Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 355	$ 552
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $31 and $39 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	1,196	1,194
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	424	374
Total current assets	1,975	2,120
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	525	560
Goodwill	7,715	7,684
Other intangible assets, net	4,716	4,781
Deferred tax assets	96	115
Other non-current assets	327	256
Total assets	15,354	15,516
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	909	1,020
Deferred revenues	312	306
Income tax liabilities	201	55
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	200	148
Total current liabilities	1,622	1,529
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	6,508	6,492
Deferred tax liabilities	839	864
Other non-current liabilities	772	825
Total liabilities	9,741	9,710
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders’ equity
7% preferred stock, €8.00 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	1	1
Common stock, €0.20 par value, 550,000,000 shares authorized and 258,463,857 shares issued at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	58	58
Additional paid-in capital	6,324	6,359
Accumulated deficit	(356)	(313)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(499)	(377)
Total Nielsen stockholders’ equity	5,528	5,728
Noncontrolling interests	85	78
Total equity	5,613	5,806
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,354	$ 15,516