Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 575	$ 381	$ 736
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(357)	(301)	(99)
Available for sale securities	[1]	(19)	10	9
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	(1)	3	8
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[3]	87	(109)	30
Total other comprehensive loss		(290)	(397)	(52)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		285	(16)	684
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3)	(10)	(2)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 288	$ (6)	$ 686

[1] Net of tax of $13 million, $(7) million and $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively.

[2] Net of tax of $1 million, $(2) million and $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively.

[3] Net of tax of $(10) million, $32 million and $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively.