Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 273	$ 564
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $29 and $39 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	1,241	1,196
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	505	374
Total current assets	2,019	2,134
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	533	560
Goodwill	7,671	7,684
Other intangible assets, net	4,715	4,781
Deferred tax assets	83	115
Other non-current assets	355	256
Total assets	15,376	15,530
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,035	1,026
Deferred revenues	304	306
Income tax liabilities	62	55
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	397	148
Total current liabilities	1,798	1,535
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	6,465	6,492
Deferred tax liabilities	1,025	864
Other non-current liabilities	955	832
Total liabilities	10,243	9,723
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Nielsen stockholders’ equity
Common stock, €0.07 par value, 1,185,800,000 and 1,185,800,000 shares authorized; 382,622,922 and 379,044,531 shares issued and 372,757,598 and 378,635,464 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	32	32
Additional paid-in capital	5,929	6,596
Accumulated deficit	(128)	(512)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(777)	(387)
Total Nielsen stockholders’ equity	5,056	5,729
Noncontrolling interests	77	78
Total equity	5,133	5,807
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,376	$ 15,530