Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)		$ (700)	$ 440	$ 507
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	(170)	248	(94)
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	1	11	2
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[3]	(2)	14	(65)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		(171)	273	(157)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(871)	713	350
Less: comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		11	13
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ (882)	$ 700	$ 350

[1] Net of tax of $(6) million, $23 million and $(9) million for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 respectively.

[2] Net of tax of $(1) million, $(7) million and $(2) million for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 respectively.

[3] Net of tax of zero, $(2) million and $20 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 respectively.