Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 101	$ 63
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments		91	(172)
Available for sale securities	[1]		3
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	(7)	(3)
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[3]	7	6
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		91	(166)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		192	(103)
Less: comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		2	(3)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 190	$ (100)

[1] Net of tax of zero and $(2) million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively

[2] Net of tax of $1 million and $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively

[3] Net of tax of $1 million and $(1) million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively