Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 369	$ 564
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	1,189	1,196
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	424	374
Total current assets	1,982	2,134
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	15,361	15,530
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	917	1,026
Deferred revenues	312	306
Income tax liabilities	201	55
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	112	148
Total current liabilities	1,542	1,535
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	6,508	6,492
Deferred tax liabilities	839	864
Other non-current liabilities	772	832
Total liabilities	9,661	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; 382,509,366 and 379,044,531 shares issued and 381,074,001 and 378,635,464 shares outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	32	32
Additional paid-in capital	6,381	6,596
Accumulated deficit	(289)	(512)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(509)	(387)
Total Nielsen stockholders’ equity	5,615	5,729
Noncontrolling interests	85	78
Total equity	5,700	5,807
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,361	$ 15,530