Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component - Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
(Provision)/benefit for income taxes		$ (59)	$ (92)	$ (142)	$ (226)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(96)	(146)	(240)	(348)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		3	4	10	12
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders				(2)	2
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate contracts | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (income)/expense		(2)	2	(3)	4
(Provision)/benefit for income taxes		(1)	1	(1)	2
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(1)	1	(2)	2
Post Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Actuarial loss, before Tax	[1]	5	4	14	13
Benefit for income taxes		1	1	2	3
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 4	$ 3	$ 12	$ 10

[1] This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.