Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 301	$ 564
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $43 and $39 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	1,186	1,196
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	446	374
Total current assets	1,933	2,134
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	530	560
Goodwill	7,812	7,684
Other intangible assets, net	4,817	4,781
Deferred tax assets	116	115
Other non-current assets	265	256
Total assets	15,473	15,530
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	918	1,026
Deferred revenues	345	306
Income tax liabilities	83	55
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	185	148
Total current liabilities	1,531	1,535
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	6,461	6,492
Deferred tax liabilities	871	864
Other non-current liabilities	813	832
Total liabilities	9,676	9,723
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Nielsen stockholders’ equity
Common stock, €0.07 par value, 1,185,800,000 and 1,185,800,000 shares authorized; 379,571,188 and 379,044,531 shares issued and 378,915,290 and 378,635,464 shares outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	32	32
Additional paid-in capital	6,528	6,596
Accumulated deficit	(454)	(512)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(390)	(387)
Total Nielsen stockholders’ equity	5,716	5,729
Noncontrolling interests	81	78
Total equity	5,797	5,807
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,473	$ 15,530