Restructuring Activities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]

6. Restructuring Activities

A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below:

	Total
(IN MILLIONS)	Initiatives
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	73
Charges		48
Payments		(72	)
Effect of foreign currency translation and reclassification adjustments		3
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	52

Nielsen recorded $7 million and $48 million in restructuring charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, primarily relating to severance costs.

Nielsen recorded $29 million and $73 million in restructuring charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, primarily relating to severance and contract termination costs.

Of the $52 million in remaining liabilities for restructuring actions, $42 million is expected to be paid within one year and is classified as a current liability within the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2017.