Nielsen (NLSN) 10-Q23 Oct 142014 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2014
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Trading Symbol	'NLSNNV
Entity Registrant Name	'Nielsen N.V.
Entity Central Index Key	'0001492633
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	381,074,001

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$1,572	$1,387	$4,655	$4,092
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	648	573	1,967	1,732
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	468	434	1,439	1,310
Depreciation and amortization	139	117	425	364
Restructuring charges	6	20	43	63
Operating income	311	243	781	623
Interest income	1	1	3	2
Interest expense	-74	-78	-229	-229
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net	1	-7	-32	-23
Other (expense)/income, net	-52	12	-100	'
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	187	171	423	373
Provision for income taxes	-95	-40	-202	-104
Equity in net income of affiliates	'	'	2	3
Income from continuing operations	92	131	223	272
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	'	'	319
Net income	92	131	223	591
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1	-3	'	-4
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$91	$134	$223	$595
Net income per share of common stock, basic	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.24	$0.35	$0.59	$0.74
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	'	'	$0.85
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$0.24	$0.35	$0.59	$1.59
Net income per share of common stock, diluted	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.24	$0.35	$0.58	$0.73
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	'	'	$0.84
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$0.24	$0.35	$0.58	$1.57
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic	380,884,561	377,590,584	379,891,241	374,943,623
Dilutive shares of common stock	5,006,830	4,711,433	5,283,261	4,858,966
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted	385,891,391	382,302,017	385,174,502	379,802,589
Dividends declared per common share	$0.25	$0.20	$0.70	$0.52

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)/Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net income	$92		$131		$223		$591
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax	'		'		'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-169	[1]	51	[1]	-136	[1]	-83	[1]
Available for sale securities	'		3	[2]	4	[2]	9	[2]
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	4	[3]	-2	[3]	3	[3]	6	[3]
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	3	[4]	3	[4]	5	[4]	23	[4]
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income	-162		55		-124		-45
Total comprehensive (loss)/income	-70		186		99		546
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-1		-1		-2		-3
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	($69)		$187		$101		$549

[1]	Net of tax of $(4) million and $(2) million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $(5) million and $7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively
[2]	Net of tax of zero and $(2) million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $(3) million and $(6) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively
[3]	Net of tax of $(2) million and $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $(2) and $(4) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively
[4]	Net of tax of $(1) million and zero for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and zero and $(16) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)/Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	($4)	($2)	($5)	$7
Available-for-sale securities, tax	0	-2	-3	-6
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, tax	-2	1	-2	-4
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, tax	($1)	$0	$0	($16)

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$369	$564
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $31 and $39 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	1,189	1,196
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	424	374
Total current assets	1,982	2,134
Non-current assets	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	525	560
Goodwill	7,715	7,684
Other intangible assets, net	4,716	4,781
Deferred tax assets	96	115
Other non-current assets	327	256
Total assets	15,361	15,530
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	917	1,026
Deferred revenues	312	306
Income tax liabilities	201	55
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	112	148
Total current liabilities	1,542	1,535
Non-current liabilities	'	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	6,508	6,492
Deferred tax liabilities	839	864
Other non-current liabilities	772	832
Total liabilities	9,661	9,723
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)	'	'
Nielsen stockholdersâ€™ equity	'	'
Common stock, €0.07 par value, 1,185,800,000 and 1,185,800,000 shares authorized; 382,509,366 and 379,044,531 shares issued and 381,074,001 and 378,635,464 shares outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	32	32
Additional paid-in capital	6,381	6,596
Accumulated deficit	-289	-512
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	-509	-387
Total Nielsen stockholdersâ€™ equity	5,615	5,729
Noncontrolling interests	85	78
Total equity	5,700	5,807
Total liabilities and equity	$15,361	$15,530

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	EUR (€)
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Trade and other receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns	$31	'	$39	'
Common stock, par value	'	€ 0.07	'	€ 0.07
Common stock, shares authorized	1,185,800,000	1,185,800,000	1,185,800,000	1,185,800,000
Common stock, shares issued	382,509,366	382,509,366	379,044,531	379,044,531
Common stock, shares outstanding	381,074,001	381,074,001	378,635,464	378,635,464

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Activities	'	'
Net income	$223	$591
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	36	32
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	'	-303
Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other losses	134	29
Equity in net income of affiliates, net of dividends received	-2	1
Depreciation and amortization	425	375
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and divested:	'	'
Trade and other receivables, net	-9	-23
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-81	-37
Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues	-159	-128
Other non-current liabilities	-6	-4
Interest payable	46	36
Income taxes	85	12
Net cash provided by operating activities	692	581
Investing Activities	'	'
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	-203	-1,202
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	'	934
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	-96	-79
Additions to intangible assets	-178	-176
Net cash used in investing activities	-477	-523
Financing Activities	'	'
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	4,544	2,485
Repayment of debt	-4,573	-1,933
Increase in other short-term borrowings	'	12
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	-261	-189
Repurchase of common stock	-75	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	80	59
Other financing activities	-91	-24
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-376	410
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-34	-19
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	-195	449
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	564	288
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	369	737
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	-117	-101
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	($183)	($201)

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen

Background and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Background and Basis of Presentation	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Background and Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Background and Basis of Presentation
	Background
	Nielsen N.V. (formerly Nielsen Holdings N.V.) (“Nielsen” or the “Company”), together with its subsidiaries, is a leading global information and measurement company that provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of consumers and consumer behavior. Nielsen is aligned into two reporting segments: what consumers buy (“Buy”) and what consumers watch and listen to (“Watch”). In June 2013, Nielsen completed the sale of its Expositions operating segment (see Note 4, Discontinued Operations, for more information). The Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations reflect the Expositions operating segment as a discontinued operation. Nielsen has a presence in more than 100 countries, with its headquarters located in Diemen, the Netherlands and New York, USA.
	The Company was formed by several private equity groups through Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. (“Luxco”). As of December 31, 2013, Luxco owned 125,224,724 shares (or approximately 33%) of the Company’s common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Luxco sold 51,139,058 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average price of $46.58 per share. As of September 30, 2014, Luxco owned 74,085,666 shares (or approximately 19%) of the Company’s common stock.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies, commitments and contingencies and certain other information, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to September 30, 2014 for potential recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided.
	Earnings per Share
	Basic net income or loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares of common stock consist of employee stock options and restricted stock.
	The effect of 92,800 and 2,502,717 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.
	The effect of 92,800 and 2,427,945 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.

	Devaluation of Venezuelan Currency
	Nielsen has operations in both the Buy and Watch segments in Venezuela and the functional currency for these operations was the Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes. Venezuela’s currency has been considered hyperinflationary since January 1, 2010 and, accordingly, the local currency transactions has been denominated in U.S. dollars since January 1, 2010 and will continue to be until Venezuela’s currency is deemed to be non-hyperinflationary.
	In February 2013, the Venezuelan government devalued its currency by 32%. The official exchange rate moved from 4.30 to 6.30 and the regulated System of Transactions with Securities in Foreign Currency market was suspended. As a result of this change, Nielsen recorded a pre-tax charge of $12 million during the first quarter of 2013 in foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net line in the condensed consolidated statement of operations primarily reflecting the write-down of monetary assets and liabilities.
	As of March 31, 2014, based on changes to the Venezuelan currency exchange rate mechanisms the Company changed the exchange rate used to remeasure our Venezuelan subsidiaries’ financial statements in U.S. dollars. Nielsen began using the exchange rate determined by periodic auctions for U.S. dollars conducted under Venezuela’s Complementary System of Foreign Currency Administration (“SICAD I”). As a result of a recent exchange agreement between the Central Bank of Venezuela and the Venezuelan government, the Company believes any future remittances for royalty and dividend payments that occur would be transacted at the SICAD I exchange rate based on current facts and circumstances. Accordingly, because the equity of the Venezuelan subsidiary would be realized through the payment of royalties and dividends, the SICAD I exchange rate represents a more realistic exchange rate at which to remeasure the U.S. dollar value of the assets, liabilities, and results of the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary in the condensed consolidated financial statements. At September 30, 2014, the SICAD I exchange rate was 12.0 bolivars to the U.S. dollar, compared with the official exchange rate of 6.3 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. As a result of this change, Nielsen recorded a pre-tax charge of $23 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 in foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations, reflecting the write-down of monetary assets and liabilities.
	The Company will continue to assess the appropriate conversion rate based on events in Venezuela and the Company’s specific facts and circumstances.

Summary_of_Recent_Accounting_P

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	2. Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Foreign Currency Matters
	In March 2013, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity”, to resolve the diversity in practice regarding the release into net income of the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. The amendment requires an entity that ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. Accordingly, the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. This guidance is effective for Nielsen’s interim and annual reporting periods in 2014. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on Nielsen’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Discontinued Operations
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an ASU, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”, that raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The ASU is aimed at reducing the frequency of disposals reported as discontinued operations by focusing on strategic shifts that have or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial reports. In addition, the guidance permits companies to have continuing cash flows and significant continuing involvement with the disposed component. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and must be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issue. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Revenue Recognition
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The new model will require revenue recognition to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and shall be applied retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Going Concern
	In August 2014, the FASB issued an ASU, “Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern: Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. The new standard defines management's responsibility to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. This guidance will be effective for all entities in the first annual period ending after December 15, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisitions	'
	3. Business Acquisitions
	Arbitron Inc.
	On September 30, 2013, Nielsen completed the acquisition of Arbitron Inc., an international media and marketing research firm (“Arbitron”), through the purchase of 100% of Arbitron’s outstanding common stock for a total cash purchase price of $1.3 billion (the “Acquisition”). Arbitron is expected to help Nielsen better address client needs in unmeasured areas of media consumption, including streaming audio and out-of-home and Nielsen’s global distribution footprint can help expand Arbitron’s capabilities outside of the U.S. With Arbitron’s assets, Nielsen intends to further expand its “Watch” segment’s audience measurement across screens and forms of listening. Arbitron has been rebranded Nielsen Audio.
	The Company incurred acquisition related expenses of $4 million and $18 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, which primarily consisted of transaction fees, legal, accounting and other professional services that are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
	The following unaudited pro forma information presents the consolidated results of operations of the Company and Arbitron for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013, with pro forma adjustments to give effect to amortization of intangible assets, an increase in interest expense from acquisition financing, and certain other adjustments:

		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	(IN MILLIONS)	30-Sep-13		30-Sep-13
	Revenues	$	1,510	$	4,447
	Income from continuing operations	$	151	$	301


	The unaudited pro forma results do not reflect any synergies and are not necessarily indicative of the results that the Company would have attained had the acquisition of Arbitron been completed as of the beginning of the reporting period. The Arbitron results of operations are fully reflected in Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	Other Acquisitions
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $203 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these current period acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2014, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, excluding Arbitron, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $42 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2013, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	4. Discontinued Operations
	In February 2014, Nielsen completed the acquisition of Harris Interactive, Inc., a leading global market research firm, through the purchase of all outstanding shares of Harris Interactive’s common stock for $2.04 per share. In June 2014, the Company completed the sale of Harris Interactive European operations (“Harris Europe”) to ITWP Acquisitions Limited (“ITWP”), the parent company of Toluna, a leading digital market research and technology company in exchange for a minority stake in ITWP. The condensed consolidated statements of operations reflect the operating results of Harris Europe as a discontinued operation.
	In June 2013, the Company completed the sale of its Expositions business, which operates one of the largest portfolios of business-to-business trade shows and conference events in the United States, for total cash consideration of $950 million and recorded a gain of $303 million, net of tax. The condensed consolidated statements of operations reflect the operating results of this business as a discontinued operation.
	In March 2013, Nielsen completed the exit and shut down of one of its legacy online businesses and recorded a net loss of $3 million associated with this divestiture. The condensed consolidated statements of operations reflect the operating results of this business as a discontinued operation.
	Summarized results of operations for discontinued operations are as follows:

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Revenue	$	—	$	—	$	15	$	103
	Operating income	—		—		—			35
	Interest expense	—		—		—			(8	)
	Income from operations before income taxes	—		—		—			27
	Provision for income taxes	—		—		—			(11	)
	Income from operations	—		—		—			16
	Gain on sale, net of tax	—		—		—			303
	Income from discontinued operations	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	319

	Nielsen allocated a portion of its consolidated interest expense to discontinued operations based upon the ratio of net assets sold as a proportion of consolidated net assets. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, interest expense of zero and $8 million was allocated to discontinued operations.
	Following are the major categories of cash flows from discontinued operations, as included in Nielsen’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows:

		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014		2013
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	—	$	36
	Net cash provided by investing activities	—		—
	Net cash provided by financing activities	—		—
		$	—	$	36

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

	(IN MILLIONS)	Buy			Watch			Total
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	3,005		$	4,679		$	7,684
	Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments		140		$	4		$	144
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(98	)		(15	)		(113	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	3,047		$	4,668		$	7,715

	At September 30, 2014, $78 million of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
	Other Intangible Assets

		Gross Amounts						Accumulated Amortization
		September 30,			December 31,			September 30,			December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Indefinite-lived intangibles:
	Trade names and trademarks	$	1,921		$	1,921		$	-		$	-
	Amortized intangibles:
	Trade names and trademarks		164			156			(65	)		(53	)
	Customer-related intangibles		2,926			2,882			(1,012	)		(897	)
	Covenants-not-to-compete		36			36			(28	)		(19	)
	Computer software		1,841			1,668			(1,100	)		(941	)
	Patents and other		106			95			(73	)		(67	)
	Total	$	5,073		$	4,837		$	(2,278	)	$	(1,977	)

	Amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets was $99 million and $74 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These amounts included amortization expense associated with computer software of $52 million and $38 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

	Amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets was $300 million and $228 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These amounts included amortization expense associated with computer software of $160 million and $120 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Changes_in_and_Reclassificatio

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component	'
	6. Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component
	The table below summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

		Currency			Available-
		Translation			for-Sale						Post Employment
		Adjustments			Securities			Cash Flow Hedges			Benefits			Total
	(IN MILLIONS)
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	(124	)	$	9		$	(5	)	$	(267	)	$	(387	)
	Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications		(136	)		4			(4	)		—			(136	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	—			—			7			5			12
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income		(136	)		4			3			5			(124	)
	Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(2	)		—			—			—			(2	)
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(134	)		4			3			5			(122	)
	Balance September 30, 2014	$	(258	)	$	13		$	(2	)	$	(262	)	$	(509	)

		Currency			Available-
		Translation			for-Sale						Post Employment
		Adjustments			Securities			Cash Flow Hedges			Benefits			Total
	(IN MILLIONS)
	Balance December 31, 2012		(23	)	—				(13	)		(297	)		(333	)
	Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications		(83	)		9			(2	)		12			(64	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	—			—				8			11			19
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income		(83	)		9			6			23			(45	)
	Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		1		—			—			—				1
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(84	)		9			6			23			(46	)
	Balance September 30, 2013		(107	)		9			(7	)		(274	)		(379	)

	The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

			Amount Reclassified from
			Accumulated Other
	(IN MILLIONS)		Comprehensive Loss
	Details about Accumulated								Affected Line Item in the
	Other Comprehensive		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Condensed Consolidated
	Income components		September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			Statement of Operations
	Cash flow hedges
	Interest rate contracts		$	4		$	4		Interest expense
				2			1		Benefit for income taxes
			$	2		$	3		Total, net of tax
	Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits
	Actuarial loss		$	3		$	5		(a)
				1			1		Benefit for income taxes
			$	2		$	4		Total, net of tax
	Total reclassification for the period		$	4		$	7		Net of tax

	(a)	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

	The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

			Amount Reclassified from
			Accumulated Other
	(IN MILLIONS)		Comprehensive Loss
	Details about Accumulated								Affected Line Item in the
	Other Comprehensive		Nine Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Condensed Consolidated
	Income components		September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			Statement of Operations
	Cash flow hedges
	Interest rate contracts		$	12		$	12		Interest expense
				5			4		Benefit for income taxes
			$	7		$	8		Total, net of tax
	Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits
	Actuarial loss		$	9		$	14		(a)
				4			3		Benefit for income taxes
			$	5		$	11		Total, net of tax
Total reclassification for the period		$	12		$	19		Net of tax

(a)	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Restructuring_Activities

Restructuring Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Activities	'
	7. Restructuring Activities
	A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below:

		Total
	(IN MILLIONS)	Initiatives
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	99
	Charges		43
	Payments		(87	)
	Non cash charges and other adjustments		(1	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	54

	Nielsen recorded $6 million and $20 million in restructuring charges for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, primarily relating to severance costs.
	Nielsen recorded $43 million and $63 million in restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, primarily relating to severance and contract termination costs.
	Of the $54 million in remaining liabilities for restructuring actions, $44 million is expected to be paid within one year and is classified as a current liability within the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	8. Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact, and also considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of non-performance.
	There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

	Level 1:		Quoted market prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.

	Level 2:		Pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.

	Level 3:		Pricing inputs that are generally unobservable and may not be corroborated by market data.
	Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis
	The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured and recorded at fair value, except for equity method investments, cost method investments, and long-term debt. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
	The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

			September 30,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			Level 1			Level 2				Level 3
	Assets:
	Investments in equity securities (1)		$	35		$	35		—				—
	Plan assets for deferred compensation (2)			27			27		—				—
	Investment in mutual funds (3)			2			2		—				—
	Interest rate swap arrangements (4)			2		—				2			—
	Total		$	66		$	64		$	2			—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap arrangements (4)		$	7		—			$	7			—
	Deferred compensation liabilities (5)			27			27		—				—
	Total		$	34		$	27		$	7			—


			December 31,
			2013			Level 1			Level 2				Level 3
	Assets:
	Investments in equity securities (1)		$	28		$	28		—				—
	Plan assets for deferred compensation (2)			25			25		—				—
	Investment in mutual funds (3)			2			2		—				—
	Total		$	55		$	55		—				—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap arrangements (4)		$	10		—			$	10			—
	Deferred compensation liabilities (5)			25			25		—				—
	Total		$	35		$	25		$	10			—

	-1	Investments in equity securities are carried at fair value, which is based on the quoted market price at period end in an active market. These investments are classified as available-for-sale with any unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded, net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) until realized.
	-2	Plan assets are comprised of investments in mutual funds, which are intended to fund liabilities arising from deferred compensation plans. These investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as trading securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other expense, net.
	-3	Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.
	-4	Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.
	-5	The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as trading securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the trading securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	Nielsen uses interest rate swap derivative instruments principally to manage the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the cash flows of its underlying debt obligations.
	To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship must meet several conditions with respect to documentation, probability of occurrence, hedge effectiveness and reliability of measurement. Nielsen documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions as well as the hedge effectiveness assessment, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis. Nielsen recognizes all derivatives at fair value either as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the fair values of such instruments are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. If specific cash flow hedge accounting criteria are met, Nielsen recognizes the changes in fair value of these instruments in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss).
	Nielsen manages exposure to possible defaults on derivative financial instruments by monitoring the concentration of risk that Nielsen has with any individual bank and through the use of minimum credit quality standards for all counterparties. Nielsen does not require collateral or other security in relation to derivative financial instruments. A derivative contract entered into between Nielsen or certain of its subsidiaries and a counterparty that was also a lender under Nielsen’s senior secured credit facilities at the time the derivative contract was entered into is guaranteed under the senior secured credit facilities by Nielsen and certain of its subsidiaries (see Note 9 - Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements for more information). Since it is Nielsen’s policy to only enter into derivative contracts with banks of internationally acknowledged standing, Nielsen considers the counterparty risk to be remote.
	It is Nielsen’s policy to have an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement established with every bank with which it has entered into any derivative contract. Under each of these ISDA Master Agreements, Nielsen agrees to settle only the net amount of the combined market values of all derivative contracts outstanding with any one counterparty should that counterparty default. Certain of the ISDA Master Agreements contain cross-default provisions where if the Company either defaults in payment obligations under its credit facility or if such obligations are accelerated by the lenders, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. At September 30, 2014, Nielsen had no material exposure to potential economic losses due to counterparty credit default risk or cross-default risk on its derivative financial instruments.
	Interest Rate Risk
	Nielsen is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on the floating-rate U.S. Dollar and Euro Term Loans, and uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to hedge this exposure. For these derivatives, Nielsen reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings, and within the same income statement line item as the impact of the hedged transaction.
	As of September 30, 2014 the Company had the following outstanding interest rate swaps utilized in the management of its interest rate risk:

		Notional Amount			Maturity Date		Currency
	Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000		November 2014		US Dollar
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000		September 2015		US Dollar
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	125,000,000		November 2015		US Dollar
	Euro term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	€	125,000,000		November 2015		Euro
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	1,575,000,000		May 2016		US Dollar
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	500,000,000		November 2016		US Dollar

	Nielsen expects to recognize approximately $11 million of net pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense in the next 12 months associated with its interest-related derivative financial instruments.
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:

		September 30, 2014										December 31, 2013
					Accounts Payable							Accounts Payable
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments		Other Non-			and Other Current			Other Non-Current				and Other Current				Other Non-Current
(IN MILLIONS)		Current Assets			Liabilities			Liabilities				Liabilities				Liabilities
Interest rate swaps		$	2		$	2		$	5			$	2			$	8

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

										Amount of Loss
		Amount of (Gain)/Loss								Reclassified from AOCI
		Recognized in OCI						Location of Loss		into Income
		(Effective Portion)						Reclassified from AOCI		(Effective Portion)
Derivatives in Cash Flow		Three Months Ended						into Income (Effective		Three Months Ended
Hedging Relationships		September 30,						Portion)		September 30,
(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013					2014				2013
Interest rate swaps		$	(3	)	$	7		Interest expense		$	4			$	4

The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

										Amount of Loss
		Amount of Loss								Reclassified from AOCI
		Recognized in OCI						Location of Loss		into Income
		(Effective Portion)						Reclassified from AOCI		(Effective Portion)
Derivatives in Cash Flow		Nine Months Ended						into Income (Effective		Nine Months Ended
Hedging Relationships		September 30,						Portion)		September 30,
(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013					2014				2013
Interest rate swaps		$	6		$	2		Interest expense		$	12			$	12

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The Company is required, on a nonrecurring basis, to adjust the carrying value or provide valuation allowances for certain assets using fair value measurements. The Company’s equity method investments, cost method investments, and non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment, are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment charge is recognized.
The Company did not measure any material non-financial assets or liabilities at fair value during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	9 Months Ended
Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	'
	9. Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements
	Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of September 30, 2014.

		September 30, 2014							December 31, 2013
		Weighted							Weighted
		Interest			Carrying		Fair		Interest			Carrying		Fair
	(IN MILLIONS)	Rate			Amount		Value		Rate			Amount		Value
	$2,532 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.90%) due 2016				—		—						2,507		2,512
	$1,222 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.15%) due 2017				—		—						1,115		1,113
	$1,580 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.15% ) due 2019					1,560		1,559				—		—
	$500 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.40% ) due 2017					499		496				—		—
	$1,100 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.15% ) due 2021					1,097		1,093				—		—
	€289 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 3.15%) due 2016					—		—				394		395
	€286 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 3.00%) due 2021					360		360					—		—
	$575 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2019				—		—					—		—
	Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate)		2.68	%		3,516		3,508		2.89	%		4,016		4,020
	$1,080 million 7.75% senior debenture loan due 2018				—		—						1,083		1,172
	$800 million 4.50% senior debenture loan due 2020					800		777					800		779
	$1,550 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022					1,553		1,527				—		—
	$625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021					625		628					625		636
	Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate)		5.23	%		2,978		2,932		6.51	%		2,508		2,587
	Other loans					8		8					5		5
	Total long-term debt		3.86	%		6,502		6,448		4.28	%		6,529		6,612
	Capital lease and other financing obligations					118							111
	Total debt and other financing arrangements					6,620							6,640
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings					112							148
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and capital lease and other financing obligations				$	6,508						$	6,492

	The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt instruments was based on the yield on public debt where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities and such fair value measurements are considered Level 1 or Level 2 in nature, respectively.
	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows:

	(IN MILLIONS)
	For October 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014	$	25
	2015		106
	2016		118
	2017		640
	2018		212
	2019		1,042
	Thereafter		4,359
		$	6,502

	In April 2014, Nielsen completed the issuance of $750 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Senior Notes due 2022 at par. In addition, in April 2014, the Company entered into an amendment agreement to amend and restate the Third Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement in the form of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which provides for three new classes of term loans, Class A Term Loans, Class B-1 Term Loans and Class B-2 Term Loans, in a combined principal amount of $3,180 million and €286 million, the proceeds of which, when combined with the net proceeds from the $750 million 5.0% Senior Notes, were used to repay and replace the Company’s existing Class D Term Loans maturing in February 2017 and the Class E Term Loans maturing in May 2016. Concurrent with the refinancing of the term loans, the existing $635 million revolving credit facility with a final maturity in April 2016 was replaced with new aggregate revolving credit commitments of $575 million with a final maturity of April 2019. Finally, in May 2014, the Company completed the redemption of $280 million in principal amount of the then currently outstanding $1,080 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus an applicable “make-whole” premium. As a result of these transactions, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $45 million during the second quarter of 2014 to other expense, net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations primarily related to the “make-whole” premium associated with the note redemption, as well as the write-off of certain previously capitalized deferred financing fees associated with the Class D and E term loans and certain costs incurred in connection with the refinancings.
	The Class A Term Loans were issued with an aggregate principal balance of $1,580 million, maturing in full in April 2019. The Class A Term Loans shall be required to be repaid in an amount equal to 5% of the original principal amount in the first year after the closing date, 5% in the second year, 7.5% in the third year, 10% in the fourth year, and 72.5% in the fifth year (with payments in each year being made in equal quarterly installments other than the fifth year, in which payments shall be equal to 3.75% of the original principal amount in each of the first three quarters, with the balance repayable on the maturity date). Class A Term Loans bear interest equal to, at our election, a base rate or eurocurrency rate, in each case plus an applicable margin which ranges from 0.50% to 1.25% (in the case of base rate loans) or 1.50% to 2.25% (in the case of eurocurrency rate loans). The specific applicable margin is determined by the Company’s total leverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement).
	The Class B-1 Term Loans were issued with an aggregate principal balance of $500 million, maturing in full in May 2017 and are required to be repaid in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the original principal amount of Class B-1 Term Loans, with the balance payable in May 2017. Class B-1 Term Loans bear interest equal to, at our election, a base rate or eurocurrency rate, in each case plus an applicable margin, which is equal to 1.25% (in the case of base rate loans) and 2.25% (in the case of eurocurrency rate loans).
	The Class B-2 Term Loans were issued with an aggregate principal balance of $1,100 million and €286 million, maturing in full in April 2021 and are required to be repaid in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the original principal amount of Class B-2 Term Loans, with the balance payable in April 2021. Class B-2 Term Loans denominated in dollars bear interest equal to, at our election, a base rate or eurocurrency rate, in each case plus an applicable margin, which is equal to 2.00% (in the case of base rate loans) and 3.00% (in the case of eurocurrency rate loans). Class B-2 Term Loan denominated in Euros bear interest equal to the eurocurrency rate plus an applicable margin of 3.00%.
	The Fourth Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains substantially the same affirmative covenants as the Third Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement. However, certain negative covenants, including the limitation on the ability of Nielsen and certain of its subsidiaries to make investments and restricted payments and incur debt and liens have been amended, and the financial covenant requiring compliance with certain total leverage ratios has been revised and the covenant in respect of interest coverage ratios has been eliminated.
	In July 2014, Nielsen completed the issuance of an additional $800 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Senior Notes due 2022. The notes are traded interchangeably with the $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Senior Notes due 2022 issued in April 2014. In addition, in July 2014, the Company redeemed the remaining $800 million of outstanding 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus an applicable “make-whole” premium. As a result of these transactions, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $51 million during the third quarter of 2014 to other expense, net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations primarily related to the “make-whole” premium associated with the note redemption, as well as the write-off of certain previously capitalized deferred financing fees associated with the 7.75% Senior Notes.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	10. Stockholders’ Equity
	Common stock activity is as follows:

		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2014
	Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
	Beginning of period		378,635,464
	Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans		3,978,073
	Shares of common stock issued through business combinations		68,737
	Repurchases of common stock		(1,608,273	)
	End of period		381,074,001

	Cumulative shares of treasury stock were 1,435,365 and 409,067 with a corresponding value of $65 million and $13 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	On January 31, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a cash dividend policy to pay quarterly cash dividends on its outstanding common stock. The below table summarizes the dividends declared on Nielsen’s common stock during 2013 and the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

	Declaration Date	Record Date		Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
	31-Jan-13	6-Mar-13		20-Mar-13	$	0.16
	2-May-13	5-Jun-13		19-Jun-13	$	0.16
	25-Jul-13	28-Aug-13		11-Sep-13	$	0.2
	22-Oct-13	25-Nov-13		9-Dec-13	$	0.2
	20-Feb-14	6-Mar-14		20-Mar-14	$	0.2
	1-May-14	5-Jun-14		19-Jun-14	$	0.25
	24-Jul-14	28-Aug-14		11-Sep-14	$	0.25

	The dividend policy and the payment of future cash dividends are subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.
	On July 25, 2013, the Company’s board of directors approved a new share repurchase program for up to $500 million of Nielsen’s outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to mitigate dilution associated with the Company’s equity compensation plans. Repurchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market depending on Nielsen management’s evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The program will be executed within the limitations of the existing authority granted at Nielsen’s 2014 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. As of September 30, 2014, the Company has purchased 1,898,112 shares of Nielsen’s common stock at an average price of $45.37 per share (total consideration of approximately $86 million) under this program. The activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 consisted of open market share repurchases and is summarized in the following table:

							Total Number of
							Shares Purchased as		Dollar Value of Shares
		Total Number			Average		Part of Publicly		that may yet be
		of Shares			Price Paid		Announced Plans		Purchased under the
	Period	Purchased			per Share		or Programs		Plans or Programs
	As of December 31, 2013		289,839		$	39.49		289,839	$	488,554,427
	2014 Activity
	January 1- 31	—			n/a		—		$	488,554,427
	February 1- 28		110,239		$	43.42		110,239	$	483,768,078
	March 1- 31		241,091		$	46.85		241,091	$	472,472,783
	April 1-30		269,972		$	44.47		269,972	$	460,467,412
	May 1-31		211,848		$	47.2		211,848	$	450,467,820
	June 1-30		207,243		$	47.44		207,243	$	440,635,906
	July 1-31		188,612		$	48.54		188,612	$	431,480,660
	August 1-31		181,509		$	47.15		181,509	$	422,921,757
	September 1-30		197,759		$	45.66		197,759	$	413,891,828
	Total		1,898,112		$	45.37		1,898,112

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	11. Income Taxes
	The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 51% and 23%, respectively. The tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was higher than the Dutch statutory rate as a result of the impact of tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns, residual tax expense on foreign source income, reserves for uncertain tax positions, and state and local income taxes offset by the favorable impact of certain financing activities. The tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was lower than the Dutch statutory rate as a result of the favorable of return to provision adjustments as well as the impact of certain financing activities.
	The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 48% and 28%, respectively. The tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was higher than the Dutch statutory rate as a result of the impact of tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns, residual tax expense on foreign source income, reserves for uncertain tax positions, and state and local income taxes offset by the favorable impact of certain financing activities. The tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was higher than the Dutch statutory rate as a result of the tax impact of the Venezuela currency revaluation and reserves for uncertain tax positions, offset by the favorable impacts of return to provision adjustments as well as the impact of certain financing activities.
	The estimated liability for unrecognized income tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 is $496 million and was $475 million as of December 31, 2013. If the Company’s tax positions are favorably sustained by the taxing authorities, the reversal of the underlying liabilities would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods.
	The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examination for 2006 and prior periods. In addition, the Company has subsidiaries in various states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years ranging from 2004 through 2013.
	To date, the Company is not aware of any material adjustments not already accrued related to any of the current Federal, state or foreign audits under examination.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	12. Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
	Nielsen is subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined, the Company does expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect the Company’s future results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

Segments

Segments	9 Months Ended
Segments	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segments	'
	13. Segments
	The Company aligns its operating segments in order to conform to management’s internal reporting structure, which is reflective of service offerings by industry. Management aggregates such operating segments into two reporting segments: what consumers buy (“Buy”), consisting principally of market research information and analytical services; and what consumers watch (“Watch”), consisting principally of television, radio, online and mobile audience and advertising measurement and corresponding analytics. The Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations reflect the Expositions reporting segment as a discontinued operation.
	Corporate consists principally of unallocated items such as certain facilities and infrastructure costs as well as intersegment eliminations. Certain corporate costs, other than those described above, including those related to selling, finance, legal, human resources, and information technology systems, are considered operating costs and are allocated to the Company’s segments based on either the actual amount of costs incurred or on a basis consistent with the operations of the underlying segment. Information with respect to the operations of each of Nielsen’s business segments is set forth below based on the nature of the services offered and geographic areas of operations.
	Business Segment Information

	(IN MILLIONS)		Buy		Watch		Corporate			Total
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues		$	878	$	694	—			$	1,572
	Depreciation and amortization		$	55	$	83	$	1		$	139
	Restructuring charges		$	4	$	1	$	1		$	6
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	3	$	2	$	7		$	12
	Other items(1)		$	—	$	5	$	4		$	9
	Operating income/(loss)		$	109	$	226	$	(24	)	$	311
	Business segment income/(loss)(2)		$	171	$	317	$	(11	)	$	477
	Total assets as of September 30, 2014		$	6,882	$	8,208	$	271		$	15,361

	(IN MILLIONS)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues		$	848	$	539	$	—		$	1,387
	Depreciation and amortization		$	49	$	66	$	2		$	117
	Restructuring charges		$	10	$	7	$	3		$	20
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	3	$	3	$	5		$	11
	Other items(1)		$	—	—		$	7		$	7
	Operating income/(loss)		$	107	$	163	$	(27	)	$	243
	Business segment income/(loss)(2)		$	169	$	239	$	(10	)	$	398
	Total assets as of December 31, 2013		$	6,768	$	8,326	$	436		$	15,530


	(IN MILLIONS)		Buy		Watch		Corporate			Total
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues		$	2,615	$	2,040	—			$	4,655
	Depreciation and amortization		$	166	$	256	$	3		$	425
	Restructuring charges		$	26	$	11	$	6		$	43
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	12	$	8	$	16		$	36
	Other items (1)		$	—	$	8	$	20		$	28
	Operating income/(loss)		$	252	$	602	$	(73	)	$	781
	Business segment income/(loss) (2)		$	456	$	885	$	(28	)	$	1,313

	(IN MILLIONS)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues		$	2,503	$	1,589	$	—		$	4,092
	Depreciation and amortization		$	149	$	209	$	6		$	364
	Restructuring charges		$	27	$	19	$	17		$	63
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	10	$	7	$	15		$	32
	Other items (1)		$	5	$	—	$	22		$	27
	Operating income/(loss)		$	268	$	441	$	(86	)	$	623
	Business segment income/(loss) (2)		$	459	$	676	$	(26	)	$	1,109

	-1	Other items primarily consist of transaction-related costs for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. Other items primarily consist of transaction-related costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Other items for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily consist of transaction-related costs of approximately $23 million and a $4 million write down of uninsured deposits in Cyprus.
	-2	The Company’s chief operating decision making group uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments.

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen1

Background and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Background and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies, commitments and contingencies and certain other information, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to September 30, 2014 for potential recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided.
Earnings per Share	'
	Earnings per Share
	Basic net income or loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares of common stock consist of employee stock options and restricted stock.
	The effect of 92,800 and 2,502,717 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.
	The effect of 92,800 and 2,427,945 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.

Devaluation of Venezuelan Currency	'
	Devaluation of Venezuelan Currency
	Nielsen has operations in both the Buy and Watch segments in Venezuela and the functional currency for these operations was the Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes. Venezuela’s currency has been considered hyperinflationary since January 1, 2010 and, accordingly, the local currency transactions has been denominated in U.S. dollars since January 1, 2010 and will continue to be until Venezuela’s currency is deemed to be non-hyperinflationary.
	In February 2013, the Venezuelan government devalued its currency by 32%. The official exchange rate moved from 4.30 to 6.30 and the regulated System of Transactions with Securities in Foreign Currency market was suspended. As a result of this change, Nielsen recorded a pre-tax charge of $12 million during the first quarter of 2013 in foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net line in the condensed consolidated statement of operations primarily reflecting the write-down of monetary assets and liabilities.
	As of March 31, 2014, based on changes to the Venezuelan currency exchange rate mechanisms the Company changed the exchange rate used to remeasure our Venezuelan subsidiaries’ financial statements in U.S. dollars. Nielsen began using the exchange rate determined by periodic auctions for U.S. dollars conducted under Venezuela’s Complementary System of Foreign Currency Administration (“SICAD I”). As a result of a recent exchange agreement between the Central Bank of Venezuela and the Venezuelan government, the Company believes any future remittances for royalty and dividend payments that occur would be transacted at the SICAD I exchange rate based on current facts and circumstances. Accordingly, because the equity of the Venezuelan subsidiary would be realized through the payment of royalties and dividends, the SICAD I exchange rate represents a more realistic exchange rate at which to remeasure the U.S. dollar value of the assets, liabilities, and results of the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary in the condensed consolidated financial statements. At September 30, 2014, the SICAD I exchange rate was 12.0 bolivars to the U.S. dollar, compared with the official exchange rate of 6.3 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. As a result of this change, Nielsen recorded a pre-tax charge of $23 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 in foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations, reflecting the write-down of monetary assets and liabilities.
	The Company will continue to assess the appropriate conversion rate based on events in Venezuela and the Company’s specific facts and circumstances.
Foreign Currency Matters	'
	Foreign Currency Matters
	In March 2013, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity”, to resolve the diversity in practice regarding the release into net income of the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. The amendment requires an entity that ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. Accordingly, the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. This guidance is effective for Nielsen’s interim and annual reporting periods in 2014. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on Nielsen’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an ASU, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”, that raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The ASU is aimed at reducing the frequency of disposals reported as discontinued operations by focusing on strategic shifts that have or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial reports. In addition, the guidance permits companies to have continuing cash flows and significant continuing involvement with the disposed component. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and must be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issue. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The new model will require revenue recognition to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and shall be applied retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
Going Concern	'
	Going Concern
	In August 2014, the FASB issued an ASU, “Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern: Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. The new standard defines management's responsibility to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. This guidance will be effective for all entities in the first annual period ending after December 15, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Pro Forma Information	'
	The following unaudited pro forma information presents the consolidated results of operations of the Company and Arbitron for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013, with pro forma adjustments to give effect to amortization of intangible assets, an increase in interest expense from acquisition financing, and certain other adjustments:

		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	(IN MILLIONS)	30-Sep-13		30-Sep-13
	Revenues	$	1,510	$	4,447
	Income from continuing operations	$	151	$	301

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Summarized Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations	'
	Summarized results of operations for discontinued operations are as follows:

		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Revenue	$	—	$	—	$	15	$	103
	Operating income	—		—		—			35
	Interest expense	—		—		—			(8	)
	Income from operations before income taxes	—		—		—			27
	Provision for income taxes	—		—		—			(11	)
	Income from operations	—		—		—			16
	Gain on sale, net of tax	—		—		—			303
	Income from discontinued operations	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	319

Summary of Major Categories of Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations	'
	Following are the major categories of cash flows from discontinued operations, as included in Nielsen’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows:

		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014		2013
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	—	$	36
	Net cash provided by investing activities	—		—
	Net cash provided by financing activities	—		—
		$	—	$	36

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

	(IN MILLIONS)	Buy			Watch			Total
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	3,005		$	4,679		$	7,684
	Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments		140		$	4		$	144
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(98	)		(15	)		(113	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	3,047		$	4,668		$	7,715

Other Intangible Assets	'
	Other Intangible Assets

		Gross Amounts						Accumulated Amortization
		September 30,			December 31,			September 30,			December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Indefinite-lived intangibles:
	Trade names and trademarks	$	1,921		$	1,921		$	-		$	-
	Amortized intangibles:
	Trade names and trademarks		164			156			(65	)		(53	)
	Customer-related intangibles		2,926			2,882			(1,012	)		(897	)
	Covenants-not-to-compete		36			36			(28	)		(19	)
	Computer software		1,841			1,668			(1,100	)		(941	)
	Patents and other		106			95			(73	)		(67	)
	Total	$	5,073		$	4,837		$	(2,278	)	$	(1,977	)

Changes_in_and_Reclassificatio1

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax by Component	'
	The table below summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

		Currency			Available-
		Translation			for-Sale						Post Employment
		Adjustments			Securities			Cash Flow Hedges			Benefits			Total
	(IN MILLIONS)
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	(124	)	$	9		$	(5	)	$	(267	)	$	(387	)
	Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications		(136	)		4			(4	)		—			(136	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	—			—			7			5			12
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income		(136	)		4			3			5			(124	)
	Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(2	)		—			—			—			(2	)
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(134	)		4			3			5			(122	)
	Balance September 30, 2014	$	(258	)	$	13		$	(2	)	$	(262	)	$	(509	)

		Currency			Available-
		Translation			for-Sale						Post Employment
		Adjustments			Securities			Cash Flow Hedges			Benefits			Total
	(IN MILLIONS)
	Balance December 31, 2012		(23	)	—				(13	)		(297	)		(333	)
	Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications		(83	)		9			(2	)		12			(64	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	—			—				8			11			19
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income		(83	)		9			6			23			(45	)
	Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		1		—			—			—				1
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(84	)		9			6			23			(46	)
	Balance September 30, 2013		(107	)		9			(7	)		(274	)		(379	)

Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component	'

	The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

			Amount Reclassified from
			Accumulated Other
	(IN MILLIONS)		Comprehensive Loss
	Details about Accumulated								Affected Line Item in the
	Other Comprehensive		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Condensed Consolidated
	Income components		September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			Statement of Operations
	Cash flow hedges
	Interest rate contracts		$	4		$	4		Interest expense
				2			1		Benefit for income taxes
			$	2		$	3		Total, net of tax
	Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits
	Actuarial loss		$	3		$	5		(a)
				1			1		Benefit for income taxes
			$	2		$	4		Total, net of tax
	Total reclassification for the period		$	4		$	7		Net of tax

	(a)	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

	The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

			Amount Reclassified from
			Accumulated Other
	(IN MILLIONS)		Comprehensive Loss
	Details about Accumulated								Affected Line Item in the
	Other Comprehensive		Nine Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Condensed Consolidated
	Income components		September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			Statement of Operations
	Cash flow hedges
	Interest rate contracts		$	12		$	12		Interest expense
				5			4		Benefit for income taxes
			$	7		$	8		Total, net of tax
	Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits
	Actuarial loss		$	9		$	14		(a)
				4			3		Benefit for income taxes
			$	5		$	11		Total, net of tax
	Total reclassification for the period		$	12		$	19		Net of tax

	(a)	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Restructuring_Activities_Table

Restructuring Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Restructuring Activities (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities	'
	A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below:

		Total
	(IN MILLIONS)	Initiatives
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	99
	Charges		43
	Payments		(87	)
	Non cash charges and other adjustments		(1	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	54

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

			September 30,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014				Level 1		Level 2				Level 3
	Assets:
	Investments in equity securities (1)		$	35			$	35	—				—
	Plan assets for deferred compensation (2)			27				27	—				—
	Investment in mutual funds (3)			2				2	—				—
	Interest rate swap arrangements (4)			2			—			2			—
	Total		$	66			$	64	$	2			—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap arrangements (4)		$	7			—		$	7			—
	Deferred compensation liabilities (5)			27				27	—				—
	Total		$	34			$	27	$	7			—


			December 31,
			2013				Level 1		Level 2				Level 3
	Assets:
	Investments in equity securities (1)		$	28			$	28	—				—
	Plan assets for deferred compensation (2)			25				25	—				—
	Investment in mutual funds (3)			2				2	—				—
	Total		$	55			$	55	—				—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap arrangements (4)		$	10			—		$	10			—
	Deferred compensation liabilities (5)			25				25	—				—
	Total		$	35			$	25	$	10			—

	-1	Investments in equity securities are carried at fair value, which is based on the quoted market price at period end in an active market. These investments are classified as available-for-sale with any unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded, net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) until realized.
	-2	Plan assets are comprised of investments in mutual funds, which are intended to fund liabilities arising from deferred compensation plans. These investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as trading securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other expense, net.
	-3	Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.
	-4	Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.
	-5	The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as trading securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the trading securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.
Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps	'
	As of September 30, 2014 the Company had the following outstanding interest rate swaps utilized in the management of its interest rate risk:

		Notional Amount				Maturity Date		Currency
	Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000			November 2014		US Dollar
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000			September 2015		US Dollar
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	125,000,000			November 2015		US Dollar
	Euro term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	€	125,000,000			November 2015		Euro
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	1,575,000,000			May 2016		US Dollar
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	500,000,000			November 2016		US Dollar

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
	The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:

			September 30, 2014										December 31, 2013
							Accounts Payable						Accounts Payable
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments		Other Non-				and Other Current		Other Non-Current				and Other Current				Other Non-Current
	(IN MILLIONS)		Current Assets				Liabilities		Liabilities				Liabilities				Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps		$	2			$	2	$	5			$	2			$	8

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	'
	The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

											Amount of Loss
			Amount of (Gain)/Loss								Reclassified from AOCI
			Recognized in OCI						Location of Loss		into Income
			(Effective Portion)						Reclassified from AOCI		(Effective Portion)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Three Months Ended						into Income (Effective		Three Months Ended
	Hedging Relationships		September 30,						Portion)		September 30,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Interest rate swaps		$	(3	)		$	7	Interest expense		$	4			$	4

	The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

											Amount of Loss
			Amount of Loss								Reclassified from AOCI
			Recognized in OCI						Location of Loss		into Income
			(Effective Portion)						Reclassified from AOCI		(Effective Portion)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Nine Months Ended						into Income (Effective		Nine Months Ended
	Hedging Relationships		September 30,						Portion)		September 30,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Interest rate swaps		$	6			$	2	Interest expense		$	12			$	12

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ1

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Long-Term Debt	'
	Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of September 30, 2014.

		September 30, 2014							December 31, 2013
		Weighted							Weighted
		Interest			Carrying		Fair		Interest			Carrying		Fair
	(IN MILLIONS)	Rate			Amount		Value		Rate			Amount		Value
	$2,532 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.90%) due 2016				—		—						2,507		2,512
	$1,222 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.15%) due 2017				—		—						1,115		1,113
	$1,580 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.15% ) due 2019					1,560		1,559				—		—
	$500 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.40% ) due 2017					499		496				—		—
	$1,100 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.15% ) due 2021					1,097		1,093				—		—
	€289 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 3.15%) due 2016					—		—				394		395
	€286 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 3.00%) due 2021					360		360					—		—
	$575 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2019				—		—					—		—
	Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate)		2.68	%		3,516		3,508		2.89	%		4,016		4,020
	$1,080 million 7.75% senior debenture loan due 2018				—		—						1,083		1,172
	$800 million 4.50% senior debenture loan due 2020					800		777					800		779
	$1,550 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022					1,553		1,527				—		—
	$625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021					625		628					625		636
	Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate)		5.23	%		2,978		2,932		6.51	%		2,508		2,587
	Other loans					8		8					5		5
	Total long-term debt		3.86	%		6,502		6,448		4.28	%		6,529		6,612
	Capital lease and other financing obligations					118							111
	Total debt and other financing arrangements					6,620							6,640
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings					112							148
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and capital lease and other financing obligations				$	6,508						$	6,492

Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt	'
	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows:

	(IN MILLIONS)
	For October 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014	$	25
	2015		106
	2016		118
	2017		640
	2018		212
	2019		1,042
	Thereafter		4,359
		$	6,502

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Common Stock Activity	'
	Common stock activity is as follows:

		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2014
	Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
	Beginning of period		378,635,464
	Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans		3,978,073
	Shares of common stock issued through business combinations		68,737
	Repurchases of common stock		(1,608,273	)
	End of period		381,074,001

Summary of Dividends Declared on Nielsen's Common Stock	'
	The below table summarizes the dividends declared on Nielsen’s common stock during 2013 and the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	Declaration Date	Record Date		Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
	31-Jan-13	6-Mar-13		20-Mar-13	$	0.16
	2-May-13	5-Jun-13		19-Jun-13	$	0.16
	25-Jul-13	28-Aug-13		11-Sep-13	$	0.2
	22-Oct-13	25-Nov-13		9-Dec-13	$	0.2
	20-Feb-14	6-Mar-14		20-Mar-14	$	0.2
	1-May-14	5-Jun-14		19-Jun-14	$	0.25
	24-Jul-14	28-Aug-14		11-Sep-14	$	0.25

Summary of Open Market Share Repurchases Activity	'
	The activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 consisted of open market share repurchases and is summarized in the following table:
							Total Number of
							Shares Purchased as		Dollar Value of Shares
		Total Number			Average		Part of Publicly		that may yet be
		of Shares			Price Paid		Announced Plans		Purchased under the
	Period	Purchased			per Share		or Programs		Plans or Programs
	As of December 31, 2013		289,839		$	39.49		289,839	$	488,554,427
	2014 Activity
	January 1- 31	—			n/a		—		$	488,554,427
	February 1- 28		110,239		$	43.42		110,239	$	483,768,078
	March 1- 31		241,091		$	46.85		241,091	$	472,472,783
	April 1-30		269,972		$	44.47		269,972	$	460,467,412
	May 1-31		211,848		$	47.2		211,848	$	450,467,820
	June 1-30		207,243		$	47.44		207,243	$	440,635,906
	July 1-31		188,612		$	48.54		188,612	$	431,480,660
	August 1-31		181,509		$	47.15		181,509	$	422,921,757
	September 1-30		197,759		$	45.66		197,759	$	413,891,828
	Total		1,898,112		$	45.37		1,898,112

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Segments (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segment Information	'
	Business Segment Information

	(IN MILLIONS)		Buy		Watch		Corporate			Total
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues		$	878	$	694	—			$	1,572
	Depreciation and amortization		$	55	$	83	$	1		$	139
	Restructuring charges		$	4	$	1	$	1		$	6
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	3	$	2	$	7		$	12
	Other items(1)		$	—	$	5	$	4		$	9
	Operating income/(loss)		$	109	$	226	$	(24	)	$	311
	Business segment income/(loss)(2)		$	171	$	317	$	(11	)	$	477
	Total assets as of September 30, 2014		$	6,882	$	8,208	$	271		$	15,361

	(IN MILLIONS)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues		$	848	$	539	$	—		$	1,387
	Depreciation and amortization		$	49	$	66	$	2		$	117
	Restructuring charges		$	10	$	7	$	3		$	20
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	3	$	3	$	5		$	11
	Other items(1)		$	—	—		$	7		$	7
	Operating income/(loss)		$	107	$	163	$	(27	)	$	243
	Business segment income/(loss)(2)		$	169	$	239	$	(10	)	$	398
	Total assets as of December 31, 2013		$	6,768	$	8,326	$	436		$	15,530


	(IN MILLIONS)		Buy		Watch		Corporate			Total
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues		$	2,615	$	2,040	—			$	4,655
	Depreciation and amortization		$	166	$	256	$	3		$	425
	Restructuring charges		$	26	$	11	$	6		$	43
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	12	$	8	$	16		$	36
	Other items (1)		$	—	$	8	$	20		$	28
	Operating income/(loss)		$	252	$	602	$	(73	)	$	781
	Business segment income/(loss) (2)		$	456	$	885	$	(28	)	$	1,313

	(IN MILLIONS)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues		$	2,503	$	1,589	$	—		$	4,092
	Depreciation and amortization		$	149	$	209	$	6		$	364
	Restructuring charges		$	27	$	19	$	17		$	63
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	10	$	7	$	15		$	32
	Other items (1)		$	5	$	—	$	22		$	27
	Operating income/(loss)		$	268	$	441	$	(86	)	$	623
	Business segment income/(loss) (2)		$	459	$	676	$	(26	)	$	1,109

	(a)	Other items primarily consist of transaction-related costs for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. Other items primarily consist of transaction-related costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Other items for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily consist of transaction-related costs of approximately $23 million and a $4 million write down of uninsured deposits in Cyprus.
	(b)	The Company’s chief operating decision making group uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments.

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen2

Background and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Country

Segment

Before devaluation of currency

After devaluation of currency

SICAD I Exchange Rate

Official Exchange Rate

Luxco owned

Nielsen's common stock

Country

Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]

Number of reportable segments

Number of countries in which entity operates

100

Common stock, shares outstanding

381,074,001

378,635,464

74,085,666

125,224,724

Percentage of owned shares

19.00%

33.00%

Common stock par value

$46.58

Common stock, shares issued

382,509,366

379,044,531

51,139,058

Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earning per share under compensation plan

92,800

2,502,717

92,800

2,427,945

Currency devaluation percentage

32.00%

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains (losses), net

$12

$23

Foreign currency exchange rate

4.3

6.3

Business_Acquisitions_Addition

Business Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Arbitron	Arbitron
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition purchase price	'	'	'	$1,300
Percentage ownership interest acquired	'	'	100.00%	100.00%
Acquisition Date	'	'	'	30-Sep-13
Acquisition related expenses	'	'	4	18
Net of cash paid for acquisitions	$203	$42	'	'

Business_Acquisitions_Pro_Form

Business Acquisitions - Pro Forma Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	$1,510	$4,447
Income from continuing operations	$151	$301

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 03, 2014
	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Harris Interactive, Inc.
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition price per share of common stock	'	'	'	'	$2.04
Net proceeds associated with sale of business	'	'	$950	'	'
Gain on sale, net of tax	'	'	303	303	'
Loss on shut down of business in discontinued operations	'	3	'	'	'
Disposal group, including discontinued operation, interest expense	$0	'	'	$8	'

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations - Summarized Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	$15	$103
Operating income	'	'	'	35
Interest expense	0	'	'	-8
Income from operations before income taxes	'	'	'	27
Provision for income taxes	'	'	'	-11
Income from operations	'	'	'	16
Gain on sale, net of tax	'	303	'	303
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	$319

Discontinued_Operations_Summar1

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Major Categories of Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	$36
Net cash provided by investing activities	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	0	0
Net cash used for discontinued operations	'	$36

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance beginning	$7,684
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	144
Effect of foreign currency translation	-113
Balance ending	7,715
Buy	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance beginning	3,005
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	140
Effect of foreign currency translation	-98
Balance ending	3,047
Watch	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance beginning	4,679
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	4
Effect of foreign currency translation	-15
Balance ending	$4,668

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Goodwill deductible for income tax purposes	$78	'	$78	'
Amortization expense, intangible assets	99	74	300	228
Amortization expense, computer software	$52	$38	$160	$120

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$5,073	$4,837
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-2,278	-1,977
Trade names and trademarks	'	'
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	164	156
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-65	-53
Customer - related intangibles	'	'
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	2,926	2,882
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-1,012	-897
Covenants-not-to-compete	'	'
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	36	36
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-28	-19
Computer software	'	'
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	1,841	1,668
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-1,100	-941
Patents and other	'	'
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	106	95
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-73	-67
Trade names and trademarks	'	'
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Indefinite-lived intangibles, Gross Amounts	$1,921	$1,921

Changes_in_and_Reclassificatio2

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax by Component (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	($387)	($333)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	-136	-64
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	12	19
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	-124	-45
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-2	1
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	-122	-46
Ending Balance	-509	-379
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Currency Translation Adjustments	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	-124	-23
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	-136	-83
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	-136	-83
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-2	1
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	-134	-84
Ending Balance	-258	-107
Available-for-Sale Securities	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	9	'
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	4	9
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	4	9
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	4	9
Ending Balance	13	9
Cash Flow Hedges	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	-5	-13
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	-4	-2
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	7	8
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	3	6
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	3	6
Ending Balance	-2	-7
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Post Employment Benefits	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	-267	-297
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	'	12
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	5	11
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	5	23
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	5	23
Ending Balance	($262)	($274)

Changes_in_and_Reclassificatio3

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component - Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	$4		$7		$12		$19
Interest Rate Swap	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax	4		4		12		12
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, tax	2		1		5		4
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	2		3		7		8
Actuarial loss	'		'		'		'
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax	3	[1]	5	[1]	9	[2]	14	[2]
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, tax	1		1		4		3
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	$2		$4		$5		$11

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

Restructuring_Activities_Summa

Restructuring Activities - Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	$99	'
Charges	6	20	43	63
Payments	'	'	-87	'
Non cash charges and other adjustments	'	'	-1	'
Ending Balance	$54	'	$54	'

Restructuring_Activities_Addit

Restructuring Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$6	$20	$43	$63	'
Restructuring reserve	54	'	54	'	99
Restructuring actions for remaining liabilities, Current	$44	'	$44	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Assets:	'		'
Asset	$66		$55
Liabilities:	'		'
Liabilities	34		35
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Asset	2	[1]	'
Liabilities:	'		'
Liabilities	7	[1]	10	[1]
Deferred Compensation Liabilities	'		'
Liabilities:	'		'
Liabilities	27	[2]	25	[2]
Level 1	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Asset	64		55
Liabilities:	'		'
Liabilities	27		25
Level 1 \| Deferred Compensation Liabilities	'		'
Liabilities:	'		'
Liabilities	27	[2]	25	[2]
Level 2	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Asset	2		'
Liabilities:	'		'
Liabilities	7		10
Level 2 \| Interest Rate Swap Arrangements	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Asset	2	[1]	'
Liabilities:	'		'
Liabilities	7	[1]	10	[1]
Investments in Equity Securities	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Asset	35	[3]	28	[3]
Investments in Equity Securities \| Level 1	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Asset	35	[3]	28	[3]
Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Asset	27	[4]	25	[4]
Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation \| Level 1	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Asset	27	[4]	25	[4]
Investment In Mutual Funds	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Asset	2	[5]	2	[5]
Investment In Mutual Funds \| Level 1	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Asset	$2	[5]	$2	[5]

[1]	Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.
[2]	The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participantâ€™s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as trading securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the trading securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.
[3]	Investments in equity securities are carried at fair value, which is based on the quoted market price at period end in an active market. These investments are classified as available-for-sale with any unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded, net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) until realized.
[4]	Plan assets are comprised of investments in mutual funds, which are intended to fund liabilities arising from deferred compensation plans. These investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as trading securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other expense, net.
[5]	Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Outsta

Fair Value Measurements - Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on November 2014	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on September 2015	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on November 2015	Euro term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on November 2015	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on May 2016	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on November 2016
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional Amount	$250,000,000	$250,000,000	$125,000,000	€ 125,000,000	$1,575,000,000	$500,000,000
Maturity Date	1-Nov-14	1-Sep-15	1-Nov-15	1-Nov-15	1-May-16	1-Nov-16

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense expected to be recognized in next twelve months	$11

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (Interest Rate Swap, Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments, USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest Rate Swap \| Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	'	'
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Other Non-Current Assets	$2	'
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	2	2
Other Non-Current Liabilities	$5	$8

Fair_Value_Measurements_Deriva

Fair Value Measurements - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest Expense	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$4	$4	$12	$12
Interest Rate Swap	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of (Gain)/Loss Recognized in OCI Derivatives (Effective Portion)	($3)	$7	$6	$2

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ2

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	3.86%	4.28%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$6,502	$6,529
Capital lease and other financing obligations, Carrying Amount	118	111
Total debt and other financing arrangements, Carrying Amount	6,620	6,640
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings	112	148
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	6,508	6,492
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	6,448	6,612
Senior secured credit facilities	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	2.68%	2.89%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	3,516	4,016
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	3,508	4,020
Debenture Loans	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	5.23%	6.51%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	2,978	2,508
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	2,932	2,587
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2016 \| Libor Based Variable Rate	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	'	2,507
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	'	2,512
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2016 \| Euro Libor Based Variable Rate	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	'	394
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	'	395
Senior Secured Term Loan Due 2017 \| Libor Based Variable Rate \| Two Point One Five Percentage Libor Based Variable Rate	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	'	1,115
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	'	1,113
Senior Secured Term Loan Due 2017 \| Libor Based Variable Rate \| Two Point Four Zero Percentage Libor Based Variable Rate	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	499	'
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	496	'
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019 \| Libor Based Variable Rate	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,560	'
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,559	'
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019 \| Euro LIBOR or LIBOR Based Variable Rate	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	0	0
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	0	0
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021 \| Libor Based Variable Rate	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,097	'
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,093	'
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021 \| Euro Libor Based Variable Rate	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	360	'
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	360	'
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2018	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	'	1,083
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	'	1,172
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	800	800
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	777	779
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,553	'
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,527	'
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	625	625
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	628	636
Other Loans	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	8	5
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$8	$5

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ3

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2016

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due Two Thousand Sixteen Euro L I B O R Based Variable Rate

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due Two Thousand Twenty One Euro Libor Based Variable Rate

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Due 2019

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2018

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021

Two Point One Five Percentage Libor Based Variable Rate

Two Point Four Zero Percentage Libor Based Variable Rate

Libor Based Variable Rate

Euro Libor Based Variable Rate

Euro LIBOR or LIBOR Based Variable Rate

USD ($)

Senior Secured Term Loan Due 2017

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Libor Based Variable Rate

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument face value

$2,532

$1,580

$1,100

€ 289

€ 286

$575

$1,080

$800

$1,550

$800

$750

$625

$1,222

$500

Debt instrument, variable rate

2.90%

2.15%

3.15%

3.00%

2.15%

2.40%

Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage

7.75%

4.50%

5.00%

5.50%

Debt instrument, maturity year

'2016

'2019

'2021

'2016

'2021

'2019

'2018

'2020

'2022

'2021

'2017

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ4

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
For October 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014	$25	'
2015	106	'
2016	118	'
2017	640	'
2018	212	'
2019	1,042	'
Thereafter	4,359	'
Total	$6,502	$6,529

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ5

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Jul. 31, 2014

31-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

USD ($)

Class A Term Loan

Class B-1 Term Loans

Class B-2 Term Loans

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2018

7.75% Senior Notes Due 2018

Revolving credit commitments

New revolving credit commitments

Senior Secured Notes

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022

Base Rate Loans

Eurocurrency Rate Loans

New Classes Term Loan

Class D Term Loans

Class E Term Loans

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

7.75% Senior Notes Due 2018

USD ($)

Class A Term Loan

Class B-1 Term Loans

Class B-2 Term Loans

Class A Term Loan

Class B-1 Term Loans

Class B-2 Term Loans

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument face value

$1,580

$500

$1,100

€ 286

$635

$575

$1,080

$1,550

$800

$750

Debt instrument, maturity year

'2022

Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage

7.75%

5.00%

Senior secured credit agreement amended, principal amount

3,180

286

Convertible Subordinated Bonds, Maturity date

1-Apr-19

1-May-17

1-Apr-21

1-Feb-17

1-May-16

Payment to redeem outstanding senior notes

280

Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt

Redemption price percentage of principal amount redeemed

100.00%

Original principal amount paid in first year

5.00%

Original principal amount paid in second year

5.00%

Original principal amount paid in third year

7.50%

Original principal amount paid in fourth year

10.00%

Original principal amount paid in fifth year

72.50%

Original principal amount repaid

3.75%

1.00%

Margin under term loan facility

0.50%

1.25%

2.00%

1.50%

2.25%

3.00%

Applicable margin for senior secured term loans, base rate loans

3.00%

Payment to redeem outstanding senior notes

$4,573

$1,933

$800

Stockholders_Equity_Common_Sto

Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Activity (Detail)	1 Months Ended								5 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	15 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Activity (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	31-May-14	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning of period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	378,635,464	'
Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,978,073	'
Shares of common stock issued through business combinations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	68,737	'
Repurchases of common stock	-197,759	-181,509	-188,612	-207,243	-211,848	-269,972	-241,091	-110,239	-289,839	-1,608,273	-1,898,112
End of period	381,074,001	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	378,635,464	381,074,001	381,074,001

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

15 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

31-May-14

Apr. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Jul. 25, 2013

Addition to current authorization

Maximum

Subsequent Event

Stockholders Equity [Line Items]

Cumulative shares of treasury stock

1,435,365

409,067

1,435,365

Cost of treasury stock

$65,000,000

$13,000,000

$65,000,000

Authorized shares under repurchase program

1,000,000,000

500,000,000

Cumulative shares repurchased

1,898,112

Average price of common stock purchased

$45.66

$47.15

$48.54

$47.44

$47.20

$44.47

$46.85

$43.42

$39.49

$45.37

Total consideration of stock repurchase program

$75,000,000

$86,000,000

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Dividends Paid (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dividend Per Share	$0.25	$0.20	$0.70	$0.52
Installment One	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Declaration Date	'	'	31-Jan-13	'
Record Date	'	'	6-Mar-13	'
Payment Date	'	'	20-Mar-13	'
Dividend Per Share	'	'	$0.16	'
Installment Two	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Declaration Date	'	'	2-May-13	'
Record Date	'	'	5-Jun-13	'
Payment Date	'	'	19-Jun-13	'
Dividend Per Share	'	'	$0.16	'
Installment Three	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Declaration Date	'	'	25-Jul-13	'
Record Date	'	'	28-Aug-13	'
Payment Date	'	'	11-Sep-13	'
Dividend Per Share	'	'	$0.20	'
Installment Four	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Declaration Date	'	'	22-Oct-13	'
Record Date	'	'	25-Nov-13	'
Payment Date	'	'	9-Dec-13	'
Dividend Per Share	'	'	$0.20	'
Installment Five	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Declaration Date	'	'	20-Feb-14	'
Record Date	'	'	6-Mar-14	'
Payment Date	'	'	20-Mar-14	'
Dividend Per Share	'	'	$0.20	'
Installment Six	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Declaration Date	'	'	1-May-14	'
Record Date	'	'	5-Jun-14	'
Payment Date	'	'	19-Jun-14	'
Dividend Per Share	'	'	$0.25	'
Installment Seven	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Declaration Date	'	'	24-Jul-14	'
Record Date	'	'	28-Aug-14	'
Payment Date	'	'	11-Sep-14	'
Dividend Per Share	'	'	$0.25	'

Stockholders_Equity_Open_Marke

Stockholders' Equity - Open Market Share Repurchases Activity (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended								5 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	15 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	31-May-14	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total Number of Shares Purchased	197,759	181,509	188,612	207,243	211,848	269,972	241,091	110,239	289,839	'	1,898,112	'
Average price of common stock purchased	$45.66	$47.15	$48.54	$47.44	$47.20	$44.47	$46.85	$43.42	$39.49	$45.37	$45.37	'
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	197,759	181,509	188,612	207,243	211,848	269,972	241,091	110,239	289,839	1,608,273	1,898,112	'
Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Plans or Programs	$413,891,828	$422,921,757	$431,480,660	$440,635,906	$450,467,820	$460,467,412	$472,472,783	$483,768,078	$488,554,427	$413,891,828	$413,891,828	$488,554,427

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Scenario, Forecast
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rates	51.00%	23.00%	48.00%	28.00%	'	'
Liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits	'	'	'	'	$475	$496

Segments_Additional_Informatio

Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of reportable segments	2
Operating Segments	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of reportable segments	2

Segments_Business_Segment_Info

Segments - Business Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	$1,572		$1,387		$4,655		$4,092		'
Depreciation and amortization	139		117		425		364		'
Restructuring charges	6		20		43		63		'
Stock-based compensation expense	12		11		36		32		'
Other items	9	[1]	7	[1]	28	[1]	27	[1]	'
Operating income/(loss)	311		243		781		623		'
Business segment income/(loss)	477	[2]	398	[2]	1,313	[2]	1,109	[2]	'
Total assets	15,361		'		15,361		'		15,530
Operating Segments \| Buy	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	878		848		2,615		2,503		'
Depreciation and amortization	55		49		166		149		'
Restructuring charges	4		10		26		27		'
Stock-based compensation expense	3		3		12		10		'
Other items	'		'		'		5	[1]	'
Operating income/(loss)	109		107		252		268		'
Business segment income/(loss)	171	[2]	169	[2]	456	[2]	459	[2]	'
Total assets	6,882		'		6,882		'		6,768
Operating Segments \| Watch	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	694		539		2,040		1,589		'
Depreciation and amortization	83		66		256		209		'
Restructuring charges	1		7		11		19		'
Stock-based compensation expense	2		3		8		7		'
Other items	5	[1]	'		8	[1]	'		'
Operating income/(loss)	226		163		602		441		'
Business segment income/(loss)	317	[2]	239	[2]	885	[2]	676	[2]	'
Total assets	8,208		'		8,208		'		8,326
Corporate, Non-Segment \| Corporate	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Depreciation and amortization	1		2		3		6		'
Restructuring charges	1		3		6		17		'
Stock-based compensation expense	7		5		16		15		'
Other items	4	[1]	7	[1]	20	[1]	22	[1]	'
Operating income/(loss)	-24		-27		-73		-86		'
Business segment income/(loss)	-11	[2]	-10	[2]	-28	[2]	-26	[2]	'
Total assets	$271		'		$271		'		$436

[1]	Other items primarily consist of transaction-related costs for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. Other items primarily consist of transaction-related costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Other items for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily consist of transaction-related costs of approximately $23 million and a $4 million write down of uninsured deposits in Cyprus.
[2]	The Companyâ€™s chief operating decision making group uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments.

Segments_Business_Segment_Info1

Segments - Business Segment Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Transaction related costs	$23
Write down of uninsured deposits	$4