Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 34	$ 25
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $11 and $1	(27)	87
Available for sale securities, net of tax	3
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(2) and $1	2	(1)
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, net of tax of $(10) and $(1)	4	2
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income	(18)	88
Total comprehensive income	16	113
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1
Total comprehensive income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$ 15	$ 113