Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 575	$ 381
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	(357)	(301)
Available for sale securities	[2]	(19)	10
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[3]	(1)	3
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[4]	87	(109)
Total other comprehensive loss		(290)	(397)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		285	(16)
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3)	(10)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 288	$ (6)

[1] Net of tax of (9) million, $(15) million and $(18) million for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 respectively.

[2] Net of tax of zero, $13 million and $(7) million for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 respectively.

[3] Net of tax of $(2) million, $1 million and $(2) million for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 respectively.

[4] Net of tax of $20 million, $(10) million and $32 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 respectively.