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

[1] Net of tax of $23 million, $(9) million and $(15) million for the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 respectively.

[2] Net of tax of zero, zero and $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 respectively.

[3] Net of tax of $(7) million, $(2) million and $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 respectively.

[4] Net of tax of $(2) million, $20 million and $(10) million for the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 respectively.