XML 46 R77.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Summary of Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Change in projected benefit obligation      
Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 1,740us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation $ 1,686us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation  
Service cost 19us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost 19us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost 17us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
Interest cost 67us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost 62us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost 66us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
Plan participants’ contributions 2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants 2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants  
Actuarial losses/(gains) 320us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss (23)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss  
Benefits paid (69)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid (67)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid  
Expenses paid (5)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanExpensesPaid (5)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanExpensesPaid  
Premiums paid (1)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanPremiumsPaid (1)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanPremiumsPaid  
Amendments (4)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanAmendmentsAndOtherChanges (1)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanAmendmentsAndOtherChanges  
Curtailments (1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments (13)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments  
Settlements (41)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation (1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation  
Acquisition   47nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanAcquisitionAndDivestituresBenefitObligation  
Effect of foreign currency translation (165)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation 35us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation  
Benefit obligation at end of period 1,862us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation 1,740us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation 1,686us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
Change in plan assets      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 1,588us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets 1,441us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets  
Actual return on plan assets 202us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets 99us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets  
Employer contributions 35us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer 51us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer  
Plan participants’ contributions 2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants 2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants  
Benefits paid (69)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid (67)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid  
Expenses paid (5)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanExpensesOnPlanAssets (5)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanExpensesOnPlanAssets  
Premiums paid (1)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanPremiumOnPlanAssets (1)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanPremiumOnPlanAssets  
Settlements (41)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets (1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets  
Acquisition   36us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBusinessCombinationsAndAcquisitionsPlanAssets  
Insurance 6nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanInsuranceOnPlanAssets    
Effect of foreign currency translation (143)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets 33us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets  
Fair value of plan assets at end of period 1,574us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets 1,588us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets 1,441us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
Funded status (288)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan (152)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan  
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets      
Pension assets included in other non-current assets 35us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent 40us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent  
Current liabilities (3)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities (2)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities  
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities (320)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent (190)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent  
Net amount recognized (288)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet (152)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet  
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax      
Net loss 156us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax (46)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax  
Settlement loss (7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlementsAndCurtailments1    
Amortization of net loss (12)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss (17)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss (11)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) 137us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax (63)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax  
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax      
Unrecognized losses 463us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax 326us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax  
The Netherlands      
Change in projected benefit obligation      
Benefit obligation at beginning of period 761us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
727us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Service cost 4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
Interest cost 25us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
25us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
28us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
Actuarial losses/(gains) 137us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
12us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Benefits paid (35)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
(35)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Expenses paid (2)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanExpensesPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
(2)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanExpensesPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Amendments (4)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanAmendmentsAndOtherChanges
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
   
Effect of foreign currency translation (102)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
30us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Benefit obligation at end of period 784us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
761us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
727us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
Change in plan assets      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 736us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
707us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Actual return on plan assets 90us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
28us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Employer contributions 11us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Benefits paid (35)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
(35)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Expenses paid (2)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanExpensesOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
(2)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanExpensesOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Insurance 6nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanInsuranceOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
   
Effect of foreign currency translation (95)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
30us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of period 711us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
736us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
707us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
Funded status (73)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
(25)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets      
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities (73)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
(25)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Net amount recognized (73)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
(25)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax      
Net loss 45us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
24us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Amortization of net loss (5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
(6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
(3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) 40us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
18us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax      
Unrecognized losses 223us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
183us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
United States      
Change in projected benefit obligation      
Benefit obligation at beginning of period 336us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
295us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Service cost 1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
   
Interest cost 16us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
13us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
13us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
Actuarial losses/(gains) 52us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
(8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Benefits paid (12)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
(11)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Curtailments (1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
   
Settlements (12)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
   
Acquisition   47nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanAcquisitionAndDivestituresBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Benefit obligation at end of period 380us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
336us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
295us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
Change in plan assets      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 298us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
248us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Actual return on plan assets 26us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
25us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Employer contributions 1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
   
Benefits paid (12)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
(11)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Settlements (12)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
   
Acquisition   36us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBusinessCombinationsAndAcquisitionsPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of period 301us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
298us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
248us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
Funded status (79)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
(38)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets      
Current liabilities (1)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
(1)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities (78)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
(37)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Net amount recognized (79)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
(38)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax      
Net loss 46us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
(14)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Settlement loss (1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlementsAndCurtailments1
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
   
Amortization of net loss (4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
(5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
(4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) 41us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
(19)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax      
Unrecognized losses 96us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
55us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_US
 
Other      
Change in projected benefit obligation      
Benefit obligation at beginning of period 643us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
664us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Service cost 14us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
15us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
14us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
Interest cost 26us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
24us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
25us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
Plan participants’ contributions 2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Actuarial losses/(gains) 131us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(27)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Benefits paid (22)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(21)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Expenses paid (3)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanExpensesPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(3)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanExpensesPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Premiums paid (1)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanPremiumsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(1)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanPremiumsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Amendments   (1)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanAmendmentsAndOtherChanges
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Curtailments   (13)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Settlements (29)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Effect of foreign currency translation (63)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Benefit obligation at end of period 698us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
643us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
664us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
Change in plan assets      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 554us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
486us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Actual return on plan assets 86us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
46us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Employer contributions 23us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
43us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Plan participants’ contributions 2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Benefits paid (22)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(21)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Expenses paid (3)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanExpensesOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(3)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanExpensesOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Premiums paid (1)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanPremiumOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(1)nlsnnv_DefinedBenefitPlanPremiumOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Settlements (29)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Effect of foreign currency translation (48)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of period 562us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
554us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
486us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
Funded status (136)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(89)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets      
Pension assets included in other non-current assets 35us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
40us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Current liabilities (2)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(1)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities (169)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(128)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Net amount recognized (136)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(89)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax      
Net loss 65us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(56)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Settlement loss (6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlementsAndCurtailments1
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
   
Amortization of net loss (3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) 56us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
(62)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
 
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax      
Unrecognized losses $ 144us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember
$ 88us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= nlsnnv_OtherInternationalRegionsMember