Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense expected to be recognized in next twelve months	$ 12

Pretax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized in the next twelve months.

No definition available.

Name:	nlsn_PretaxLossesFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossExpectedToBeRecognizedInNextTwelveMonths
Namespace Prefix:	nlsn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration