cash Flow Information	The components of lease expense for the three months ended March 31 are as follows: (in millions) 2021 2020 Operating lease cost $ 33 $ 36 Sublease income (1) (4) Total lease cost $ 32 $ 32 Supplemental information related to leases for the three months ended March 31 are as follows: (in millions) 2021 2020 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement for operating lease liabilities Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 32 $ 39 Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations Operating leases — 6
Schedule of Lease Term and Discount Rate	Weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for our operating leases are as follows: March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) 8.4 8.5 Weighted-average discount rate 3.45 % 3.78 %
Schedule of Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities	Maturities of lease liabilities for our operating leases are as follows: (in millions) 2021 (Excluding the three months ended March 31, 2021) $ 89 2022 103 2023 85 2024 68 2025 60 2026 and beyond 304 Total undiscounted lease payments $ 709 Less: Imputed interest 84 Present value of lease liabilities $ 625

Nature of Operations and Basi_4

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	4
Restricted cash	$ 18	$ 14
Contract asset	16	7
Unearned revenue	883
Revenue expected to be recognized as of period end	2,200
Capitalized contract costs	$ 124	$ 129
Amortization period of capitalized contract cost	5 years

Nature of Operations and Basi_5

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation - Narrative Remaining Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue expected to be recognized as of period end	$ 2.2
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-04-01 | One Year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation (as a percent)	50.00%
Period of recognition for remaining performance obligation	12 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-04-01 | Two Years
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation (as a percent)	75.00%
Period of recognition for remaining performance obligation	24 months

Nature of Operations and Basi_6

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation - Components of Other (Income) Expense, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Other components of net periodic benefit cost	$ (11)	$ (9)
Net loss from investments	4	10
Other (income) expense, net	$ (7)	$ 1

Acquisitions and Divestitures -

Acquisitions and Divestitures - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Feb. 28, 2021
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gain on disposition		$ 2	$ 7
SPIAS | Sale
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gain on disposition		2
Gain on disposition after tax		$ 2
IR webhosting business | Sale
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gain on disposition			7
Gain on disposition after tax			$ 7
IHS Markit
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Shares outstanding (shares)				398,500,000
IHS Markit
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Shares to be received (shares)	0.2838

Acquisitions and Divestitures_2

Acquisitions and Divestitures - Operating Profit of Business Held-for-Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on disposition	$ 2	$ 7
Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating profit	1	0
Sale | IR webhosting business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on disposition		$ 7
Sale | SPIAS
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on disposition	$ 2

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	23.40%	21.50%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 126		$ 121
Accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits	25		$ 24
Reduction of unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible	$ 18

Debt - Summary (Details)

Debt - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 4,111	$ 4,110
Senior Notes | 4.0% Senior Notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.00%
Long-term debt	$ 695	695
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs	$ 5
Senior Notes | 2.95% Senior Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	2.95%
Long-term debt	$ 495	495
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs	$ 5
Senior Notes | 2.5% Senior Notes due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	2.50%
Long-term debt	$ 496	495
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs	$ 4
Senior Notes | 1.25% Senior Notes due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	1.25%
Long-term debt	$ 592	592
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs	$ 8
Senior Notes | 6.55% Senior Notes due 2037
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.55%
Long-term debt	$ 290	290
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs	$ 3
Senior Notes | 4.5% Senior Notes due 2048
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.50%
Long-term debt	$ 273	273
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs	$ 10
Senior Notes | 3.25% Senior Notes due 2049
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.25%
Long-term debt	$ 589	589
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs	$ 11
Senior Notes | 2.3% Senior Notes due 2060
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	2.30%
Long-term debt	$ 681	$ 681
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs	$ 19

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 26, 2021	Apr. 25, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value			$ 4,300,000,000	$ 4,600,000,000
Indebtedness to cash flow (not greater than)			4
Revolving Credit Facility | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, term (in years)	5 years	5 years
Five-Year Credit Agreement | Commercial paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 1,200,000,000	1,200,000,000
Short-term debt			$ 0	$ 0
Five-Year Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee			0.10%
Five-Year Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee			0.08%
Five-Year Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee			0.175%
Five-Year Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,500,000,000	$ 1,200,000,000

Derivative Instruments - Narrat

Derivative Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Net interest income (expense)	$ (32)	$ (34)
Fair Value Hedging | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate notional value	178		$ 460
Net loss on derivative	6	11
Fair Value Hedging | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange forward contracts | Other current liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate notional value	1		2
Net Investment Hedges | Cross currency swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Net interest income (expense)	5	$ 3
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross currency swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate notional value	1,000		1,000
Cash Flow Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate notional value	$ 491		$ 489
Maturity of derivatives	24 months
Net gains (losses) related to cash flow hedges expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next twenty-four months	$ 19
Cash Flow Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross currency swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) related to cash flow hedges expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next twenty-four months	2
Cash Flow Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swap contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate notional value	$ 2,300

Derivative Instruments - Locati

Derivative Instruments - Location and Fair Values of Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign exchange forward contracts | Prepaid and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value	$ 21	$ 23
Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign exchange forward contracts | Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value	0	2
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate swap contracts | Prepaid and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value	2	0
Net Investment Hedges | Cross currency swaps | Other non-current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value	$ 89	$ 107

Derivative Instruments - Loca_2

Derivative Instruments - Location and Amounts of Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (effective portion)	$ 2	$ (7)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange forward contracts | Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (effective portion)	0	(7)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange forward contracts | Cash Flow Hedges | Revenue, Selling and general expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (effective portion)	5	(2)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (effective portion)	2	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Cash Flow Hedges | Interest expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (effective portion)	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross currency swaps | Net Investment Hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (effective portion)	15	32
Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (effective portion)	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Instruments - Change

Derivative Instruments - Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) in AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 571	$ 536
Change in fair value, net of tax	(10)
Reclassification into earnings, net of tax	(1)
Ending Balance	1,098	(194)
Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign exchange forward contracts
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	14	2
Change in fair value, net of tax	5	(9)
Reclassification into earnings, net of tax	(5)	2
Ending Balance	14	(5)
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate swap contracts
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0	0
Change in fair value, net of tax	2	0
Reclassification into earnings, net of tax	0	0
Ending Balance	2	0
Net Investment Hedges
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(81)	(8)
Change in fair value, net of tax	11	24
Reclassification into earnings, net of tax	0	0
Ending Balance	$ (70)	$ 16

Employee Benefits - Narrative (

Employee Benefits - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Contribution towards retirement plans	$ 3
Expected contributions towards retirement plans, remainder of the year	$ 8

Employee Benefits - Components

Employee Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 1	$ 1
Interest cost	10	13
Expected return on assets	(26)	(26)
Amortization of prior service credit / actuarial loss	4	4
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (11)	$ (8)

Stock-Based Compensation - Narr

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - Restricted stock and unit awards - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 19	$ 11
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 73
Unrecognized compensation expense, period for recognition	1 year 7 months 6 days

Equity - Stock Repurchases (Det

Equity - Stock Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020	Jan. 29, 2020	Dec. 04, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payments for repurchase of stock	$ 0	$ 1,153
2020 Repurchase Program
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized for repurchase (shares)					30,000,000
Shares authorized for repurchase, compared to total common stock outstanding (as a percent)					12.00%
Remaining shares available under repurchase program (shares)	30,000,000
2013 Repurchase Program
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized for repurchase (shares)						50,000,000
Shares authorized for repurchase, compared to total common stock outstanding (as a percent)						18.00%
Remaining shares available under repurchase program (shares)	800,000
Stock Repurchases
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (shares)		3,400,000
Payments for repurchase of stock		$ 1,150	$ 3	$ 1,153

Equity - Accelerated Share Repu

Equity - Accelerated Share Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Jul. 27, 2020	Feb. 29, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jul. 27, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total cash utilized			$ 0	$ 1,153
Total Cash Utilized				$ 1,153
Stock Repurchases
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total number of shares purchased (shares)				0.5
Average price paid per share (USD per share)				$ 291.99
Total cash utilized				$ 1,150	$ 3		$ 1,153
Total Cash Utilized				$ 150
Capped ASR, February 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average price paid per share (USD per share)						$ 292.13
Total cash utilized		$ 500
Capped ASR, February 2020 | Initial Shares Delivered
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total number of shares purchased (shares)		1.3
Capped ASR, February 2020 | Additional Shares Delivered
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total number of shares purchased (shares)	0.2	0.2				0.4
Capped ASR, February 2020 | Total Number of Shares Purchased
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total number of shares purchased (shares)						1.7
Uncapped ASR, February 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average price paid per share (USD per share)						$ 292.13
Total cash utilized						$ 500
Accelerated share repurchases initial delivery percentage (as a percent)						85.00%
Uncapped ASR, February 2020 | Initial Shares Delivered
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total number of shares purchased (shares)						1.4
Uncapped ASR, February 2020 | Additional Shares Delivered
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total number of shares purchased (shares)						0.3
Uncapped ASR, February 2020 | Total Number of Shares Purchased
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total number of shares purchased (shares)						1.7

Equity - Redeemable Noncontroll

Equity - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Minimum interest in joint venture (as a percent)	20.00%
Agreement terms, change of control, put option for minority interest ownership, effective period	15 days
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 2,781
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	51	$ 49
Distributions payable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(40)
Redemption value adjustment	16
Balance at end of period	$ 2,808
CME Group
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest ownership by noncontrolling owners (as a percent)	27.00%

Equity - Accumulated Other Comp

Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 571	$ 536
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(10)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net earnings	(1)
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(11)
Ending Balance	1,098	(194)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, tax (less than)	(4)	(1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(637)	(624)
Ending Balance	(648)	$ (660)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(323)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(30)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net earnings	0
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(30)
Ending Balance	(353)
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(328)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	13
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net earnings	4
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	17
Ending Balance	(311)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, tax (less than)	1
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow hedges
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	14
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	7
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net earnings	(5)
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	2
Ending Balance	$ 16

Earnings Per Share - Summary (D

Earnings Per Share - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Amounts attributable to S&P Global Inc. common shareholders:
Net income	$ 755	$ 639
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (shares)	240,600,000	242,100,000
Effect of stock options and other dilutive securities (shares)	1,000,000	1,200,000
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (shares)	241,600,000	243,300,000
Earnings per share attributable to S&P Global Inc. common shareholders:
Basic (USD per share)	$ 3.14	$ 2.64
Diluted (USD per share)	$ 3.12	$ 2.62
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings (shares)	0	0
Restricted performance shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings (shares)	400,000	400,000

Restructuring - Narrative (Deta

Restructuring - Narrative (Details) - 2020 Restructuring Plan $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)position	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Workforce reduction | position	830
Restructuring reserve balance	$ 42	$ 58
Restructuring charges paid	$ 16

Restructuring - Summary (Detail

Restructuring - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Segments | Market Intelligence
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded		$ 2
Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded		$ 7
2020 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	$ 65
Ending Reserve Balance	42		$ 58
2020 Restructuring Plan | Operating Segments | Ratings
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	4
Ending Reserve Balance	2
2020 Restructuring Plan | Operating Segments | Market Intelligence
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	27
Ending Reserve Balance	17
2020 Restructuring Plan | Operating Segments | Platts
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	10
Ending Reserve Balance	7
2020 Restructuring Plan | Operating Segments | Indices
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	5
Ending Reserve Balance	4
2020 Restructuring Plan | Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial Charge Recorded	19
Ending Reserve Balance	$ 12

Segment and Related Informati_3

Segment and Related Information - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	4

Segment and Related Informati_4

Segment and Related Information - Operating Results by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 2,016	$ 1,786
Operating Profit	1,081	912
Amortization of intangibles from acquisitions	31	29
Gain on disposition	2	7
Non-transaction
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	400	363
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Profit	1,167	961
Operating Segments | Non-transaction
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		2
Operating Segments | Ratings
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,017	825
Operating Profit	681	520
Amortization of intangibles from acquisitions	5
Operating Segments | Ratings | Non-transaction
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	435	395
Operating Segments | Market Intelligence
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	539	519
Operating Profit	166	147
Amortization of intangibles from acquisitions	16	19
Gain on disposition	2	7
Employee severance charges		2
Operating Segments | Market Intelligence | Non-transaction
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0
Operating Segments | Platts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	225	215
Operating Profit	129	112
Amortization of intangibles from acquisitions	2	2
Operating Segments | Platts | Non-transaction
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0
Operating Segments | Indices
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	270	259
Operating Profit	191	182
Amortization of intangibles from acquisitions	1	1
Operating Segments | Indices | Non-transaction
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0
Intersegment Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	(35)	(32)
Intersegment Elimination | Non-transaction
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	(35)	(32)
Corporate Unallocated
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Profit	(86)	(49)
Amortization of intangibles from acquisitions	7	7
Employee severance charges		7
Acquisition-related costs	49
Retention related expenses	$ 2	$ 5

Segment and Related Informati_5

Segment and Related Information - Revenue Disaggregated by Type (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 2,016	$ 1,786
Services transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	595	444
Services transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	1,421	1,342
Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	781	748
Non-subscription / Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	595	444
Non-transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	400	363
Asset-linked fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	183	160
Sales usage-based royalties
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	57	71
Operating Segments | Non-transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue		2
Operating Segments | Ratings
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	1,017	825
Operating Segments | Ratings | Services transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	582	430
Operating Segments | Ratings | Services transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	435	395
Operating Segments | Ratings | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Operating Segments | Ratings | Non-subscription / Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	582	430
Operating Segments | Ratings | Non-transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	435	395
Operating Segments | Ratings | Asset-linked fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Operating Segments | Ratings | Sales usage-based royalties
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Operating Segments | Market Intelligence
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	539	519
Operating Segments | Market Intelligence | Services transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	12	13
Operating Segments | Market Intelligence | Services transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	527	506
Operating Segments | Market Intelligence | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	527	505
Operating Segments | Market Intelligence | Non-subscription / Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	12	13
Operating Segments | Market Intelligence | Non-transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Operating Segments | Market Intelligence | Asset-linked fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	1
Operating Segments | Market Intelligence | Sales usage-based royalties
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Operating Segments | Platts
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	225	215
Operating Segments | Platts | Services transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	1	1
Operating Segments | Platts | Services transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	224	214
Operating Segments | Platts | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	208	197
Operating Segments | Platts | Non-subscription / Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	1	1
Operating Segments | Platts | Non-transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Operating Segments | Platts | Asset-linked fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Operating Segments | Platts | Sales usage-based royalties
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	16	17
Operating Segments | Indices
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	270	259
Operating Segments | Indices | Services transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Operating Segments | Indices | Services transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	270	259
Operating Segments | Indices | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	46	46
Operating Segments | Indices | Non-subscription / Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Operating Segments | Indices | Non-transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Operating Segments | Indices | Asset-linked fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	183	159
Operating Segments | Indices | Sales usage-based royalties
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	41	54
Intersegment Elimination
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	(35)	(32)
Intersegment Elimination | Services transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Intersegment Elimination | Services transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	(35)	(32)
Intersegment Elimination | Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Intersegment Elimination | Non-subscription / Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Intersegment Elimination | Non-transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	(35)	(32)
Intersegment Elimination | Asset-linked fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	0	0
Intersegment Elimination | Sales usage-based royalties
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 0	$ 0

Segment and Related Informati_6

Segment and Related Information - Revenue by Geographic Region (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 2,016	$ 1,786
U.S.
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	1,238	1,108
European region
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	473	405
Asia
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	208	184
Rest of the world
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 97	$ 89

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Period of lease extension options	12 years
Period of options to terminate lease	1 year
CME Group | S&P DJ Indices
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Revenues earned under license agreement	$ 37	$ 47
CME Group
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest ownership by noncontrolling owners (as a percent)	27.00%
CME Group | S&P DJ Indices
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest ownership by noncontrolling owners (as a percent)	27.00%
Minimum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Remaining lease terms	1 year
Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Remaining lease terms	12 years

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Location and Amounts of Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Assets
Lease right of use assets	$ 479	$ 494
Liabilities
Current lease liabilities	100	100
Non-current lease liabilities	$ 525	$ 544
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent		us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 33	$ 36
Sublease income	(1)	(4)
Total lease cost	$ 32	$ 32

Commitments and Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement for operating lease liabilities
Operating cash flows for operating leases	$ 32	$ 39
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
Operating leases	$ 0	$ 6

Commitments and Contingencies_5

Commitments and Contingencies - Lease Term and Discount Rate (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)	8 years 4 months 24 days	8 years 6 months
Weighted-average discount rate (as a percent)	3.45%	3.78%

Commitments and Contingencies_6

Commitments and Contingencies - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2021 (Excluding the three months ended March 31, 2021)	$ 89
2022	103
2023	85
2024	68
2025	60
2026 and beyond	304
Total undiscounted lease payments	709
Less: Imputed interest	84
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 625