IQVIA (IQV) 10-K 16 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 09, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	Q
Entity Registrant Name	Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,478,242
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		235,719,111
Entity Public Float			$ 5,770,018,162

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 5,364,000,000	$ 4,326,000,000	$ 4,165,000,000
Reimbursed expenses	1,514,000,000	1,411,000,000	1,295,000,000
Total revenues	6,878,000,000	5,737,000,000	5,460,000,000
Costs of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization	3,236,000,000	2,705,000,000	2,664,000,000
Costs of revenue, reimbursed expenses	1,514,000,000	1,411,000,000	1,295,000,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,011,000,000	815,000,000	781,000,000
Depreciation and amortization	289,000,000	128,000,000	121,000,000
Restructuring costs	71,000,000	30,000,000	9,000,000
Merger related costs	87,000,000
Impairment charges	28,000,000	2,000,000	0
Income (loss) from operations	642,000,000	646,000,000	590,000,000
Interest income	(4,000,000)	(4,000,000)	(4,000,000)
Interest expense	144,000,000	101,000,000	101,000,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	31,000,000	8,000,000
Other (income), expense net	(8,000,000)	2,000,000	(8,000,000)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	479,000,000	539,000,000	501,000,000
Income tax expense	345,000,000	159,000,000	149,000,000
Income before equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	134,000,000	380,000,000	352,000,000
Equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(4,000,000)	8,000,000	5,000,000
Net income	130,000,000	388,000,000	357,000,000
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(15,000,000)	(1,000,000)
Net income attributable to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc.	$ 115,000,000	$ 387,000,000	$ 357,000,000
Earnings per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic	$ 0.77	$ 3.15	$ 2.78
Diluted	$ 0.76	$ 3.08	$ 2.72
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	149.1	123	128
Diluted	152	125.6	131.1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 130	$ 388	$ 357
Comprehensive income adjustments:
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities			(1)
Unrealized (losses) gains on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $3, ($4) and ($2)	(7)	(9)	(5)
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of income taxes of $11, $- and ($3)	23		(7)
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $(9), ($5) and ($2)	(513)	(60)	(48)
Reclassification adjustments:
Gains on marketable securities included in net income, net of income taxes of $-, $- and ($2)			(3)
Losses on derivative instruments included in net income, net of income taxes of $7, $6 and $4	21	12	5
Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs included in net income	1	1
Comprehensive (loss) income	(345)	332	298
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests	1	3
Comprehensive (loss) income	$ (344)	$ 335	$ 298

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized (losses) gains on derivative instruments, income taxes	$ 3	$ (4)	$ (2)
Defined benefit plan adjustments, income taxes	11		(3)
Foreign currency translation, income taxes	(9)	(5)	(2)
Gains on marketable securities included in net income, income taxes			(2)
Losses on derivative instruments included in net income, income taxes	$ 7	$ 6	$ 4

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,198	$ 977
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled services, net	1,707	1,166
Prepaid expenses	123	51
Deferred income taxes		101
Income taxes receivable	34	34
Investments in debt, equity and other securities	40
Other current assets and receivables	235	83
Total current assets	3,337	2,412
Property and equipment, net	406	188
Investments in debt, equity and other securities	13	33
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	69	52
Goodwill	10,727	720
Other identifiable intangibles, net	6,390	368
Deferred income taxes	89	43
Deposits and other assets	177	110
Total assets	21,208	3,926
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	250	145
Accrued expenses	1,493	761
Unearned income	774	585
Income taxes payable	76	35
Current portion of long-term debt and obligations held under capital leases	92	49
Other current liabilities	20	19
Total current liabilities	2,705	1,594
Long-term debt and obligations held under capital leases, less current portion	7,108	2,419
Deferred income taxes	2,133	66
Other liabilities	402	183
Total liabilities	12,348	4,262
Commitments and contingencies (Note 1)
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, 400.0 and 300.0 shares authorized at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, $0.01 par value, 248.3 and 119.4 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	10,602	9
Accumulated deficit	(399)	(462)
Treasury stock, at cost, 12.9 shares at December 31, 2016	(1,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(570)	(111)
Equity (deficit) attributable to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc.'s stockholders	8,633	(564)
Non-controlling interests	227	228
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	8,860	(336)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	$ 21,208	$ 3,926

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000		300,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued	248,300,000		119,400,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	248,300,000		119,400,000
Treasury stock, shares	12,900,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 130,000,000	$ 388,000,000	$ 357,000,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	289,000,000	128,000,000	121,000,000
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount	30,000,000	9,000,000	7,000,000
Amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss on terminated interest rate swaps	3,000,000	8,000,000
Stock-based compensation	80,000,000	38,000,000	30,000,000
Impairment of goodwill, identifiable intangible and long-lived assets	28,000,000	2,000,000	0
Gain on disposals of property and equipment, net	(1,000,000)	(1,000,000)	(1,000,000)
Loss (Earnings) from unconsolidated affiliates	8,000,000	(8,000,000)	(4,000,000)
(Gain) Loss on investments, net	(13,000,000)	1,000,000	(5,000,000)
Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes	135,000,000	18,000,000	(6,000,000)
Excess income tax benefits from stock-based award activities	(41,000,000)	(39,000,000)	(20,000,000)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and unbilled services	(62,000,000)	(246,000,000)	(79,000,000)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(8,000,000)	15,000,000	(41,000,000)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	160,000,000	104,000,000	46,000,000
Unearned income	52,000,000	54,000,000	20,000,000
Income taxes payable and other liabilities	70,000,000	5,000,000	8,000,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	860,000,000	476,000,000	433,000,000
Investing activities:
Acquisition of property, equipment and software	(164,000,000)	(78,000,000)	(83,000,000)
Net cash assumed from (paid for) acquisition of businesses	1,887,000,000	32,000,000	(92,000,000)
Purchase of trading securities	(40,000,000)
Proceeds from corporate owned life insurance policies	21,000,000
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	41,000,000		6,000,000
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net of payments received	(17,000,000)	(12,000,000)	(4,000,000)
Termination of interest rate swaps		(11,000,000)
Other	3,000,000	2,000,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,731,000,000	(67,000,000)	(173,000,000)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	466,000,000	2,249,000,000	275,000,000
Payment of debt issuance costs	(7,000,000)	(22,000,000)	(1,000,000)
Repayment of debt	(1,949,000,000)	(2,057,000,000)	(30,000,000)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	172,000,000		150,000,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility			(150,000,000)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(2,000,000)	(4,000,000)	(3,000,000)
Payment of contingent consideration	(5,000,000)	(3,000,000)	(3,000,000)
Stock issued under employee stock purchase and option plans	97,000,000	64,000,000	35,000,000
Repurchase of common stock	(1,097,000,000)	(515,000,000)	(415,000,000)
Repurchase of stock options			(8,000,000)
Excess income tax benefits from stock-based award activities	41,000,000	39,000,000	20,000,000
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(2,284,000,000)	(249,000,000)	(130,000,000)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash	(86,000,000)	(50,000,000)	(40,000,000)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	221,000,000	110,000,000	90,000,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	977,000,000	867,000,000	777,000,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 1,198,000,000	$ 977,000,000	$ 867,000,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Beginning Balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2013	$ (667)	$ 1		$ 477	$ (1,145)
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013		129.6
Issuance of common stock, Value	35			35
Issuance of common stock, Shares		2.1
Repurchase of common stock, Value	(415)			(415)
Repurchase of common stock, Shares		(7.6)
Stock-based compensation	26			26
Income tax benefits from stock-based award activities	20			20
Net income	357				357
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax	(1)					$ (1)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax	(5)					(5)
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	(7)					(7)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	(48)					(48)
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax	2					2
Ending Balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2014	(703)	$ 1		143	(788)	(59)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014		124.1
Issuance of common stock, Value	65			65
Issuance of common stock, Shares		3.1
Repurchase of common stock, Value	(516)			(455)	(61)
Repurchase of common stock, Shares		(7.8)
Stock-based compensation	31			31
Income tax benefits from stock-based award activities	39			39
Q2 Solutions business combination	423			423
Non-controlling interest related to Q2 Solutions transaction				(231)			$ 231
Deferred tax impact of the Q2 Solutions transaction	(7)			(7)
Net income	388				387		1
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax	(9)					(9)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	(60)					(56)	(4)
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax	13					13
Ending Balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2015	$ (336)	$ 1		8	(462)	(111)	228
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2015	119.4	119.4
Issuance of common stock, Value	$ 10,523	$ 1		10,522
Issuance of common stock, Shares		130.4
Repurchase of common stock, Value	(98)			(46)	(52)
Repurchase of common stock, Shares		(1.5)
Repurchase of common stock on or after October 3, 2016, Value	(1,000)		$ (1,000)
Repurchase of common stock on or after October 3, 2016, Shares			(12.9)
Stock-based compensation	76			76
Income tax benefits from stock-based award activities	41			41
Investment by non-controlling interest	(1)			(1)
Q2 Solutions business combination	10,425
Net income	130				115		15
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax	(7)					(7)
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	23					23
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	(513)					(497)	(16)
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax	22					22
Ending Balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 8,860	$ 2	$ (1,000)	$ 10,600	$ (399)	$ (570)	$ 227
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2016	248.3	248.3	(12.9)

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The Company Conducting business in more than 100 countries with over 50,000 employees, Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “QuintilesIMS”) is a leading integrated information and technology-enabled healthcare service provider worldwide, dedicated to helping its clients improve their clinical, scientific and commercial results. On October 3, 2016, Quintiles Transnational Holdings Inc. (“Quintiles”) completed its previously announced merger of equals transaction (the “Merger”) with IMS Health Holdings, Inc. (“IMS Health”). Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement dated as of May 3, 2016 between Quintiles and IMS Health (the “Merger Agreement”), IMS Health was merged with and into Quintiles, and the separate corporate existence of IMS Health ceased, with Quintiles continuing as the surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”). Immediately prior to the completion of the Merger, Quintiles reincorporated as a Delaware corporation. The Surviving Corporation changed its name to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc. At the effective time of the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of IMS Health common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“IMS Health common stock”), was automatically converted into 0.3840 of a share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share. In addition, immediately following the effective time of the Merger, Quintiles Transnational Corp (“Quintiles Corp.”), a direct subsidiary of Quintiles, was merged with and into IMS Health Incorporated, following which IMS Health Incorporated will continue as a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Surviving Corporation. See Note 15 for additional information regarding the Merger. Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation, including the reclassification of depreciation and amortization from costs of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses to a separate caption on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. These changes had no effect on previously reported total revenues, net income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ deficit or cash flows. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company, its subsidiaries and investments in which the Company has control. Amounts pertaining to the non-controlling ownership interests held by third parties in the operating results and financial position of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries are reported as non-controlling interests. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions believed reasonable under the circumstances. The Company evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis and makes changes to the estimates and related disclosures as experience develops or new information becomes known. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Foreign Currencies The Company’s financial statements are reported in United States dollars and, accordingly, the Company’s results of operations are impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates that affect the translation of its revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies into United States dollars for purposes of reporting its consolidated financial results. Assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies on the books of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues, costs and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the year. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are charged or credited to the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) component of stockholders’ equity (deficit). The Company is subject to foreign currency transaction risk for fluctuations in exchange rates during the period of time between the consummation and cash settlement of a transaction. The Company earns revenue from its service contracts over a period of several months and, in some cases, over a period of several years. Accordingly, exchange rate fluctuations during this period may affect the Company’s profitability with respect to such contracts. For operations in countries that are considered to be highly inflationary or where the United States Dollar is designated as the functional currency, monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured using end-of-period exchange rates, whereas non-monetary accounts are remeasured using historical exchange rates, and all remeasurement and transaction adjustments are recognized in other expense (income), net. Other expense (income), net, includes foreign currency net losses (gains) for 2016, 2015 and 2014 of approximately $6 million, ($5) million and $5 million, respectively. Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Investments in Marketable Securities Investments in marketable securities are classified as either trading or available-for-sale and measured at fair market value. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in other expense (income), net, on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in other expense (income), net, on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, on available-for-sale securities are included in the AOCI component of stockholders’ equity (deficit) until realized. Any gains or losses from the sales of investments or other-than-temporary declines in fair value are computed by specific identification. Equity Method Investments The Company’s investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for under the equity method if the Company exercises significant influence or has an investment in a limited partnership that is considered to be greater than minor. These investments and advances are classified as investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company records its pro rata share of the earnings, adjusted for accretion of basis difference, of these investments in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The Company reviews its investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Derivatives The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to interest rates and foreign currencies. Derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value at each balance sheet date utilizing pricing models for non-exchange-traded contracts. At inception, the Company designates whether or not the derivative instrument is an effective hedge of an asset, liability or firm commitment which is then classified as either a cash flow hedge or a fair value hedge. If determined to be an effective cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded as a component of AOCI until realized. The Company includes the impact from these hedges in the same line item as the hedged item on the consolidated statements of cash flows. Changes in fair value of effective fair value hedges are recorded in earnings as an offset to the changes in the fair value of the related hedged item. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is immediately recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that are not an effective hedge are recognized in earnings. When it is probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting for the affected portion of the forecasted transaction, and reclassifies gains or losses that were accumulated in AOCI to earnings in other expense (income), net for foreign exchange derivatives and interest expense for interest rate derivatives on the consolidated statements of income. Cash flows are classified consistent with the underlying hedged item. The Company has entered, and may in the future enter, into derivative contracts (caps, swaps, forwards, calls or puts, warrants, for example) related to its debt, investments in marketable equity securities and forecasted foreign currency transactions. Billed and Unbilled Services and Unearned Income In general, prerequisites for billings and payments are established by contractual provisions including predetermined payment schedules, which may or may not correspond to the timing of the performance of services under the contract. Unbilled services arise when services have been rendered for which revenue has been recognized but the clients have not been billed. In some cases, payments received are in excess of revenue recognized. Payments received in advance of services being provided are deferred as unearned income on the consolidated balance sheet. As the contracted services are subsequently performed and the associated revenue is recognized, the unearned income balance is reduced by the amount of the revenue recognized during the period. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a variety of factors that affect the potential collectability of the related receivables, including length of time the receivables are past due, client credit ratings, financial stability of the client, specific one-time events and past client history. In addition, in circumstances where the Company is made aware of a specific client’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance is established. The accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and reserves are established as deemed appropriate based on the above criteria. Receivables Financing Facility Advances received under the Company’s receivables financing facility are accounted for as borrowings secured by the receivables and included in net cash provided by financing activities. The Company services the collateralized accounts receivable and the cash flows for the underlying receivables are included in cash provided by operating activities. The collateralized accounts receivable are included in trade accounts receivable and unbilled services, net. Business Combinations Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree are recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of the acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets. When a business combination involves contingent consideration, the Company recognizes a liability equal to the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration obligation at the date of the acquisition. Subsequent changes in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized in earnings in the period of the change. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of business combinations since the acquisition date. Long-Lived Assets Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, if related to leased property, as follows: Buildings and leasehold improvements 3 - 40 years Equipment 3 - 10 years Furniture and fixtures 5 - 10 years Motor vehicles 3 - 5 years Definite-lived identifiable intangible assets are amortized primarily using an accelerated method that reflects the pattern in which the Company expects to benefit from the use of the asset over its estimated remaining useful life as follows: Trademarks and trade names 2 - 10 years Contract backlog and client relationships 3 - 25 years Software and related assets 2 - 9 years Databases 1 - 5 years Non-compete agreements and other 1 - 5 years Goodwill and indefinite-lived identifiable intangible assets, which consist of certain trade names, are not amortized but evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment. Included in software and related items is the capitalized cost of internal-use software used in supporting the Company’s business. Qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful lives. Costs are capitalized from completion of the preliminary project stage and when it is considered probable that the software will be used to perform its intended function, up until the time the software is placed into service. The Company recognized $44 million, $38 million and $33 million of amortization expense in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to software and related assets. The carrying values of property, equipment and intangible and other long-lived assets are reviewed for recoverability if the facts and circumstances suggest that a potential impairment may have occurred. If this review indicates that carrying values will not be recoverable, as determined based on undiscounted cash flow projections, the Company will record an impairment charge to reduce carrying values to estimated fair value. See Note 17 for information regarding the impairment charge recognized in 2016. During 2015, the Company recognized a $2 million impairment charge for long-lived assets related to a facility closure in Japan. There were no events, facts or circumstances in 2014 that resulted in any impairment charges to the Company’s property, equipment, intangible or other long-lived assets. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement; (2) the service offering has been delivered to the client; (3) the collection of the fees is probable; and (4) the arrangement consideration is fixed or determinable. The Company’s arrangements are primarily service contracts that range in duration from a few months to several years. In some cases, contracts provide for consideration that is contingent upon the occurrence of uncertain future events. The Company recognizes contingent revenue when the contingency has been resolved and all other criteria for revenue recognition have been met. The Company treats cash payments to clients as incentives to induce the clients to enter into such a service agreement with the Company. The related asset is amortized as a reduction of revenue over the period the services are performed. The Company records revenues net of any tax assessments by governmental authorities, such as value added taxes, that are imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue generating transactions. The Company does not recognize revenue with respect to start-up activities including contract and scope negotiation, feasibility analysis and conflict of interest review associated with contracts. The costs for these activities are expensed as incurred. For the arrangements that include multiple elements, arrangement consideration is allocated to units of accounting based on the relative selling price. The best evidence of selling price of a unit of accounting is vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), which is the price the Company charges when the deliverable is sold separately. When VSOE is not available to determine selling price, management uses relevant third-party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price, if available. When neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists, management uses its best estimate of selling price considering all relevant information that is available without undue cost and effort. The Company derives the majority of its revenues in the Commercial Solutions segment from various information and technology service offerings. A typical information offerings arrangement (primarily under fixed-price contracts) may include an ongoing subscription-based deliverable for which revenue is recognized ratably as earned over the contract period, and/or a one-time delivery of data offerings for which revenue is recognized upon delivery, assuming all other criteria are met. The Company’s subscription arrangements typically have terms ranging from one to three years and are generally non-cancelable and do not contain refund-type provisions. Technology services offerings consist of a mix of small and large-scale services and consulting projects, multi-year outsourcing contracts and Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) licenses. These arrangements typically have terms ranging from several weeks to three years, with a majority having terms of one year or less. Revenues for services engagements where deliverables occur ratably over time are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the arrangement. Revenues from time and material contracts are recognized as the services are provided. Revenues from fixed price ad hoc services and consulting contracts are recognized either over the contract term based on the ratio of the number of hours incurred for services provided during the period compared to the total estimated hours to be incurred over the entire arrangement (efforts based), or upon delivery (completed contract). The majority of the Company’s contracts within the Research & Development Solutions segment are service contracts for clinical research that represent a single unit of accounting. The Company recognizes revenue on its clinical research services contracts as services are performed primarily on a proportional performance basis, generally using output measures that are specific to the service provided. Examples of output measures include among others, number of investigators enrolled, number of site initiation visits and number of monitoring visits completed. Revenue is determined by dividing the actual units of work completed by the total units of work required under the contract and multiplying that ratio by the total contract value. The total contract value, or total contractual payments, represents the aggregate contracted price for each of the agreed upon services to be provided. Changes in the scope of work are common, especially under long-term contracts, and generally result in a change in contract value. Once the client has agreed to the changes in scope and renegotiated pricing terms, the contract value is amended and revenue is recognized, as described above. To the extent that contracts involve multiple elements, the Company follows the allocation methodology described above and recognizes revenue for each unit of accounting on a proportional performance basis. Most contracts may be terminated upon 30 to 90 days notice by the client, however, in the event of termination, contract provisions typically require payment for services rendered through the date of termination, as well as for subsequent services rendered to close out the contract. The Company derives the majority of its revenues in its Integrated Engagement Services segment on a fee-for-service basis to clients within the biopharmaceutical industry. Fees on these arrangements are billed based on a contractual per-diem or hourly rate basis and revenue is recognized primarily on a time and materials basis. Some of the Company’s Integrated Engagement Services contracts are multiple element arrangements, with elements including recruiting, training and deployment of sales representatives. The nature of the terms of these multiple element arrangements will vary based on the customized needs of the Company’s clients. For contracts that have multiple elements, the Company follows the allocation methodology described above and recognizes revenue for each unit of accounting on a time and materials basis. The Company’s Integrated Engagement Services contracts sometimes include variable fees that are based on a percentage of service sales (royalty payments). The Company recognizes revenue on royalty payments when the variable components become fixed or determinable and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, which generally only occurs upon the sale of the underlying service(s) and upon the Company’s receipt of information necessary to make a reasonable estimate. Reimbursed Expenses The Company includes reimbursed expenses in total revenues and costs of revenue as the Company is deemed to be the primary obligor in the applicable arrangements. These costs include such items as payments to investigators and travel expenses for the Company’s clinical monitors and sales representatives. The Company has collection risk on contractually reimbursable expenses, and, from time to time, is unable to obtain reimbursement from the client for costs incurred. When such an expense is not reimbursed, it is classified as costs of revenue on the consolidated statements of income. Expenses Our costs and expenses are comprised primarily of our costs of revenue, reimbursed expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. Costs of revenue include compensation and benefits for billable employees and personnel involved in production, data management and delivery, and the costs of acquiring and processing data for our information offerings; costs of staff directly involved with delivering technology-related services offerings and engagements, related accommodations and the costs of data purchased specifically for technology services engagements; and other expenses directly related to service contracts such as courier fees, laboratory supplies, professional services and travel expenses. As noted above, reimbursed expenses are comprised principally of payments to investigators who oversee clinical trials and travel expenses for our clinical monitors and sales representatives. Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs related to sales, marketing, and administrative functions (including human resources, legal, finance and general management) for compensation and benefits, travel, professional services, training and expenses for information technology (“IT”), facilities and depreciation and amortization. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalent balances with high-quality financial institutions and, consequently, the Company believes that such funds are subject to minimal credit risk. Investment policies have been implemented that limit purchases of marketable securities to investment grade securities. Substantially all revenues for Commercial Solutions, Research & Development Solutions and Integrated Engagement Services are earned by performing services under contracts with various pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and healthcare companies. The concentration of credit risk is equal to the outstanding accounts receivable and unbilled services balances, less the unearned income related thereto, and such risk is subject to the financial and industry conditions of the Company’s clients. The Company does not require collateral or other securities to support client receivables. Credit losses have been immaterial and reasonably within management’s expectations. No client accounted for 10.0% or more of consolidated revenues in 2016, 2015 or 2014. Restructuring Costs Restructuring costs, which primarily include termination benefits and facility closure costs, are recorded at estimated fair value. Key assumptions in determining the restructuring costs include the terms and payments that may be negotiated to terminate certain contractual obligations and the timing of employees leaving the Company. Merger Related Costs Merger related costs include the direct and incremental costs associated with business combinations including (i) acquisition related costs such as investment banking, legal, accounting and consulting fees (see Footnote 15), (ii) incremental compensation costs triggered under change in control provisions in executive employment agreements, (iii) compensation and related costs of employees 100% dedicated to merger-related integration activities and (iv) severance and other termination costs associated with redundant employees. During 2016, the Company recognized $87 million of merger related costs, which includes $36 million of acquisition related costs. All of these costs are related to the merger with IMS Health. Merger related costs for all other business combinations have been immaterial and are included within selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income. Legal Costs Legal costs are expensed as incurred. Debt Fees Fees incurred to issue debt are generally deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense over the estimated term of the related debt using the effective interest rate method. Contingencies The Company records accruals for claims, suits, investigations and proceedings when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews claims, suits, investigations and proceedings at least quarterly and records or adjusts accruals related to such matters to reflect the impact and status of any settlements, rulings, advice of counsel or other information pertinent to a particular matter. Legal costs associated with contingencies are charged to expense as incurred. The Company is party to legal proceedings incidental to its business. While the outcome of these matters could differ from management’s expectations, the Company does not believe the resolution of these matters has a reasonable possibility of having a material adverse effect to the Company’s financial statements. Income Taxes Income tax expense includes United States federal, state and international income taxes. Certain items of income and expense are not reported in income tax returns and GAAP financial statements in the same year. The income tax effects of these differences are reported as deferred income taxes. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce the related deferred income tax assets to an amount which will, more likely than not, be realized. In addition, the Company does not consider the undistributed foreign earnings of most of its foreign subsidiaries to be permanently reinvested. To the extent undistributed foreign earnings are not permanently reinvested, the Company records deferred income taxes on these earnings. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense as discussed further in Note 18. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits The Company provides retirement benefits to certain employees, including defined benefit pension plans and postretirement medical plans. The determination of benefit obligations and expense is based on actuarial models. In order to measure benefit costs and obligations using these models, critical assumptions are made with regard to the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, cash balance crediting rate, lump sum conversion rate and the assumed rate of compensation increases. In addition, retiree medical care cost trend rates are a key assumption used exclusively in determining costs for the Company’s postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans. Management reviews these critical assumptions at least annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as the turnover, retirement and mortality rates. Management reviews these assumptions periodically and updates them when their experience deems it appropriate to do so. The discount rate is the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled and is determined annually by management. For United States plans, the discount rate is based on results of a modeling process in which the plans’ expected cash flow (determined on a projected benefit obligation basis) is matched with spot rates developed from a yield curve comprised of high-grade (Moody’s Aa and above, or Standard and Poor’s AA and above) non-callable corporate bonds to develop the present value of the expected cash flow, and then determining the single rate (discount rate) which when applied to the expected cash flow derives that same present value. In the United Kingdom specifically, the discount rate is set based on the yields on a universe of high quality non-callable corporate bonds denominated in the British Pound, appropriate to the duration of plan liabilities. For the non-United States plans, the discount rate is based on the current yield of an index of high quality corporate bonds. The Company estimates the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for our United States and United Kingdom pension benefit plans by utilizing a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to each of the underlying projected cash flows based on time until payment. Under the United States qualified retirement plan, participants have a notional retirement account that increases with pay and investment credits. The rate used to determine the investment credit (cash balance crediting rate) varies monthly. At retirement, the account is converted to a monthly retirement benefit. In selecting an expected return on plan asset assumption, the Company considers the returns being earned by each plan investment category in the fund, the rates of return expected to be available for reinvestment and long-term economic forecasts for the type of investments held by the plan. The actual return on plan assets will vary from year to year versus this assumption. The Company believes it is appropriate to use long-term expected forecasts in selecting the expected return on plan assets. As such, there can be no assurance that the Company’s actual return on plan assets will approximate the long-term expected forecasts. While the Company believes that the assumptions used are reasonable, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect its pension and postretirement benefit obligations and future expense. The Company’s estimated long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on the principles of capital market theory which maintain that over the long run, prudent investment risk taking is rewarded with incremental returns and that combining non-correlated assets can maximize risk adjusted portfolio returns. Long-term return estimates are developed by asset category based on actual class return data, historical relationships between asset classes and risk factors and peer plan data. Long-term return estimates for the Company’s United Kingdom pension plans are developed by asset category based on actual class return data, historical relationships between asset classes and risk factors. The Company utilizes a corridor approach to amortizing unrecognized gains and losses in the pension and postretirement benefit plans. Amortization occurs when the accumulated unrecognized net gain or loss balance exceeds the criterion of 10% of the larger of the beginning balances of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of the plan assets. The excess unrecognized gain or loss balance is then amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining service-life of active employees expected to receive benefits. Employee Stock Compensation The Company accounts for stock-based compensation for stock options and stock appreciation rights under the fair value method and uses the Black-Scholes-Merton model to estimate the value of such stock-based awards granted to its employees and non-executive directors. Expected volatility is based upon the historical volatility of a peer group for a period equal to the expected term, as the Company does not have ade

Accounts Receivable and Unbille

Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Services	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Services	2. Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Services Accounts receivable and unbilled services consist of the following (in millions): December 31, 2016 2015 Trade: Billed $ 998 $ 554 Unbilled services 723 614 1,721 1,168 Allowance for doubtful accounts (14 ) (2 ) $ 1,707 $ 1,166

Investments-Debt, Equity and Ot

Investments-Debt, Equity and Other Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments-Debt, Equity and Other Securities	3. Investments – Debt, Equity and Other Securities Current The Company’s short-term investments in debt, equity and other securities consist primarily of trading investments in mutual funds that are measured at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded in other expense (income), net, on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Net realized and unrealized gains were approximately $3 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. Long-term The Company’s long-term investments in debt, equity and other securities consist primarily of cost method investments. The Company is party to a joint venture with the Samsung Group to provide biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing services in South Korea. The Company’s investment in the joint venture totaled $27 million at December 31, 2015. During the second quarter of 2016, the Company exercised its right to sell a portion of its ownership interest in the joint venture to the Samsung Group in exchange for approximately $26 million. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s investment in the joint venture totaled approximately $1 million (representing an ownership interest of less than 1%). The Company reviews the carrying value of each individual investment at each balance sheet date to determine whether or not an other-than-temporary decline in fair value has occurred. The Company employs alternative valuation techniques including the following: (i) the review of financial statements, including assessments of liquidity, (ii) the review of valuations available to the Company prepared by independent third parties used in raising capital, (iii) the review of publicly available information including press releases and (iv) direct communications with the investee’s management, as appropriate. If the review indicates that such a decline in fair value has occurred, the Company adjusts the carrying value to the estimated fair value of the investment and recognizes a loss for the amount of the adjustment.

Investments in and Advances to

Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial Support for Nonconsolidated Legal Entity [Abstract]
Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates	4. Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates The Company accounts for its investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates under the equity method of accounting and records its pro rata share of its losses or earnings from these investments in equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates. The following is a summary of the Company’s investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates (in millions): December 31, 2016 2015 NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund III, L.P. $ 43 $ 40 NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund IV, L.P. 6 2 Cenduit TM 11 9 Other 9 1 $ 69 $ 52 NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Funds The Company has committed to invest up to $50 million as a limited partner in NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund III, L.P. (“Fund III”). As of December 31, 2016, the Company has funded approximately $43 million and has approximately $7 million of remaining funding commitments. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had a 10.9% ownership interest in Fund III. The Company has committed to invest up to $20 million as a limited partner in NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund IV, L.P. (“Fund IV”). As of December 31, 2016, the Company has funded approximately $8 million and has approximately $12 million of remaining funding commitments. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had a 2.3% ownership interest in Fund IV. Cenduit™ In May 2007, the Company and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (“Thermo Fisher”) completed the formation of a joint venture, Cenduit™. The Company contributed its Interactive Response Technology operations in India and the United States. Thermo Fisher contributed its Fisher Clinical Services Interactive Response Technology operations in three locations — the United Kingdom, the United States and Switzerland. Additionally, each company contributed $4 million in initial capital. The Company and Thermo Fisher each own 50% of Cenduit™.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	5. Variable Interest Entities As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s investments in unconsolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and its estimated maximum exposure to loss were as follows (in millions): Investments in Maximum NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund III, L.P. $ 43 $ 51 NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund IV, L.P. 6 18 $ 49 $ 69 The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on Fund III and Fund IV (collectively “the Funds”) is limited to its investments and remaining funding commitments. The Company has determined that the Funds are VIEs but that the Company is not the primary beneficiary as it does not have a controlling financial interest in either of the Funds. However, because the Company has determined that it has the ability to exercise significant influence, it accounts for its investments in the Funds under the equity method of accounting and records its pro rata share of the Funds’ earnings and losses in equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The investment assets of unconsolidated VIEs are included in investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Derivatives

Derivatives	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	6. Derivatives Foreign Exchange Risk Management The Company transacts business in more than 100 countries and is subject to risks associated with fluctuating foreign exchange rates. The Company’s objective is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate movements. Accordingly, the Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to minimize the impact of foreign exchange movements on non-functional currency assets and liabilities (“Balance Sheet Hedging”) to (i) hedge certain forecasted foreign exchange cash flows arising from service contracts (“Service Contract Hedging”) and (ii) hedge non-United States Dollar anticipated intercompany royalties (“Royalty Hedging”). It is the Company’s policy to enter into foreign currency transactions only to the extent necessary to meet its objectives as stated above. The Company does not enter into foreign currency transactions for investment or speculative purposes. The principal currencies hedged are the Euro, the British Pound, the Japanese Yen, the Swiss Franc and the Canadian Dollar. Balance Sheet Hedging contracts entered into for balance sheet risk management purposes are not designated as hedges and are carried at fair value, with changes in the fair value recorded to other expense (income), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. These contracts do not subject the Company to material balance sheet risk because gains and losses on these derivatives are intended to offset gains and losses on the assets and liabilities being hedged. Service Contract Hedging and Royalty Hedging contracts are designated as hedges and are carried at fair value, with changes in the fair value recorded to AOCI. The change in fair value is reclassified from AOCI to earnings in the period in which the hedged transaction occurs. These contracts have various expiration dates through November 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had 62 open Service Contract Hedging and Royalty Hedging contracts to hedge certain forecasted foreign currency cash flow transactions occurring in 2017 with notional amounts totaling $300 million. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had 15 open Service Contract Hedging contracts to hedge certain forecasted foreign currency cash flow transactions occurring in 2016. For accounting purposes these hedges are deemed to be highly effective. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had recorded gross unrealized gains (losses) of $1 million and ($5 million), respectively, related to these contracts. Upon expiration of the hedge instruments in 2017, the Company will reclassify the unrealized gains and losses on the derivative instruments included in AOCI into earnings. The unrealized gains (losses) are included in other current assets and liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. Interest Rate Risk Management The Company purchases interest rate caps and has entered into interest rate swap agreements for purposes of managing its risk in interest rate fluctuations. On June 9, 2011, the Company entered into six interest rate swaps which expired between September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2016, in an effort to limit its exposure to changes in the variable interest rate on its senior secured credit facilities. During May 2015, in conjunction with the debt refinancing described in Note 11, the Company terminated the remaining open interest rate swaps for a cash payment to the counterparty of $12 million, which included $1 million of accrued interest. Since the hedged forecasted cash transactions continued to be probable of occurring, the accumulated loss ($3 million at December 31, 2015) related to the terminated interest rate swaps in AOCI was reclassified to earnings as a component of interest expense in the same periods as the hedged forecasted transactions occurred over the first three months of 2016. In April 2014, the IMS Health purchased United States Dollar denominated interest rate caps (“2014 Caps”) with a total notional value of $1 billion at strike rates ranging between 2% and 3%. These caps were effective at various times between April 2014 and April 2016, and expire at various times between April 2017 and April 2019. The total premiums paid were $21 million. The 2014 Caps are designated as cash flow hedges. IMS Health also entered into United States Dollar and Euro denominated interest rate swap agreements in April 2014 (“2014 Swaps”) to hedge interest rate exposure on notional amounts of approximately $600 million of its borrowings. The 2014 Swaps were effective between April and June 2014, and expire at various times from March 2017 through March 2021. On these agreements, the Company pays a fixed rate ranging from 1.4% to 2.1% and receives a variable rate of interest equal to the greater of three-month United States Dollar London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or three-month Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”), and 1%. The 2014 Swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. On June 3, 2015, the Company entered into seven forward starting interest rate swaps (“2015 Swaps”) in an effort to limit its exposure to changes in the variable interest rate on its senior secured credit facilities. Interest on the swaps began accruing on June 30, 2016 and the interest rate swaps expire between March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2020. Payments on the 2015 Swaps, together with the variable rate of interest incurred on the underlying debt, result in a fixed rate of interest of 2.1% plus the applicable margin on the affected borrowings. The critical terms of the 2014 Swaps and 2015 Swaps are substantially the same as the underlying borrowings. These interest rate swaps are being accounted for as cash flow hedges as these transactions were executed to hedge the Company’s interest payments, and for accounting purposes these hedges are deemed to be highly effective. As such, changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recorded as unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives included in AOCI. The fair value of these interest rate swaps represents the present value of the anticipated net payments the Company will make to the counterparty, which, when they occur, are reflected as interest expense on the consolidated statements of income. These interest rate swaps will result in a total debt mix of approximately 52% fixed rate debt and 48% variable rate debt, before the additional protection arising from the interest rate caps. Net Investment Risk Management Beginning in the 2016, the Company designated its foreign currency denominated debt as a hedge of its net investment in foreign subsidiaries to reduce the volatility in stockholders’ equity caused by changes in the Euro exchange rate with respect to the United States Dollar. As of December 31, 2016, these borrowings (net of original issue discount) were €2,025 million ($2,131 million). The effective portion of foreign exchange gains or losses on the remeasurement of the debt is recognized in the cumulative translation adjustment component of AOCI with the related offset in long-term debt. Those amounts would be reclassified from AOCI to earnings upon the sale or substantial liquidation of these net investments. The amount of foreign exchange gains (losses) related to the net investment hedge included in cumulative translation adjustment for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $131 million. The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments and the line items on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets to which they were recorded are summarized in the following table (in millions): December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Balance Sheet Assets Liabilities Notional Assets Liabilities Notional Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 11 $ 9 $ 300 $ — $ 5 $ 118 Interest rate swaps Other current — 15 945 — 6 440 Interest rate caps Deposits and other 1 — 1,000 — — — Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts Other current — 1 189 — — — Total derivatives $ 12 $ 25 $ — $ 11 The effect of the Company’s cash flow hedging instruments on other comprehensive income (loss) is summarized in the following table (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 16 $ (1 ) $ (8 ) Interest rate derivatives 8 6 10 Total $ 24 $ 5 $ 2 The Company expects $2 million of pre-tax unrealized losses related to its foreign exchange contracts and interest rate derivatives included in AOCI at December 31, 2016 to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	7. Fair Value Measurements The Company records certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value is described below. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: • Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. • Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs. The carrying values of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated their fair values at December 31, 2016 and 2015 due to their short-term nature. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of total debt approximated $7,298 million and $2,499 million, respectively, as determined under Level 2 measurements based on quoted prices for these financial instruments. Recurring Fair Value Measurements The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 (in millions): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Trading securities $ 40 $ — $ — $ 40 Derivatives — 12 — 12 Total $ 40 $ 12 $ — $ 52 Liabilities: Derivatives $ — $ 25 $ — $ 25 Contingent consideration — — 18 18 Total $ — $ 25 $ 18 $ 43 The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 (in millions): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Derivatives $ — $ 11 $ — $ 11 Contingent consideration — — 4 4 Total $ — $ 11 $ 4 $ 15 Below is a summary of the valuation techniques used in determining fair value: Marketable securities Derivatives Contingent consideration The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31 (in millions): Contingent Consideration – 2016 2015 2014 Balance as of January 1 $ 4 $ 1 $ 13 Business combinations 19 — — Contingent consideration paid (4 ) (3 ) (3 ) Revaluations included in earnings and foreign currency translation adjustments (1 ) 6 (9 ) Balance as of December 31 $ 18 $ 4 $ 1 The revaluation for the contingent consideration is recognized in other expense (income), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements Certain assets are carried on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at cost and are not remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis. These assets include cost and equity method investments and loans that are written down to fair value for declines which are deemed to be other-than-temporary, and goodwill and identifiable intangible assets which are tested for impairment annually and when a triggering event occurs. See Note 17 for additional information. As of December 31, 2016, assets carried on the balance sheet and not remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis totaled approximately $17,199 million and were identified as Level 3. These assets are comprised of cost and equity method investments of $82 million, goodwill of $10,727 million and other identifiable intangibles, net of $6,390 million. Cost and Equity Method Investments Goodwill Definite-lived Intangible Assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	8. Property and Equipment The major classes of property and equipment were as follows (in millions): December 31, 2016 2015 Land, buildings and leasehold improvements $ 333 $ 187 Equipment 338 257 Furniture and fixtures 72 53 Motor vehicles 26 13 Property and equipment, gross 769 510 Less accumulated depreciation (363 ) (322 ) Property and equipment, net $ 406 $ 188

Goodwill and Identifiable Intan

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets	9. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets As of December 31, 2016, the Company has approximately $6,390 million of identifiable intangible assets, of which approximately $127 million, relating to trade names, is deemed to be indefinite-lived and, accordingly, is not being amortized. Amortization expense associated with identifiable definite-lived intangible assets was as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Amortization expense $ 210 $ 67 $ 58 Estimated amortization expense for existing identifiable intangible assets is expected to be approximately $837 million, $858 million, $844 million, $788 million and $567 million for the years ending December 31, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. Estimated amortization expense can be affected by various factors, including future acquisitions or divestitures of service and/or licensing and distribution rights or impairments. The following is a summary of identifiable intangible assets (in millions): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Gross Accumulated Net Amount Gross Accumulated Net Definite-lived identifiable intangible assets: Client relationships and backlog $ 3,983 $ (125 ) $ 3,858 $ 224 $ (76 ) $ 148 Trademarks, trade names and other 384 (15 ) 369 15 (6 ) 9 Databases 1,742 (87 ) 1,655 — — — Software and related assets 619 (247 ) 372 279 (196 ) 83 Non-compete agreements 9 — 9 — — — $ 6,737 $ (474 ) $ 6,263 $ 518 $ (278 ) $ 240 Indefinite-lived identifiable intangible assets: Trade names $ 127 $ — $ 127 $ 128 $ — $ 128 The following is a summary of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in millions): Commercial Research & Integrated Consolidated Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 70 $ 346 $ 48 $ 464 Business combinations — 262 — 262 Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other — (6 ) — (6 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 70 602 48 720 Business combinations 9,698 611 67 10,376 Impairment (23 ) — — (23 ) Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other (330 ) (17 ) 1 (346 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 9,415 $ 1,196 $ 116 $ 10,727 During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded impairment losses of $23 million. See Note 17 for additional information.

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	10. Accrued Expenses December 31, 2016 2015 Compensation, including bonuses, fringe benefits and payroll taxes $ 610 $ 401 Restructuring 102 14 Interest 42 5 Client contract related 502 271 Professional fees 69 10 Other 168 60 $ 1,493 $ 761

Credit Arrangements

Credit Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit Arrangements	11. Credit Arrangements The following is a summary of the Company’s revolving credit facilities at December 31, 2016: Facility Interest Rates $1,000 million (revolving credit facility) LIBOR in the relevant currency borrowed plus a margin (Margin of 2.00% at December 31, 2016) $25 million (receivables financing facility) LIBOR Market Index Rate (0.77% at December 31, 2016) plus 0.85% to 1.35% depending upon the Company’s debt rating £10 million (approximately $12 million) general banking facility with a European headquartered bank Bank’s base rate (0.25% at December 31, 2016) plus 1% At December 31, 2016, there were bank guarantees totaling approximately £5 million (approximately $6 million) issued against the availability of the general banking facility with a European headquartered bank through their operations in the United Kingdom. The following table summarizes the Company’s debt at the dates indicated (dollars in millions): December 31, 2016 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities: Senior Secured Term A Loan due 2021—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 3.00% $ 888 $ — Senior Secured Term A Loan due 2021—Euro LIBOR at average floating rates of 2.00% 419 — Senior Secured Term B Loan due 2021—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 3.50% 1,700 — Senior Secured Term B Loan due 2021—Euro LIBOR at average floating rates of 3.75% 765 — Term Loan A due 2020—LIBOR plus 1.75%, or 2.36% — 829 Term Loan B due 2022—the greater of LIBOR or 0.75% plus 2.50%, or 3.25% — 597 Revolving Credit Facility due 2021: U.S. Dollar denominated borrowings—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 2.73% 375 — 5.0% Senior Notes due 2026—U.S. Dollar denominated 1,050 — 3.5% Senior Notes due 2024—Euro denominated 658 — 4.125% Senior Notes due 2023—Euro denominated 289 — 4.875% Senior Notes due 2023 800 800 Receivables financing facility due 2018—LIBOR plus 0.85%, or 1.62% 275 275 Principal amount of debt 7,219 2,501 Less: unamortized discount (12 ) (24 ) Less: unamortized debt issuance costs (7 ) (9 ) Less: current portion (92 ) (49 ) Long-term debt $ 7,108 $ 2,419 Contractual maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2016 are as follows (in millions): 2017 $ 92 2018 367 2019 92 2020 92 2021 3,781 Thereafter 2,795 $ 7,219 Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Senior Notes 2016 Financing Transactions At December 31, 2016, the Company’s senior secured credit facility provides financing of up to approximately $4,772 million, which consisted of $4,147 million principal amount of debt outstanding (as detailed in the table above) and $625 million of commitments that expire in 2021. The revolving credit facility is comprised of a $450 million senior secured revolving facility available in U.S. Dollars, a $400 million senior secured revolving facility available in U.S. Dollars, Euros, Swiss Francs and other foreign currencies and a $150 million senior secured revolving facility available in U.S. Dollars and Yen. The term A loans and revolving credit facility mature in October 2021, while the term B loans mature in March 2021. Under certain circumstances, the maturity date of the term A loans and the senior secured revolving facility may be accelerated to 2020. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments on the term A loans equal to 1.25% of the original principal amount, with the remaining balance paid at maturity. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments on the term B loans equal to approximately 0.25% of the original principal amount, with the remaining balance paid at maturity. In addition, beginning with fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, the Company is required to apply 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the Company’s senior secured credit facility), subject to a reduction to 25% or 0% depending upon the Company’s senior secured first lien net leverage ratio, for prepayment of the Term Loans, with any such prepayment to be applied toward principal payments due in subsequent quarters. The Company is also required to pay an annual commitment fee that ranges from 0.30% to 0.40% in respect of any unused commitments under the revolving credit facility. The senior secured credit facility is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company and the assets of the Company’s material domestic subsidiaries including 100% of the equity interests of substantially all of the Company’s material domestic subsidiaries and 66% of the equity interests of substantially all of the first-tier material foreign subsidiaries of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries. On October 3, 2016, the Company refinanced the term A loans due 2019 (approximately $884 million) assumed in the Merger with a term A loan facility due in 2021 for an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,350 million comprised of both U.S. Dollar denominated term A loans and Euro denominated term A loans. Additionally, the revolving credit facility was refinanced to an aggregate principal amount equal to $1,000 million. The additional proceeds were used, in part, to fund the redemption on November 1, 2016 of $500 million of 6% Senior Notes due 2020 assumed in the Merger, at a redemption price equal to 101.5% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount plus accrued interest to the redemption date. The Company incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $8 million related to the aggregate payments for make-whole premiums. On September 28, 2016, IMS Health issued senior unsecured notes totaling principal amount of $1,750 million, which consisted of (i) $1,050 million of 5% senior notes due October 2026 (the “5% Dollar Notes”) and (ii) €625 million of 3.5% senior notes due October 2024 (the “3.5% Euro Notes” and, together with the 5% Dollar Notes, the “2016 Notes”). The proceeds of the 2016 Notes, which were assumed by the Company upon closing of the Merger, were used on October 3, 2016 to repay in full ($1,389 million) the term loans outstanding under the Quintiles Transnational senior secured credit facilities. Interest on the 2016 Notes is payable semi-annually, beginning on April 15, 2017. The notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company’s wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries (excluding IMS Japan K.K.) and, subject to certain exceptions, each of the Company’s future domestic subsidiaries that guarantees its other indebtedness or indebtedness of any of the guarantors. The 5% Dollar Notes and the 3.5% Euro Notes may be redeemed, either together or separately, prior to their final stated maturity, subject to a customary make-whole premium, at any time prior to October 15, 2021 with respect to the 5% Dollar Notes and October 15, 2019 with respect to the 3.5% Euro Notes (in each case subject to a customary “equity claw” redemption right) and thereafter subject to annually declining redemption premiums at any time prior to October 15, 2024 with respect to the 5% Dollar Notes and October 15, 2021 with respect to the 3.5% Euro Notes. The Company also assumed in the Merger €275 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% Senior Notes due in April 2023 (the “4.125% Senior Notes”). Interest on the 4.125% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually each year and commenced on October 1, 2015. The 4.125% Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by IMS Health’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that are guarantors under the senior secured credit facilities. The Company may redeem the 4.125% Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to April 1, 2018 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium. On or after April 1, 2018, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the 4.125% Senior Notes at predetermined redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the 4.125% Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. 2015 Financing Transactions On May 12, 2015, the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Quintiles Transnational, entered into new senior secured credit facilities, which consisted of a $500 million revolving credit facility and $1.45 billion of term loans. In addition, Quintiles Transnational issued $800 million of 4.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023 (the “4.875% Senior Notes”) in a private placement. The term loans, in the amount of $1,389 million, were repaid in full on October 3, 2016 as discussed above. Interest on the 4.875% Senior Notes is paid semiannually on May 15 and November 15 of each year until maturity. The Senior Notes are unsecured senior obligations of QuintilesIMS and are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all secured obligations of QuintilesIMS, to the extent of the value of any collateral. Also on May 12, 2015, an outstanding term loan was repaid with proceeds from the new credit facilities entered into that day and the Company recognized an $8 million loss on extinguishment of debt, which included $1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs, $1 million of unamortized discount and $6 million of related fees and expenses. Receivables Financing Facility On December 5, 2014, the Company entered into a four-year arrangement to securitize certain of its accounts receivable. Under the receivables financing facility, certain of the Company’s accounts receivable are sold on a non-recourse basis by certain of its consolidated subsidiaries to another of its consolidated subsidiaries, a bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity (“SPE”). The SPE obtained a term loan and revolving loan commitment from a third party lender, secured by liens on the assets of the SPE, to finance the purchase of the accounts receivable, which included a $275 million term loan and a $25 million revolving loan commitment. The revolving loan commitment may be increased by an additional $35 million as amounts are repaid under the term loan. QuintilesIMS has guaranteed the performance of the obligations of existing and future subsidiaries that sell and service the accounts receivable under the receivables financing facility. The assets of the SPE are not available to satisfy any of the Company’s obligations or any obligations of its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2016, $25 million of revolving loans were available under the receivables financing facility. The Company used the proceeds from the term loan under the receivables financing facility to repay in full the amount outstanding on the then outstanding revolving credit facility ($150 million), to repay $25 million of the then outstanding Term Loan B-3, to pay related fees and expenses and the remainder was used for general working capital purposes. Restrictive Covenants The Company’s debt agreements provide for certain covenants and events of default customary for similar instruments, including a covenant not to exceed a specified ratio of consolidated senior secured net indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the Company’s senior secured credit facility and a covenant to maintain a specified minimum interest coverage ratio. If an event of default occurs under any of the Company’s or the Company’s subsidiaries’ financing arrangements, the creditors under such financing arrangements will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under such arrangements, and in the case of the lenders under the revolving credit facility and New Term Loans, other actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor. Our long-term debt arrangements contain usual and customary restrictive covenants that, among other things, place limitations on our ability to declare dividends. For additional information regarding these restrictive covenants, see Part II, Item 5 “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Dividend Policy” and Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. At December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants under the Company’s financing arrangements.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	12. Leases The Company leases facilities under operating leases, many of which contain renewal and escalation clauses. The Company also leases certain equipment under operating leases. The leases expire at various dates through 2029 with options to cancel certain leases at various intervals. Rental expenses under these agreements were $127 million, $109 million and $115 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The following is a summary of future minimum payments under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2016 (in millions): Operating 2017 $ 171 2018 123 2019 94 2020 75 2021 56 Thereafter 159 Total minimum lease payments $ 678

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	13. Contingencies The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in legal and tax proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Management periodically assesses the Company’s liabilities and contingencies in connection with these matters based upon the latest information available. For those matters where management currently believes it is probable that the Company will incur a loss and that the probable loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company has recorded reserves in the consolidated financial statements based on its best estimates of such loss. In other instances, because of the uncertainties related to either the probable outcome or the amount or range of loss, management is unable to make a reasonable estimate of a liability, if any. However, even in many instances where the Company has recorded an estimated liability, the Company is unable to predict with certainty the final outcome of the matter or whether resolution of the matter will materially affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows. As additional information becomes available, the Company adjusts its assessments and estimates of such liabilities accordingly. The Company routinely enters into agreements with its suppliers to acquire data and with its clients to sell data, all in the normal course of business. In these agreements, the Company sometimes agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other party for any damages such other party may suffer as a result of potential intellectual property infringement and other claims related to the use of the data. The Company has not accrued a liability with respect to these matters, as the exposure is considered remote. Based on its review of the latest information available, management does not expect the impact of pending legal and tax proceedings, claims and litigation, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. However, one or more unfavorable outcomes in any claim or litigation against the Company could have a material adverse effect for the period in which it is resolved. The following is a summary of certain legal matters involving the Company. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, IMS Government Solutions Inc. (“IMS Government Solutions”), is primarily engaged in providing services under contracts with the United States government. United States government contracts are subject to extensive legal and regulatory requirements and, from time to time, agencies of the United States government have the ability to investigate whether contractors’ operations are being conducted in accordance with such requirements. IMS Government Solutions discovered potential noncompliance with various contract clauses and requirements under its General Services Administration Contract (the “GSA Contract”) which was awarded in 2002 to its predecessor company, Synchronous Knowledge Inc. (Synchronous Knowledge Inc. was acquired by IMS Health in May 2005). The potential noncompliance arose from two primary areas: first, at the direction of the government, work performed under one task order was invoiced under another task order without the appropriate modifications to the orders being made; and second, personnel who did not meet strict compliance with the labor categories component of the qualification requirements of the GSA Contract were assigned to contracts. The Company is currently unable to determine the outcome of all of these matters pending the resolution of the Voluntary Disclosure Program process and the ultimate liability arising from these matters could exceed the Company’s current reserves. On February 13, 2014, a group of approximately 1,200 medical doctors and 900 private individuals filed a civil lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court against IMS Korea and two other defendants, KPA and the Korean Pharmaceutical Information Center (“KPIC”). The civil lawsuit alleges KPA and KPIC collected their personal information in violation of applicable privacy laws without the necessary consent through a software system installed on pharmacy computer systems in Korea, and that personal information was transferred to IMS Korea and sold to pharmaceutical companies. The plaintiffs are claiming damages in the aggregate amount of approximately $6 million plus interest. The Company believes the lawsuit is without merit, rejects plaintiffs’ claims and intends to vigorously defend its position. On July 23, 2015, indictments were issued by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office in South Korea against 24 individuals and companies alleging improper handling of sensitive health information in violation of, among others, South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act. IMS Korea and two of its employees were among the individuals and organizations indicted. Although there is no assertion that IMS Korea used patient identified health information in any of its offerings, prosecutors allege that certain of IMS Korea’s data suppliers should have obtained patient consent when they converted sensitive patient information into non-identified data and that IMS Korea had not taken adequate precautions to reduce the risk of re-identification. The Company believes the indictment is without merit, that it acted in compliance with all applicable laws at all times and intends to vigorously defend its position.

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	14. Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) Preferred Stock The Company is authorized to issue 1.0 million shares of preferred stock, $0.01 per share par value. No shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 or 2015. Equity Repurchases Equity Repurchase Program On October 30, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved an equity repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”) authorizing the repurchase of up to $125 million of either the Company’s common stock or vested in-the-money employee stock options, or a combination thereof. During 2015, the Board increased the stock repurchase authorization under the Repurchase Program by $600 million, which increased the total amount that has been authorized under the Repurchase Program to $725 million. On November 1, 2016, the Board increased the stock repurchase authorization under the Repurchase Program by $1.5 billion, which increased the total amount that has been authorized under the Repurchase Program to $2.225 billion. The Repurchase Program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any particular amount of common stock or vested in-the-money employee stock options, and it could be modified, extended, suspended or discontinued at any time. The timing and amount of repurchases are determined by the Company’s management based on a variety of factors such as the market price of the Company’s common stock, the Company’s corporate requirements, and overall market conditions. Purchases of the Company’s common stock may be made in open market transactions effected through a broker-dealer at prevailing market prices, in block trades, or in privately negotiated transactions. The Company may also repurchase shares of its common stock pursuant to a trading plan meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, which would permit shares of the Company’s common stock to be repurchased when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so by law. Repurchases of vested in-the-money employee stock options were made through transactions between the Company and its employees (other than its executive officers, who were not eligible to participate in the program), and this aspect of the Repurchase Program expired in November 2013. The Repurchase Program for common stock does not have an end date. Below is a summary of the share repurchases made under the Repurchase Program (in millions, except per share data): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Number of shares of common stock repurchased 14.3 7.8 — Aggregate purchase price $ 1,098 $ 516 $ — Average price per share $ 76.57 $ 65.56 $ 47.51 From the plan’s inception in October 2013 through December 31, 2016, the Company has repurchased a total of $1,678 million of its securities under the Repurchase Program, consisting of $59 million of stock options and $1,619 million of common stock. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has remaining authorization to repurchase up to $547 million of its common stock under the Repurchase Program. In addition, from time to time, the Company has repurchased and may continue to repurchase common stock through private or other transactions outside of the Repurchase Program. Other Equity Repurchases On May 28, 2014, the Company completed the repurchase of 3.3 million shares of its common stock for $50.23 per share from TPG Quintiles Holdco, L.P., one of its existing stockholders, in a private transaction for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $165 million. The repurchase price per share of common stock was equal to 98% of the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on May 27, 2014 (which was $51.26). This repurchase of shares from its existing stockholder was authorized in compliance with the Company’s related party transactions approval policy. The Company funded this private repurchase transaction with cash on hand. This private repurchase transaction was separate from and in addition to the Repurchase Program. On November 10, 2014, the Company completed the repurchase of 4.3 million shares of its common stock for $58.09 per share, which was the price per share the underwriter paid to selling stockholders, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $250 million. The Company funded this repurchase transaction with a combination of cash on hand and a $150 million draw on its revolving credit facility. This repurchase transaction was separate from and in addition to the Repurchase Program. Non-controlling Interests As discussed further in Note 15, the Company contributed businesses to a joint venture with Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (“Quest”) that was recorded at book value (carryover basis) because the Company owns 60% of the joint venture and maintains control of these businesses. As a result, Quest’s non-controlling interest in the joint venture, referred to as Q 2

Business Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	15. Business Combinations IMS Health On October 3, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, IMS Health merged with and into Quintiles, with Quintiles continuing as the Surviving Corporation. The combination of Quintiles and IMS Health capabilities and resources creates an information and technology enabled healthcare service provider with a full suite of end-to-end clinical and commercial offerings. The Merger was accounted for as a business combination with Quintiles considered the accounting and the legal acquirer. Immediately prior to the completion of the Merger, Quintiles reincorporated as a Delaware corporation. The Surviving Corporation changed its name to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc. At the effective time of the Merger, IMS Health common stock was automatically converted into 0.3840 of a share of the Company’s common stock. In addition, IMS Health equity awards held by current employees and certain members of the former IMS Health board of directors were converted into the Company’s equity awards after giving effect to the exchange ratio. The terms of these awards, including vesting provisions, are substantially consistent to those of the historical IMS Health equity awards. All of the Company’s and IMS Health’s performance units outstanding at the date of the Merger were converted into restricted stock units with service based vesting requirements. The merger consideration was approximately $10.4 billion (based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on October 3, 2016), and consisted of the fair value of the Company’s common stock issued (approximately 126.6 million shares) in exchange for the IMS Health common stock as well as the fair value of the vested portion of the converted IMS Health equity awards. The Merger-date value of former IMS Health stock-based awards was valued using the Black-Scholes model and apportioned between Merger consideration (purchase price) and unearned compensation to be recognized in expense as earned in future periods based on remaining service periods. In connection with the IMS Health acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill, primarily attributable to the assembled workforce of IMS Health and the expected synergies, which was assigned to the Commercial Solutions segment ($9,688 million), the Research & Development Solutions segment ($533 million) and the Integrated Engagement Services segment ($67 million). The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. The Company’s assessment of fair value and the purchase price accounting are preliminary and subject to change upon completion. Further adjustments may be necessary as additional information related to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is assessed during the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). Quest On July 1, 2015, the Company and Quest closed on a joint venture transaction that resulted in the combination of their respective global clinical trials laboratory operations. The joint venture transaction was effected through the creation of two primary new legal entities that the Company controls. Both the Company’s and Quest’s clinical trials laboratory operations were contributed to these new legal entities. The Company accounted for the contribution of the Quest businesses as a business combination. Quest was issued a 40% equity interest in the legal entities, the fair value of which was $423 million on July 1, 2015 (40% of the fair value of all operations contributed by both parties) and represents the purchase price paid by the Company for the clinical trials laboratory operations that Quest contributed to the joint venture transaction. The resulting combined capabilities are designed to provide its clients with globally scaled end-to-end clinical trials laboratory services and the combined business is referred to and marketed as Q 2 The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired at the date of the acquisitions (in millions): IMS Health Quest Assets acquired: Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,031 $ 32 Accounts receivable and unbilled services 528 6 Prepaid expenses 85 1 Other current assets 145 4 Property and equipment 247 16 Goodwill 10,288 262 Other identifiable intangibles 6,435 126 Deferred income tax asset – long-term 25 — Other long-term assets 71 — Liabilities assumed: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (700 ) (13 ) Unearned income (175 ) — Current portion of long-term debt (88 ) — Other current liabilities (45 ) — Long-term debt, less current portion (6,070 ) — Deferred income tax liability – long-term (2,104 ) (10 ) Other long-term liabilities (248 ) (1 ) Net assets acquired $ 10,425 $ 423 The other identifiable intangible assets consisted of the following (in millions): IMS Health Quest Client relationships $ 3,960 $ 74 Backlog — 33 Trade names 385 19 Databases 1,820 — Software 270 — Total other identifiable intangibles $ 6,435 $ 126 Amortized over a weighted average useful life (in years) 18 9 The acquired Quest trade name is an indefinite-lived intangible asset that is not amortized. Acquisition Related Costs Acquisition related costs include the direct and incremental costs associated with mergers and acquisitions such as investment banking, legal, accounting and consulting fees. The Company recognized approximately $36 million of acquisition related costs associated with the IMS Health merger during the year ended December 31, 2016, which are included with merger related costs on the consolidated statement of income. Acquisition related costs for all other acquisitions were immaterial and are not presented. Unaudited Pro Forma Information The following unaudited pro forma information presents the financial results as if the acquisition of IMS Health had occurred on January 1, 2015 with pro forma adjustments to give effect to (i) an increase in depreciation and amortization expense for fair value adjustments of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, (ii) an increase in stock-based compensation expense resulting from the exchange of the vested IMS Health equity awards for the Company’s equity awards, (iii) to present transaction costs in the 2015 period, (iv) to reflect the effect on revenue from the deferred revenue fair value adjustment in the 2015 period, and (v) the related income tax effects. The pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost synergies, costs or other effects of the planned integration of IMS Health. Accordingly, such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred for the periods presented below had the IMS Health acquisition been completed on January 1, 2015, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the Company. The following table summarizes the pro forma results (in millions, except earnings per share): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Revenues $ 7,784 $ 7,180 Reimbursed expenses 1,514 1,411 Total revenues $ 9,298 $ 8,591 Net income attributable to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc. $ 42 $ 450 Earnings per share attributable to common stockholders: Basic $ 0.17 $ 1.80 Diluted $ 0.17 $ 1.76 Pro forma information is not presented for any other acquisitions as the aggregate operations of the acquired businesses were not significant to the overall operations of the Company. The Company’s consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 included $806 million of revenues related to the IMS Health acquisition. Following the closing of the IMS Health acquisition, the Company began integrating IMS Health’s operations. As a result, computing a separate measure of IMS Health’s stand-alone profitability for periods after the acquisition date is impracticable. Other Acquisitions In addition to the merger with IMS Health, the Company also completed three unrelated individually immaterial acquisitions during 2016, all of which occurred during December 2016. The purchase price allocations for some of these acquisitions will be finalized after the completion of the valuation of certain intangible assets and any adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. During 2014, the Company completed one immaterial acquisition (Encore). In connection with the Encore acquisition in 2014, the Company recorded goodwill, primarily attributable to the assembled workforce of Encore and expected synergies, which was assigned to the Commercial Solutions segment and is deductible for income tax purposes. The accompanying consolidating financial statements include the results of the acquisitions subsequent to each respective closing date. The following table provides certain financial information for these acquisitions, including the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to certain tangible and intangible assets acquired and goodwill (in millions): Amortization 2016 2014 Total purchase price, net of cash acquired (1) $ 136 $ 92 Acquisition-related costs 1 1 Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Goodwill $ 88 $ 63 Portion of goodwill deductible for income tax purposes — 63 Intangible assets: Client relationships 6-10 years $ 31 $ 9 Non-compete agreements 2-5 years 9 — Backlog 1-2 years 7 1 Databases 2 years 1 — Trade names 2-4 years — 1 Software 3 years — 3 Total intangible assets $ 48 $ 14 (1) Total purchase price, net of cash acquired, includes contingent consideration and deferred purchase payments.

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	16. Restructuring From time to time, the Company takes restructuring actions to adapt to changing market conditions. These actions include closing facilities, consolidating functional activities, eliminating redundant positions, aligning resources with customer requirements and taking actions to improve process efficiencies. In 2016, the Company also acquired certain restructuring liabilities previously recorded by IMS Health. During 2016, management approved restructuring plans to align its resources and reduce overcapacity. Also, in connection with the Merger, management approved a restructuring plan to reduce facility overcapacity and eliminate redundant roles. These actions are expected to continue throughout 2017 and are expected to consist of severance, facility closure and other exit-related costs. During 2016, the Company has recognized approximately $33 million of restructuring costs related to these restructuring plans. During 2015, management approved a restructuring plan to align the Company’s resources and reduce overcapacity. These actions are expected to continue throughout 2017 and consist of severance, facility closure and other exit-related costs. Since the start of this plan in 2015, the Company has recognized approximately $23 million of restructuring costs related to this plan. Also during 2015, in connection with consummating the joint venture transaction with Quest, a restructuring plan was approved to reduce facility overcapacity and eliminate redundant roles. These actions are expected to continue throughout 2017, and since the start of this plan in 2015, the Company has recognized approximately $10 million of restructuring costs related to this plan. In 2014, management approved restructuring plans to better align resources with the Company’s strategic direction. Since the start of these plans in 2014, the Company recognized approximately $11 million of restructuring costs related to these plans. All of the restructuring costs are related to severance and facility closure costs. The following amounts were recorded for the restructuring plans (in millions): Severance and Related Costs Exit Costs Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 5 $ 1 $ 6 Expense, net of reversals 30 1 31 Payments (23 ) (1 ) (24 ) Foreign currency translation — 1 1 Balance at December 31, 2015 12 2 14 Expense, net of reversals 60 3 63 Acquisitions 80 — 80 Payments (48 ) (2 ) (50 ) Foreign currency translation and other (5 ) — (5 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 99 $ 3 $ 102 The reversals were due to changes in estimates primarily resulting from the redeployment of staff and higher than expected voluntary terminations. Restructuring costs are not allocated to the Company’s reportable segments as they are not part of the segment performance measures regularly reviewed by management. The Company expects the majority of the restructuring accruals at December 31, 2016 will be paid in 2017 and 2018.

Impairment Charges

Impairment Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment Charges	17. Impairment Charges During the third quarter of 2016 as part of its annual impairment review, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of its Encore reporting unit was less than its carrying amount due to certain strategic initiatives not performing as expected, resulting in a decline in revenues. The Company performed a quantitative analysis using the present value of the estimated future cash flows, which confirmed that the Encore reporting unit’s goodwill was impaired. The Company proceeded to perform step two of its goodwill impairment assessment which resulted in the recognition of impairment losses of $23 million and $5 million for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	18. Income Taxes The components of income before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates are as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Domestic $ (85 ) $ 68 $ 96 Foreign 564 471 405 $ 479 $ 539 $ 501 The components of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations are as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current expense: Federal and state $ 64 $ 51 $ 62 Foreign 129 109 95 193 160 157 Deferred (benefit) expense: Federal and state 166 5 (5 ) Foreign (14 ) (6 ) (3 ) 152 (1 ) (8 ) $ 345 $ 159 $ 149 The differences between the Company’s consolidated income tax expense attributable to continuing operations and the expense computed at the 35% United States statutory income tax rate were as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Federal income tax expense at statutory rate $ 167 $ 189 $ 175 Research and development (11 ) (13 ) (17 ) Foreign nontaxable interest income (8 ) (9 ) (10 ) United States taxes recorded on foreign earnings 252 38 19 Foreign rate differential (60 ) (49 ) (31 ) Other 5 3 13 $ 345 $ 159 $ 149 Due to the Merger, the Company reevaluated its indefinite reinvestment assertion based on the need for cash in the United States, including funding the Repurchase Program and potential acquisitions. Accordingly, the Company changed its assertion with respect to $2,801 million of foreign earnings, including $1,865 million of IMS Health’s previously undistributed historical foreign earnings. The Company intends to use these acquired foreign earnings to fund cash needs in the United States. Deferred income taxes of $625 million were recorded in 2016 related to non-indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings. Of that amount, $373 million was recorded through purchase accounting related to IMS Health’s historical foreign earnings and the remainder of $252 million was recorded through deferred income tax expense. Undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $3,564 million at December 31, 2016. Approximately $2,894 million of this total is not considered to be indefinitely reinvested and would be taxable upon repatriation. The Company has recorded a deferred income tax liability, net of foreign tax credits that would be generated upon repatriation, of $590 million as of December 31, 2016, associated with those earnings based upon the United States federal income tax rate. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to both United States income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits, if available) and withholding taxes payable to the various countries in which the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are located. If the approximately $670 million of indefinitely reinvested earnings were repatriated to the United States, it would generate an estimated $176 million of additional tax liability for the Company. The income tax effects of temporary differences from continuing operations that give rise to significant portions of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are presented below (in millions): December 31, 2016 2015 Deferred income tax assets: Net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards $ 242 $ 26 Tax credit carryforwards 267 16 Accrued expenses and unearned income 75 23 Employee benefits 273 124 Other 32 13 889 202 Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets (153 ) (22 ) Total deferred income tax assets 736 180 Deferred income tax liabilities: Undistributed foreign earnings (590 ) (37 ) Amortization and depreciation (2,026 ) (53 ) Other (164 ) (12 ) Total deferred income tax liabilities (2,780 ) (102 ) Net deferred income tax (liabilities) assets $ (2,044 ) $ 78 Due to the Merger, the Company recorded deferred tax liabilities related to intangible amortization recorded through purchase accounting in the amount of $2,308 million. Additionally, due to the Merger, the Company had federal, state and local, and foreign tax credit and tax loss carryforwards, the tax effect of which was $528 million as of December 31, 2016. Of this amount, $29 million has an indefinite carryforward period, and the remaining $499 million expires at various times beginning in 2017. Some of these losses are subject to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code, however, management expects all losses to be utilized during the carryforward periods. In 2016, the Company increased its valuation allowance by $131 million to $153 million at December 31, 2016 from $22 million at December 31, 2015. This increase is a result of the Merger as IMS Health had $129 million of valuation allowances recorded as of the date of the Merger. The valuation allowance is primarily related to loss carryforwards in various foreign and state jurisdictions. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized income tax benefits is presented below (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at January 1 $ 30 $ 41 $ 55 IMS Health balance as of Merger 37 — — Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 3 2 3 Additions for income tax positions of prior years 7 9 1 Impact of changes in exchange rates (3 ) (1 ) — Reductions for income tax positions of prior years (1 ) (2 ) (6 ) Reductions due to the lapse of the applicable statute of limitations (9 ) (19 ) (12 ) Balance at December 31 $ 64 $ 30 $ 41 As of December 31, 2016, the Company had total gross unrecognized income tax benefits of $64 million associated with over 100 jurisdictions in which the Company conducts business that, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s effective income tax rate. The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties relating to uncertain income tax positions is to record them as a component of income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, the amount of interest and penalties recorded as an addition/(reduction) to income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income was $2 million, ($2) million and $1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had accrued approximately $11 million and $3 million, respectively, of interest and penalties. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $6 million in gross unrecognized income tax benefits for federal, state and foreign exposure items may be necessary within the next 12 months due to lapse of statutes of limitations or uncertain tax positions being effectively settled. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $2 million in gross unrecognized income tax benefits for foreign items may be necessary within the next 12 months due to payments. For the remaining uncertain income tax positions, it is difficult at this time to estimate the timing of the resolution. The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world. The following table summarizes the tax years that remain open for examination by tax authorities in the most significant jurisdictions in which the Company operates: United States 2013-2015 India 2006-2016 Japan 2011-2015 United Kingdom 2015 Switzerland 2012-2015 In certain of the jurisdictions noted above, the Company operates through more than one legal entity, each of which has different open years subject to examination. The table above presents the open years subject to examination for the most material of the legal entities in each jurisdiction. Additionally, it is important to note that tax years are technically not closed until the statute of limitations in each jurisdiction expires. In the jurisdictions noted above, the statute of limitations can extend beyond the open years subject to examination. Due to the geographic breadth of the Company’s operations, numerous tax audits may be ongoing throughout the world at any point in time. Income tax liabilities are recorded based on estimates of additional income taxes which may be due upon the conclusion of these audits. Estimates of these income tax liabilities are made based upon prior experience and are updated in light of changes in facts and circumstances. However, due to the uncertain and complex application of income tax regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of audits may result in liabilities which could be materially different from these estimates. In such an event, the Company will record additional income tax expense or income tax benefit in the period in which such resolution occurs. The Company had a tax holiday for Quintiles East Asia Pte. Ltd. in Singapore through June 2015. The income tax benefit of this holiday was approximately $2 million in both 2015 and 2014. The tax holiday increased earnings per share by approximately $0.02 in both 2015 and 2014.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	19. Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans The Company sponsors both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans. These plans provide benefits based on various criteria, including, but not limited to, years of service and salary. The Company also sponsors an unfunded postretirement benefit plan in the United States that provides health and prescription drug benefits to retirees who meet the eligibility requirements. The information presented herein includes the United States and Non-United States pension and postretirement benefit plans assumed in the merger with IMS Health on October 3, 2016. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all pension and postretirement benefit plans. The following table summarizes changes in the benefit obligation, the plan assets and the funded status of the pension benefit plans (in millions): Pension Benefits United States Plans Non-United States Plans December 31 2016 2016 2015 Obligation and funded status: Change in benefit obligation Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ — $ 154 $ 147 Service costs 4 18 15 Interest cost 3 5 3 Expected return on plan assets — — (3 ) Actuarial gains (30 ) (8 ) (2 ) Business combinations 333 377 2 Benefits paid (2 ) (9 ) (6 ) Foreign currency fluctuations and other — (29 ) (2 ) Projected benefit obligation at end of year 308 508 154 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year — 87 88 Actual return on plan assets 5 4 1 Contributions 1 9 6 Business combinations 308 284 2 Benefits paid (2 ) (9 ) (6 ) Foreign currency fluctuations and other — (27 ) (4 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 312 348 87 Funded status $ 4 $ (160 ) $ (67 ) The following table summarizes the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets related to the pension benefit plans (in millions): Pension Benefits United States Plans Non-United States Plans December 31 2016 2016 2015 Deposits and other assets $ 45 $ 13 $ 19 Accrued expenses 1 9 5 Other long-term liabilities 40 164 81 AOCI 29 (8 ) (14 ) The following table summarizes the accumulated benefit obligation for all pension benefit plans (in millions): Pension Benefits United States Plans Non-United States Plans December 31 2016 2016 2015 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 303 $ 469 $ 139 The Company recorded $4 million of benefit obligation for other postretirement benefits in connection with the Merger. At December 31, 2016, the liability remained $4 million, with $1 million recorded in accrued expenses and $3 million included with other long-term liabilities. The following table provides the information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets and projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets (in millions): Pension Benefits United States Plans Non-United States Plans December 31 2016 2016 2015 Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Accumulated benefit obligation $ 43 $ 409 $ 83 Fair value of plan assets 2 271 8 Plans with projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Projected benefit obligation 44 444 95 Fair value of plan assets 2 271 8 The components of net periodic benefit cost changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss were as follows (in millions): Pension Benefits United States Plans Non-United States Plans Year Ended December 31, 2016 2016 2015 2014 Service cost $ 4 $ 18 $ 15 $ 13 Interest cost 3 5 3 4 Expected return on plan assets (6 ) (6 ) (3 ) (4 ) Amortization of actuarial losses — 1 1 — Amortization of prior service costs — — — — Net periodic benefit cost 1 18 16 13 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss: Actuarial loss (gain) – current years (29 ) (5 ) — — Prior service (cost) credit – current years — 0 — — Amortization of actuarial losses — (1 ) (1 ) — Amortization of prior service costs — — — — Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (29 ) (6 ) (1 ) — Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss $ (28 ) $ 12 $ 15 $ 13 The components of other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss related to the other postretirement benefits plan are de minimis. In addition, the amounts in AOCI that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) during 2017 for pension and other postretirement benefit plans are de minimis. Assumptions The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost were as follows for the years ended December 31: Pension Benefits Other United States Plans Non-United States Plans 2016 2016 2015 2014 2016 Discount rate 3.62 % 1.88 % 2.46 % 3.01 % 2.40 % Rate of compensation increases 3.00 % 5.27 % 4.32 % 4.36 % — Expected return on plan assets 7.94 % 4.26 % 4.05 % 5.21 % — The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were as follows at December 31: Pension Benefits Other United States Plans Non-United States Plans 2016 2016 2015 2016 Discount rate 4.17 % 1.68 % 2.50 % 2.90 % Rate of compensation increases 3.00 % 5.17 % 4.37 % — The discount rate represents the interest rate used to determine the present value of the future cash flows currently expected to be required to settle the Company’s defined benefit plan obligations. The discount rates are derived using weighted average yield curves on AA-rated corporate bonds. The cash flows from the Company’s expected benefit obligation payments are then matched to the yield curve to derive the discount rates. At December 31, 2016, the discount rate ranged from 2.90% to 4.23% for our United States pension plan and postretirement benefit plan. The discount rate for our United Kingdom pension plans decreased to 2.35% to 2.60% at December 31, 2016 from 3.80% at December 31, 2015. The United States and United Kingdom plans represent approximately 76% of the consolidated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2016. The discount rates in other non-U.S. countries ranged from 0.30% to 11.60% at December 31, 2016, compared to 0.75% to 10.80% at December 31, 2015. The Company’s assumption for the expected return on plan assets was determined by the weighted average of the long-term expected rate of return on each of the asset classes invested as of the balance sheet date. For plan assets invested in government bonds, the expected return was based on the yields on the relevant indices as of the balance sheet date. There is considerable uncertainty for the expected return on plan assets invested in equity and diversified growth funds. The expected rate of return on plan assets for the United States pension plans was 8.0% at January 1, 2017. Outside the United States, the range of applicable expected rates of return was 0.8% to 9.0% as of January 1, 2017, compared to 4.2% to 9.0% as of January 1, 2016. The expected return on assets (“EROA”) was $13 million and $4 million and the actual return on assets was $10 million and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Under the Company’s United States qualified retirement plan, participants have a notional retirement account that increases with pay and investment credits. The rate used to determine the investment credit (cash balance crediting rate) varies monthly and is equal to 1/12th of the yield on 30-year U.S. Government Treasury Bonds, with a minimum of 0.25%. At retirement, the account is converted to a monthly retirement benefit. At December 31, 2016, the Company’s health care cost trend rate for the next seven years was assumed to be 7.0% and the assumed ultimate cost trend rate was 5%. The Company assumed that ultimate cost trend rate is reached in 2021. Assumed health care cost trend rates could have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31, 2016 would have a de minimis effect on the total of service and interest cost and on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. Plan Assets The Company’s pension plan weighted average asset allocations, by asset category, were as follows: Plan Assets at December 31, United States Plans Non-United States Plans Total Asset Category 2016 2016 2015 2016 2015 Equity securities 70.09 % 46.09 % 25.22 % 57.43 % 25.22 % Debt securities 24.94 14.42 56.64 19.39 56.64 Real estate 4.97 — — 2.35 — Other — 39.49 18.14 20.83 18.14 Total 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % The target asset allocation for the Company’s pension plans were as follows Asset Category United States Non-United Total Equity securities 60-80 % 35-50 % 45-65 % Debt securities 20-30 % 10-20 % 10-30 % Real estate 0-10 % — % 0-5 % Other — % 30-45 % 10-30 % The following table summarizes United States plan assets measured at fair value (in millions): December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Domestic equities $ 32 $ — $ 32 $ — $ — $ — International equities 20 — 20 — — — Corporate bonds 46 — 46 — — — Real estate 15 — 15 — — — Total assets in the fair value heirarchy 113 — 113 — — — Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value (“NAV”) (1) — — 199 — — — Total $ 113 $ — $ 312 $ — $ — $ — The following table summarizes non-United States plan assets measured at fair value (in millions): December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total International equities $ — $ 57 $ 57 $ — $ 22 $ 22 Debt issued by national, state or local government 2 48 50 — 49 49 Diversified growth fund — 14 14 — 15 15 Investments funds — 7 7 — — — Insurance contracts — 133 133 — — — Other — 6 6 — 1 1 Total assets in the fair value heirarchy 2 265 267 — 87 87 Assets measured at NAV (1) — — 81 — — — Total $ 2 $ 265 $ 348 $ — $ 87 $ 87 (1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above plan asset tables are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets in the fair value hierarchy to the plan asset amounts presented in the above funded status table as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. Investments in mutual funds are valued at quoted market prices. Investments in common/collective trusts and pooled funds are valued at the NAV as reported by the trust. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the fund less its liabilities. Insurance contracts are valued at the amount of the benefit liability. The Company has no Level 3 assets that rely on unobservable inputs to measure fair value. Investment Policies and Strategies The Company invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity and debt securities that provide for long-term growth within reasonable and prudent levels of risk. The asset allocation targets established by the Company are strategic and applicable to the plan’s long-term investing horizon. The portfolio is constructed and maintained to provide adequate liquidity to meet associated liabilities and minimize long-term expense and provide prudent diversification among asset classes in accordance with the principles of modern portfolio theory. The plan employs a diversified mix of actively managed investments around a core of passively managed index exposures in each asset class. Within each asset class, rapid market shifts, changes in economic conditions or an individual fund manager’s outlook may cause the asset allocation to fall outside the prescribed targets. The majority of the Company’s plan assets are measured quarterly against benchmarks established by the Company’s investment advisors and the Company’s Asset Management Committee, who reviews actual plan performance and has the authority to recommend changes as deemed appropriate. Assets are rebalanced periodically to their strategic targets to maintain the plan’s strategic risk/reward characteristics. The Company periodically conducts asset liability modeling studies to ensure that the investment strategy is aligned with the obligations of the plans and that the assets will generate income and capital growth to meet the cost of current and future benefits that the plans provide. The pension plans do not have investments in Company stock at December 31, 2016 or 2015. The portfolio for the Company’s United Kingdom pension plans seek to invest in a range of suitable assets of appropriate liquidity which will generate in the most effective manner possible, income and capital growth to ensure that there are sufficient assets to meet benefit payments when they fall due, while controlling the long-term costs of the plans and avoiding short-term volatility of investment returns. The plans seek to achieve these objectives by investing in a mixture of real (equities) and monetary (fixed interest) assets. It recognizes that the returns on real assets, while expected to be greater over the long-term than those on monetary assets, are likely to be more volatile. A mixture across asset classes should nevertheless provide the level of returns required by the plans. The trustee periodically conducts asset liability modeling exercises to ensure the investments are aligned with the appropriate benchmark to better reflect the plans’ liabilities. The trustee also undertakes to review this benchmark on a regular basis. Cash Flows Contributions The Company expects to contribute approximately $23 million in required contributions to its pension and postretirement benefit plans during fiscal 2017. The Company may make additional contributions into its pension plans in fiscal 2017 depending on, among other factors, how the funded status of those plans changes and in order to meet minimum funding requirements as set forth in employee benefit and tax laws, plus additional amounts the Company may deem to be appropriate. Estimated future benefit payments and subsidy receipts The following benefit payments (net of expected participant contributions) for pension benefits are expected to be paid as follows (in millions): Pension Benefits 2017 $ 29 2018 31 2019 34 2020 38 2021 42 Years 2022 through 2026 210 $ 384 Benefit payments (net of expected participant contributions) for other postretirement benefits are expected to be de minimis over the periods presented. Defined Contribution Plans Defined contribution or profit sharing style plans are offered in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and the United Kingdom. In some cases these plans are required by local laws or regulations. In the United States, the Company has 401(k) plans under which the Company matches employee deferrals at varying percentages and specified limits of the employee’s salary. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company expensed $39 million, $36 million and $31 million, respectively, related to matching contributions. Certain key executives of the Company participate in an unfunded defined contribution executive retirement plan, assumed in the Merger, which was frozen to additional accruals for future service contributions in 2012. Participants continue to receive an annual investment credit based on the average of the annual yields at the end of each month on the AA-AAA rated 10 plus year maturity component of the Merrill Lynch United States Corporate Bond Master Index. Other Plans Plans accounted for as deferred compensation contracts The Company provides certain executives with supplemental pension benefits in accordance with their individual employment arrangements. The above tables do not include the Company’s expense or obligation associate with providing these benefits. The obligation related to these benefits was approximately $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and the Company’s expense for the year then ended was de minimis. Plans accounted for as postretirement benefits The Company provides certain executives with postretirement medical, dental and life insurance benefits. These benefits are individually negotiated arrangements in accordance with their individual employment arrangements. The above tables do not include the Company’s expense or obligation associate with providing these benefits. The obligation related to these benefits was approximately $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and the Company’s expense for the year then ended was de minimis. Stock Incentive Plans Stock incentive plans provide incentives to eligible employees, officers and directors in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance shares, performance units, covered annual incentive awards, cash-based awards and other stock-based awards, in each case subject to the terms of the stock incentive plans. In addition, the Company assumed the equity incentive plans formerly related to IMS Health, the Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc. 2014 Incentive and Stock Award Plan (the “2014 Equity Plan”) and the Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc. 2010 Equity Plan (the “2010 Equity Plan”). The 2014 Equity Plan provides for the grant of stock options, SARs, restricted and deferred stock (including RSUs), dividend equivalents, other stock-based awards and performance awards. The 2010 Equity Plan expired on April 4, 2014 and no new awards were granted under the 2010 Equity Plan. As provided for in the Merger agreement, (i) each option to purchase IMS Health common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger was converted into an option to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock, on substantially the same terms and conditions, adjusted by the 0.384 exchange ratio; and (ii) each stock-settled stock appreciation right of IMS Health outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger was converted into a stock-settled stock appreciation right corresponding to shares of Company common stock, on substantially the same terms and conditions, adjusted by the 0.384 exchange ratio. The fair value of those options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights was measured using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions: risk-free rate (0.87% – 1.49%); expected life (2.6 years – 7.6 years); dividend yield of zero; expected volatility (26% – 31%). Similarly, each IMS Health stock option, performance unit (assuming 100% of performance target), restricted stock award and restricted stock unit outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger was converted into a similar Company award, as appropriate, on substantially the same terms and conditions, at the 0.384 exchange ratio. The fair value of these awards was allocated to purchase price and unearned compensation, based on the past and future service conditions. The assumed awards related to the Merger have been identified as applicable, in the tables that follow. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $80 million, $38 million and $30 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The associated future income tax benefit recognized was $24 million, $9 million and $8 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, there was approximately $117 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted average period of 1.3 years. As of December 31, 2016, there were 15.2 million shares available for future grants under all of the Company’s stock incentive plans. The Company used the following assumptions when estimating the value of the stock-based compensation for stock options and SARs issued as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Expected volatility 20 – 30% 26 – 41% 26 – 43% Weighted average expected volatility 28% 34% 36% Expected dividends 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Expected term (in years) 0.3 – 6.6 3.7 – 6.7 1.5 – 6.7 Risk-free interest rate 0.32 – 2.19% 1.06 – 2.04% 0.28 – 2.21% Stock Options The option price is determined by the Board at the date of grant and the options expire 10 years from the date of grant. The vesting schedule for options granted to employees is either (i) 20% per year beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant; (ii) 25% per year beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant; or (iii) 33% on the third anniversary of the date of grant and 67% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. Options granted to our non-employee directors vest either (i) 100% on the first anniversary of the date of grant; or (ii) 34% on the anniversary of the date of grant and 33% on the second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. The Company’s stock option activity in 2016 is as follows (in millions, except number of options and exercise price): Number of Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 31, 2015 6,647,999 $ 38.04 $ 204 Granted 783,700 $ 64.66 Assumed – Merger 3,563,037 $ 19.05 Exercised (3,385,720 ) $ 29.69 Canceled (357,677 ) $ 51.21 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 7,251,339 $ 34.83 $ 299 The weighted average fair value per share of the options granted in 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $17.91, $21.96 and $18.72, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was approximately $155 million, $144 million and $77 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company received cash of approximately $101 million, $59 million and $33 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, from options exercised. Selected information regarding the Company’s stock options as of December 31, 2016 is as follows: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Number of Exercise Price Range Weighted Weighted Average Number of Weighted Average Exercise 1,160,999 $ 8.34 — $ 14.63 $ 9.19 3.55 1,160,999 $ 9.19 1,167,220 $ 15.11 — $ 23.70 $ 18.18 3.86 1,128,911 $ 18.16 1,216,960 $ 24.59 — $ 26.05 $ 25.65 4.13 1,216,960 $ 25.65 1,299,632 $ 28.13 — $ 40.00 $ 34.47 5.88 831,112 $ 33.84 1,620,603 $ 42.74 — $ 64.67 $ 57.71 8.06 648,436 $ 57.64 785,925 $ 64.86 — $ 77.11 $ 65.10 8.07 364,350 $ 65.02 The weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2016 is 5.6 years and 4.9 years, respectively. The total aggregate intrinsic value of the exercisable stock options and the stock options expected to vest as of December 31, 2016 was approximately $298 million. Stock Appreciation Rights – Stock Settled The exercise price of the stock-settled SARs (“SSRs”) is equal to the closing market price of the Company’s common stock as of the grant date and expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant. The SSRs are eligible to vest in equal increments of 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant. The Company’s SSR activity in 2016 is as follows (in millions, except number of SSRs and exercise price): Number of Options Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 31, 2015 — $ — $ — Assumed – Merger 1,351,647 $ 62.13 Exercised (3,205 ) $ 65.16 Canceled (35,120 ) $ 61.72 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,313,322 $ 62.13 $ 18 Prior to 2016, the Company did not have SSRs. The total intrinsic value of SSRs exercised was approximately $0.04 million in 2016. The weighted average remaining contractual life of the SSRs outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2016 is 8.6 years and 7.9 years, respectively. The total aggregate intrinsic value of the exercisable SSRs and the SSRs expected to vest as of December 31, 2016 was approximately $18 million. Stock Appreciation Rights – Cash Settled The Company’s cash settled SARs (“CSRs”) require the Company to settle in cash an amount equal to the difference between the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise and the grant price, multiplied by the number of CSRs being exercised. These awards either (i) vest 25% per year or (ii) vest 33% on the third anniversary of the date of grant and 67% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant; or (iii) one-third per year beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The Company’s CSR activity in 2016 is as follows (in millions, except number of CSRs and grant price): Number of CSRs Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 31, 2015 530,701 $ 50.46 $ 10 Granted 40,400 $ 70.34 Exercised (55,600 ) $ 44.49 Canceled (36,325 ) $ 55.78 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 479,176 $ 52.42 $ 11 As of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the weighted average fair value per share of the CSRs granted was $34.25, $29.79 and $27.17, respectively. The Company paid approximately $2 million, $1 million and $0.4 million to settle exercised CSRs in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The weighted average remaining contractual life of the CSRs outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2016 is 7.2 years and 6.6 years, respectively. The total aggregate intrinsic value of the exercisable CSRs and the CSRs expected to vest as of December 31, 2016 was approximately $11 million. Restricted Stock Units The Company’s RSUs will settle in shares of the Company’s common stock within 45 days of the applicable vesting date. RSUs granted to employees vest either (i) 25% per year beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant; (ii) one-third per year beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date; or (iii) 33% on the third anniversary of the date of grant and 67% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. The Company’s RSU activity in 2016 is as follows: Number of RSUs Weighted Outstanding at December 31, 2015 359,553 $ 60.60 Granted 494,681 $ 68.65 Assumed – Merger 1,054,567 $ 80.20 Performance units converted to RSUs 144,239 $ 64.77 Vested (252,462 ) $ 64.93 Canceled (79,761 ) $ 65.80 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,720,817 $ 74.40 As of December 31, 2016, there are 1.7 million RSUs outstanding with an intrinsic value of approximately $131 million. Performance Units The Company awarded performance units that contain both service and performance based vesting criteria. Vesting occurs if the recipient remains employed and depends on the degree to which the Company achieves certain cumulative adjusted diluted earnings per share goals during a three-year performance period (as defined in the award agreements). The fair value of these awards is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. All performance units outstanding at the date of the Merger were converted into time-based RSUs at 187% of target for performance units granted in 2015 and at 100% of target for performance units granted in 2016. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2016, there are no performance units outstanding. The Company’s performance units activity in 2016 is as follows: Number of Weighted Non-vested at December 31, 2015 49,667 $ 64.93 Granted 119,839 $ 64.67 Additional goal achievement shares 12,727 $ 64.93 Vested (59,830 ) $ 64.79 Canceled performance units converted to RSUs (122,403 ) $ 64.74 Non-vested at December 31, 2016 — $ — Restricted Stock Awards The restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) issued during 2016 vest either (i) in equal increments of 50% on each of the second and fourth anniversaries of the grant date; or (ii) one-third per year beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The Company’s RSA activity in 2016 is as follows: Number of RSAs Weighted Average Outstanding at December 31, 2015 — $ — Granted 86,356 $ 81.06 Assumed – Merger 367,053 $ 80.20 Canceled (86,356 ) $ 81.06 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 367,053 $ 80.20 As of December 31, 2016, there are 0.4 million RSAs outstanding with an intrinsic value of approximately $28 million. Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company sponsors an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) which allows eligible employees to authorize payroll deductions of up to 10% of their base salary to be applied toward the purchase of full shares of the Company’s common stock on the last day of the offering period. Offering periods under the ESPP are six months in duration. Beginning April 1 and October 1 of each year. Participating employees purchase shares on the last day of each offering period at a discount of 15% of the closing price of the common stock on such date as reported on the NYSE. The aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued under the ESPP may not exceed 2.5 million shares and no one employee may purchase any shares under the ESPP having a collective fair market value greater than $25,000 in any one calendar year. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company issued 0.1 million shares, 0.1 million shares and 0.05 million shares, respectively, of common stock for purchases under the ESPP. Effective as of December 31, 2016, the ESPP was discontinued and participant contributions under the ESPP ceased. The final purchase of shares under the ESPP occurred on December 31, 2016. Other The Company sponsors a supplemental non-qualified deferred compensation plan, covering certain management employees, and maintains other statutory indemnity plans as required by local laws or regulations.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	20. Related Party Transactions The Company reimbursed its former Executive Chairman, who retired effective December 31, 2015 but remains a director of the Company, for business-related travel services he provided for himself and other Company employees with the use of his own airplane. In 2015 and 2014, the Company expensed approximately $1 million and $2 million, respectively, for such business-related travel expenses. The Company’s reimbursement obligations terminated effective December 31, 2015 in connection with its former Executive Chairman’s retirement. In January 2010, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with a related party, HUYA Bioscience International, LLC (“HUYA”), to fund up to $2 million of its research and development activity for a specific compound. Under the agreement, the Company had the potential to receive additional consideration which contractually would not exceed $17 million excluding interest if certain events had occurred. In February 2015, the Company and HUYA agreed to terminate the collaboration agreement. In connection with the termination, HUYA paid the Company $5 million to satisfy all of HUYA’s various payment obligations under the collaboration agreement. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company entered into a number of contracts with HUYA, primarily in Asia, in which the Company will provide up to approximately $(8 million) net cancellations, $32 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of services on a fee for services basis at arm’s length and at market rates. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company provided approximately $6 million, $7 million and $2 million, respectively, of services under these agreements. The Company has entered into other transactions with related parties including investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates which are discussed in Note 4.

Operations by Geographic Locati

Operations by Geographic Location	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Text Block [Abstract]
Operations by Geographic Location	21. Operations by Geographic Location The table below presents the Company’s operations by geographical location. The Company attributes revenues to geographical locations based upon where the services are performed. The Company’s operations within each geographical region are further broken down to show each country which accounts for 10% or more of the totals (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues: Americas: United States $ 2,145 $ 1,788 $ 1,589 Other 233 185 195 Americas 2,378 1,973 1,784 Europe and Africa: United Kingdom 461 410 402 Other 1,594 1,237 1,275 Europe and Africa 2,055 1,647 1,677 Asia-Pacific: Japan 587 443 472 Other 344 263 232 Asia-Pacific 931 706 704 Revenues 5,364 4,326 4,165 Reimbursed expenses 1,514 1,411 1,295 Total revenues $ 6,878 $ 5,737 $ 5,460 As of December 31, 2016 2015 Property, equipment and software, net: Americas: United States $ 430 $ 170 Other 25 1 Americas 455 171 Europe and Africa: United Kingdom 40 46 Other 214 32 Europe and Africa 254 78 Asia-Pacific: Japan 36 13 Other 34 9 Asia-Pacific 70 22 Total property, equipment and software, net $ 779 $ 271

Segments

Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	22. Segments The following table presents the Company’s operations by reportable segment. The Company is managed through three reportable segments, Commercial Solutions, Research & Development Solutions and Integrated Engagement Services. Commercial Solutions provides mission critical information, technology solutions and real-world insights and services to our life science clients. Research & Development Solutions, which primarily serves biopharmaceutical clients, is engaged in research and development and provides clinical research and clinical trial services. Integrated Engagement Services provides contract sales to both biopharmaceutical clients and the broader healthcare market. Certain costs are not allocated to the Company’s segments and are reported as general corporate and unallocated expenses. These costs primarily consist of stock-based compensation and expenses for corporate overhead functions such as senior leadership, finance, human resources, information technology, facilities and legal. The Company does not allocate depreciation and amortization, restructuring costs, merger related costs or impairment charges to its segments. Revenues and costs for reimbursed expenses are not allocated to the Company’s segments. Asset information by segment is not presented, as this measure is not used by the chief operating decision maker to assess the performance of the Company. Information presented below is in millions: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues Commercial Solutions $ 1,096 $ 323 $ 230 Research & Development Solutions 3,472 3,159 3,050 Integrated Engagement Services 796 844 885 Total revenues 5,364 4,326 4,165 Costs of revenue Commercial Solutions 644 239 174 Research & Development Solutions 1,953 1,779 1,764 Integrated Engagement Services 639 687 726 Total costs of revenue 3,236 2,705 2,664 Selling, general and administrative expenses Commercial Solutions 216 65 52 Research & Development Solutions 577 556 542 Integrated Engagement Services 82 79 81 General corporate and unallocated 136 115 106 Total selling, general and administrative expenses 1,011 815 781 Segment profit Commercial Solutions 236 19 4 Research & Development Solutions 942 824 744 Integrated Engagement Services 75 78 78 Total segment profit 1,253 921 826 General corporate and unallocated (136 ) (115 ) (106 ) Depreciation and amortization (289 ) (128 ) (121 ) Restructuring costs (71 ) (30 ) (9 ) Merger related costs (87 ) — — Impairment charges (28 ) (2 ) — Total income from operations $ 642 $ 646 $ 590

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	23. Earnings Per Share The following table reconciles the basic to diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 149.1 123.0 128.0 Effect of dilutive stock options and share awards 2.9 2.6 3.1 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 152.0 125.6 131.1 The following table presents the weighted average number of outstanding stock-based awards not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share if they are subject to performance conditions or if the effect of including such stock-based awards in the computation would be anti-dilutive (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Shares subject to performance conditions 0.1 0.1 — Shares subject to anti-dilutive stock-based awards 1.1 1.0 1.2 Total shares excluded from diluted earnings per share 1.2 1.1 1.2 The vesting of performance units is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance targets. The performance units are not included in diluted earnings per share until the performance targets have been met. Stock-based awards will have a dilutive effect under the treasury method when the respective period’s average market value of the Company’s common stock exceeds the exercise proceeds.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income	24. Comprehensive Income Below is a summary of the components of AOCI (in millions): Foreign Currency Translation Marketable Securities Derivative Instruments Defined Benefit Plans Income Taxes Total Balance at December 31, 2013 $ (6 ) $ 6 $ (21 ) $ (5 ) $ 26 $ — Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (50 ) (1 ) (7 ) (10 ) 7 (61 ) Reclassification adjustments — (5 ) 9 — (2 ) 2 Balance at December 31, 2014 (56 ) — (19 ) (15 ) 31 (59 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (61 ) — (13 ) — 9 (65 ) Reclassification adjustments — — 18 1 (6 ) 13 Balance at December 31, 2015 (117 ) — (14 ) (14 ) 34 (111 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (506 ) — (4 ) 34 (5 ) (481 ) Reclassification adjustments — — 28 1 (7 ) 22 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (623 ) $ — $ 10 $ 21 $ 22 $ (570 ) Below is a summary of the (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI into the consolidated statements of income and the affected financial statement line item (in millions): Affected Financial Statement Line Item Year Ended December 31, Reclassification Adjustments 2016 2015 2014 Marketable securities Other expense (income), net $ — $ — $ (5 ) Income tax expense — — (2 ) Total net of income taxes $ — $ — $ (3 ) Derivative instruments: Interest rate swaps and caps Interest expense 6 $ 12 $ 12 Foreign exchange forward contracts Revenues 19 6 (3 ) Foreign exchange forward contracts Other expense (income), net 3 — — Total before income taxes 28 18 9 Income tax benefit 7 6 4 Total net of income taxes $ 21 $ 12 $ 5 Defined benefit plans: Amortization of actuarial losses See Note 19 $ 1 $ 1 $ — Income tax benefit — — — Total net of income taxes $ 1 $ 1 —

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	25. Supplemental Cash Flow Information The following table presents the Company’s supplemental cash flow information (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Interest paid $ 124 $ 82 $ 94 Income taxes paid, net of refunds 106 121 139 Non-cash Investing Activities: Fair value of consideration transferred in connection with business combinations $ 10,425 $ 423 $ —

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	26. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following table summarizes the Company’s unaudited quarterly results of operations (in millions, except per share data): 2016 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (2) Revenues $ 1,108 $ 1,167 $ 1,136 $ 1,953 Income from operations 179 151 168 144 Net income 109 92 104 (175 ) Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests (2 ) (5 ) (5 ) (3 ) Net income attributable to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc. $ 107 $ 87 $ 99 $ (178 ) Basic earnings per share (1) $ 0.89 $ 0.73 $ 0.83 $ 0.74 Diluted earnings per share (1) $ 0.88 $ 0.71 $ 0.82 $ 0.74 2015 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Revenues $ 1,030 $ 1,074 $ 1,093 $ 1,129 Income from operations 143 159 166 178 Net income 87 85 108 108 Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests — — 2 (3 ) Net income attributable to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc. $ 87 $ 85 $ 110 $ 105 Basic earnings per share (1) $ 0.69 $ 0.69 $ 0.91 $ 0.86 Diluted earnings per share (1) $ 0.68 $ 0.67 $ 0.89 $ 0.85 (1) The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal per share amounts reported for year-to-date periods. This is due to changes in the number of weighted average shares outstanding and the effects of rounding for each period. (2) The fourth quarter of 2016 includes the results of operations of IMS Health since the date of the Merger on October 3, 2016.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	27. Subsequent Event On February 12, 2017, the Board increased the stock repurchase authorization under the Repurchase Program by $1.0 billion with approximately $1.5 billion remaining available for repurchases under the program. See Note 14 for additional information regarding the Repurchase Program.

Schedule I-Condensed Financial

Schedule I-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule I-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant QUINTILES IMS HOLDINGS, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Selling, general and administrative expenses $ — $ 1 $ 2 Merger related costs 21 — — Loss from operations (21 ) (1 ) (2 ) Interest income — — — Other expense, net — — — Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiary (21 ) (1 ) (2 ) Income tax benefit (4 ) (1 ) (1 ) Loss before equity in earnings of subsidiary (17 ) — (1 ) Equity in earnings of subsidiary 132 387 357 Net income $ 115 $ 387 $ 356 QUINTILES IMS HOLDINGS, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Net income $ 115 $ 387 $ 356 Comprehensive income adjustments: Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes — — (1 ) Unrealized (losses) gains on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $3, ($4) and ($2) (7 ) (9 ) (5 ) Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of income taxes of $11, $— and ($3) 23 — (7 ) Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $(9), ($5) and ($2) (497 ) (56 ) (48 ) Reclassification adjustments: Gains on marketable securities included in net income, net of income taxes of $—, $— and ($2) — — (3 ) Losses on derivative instruments included in net income, net of income taxes of $7, $6 and $4 21 12 5 Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs included in net income, net of income taxes 1 1 — Comprehensive (loss) income $ (344 ) $ 335 $ 297 QUINTILES IMS HOLDINGS, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, (in millions, except per share data) 2016 2015 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 12 $ 5 Income taxes receivable 4 — Other current assets and receivables — — Total current assets 16 5 Investment in subsidiary 8,631 — Total assets $ 8,647 $ 5 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ — $ — Total current liabilities — — Investment in subsidiary — 569 Payable to subsidiary 14 — Total liabilities 14 569 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity (deficit): Common stock and additional paid-in capital, 400.0 and 300.0 shares authorized at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, $0.01 par value, 248.3 and 119.4 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively 10,602 9 Accumulated deficit (399 ) (462 ) Treasury stock, at cost, 12.9 shares at December 31, 2016 (1,000 ) — Accumulated other comprehensive loss (570 ) (111 ) Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) 8,633 (564 ) Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit) $ 8,647 $ 5 QUINTILES IMS HOLDINGS, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Operating activities: Net income $ 115 $ 387 $ 356 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Subsidiary loss (income) 91 56 (27 ) Change in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable and unbilled services — — 3 Income taxes payable and other liabilities (5 ) — (1 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 201 443 331 Investing activities: Investment in subsidiary, net of dividends received 791 — — Net cash provided by investing activities 791 — — Financing activities: Stock issued under employee stock purchase and option plans 97 64 35 Repurchase of common stock (1,097 ) (515 ) (415 ) Repurchase of stock options — — (8 ) Intercompany with subsidiary 15 1 (3 ) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (985 ) (450 ) (391 ) (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 7 (7 ) (60 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 5 12 72 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 12 $ 5 $ 12 QUINTILES IMS HOLDINGS, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The condensed parent company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 12-04, Schedule I of Regulation S-X as the restricted net assets of Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc.’s (the “Company”) wholly-owned subsidiary, Quintiles IMS Incorporated exceed 25% of the consolidated net assets of the Company. The ability of Quintiles IMS Incorporated to pay dividends may be limited due to the restrictive covenants in the agreements governing its credit arrangements. These condensed parent company financial statements include the accounts of Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc. on a standalone basis (the “Parent”) and the equity method of accounting is used to reflect ownership interest in its subsidiary. Refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes presented elsewhere herein for additional information and disclosures with respect to these financial statements. Since the Parent is part of a group that files a consolidated income tax return, in accordance with ASC 740, a portion of the consolidated amount of current and deferred income tax expense of the Company has been allocated to the Parent. The income tax benefit of $4 million, $1 million and $1 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, represents the income tax benefit that will be or were already utilized in the Company’s consolidated United States federal and state income tax returns. If the Parent was not part of these consolidated income tax returns, it would not be able to recognize any income tax benefit, as it generates no revenue against which the losses could be used on a separate filer basis. Below is a summary of the dividends paid to the Parent by Quintiles IMS Incorporated in 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in millions): Amount Paid in December 2016 $ 503 Paid in November 2016 422 Paid in June 2016 89 Total paid in 2016 $ 1,014 Paid in December 2015 $ 1 Paid in November 2015 223 Paid in May 2015 220 Total paid in 2015 $ 444 Paid in November 2014 $ 234 Paid in May 2014 87 Paid in January 2014 8 Total paid in 2014 $ 329

Schedule II-Valuation and Quali

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance Information presented below is in millions: Additions Balance at Charged to Charged to (a) Deductions (b) Balance at Year December 31, 2016 $ 22 $ 10 $ 129 $ (8) $ 153 December 31, 2015 $ 25 $ 2 $ — $ (5) $ 22 December 31, 2014 $ 30 $ 11 $ — $ (16) $ 25 (a) Recorded through purchase accounting transaction. (b) Impact of reductions recorded to expense and translation adjustments.

Summary of Significant Accoun38

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation, including the reclassification of depreciation and amortization from costs of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses to a separate caption on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. These changes had no effect on previously reported total revenues, net income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ deficit or cash flows.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company, its subsidiaries and investments in which the Company has control. Amounts pertaining to the non-controlling ownership interests held by third parties in the operating results and financial position of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries are reported as non-controlling interests. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions believed reasonable under the circumstances. The Company evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis and makes changes to the estimates and related disclosures as experience develops or new information becomes known. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currencies	Foreign Currencies The Company’s financial statements are reported in United States dollars and, accordingly, the Company’s results of operations are impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates that affect the translation of its revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies into United States dollars for purposes of reporting its consolidated financial results. Assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies on the books of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues, costs and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the year. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are charged or credited to the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) component of stockholders’ equity (deficit). The Company is subject to foreign currency transaction risk for fluctuations in exchange rates during the period of time between the consummation and cash settlement of a transaction. The Company earns revenue from its service contracts over a period of several months and, in some cases, over a period of several years. Accordingly, exchange rate fluctuations during this period may affect the Company’s profitability with respect to such contracts. For operations in countries that are considered to be highly inflationary or where the United States Dollar is designated as the functional currency, monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured using end-of-period exchange rates, whereas non-monetary accounts are remeasured using historical exchange rates, and all remeasurement and transaction adjustments are recognized in other expense (income), net. Other expense (income), net, includes foreign currency net losses (gains) for 2016, 2015 and 2014 of approximately $6 million, ($5) million and $5 million, respectively.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Investments in Marketable Securities	Investments in Marketable Securities Investments in marketable securities are classified as either trading or available-for-sale and measured at fair market value. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in other expense (income), net, on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in other expense (income), net, on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, on available-for-sale securities are included in the AOCI component of stockholders’ equity (deficit) until realized. Any gains or losses from the sales of investments or other-than-temporary declines in fair value are computed by specific identification.
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investments The Company’s investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for under the equity method if the Company exercises significant influence or has an investment in a limited partnership that is considered to be greater than minor. These investments and advances are classified as investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company records its pro rata share of the earnings, adjusted for accretion of basis difference, of these investments in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The Company reviews its investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
Derivatives	Derivatives The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to interest rates and foreign currencies. Derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value at each balance sheet date utilizing pricing models for non-exchange-traded contracts. At inception, the Company designates whether or not the derivative instrument is an effective hedge of an asset, liability or firm commitment which is then classified as either a cash flow hedge or a fair value hedge. If determined to be an effective cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded as a component of AOCI until realized. The Company includes the impact from these hedges in the same line item as the hedged item on the consolidated statements of cash flows. Changes in fair value of effective fair value hedges are recorded in earnings as an offset to the changes in the fair value of the related hedged item. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is immediately recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that are not an effective hedge are recognized in earnings. When it is probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting for the affected portion of the forecasted transaction, and reclassifies gains or losses that were accumulated in AOCI to earnings in other expense (income), net for foreign exchange derivatives and interest expense for interest rate derivatives on the consolidated statements of income. Cash flows are classified consistent with the underlying hedged item. The Company has entered, and may in the future enter, into derivative contracts (caps, swaps, forwards, calls or puts, warrants, for example) related to its debt, investments in marketable equity securities and forecasted foreign currency transactions.
Billed and Unbilled Services and Unearned Income	Billed and Unbilled Services and Unearned Income In general, prerequisites for billings and payments are established by contractual provisions including predetermined payment schedules, which may or may not correspond to the timing of the performance of services under the contract. Unbilled services arise when services have been rendered for which revenue has been recognized but the clients have not been billed. In some cases, payments received are in excess of revenue recognized. Payments received in advance of services being provided are deferred as unearned income on the consolidated balance sheet. As the contracted services are subsequently performed and the associated revenue is recognized, the unearned income balance is reduced by the amount of the revenue recognized during the period.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a variety of factors that affect the potential collectability of the related receivables, including length of time the receivables are past due, client credit ratings, financial stability of the client, specific one-time events and past client history. In addition, in circumstances where the Company is made aware of a specific client’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance is established. The accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and reserves are established as deemed appropriate based on the above criteria.
Receivables Financing Facility	Receivables Financing Facility Advances received under the Company’s receivables financing facility are accounted for as borrowings secured by the receivables and included in net cash provided by financing activities. The Company services the collateralized accounts receivable and the cash flows for the underlying receivables are included in cash provided by operating activities. The collateralized accounts receivable are included in trade accounts receivable and unbilled services, net.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree are recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of the acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets. When a business combination involves contingent consideration, the Company recognizes a liability equal to the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration obligation at the date of the acquisition. Subsequent changes in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized in earnings in the period of the change. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of business combinations since the acquisition date.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, if related to leased property, as follows: Buildings and leasehold improvements 3 - 40 years Equipment 3 - 10 years Furniture and fixtures 5 - 10 years Motor vehicles 3 - 5 years Definite-lived identifiable intangible assets are amortized primarily using an accelerated method that reflects the pattern in which the Company expects to benefit from the use of the asset over its estimated remaining useful life as follows: Trademarks and trade names 2 - 10 years Contract backlog and client relationships 3 - 25 years Software and related assets 2 - 9 years Databases 1 - 5 years Non-compete agreements and other 1 - 5 years Goodwill and indefinite-lived identifiable intangible assets, which consist of certain trade names, are not amortized but evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment. Included in software and related items is the capitalized cost of internal-use software used in supporting the Company’s business. Qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful lives. Costs are capitalized from completion of the preliminary project stage and when it is considered probable that the software will be used to perform its intended function, up until the time the software is placed into service. The Company recognized $44 million, $38 million and $33 million of amortization expense in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to software and related assets. The carrying values of property, equipment and intangible and other long-lived assets are reviewed for recoverability if the facts and circumstances suggest that a potential impairment may have occurred. If this review indicates that carrying values will not be recoverable, as determined based on undiscounted cash flow projections, the Company will record an impairment charge to reduce carrying values to estimated fair value. See Note 17 for information regarding the impairment charge recognized in 2016. During 2015, the Company recognized a $2 million impairment charge for long-lived assets related to a facility closure in Japan. There were no events, facts or circumstances in 2014 that resulted in any impairment charges to the Company’s property, equipment, intangible or other long-lived assets.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement; (2) the service offering has been delivered to the client; (3) the collection of the fees is probable; and (4) the arrangement consideration is fixed or determinable. The Company’s arrangements are primarily service contracts that range in duration from a few months to several years. In some cases, contracts provide for consideration that is contingent upon the occurrence of uncertain future events. The Company recognizes contingent revenue when the contingency has been resolved and all other criteria for revenue recognition have been met. The Company treats cash payments to clients as incentives to induce the clients to enter into such a service agreement with the Company. The related asset is amortized as a reduction of revenue over the period the services are performed. The Company records revenues net of any tax assessments by governmental authorities, such as value added taxes, that are imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue generating transactions. The Company does not recognize revenue with respect to start-up activities including contract and scope negotiation, feasibility analysis and conflict of interest review associated with contracts. The costs for these activities are expensed as incurred. For the arrangements that include multiple elements, arrangement consideration is allocated to units of accounting based on the relative selling price. The best evidence of selling price of a unit of accounting is vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), which is the price the Company charges when the deliverable is sold separately. When VSOE is not available to determine selling price, management uses relevant third-party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price, if available. When neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists, management uses its best estimate of selling price considering all relevant information that is available without undue cost and effort. The Company derives the majority of its revenues in the Commercial Solutions segment from various information and technology service offerings. A typical information offerings arrangement (primarily under fixed-price contracts) may include an ongoing subscription-based deliverable for which revenue is recognized ratably as earned over the contract period, and/or a one-time delivery of data offerings for which revenue is recognized upon delivery, assuming all other criteria are met. The Company’s subscription arrangements typically have terms ranging from one to three years and are generally non-cancelable and do not contain refund-type provisions. Technology services offerings consist of a mix of small and large-scale services and consulting projects, multi-year outsourcing contracts and Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) licenses. These arrangements typically have terms ranging from several weeks to three years, with a majority having terms of one year or less. Revenues for services engagements where deliverables occur ratably over time are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the arrangement. Revenues from time and material contracts are recognized as the services are provided. Revenues from fixed price ad hoc services and consulting contracts are recognized either over the contract term based on the ratio of the number of hours incurred for services provided during the period compared to the total estimated hours to be incurred over the entire arrangement (efforts based), or upon delivery (completed contract). The majority of the Company’s contracts within the Research & Development Solutions segment are service contracts for clinical research that represent a single unit of accounting. The Company recognizes revenue on its clinical research services contracts as services are performed primarily on a proportional performance basis, generally using output measures that are specific to the service provided. Examples of output measures include among others, number of investigators enrolled, number of site initiation visits and number of monitoring visits completed. Revenue is determined by dividing the actual units of work completed by the total units of work required under the contract and multiplying that ratio by the total contract value. The total contract value, or total contractual payments, represents the aggregate contracted price for each of the agreed upon services to be provided. Changes in the scope of work are common, especially under long-term contracts, and generally result in a change in contract value. Once the client has agreed to the changes in scope and renegotiated pricing terms, the contract value is amended and revenue is recognized, as described above. To the extent that contracts involve multiple elements, the Company follows the allocation methodology described above and recognizes revenue for each unit of accounting on a proportional performance basis. Most contracts may be terminated upon 30 to 90 days notice by the client, however, in the event of termination, contract provisions typically require payment for services rendered through the date of termination, as well as for subsequent services rendered to close out the contract. The Company derives the majority of its revenues in its Integrated Engagement Services segment on a fee-for-service basis to clients within the biopharmaceutical industry. Fees on these arrangements are billed based on a contractual per-diem or hourly rate basis and revenue is recognized primarily on a time and materials basis. Some of the Company’s Integrated Engagement Services contracts are multiple element arrangements, with elements including recruiting, training and deployment of sales representatives. The nature of the terms of these multiple element arrangements will vary based on the customized needs of the Company’s clients. For contracts that have multiple elements, the Company follows the allocation methodology described above and recognizes revenue for each unit of accounting on a time and materials basis. The Company’s Integrated Engagement Services contracts sometimes include variable fees that are based on a percentage of service sales (royalty payments). The Company recognizes revenue on royalty payments when the variable components become fixed or determinable and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, which generally only occurs upon the sale of the underlying service(s) and upon the Company’s receipt of information necessary to make a reasonable estimate.
Reimbursed Expenses	Reimbursed Expenses The Company includes reimbursed expenses in total revenues and costs of revenue as the Company is deemed to be the primary obligor in the applicable arrangements. These costs include such items as payments to investigators and travel expenses for the Company’s clinical monitors and sales representatives. The Company has collection risk on contractually reimbursable expenses, and, from time to time, is unable to obtain reimbursement from the client for costs incurred. When such an expense is not reimbursed, it is classified as costs of revenue on the consolidated statements of income.
Expenses	Expenses Our costs and expenses are comprised primarily of our costs of revenue, reimbursed expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. Costs of revenue include compensation and benefits for billable employees and personnel involved in production, data management and delivery, and the costs of acquiring and processing data for our information offerings; costs of staff directly involved with delivering technology-related services offerings and engagements, related accommodations and the costs of data purchased specifically for technology services engagements; and other expenses directly related to service contracts such as courier fees, laboratory supplies, professional services and travel expenses. As noted above, reimbursed expenses are comprised principally of payments to investigators who oversee clinical trials and travel expenses for our clinical monitors and sales representatives. Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs related to sales, marketing, and administrative functions (including human resources, legal, finance and general management) for compensation and benefits, travel, professional services, training and expenses for information technology (“IT”), facilities and depreciation and amortization.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalent balances with high-quality financial institutions and, consequently, the Company believes that such funds are subject to minimal credit risk. Investment policies have been implemented that limit purchases of marketable securities to investment grade securities. Substantially all revenues for Commercial Solutions, Research & Development Solutions and Integrated Engagement Services are earned by performing services under contracts with various pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and healthcare companies. The concentration of credit risk is equal to the outstanding accounts receivable and unbilled services balances, less the unearned income related thereto, and such risk is subject to the financial and industry conditions of the Company’s clients. The Company does not require collateral or other securities to support client receivables. Credit losses have been immaterial and reasonably within management’s expectations. No client accounted for 10.0% or more of consolidated revenues in 2016, 2015 or 2014.
Restructuring Costs	Restructuring Costs Restructuring costs, which primarily include termination benefits and facility closure costs, are recorded at estimated fair value. Key assumptions in determining the restructuring costs include the terms and payments that may be negotiated to terminate certain contractual obligations and the timing of employees leaving the Company.
Merger Related Costs	Merger Related Costs Merger related costs include the direct and incremental costs associated with business combinations including (i) acquisition related costs such as investment banking, legal, accounting and consulting fees (see Footnote 15), (ii) incremental compensation costs triggered under change in control provisions in executive employment agreements, (iii) compensation and related costs of employees 100% dedicated to merger-related integration activities and (iv) severance and other termination costs associated with redundant employees. During 2016, the Company recognized $87 million of merger related costs, which includes $36 million of acquisition related costs. All of these costs are related to the merger with IMS Health. Merger related costs for all other business combinations have been immaterial and are included within selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income.
Legal Costs	Legal Costs Legal costs are expensed as incurred.
Debt Fees	Debt Fees Fees incurred to issue debt are generally deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense over the estimated term of the related debt using the effective interest rate method.
Contingencies	Contingencies The Company records accruals for claims, suits, investigations and proceedings when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews claims, suits, investigations and proceedings at least quarterly and records or adjusts accruals related to such matters to reflect the impact and status of any settlements, rulings, advice of counsel or other information pertinent to a particular matter. Legal costs associated with contingencies are charged to expense as incurred. The Company is party to legal proceedings incidental to its business. While the outcome of these matters could differ from management’s expectations, the Company does not believe the resolution of these matters has a reasonable possibility of having a material adverse effect to the Company’s financial statements.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income tax expense includes United States federal, state and international income taxes. Certain items of income and expense are not reported in income tax returns and GAAP financial statements in the same year. The income tax effects of these differences are reported as deferred income taxes. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce the related deferred income tax assets to an amount which will, more likely than not, be realized. In addition, the Company does not consider the undistributed foreign earnings of most of its foreign subsidiaries to be permanently reinvested. To the extent undistributed foreign earnings are not permanently reinvested, the Company records deferred income taxes on these earnings. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense as discussed further in Note 18.
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits The Company provides retirement benefits to certain employees, including defined benefit pension plans and postretirement medical plans. The determination of benefit obligations and expense is based on actuarial models. In order to measure benefit costs and obligations using these models, critical assumptions are made with regard to the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, cash balance crediting rate, lump sum conversion rate and the assumed rate of compensation increases. In addition, retiree medical care cost trend rates are a key assumption used exclusively in determining costs for the Company’s postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans. Management reviews these critical assumptions at least annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as the turnover, retirement and mortality rates. Management reviews these assumptions periodically and updates them when their experience deems it appropriate to do so. The discount rate is the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled and is determined annually by management. For United States plans, the discount rate is based on results of a modeling process in which the plans’ expected cash flow (determined on a projected benefit obligation basis) is matched with spot rates developed from a yield curve comprised of high-grade (Moody’s Aa and above, or Standard and Poor’s AA and above) non-callable corporate bonds to develop the present value of the expected cash flow, and then determining the single rate (discount rate) which when applied to the expected cash flow derives that same present value. In the United Kingdom specifically, the discount rate is set based on the yields on a universe of high quality non-callable corporate bonds denominated in the British Pound, appropriate to the duration of plan liabilities. For the non-United States plans, the discount rate is based on the current yield of an index of high quality corporate bonds. The Company estimates the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for our United States and United Kingdom pension benefit plans by utilizing a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to each of the underlying projected cash flows based on time until payment. Under the United States qualified retirement plan, participants have a notional retirement account that increases with pay and investment credits. The rate used to determine the investment credit (cash balance crediting rate) varies monthly. At retirement, the account is converted to a monthly retirement benefit. In selecting an expected return on plan asset assumption, the Company considers the returns being earned by each plan investment category in the fund, the rates of return expected to be available for reinvestment and long-term economic forecasts for the type of investments held by the plan. The actual return on plan assets will vary from year to year versus this assumption. The Company believes it is appropriate to use long-term expected forecasts in selecting the expected return on plan assets. As such, there can be no assurance that the Company’s actual return on plan assets will approximate the long-term expected forecasts. While the Company believes that the assumptions used are reasonable, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect its pension and postretirement benefit obligations and future expense. The Company’s estimated long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on the principles of capital market theory which maintain that over the long run, prudent investment risk taking is rewarded with incremental returns and that combining non-correlated assets can maximize risk adjusted portfolio returns. Long-term return estimates are developed by asset category based on actual class return data, historical relationships between asset classes and risk factors and peer plan data. Long-term return estimates for the Company’s United Kingdom pension plans are developed by asset category based on actual class return data, historical relationships between asset classes and risk factors. The Company utilizes a corridor approach to amortizing unrecognized gains and losses in the pension and postretirement benefit plans. Amortization occurs when the accumulated unrecognized net gain or loss balance exceeds the criterion of 10% of the larger of the beginning balances of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of the plan assets. The excess unrecognized gain or loss balance is then amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining service-life of active employees expected to receive benefits.
Employee Stock Compensation	Employee Stock Compensation The Company accounts for stock-based compensation for stock options and stock appreciation rights under the fair value method and uses the Black-Scholes-Merton model to estimate the value of such stock-based awards granted to its employees and non-executive directors. Expected volatility is based upon the historical volatility of a peer group for a period equal to the expected term, as the Company does not have adequate history to calculate its own volatility and believes the expected volatility will approximate the historical volatility of the peer group. The Company does not currently anticipate paying dividends. The expected term represents the period of time the grants are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation for restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance awards based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The calculation of earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares or common stock equivalents outstanding during the applicable period. The dilutive effect of common stock equivalents is excluded from basic earnings per share and is included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Potentially dilutive securities include outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock units, restricted stock and performance shares. Employee equity share options, restricted stock units, restricted stock, performance shares and similar equity instruments granted by the Company are treated as potential common shares outstanding in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted shares outstanding are calculated based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible for tax purposes are assumed to be used to repurchase shares.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock The Company records treasury stock purchases under the cost method. Upon reissuance of treasury stock, amounts in excess of the acquisition cost are credited to additional paid in capital. If the Company reissues treasury stock at an amount below its acquisition cost and additional paid in capital associated with prior treasury stock transactions is insufficient to cover the difference between the acquisition cost and the reissue price, this difference is recorded in retained earnings.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards Accounting pronouncement adopted In November 2015, the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance which removed the requirement that deferred income tax assets and liabilities be classified as either current or non-current in a classified statement of financial position and instead requires deferred income tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance prospectively on January 1, 2016. Accounting pronouncements being evaluated In August 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which eliminates the diversity in practice related to the cash flow classification of certain cash receipts and payments, including debt prepayment or extinguishment payments, payments upon maturity of a zero coupon bond, payment of contingent liabilities arising from a business combination, proceeds from insurance settlements, distributions received from certain equity method investees, and cash flows related to beneficial interests obtained in a financial asset securitization. The new guidance designates the appropriate cash flow statement classification, including requirements to allocate certain components of these cash receipts and payments among operating, investing and financing activities. This new accounting guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee stock-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements, and the classification of excess income tax benefits on the statement of cash flows. The Company will adopt this new accounting guidance as required on January 1, 2017. Under the new accounting guidance, excess income tax benefits related to stock-based awards will be reflected as a reduction of income tax expense on the statements of income and as cash provided from operating activities on the statements of cash flows. Under existing guidance, these tax benefits are reflected directly in additional paid-in capital and as cash provided from financing activities. The Company recognized $41 million of such income tax benefits in 2016. The Company does not expect the adoption of this new accounting guidance to impact the recognition of its stock-based compensation expense or its presentation of cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares. In February 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which requires lessees to recognize almost all leases on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The income statement will reflect lease expense for operating leases, and amortization and interest expense for financing leases. The new accounting guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which modifies how entities measure equity investments and present changes in the fair value of financial liabilities. The new accounting guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption of the presentation guidance is permitted; however, early adoption of the recognition and measurement guidance is not permitted. The adoption of this new accounting guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board issued a converged standard on the recognition of revenue from contracts with clients. The objective of the new standard is to establish a single comprehensive revenue recognition model that is designed to create greater comparability of financial statements across industries and jurisdictions. Under the new standard, companies will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to clients in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will require expanded disclosures on revenue recognition, including information about changes in assets and liabilities that result from contracts with clients. The new standard allows for either a retrospective or prospective approach to transition upon adoption. The new standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on its consolidated financial statements, the date of adoption and the transition approach to implement the new standard.

Summary of Significant Accoun39

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property and Equipment at Cost Using Straight-Line Method	Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, if related to leased property, as follows: Buildings and leasehold improvements 3 - 40 years Equipment 3 - 10 years Furniture and fixtures 5 - 10 years Motor vehicles 3 - 5 years
Definite-Lived Identifiable Intangible Assets Amortized	Definite-lived identifiable intangible assets are amortized primarily using an accelerated method that reflects the pattern in which the Company expects to benefit from the use of the asset over its estimated remaining useful life as follows: Trademarks and trade names 2 - 10 years Contract backlog and client relationships 3 - 25 years Software and related assets 2 - 9 years Databases 1 - 5 years Non-compete agreements and other 1 - 5 years

Accounts Receivable and Unbil40

Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Services (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Services	Accounts receivable and unbilled services consist of the following (in millions): December 31, 2016 2015 Trade: Billed $ 998 $ 554 Unbilled services 723 614 1,721 1,168 Allowance for doubtful accounts (14 ) (2 ) $ 1,707 $ 1,166

Investments in and Advances t41

Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial Support for Nonconsolidated Legal Entity [Abstract]
Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates	of unconsolidated affiliates. The following is a summary of the Company’s investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates (in millions): December 31, 2016 2015 NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund III, L.P. $ 43 $ 40 NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund IV, L.P. 6 2 Cenduit TM 11 9 Other 9 1 $ 69 $ 52

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Summary of Investments in Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities and Estimated Maximum Exposure to Loss	As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s investments in unconsolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and its estimated maximum exposure to loss were as follows (in millions): Investments in Maximum NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund III, L.P. $ 43 $ 51 NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund IV, L.P. 6 18 $ 49 $ 69

Derivatives (Tables)

Derivatives (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments	The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments and the line items on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets to which they were recorded are summarized in the following table (in millions): December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Balance Sheet Assets Liabilities Notional Assets Liabilities Notional Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 11 $ 9 $ 300 $ — $ 5 $ 118 Interest rate swaps Other current — 15 945 — 6 440 Interest rate caps Deposits and other 1 — 1,000 — — — Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts Other current — 1 189 — — — Total derivatives $ 12 $ 25 $ — $ 11
Effect of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The effect of the Company’s cash flow hedging instruments on other comprehensive income (loss) is summarized in the following table (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 16 $ (1 ) $ (8 ) Interest rate derivatives 8 6 10 Total $ 24 $ 5 $ 2

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 (in millions): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Trading securities $ 40 $ — $ — $ 40 Derivatives — 12 — 12 Total $ 40 $ 12 $ — $ 52 Liabilities: Derivatives $ — $ 25 $ — $ 25 Contingent consideration — — 18 18 Total $ — $ 25 $ 18 $ 43 The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 (in millions): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Derivatives $ — $ 11 $ — $ 11 Contingent consideration — — 4 4 Total $ — $ 11 $ 4 $ 15
Changes in Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31 (in millions): Contingent Consideration – 2016 2015 2014 Balance as of January 1 $ 4 $ 1 $ 13 Business combinations 19 — — Contingent consideration paid (4 ) (3 ) (3 ) Revaluations included in earnings and foreign currency translation adjustments (1 ) 6 (9 ) Balance as of December 31 $ 18 $ 4 $ 1

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Major Classes of Property and Equipment	The major classes of property and equipment were as follows (in millions): December 31, 2016 2015 Land, buildings and leasehold improvements $ 333 $ 187 Equipment 338 257 Furniture and fixtures 72 53 Motor vehicles 26 13 Property and equipment, gross 769 510 Less accumulated depreciation (363 ) (322 ) Property and equipment, net $ 406 $ 188

Goodwill and Identifiable Int46

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization Expense Associated with Identifiable Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	Amortization expense associated with identifiable definite-lived intangible assets was as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Amortization expense $ 210 $ 67 $ 58
Summary of Identifiable Intangible Assets	The following is a summary of identifiable intangible assets (in millions): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Gross Accumulated Net Amount Gross Accumulated Net Definite-lived identifiable intangible assets: Client relationships and backlog $ 3,983 $ (125 ) $ 3,858 $ 224 $ (76 ) $ 148 Trademarks, trade names and other 384 (15 ) 369 15 (6 ) 9 Databases 1,742 (87 ) 1,655 — — — Software and related assets 619 (247 ) 372 279 (196 ) 83 Non-compete agreements 9 — 9 — — — $ 6,737 $ (474 ) $ 6,263 $ 518 $ (278 ) $ 240 Indefinite-lived identifiable intangible assets: Trade names $ 127 $ — $ 127 $ 128 $ — $ 128
Summary of Goodwill by Segment	The following is a summary of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in millions): Commercial Research & Integrated Consolidated Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 70 $ 346 $ 48 $ 464 Business combinations — 262 — 262 Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other — (6 ) — (6 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 70 602 48 720 Business combinations 9,698 611 67 10,376 Impairment (23 ) — — (23 ) Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other (330 ) (17 ) 1 (346 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 9,415 $ 1,196 $ 116 $ 10,727

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	December 31, 2016 2015 Compensation, including bonuses, fringe benefits and payroll taxes $ 610 $ 401 Restructuring 102 14 Interest 42 5 Client contract related 502 271 Professional fees 69 10 Other 168 60 $ 1,493 $ 761

Credit Arrangements (Tables)

Credit Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Company's Credit Facilities	The following is a summary of the Company’s revolving credit facilities at December 31, 2016: Facility Interest Rates $1,000 million (revolving credit facility) LIBOR in the relevant currency borrowed plus a margin (Margin of 2.00% at December 31, 2016) $25 million (receivables financing facility) LIBOR Market Index Rate (0.77% at December 31, 2016) plus 0.85% to 1.35% depending upon the Company’s debt rating £10 million (approximately $12 million) general banking facility with a European headquartered bank Bank’s base rate (0.25% at December 31, 2016) plus 1%
Summary of Debt	The following table summarizes the Company’s debt at the dates indicated (dollars in millions): December 31, 2016 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities: Senior Secured Term A Loan due 2021—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 3.00% $ 888 $ — Senior Secured Term A Loan due 2021—Euro LIBOR at average floating rates of 2.00% 419 — Senior Secured Term B Loan due 2021—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 3.50% 1,700 — Senior Secured Term B Loan due 2021—Euro LIBOR at average floating rates of 3.75% 765 — Term Loan A due 2020—LIBOR plus 1.75%, or 2.36% — 829 Term Loan B due 2022—the greater of LIBOR or 0.75% plus 2.50%, or 3.25% — 597 Revolving Credit Facility due 2021: U.S. Dollar denominated borrowings—U.S. Dollar LIBOR at average floating rates of 2.73% 375 — 5.0% Senior Notes due 2026—U.S. Dollar denominated 1,050 — 3.5% Senior Notes due 2024—Euro denominated 658 — 4.125% Senior Notes due 2023—Euro denominated 289 — 4.875% Senior Notes due 2023 800 800 Receivables financing facility due 2018—LIBOR plus 0.85%, or 1.62% 275 275 Principal amount of debt 7,219 2,501 Less: unamortized discount (12 ) (24 ) Less: unamortized debt issuance costs (7 ) (9 ) Less: current portion (92 ) (49 ) Long-term debt $ 7,108 $ 2,419
Contractual Maturities of Long-term Debt	Contractual maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2016 are as follows (in millions): 2017 $ 92 2018 367 2019 92 2020 92 2021 3,781 Thereafter 2,795 $ 7,219

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Summary of Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases	The following is a summary of future minimum payments under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2016 (in millions): Operating 2017 $ 171 2018 123 2019 94 2020 75 2021 56 Thereafter 159 Total minimum lease payments $ 678

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Share Repurchases Made Under Repurchase Program	Below is a summary of the share repurchases made under the Repurchase Program (in millions, except per share data): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Number of shares of common stock repurchased 14.3 7.8 — Aggregate purchase price $ 1,098 $ 516 $ — Average price per share $ 76.57 $ 65.56 $ 47.51

Business Combinations (Tables)

Business Combinations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Estimated Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired at the Date of Acquisitions	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired at the date of the acquisitions (in millions): IMS Health Quest Assets acquired: Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,031 $ 32 Accounts receivable and unbilled services 528 6 Prepaid expenses 85 1 Other current assets 145 4 Property and equipment 247 16 Goodwill 10,288 262 Other identifiable intangibles 6,435 126 Deferred income tax asset – long-term 25 — Other long-term assets 71 — Liabilities assumed: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (700 ) (13 ) Unearned income (175 ) — Current portion of long-term debt (88 ) — Other current liabilities (45 ) — Long-term debt, less current portion (6,070 ) — Deferred income tax liability – long-term (2,104 ) (10 ) Other long-term liabilities (248 ) (1 ) Net assets acquired $ 10,425 $ 423
Summary Of Identifiable Intangible Assets	The other identifiable intangible assets consisted of the following (in millions): IMS Health Quest Client relationships $ 3,960 $ 74 Backlog — 33 Trade names 385 19 Databases 1,820 — Software 270 — Total other identifiable intangibles $ 6,435 $ 126 Amortized over a weighted average useful life (in years) 18 9
Schedule of Preliminary Allocation of Purchase to Certain Tangible and Intangible Assets Acquired and Goodwill	The following table provides certain financial information for these acquisitions, including the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to certain tangible and intangible assets acquired and goodwill (in millions): Amortization 2016 2014 Total purchase price, net of cash acquired (1) $ 136 $ 92 Acquisition-related costs 1 1 Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Goodwill $ 88 $ 63 Portion of goodwill deductible for income tax purposes — 63 Intangible assets: Client relationships 6-10 years $ 31 $ 9 Non-compete agreements 2-5 years 9 — Backlog 1-2 years 7 1 Databases 2 years 1 — Trade names 2-4 years — 1 Software 3 years — 3 Total intangible assets $ 48 $ 14 (1) Total purchase price, net of cash acquired, includes contingent consideration and deferred purchase payments.
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Summary of Pro Forma Results	The following table summarizes the pro forma results (in millions, except earnings per share): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Revenues $ 7,784 $ 7,180 Reimbursed expenses 1,514 1,411 Total revenues $ 9,298 $ 8,591 Net income attributable to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc. $ 42 $ 450 Earnings per share attributable to common stockholders: Basic $ 0.17 $ 1.80 Diluted $ 0.17 $ 1.76

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Amounts Recorded for Restructuring Plans	The following amounts were recorded for the restructuring plans (in millions): Severance and Related Costs Exit Costs Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 5 $ 1 $ 6 Expense, net of reversals 30 1 31 Payments (23 ) (1 ) (24 ) Foreign currency translation — 1 1 Balance at December 31, 2015 12 2 14 Expense, net of reversals 60 3 63 Acquisitions 80 — 80 Payments (48 ) (2 ) (50 ) Foreign currency translation and other (5 ) — (5 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 99 $ 3 $ 102

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates	The components of income before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates are as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Domestic $ (85 ) $ 68 $ 96 Foreign 564 471 405 $ 479 $ 539 $ 501
Components of Income Tax Expense Attributable to Continuing Operations	The components of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations are as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current expense: Federal and state $ 64 $ 51 $ 62 Foreign 129 109 95 193 160 157 Deferred (benefit) expense: Federal and state 166 5 (5 ) Foreign (14 ) (6 ) (3 ) 152 (1 ) (8 ) $ 345 $ 159 $ 149
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The differences between the Company’s consolidated income tax expense attributable to continuing operations and the expense computed at the 35% United States statutory income tax rate were as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Federal income tax expense at statutory rate $ 167 $ 189 $ 175 Research and development (11 ) (13 ) (17 ) Foreign nontaxable interest income (8 ) (9 ) (10 ) United States taxes recorded on foreign earnings 252 38 19 Foreign rate differential (60 ) (49 ) (31 ) Other 5 3 13 $ 345 $ 159 $ 149
Income Tax Effects of Temporary Differences from Continuing Operations that Give Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Income Tax Assets (Liabilities)	The income tax effects of temporary differences from continuing operations that give rise to significant portions of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are presented below (in millions): December 31, 2016 2015 Deferred income tax assets: Net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards $ 242 $ 26 Tax credit carryforwards 267 16 Accrued expenses and unearned income 75 23 Employee benefits 273 124 Other 32 13 889 202 Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets (153 ) (22 ) Total deferred income tax assets 736 180 Deferred income tax liabilities: Undistributed foreign earnings (590 ) (37 ) Amortization and depreciation (2,026 ) (53 ) Other (164 ) (12 ) Total deferred income tax liabilities (2,780 ) (102 ) Net deferred income tax (liabilities) assets $ (2,044 ) $ 78
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Gross Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized income tax benefits is presented below (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at January 1 $ 30 $ 41 $ 55 IMS Health balance as of Merger 37 — — Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 3 2 3 Additions for income tax positions of prior years 7 9 1 Impact of changes in exchange rates (3 ) (1 ) — Reductions for income tax positions of prior years (1 ) (2 ) (6 ) Reductions due to the lapse of the applicable statute of limitations (9 ) (19 ) (12 ) Balance at December 31 $ 64 $ 30 $ 41
Summary of Tax Years Open for Examination	The following table summarizes the tax years that remain open for examination by tax authorities in the most significant jurisdictions in which the Company operates: United States 2013-2015 India 2006-2016 Japan 2011-2015 United Kingdom 2015 Switzerland 2012-2015

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Changes in Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets and Funded Status of Pension Benefit Plans	The following table summarizes changes in the benefit obligation, the plan assets and the funded status of the pension benefit plans (in millions): Pension Benefits United States Plans Non-United States Plans December 31 2016 2016 2015 Obligation and funded status: Change in benefit obligation Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ — $ 154 $ 147 Service costs 4 18 15 Interest cost 3 5 3 Expected return on plan assets — — (3 ) Actuarial gains (30 ) (8 ) (2 ) Business combinations 333 377 2 Benefits paid (2 ) (9 ) (6 ) Foreign currency fluctuations and other — (29 ) (2 ) Projected benefit obligation at end of year 308 508 154 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year — 87 88 Actual return on plan assets 5 4 1 Contributions 1 9 6 Business combinations 308 284 2 Benefits paid (2 ) (9 ) (6 ) Foreign currency fluctuations and other — (27 ) (4 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 312 348 87 Funded status $ 4 $ (160 ) $ (67 )
Summary of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following table summarizes the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets related to the pension benefit plans (in millions): Pension Benefits United States Plans Non-United States Plans December 31 2016 2016 2015 Deposits and other assets $ 45 $ 13 $ 19 Accrued expenses 1 9 5 Other long-term liabilities 40 164 81 AOCI 29 (8 ) (14 )
Summary of Accumulated Benefit Obligation for Pension Benefit Plans	The following table summarizes the accumulated benefit obligation for all pension benefit plans (in millions): Pension Benefits United States Plans Non-United States Plans December 31 2016 2016 2015 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 303 $ 469 $ 139
Summary of Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets and Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets	The following table provides the information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets and projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets (in millions): Pension Benefits United States Plans Non-United States Plans December 31 2016 2016 2015 Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Accumulated benefit obligation $ 43 $ 409 $ 83 Fair value of plan assets 2 271 8 Plans with projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Projected benefit obligation 44 444 95 Fair value of plan assets 2 271 8
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of net periodic benefit cost changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss were as follows (in millions): Pension Benefits United States Plans Non-United States Plans Year Ended December 31, 2016 2016 2015 2014 Service cost $ 4 $ 18 $ 15 $ 13 Interest cost 3 5 3 4 Expected return on plan assets (6 ) (6 ) (3 ) (4 ) Amortization of actuarial losses — 1 1 — Amortization of prior service costs — — — — Net periodic benefit cost 1 18 16 13 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss: Actuarial loss (gain) – current years (29 ) (5 ) — — Prior service (cost) credit – current years — 0 — — Amortization of actuarial losses — (1 ) (1 ) — Amortization of prior service costs — — — — Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (29 ) (6 ) (1 ) — Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss $ (28 ) $ 12 $ 15 $ 13
Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Benefit Obligations	The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost were as follows for the years ended December 31: Pension Benefits Other United States Plans Non-United States Plans 2016 2016 2015 2014 2016 Discount rate 3.62 % 1.88 % 2.46 % 3.01 % 2.40 % Rate of compensation increases 3.00 % 5.27 % 4.32 % 4.36 % — Expected return on plan assets 7.94 % 4.26 % 4.05 % 5.21 % — The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were as follows at December 31: Pension Benefits Other United States Plans Non-United States Plans 2016 2016 2015 2016 Discount rate 4.17 % 1.68 % 2.50 % 2.90 % Rate of compensation increases 3.00 % 5.17 % 4.37 % —
Schedule of Allocation of Pension Plan Assets	The Company’s pension plan weighted average asset allocations, by asset category, were as follows: Plan Assets at December 31, United States Plans Non-United States Plans Total Asset Category 2016 2016 2015 2016 2015 Equity securities 70.09 % 46.09 % 25.22 % 57.43 % 25.22 % Debt securities 24.94 14.42 56.64 19.39 56.64 Real estate 4.97 — — 2.35 — Other — 39.49 18.14 20.83 18.14 Total 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % The target asset allocation for the Company’s pension plans were as follows Asset Category United States Non-United Total Equity securities 60-80 % 35-50 % 45-65 % Debt securities 20-30 % 10-20 % 10-30 % Real estate 0-10 % — % 0-5 % Other — % 30-45 % 10-30 %
Summary of Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value	The following table summarizes United States plan assets measured at fair value (in millions): December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Domestic equities $ 32 $ — $ 32 $ — $ — $ — International equities 20 — 20 — — — Corporate bonds 46 — 46 — — — Real estate 15 — 15 — — — Total assets in the fair value heirarchy 113 — 113 — — — Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value (“NAV”) (1) — — 199 — — — Total $ 113 $ — $ 312 $ — $ — $ — The following table summarizes non-United States plan assets measured at fair value (in millions): December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total International equities $ — $ 57 $ 57 $ — $ 22 $ 22 Debt issued by national, state or local government 2 48 50 — 49 49 Diversified growth fund — 14 14 — 15 15 Investments funds — 7 7 — — — Insurance contracts — 133 133 — — — Other — 6 6 — 1 1 Total assets in the fair value heirarchy 2 265 267 — 87 87 Assets measured at NAV (1) — — 81 — — — Total $ 2 $ 265 $ 348 $ — $ 87 $ 87 (1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above plan asset tables are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets in the fair value hierarchy to the plan asset amounts presented in the above funded status table as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments, Net of Expected Participants Contributions for Pension Benefits	The following benefit payments (net of expected participant contributions) for pension benefits are expected to be paid as follows (in millions): Pension Benefits 2017 $ 29 2018 31 2019 34 2020 38 2021 42 Years 2022 through 2026 210 $ 384
Estimated Fair Value of Stock Options and SARs	The Company used the following assumptions when estimating the value of the stock-based compensation for stock options and SARs issued as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Expected volatility 20 – 30% 26 – 41% 26 – 43% Weighted average expected volatility 28% 34% 36% Expected dividends 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Expected term (in years) 0.3 – 6.6 3.7 – 6.7 1.5 – 6.7 Risk-free interest rate 0.32 – 2.19% 1.06 – 2.04% 0.28 – 2.21%
Summary of Stock Option Activity	The Company’s stock option activity in 2016 is as follows (in millions, except number of options and exercise price): Number of Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 31, 2015 6,647,999 $ 38.04 $ 204 Granted 783,700 $ 64.66 Assumed – Merger 3,563,037 $ 19.05 Exercised (3,385,720 ) $ 29.69 Canceled (357,677 ) $ 51.21 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 7,251,339 $ 34.83 $ 299
Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable	Selected information regarding the Company’s stock options as of December 31, 2016 is as follows: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Number of Exercise Price Range Weighted Weighted Average Number of Weighted Average Exercise 1,160,999 $ 8.34 — $ 14.63 $ 9.19 3.55 1,160,999 $ 9.19 1,167,220 $ 15.11 — $ 23.70 $ 18.18 3.86 1,128,911 $ 18.16 1,216,960 $ 24.59 — $ 26.05 $ 25.65 4.13 1,216,960 $ 25.65 1,299,632 $ 28.13 — $ 40.00 $ 34.47 5.88 831,112 $ 33.84 1,620,603 $ 42.74 — $ 64.67 $ 57.71 8.06 648,436 $ 57.64 785,925 $ 64.86 — $ 77.11 $ 65.10 8.07 364,350 $ 65.02
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity	The Company’s RSU activity in 2016 is as follows: Number of RSUs Weighted Outstanding at December 31, 2015 359,553 $ 60.60 Granted 494,681 $ 68.65 Assumed – Merger 1,054,567 $ 80.20 Performance units converted to RSUs 144,239 $ 64.77 Vested (252,462 ) $ 64.93 Canceled (79,761 ) $ 65.80 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,720,817 $ 74.40
Summary of Performance Units Activity	The Company’s performance units activity in 2016 is as follows: Number of Weighted Non-vested at December 31, 2015 49,667 $ 64.93 Granted 119,839 $ 64.67 Additional goal achievement shares 12,727 $ 64.93 Vested (59,830 ) $ 64.79 Canceled performance units converted to RSUs (122,403 ) $ 64.74 Non-vested at December 31, 2016 — $ —
Summary of Restricted Stock Awards	The Company’s RSA activity in 2016 is as follows: Number of RSAs Weighted Average Outstanding at December 31, 2015 — $ — Granted 86,356 $ 81.06 Assumed – Merger 367,053 $ 80.20 Canceled (86,356 ) $ 81.06 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 367,053 $ 80.20
Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled [Member]
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights Activity	The Company’s SSR activity in 2016 is as follows (in millions, except number of SSRs and exercise price): Number of Options Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 31, 2015 — $ — $ — Assumed – Merger 1,351,647 $ 62.13 Exercised (3,205 ) $ 65.16 Canceled (35,120 ) $ 61.72 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,313,322 $ 62.13 $ 18
Stock Appreciation Rights - Cash Settled [Member]
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights Activity	The Company’s CSR activity in 2016 is as follows (in millions, except number of CSRs and grant price): Number of CSRs Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 31, 2015 530,701 $ 50.46 $ 10 Granted 40,400 $ 70.34 Exercised (55,600 ) $ 44.49 Canceled (36,325 ) $ 55.78 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 479,176 $ 52.42 $ 11

Operations by Geographic Loca55

Operations by Geographic Location (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Text Block [Abstract]
Operations within Geographic Region	The table below presents the Company’s operations by geographical location. The Company attributes revenues to geographical locations based upon where the services are performed. The Company’s operations within each geographical region are further broken down to show each country which accounts for 10% or more of the totals (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues: Americas: United States $ 2,145 $ 1,788 $ 1,589 Other 233 185 195 Americas 2,378 1,973 1,784 Europe and Africa: United Kingdom 461 410 402 Other 1,594 1,237 1,275 Europe and Africa 2,055 1,647 1,677 Asia-Pacific: Japan 587 443 472 Other 344 263 232 Asia-Pacific 931 706 704 Revenues 5,364 4,326 4,165 Reimbursed expenses 1,514 1,411 1,295 Total revenues $ 6,878 $ 5,737 $ 5,460
Long Lived Assets	As of December 31, 2016 2015 Property, equipment and software, net: Americas: United States $ 430 $ 170 Other 25 1 Americas 455 171 Europe and Africa: United Kingdom 40 46 Other 214 32 Europe and Africa 254 78 Asia-Pacific: Japan 36 13 Other 34 9 Asia-Pacific 70 22 Total property, equipment and software, net $ 779 $ 271

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenues and Income from Segments to Consolidated	Asset information by segment is not presented, as this measure is not used by the chief operating decision maker to assess the performance of the Company. Information presented below is in millions: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues Commercial Solutions $ 1,096 $ 323 $ 230 Research & Development Solutions 3,472 3,159 3,050 Integrated Engagement Services 796 844 885 Total revenues 5,364 4,326 4,165 Costs of revenue Commercial Solutions 644 239 174 Research & Development Solutions 1,953 1,779 1,764 Integrated Engagement Services 639 687 726 Total costs of revenue 3,236 2,705 2,664 Selling, general and administrative expenses Commercial Solutions 216 65 52 Research & Development Solutions 577 556 542 Integrated Engagement Services 82 79 81 General corporate and unallocated 136 115 106 Total selling, general and administrative expenses 1,011 815 781 Segment profit Commercial Solutions 236 19 4 Research & Development Solutions 942 824 744 Integrated Engagement Services 75 78 78 Total segment profit 1,253 921 826 General corporate and unallocated (136 ) (115 ) (106 ) Depreciation and amortization (289 ) (128 ) (121 ) Restructuring costs (71 ) (30 ) (9 ) Merger related costs (87 ) — — Impairment charges (28 ) (2 ) — Total income from operations $ 642 $ 646 $ 590

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciles the Basic to Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	The following table reconciles the basic to diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 149.1 123.0 128.0 Effect of dilutive stock options and share awards 2.9 2.6 3.1 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 152.0 125.6 131.1
Summary of Weighted-Average Outstanding Stock Options Excluded from Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table presents the weighted average number of outstanding stock-based awards not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share if they are subject to performance conditions or if the effect of including such stock-based awards in the computation would be anti-dilutive (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Shares subject to performance conditions 0.1 0.1 — Shares subject to anti-dilutive stock-based awards 1.1 1.0 1.2 Total shares excluded from diluted earnings per share 1.2 1.1 1.2

Comprehensive Income (Tables)

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Components of AOCI	Below is a summary of the components of AOCI (in millions): Foreign Currency Translation Marketable Securities Derivative Instruments Defined Benefit Plans Income Taxes Total Balance at December 31, 2013 $ (6 ) $ 6 $ (21 ) $ (5 ) $ 26 $ — Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (50 ) (1 ) (7 ) (10 ) 7 (61 ) Reclassification adjustments — (5 ) 9 — (2 ) 2 Balance at December 31, 2014 (56 ) — (19 ) (15 ) 31 (59 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (61 ) — (13 ) — 9 (65 ) Reclassification adjustments — — 18 1 (6 ) 13 Balance at December 31, 2015 (117 ) — (14 ) (14 ) 34 (111 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (506 ) — (4 ) 34 (5 ) (481 ) Reclassification adjustments — — 28 1 (7 ) 22 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (623 ) $ — $ 10 $ 21 $ 22 $ (570 )
Summary of (Gains) Losses Reclassified from AOCI into Consolidated Statements of Income and Affected Financial Statement Line Item	Below is a summary of the (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI into the consolidated statements of income and the affected financial statement line item (in millions): Affected Financial Statement Line Item Year Ended December 31, Reclassification Adjustments 2016 2015 2014 Marketable securities Other expense (income), net $ — $ — $ (5 ) Income tax expense — — (2 ) Total net of income taxes $ — $ — $ (3 ) Derivative instruments: Interest rate swaps and caps Interest expense 6 $ 12 $ 12 Foreign exchange forward contracts Revenues 19 6 (3 ) Foreign exchange forward contracts Other expense (income), net 3 — — Total before income taxes 28 18 9 Income tax benefit 7 6 4 Total net of income taxes $ 21 $ 12 $ 5 Defined benefit plans: Amortization of actuarial losses See Note 19 $ 1 $ 1 $ — Income tax benefit — — — Total net of income taxes $ 1 $ 1 —

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform59

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	The following table presents the Company’s supplemental cash flow information (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Interest paid $ 124 $ 82 $ 94 Income taxes paid, net of refunds 106 121 139 Non-cash Investing Activities: Fair value of consideration transferred in connection with business combinations $ 10,425 $ 423 $ —

Quarterly Financial Data (Una60

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations	The following table summarizes the Company’s unaudited quarterly results of operations (in millions, except per share data): 2016 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (2) Revenues $ 1,108 $ 1,167 $ 1,136 $ 1,953 Income from operations 179 151 168 144 Net income 109 92 104 (175 ) Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests (2 ) (5 ) (5 ) (3 ) Net income attributable to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc. $ 107 $ 87 $ 99 $ (178 ) Basic earnings per share (1) $ 0.89 $ 0.73 $ 0.83 $ 0.74 Diluted earnings per share (1) $ 0.88 $ 0.71 $ 0.82 $ 0.74 2015 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Revenues $ 1,030 $ 1,074 $ 1,093 $ 1,129 Income from operations 143 159 166 178 Net income 87 85 108 108 Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests — — 2 (3 ) Net income attributable to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc. $ 87 $ 85 $ 110 $ 105 Basic earnings per share (1) $ 0.69 $ 0.69 $ 0.91 $ 0.86 Diluted earnings per share (1) $ 0.68 $ 0.67 $ 0.89 $ 0.85 (1) The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal per share amounts reported for year-to-date periods. This is due to changes in the number of weighted average shares outstanding and the effects of rounding for each period. (2) The fourth quarter of 2016 includes the results of operations of IMS Health since the date of the Merger on October 3, 2016.

Summary of Significant Accoun61

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	Oct. 03, 2016$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)EmployeeCountryCustomer$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Customer$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Customer
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of employees | Employee		50,000
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Foreign currency net losses		$ 6,000,000	$ (5,000,000)	$ 5,000,000
Capitalized and amortized expense related to software and related assets		44,000,000	38,000,000	33,000,000
Impairment charges		$ 28,000,000	$ 2,000,000	$ 0
Contract termination period		Most contracts may be terminated upon 30 to 90 days notice by the client, however, in the event of termination, contract provisions typically require payment for services rendered through the date of termination, as well as for subsequent services rendered to close out the contract.
Number of clients served | Customer		0	0	0
Percentage of employees compensation cost		100.00%
Merger related costs		$ 87,000,000
Acquisition related costs		$ 36,000,000
Method used to amortize net gains and losses		The Company utilizes a corridor approach to amortizing unrecognized gains and losses in the pension and postretirement benefit plans. Amortization occurs when the accumulated unrecognized net gain or loss balance exceeds the criterion of 10% of the larger of the beginning balances of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of the plan assets. The excess unrecognized gain or loss balance is then amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining service-life of active employees expected to receive benefits.
Excess income tax benefits recognized from share-based awards		$ 41,000,000	$ 39,000,000	$ 20,000,000
Adoption of New Accounting Guidance [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Excess income tax benefits recognized from share-based awards		41,000,000
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	Oct. 3, 2016
Business acquisition through merger, agreement date	May 3, 2016
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.01
Acquisition related costs		$ 36,000,000
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Merger agreement, stock for stock exchange ratio	38.40%	38.40%
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of countries | Country		100
Subscription arrangements terms		1 year
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Subscription arrangements terms		3 years

Summary of Significant Accoun62

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment at Cost Using Straight-Line Method (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	3 years
Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	40 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	10 years
Furniture and fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	5 years
Furniture and fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	10 years
Motor vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	3 years
Motor vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	5 years

Summary of Significant Accoun63

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Definite-lived identifiable intangible assets amortized (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Minimum [Member] | Trademarks and trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Contract backlog and client relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Software and related assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Databases [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Non-compete agreements and other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	1 year
Maximum [Member] | Trademarks and trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Contract backlog and client relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	25 years
Maximum [Member] | Software and related assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	9 years
Maximum [Member] | Databases [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Non-compete agreements and other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, Years	5 years

Accounts Receivable and Unbil64

Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Services - Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Services (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Trade:
Billed	$ 998	$ 554
Unbilled services	723	614
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled services, gross	1,721	1,168
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(14)	(2)
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled services, net	$ 1,707	$ 1,166

Investments - Debt, Equity and

Investments - Debt, Equity and Other Securities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Line Items]
Net realized and unrealized gains		$ 3
Investment in joint venture		$ 1	$ 27
Proceeds from sale of ownership interest in joint venture	$ 26
Maximum [Member]
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Line Items]
Non controlling interest percentage in exchange of investment in joint venture		1.00%

Investments in and Advances t66

Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates - Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates	$ 69	$ 52
NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund lll, L.P [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates	43	40
NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund lV, L.P [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates	6	2
Cenduit TM [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates	11	9
Other [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates	$ 9	$ 1

Investments in and Advances t67

Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	May 31, 2007USD ($)Location	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Amount of initial capital		$ 1	$ 27
NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund lll, L.P [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Committed to invest fund		50
Commitment funded		43
Funding commitments		$ 7
Beneficial ownership in common stock		10.90%	10.90%
NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund lV, L.P [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Committed to invest fund		$ 20
Commitment funded		8
Funding commitments		$ 12
Beneficial ownership in common stock		2.30%	2.30%
Cenduit TM [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest	50.00%
Number of locations | Location	3
Cenduit TM [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Amount of initial capital	$ 4
Cenduit TM [Member] | United States [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Amount of initial capital	4
Cenduit TM [Member] | Switzerland [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Amount of initial capital	$ 4

Variable Interest Entities - Su

Variable Interest Entities - Summary of Investments in Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities and Estimated Maximum Exposure to Loss (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs	$ 49,000,000
Maximum Exposure to Loss	69,000,000
NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund lll, L.P [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs	43,000,000
Maximum Exposure to Loss	51,000,000
NovaQuest Pharma Opportunities Fund lV, L.P [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments in Unconsolidated VIEs	6,000,000
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ 18,000,000

Derivatives - Additional Inform

Derivatives - Additional Information (Detail) € in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)DerivativeCountry	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Derivative	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)DerivativeCountry	Jun. 03, 2015Agreement	Jun. 09, 2011Agreement
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of interest rate contracts | Agreement						7
Interest swaps accrual beginning date			Jun. 30, 2016
Payment to terminate hedge accounting	$ 12,000,000
Interest rate cash flow hedge loss to be reclassified during first three months, net				$ (3,000,000)
Borrowings, net of original issue discount			$ 7,219,000,000	2,501,000,000
Foreign exchange gains (losses) related to net investment hedge			131,000,000
Pre-tax unrealized losses related to foreign exchange contracts and interest rate derivatives			2,000,000
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative variable interest rate		1.00%
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | EURIBOR [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative variable interest rate		1.00%
Accrued Interest [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Payment to terminate hedge accounting	$ 1,000,000
Foreign Currency Denominated Debt [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Borrowings, net of original issue discount			$ 2,131,000,000		€ 2,025
Minimum [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of countries | Country			100		100
Foreign Exchange Risk Management [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of countries | Country			100		100
Service Contract Hedging and Royalty Hedging Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of interest rate contracts | Derivative			62		62
Notional amount			$ 300,000,000
Gains (losses) related to contracts			$ 1,000,000	$ (5,000,000)
Expiration year of hedge instruments			2,017
Service Contract Hedging and Royalty Hedging Contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps expiry date			Nov. 30, 2017
Service Contract Hedging Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of interest rate contracts | Derivative				15
Expiration year of hedge instruments				2,016
2014 Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of interest rate contracts | Agreement							6
Interest swaps accrual beginning date			Jun. 9, 2011
2014 Swaps [Member] | IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 600,000,000
Effective description of interest rate swaps			Effective between April and June 2014
Expiration description of interest rate swaps			Expire at various times from March 2017 through March 2021
2014 Swaps [Member] | Minimum [Member] | IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative swap interest rate		1.40%
2014 Swaps [Member] | Maximum [Member] | IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative swap interest rate		2.10%
Six Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps expiry date			Sep. 30, 2013
Six Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps expiry date			Mar. 31, 2016
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 1,000,000,000
Effective description of interest rate swaps			Effective at various times between April 2014 and April 2016
Expiration description of interest rate swaps			Expire at various times between April 2017 and April 2019
Premiums paid for interest rate caps		$ 21,000,000
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Minimum [Member] | IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest rate caps range of strike rates		2.00%
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Maximum [Member] | IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest rate caps range of strike rates		3.00%
2015 Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative fixed interest rate			2.10%		2.10%
2015 Swaps [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps expiry date			Mar. 31, 2017
2015 Swaps [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps expiry date			Mar. 31, 2020
2014 and 2015 Swaps [Member] | Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps effectively converted percent			48.00%		48.00%
2014 and 2015 Swaps [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps effectively converted percent			52.00%		52.00%

Derivatives - Summary of Fair V

Derivatives - Summary of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset fair value	$ 12,000,000
Derivative liability fair value	25,000,000	$ 11,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets and Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset fair value	11,000,000
Derivative liability fair value	9,000,000	5,000,000
Derivative notional amount	300,000,000	118,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | 2014 Swaps [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability fair value	15,000,000	6,000,000
Derivative notional amount	945,000,000	$ 440,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Deposits and Other Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset fair value	1,000,000
Derivative notional amount	1,000,000,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability fair value	1,000,000
Derivative notional amount	$ 189,000,000

Derivatives - Effect of Cash Fl

Derivatives - Effect of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - Derivatives Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Effect of cash flow hedging instruments on other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 24	$ 5	$ 2
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Effect of cash flow hedging instruments on other comprehensive income (loss)	16	(1)	(8)
Interest Rate Derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Effect of cash flow hedging instruments on other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 8	$ 6	$ 10

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other identifiable intangibles, net	$ 6,390	$ 368
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of total debt	7,298	$ 2,499
Level 3 [Member] | Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	17,199
Cost and equity method investments	82
Goodwill	10,727
Other identifiable intangibles, net	$ 6,390

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	$ 52
Fair value of liabilities	43	$ 15
Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	12
Fair value of liabilities	25	11
Contingent Consideration [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of liabilities	18	4
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	40
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	12
Fair value of liabilities	25	11
Level 2 [Member] | Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	12
Fair value of liabilities	25	11
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of liabilities	18	4
Level 3 [Member] | Contingent Consideration [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of liabilities	18	$ 4
Trading Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	40
Trading Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	$ 40

Fair Value Measurements - Chang

Fair Value Measurements - Changes in Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Accrued Expenses [Member] - Contingent Consideration [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Contingent Consideration	$ 4	$ 1	$ 13
Business combinations	19
Contingent consideration paid	(4)	(3)	(3)
Revaluations included in earnings and foreign currency translation adjustments	(1)	6	(9)
Ending Balance, Contingent Consideration	$ 18	$ 4	$ 1

Property and Equipment - Summar

Property and Equipment - Summary of Major Classes of Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 769	$ 510
Less accumulated depreciation	(363)	(322)
Property and equipment, net	406	188
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	333	187
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	338	257
Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	72	53
Motor vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 26	$ 13

Goodwill and Identifiable Int76

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets	$ 6,390
Identifiable intangible assets related to trade name	127
Estimated amortization expense, 2017	837
Estimated amortization expense, 2018	858
Estimated amortization expense, 2019	844
Estimated amortization expense, 2020	788
Estimated amortization expense, 2021	567
Goodwill impairment loss	$ 23

Goodwill and Identifiable Int77

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets - Summary of Amortization Expense Associated with Identifiable Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 210	$ 67	$ 58

Goodwill and Identifiable Int78

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets - Summary of Identifiable Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Identifiable Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	$ 6,737	$ 518
Accumulated Amortization	(474)	(278)
Net Amount	6,263	240
Client relationships and backlog [Member]
Identifiable Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	3,983	224
Accumulated Amortization	(125)	(76)
Net Amount	3,858	148
Databases [Member]
Identifiable Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	1,742
Accumulated Amortization	(87)
Net Amount	1,655
Software and related assets [Member]
Identifiable Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	619	279
Accumulated Amortization	(247)	(196)
Net Amount	372	83
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Identifiable Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	9
Net Amount	9
Trademarks and trade names [Member]
Identifiable Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	384	15
Accumulated Amortization	(15)	(6)
Net Amount	369	9
Trade names [Member]
Identifiable Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	$ 127	$ 128

Goodwill and Identifiable Int79

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets - Summary of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 720	$ 464
Business combinations	10,376	262
Impairment	(23)
Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other	(346)	(6)
Ending Balance	10,727	720
Commercial Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	70	70
Business combinations	9,698
Impairment	(23)
Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other	(330)
Ending Balance	9,415	70
Research & Development Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	602	346
Business combinations	611	262
Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other	(17)	(6)
Ending Balance	1,196	602
Integrated Engagement Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	48	48
Business combinations	67
Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other	1
Ending Balance	$ 116	$ 48

Accrued Expenses - Accrued Expe

Accrued Expenses - Accrued Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Compensation, including bonuses, fringe benefits and payroll taxes	$ 610	$ 401
Restructuring	102	14
Interest	42	5
Client contract related	502	271
Professional fees	69	10
Other	168	60
Total	$ 1,493	$ 761

Credit Arrangements - Summary o

Credit Arrangements - Summary of Credit Facilities (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016GBP (£)
Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility	$ 1,000,000,000
Interest Rate Description	LIBOR in the relevant currency borrowed plus a margin (Margin of 2.00% at December 31, 2016)
Receivables Financing Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility	$ 25,000,000
Interest Rate Description	LIBOR Market Index Rate (0.77% at December 31, 2016) plus 0.85% to 1.35% depending upon the Company’s debt rating
Rate	0.77%	0.77%
General Banking Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility	$ 12,000,000	£ 10,000,000
Interest Rate Description	Bank’s base rate (0.25% at December 31, 2016) plus 1%
LIBOR [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Rate	2.00%	2.00%
LIBOR [Member] | Receivables Financing Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Rate	1.62%	1.62%
Interest Rate spread on base rate	0.85%
LIBOR [Member] | Receivables Financing Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest Rate spread on base rate	0.85%
LIBOR [Member] | Receivables Financing Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest Rate spread on base rate	1.35%
Base Rate | General Banking Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Rate	0.25%	0.25%
Interest Rate spread on base rate	1.00%

Credit Arrangements - Additiona

Credit Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) € in Millions	Nov. 01, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2016USD ($)	May 12, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2016GBP (£)	Sep. 28, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2016EUR (€)
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt				$ (31,000,000)		$ (8,000,000)
Term A Loan [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Accelerated maturity date under certain circumstances				2,020	2,020
Term A loans due 2019 [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount		$ 884,000,000
Term A Loan Facility Due Two Thousand Twenty One
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount		$ 1,350,000,000
Term Loans [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayment of debt			$ 1,389,000,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			(8,000,000)
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Accelerated maturity date under certain circumstances		2,020
Debt instrument principal amount		$ 1,000,000,000
Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate maximum principal amount				$ 1,000,000,000
Outstanding borrowings				150,000,000
U.S. Dollars [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount				450,000,000
U S Dollars Euros Swiss Francs and Other Foreign Currencies [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount				400,000,000
US Dollars and Yen [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount				$ 150,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage				0.30%	0.30%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage				0.40%	0.40%
General Banking Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Bank guarantees				$ 6,000,000	£ 5,000,000
Aggregate maximum principal amount				12,000,000				£ 10,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate maximum principal amount				4,772,000,000
Outstanding borrowings				4,147,000,000
Remaining of debt commitments				$ 625,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] | Term Loans [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate maximum principal amount			1,450,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate maximum principal amount			$ 500,000,000
Percentage of excess cash flow for loan repayment				25.00%	25.00%
Percentage of equity interest of domestic subsidiaries pledged as collateral				100.00%			100.00%	100.00%
Percentage of equity interest of foreign subsidiaries pledged as collateral				66.00%			66.00%	66.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] | IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Term Loans [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayment of debt		$ 1,389,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of excess cash flow for loan repayment				0.00%	0.00%
Senior Secured Term A Loan due 2021 [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Scheduled principal payments				1.25%	1.25%
Debt instrument maturities month year				2021-10	2021-10
Senior Secured Term B Loan due 2021 [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Scheduled principal payments				0.25%	0.25%
Debt instrument maturities month year				2021-03	2021-03
Term Loan A and B [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of excess cash flow for loan repayment				50.00%	50.00%
6% Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayment of debt	$ 500,000,000
Rate	6.00%
Percentage of principal amount redeemable	101.50%
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ (8,000,000)
2016 Notes [Member] | IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount									$ 1,750,000,000
Debt instrument issuance date				Sep. 28, 2016	Sep. 28, 2016
Debt instrument interest payment terms				Interest on the 2016 Notes is payable semi-annually, beginning on April 15, 2017	Interest on the 2016 Notes is payable semi-annually, beginning on April 15, 2017
Debt instrument frequency of periodic interest payment				Semi-annually	Semi-annually
Debt instrument date of first interest payment				Apr. 15, 2017	Apr. 15, 2017
Debt instrument, redemption, description				The 5% Dollar Notes and the 3.5% Euro Notes may be redeemed, either together or separately, prior to their final stated maturity, subject to a customary make-whole premium, at any time prior to October 15, 2021 with respect to the 5% Dollar Notes and October 15, 2019 with respect to the 3.5% Euro Notes (in each case subject to a customary “equity claw” redemption right) and thereafter subject to annually declining redemption premiums at any time prior to October 15, 2024 with respect to the 5% Dollar Notes and October 15, 2021 with respect to the 3.5% Euro Notes.	The 5% Dollar Notes and the 3.5% Euro Notes may be redeemed, either together or separately, prior to their final stated maturity, subject to a customary make-whole premium, at any time prior to October 15, 2021 with respect to the 5% Dollar Notes and October 15, 2019 with respect to the 3.5% Euro Notes (in each case subject to a customary “equity claw” redemption right) and thereafter subject to annually declining redemption premiums at any time prior to October 15, 2024 with respect to the 5% Dollar Notes and October 15, 2021 with respect to the 3.5% Euro Notes.
5% Dollar Notes [Member] | IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount									$ 1,050,000,000
Debt instrument maturities month year				2026-10	2026-10
Rate									5.00%	5.00%
3.5% Euro Notes [Member] | IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount | €										€ 625
Debt instrument maturities month year				2024-10	2024-10
Rate									3.50%	3.50%
4.125% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member] | IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount | €							€ 275
Debt instrument maturities month year				2023-04	2023-04
Rate				4.125%			4.125%	4.125%
Percentage of principal amount redeemable				100.00%	100.00%
Debt instrument frequency of periodic interest payment				Interest on the 4.125% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually each year and commenced on October 1, 2015	Interest on the 4.125% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually each year and commenced on October 1, 2015
Debt instrument date of first interest payment				Oct. 1, 2015	Oct. 1, 2015
Debt instrument, redemption, description				The Company may redeem the 4.125% Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to April 1, 2018 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a "make-whole" premium. On or after April 1, 2018, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the 4.125% Senior Notes at predetermined redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the 4.125% Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.	The Company may redeem the 4.125% Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to April 1, 2018 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a "make-whole" premium. On or after April 1, 2018, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the 4.125% Senior Notes at predetermined redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the 4.125% Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
Receivables Financing Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate maximum principal amount				$ 25,000,000
Rate				0.77%			0.77%	0.77%
Securitization arrangement initiation date				Dec. 5, 2014	Dec. 5, 2014
Credit facility maturity period				4 years	4 years
Receivables Financing Facility [Member] | Term Loans [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate maximum principal amount				$ 275,000,000
Receivables Financing Facility [Member] | Revolving Loan Commitment [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate maximum principal amount				25,000,000
Increase in revolving loan commitment				35,000,000
Term Loan B-3 [Member] | Due 2018 [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayment of term loan				$ 25,000,000

Credit Arrangements - Summary83

Credit Arrangements - Summary of Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt	$ 7,219	$ 2,501
Less: unamortized discount	(12)	(24)
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs	(7)	(9)
Less: current portion	(92)	(49)
Long-term debt	7,108	2,419
Revolving credit facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt	375
Receivables Financing Facility [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt	275	275
Due in 2020 [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt		829
Due in 2022 [Member] | Term Loan B [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt		597
Due in 2023 [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt	800	$ 800
U.S. Dollars [Member] | Due in 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured Term A Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt	888
U.S. Dollars [Member] | Due in 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured Term B Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt	1,700
U.S. Dollars [Member] | Due in 2026 [Member] | 5.0% Senior Notes [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt	1,050
Euro LIBOR [Member] | Due in 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured Term A Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt	419
Euro LIBOR [Member] | Due in 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured Term B Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt	765
Euro LIBOR [Member] | Due in 2024 [Member] | 3.5% Senior Notes [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt	658
Euro LIBOR [Member] | Due in 2023 [Member] | 4.125% Senior Notes [Member]
Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
Long-term debt	$ 289

Credit Arrangements - Summary84

Credit Arrangements - Summary of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	May 12, 2015
Senior Secured Term A Loan [Member] | Due in 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2,021
Senior Secured Term A Loan [Member] | Due in 2021 [Member] | U.S. Dollars [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average floating rate	3.00%
Senior Secured Term A Loan [Member] | Due in 2021 [Member] | Euro LIBOR [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average floating rate	2.00%
Senior Secured Term B Loan [Member] | Due in 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2,021
Senior Secured Term B Loan [Member] | Due in 2021 [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2,021
Senior Secured Term B Loan [Member] | Due in 2021 [Member] | U.S. Dollars [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average floating rate	3.50%
Senior Secured Term B Loan [Member] | Due in 2021 [Member] | Euro LIBOR [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average floating rate	3.75%
Term Loan A [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate spread on base rate	1.75%
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	2.36%
Term Loan A [Member] | Due in 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2,020
Debt instrument interest rate terms, Description	LIBOR plus 1.75%, or 2.36%
Term Loan B [Member] | Due in 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2,022
Debt instrument interest rate terms, Description	The greater of LIBOR or 0.75% plus 2.50%, or 3.25%
5.0% Senior Notes [Member] | Due in 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2,026
5.0% Senior Notes [Member] | Due in 2026 [Member] | U.S. Dollars [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.00%
3.5% Senior Notes [Member] | Due in 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2,024
3.5% Senior Notes [Member] | Due in 2024 [Member] | Euro LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	3.50%
4.125% Senior Notes [Member] | Due in 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2,023
4.125% Senior Notes [Member] | Due in 2023 [Member] | Euro LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	4.125%
4.875% Senior Notes [Member] | Due in 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2,023
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	4.875%	4.875%	4.875%
Receivables Financing Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2,018
Debt instrument interest rate terms, Description	LIBOR plus 0.85%, or 1.62%
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	0.77%
Receivables Financing Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate spread on base rate	0.85%
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	1.62%
Revolving credit facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	2.00%
Revolving credit facility [Member] | U.S. Dollars [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average floating rate	2.73%

Credit Arrangements - Contractu

Credit Arrangements - Contractual Maturities of Long-term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,017	$ 92
2,018	367
2,019	92
2,020	92
2,021	3,781
Thereafter	2,795
Long-term debt	$ 7,219	$ 2,501

Credit Arrangements - Senior Se

Credit Arrangements - Senior Secured Credit Agreement - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	May 12, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt		$ (31,000,000)	$ (8,000,000)
Unamortized debt issuance cost		7,000,000	9,000,000
Unamortized discount		$ 12,000,000	$ 24,000,000
Term Loans [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayment of debt	$ 1,389,000,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(8,000,000)
Unamortized debt issuance cost	1,000,000
Unamortized discount	1,000,000
Fees and expenses	6,000,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument frequency of periodic interest payment		Interest on the 4.875% Senior Notes is paid semiannually on May 15 and November 15 of each year until maturity.
Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate maximum principal amount		$ 1,000,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate maximum principal amount		$ 4,772,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] | Term Loans [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate maximum principal amount	1,450,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Aggregate maximum principal amount	500,000,000
Due in 2023 [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount	$ 800,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	4.875%	4.875%	4.875%
Debt maturity year		2,023

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Rental expenses under agreement	$ 127	$ 109	$ 115
Operating lease year of expiry	2,029

Leases - Summary of Future Mini

Leases - Summary of Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, 2017	$ 171
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, 2018	123
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, 2019	94
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, 2020	75
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, 2021	56
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, Thereafter	159
Operating leases, total minimum lease payments	$ 678

Contingencies - Additional Info

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Jul. 23, 2015Individual	Feb. 13, 2014PrivateIndividual	Feb. 13, 2014USD ($)Medicaldoctor
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of plaintiffs		900	1,200
Amount recorded of potential noncompliance | $			$ 6
Number of defendants | Individual	24

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit90

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Nov. 01, 2016	Nov. 10, 2014	May 28, 2014	May 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 30, 2013
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, authorized					1,000,000			1,000,000
Preferred stock, par value					$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares issued					0	0		0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding					0	0		0
Equity repurchase program authorized amount									$ 125,000,000
Repurchase of stock, value					$ 98,000,000	$ 516,000,000	$ 415,000,000
Quest's non-controlling interest in Q2 Solutions					$ (1,000,000)
Q2 Solutions [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage of Quest's non-controlling interest in Q2 Solutions					40.00%			40.00%
Quest's non-controlling interest in Q2 Solutions					$ 227,000,000
Common Stock [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of stock, shares					1,500,000	7,800,000	7,600,000
Equity Repurchase Program [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Equity repurchase program authorized amount	$ 2,225,000,000					$ 725,000,000
Equity repurchase program increase in authorized amount	$ 1,500,000,000					600,000,000
Repurchase of stock, value					$ 1,098,000,000	$ 516,000,000		$ 1,678,000,000
Equity available for repurchase under the repurchase program					$ 547,000,000			547,000,000
Repurchase of stock, shares					14,300,000	7,800,000
Equity Repurchase Program [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of stock, value								59,000,000
Equity Repurchase Program [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of stock, value								$ 1,619,000,000
Other Equity Repurchases [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock, share price		$ 58.09	$ 50.23	$ 51.26
Repurchase price per share percentage				98.00%
Other Equity Repurchases [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Credit facility amount used to fund repurchase		$ 150,000,000
Other Equity Repurchases [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of stock, value		$ 250,000,000	$ 165,000,000
Repurchase of stock, shares		4,300,000	3,300,000
Quest [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Ownership percentage					60.00%			60.00%

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit91

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - Summary of Share Repurchases Made Under Repurchase Program (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended			38 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price	$ 98	$ 516	$ 415
Equity Repurchase Program [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares repurchased	14.3	7.8
Aggregate purchase price	$ 1,098	$ 516		$ 1,678
Average price per share	$ 76.57	$ 65.56	$ 47.51

Business Combinations - Additio

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Oct. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 10,727	$ 720	$ 464
Fair value of consideration transferred in connection with business combinations			10,425	423
Acquisition related costs			36
Commercial Solutions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			9,415	70	70
Research & Development Solutions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			1,196	602	346
Integrated Engagement Services [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			116	$ 48	$ 48
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	Oct. 3, 2016
Goodwill			10,288
Acquisition related costs			36
Revenues since acquisition			806
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Commercial Solutions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			9,688
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Research & Development Solutions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			533
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Integrated Engagement Services [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 67
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Merger agreement, stock for stock exchange ratio	38.40%		38.40%
Business acquisition through merger, consideration in stock	$ 10,400
Business acquisition through merger, consideration in stock, shares issued	126.6
Quest [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition		Jul. 1, 2015
Goodwill			$ 262
Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired		40.00%
Fair value of consideration transferred in connection with business combinations		$ 423

Business Combinations - Summary

Business Combinations - Summary of Estimated Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired at the Date of Acquisitions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets acquired:
Goodwill	$ 10,727	$ 720	$ 464
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents	2,031
Accounts receivable and unbilled services	528
Prepaid expenses	85
Other current assets	145
Property and equipment	247
Goodwill	10,288
Other identifiable intangibles	6,435
Deferred income tax asset - long-term	25
Other long-term assets	71
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(700)
Unearned income	(175)
Current portion of long-term debt	(88)
Other current liabilities	(45)
Long-term debt, less current portion	(6,070)
Deferred income tax liability - long-term	(2,104)
Other long-term liabilities	(248)
Net assets acquired	10,425
Quest [Member]
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents	32
Accounts receivable and unbilled services	6
Prepaid expenses	1
Other current assets	4
Property and equipment	16
Goodwill	262
Other identifiable intangibles	126
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(13)
Deferred income tax liability - long-term	(10)
Other long-term liabilities	(1)
Net assets acquired	$ 423

Business Combinations - Summa94

Business Combinations - Summary Of Identifiable Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other identifiable intangibles	$ 6,435
Amortized over a weighted average useful life (in years)	18 years
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Client relationships [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other identifiable intangibles	$ 3,960
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Finite lived trade name [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other identifiable intangibles	385
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Databases [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other identifiable intangibles	1,820
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Software and related assets [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other identifiable intangibles	270
Quest [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other identifiable intangibles	$ 126
Amortized over a weighted average useful life (in years)	9 years
Quest [Member] | Client relationships [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other identifiable intangibles	$ 74
Quest [Member] | Backlog [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other identifiable intangibles	33
Quest [Member] | Finite lived trade name [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other identifiable intangibles	$ 19

Business Combinations - Summa95

Business Combinations - Summary of Pro Forma Results (Detail) - IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 7,784	$ 7,180
Reimbursed expenses	1,514	1,411
Total revenues	9,298	8,591
Net income attributable to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc.	$ 42	$ 450
Earnings per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic	$ 0.17	$ 1.80
Diluted	$ 0.17	$ 1.76

Business Combinations - Schedul

Business Combinations - Schedule of Preliminary Allocation of Purchase to Certain Tangible and Intangible Assets Acquired and Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price, net of cash acquired	$ (1,887)	$ (32)	$ 92
Goodwill	10,727	$ 720	464
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price, net of cash acquired	136		92
Total intangible assets	48		14
Acquisition-related costs	1		1
Goodwill	88		63
Portion of goodwill deductible for income tax purposes			63
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Contract backlog and client relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets	$ 31		9
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Contract backlog and client relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization Period	6 years
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Contract backlog and client relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization Period	10 years
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets	$ 9
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization Period	2 years
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization Period	5 years
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Backlog [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets	$ 7		1
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Backlog [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization Period	1 year
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Backlog [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization Period	2 years
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Databases [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization Period	2 years
Total intangible assets	$ 1
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Finite lived trade name [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets			1
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Finite lived trade name [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization Period	2 years
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Finite lived trade name [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization Period	4 years
Three Unrelated Individually Immaterial Acquisitions [Member] | Software and related assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization Period	3 years
Total intangible assets			$ 3

Restructuring - Additional Info

Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended	36 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$ 71	$ 30	$ 9
Quest [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs				$ 10
2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$ 33
2015 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs				$ 23
2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs					$ 11

Restructuring - Summary of Amou

Restructuring - Summary of Amounts Recorded for Restructuring Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserves, beginning balance	$ 14	$ 6
Expense, net of reversals	63	31
Acquisitions	80
Payments	(50)	(24)
Foreign currency translation		1
Foreign currency translation and other	(5)
Restructuring reserves, ending balance	102	14
Severance and Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserves, beginning balance	12	5
Expense, net of reversals	60	30
Acquisitions	80
Payments	(48)	(23)
Foreign currency translation and other	(5)
Restructuring reserves, ending balance	99	12
Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserves, beginning balance	2	1
Expense, net of reversals	3	1
Payments	(2)	(1)
Foreign currency translation		1
Restructuring reserves, ending balance	$ 3	$ 2

Impairment Charges - Additional

Impairment Charges - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Impairment Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss	$ 23
Encore [Member]
Impairment Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss	23
Identifiable intangible assets impairment loss	$ 5

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Before Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	$ 479	$ 539	$ 501
Domestic [Member]
Income Before Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	(85)	68	96
Foreign [Member]
Income Before Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	$ 564	$ 471	$ 405

Income Taxes - Components of101

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense Attributable to Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal and state	$ 64	$ 51	$ 62
Foreign	129	109	95
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	193	160	157
Federal and state	166	5	(5)
Foreign	(14)	(6)	(3)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	152	(1)	(8)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 345	$ 159	$ 149

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Statutory U.S. tax rate	35.00%
Foreign earnings	$ 2,801
Deferred income taxes	625
Deferred income tax assets, tax deferred expense	252
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	3,564
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiary, taxable upon repatriation	2,894
Deferred income tax liability, net of foreign income tax credits upon repatriation	590
Indefinitely reinvested undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	670
Additional tax liability on Indefinitely reinvested undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	176
Increase in valuation allowances	131
Valuation Allowance	153	$ 22
Gross unrecognized income tax benefits	64	30	$ 41	$ 55
Addition/(Reduction) of interest and penalties recorded	2	(2)	1
Accrued interest and penalties	11	3
Income tax benefit	$ (345)	(159)	(149)
Quintiles East Asia [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income tax benefit		$ 2	$ 2
Income tax holiday period	Through June 2015
Outcome Europe Sarl [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Earnings per share		$ 0.02	$ 0.02
Federal State And Foreign Tax [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Gross unrecognized income tax benefits	$ 6
Foreign Tax [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Gross unrecognized income tax benefits	2
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Foreign earnings current	1,865
Deferred income taxes	373
Deferred tax liabilities related to intangible amortization	2,308
Tax credit and tax loss carryforwards, tax effect	528
Valuation Allowance	129
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Indefinite Period [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax credit and tax loss carryforwards, tax effect	29
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax credit and tax loss carryforwards, tax effect	$ 499
Tax credit and tax loss carryforwards expiration period	2,017

Income Taxes - Effective Income

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate	$ 167	$ 189	$ 175
Research and development	(11)	(13)	(17)
Foreign nontaxable interest income	(8)	(9)	(10)
United States taxes recorded on foreign earnings	252	38	19
Foreign rate differential	(60)	(49)	(31)
Other	5	3	13
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 345	$ 159	$ 149

Income Taxes - Income Tax Effec

Income Taxes - Income Tax Effects of Temporary Differences from Continuing Operations that Give Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Income Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred income tax assets:
Net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards	$ 242	$ 26
Tax credit carryforwards	267	16
Accrued expenses and unearned income	75	23
Employee benefits	273	124
Other	32	13
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total	889	202
Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets	(153)	(22)
Total deferred income tax assets	736	180
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Undistributed foreign earnings	(590)	(37)
Amortization and depreciation	(2,026)	(53)
Other	(164)	(12)
Total deferred income tax liabilities	(2,780)	(102)
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$ (2,044)
Net deferred income tax (liabilities) assets		$ 78

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Gross Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 30	$ 41	$ 55
IMS Health balance as of Merger	37
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	3	2	3
Additions for income tax positions of prior years	7	9	1
Impact of changes in exchange rates	(3)	(1)
Reductions for income tax positions of prior years	(1)	(2)	(6)
Reductions due to the lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(9)	(19)	(12)
Ending balance	$ 64	$ 30	$ 41

Income Taxes - Summary of Tax Y

Income Taxes - Summary of Tax Years Open for Examination (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
United States [Member] | Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax year	2,013
United States [Member] | Latest Tax Year [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax year	2,015
India [Member] | Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax year	2,006
India [Member] | Latest Tax Year [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax year	2,016
Japan [Member] | Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax year	2,011
Japan [Member] | Latest Tax Year [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax year	2,015
United Kingdom [Member] | Latest Tax Year [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax year	2,015
Switzerland [Member] | Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax year	2,012
Switzerland [Member] | Latest Tax Year [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax year	2,015

Employee Benefit Plans - Pensio

Employee Benefit Plans - Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	Oct. 3, 2016
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation for other postretirement benefits		$ 4
Other postretirement benefits liability		4
Accrued expenses		1
Other long-term liabilities		$ 3

Employee Benefit Plans - Summar

Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Changes in Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets and Funded Status of Pension Benefit Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Expected return on plan assets	$ (13)	$ (4)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Actual return on plan assets	10	1
United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Service costs	4
Interest cost	3
Expected return on plan assets	(6)
Actuarial gains	(30)
Business combinations	333
Benefits paid	(2)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	308
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Actual return on plan assets	5
Contributions	1
Business combinations	308
Benefits paid	(2)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	312
Funded status	4
Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	154	147
Service costs	18	15	$ 13
Interest cost	5	3	4
Expected return on plan assets	(6)	(3)	(4)
Actuarial gains	(8)	(2)
Business combinations	377	2
Benefits paid	(9)	(6)
Foreign currency fluctuations and other	(29)	(2)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	508	154	147
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	87	88
Actual return on plan assets	4	1
Contributions	9	6
Business combinations	284	2
Benefits paid	(9)	(6)
Foreign currency fluctuations and other	(27)	(4)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	348	87	$ 88
Funded status	$ (160)	$ (67)

Employee Benefit Plans - Sum109

Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets Related to the Pension Benefit Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deposits and other assets	$ 45
Accrued expenses	1
Other long-term liabilities	40
United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member] | Actuarial Net (Gain) Loss [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
AOCI	29
Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deposits and other assets	13	$ 19
Accrued expenses	9	5
Other long-term liabilities	164	81
Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member] | Actuarial Net (Gain) Loss [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
AOCI	$ (8)	$ (14)

Employee Benefit Plans - Accumu

Employee Benefit Plans - Accumulated Benefit Obligation For Pension Benefit Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Contribution And Defined Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 303
Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Contribution And Defined Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 469	$ 139

Employee Benefit Plans - Sum111

Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets and Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 43
Fair value of plan assets	2
Projected benefit obligation	44
Fair value of plan assets	2
Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	409	$ 83
Fair value of plan assets	271	8
Projected benefit obligation	444	95
Fair value of plan assets	$ 271	$ 8

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected return on plan assets	$ (13)	$ (4)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss:
Amortization of actuarial losses	(1)	(1)
United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	4
Interest cost	3
Expected return on plan assets	(6)
Amortization of prior service costs	0
Net periodic benefit cost	1
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss:
Actuarial loss (gain) - current years	(29)
Amortization of prior service costs	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	(29)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss	(28)
Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	18	15	$ 13
Interest cost	5	3	4
Expected return on plan assets	(6)	(3)	(4)
Amortization of actuarial losses	1	1
Amortization of prior service costs	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	18	16	13
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss:
Actuarial loss (gain) - current years	(5)
Prior service (cost) credit - current years	0
Amortization of actuarial losses	(1)	(1)
Amortization of prior service costs	0	0	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	(6)	(1)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss	$ 12	$ 15	$ 13

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedu

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Benefit Obligations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.62%
Rate of compensation increases	3.00%
Expected return on plan assets	7.94%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.17%
Rate of compensation increases	3.00%
Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	1.88%	2.46%	3.01%
Rate of compensation increases	5.27%	4.32%	4.36%
Expected return on plan assets	4.26%	4.05%	5.21%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	1.68%	2.50%
Rate of compensation increases	5.17%	4.37%
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	2.40%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	2.90%

Employee Benefit Plans - Define

Employee Benefit Plans - Defined Contribution Plans And Defined Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2017	Jan. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return, minimum		4.20%
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return, maximum		9.00%
Defined benefit plan, expected rate of return on plan assets				$ 13	$ 4
Actual return on plan assets				$ 10	1
Company's assumed health care cost trend rate for the next seven years				7.00%
Company's assumed ultimate health care cost trend rate				5.00%
Year in which ultimate cost trend rate is assumed to reach				2,021
Expenses related to matching contributions				$ 39	$ 36	$ 31
Scenario Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and postretirement benefit contributions			$ 23
U.S. Government Treasury Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash balance crediting rate as a portion of yield				8.33%
Investment credit term				30 years
Cash balance credit rate percentage				0.25%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return, minimum	0.80%
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return, maximum	9.00%
United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate				3.62%
Defined benefit plan, expected rate of return on plan assets				$ 6
Actual return on plan assets				$ 5
United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, percentage of expected rate of return on plan assets	8.00%
United Kingdom Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate					3.80%
United States and United Kingdom pension plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated benefit obligation					76.00%
Minimum [Member] | Non-United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate				0.30%	0.75%
Minimum [Member] | United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate				2.90%
Minimum [Member] | United Kingdom Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate				2.35%
Maximum [Member] | Non-United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate				11.60%	10.80%
Maximum [Member] | United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate				4.23%
Maximum [Member] | United Kingdom Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate				2.60%

Employee Benefit Plans - Sch115

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Pension Plan Weighted Average Asset Allocations (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	100.00%
Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	57.43%	25.22%
Equity Securities [Member] | United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	70.09%
Equity Securities [Member] | Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	46.09%	25.22%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	19.39%	56.64%
Debt Securities [Member] | United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	24.94%
Debt Securities [Member] | Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	14.42%	56.64%
Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	2.35%
Real Estate [Member] | United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	4.97%
Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	20.83%	18.14%
Other [Member] | Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined pension plan weighted average asset allocations	39.49%	18.14%

Employee Benefit Plans - Sch116

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Target Asset Allocation for Pension Plans (Detail)	Jan. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, minimum	4.20%
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, maximum	9.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, minimum		45.00%
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, maximum		65.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, minimum		60.00%
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, maximum		80.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, minimum		35.00%
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, maximum		50.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, minimum		10.00%
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, maximum		30.00%
Debt Securities [Member] | United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, minimum		20.00%
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, maximum		30.00%
Debt Securities [Member] | Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, minimum		10.00%
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, maximum		20.00%
Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, minimum		0.00%
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, maximum		5.00%
Real Estate [Member] | United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, minimum		0.00%
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, maximum		10.00%
Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, minimum		10.00%
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, maximum		30.00%
Other [Member] | Non-United States Pension Benefits Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, minimum		30.00%
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage, maximum		45.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Sch117

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	$ 113
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value ("NAV")	199
Plan assets measured at fair value, Total	312
United States [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	113
Plan assets measured at fair value, Total	113
United States [Member] | Domestic Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	32
United States [Member] | Domestic Equities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	32
United States [Member] | International Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	20
United States [Member] | International Equities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	20
United States [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	46
United States [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	46
United States [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	15
United States [Member] | Real Estate [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	15
Non-United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	267	$ 87
Common/collective trusts measured at net asset value ("NAV")	81
Plan assets measured at fair value, Total	348	87
Non-United States [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	2
Plan assets measured at fair value, Total	2
Non-United States [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	265	87
Plan assets measured at fair value, Total	265	87
Non-United States [Member] | International Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	57	22
Non-United States [Member] | International Equities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	57	22
Non-United States [Member] | Debt Issued by National, State or Local Government [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	50	49
Non-United States [Member] | Debt Issued by National, State or Local Government [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	2
Non-United States [Member] | Debt Issued by National, State or Local Government [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	48	49
Non-United States [Member] | Diversified Growth Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	14	15
Non-United States [Member] | Diversified Growth Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	14	15
Non-United States [Member] | Investments Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	7
Non-United States [Member] | Investments Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	7
Non-United States [Member] | Insurance Contracts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	133
Non-United States [Member] | Insurance Contracts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	133
Non-United States [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	6	1
Non-United States [Member] | Other [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy	$ 6	$ 1

Employee Benefit Plans - Sch118

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments, Net of Expected Participants Contributions for Pension Benefits (Detail) - Pension Benefits [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,017	$ 29
2,018	31
2,019	34
2,020	38
2,021	42
Years 2022 through 2026	210
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Future Benefit Payments, Total	$ 384

Employee Benefit Plans - Other

Employee Benefit Plans - Other Plans - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Supplemental Pension Benefits [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Obligation provides to certain executives	$ 1
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Obligation provides to certain executives	$ 12

Employee Benefit Plans - Stock

Employee Benefit Plans - Stock Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2016	Jul. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted			783,700
Risk-free interest rate, Minimum			0.32%	1.06%	0.28%
Risk-free interest rate, Maximum			2.19%	2.04%	2.21%
Dividend yield			0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility, Minimum			20.00%	26.00%	26.00%
Expected volatility, Maximum			30.00%	41.00%	43.00%
Stock-based compensation			$ 80,000	$ 38,000	$ 30,000
Recognized future income tax benefit			24,000	$ 9,000	$ 8,000
Unrecognized non-vested stock-based compensation			$ 117,000
Weighted average period of stock-based compensation			1 year 3 months 18 days
Expiry period of options from grant date			10 years
Percentage of options granted per annum		20.00%
Weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding			5 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average remaining contractual life of the options exercisable			4 years 10 months 24 days
Aggregate intrinsic value of the exercisable stock options and the stock options expected to vest			$ 298,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average fair value per share of options granted			$ 17.91	$ 21.96	$ 18.72
Total intrinsic value of options exercised			$ 155,000	$ 144,000	$ 77,000
Proceeds from options exercised			$ 101,000	$ 59,000	$ 33,000
Second Anniversary of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			25.00%
Third Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			33.00%
Fourth Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			67.00%
Vesting Scenario One [Member] | First Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member] | Non Employee Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			100.00%
Vesting Scenario Two [Member] | Second Anniversary of Grant Date [Member] | Non Employee Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			33.00%
Vesting Scenario Two [Member] | Third Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			33.00%
Vesting Scenario Two [Member] | First Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member] | Non Employee Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			34.00%
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (in years)			3 months 18 days	3 years 8 months 12 days	1 year 6 months
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (in years)			6 years 7 months 6 days	6 years 8 months 12 days	6 years 8 months 12 days
Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total intrinsic value of options exercised			$ 40
Weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding			8 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average remaining contractual life of the options exercisable			7 years 10 months 24 days
Aggregate intrinsic value of the exercisable stock options and the stock options expected to vest			$ 18,000
Stock appreciation rights vesting description			The SSRs are eligible to vest in equal increments of 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant.
Weighted average remaining contractual life of SARs outstanding			7 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted average remaining contractual life of SARs exercisable			6 years 7 months 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable expected to vest			$ 11,000
Number of stock units outstanding			1,313,322
Intrinsic value of stock units outstanding			$ 18,000	$ 0
Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled [Member] | Second Anniversary of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			25.00%
Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled [Member] | Third Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			25.00%
Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled [Member] | Fourth Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			25.00%
Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled [Member] | First Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			25.00%
Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for future grant			15,200,000
Stock Appreciation Rights - Cash Settled [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights vesting description			These awards either (i) vest 25% per year or (ii) vest 33% on the third anniversary of the date of grant and 67% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant; or (iii) one-third per year beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
Fair value of Stock Appreciation Rights granted			$ 34.25	$ 29.79	$ 27.17
Cash paid to settle exercised SARs			$ 2,000	$ 1,000	$ 400
Number of stock units outstanding			479,176	530,701
Intrinsic value of stock units outstanding			$ 11,000	$ 10,000
Stock Appreciation Rights - Cash Settled [Member] | Third Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			33.00%
Stock Appreciation Rights - Cash Settled [Member] | Fourth Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			67.00%
Stock Appreciation Rights - Cash Settled [Member] | 25% per year [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			25.00%
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			25.00%
Fair value of Stock Appreciation Rights granted			$ 81.06
Number of days for stock units to settle in common stock from vesting date			45 days
Number of stock units outstanding			400,000
Intrinsic value of stock units outstanding			$ 28,000
Number of units			367,053
Restricted Stock [Member] | Third Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			33.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | Fourth Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			67.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | First Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			33.33%
Restricted Stock [Member] | Vesting Scenario One [Member] | Second Anniversary of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			50.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | Vesting Scenario One [Member] | Fourth Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			50.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | Vesting Scenario Two [Member] | First Anniversary Of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted per annum			33.33%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of Stock Appreciation Rights granted			$ 68.65
Number of stock units outstanding			1,700,000
Intrinsic value of stock units outstanding			$ 131,000
Number of units			1,720,817	359,553
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of Stock Appreciation Rights granted			$ 64.67
Number of units				49,667
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate, Minimum			0.87%
Risk-free interest rate, Maximum			1.49%
Dividend yield			0.00%
Expected volatility, Minimum			26.00%
Expected volatility, Maximum			31.00%
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (in years)			2 years 7 months 6 days
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (in years)			7 years 7 months 6 days
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance units target percentage			100.00%
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance units target percentage			100.00%	187.00%
Number of units			0
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Merger agreement, stock for stock exchange ratio	38.40%		38.40%
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Merger agreement, stock for stock exchange ratio			38.40%
IMS Health Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Restricted Stock Awards And Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Merger agreement, stock for stock exchange ratio			38.40%
2010 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted			0

Employee Benefit Plans - Assump

Employee Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used to Estimate Value of Stock-Based Compensation for Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Issued (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items]
Expected volatility, Minimum	20.00%	26.00%	26.00%
Expected volatility, Maximum	30.00%	41.00%	43.00%
Weighted average expected volatility	28.00%	34.00%	36.00%
Expected dividends	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate, Minimum	0.32%	1.06%	0.28%
Risk-free interest rate, Maximum	2.19%	2.04%	2.21%
Minimum [Member]
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items]
Expected term (in years)	3 months 18 days	3 years 8 months 12 days	1 year 6 months
Maximum [Member]
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items]
Expected term (in years)	6 years 7 months 6 days	6 years 8 months 12 days	6 years 8 months 12 days

Employee Benefit Plans - Sum122

Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of Options Outstanding at Beginning Balance	6,647,999
Number of Options, Granted	783,700
Number of Options, Assumed - Merger	3,563,037
Number of Options, Exercised	(3,385,720)
Number of Options, Canceled	(357,677)
Number of Options Outstanding at Ending Balance	7,251,339
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at Beginning Balance	$ 38.04
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	64.66
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Assumed - Merger	19.05
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	29.69
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Canceled	51.21
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at Ending Balance	$ 34.83
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 299	$ 204

Employee Benefit Plans - Sch123

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Exercise Price Range $8.34 - $14.63 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options Outstanding | shares	1,160,999
Exercise Price Lower Range Outstanding	$ 8.34
Exercise Price Upper Range Outstanding	14.63
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding	$ 9.19
Weighted Average Remaining Life Outstanding (in years)	3 years 6 months 18 days
Number of Options Exercisable | shares	1,160,999
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 9.19
Exercise Price Range $15.11 - $23.70 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options Outstanding | shares	1,167,220
Exercise Price Lower Range Outstanding	$ 15.11
Exercise Price Upper Range Outstanding	23.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding	$ 18.18
Weighted Average Remaining Life Outstanding (in years)	3 years 10 months 10 days
Number of Options Exercisable | shares	1,128,911
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.16
Exercise Price Range $24.59 - $26.05 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options Outstanding | shares	1,216,960
Exercise Price Lower Range Outstanding	$ 24.59
Exercise Price Upper Range Outstanding	26.05
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding	$ 25.65
Weighted Average Remaining Life Outstanding (in years)	4 years 1 month 17 days
Number of Options Exercisable | shares	1,216,960
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 25.65
Exercise Price Range $28.13 - $40.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options Outstanding | shares	1,299,632
Exercise Price Lower Range Outstanding	$ 28.13
Exercise Price Upper Range Outstanding	40
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding	$ 34.47
Weighted Average Remaining Life Outstanding (in years)	5 years 10 months 17 days
Number of Options Exercisable | shares	831,112
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 33.84
Exercise Price Range $42.74 - $64.67 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options Outstanding | shares	1,620,603
Exercise Price Lower Range Outstanding	$ 42.74
Exercise Price Upper Range Outstanding	64.67
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding	$ 57.71
Weighted Average Remaining Life Outstanding (in years)	8 years 22 days
Number of Options Exercisable | shares	648,436
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 57.64
Exercise Price Range $64.86 - $77.11 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options Outstanding | shares	785,925
Exercise Price Lower Range Outstanding	$ 64.86
Exercise Price Upper Range Outstanding	77.11
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding	$ 65.10
Weighted Average Remaining Life Outstanding (in years)	8 years 26 days
Number of Options Exercisable | shares	364,350
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 65.02

Employee Benefit Plans - Sch124

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock Appreciation Rights - Stock Settled [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of SARs Assumed - Merger	1,351,647
Number of SARs Exercised	(3,205)
Number of SARs Canceled	(35,120)
Number of SARs Outstanding Ending Balance	1,313,322
Weighed Average Exercise Price Assumed - Merger	$ 62.13
Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised	65.16
Weighted Average Exercise Price Canceled	61.72
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding Ending Balance	$ 62.13
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 18	$ 0
Stock Appreciation Rights - Cash Settled [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of SARs Outstanding Beginning Balance	530,701
Number of SARs Granted	40,400
Number of SARs Exercised	(55,600)
Number of SARs Canceled	(36,325)
Number of SARs Outstanding Ending Balance	479,176
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding Beginning Balance	$ 50.46
Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted	70.34
Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised	44.49
Weighted Average Exercise Price Canceled	55.78
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding Ending Balance	$ 52.42
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 11	$ 10

Employee Benefit Plans - Sum125

Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Company's RSU Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Units Non-vested Beginning Balance | shares	359,553
Number of Units Granted | shares	494,681
Number of Units Assumed - Merger | shares	1,054,567
Number of Performance units converted to RSUs | shares	144,239
Number of Units Vested | shares	(252,462)
Number of Units Canceled | shares	(79,761)
Number of Units Non-vested Ending Balance | shares	1,720,817
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 60.60
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Granted | $ / shares	68.65
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Assumed - Merger | $ / shares	80.20
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Performance units converted to RSUs | $ / shares	64.77
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Vested | $ / shares	64.93
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Canceled | $ / shares	65.80
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 74.40

Employee Benefit Plans - Sum126

Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Company's Performance Units Activity (Detail) - Performance Shares [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Units Non-vested Beginning Balance | shares	49,667
Number of Units Granted | shares	119,839
Number of Units Additional goal achievement shares | shares	12,727
Number of Units Vested | shares	(59,830)
Number of Units Canceled | shares	(122,403)
Number of Units Non-vested Ending Balance | shares
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 64.93
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Granted | $ / shares	64.67
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Additional goal achievement shares | $ / shares	64.93
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Vested | $ / shares	64.79
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Canceled | $ / shares	64.74
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 64.93

Employee Benefit Plans - Sum127

Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Company's Restricted Stock Awards (Detail) - Restricted Stock [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Units Granted | shares	86,356
Number of Units Assumed - Merger | shares	367,053
Number of Units Canceled | shares	(86,356)
Number of Units Non-vested Ending Balance | shares	367,053
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Granted | $ / shares	$ 81.06
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Assumed - Merger | $ / shares	80.20
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Canceled | $ / shares	81.06
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 80.20

Employee Benefit Plans - Employ

Employee Benefit Plans - Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Other - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Stock Purchase Plan And Cost Reduction Initiative Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of shares issued for purchases under ESPP			50,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan And Cost Reduction Initiative Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of shares issued for purchases under ESPP	100,000	100,000
Employee stock purchase plan payroll deductions percent	10.00%
Discount on closing price of share	15.00%
Fair market value of shares under ESPP	$ 25,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan And Cost Reduction Initiative Disclosure [Line Items]
Aggregate number of shares that may be issued under ESPP	2,500,000

Related Party Transactions - Ad

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Board of Directors Chairman [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Business related travel expense				$ 1,000,000	$ 2,000,000
HUYA Bioscience International, LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Additional consideration agreement		$ 17,000,000
Gain on termination of collaboration agreement	$ 5,000,000
HUYA Bioscience International, LLC [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party fund to research and development activity		$ 2,000,000
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fee for services			$ 6,000,000	7,000,000	2,000,000
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fee for services			$ 8,000,000	$ 32,000,000	$ 400,000

Operations by Geographic Loc130

Operations by Geographic Location - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Operations By Geographic Location [Abstract]
Minimum percentage of revenue account for major country	10.00%

Operations by Geographic Loc131

Operations by Geographic Location - Operations Within Geographic Region (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,953	$ 1,136	$ 1,167	$ 1,108	$ 1,129	$ 1,093	$ 1,074	$ 1,030	$ 5,364	$ 4,326	$ 4,165
Reimbursed expenses									1,514	1,411	1,295
Total revenues									6,878	5,737	5,460
Americas [Member]
Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,378	1,973	1,784
Americas [Member] | United States [Member]
Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,145	1,788	1,589
Americas [Member] | Other [Member]
Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues									233	185	195
Europe and Africa [Member]
Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,055	1,647	1,677
Europe and Africa [Member] | Other [Member]
Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,594	1,237	1,275
Europe and Africa [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]
Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues									461	410	402
Asia-Pacific [Member]
Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues									931	706	704
Asia-Pacific [Member] | Other [Member]
Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues									344	263	232
Asia-Pacific [Member] | Japan [Member]
Geographic Information [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 587	$ 443	$ 472

Operations by Geographic Loc132

Operations by Geographic Location - Long Lived Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long Lived Assets Geographic [Line Items]
Property, equipment and software, net	$ 779	$ 271
Americas [Member]
Long Lived Assets Geographic [Line Items]
Property, equipment and software, net	455	171
Americas [Member] | United States [Member]
Long Lived Assets Geographic [Line Items]
Property, equipment and software, net	430	170
Americas [Member] | Other [Member]
Long Lived Assets Geographic [Line Items]
Property, equipment and software, net	25	1
Europe and Africa [Member]
Long Lived Assets Geographic [Line Items]
Property, equipment and software, net	254	78
Europe and Africa [Member] | Other [Member]
Long Lived Assets Geographic [Line Items]
Property, equipment and software, net	214	32
Europe and Africa [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]
Long Lived Assets Geographic [Line Items]
Property, equipment and software, net	40	46
Asia-Pacific [Member]
Long Lived Assets Geographic [Line Items]
Property, equipment and software, net	70	22
Asia-Pacific [Member] | Other [Member]
Long Lived Assets Geographic [Line Items]
Property, equipment and software, net	34	9
Asia-Pacific [Member] | Japan [Member]
Long Lived Assets Geographic [Line Items]
Property, equipment and software, net	$ 36	$ 13

Segments - Additional Informati

Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

Segments - Operations by Report

Segments - Operations by Reportable Segments (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,953,000,000	$ 1,136,000,000	$ 1,167,000,000	$ 1,108,000,000	$ 1,129,000,000	$ 1,093,000,000	$ 1,074,000,000	$ 1,030,000,000	$ 5,364,000,000	$ 4,326,000,000	$ 4,165,000,000
Costs of revenue									3,236,000,000	2,705,000,000	2,664,000,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses									1,011,000,000	815,000,000	781,000,000
Depreciation and amortization									(289,000,000)	(128,000,000)	(121,000,000)
Restructuring costs									(71,000,000)	(30,000,000)	(9,000,000)
Merger related costs									(87,000,000)
Impairment charges									(28,000,000)	(2,000,000)	0
Income (loss) from operations	$ 144,000,000	$ 168,000,000	$ 151,000,000	$ 179,000,000	$ 178,000,000	$ 166,000,000	$ 159,000,000	$ 143,000,000	642,000,000	646,000,000	590,000,000
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment profit									1,253,000,000	921,000,000	826,000,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Commercial Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,096,000,000	323,000,000	230,000,000
Costs of revenue									644,000,000	239,000,000	174,000,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses									216,000,000	65,000,000	52,000,000
Segment profit									236,000,000	19,000,000	4,000,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Research & Development Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									3,472,000,000	3,159,000,000	3,050,000,000
Costs of revenue									1,953,000,000	1,779,000,000	1,764,000,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses									577,000,000	556,000,000	542,000,000
Segment profit									942,000,000	824,000,000	744,000,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Integrated Engagement Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									796,000,000	844,000,000	885,000,000
Costs of revenue									639,000,000	687,000,000	726,000,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses									82,000,000	79,000,000	81,000,000
Segment profit									75,000,000	78,000,000	78,000,000
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses									136,000,000	115,000,000	106,000,000
Segment profit									$ (136,000,000)	$ (115,000,000)	$ (106,000,000)

Earnings Per Share - Reconciles

Earnings Per Share - Reconciles the Basic to Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	149.1	123	128
Effect of dilutive stock options and share awards	2.9	2.6	3.1
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	152	125.6	131.1

Earnings Per Share - Summary of

Earnings Per Share - Summary of Weighted-Average Outstanding Stock-Based Awards Excluded from Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total shares excluded from diluted earnings per share	1.2	1.1	1.2
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total shares excluded from diluted earnings per share	0.1	0.1
Share-Based Awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total shares excluded from diluted earnings per share	1.1	1	1.2

Comprehensive Income - Summary

Comprehensive Income - Summary of Components of AOCI (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ (564)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax	(481)	$ (65)	$ (61)
Reclassification adjustments, before tax	22	13	2
Ending Balance	8,633	(564)
Beginning Balance	34	31	26
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, tax	(5)	9	7
Reclassification adjustments, tax	(7)	(6)	(2)
Ending Balance	22	34	31
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(117)	(56)	(6)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax	(506)	(61)	(50)
Ending Balance	(623)	(117)	(56)
Marketable Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			6
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax			(1)
Reclassification adjustments, before tax			(5)
Derivative Instruments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(14)	(19)	(21)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax	(4)	(13)	(7)
Reclassification adjustments, before tax	28	18	9
Ending Balance	10	(14)	(19)
Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(14)	(15)	(5)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax	34		(10)
Reclassification adjustments, before tax	1	1
Ending Balance	21	(14)	(15)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(111)	(59)
Ending Balance	$ (570)	$ (111)	$ (59)

Comprehensive Income - Summa138

Comprehensive Income - Summary of (Gains) Losses Reclassified from AOCI into Consolidated Statements of Income and Affected Financial Statement Line Item (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax expense			$ (2)
Total net of income taxes			(3)
Total before income taxes	$ 28	$ 18	9
Income tax benefit	7	6	4
Total net of income taxes	21	12	5
Amortization of actuarial losses	1	1
Income tax benefit	0	0	0
Total net of income taxes	1	1
Other Expense (Income), Net [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before income taxes			(5)
Interest Rate Swaps and Caps [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before income taxes	6	12	12
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] | Revenues [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before income taxes	19	$ 6	$ (3)
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] | Other Expense (Income), Net [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before income taxes	$ 3

Supplemental Cash Flow Infor139

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid	$ 124	$ 82	$ 94
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	106	121	$ 139
Non-cash Investing Activities:
Fair value of consideration transferred in connection with business combinations	$ 10,425	$ 423

Quarterly Financial Data - Unau

Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,953	$ 1,136	$ 1,167	$ 1,108	$ 1,129	$ 1,093	$ 1,074	$ 1,030	$ 5,364	$ 4,326	$ 4,165
Income from operations	144	168	151	179	178	166	159	143	642	646	590
Net income	(175)	104	92	109	108	108	85	87	130	388	357
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(3)	(5)	(5)	(2)	(3)	2			(15)	(1)
Net income attributable to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc.	$ (178)	$ 99	$ 87	$ 107	$ 105	$ 110	$ 85	$ 87	$ 115	$ 387	$ 357
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.74	$ 0.83	$ 0.73	$ 0.89	$ 0.86	$ 0.91	$ 0.69	$ 0.69	$ 0.77	$ 3.15	$ 2.78
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.74	$ 0.82	$ 0.71	$ 0.88	$ 0.85	$ 0.89	$ 0.67	$ 0.68	$ 0.76	$ 3.08	$ 2.72

Subsequent Event - Additional I

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) - Equity Repurchase Program [Member] - USD ($)	Feb. 12, 2017	Nov. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Equity repurchase program increase in authorized amount		$ 1,500,000,000	$ 600,000,000
Equity available for repurchase under the repurchase program				$ 547,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Equity repurchase program increase in authorized amount	$ 1,000,000,000
Equity available for repurchase under the repurchase program	$ 1,500,000,000

Schedule I - Condensed Statemen

Schedule I - Condensed Statements of Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses									$ 1,011	$ 815	$ 781
Merger related costs									87
Income (loss) from operations	$ 144	$ 168	$ 151	$ 179	$ 178	$ 166	$ 159	$ 143	642	646	590
Interest income									(4)	(4)	(4)
Other expense, net									(8)	2	(8)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									479	539	501
Income tax benefit									345	159	149
Net income attributable to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc.	$ (178)	$ 99	$ 87	$ 107	$ 105	$ 110	$ 85	$ 87	115	387	357
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses										1	2
Merger related costs									21
Income (loss) from operations									(21)	(1)	(2)
Interest income									0	0	0
Other expense, net									0	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									(21)	(1)	(2)
Income tax benefit									(4)	(1)	(1)
Loss before equity in earnings of subsidiary									(17)		(1)
Equity in earnings of subsidiary									132	387	357
Net income attributable to Quintiles IMS Holdings, Inc.									$ 115	$ 387	$ 356

Schedule I - Condensed State143

Schedule I - Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ (175)	$ 104	$ 92	$ 109	$ 108	$ 108	$ 85	$ 87	$ 130	$ 388	$ 357
Comprehensive income adjustments:
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes of $0, $- and $-											(1)
Unrealized (losses) gains on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $0, ($4) and ($2)									(7)	(9)	(5)
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of income taxes of $11, $- and ($3)									23		(7)
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $0, ($5) and ($2)									(513)	(60)	(48)
Reclassification adjustments:
Gains on marketable securities included in net income, net of income taxes of $-, $- and ($2)											(3)
Losses on derivative instruments included in net income, net of income taxes of $0, $6 and $4									21	12	5
Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs included in net income, net of income taxes of $0, $- and $-									1	1
Comprehensive (loss) income									(344)	335	298
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income									115	387	356
Comprehensive income adjustments:
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes of $0, $- and $-											(1)
Unrealized (losses) gains on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $0, ($4) and ($2)									(7)	(9)	(5)
Defined benefit plan adjustments, net of income taxes of $11, $- and ($3)									23		(7)
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $0, ($5) and ($2)									(497)	(56)	(48)
Reclassification adjustments:
Gains on marketable securities included in net income, net of income taxes of $-, $- and ($2)											(3)
Losses on derivative instruments included in net income, net of income taxes of $0, $6 and $4									21	12	5
Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs included in net income, net of income taxes of $0, $- and $-									1	1	0
Comprehensive (loss) income									$ (344)	$ 335	$ 297

Schedule I - Condensed State144

Schedule I - Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Unrealized (losses) gains on derivative instruments, income taxes	$ (3)	$ 4	$ 2
Defined benefit plan adjustments, income taxes	11		(3)
Foreign currency translation, income taxes	(9)	(5)	(2)
Gains on marketable securities included in net income, net of income taxes			2
Losses on derivative instruments included in net income, income taxes	7	6	4
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Unrealized (losses) gains on derivative instruments, income taxes	3	(4)	(2)
Defined benefit plan adjustments, income taxes	11		(3)
Foreign currency translation, income taxes	(9)	(5)	(2)
Gains on marketable securities included in net income, net of income taxes			(2)
Losses on derivative instruments included in net income, income taxes	$ 7	$ 6	$ 4

Schedule I - Condensed Balance

Schedule I - Condensed Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,198	$ 977	$ 867	$ 777
Income taxes receivable	34	34
Other current assets and receivables	235	83
Total current assets	3,337	2,412
Total assets	21,208	3,926
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	250	145
Total current liabilities	2,705	1,594
Total liabilities	12,348	4,262
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, 400.0 and 300.0 shares authorized at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, $0.01 par value, 248.3 and 119.4 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	10,602	9
Accumulated deficit	(399)	(462)
Treasury stock, at cost, 12.9 shares at December 31, 2016	(1,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(570)	(111)
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	8,860	(336)	(703)	(667)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	21,208	3,926
Parent Company [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	12	5	$ 12	$ 72
Income taxes receivable	4
Other current assets and receivables	0	0
Total current assets	16	5
Investment in subsidiary	8,631
Total assets	8,647	5
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Investment in subsidiary		569
Payable to subsidiary	14
Total liabilities	14	569
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, 400.0 and 300.0 shares authorized at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, $0.01 par value, 248.3 and 119.4 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	10,602	9
Accumulated deficit	(399)	(462)
Treasury stock, at cost, 12.9 shares at December 31, 2016	(1,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(570)	(111)
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	8,633	(564)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	$ 8,647	$ 5

Schedule I - Condensed Balan146

Schedule I - Condensed Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Detail) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000		300,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued	248,300,000		119,400,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	248,300,000		119,400,000
Treasury stock, shares	12,900,000
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000		300,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued	248,300,000		119,400,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	248,300,000		119,400,000
Treasury stock, shares	12,900,000

Schedule I - Condensed State147

Schedule I - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income	$ (175)	$ 104	$ 92	$ 109	$ 108	$ 108	$ 85	$ 87	$ 130	$ 388	$ 357
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and unbilled services									(62)	(246)	(79)
Net cash provided by operating activities									860	476	433
Investing activities:
Net cash provided by investing activities									1,731	(67)	(173)
Financing activities:
Stock issued under employee stock purchase and option plans									97	64	35
Repurchase of common stock									(1,097)	(515)	(415)
Repurchase of stock options											(8)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities									(2,284)	(249)	(130)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									221	110	90
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				977				867	977	867	777
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,198				977				1,198	977	867
Parent Company [Member]
Operating activities:
Net income									115	387	356
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Subsidiary loss (income)									91	56	(27)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and unbilled services											3
Income taxes payable and other liabilities									(5)		(1)
Net cash provided by operating activities									201	443	331
Investing activities:
Investment in subsidiary, net of dividends received									791
Net cash provided by investing activities									791
Financing activities:
Stock issued under employee stock purchase and option plans									97	64	35
Repurchase of common stock									(1,097)	(515)	(415)
Repurchase of stock options											(8)
Intercompany with subsidiary									15	1	(3)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities									(985)	(450)	(391)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									7	(7)	(60)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				$ 5				$ 12	5	12	72
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 12				$ 5				$ 12	$ 5	$ 12

Schedule I - Additional Informa

Schedule I - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Income tax benefit	$ (345)	$ (159)	$ (149)
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Minimum percentage of restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries of consolidated net assets	25.00%
Income tax benefit	$ 4	$ 1	$ 1

Schedule I - Dividends Paid (De

Schedule I - Dividends Paid (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend paid to parent company	$ 1,014	$ 444	$ 329
Paid in December 2016 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend paid to parent company	503
Paid in November 2016 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend paid to parent company	422
Paid in June 2016 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend paid to parent company	$ 89
Paid in December 2015 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend paid to parent company		1
Paid in November 2015 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend paid to parent company		223
Paid in May 2015 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend paid to parent company		$ 220
Paid in November 2014 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend paid to parent company			234
Paid in May 2014 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend paid to parent company			87
Paid in January 2014 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Cash dividend paid to parent company			$ 8

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 22	$ 25	$ 30
Addition Charged to Expenses	10	2	11
Addition Charged to Other Accounts	129
Deductions	(8)	(5)	(16)
Balance at End of Year	$ 153	$ 22	$ 25