Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 73	$ 101
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	75	91
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	2	(7)
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[2]	3	7
Total other comprehensive income		80	91
Total comprehensive income		153	192
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		5	2
Total comprehensive income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 148	$ 190

[1] Net of tax of $2 million and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively

[2] Net of tax of $(1) million and $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively