Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(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, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		$ (380)	$ 59	$ (325)	$ 142
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		472	(96)	306	(240)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders			3	1	10
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders				(7)	(2)
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate contracts | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income)/Loss
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (income)/expense		(2)	(2)	(9)	(3)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes			1	2	1
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(2)	(1)	(7)	(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]	3	5	10	14
Benefit for income taxes		(1)	(1)	(2)	(2)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 2	$ 4	$ 8	$ 12

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