Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 725	$ 287
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $45 and $38 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	1,138	1,110
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	336	278
Total current assets	2,199	1,675
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	555	560
Goodwill	7,686	7,352
Other intangible assets, net	4,855	4,555
Deferred tax assets	166	169
Other non-current assets	242	272
Total assets	15,703	14,583
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	996	971
Deferred revenues	324	373
Income tax liabilities	99	56
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	388	362
Total current liabilities	1,807	1,762
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	6,521	5,941
Deferred tax liabilities	1,136	1,006
Other non-current liabilities	567	616
Total liabilities	10,031	9,325
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders’ equity
7% preferred stock, €8.00 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	1	1
Common stock, €0.20 par value, 550,000,000 shares authorized and 258,463,857 shares issued at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	58	58
Additional paid-in capital	6,395	6,533
Accumulated deficit	(459)	(1,059)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(369)	(323)
Total Nielsen stockholders’ equity	5,626	5,210
Noncontrolling interests	46	48
Total equity	5,672	5,258
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,703	$ 14,583