Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)		$ (13)	$ 47
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	(104)	11
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	(33)	(9)
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[3]	4	4
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		(133)	6
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(146)	53
Less: comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3)	4
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ (143)	$ 49

[1] Net of tax of $(3) million and $(4) million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively

[2] Net of tax of $12 million and $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively

[3] Net of tax of $(1) million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019