Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ (777)	$ (387)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	(305)	(420)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	15	23
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	(290)	(397)	$ (52)
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(8)	(7)	2
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	(282)	(390)	(54)
Ending Balance	(1,059)	(777)	(387)
Currency Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(418)	(124)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	(357)	(301)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	(357)	(301)
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(8)	(7)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	(349)	(294)
Ending Balance	(767)	(418)	(124)
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(2)	(5)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	(8)	(6)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	7	9
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	(1)	3
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	(1)	3
Ending Balance	(3)	(2)	(5)
Post Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(376)	(267)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	60	(123)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	27	14
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	87	(109)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	87	(109)
Ending Balance	(289)	(376)	(267)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Available-for-Sale Securities
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	19	9
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications		10
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	(19)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	(19)	10
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$ (19)	10
Ending Balance		$ 19	$ 9