Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 98	$ 150	$ 249	$ 356
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	3	66	(97)	224
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	2	2	16	3
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[3]	3	4	12	10
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		8	72	(69)	237
Total comprehensive income		106	222	180	593
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		5	4	10	13
Total comprehensive income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 101	$ 218	$ 170	$ 580

[1] Net of tax of $(1) million and $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $(4) million and $20 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively

[2] Net of tax of $(1) million and $(2) million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $(6) million and $(2) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively

[3] Net of tax of zero and $(1) million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $(2) million and $(3) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.