Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 133	$ 114	$ 206	$ 215
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	83	(41)	158	50
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	(1)	(3)	1	(10)
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[3]	3		6	7
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		85	(44)	165	47
Total comprehensive income		218	70	371	262
Less: comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		4	(1)	9	1
Total comprehensive income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 214	$ 71	$ 362	$ 261

[1] Net of tax of $12 million and $(3) million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $14 million and $3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively

[2] Net of tax of $2 million and $1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and zero and $2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively

[3] Net of tax of $(1) million and zero for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $(2) million and $2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively