Nielsen (NLSN) 10-K 20 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	NLSNNV
Entity Registrant Name	Nielsen N.V.
Entity Central Index Key	1492633
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		371,263,447
Entity Public Float			$14,737

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$6,288	$5,703	$5,407
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	2,620	2,398	2,225
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	1,917	1,815	1,724
Depreciation and amortization	573	510	493
Restructuring charges	89	119	85
Operating income	1,089	861	880
Interest income	3	2	4
Interest expense	-300	-309	-390
Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net	-71	-25	-17
Other expense, net	-100	-9	-118
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates	621	520	359
Provision for income taxes	-236	-91	-122
Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates	-4	2	5
Income from continuing operations	381	431	242
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		305	30
Net income	381	736	272
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3	-4	-1
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$384	$740	$273
Net income per share of common stock, basic
Income from continuing operations	$1.01	$1.16	$0.67
Discontinued operations, net of tax		$0.81	$0.08
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$1.01	$1.97	$0.75
Net income per share of common stock, diluted
Income from continuing operations	$1	$1.14	$0.66
Discontinued operations, net of tax		$0.80	$0.08
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$1	$1.94	$0.75
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic	379,333,037	375,797,629	361,787,868
Dilutive shares of common stock	5,038,415	5,130,337	4,523,116
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted	384,371,452	380,927,966	366,310,984
Dividends declared per common share	$0.95	$0.72	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$381		$736		$272
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-301	[1]	-99	[1]	74	[1]
Available for sale securities	10	[2]	9	[2]	-1	[2]
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	3	[3]	8	[3]	1	[3]
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	-109	[4]	30	[4]	-105	[4]
Total other comprehensive loss	-397		-52		-31
Total comprehensive (loss)/income	-16		684		241
Less: comprehensive (loss)/ income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-10		-2		2
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	($6)		$686		$239
[1]	Net of tax of $(7) million, $3 million and $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.
[2]	Net of tax of $(7) million, $6 million and zero for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.
[3]	Net of tax of $(2) million, $5 million and $(1) million for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.
[4]	Net of tax of $32 million, $18 million and $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	($7)	$3	$2
Available-for-sale securities, tax	-7	6	0
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, tax	-2	5	-1
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, tax	$32	$18	$23

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$273	$564
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $29 and $39 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	1,241	1,196
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	505	374
Total current assets	2,019	2,134
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	533	560
Goodwill	7,671	7,684
Other intangible assets, net	4,715	4,781
Deferred tax assets	83	115
Other non-current assets	355	256
Total assets	15,376	15,530
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,035	1,026
Deferred revenues	304	306
Income tax liabilities	62	55
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	397	148
Total current liabilities	1,798	1,535
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	6,465	6,492
Deferred tax liabilities	1,025	864
Other non-current liabilities	955	832
Total liabilities	10,243	9,723
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Nielsen stockholders’ equity
Common stock, €0.07 par value, 1,185,800,000 and 1,185,800,000 shares authorized; 382,622,922 and 379,044,531 shares issued and 372,757,598 and 378,635,464 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	32	32
Additional paid-in capital	5,929	6,596
Accumulated deficit	-128	-512
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	-777	-387
Total Nielsen stockholders’ equity	5,056	5,729
Noncontrolling interests	77	78
Total equity	5,133	5,807
Total liabilities and equity	$15,376	$15,530

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 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	$29		$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	382,622,922	382,622,922	379,044,531	379,044,531
Common stock, shares outstanding	372,757,598	372,757,598	378,635,464	378,635,464

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Activities
Net income	$381	$736	$272
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation expense	47	47	34
Gain on sale of discontinued operations		-290
Deferred income taxes	105	-107	47
Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other losses	174	40	141
Equity in net loss/(income) of affiliates, net of dividends received	5	2	3
Depreciation and amortization	573	521	520
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and divested:
Trade and other receivables, net	-93	-84	-13
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-76	21	-18
Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues	-4	-55	-190
Other non-current liabilities	-2	-6	-10
Interest payable	6	13	29
Income taxes	-23	63	-31
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,093	901	784
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	-314	-1,249	-160
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	-6	935	-4
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	-163	-130	-132
Additions to intangible assets	-249	-244	-226
Other investing activities		1
Net cash used in investing activities	-732	-687	-522
Financing Activities
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	280
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	4,544	2,485	1,998
Repayment of debt	-4,598	-2,171	-2,230
(Decrease)/increase in other short-term borrowings		-5	3
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	-356	-265
Repurchase of common stock	-466	-11
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	103	85	29
Other financing activities	-92	-35	-98
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-585	83	-298
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-67	-21	5
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	-291	276	-31
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	564	288	319
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	273	564	288
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	-154	-147	-124
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	($294)	($304)	($384)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (USD $)	Total		Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Currency Translation Adjustments	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Available-for-Sale Securities	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Cash Flow Hedges	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Post Employment Benefits	Total Nielsen Stockholders’ Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
In Millions
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$4,641		$30	$6,427	($1,525)	($94)	$1	($14)	($192)	$4,633	$8
Net income	272				273					273	-1
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	74	[1]				71				71	3
Unrealized loss on pension liability, net of tax	-105	[2]							-105	-105
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	-1						-1			-1
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	1	[3]						1		1
Noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary	28			-11						-11	39
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-1										-1
Shares of common stock issued in business combinations	7			7						7
Common stock option activity	29			29						29
Stock-based compensation expense	33			33						33
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	4,978		30	6,485	-1,252	-23		-13	-297	4,930	48
Net income	736				740					740	-4
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-99	[1]				-101				-101	2
Unrealized loss on pension liability, net of tax	30	[2]							30	30
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	9						9			9
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	8	[3]						8		8
Divesture of interest in a consolidated subsidiary	2			-29						-29	31
Noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary	1										1
Dividends to stockholders	-271			-271						-271
Shares of common stock issued in business combinations	3			3						3
Exercise of stock options	86		1	85						86
Repurchase of common stock	-11			-11						-11
Stock-based compensation expense	47			47						47
Conversion of mandatorily convertible bonds to shares	288		1	287						288
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	5,807		32	6,596	-512	-124	9	-5	-267	5,729	78
Net income	381				384					384	-3
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-301	[1]				-294				-294	-7
Unrealized loss on pension liability, net of tax	-109	[2]							-109	-109
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	10						10			10
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	3	[3]						3		3
Divesture of interest in a consolidated subsidiary	-1										-1
Noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary	11										11
Dividends to stockholders	-360			-359						-359	-1
Shares of common stock issued in business combinations	3			3						3
Exercise of stock options	108			108						108
Repurchase of common stock	-466			-466						-466
Stock-based compensation expense	47			47						47
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$5,133		$32	$5,929	($128)	($418)	$19	($2)	($376)	$5,056	$77
[1]	Net of tax of $(7) million, $3 million and $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.
[2]	Net of tax of $32 million, $18 million and $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.
[3]	Net of tax of $(2) million, $5 million and $(1) million for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Currency translation adjustments, tax	($7)	$3	$2
Unrealized loss on pension liability, tax	32	18	23
Unrealized gain on available for sale security, tax	-7	6
Cash flow hedges, tax	($2)	$5	($1)

Description_of_Business_Basis_

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	1. Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
	On May 17, 2006, Nielsen N.V. (the “Company” or “Nielsen”), formerly known as Nielsen Holdings N.V., Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Nielsen Holdings B.V., was formed by investment funds associated with AlpInvest Partners, The Blackstone Group, The Carlyle Group, Hellman & Friedman, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., and Thomas H. Lee Partners (collectively, and with subsequent investor Centerview Partners, the “Sponsors”) as a subsidiary of Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. (“Luxco”). On May 24, 2006, The Nielsen Company B.V. (“TNC B.V.”) (formerly VNU Group B.V. and VNU N.V.) was acquired through a tender offer to stockholders by Valcon Acquisition B.V. (“Valcon”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (herein referred to as the “Valcon Acquisition”). On January 31, 2011, Nielsen completed an initial public offering of 82,142,858 shares of its €0.07 par value common stock at a price of $23.00 per share. Nielsen’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is traded under the symbol “NLSN.” During 2012, 2013 and 2014, Luxco and certain Nielsen employees (the “selling shareholders”) completed public offerings totaling 216,703,942 shares of our stock at a weighted average price of $37.84 per share. All proceeds went to the selling stockholders and the offering did not have a significant impact on our operating results or financial position.  As of December 31, 2014, Luxco owned approximately 15% of the Company’s common stock.
	Nielsen, together with its subsidiaries, is a leading global information and measurement company that provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of consumers and consumer behavior. Nielsen is aligned into two reportable segments: what consumers buy (“Buy”), what consumers watch and listen to (“Watch”). Nielsen has a presence in more than 100 countries, with its headquarters located in Diemen, the Netherlands and New York, USA. See Note 17 – “Segments” for a discussion of the Company’s reportable segments.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share and per share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. Supplemental cash flows from discontinued operations are presented in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements “Discontinued Operations.” The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2014 for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided.
	Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries are reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements with disclosure on the face of the consolidated statements of operations of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders and to the noncontrolling interests. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliates and joint ventures where Nielsen has significant influence but not control, usually supported by a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in which Nielsen owns less than 20% and does not have significant influence are accounted for either as available-for-sale securities if the shares are publicly traded or as cost method investments. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Nielsen has significant investments outside the United States, primarily in the Euro-zone, Canada and the United Kingdom. Therefore, changes in the value of foreign currencies affect the consolidated financial statements when translated into U.S. Dollars. The functional currency for substantially all subsidiaries outside the U.S. is the local currency. Financial statements for these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars at period-end exchange rates as to the assets and liabilities and monthly average exchange rates as to revenues, expenses and cash flows. For these countries, currency translation adjustments are recognized in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net, whereas transaction gains and losses are recognized in foreign exchange transaction (losses)/gains, net in the consolidated statement of operations.
	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 have 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.
	During 2014, as a result of further changes associated with the Venezuelan currency exchange rate mechanisms, the Company changed the exchange rate used to remeasure its Venezuelan subsidiaries’ financial statements in U.S. dollars. Based on facts and circumstances present at March 31, 2014, 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 Exchange Agreement No. 25 between the Central Bank of Venezuela and the Venezuelan government, the Company believed that any future remittances for royalty and dividend payments would be transacted at the SICAD I exchange rate. Accordingly, because the equity of the Venezuelan subsidiary would be realized through the payment of royalties and dividends, the SICAD I exchange rate represented a more realistic exchange rate at which to remeasure the U.S. dollar value of the bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiaries in the consolidated financial statements. However, since its implementation, the Company has not been successful in gaining access to U.S. dollars through SICAD I.  Due to the lack of access to the SICAD I auction system, as of December 31, 2014 the Company decided it was more likely that it would be able to gain access to U.S. dollars through the SICAD II mechanism to settle transactions conducted by the Company in Venezuela as it was created to provide an open mechanism that permits any company to request U.S. dollars for any purpose.  Accordingly, the Company concluded that the SICAD II exchange rate should be used to re-measure its bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, the SICAD II exchange rate was 50.0 bolivars to the U.S. dollar, compared with the official exchange rate of 6.3 bolivars to the U.S. dollar and the SICAD I exchange rate of 12.0 bolivars to the U.S. dollar.  As a result of these changes, Nielsen recorded a pre-tax charge of $52 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 in foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net in the consolidated statement of operations, reflecting the write-down of monetary assets and liabilities in the Company’s Venezuelan operations.
	The Company will continue to assess the appropriate conversion rate based on events in Venezuela and the Company’s specific facts and circumstances.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs, which were not material for any periods presented, are expensed as incurred.
	Revenue Recognition
	Nielsen recognizes revenues when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered or information has been delivered, the fee is fixed or determinable and the collectability of the related revenue is reasonably assured.
	A significant portion of the Company’s revenue is generated from information (primarily retail measurement and consumer panel services) and measurement (primarily from television, radio, online and mobile audiences) services. The Company generally recognizes revenue from the sale of services as the services are performed, which is usually ratably over the term of the contract(s). Invoiced amounts are recorded as deferred revenue until earned. Substantially all of the Company’s customer contracts are non-cancellable and non-refundable.
	Certain of the Company’s revenue arrangements include multiple deliverables and in these arrangements, the individual deliverables within the contract that have stand-alone value to the customer are separated and recognized upon delivery based upon the Company’s best estimate of their selling prices. These arrangements are not significant to the Company’s results of operations. In certain cases, software is included as part of these arrangements to allow Nielsen’s customers to view delivered information and is provided for the term of the arrangement and is not significant to the marketing effort and is not sold separately. Accordingly, software provided to Nielsen’s customers is considered to be incidental to the arrangements and is not recognized as a separate element.
	A discussion of Nielsen’s revenue recognition policies, by segment, follows:
	Buy
	Revenue from the Buy segment, primarily from retail measurement services and consumer panel services is recognized over the period during which the services are performed and information is delivered to the customer, primarily on a straight-line basis.
	The Company provides insights and solutions to customers through analytical studies that are recognized into revenue as value is delivered to the customer. The pattern of revenue recognition for these contracts varies depending on the terms of the individual contracts, and may be recognized proportionally or deferred until the end of the contract term and recognized when the information has been delivered to the customer.
	Watch
	Revenue from the Watch segment is primarily generated from television, radio, online and mobile measurement services and recognized over the contract period, as the service is delivered to the customer, primarily on a straight-line basis.
	Deferred Costs
	Incremental direct costs incurred related to establishing or significantly expanding a panel in a designated market and costs incurred to build the infrastructure to service new clients, are deferred at the point when Nielsen determines them to be recoverable. Prior to this point, these cost are expensed as incurred. These deferred costs are typically amortized over the original contract period beginning when the panel or electronic metered sample is ready for its intended use.
	Advertising and Marketing Costs
	Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred and are reflected as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. These costs include all brand advertising, telemarketing, direct mail and other sales promotion associated with marketing/media research services. Advertising and marketing costs totaled $19 million, $19 million and $18 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Computation of Net Income per Share
	Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number 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 primarily consist of employee stock options and restricted stock.
	Employee stock options, restricted stock and similar equity instruments granted by the Company are treated as potential common stock outstanding in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted stock outstanding include restricted stock units and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options which is calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible for tax purposes are assumed to be used to repurchase stock.
	The two-class method is an earnings allocation method for computing earnings/(loss) per share when a company’s capital structure includes either two or more classes of common stock or common stock and participating securities. This method determines earnings/(loss) per share based on dividends declared on common stock and participating securities (i.e., distributed earnings), as well as participation rights of participating securities in any undistributed earnings. The two-class method did not have a significant impact on the calculation or presentation of earnings per share for any of the periods presented.
	The effect of 2,437,100, 2,433,400 and 7,698,964 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive. Additionally, the Company’s mandatory convertible subordinated bonds due 2013 were converted into 10,416,700 shares of common stock on February 1, 2013, and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2012, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.
	Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
	Comprehensive income/(loss) is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) and consists of net income or loss and other gains and losses, net of tax affecting equity that are excluded from net income or loss.
	Other Significant Accounting Policies
	The following table includes other significant accounting policies that are described in other notes to the financial statements, including the related note and page number:
	Significant Accounting Policy	Note	Page #
	Investments	8	76
	Financial Instruments	8	76
	Derivative Financial Instruments	8	76
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	5	71
	Property, Plant and Equipment	7	75
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	5&7	71 and 75
	Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits	10	80
	Stock-Based Compensation	13	93
	Income Taxes	14	97

Summary_of_Recent_Accounting_P

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 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 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 consolidated financial statements, including which transition method will be applied.
	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 consolidated financial statements.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions	3. Business Acquisitions
	Arbitron Inc.
	On September 30, 2013 (the “Acquisition Date”), 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.
	As a part of the Acquisition, Nielsen acquired the remaining 49.5% interest in Scarborough Research, a joint venture between Nielsen and Arbitron (“Scarborough”) that Nielsen historically accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Nielsen accounted for this transaction as a step-acquisition and calculated the fair value of its investment immediately before the acquisition to be $75 million. As a result, during the third quarter of 2013, Nielsen recorded a $24 million gain on its investment in Scarborough to other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. As of October 1, 2013, the financial results of Scarborough were included within the consolidated financial statements of Nielsen.
	The Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires, among other things, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Since the date of the acquisition occurred on the last day of the quarter, the results of Arbitron were included within Company’s consolidated financial statements commencing October 1, 2013. The Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes $134 million of revenues related to the Arbitron acquisition.
	The purchase price was allocated based upon the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	Fair value of business combination:
	Cash paid for Arbitron common stock	$	1,296
	Accrued payment for directors’ and employees’ equity awards pertaining to pre-merger service		42
	Accrued dividend payment on Arbitron common stock		3
	Fair value of previously held equity interest in Scarborough		75
	Total	$	1,416
	Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Cash	$	136
	Other current assets		129
	Property and equipment		32
	Goodwill		947
	Amortizable intangible assets		472
	Other long term assets		2
	Deferred revenue		(47	)
	Other current liabilities		(53	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		(184	)
	Other long term liabilities		(18	)
	Total	$	1,416
	As of the Acquisition Date, the expected fair value of accounts receivable approximated historical cost. The gross contractual receivable was $64 million, of which $4 million was deemed uncollectible.
	The allocation of the purchase price to goodwill and identified intangible assets was $947 million and $472 million, respectively. All of the Arbitron related goodwill and intangible assets are attributable to the Nielsen’s Watch segment.
	Intangible assets and their estimated useful lives consist of the following:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	Description	Amount			Useful Life
	Customer –related intangibles	$	271			10 – 15 years
	Computer software		159			5 – 10 years
	Trade names and trademarks		31			3 – 5 years
	Covenants-not-to-compete		11			1 – 2 years
	Total	$	472
	Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents expected synergies and the going concern nature of Arbitron.
	The Company incurred acquisition related expenses of $19 million and $9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which primarily consisted of transaction fees, legal, accounting and other professional services that are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
	The following unaudited pro forma information presents the consolidated results of operations of the Company and Arbitron for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2012, with pro forma adjustments to give effect to amortization of intangible assets, an increase in interest expense from acquisition financing, and certain other adjustments:
		December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2013			2012
	Revenues	$	6,058		$	5,885
	Income from continuing operations	$	497		$	275
	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.
	Other Acquisitions
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $314 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had that period’s acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2014, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.
	For the year ended December 31, 2013, excluding Arbitron, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $43 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had that period’s acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2013, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.
	For the year ended December 31, 2012, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $160 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had that period’s acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2012, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 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 $290 million, net of tax. The 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 exit. The consolidated statements of operations reflect the operating results of this business as a discontinued operation.
	Summarized results of operations for discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014		2013			2012
	Revenue	$	15	$	103		$	205
	Operating income		—		35			72
	Interest expense		—		(8	)		(23	)
	Income from operations before income taxes		—		27			49
	Provision for income taxes		—		(12	)		(18	)
	Income from operations		—		15			31
	Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—		—			1
	Gain on sale, net of tax		—		290			—
	Income from discontinued operations	$	—	$	305		$	30
	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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, interest expense of zero, $8 million and $23 million, respectively was allocated to discontinued operations.
	Following are the major categories of cash flows from discontinued operations, as included in Nielsen’s consolidated statements of cash flows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014	2013			2012
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	—	$	36		$	67
	Net cash provided by investing activities		—		—			(11	)
	Net cash provided by financing activities		—		—			—
		$	—	$	36		$	56

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of certain trade names and trademarks, are each tested for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such asset may not be recoverable. Nielsen has designated October 1st as the date in which the annual assessment is performed as this timing corresponds with the development of the Company’s formal budget and business plan review. Nielsen reviews the recoverability of its goodwill by comparing the estimated fair values of reporting units with their respective carrying amounts. The Company established, and continues to evaluate, its reporting units based on its internal reporting structure and defines such reporting units at its operating segment level or one level below. The estimates of fair value of a reporting unit are determined using a combination of valuation techniques, primarily an income approach using a discounted cash flow analysis supplemented by a market-based approach.
	A discounted cash flow analysis requires the use of various assumptions, including expectations of future cash flows, growth rates, discount rates and tax rates in developing the present value of future cash flow projections. The market-based approach utilizes available market comparisons such as indicative industry multiples that are applied to current year revenue and earnings as well as recent comparable transactions.
	The impairment test for other indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The estimates of fair value of trade names and trademarks are determined using a “relief from royalty” discounted cash flow valuation methodology. Significant assumptions inherent in this methodology include estimates of royalty rates and discount rates. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the respective intangible assets. Assumptions about royalty rates are based on the rates at which comparable trade names and trademarks are being licensed in the marketplace. There was no impairment noted in any period presented with respect to the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	Nielsen is required to assess whether the value of the Company’s amortizable intangible assets have been impaired whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Nielsen does not perform a periodic assessment of assets for impairment in the absence of such information or indicators. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by comparing the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be derived from an asset (or a group of assets) to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the asset (or the group of assets) exceeds the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is considered to exist. If impairment is considered to exist based on undiscounted cash flows, the impairment charge is measured using an estimation of the assets’ fair value, typically using a discounted cash flow method. The identification of impairment indicators, the estimation of future cash flows and the determination of fair values for assets (or groups of assets) requires Nielsen to make significant judgments concerning the identification and validation of impairment indicators, expected cash flows and applicable discount rates. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and our assessments change. There was no impairment noted in any period presented with respect to the Company’s amortizable intangible assets.
	Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated impairments losses, if any.
	The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	(IN MILLIONS)		Buy			Watch			Expositions			Total
	Balance, December 31, 2012(a)		$	3,061		$	3,726		$	565		$	7,352
	Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments			17			945			(565	)		397
	Effect of foreign currency translation			(73	)		8			-			(65	)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	3,005		$	4,679		$	-		$	7,684
	Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments			202			4			-			206
	Effect of foreign currency translation			(193	)		(26	)		-			(219	)
	Balance, December 31, 2014		$	3,014		$	4,657		$	-		$	7,671
	Cummulative Impairments		$	-		$	376		$	2		$	378
	(a)	During the fourth quarter of 2013, to conform to a change in management reporting, Nielsen reclassified two products from the Buy segment to the Watch segment. Goodwill by segment has been retrospectively restated to reflect this change.
	At December 31, 2014, $73 million of goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
	Other Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets with finite lives are stated at historical cost, less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. These intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives, which are reviewed annually.
	Nielsen has purchased and internally developed software to facilitate its global information processing, financial reporting and client access needs. Costs that are related to the conceptual formulation and design of software programs are expensed as incurred. Costs that are incurred to produce the finished product after technological feasibility has been established are capitalized as an intangible asset and are amortized over the estimated useful life. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of software may not be recovered, a recoverability analysis is performed based on estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the software in the future. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from the future cash flows, the software cost is written down to estimate fair value and an impairment is recognized. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and as our assessments change.
	The table below summarizes the carrying value of such intangible assets and their estimated useful lives:
						Gross Amounts						Accumulated Amortization
			Estimated		Weighted	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		Useful Lives		Average	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Indefinite-lived intangibles:
	Trade names and trademarks					$	1,921		$	1,921		$	-		$	-
	Amortized intangibles:
	Trade names and trademarks		5-20 years		14 years		166			156			(68	)		(53	)
	Customer-related intangibles		6-25 years		22 years		2,938			2,882			(1,054	)		(897	)
	Covenants-not-to-compete		1-7 years		3 years		36			36			(30	)		(19	)
	Computer software		3-10 years		5 years		1,935			1,668			(1,157	)		(941	)
	Patents and other		3-10 years		5 years		105			95			(77	)		(67	)
	Total					$	5,180		$	4,837		$	(2,386	)	$	(1,977	)
	The amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $404 million, $324 million and $294 million, respectively. These amounts include amortization expense associated with computer software of $217 million, $171 million and $151 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Certain of the trade names associated with Nielsen are deemed indefinite-lived intangible assets, as their associated Nielsen brand awareness and recognition has existed for over 50 years and the Company intends to continue to utilize these trade names. There are also no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that may limit their estimated useful lives. Nielsen reconsiders the remaining estimated useful life of indefinite-lived intangible assets each reporting period.
	The Company’s 2014, 2013 and 2012 annual assessments did not result in an impairment for any of its underlying reporting units or indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	All other intangible assets are subject to amortization. Future amortization expense is estimated to be as follows:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	For the year ending December 31:
	2015	$	397
	2016	340
	2017	293
	2018	238
	2019	191
	Thereafter		1,335
	Total	$	2,794

Changes_in_and_Reclassificatio

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		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		(301	)			10				(6	)		(123	)		(420	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	—				—				9			14			23
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income		(301	)			10				3			(109	)		(397	)
	Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(7	)			—				—			—			(7	)
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(294	)			10				3			(109	)		(390	)
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	(418	)		$	19			$	(2	)	$	(376	)	$	(777	)
		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		(99	)			9				(3	)		15			(78	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	—				—					11			15			26
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income		(99	)			9				8			30			(52	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest		2			—				—			—				2
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(101	)			9				8			30			(54	)
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	(124	)		$	9			$	(5	)	$	(267	)	$	(387	)
	The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
			Amount Reclassified from
			Accumulated Other
	(IN MILLIONS)		Comprehensive Loss
	Details about Accumulated									Affected Line Item in the
	Other Comprehensive		Year Ended December 31,							Consolidated
	Income components		2014				2013			Statement of Operations
	Cash flow hedges
	Interest rate contracts		$	15			$	16		Interest expense
				(6	)			(5	)	Benefit for income taxes
			$	9			$	11		Total, net of tax
	Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits
	Actuarial loss		$	19			$	17		(a)
				(5	)			(2	)	Benefit for income taxes
			$	14			$	15		Total, net of tax
	Total reclassification for the period		$	23			$	26		Net of tax
	(a)	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	7. Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives.
	Nielsen is required to assess whether the value of our long-lived assets, including the Company’s buildings, improvements, technical and other equipment have been impaired whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Nielsen does not perform a periodic assessment of assets for impairment in the absence of such information or indicators. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by comparing the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be derived from an asset (or a group of assets) to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the asset (or the group of assets) exceeds the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is considered to exist. If impairment is considered to exist based on undiscounted cash flows, the impairment charge is measured using an estimation of the assets’ fair value, typically using a discounted cash flow method. The identification of impairment indicators, the estimation of future cash flows and the determination of fair values for assets (or groups of assets) requires Nielsen to make significant judgments concerning the identification and validation of impairment indicators, expected cash flows and applicable discount rates. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and our assessments change. There was no impairment noted in any period presented with respect to the Company’s finite long-lived assets.
	The following tables summaries the carrying value of our property, plant and equipment including the associated useful lives:
		Estimated		December 31,				December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	Useful Life		2014				2013
	Land and buildings	25-50 years		$	352			$	350
	Information and communication equipment	3-10 years			908				809
	Furniture, equipment and other	3-10 years			119				117
					1,379				1,276
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization				(846	)			(716	)
				$	533			$	560
	Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations related to property, plant and equipment was $162 million, $169 million and $183 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The above amounts include amortization expense on assets under capital leases and other financing obligations of $10 million, $7 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The net book value of assets under capital leases and other financing obligations was $147 million and $145 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Capital leases and other financing obligations are comprised primarily of buildings and computer equipment.
	Gross and net book value of assets under capital leases were as follows:
	(IN MILLIONS)	31-Dec-14
		Gross Book Value				Accumulated  Depreciation				Net Book Value
	Land and buildings	$	172			$	(60	)		$	112
	Information and communication equipment		56				(21	)			35
		$	228			$	(81	)		$	147
	31-Dec-13
		Gross Book Value				Accumulated  Depreciation				Net Book Value
	Land and buildings	$	184			$	(59	)		$	125
	Information and communication equipment		32				(12	)			20
		$	216			$	(71	)		$	145

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	8. Fair Value Measurements
	Nielsen’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, investments, long-term debt and derivative financial instruments. These financial instruments potentially subject Nielsen to concentrations of credit risk. To minimize the risk of credit loss, these financial instruments are primarily held with acknowledged financial institutions. The carrying value of Nielsen’s financial instruments approximate fair value, except for differences with respect to long-term, fixed and variable-rate debt and certain differences relating to investments accounted for at cost. The fair value of financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values resulting from trading on a national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Cash equivalents have original maturities of three months or less.
	In addition, the Company has accounts receivable that are not collateralized. The Buy and Watch segments service high quality clients dispersed across many geographic areas. The Company analyzes the aging of accounts receivable, historical bad debts, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts.
	Investments include available-for-sale securities carried at fair value, or at cost if not publicly traded, investments in affiliates, and a trading asset portfolio maintained to generate returns to offset changes in certain liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements. For the available-for-sale securities, any unrealized holding gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, are excluded from operating results and are recognized in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net, until realized. Nielsen assesses declines in the value of individual investments to determine whether such decline is other than temporary and thus the investment is impaired by considering available evidence. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a $6 million impairment in other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations, for a decline in value of an investment in an equity security that was determined to be other-than-temporary. No such impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Investments in equity securities (1)		$	45		$	45		—		—
	Plan assets for deferred compensation (2)			28			28		—		—
	Investment in mutual funds (3)			2			2		—		—
	Interest rate swap arrangements (4)			1		—				1	—
	Total		$	76		$	75		$	1	—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap arrangements (4)		$	6		—			$	6	—
	Deferred compensation liabilities (5)			28			28		—		—
	Total		$	34		$	28		$	6	—
			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. Nielsen assesses declines in the value of individual investments to determine whether such decline is other than temporary and thus the investment is impaired by considering available evidence. No impairment charge was recorded for these available-for-sale securities during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	-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 in the consolidated statements of operations.
	-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 11 - 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 December 31, 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.
	In November 2014, the Company entered into a $250 million in notional amount of two-year forward interest swap agreement with a starting date in May 2016. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of the interest rate of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.78%. This derivative instrument has been designated as interest rate cash flow hedge.
	In November 2014, the Company entered into a $250 million in notional amount of two-year forward interest swap agreement with a starting date in September 2015. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of the interest rate of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.26%. This derivative instrument has been designated as interest rate cash flow hedge.
	In October and November 2013, the Company entered into $1,000 million in aggregate notional amount of three-year interest rate swap agreements with starting dates in November 2013. These agreements fix the LIBOR related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of our variable-rate debt at a weighted average rate of 0.46%. The commencement date of these interest rate swaps coincided with the $1,000 million aggregate notional amount of interest rate swaps that matured in November 2013. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges.
	In July 2013, the Company entered into $575 million in aggregate notional amount of three-year interest swap agreements with starting dates in July 2013. These agreements fix the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 0.67%. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges.
	In November 2012, the Company entered into $500 million in aggregate notional amount of four-year interest rate swap agreements with starting dates in November 2012. These agreements fix the LIBOR related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of our variable-rate debt at a weighted average rate of 0.57%. The commencement date of these interest rate swaps coincided with the $500 million aggregate notional amount of interest rate swaps that matured in November 2012. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges.
	In November 2011, the Company entered into a $125 million notional amount and a €125 million notional amount of four-year interest rate swap agreements with starting dates in November 2011. These agreements fix the LIBOR and Euro LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at a rate of 0.84% and 1.30%, respectively. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges.
	In August 2011, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of four-year forward interest swap agreements with starting dates in September 2011. These agreements fix the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 0.84%. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges.
	Nielsen expects to recognize approximately $8 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.
	As of December 31, 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			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
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000			September 2017			US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000			May 2018			US Dollar
Foreign Currency Risk
Nielsen has managed its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates attributable to certain of its long-term debt through the use of foreign currency swap derivative instruments. When the derivative financial instrument is deemed to be highly effective in offsetting variability in the hedged item, changes in its fair value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and recognized contemporaneously with the earnings effects of the hedged item.
See Note 11 – “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements” for more information on the long-term debt transactions referenced in this note.
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		31-Dec-14								December 31, 2013
					Accounts Payable					Accounts Payable
Derivatives Designated as Hedging		Other Non-			and Other			Other Non-		and Other				Other Non-
Instruments					Current			Current		Current				Current
(IN MILLIONS)		Current Assets			Liabilities			Liabilities		Liabilities				Liabilities
Interest rate swaps		$	1		$	4		$	2	$	2			$	8
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (amounts in millions):
		Amount of Loss										Amount of Loss
		Recognized in OCI								Location of Loss		Reclassified from OCI
		on Derivatives								Reclassified from OCI		into Income
Derivatives in Cash Flow		(Effective Portion)								into Income		(Effective Portion)
Hedging Relationships		December 31,								(Effective Portion)		December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012				2014				2013		2012
Interest rate swaps		$	10		$	4		$	23	Interest expense		$	15			$	16	$	25
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The Company is required, on a nonrecurring basis, to adjust the carrying value 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 years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.

Restructuring_Activities

Restructuring Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Activities	9. Restructuring Activities
	Restructuring charges primarily relate to employee separation packages. The amounts are calculated based on salary levels and past service periods. Severance costs are generally charged to earnings when the employee is notified of the offer.
	A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below:
		Total
	(IN MILLIONS)	Initiatives
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	67
	Charges		85
	Non cash charges and other adjustments		(6	)
	Payments		(82	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		64
	Charges		119
	Non cash charges and other adjustments		(4	)
	Payments		(80	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		99
	Charges		89
	Non cash charges and other adjustments		(3	)
	Payments		(113	)
	Balance at December 30, 2014	$	72
	Of the $72 million in remaining liabilities for restructuring actions, $60 million is expected to be paid within one year and is classified as a current liability within the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014.
	Productivity Initiatives
	The Company recorded $89 million in restructuring charges primarily relating to employee severance associated with productivity initiatives during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	The Company recorded $119 million in restructuring charges associated with productivity initiatives during the year ended December 31, 2013. The charges primarily related to employee severance associated with productivity initiatives and contract termination costs.
	The Company recorded $85 million in restructuring charges associated with productivity initiatives during the year ended December 31, 2012. Of these amounts, $5 million related to property lease termination charges with the remainder relating to severance costs associated with employee terminations.

Pensions_and_Other_PostRetirem

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits	10. Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
	Nielsen provides a number of retirement benefits to our employees, including defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement medical plans. Pension costs, in respect of defined benefit pension plans, primarily represent the increase in the actuarial present value of the obligation for pension benefits based on employee service during the year and the interest on this obligation in respect of employee service in previous years, net of the expected return on plan assets. Differences between this expected return and the actual return on these plan assets and actuarial changes are not recognized in the statement of operations, unless the accumulated differences and changes exceed a certain threshold. Nielsen recognizes obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans as expenses in the statement of operations as they are incurred.
	The determination of benefit obligations and expenses is based on actuarial models. In order to measure benefit costs and obligations using these models, critical assumptions are made with regard to the discount rate, the expected return on plan assets and the assumed rate of compensation increases. Nielsen provides retiree medical benefits to a limited number of participants in the U.S. and have ceased to provide retiree health care benefits to certain of our Dutch retirees. Therefore, retiree medical care cost trend rates are not a significant driver of our post retirement costs. Management reviews these critical assumptions at least annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as turnover, retirement and longevity rates. Management reviews these assumptions periodically and updates them as necessary.
	The discount rate is the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled. For our U.S. plans, the discount rate is based on a bond portfolio that includes only long-term bonds with an Aa rating, or equivalent, from a major rating agency. For the Dutch and other non-U.S. plans, the discount rate is set by reference to market yields on high-quality corporate bonds. Nielsen believes the timing and amount of cash flows related to the bonds in these portfolios are expected to match the estimated payment benefit streams of our plans.
	To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider, for each country, the structure of the asset portfolio and the expected rates of return for each of the components. For Nielsen’s U.S. plans, a 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would increase pension expense on our principal plans by approximately $1 million per year. A similar 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would increase pension expense on our principal Dutch plans by approximately $3 million per year. The Company assumed that the weighted-averages of long-term returns on our pension plans were 6.0%, 6.0% and 6.2% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The actual return on plan assets will vary year to year from this assumption. Although the actual return on plan assets will vary from year to year, Nielsen believes it is appropriate to use long-term expected forecasts in selecting our expected return on plan assets. As such, there can be no assurance that the Company’s actual return on plan assets will approximate the long-term expected forecasts.
	Nielsen sponsors both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans (the “Pension Plans”) for some of its employees in the Netherlands, the United States and other international locations.
	A summary of the activity for the Pension Plans follows:
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-14
		The			United
	(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
	Change in projected benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	761		$	336			$	643			$	1,740
	Service cost		4		1					14				19
	Interest cost		25			16				26				67
	Plan participants’ contributions	—			—					2				2
	Actuarial losses		137		52				131				320
	Benefits paid	(35		)	(12		)		(22		)		(69		)
	Expenses paid	(2		)	—				(3		)		(5		)
	Premiums paid	—			—				(1		)		(1		)
	Amendments	(4		)	—				—				(4		)
	Curtailments	—			(1		)		—				(1		)
	Settlements	—			(12		)		(29		)		(41		)
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(102	)	—					(63	)			(165	)
	Benefit obligation at end of period		784			380				698				1,862
	Change in plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		736			298				554				1,588
	Actual return on plan assets		90			26				86				202
	Employer contributions		11		1					23				35
	Plan participants’ contributions	—			—					2				2
	Benefits paid	(35		)	(12		)		(22		)		(69		)
	Expenses paid	(2		)	—				(3		)		(5		)
	Premiums paid	—			—				(1		)		(1		)
	Settlements	—			(12		)		(29		)		(41		)
	Insurance	6				—			—					6
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(95	)	—					(48	)			(143	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of period		711			301				562				1,574
	Funded status	$	(73	)	$	(79	)		$	(136	)		$	(288	)
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Pension assets included in other non-current assets	—			—					35				35
	Current liabilities	—			(1		)		(2		)		(3		)
	Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	(73		)	(78		)		(169		)		(320		)
	Net amount recognized	$	(73	)	$	(79	)		$	(136	)		$	(288	)
	Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
	Net loss	$	45		$	46			$	65			$	156
	Settlement loss		—			(1	)			(6	)			(7	)
	Amortization of net loss	(5		)	(4		)		(3		)		(12		)
	Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	40		$	41			$	56			$	137
	Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
	Unrecognized losses	$	223		$	96			$	144			$	463
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-13
		The			United
	(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
	Change in projected benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	727		$	295			$	664			$	1,686
	Service cost		4		—					15				19
	Interest cost		25			13				24				62
	Plan participants’ contributions	—			—					2				2
	Actuarial losses/(gains)		12			(8	)			(27	)			(23	)
	Benefits paid		(35	)		(11	)			(21	)			(67	)
	Expenses paid		(2	)	—					(3	)			(5	)
	Premiums paid	—			—					(1	)			(1	)
	Amendments	—			—					(1	)			(1	)
Curtailments	—			—					(13	)			(13	)
Settlements	—			—					(1	)		(1		)
Acquisition	—				47			—					47
Effect of foreign currency translation		30		—					5				35
Benefit obligation at end of period		761			336				643				1,740
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		707			248				486				1,441
Actual return on plan assets		28			25				46				99
Employer contributions		8		—					43				51
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—					2				2
Benefits paid		(35	)		(11	)			(21	)			(67	)
Expenses paid		(2	)	—					(3	)			(5	)
Premiums paid	—			—					(1	)			(1	)
Settlements	—			—					(1	)			(1	)
Acquisition	—				36			—					36
Effect of foreign currency translation		30		—					3				33
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		736			298				554				1,588
Funded status	$	(25	)	$	(38	)		$	(89	)		$	(152	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	—			—					40				40
Current liabilities	—				(1	)			(1	)			(2	)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities		(25	)		(37	)			(128	)			(190	)
Net amount recognized	$	(25	)	$	(38	)		$	(89	)		$	(152	)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net loss/(gain)	$	24		$	(14	)		$	(56	)		$	(46	)
Amortization of net loss		(6	)		(5	)			(6	)			(17	)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	18		$	(19	)		$	(62	)		$	(63	)
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	$	183		$	55			$	88			$	326
The total accumulated benefit obligation and minimum liability changes for the Pension Plans were as follows:
	Year Ended			Year Ended				Year Ended
	December 31,			December 31,				December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013				2012
Accumulated benefit obligation.	$	1,803		$	1,683			$	1,618
	Pension Plans with Accumulated
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2014
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	784		$	380			$	590			$	1,754
Accumulated benefit obligation	783			380				537					1,700
Fair value of plan assets	711			301				419					1,431
	Pension Plans with Projected
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2014
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	784		$	380			$	590			$	1,754
Accumulated benefit obligation	783			380				537					1,700
Fair value of plan assets	711			301				419					1,431
	Pension Plans with Accumulated
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2013
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	761		$	336			$	524			$	1,621
Accumulated benefit obligation	756			334				477					1,567
Fair value of plan assets	736			298				395					1,429
	Pension Plans with Projected
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2013
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	761		$	336			$	524			$	1,621
Accumulated benefit obligation	756			334				477					1,567
Fair value of plan assets	736			298				395					1,429
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, includes the following components:
	Net Periodic Pension Costs
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States					Other				Total
Year ended December 31, 2014
Service cost	$	4		$		1			$	14			$	19
Interest cost		25			16					26				67
Expected return on plan assets		(35	)		(21		)			(35	)			(91	)
Settlement loss recognized		—			1					6				7
Amortization of net loss		5			4					3				12
Net periodic pension cost	$	(1	)	$		1			$	14			$	14
Year ended December 31, 2013
Service cost	$	4		$		—			$	15			$	19
Interest cost		25			13					24				62
Expected return on plan assets		(34	)		(18		)			(31	)			(83	)
Amortization of net loss		6			5					6				17
Net periodic pension cost	$	1		$		—			$	14			$	15
Year ended December 31, 2012
Service cost	$	3		$		—			$	14			$	17
Interest cost		28			13					25				66
Expected return on plan assets		(34	)		(18		)			(29	)			(81	)
Amortization of net loss		3			4					4				11
Net periodic pension cost	$	—		$	(1		)		$	14			$	13
The settlement losses of $7 million in 2014 resulted from annuity purchases for existing retirees in Canada of $5 million, and restructuring actions in Mexico and the US of $1 million, respectively.
The deferred loss included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2015 is as follows:
	The			United				Other				Total
	Netherlands			States
Net actuarial loss	$	(9	)	$	(7	)		$	(8	)		$	(24	)
Actuarial gains and losses are amortized over the average remaining service lives for plans with active participants, and over the average remaining lives for legacy plans with no active participants.
The weighted average assumptions underlying the pension computations were as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013				2012
Pension benefit obligation:
—discount rate		2.8	%		4.1	%			3.8	%
—rate of compensation increase		2	%		2.1	%			2.1	%
Net periodic pension costs:
—discount rate		4.1	%		3.8	%			4.7	%
—rate of compensation increase		2.1	%		2.1	%			2	%
—expected long-term return on plan assets		6	%		6	%			6.2	%
The assumptions for the expected return on plan assets for the Pension Plans were based on a review of the historical returns of the asset classes in which the assets of the Pension Plans are invested and long-term economic forecast for the type of investments held by the plans.  The historical returns on these asset classes were weighted based on the expected long-term allocation of the assets of the Pension Plans.
Nielsen’s pension plans’ weighted average asset allocations by asset category are as follows:
	The			United
	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
At December 31, 2014
Equity securities		24	%		58	%			44	%			37	%
Fixed income securities	61			33				49				51
Other	15			9				7				12
Total		100	%		100	%			100	%			100	%
At December 31, 2013
Equity securities		24	%		62	%			50	%			40	%
Fixed income securities	61			37				43				50
Other	15			1				7				10
Total		100	%		100	%			100	%			100	%
No Nielsen shares are held by the Pension Plans.
Nielsen’s primary objective with regard to the investment of the Pension Plans’ assets is to ensure that in each individual plan, sufficient funds are available to satisfy future benefit obligations. For this purpose, asset and liability management studies are made periodically at each pension fund. For each of the Pension Plans, an appropriate mix is determined on the basis of the outcome of these studies, taking into account the national rules and regulations. The overall target asset allocation among all plans for 2014 was 40% equity securities and 57% long-term interest-earning investments (debt or fixed income securities), and 3% other investments.
Equity securities primarily include investments in U.S. and non U.S. companies. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries and mortgage-backed securities. Other types of investments are primarily insurance contracts.
Assets at fair value (See Note 8 – “Fair Value Measurements” for additional information on fair value measurement and the underlying fair value hierarchy) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2014															December 31, 2013
Asset Category	Level 1			Level 2				Level 3				Total				Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
Cash and equivalents	$	37		$	1		$	—				$	38			$	15	$	4	$	—		$	19
Equity securities – U.S.		80			13			—					93				80		72		—			152
Equity securities – Global.		4			292			—					296				7		191		—			198
Equity securities – non-U.S.		29			171			—					200				31		256		—			287
Real estate	—			—					39				39			—		—				39		39
Corporate bonds		111			413			—					524				104		441		—			545
Debt issued by national, state or local government		55			225			—					280				46		201		—			247
Other	—				16				88				104			—			20			81		101
Total Assets at Fair Value	$	316		$	1,131			$	127			$	1,574			$	283	$	1,185		$	120	$	1,588
The following is a summary of changes in the fair value of the Pension Plans’ Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
(IN MILLIONS)	Real Estate			Other				Total
Balance, end of year December 31, 2012	$	32		$	77			$	109
Actual return on plan assets:
Investments	6				—				6
Unrealized gains	—				1				1
Effect of foreign currency translation	1				3				4
Balance, end of year December 31, 2013	$	39		$	81			$	120
Actual return on plan assets:
Investments		4			—				4
Unrealized gains	—				17				17
Effect of foreign currency translation	(4		)		(10	)			(14	)
Balance, end of year December 31, 2014	$	39		$	88			$	127
Real estate investment valuations require significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such assets. These assets are initially valued at cost and are reviewed periodically utilizing available and relevant market data to determine if the carrying value of these assets should be adjusted. The valuation methodology is applied consistently from period to period.
Other types of investments categorized as Level 3 are primarily insurance contracts and are valued based on contractual terms.
Contributions to the Pension Plans in 2015 are expected to be approximately $6 million for the Dutch plan, $1 million for the U.S. plan and $21 million for other plans.
Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
For the years ending December 31,
2015	$	32		$	18			$	21			$	71
2016		33			14				21				68
2017		33			14				23				70
2018		33			15				23				71
2019		33			15				24				72
2020-2024		167			88				143				398
Defined Contribution Plans
Nielsen also offers defined contribution plans to certain participants, primarily in the United States. Nielsen’s expense related to these plans was $45 million, $39 million and $37 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In the United States, Nielsen contributes cash to each employee’s account in an amount up to 3% of compensation (subject to IRS limitations); this contribution was increased to 4% upon the freeze of the U.S. defined benefit pension plan in 2006, and was decreased to 3% effective June 8, 2009.  No contributions are made in shares of the Company’s common stock.

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	11. Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements
	Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of December 31, 2014.
		December 31, 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 2.16% ) due 2019					1,542		1,533				—		—
	$500 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.41% ) due 2017					497		493				—		—
	$1,100 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.16% ) due 2021					1,094		1,088				—		—
	€286 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 3.01%) due 2021					345		343				—		—
	€289 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 3.15%) due 2022				—		—						394		395
	$575 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2019					280		274				—		—
	Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate)		2.65	%		3,758		3,731		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		801					800		779
	$1,550 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022					1,553		1,554				—		—
	$625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021					625		633					625		636
	Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate)		5.23	%		2,978		2,988		6.51	%		2,508		2,587
	Other loans					8		8					5		5
	Total long-term debt		3.79	%		6,744		6,727		4.28	%		6,529		6,612
	Capital lease and other financing obligations					118							111
	Total debt and other financing arrangements					6,862							6,640
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings					397							148
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and capital lease and other financing obligations				$	6,465						$	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.
	The carrying value of Nielsen’s long-term debt are denominated in the following currencies:
		December 31,			December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013
	U.S. Dollars	$	6,399		$	6,135
	Euro		345			394
		$	6,744		$	6,529
	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	2015	$	379
	2016	$	128
	2017	$	640
	2018	$	212
	2019	$	1,042
	Thereafter	$	4,343
		$	6,744
	Common Stock and Mandatory Convertible Bond Offerings and Related Transactions
	On January 31, 2011, Nielsen completed an initial public offering of 82,142,858 shares of its €0.07 par value common stock at a price of $23.00 per share, generating proceeds of approximately $1,801 million, net of $88 million of underwriter discounts.
	Concurrent with its offering of common stock, the Company issued $288 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 1, 2013 (“the Bonds”), generating proceeds of approximately $277 million, net of $11 million of underwriter discounts. On February 1, 2013, the Bonds were converted into 10,416,700 shares of Nielsen’s common stock at per share price of $27.60.
	Senior Secured Credit Facilities
	Term Loan Facilities
	In August 2006, certain of Nielsen’s subsidiaries entered into the Senior Secured Credit Agreement that was amended and restated in June 2009, February 2012 and February 2013. The Senior Secured Credit Agreement provides for term loan facilities as shown in the table above.
	In February 2012, the Senior Secured Credit Agreement was amended and restated to provide for a new five-year amortizing term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1,222 million, the proceeds from which were used to repay a corresponding amount of the existing senior secured term loans due 2013. Borrowings under this new term loan facility bear interest at a rate as determined by the type of borrowing, equal to either the “base rate” or LIBOR rate, plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margin on base rate loans under this new term loan facility ranges from 0.75% to 1.50% based on a total leverage ratio. The applicable margin on LIBOR loans under this new term loan facility ranges from 1.75% to 2.50% based on the total leverage ratio. Loans under this new term loan facility mature in full in February 2017, but the maturity date shall be January 2016 if at such time there is more than $750 million in the aggregate of existing other term loans under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement with a maturity of May 2016. The loans under this new term loan facility are 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, 10% in the third year, 10% in the fourth year and 70% 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 3.33% of the original principal amount of loans in each of the first three quarters and the remaining principal balance due in February 2017 (unless repayment is required in January 2016 as indicated above)). Loans under this new term loan facility are secured on a pari passu basis with the Company’s existing obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Senior Secured Loan Agreement.
	In February 2013, the Second Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement was amended and restated to provide for a new class of term loans (the “Class E Term Loans”) in an aggregate principal amount of $2,532 million and €289 million, the proceeds of which were used to repay or replace in full a like amount of the Company’s existing Class A Term Loans maturing August 9, 2013, Class B Term Loans maturing May 1, 2016 and Class C Term Loans maturing May 1, 2016. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a charge of $12 million primarily related to the write-off of previously capitalized deferred financing fees associated with the Class A, B and C term loans to other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations.
	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 (see “Debenture Loans” below), 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. Further 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 2014 to other expense, net in the 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 Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. and its restricted subsidiaries (which together constitute most of our subsidiaries) to incur additional indebtedness or guarantees, incur liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions, make certain loans and investments, declare dividends, make payments or redeem or repurchase capital stock, engage in certain mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations, prepay, redeem or purchase certain indebtedness, amend or otherwise alter terms of certain indebtedness, sell certain assets, transact with affiliates, enter into agreements limiting subsidiary distributions and alter the business they conduct. These entities are restricted, subject to certain exceptions, in their ability to transfer their net assets to Nielsen. Such restricted net assets amounted to approximately $5.0 billion at December 31, 2014. In addition, these entities are required to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio. Neither Nielsen nor TNC B.V. is currently bound by any financial or negative covenants contained in the credit agreement. The Senior Secured Credit Agreement also contain certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.
	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
	Obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement are guaranteed by TNC B.V., substantially all of the wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. and certain of the non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries of TNC B.V., and are secured by substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of the U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. and by a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock of the guarantors, the capital stock of substantially all of the U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V., and up to 65% of the capital stock of certain of the non-U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. Under a separate security agreement, substantially all of the assets of TNC B.V. are pledged as collateral for amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facilities.
	Revolving Credit Facility
	The Senior Secured Credit Agreement also contains a senior secured revolving credit facility under which Nielsen Finance LLC, TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., and Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. can borrow revolving loans. The revolving credit facility can also be used for letters of credit, guarantees and swingline loans. In March 2011, the Company amended the Senior Secured Credit Agreement to provide for the termination of the existing revolving credit commitments totaling $688 million, which had a final maturity date of August 2012, and their replacement with new revolving credit commitments totaling $635 million with a final maturity date of April 2016. In May 2014, 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.
	The senior secured revolving credit facility is provided under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and so contains covenants and restrictions as noted above with respect to the Senior Secured Credit Agreement under the “Term loan facilities” section above. Obligations under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by the same entities that guarantee obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Senior Secured Loan Agreement.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $280 million and zero borrowings outstanding respectively, and had outstanding letters of credit of $6 million and $12 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $289 million available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility.
	Debenture Loans
	The indentures governing the Senior Notes limit the majority of Nielsen’s subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase its capital stock, make certain investments, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, use assets as security in other transactions and sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies subject to certain exceptions. Upon a change in control, Nielsen is required to make an offer to redeem all of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the 101% of the aggregate accreted principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by Nielsen, substantially all of the wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of Nielsen, and certain of the non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nielsen.
	In April 2014, Nielsen completed the issuance of $750 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Senior Notes due 2022 at par.
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.
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 2014 to other expense, net in the 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.
In September 2013, the Company issued $625 million aggregate principal amount of 5.50% Senior Notes due 2021 at par, receiving cash proceeds of approximately $616 million, net of fees and expenses. Concurrent with this issuance the Company called for redemption of all of its 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 effective October 23, 2013, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2014 notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date and an “applicable premium” as described in the indenture related to the 2014 note. The redemption of the 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 resulted in a pre-tax charge of $8 million in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations in the fourth quarter of 2013.
In October 2012, the Company issued $800 million aggregate principal amount of 4.50% Senior Notes due 2020 which mature on October 1, 2020 at par, with cash proceeds of approximately $788 million, net of fees and expenses. Concurrent with this issuance, the Company redeemed and subsequently retired all of its 11.50% Senior Notes due 2016 and prepaid its 8.50% Senior Secured Term Loan due 2017. In connection with these transactions, the Company recorded a charge of $115 million in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations.
In October and November 2010, the Company issued a combined $1,080 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 at an issue price of $1,085 million with cash proceeds of approximately $1,065 million, net of fees and expenses.
Other Transactions
Effective July 1, 2010, the Company designated its Euro denominated variable rate senior secured term loans  as non-derivative hedges of its net investment in a European subsidiary. Gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the Euro as compared to the U.S. Dollar associated with this debenture were recorded to the cumulative translation adjustment within stockholders’ equity, net of income tax.
Deferred Financing Costs
The costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the related debt. Deferred financing costs were $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Related Party Lenders
A portion of the borrowings under the senior secured credit facility, as well as certain of the Company’s senior debenture loans, have been purchased by certain of the Sponsors in market transactions not involving the Company. Amounts held by the Sponsors were $222 million and $379 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Interest expense associated with amounts held by the Sponsors approximated $6 million, $12 million and $20 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Capital Lease and Other Obligations
Nielsen finances certain computer equipment, software, buildings and automobiles under capital leases and related transactions. These arrangements do not include terms of renewal, purchase options, or escalation clauses.
Assets under capital lease are recorded within property, plant and equipment. See Note 7 – “Property, Plant and Equipment.”
Future minimum capital lease payments under non-cancelable capital leases at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
(IN MILLIONS)
2015	$	24
2016		24
2017		22
2018		15
2019		13
Thereafter		62
Total		160
Less: amount representing interest		42
Present value of minimum lease payments	$	118
Current portion	$	18
Total non-current portion		100
Present value of minimum lease payments	$	118
Capital leases and other financing transactions have effective interest rates primarily ranging from 8% to 10%. Interest expense recorded related to capital leases and other financing transactions during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $8 million, $9 million and $9 million, respectively. Nielsen recognizes rental income from non-cancelable subleases. The total aggregate future rental income proceeds to be received under the non-cancelable subleases are $3 million.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	12. Stockholders’ Equity
	Common stock activity is as follows:
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
	Beginning of period		378,635,464			362,519,883			359,647,605
	Shares of common stock converted from Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 2013		-			10,416,700			-
	Shares of common stock issued through business combinations		75,083			101,899			246,627
	Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans		4,940,195			5,886,821			2,625,651
	Repurchases of common stock		(10,893,144	)		(289,839	)		-
	End of period		372,757,598			378,635,464			362,519,883
	Cumulative shares of treasury stock were 9,865,324 and 409,067 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with a corresponding value of $415 million and $13 million, respectively.
	On January 31, 2013, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) adopted a cash dividend policy to pay quarterly cash dividends on its outstanding common stock. The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid for the year ended December 31, 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
	30-Oct-14	25-Nov-14		9-Dec-14	$	0.25
	The dividend policy and payment of future cash dividends are subject to the discretion of the Board.
	No dividends were declared or paid on the Company’s common stock in 2012.
	On July 25, 2013, Nielsen’s Board approved a share repurchase program for up to $500 million of its outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to mitigate dilution associated with Nielsen’s equity compensation plans. On October 23, 2014, the Company announced that its board of directors approved a new share repurchase program for up to $1 billion of Nielsen’s outstanding common stock. This is in addition to the current authorization in place since July 2013 as described above.  Repurchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market or otherwise depending on Nielsen management’s evaluation of market conditions and other factors. This program will be executed within the limitations of the existing authority granted at Nielsen’s 2014 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. As of December 31, 2014, there have been 11,182,983 shares of our common stock purchased at an average price of $42.67 per share (total consideration of $477 million) under this program. The activity for the year ended December 31, 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
	October 1-31		223,047		$	42.72			223,047	$	1,404,363,449
	November 1-30		5,387,545		$	41.09			5,387,545	$	1,182,970,041
	December 1-31		3,674,279		$	43.58			3,674,279	$	1,022,830,101
	Total		11,182,983		$	42.67			11,182,983
	Subsequent Event
	On February 19, 2015, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share on the Company’s common stock.  The dividend is payable on March 19, 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2015.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	13. Stock-Based Compensation
	Nielsen measures the cost of all stock-based payments, including stock options, at fair value on the grant date and recognizes such costs within the consolidated statements of operations; however, no expense is recognized for stock-based payments that do not ultimately vest. Nielsen recognizes the expense of its options that cliff vest using the straight-line method. For those that vest over time, an accelerated graded vesting is used. The Company recorded $47 million, $47 million and $34 million of expense associated with stock-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	In connection with the Valcon Acquisition, Nielsen implemented an equity-based, management compensation plan (“Equity Participation Plan” or “EPP”) to align compensation for certain key executives with the performance of the Company. Under this plan, certain of the Company’s executives may be granted stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and dividend equivalent rights in the shares of the Company or purchase its shares.  In connection with the completion of Nielsen’s initial public offering of common stock on January 31, 2011 the Company implemented the Nielsen N.V. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) and suspended further grants under the EPP.  The Stock Incentive Plan is the source of new equity-based awards permitting the Company to grant to its key employees, directors and other service providers the following types of awards:  incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to shares of Nielsen’s common stock and performance-based awards denominated in shares or cash.
	Under the Stock Incentive Plan, Nielsen granted 2,448,100 and 2,459,900 time-based stock options to purchase shares during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  As of December 31, 2014, the total number of shares authorized for award of options or other equity-based awards was 44,095,000 under the Stock Incentive Plan.  The 2014, 2013 and 2012 time-based awards become exercisable over a four-year vesting period at a rate of 25% per year on the anniversary day of the award, and are tied to the executives’ continuing employment. The majority of the 2010 time-based awards become exercisable ratably on the first three anniversaries of the grant date of the award, contingent on continuing employment on each vesting date. In addition, time-based awards granted in 2010 become exercisable over a four-year vesting period tied to the executives’ continuing employment and were fully vested as of December 31, 2013. The 2009, 2008 and 2007 time-based awards became exercisable over a four-year, four-year and five-year vesting period, respectively, and were fully vested as of December 31, 2012. The 2010, 2009 and 2008 performance options are tied to the executives’ continued employment and become vested and exercisable based on the achievement of certain annual EBITDA targets over a four-year vesting period. The 2007 and 2006 performance options are tied to the executives’ targets over a five-year vesting period. If the annual EBITDA targets are achieved on a cumulative basis for any current year and prior years, the options become vested as to a pro-rata portion for any prior year installments which were not vested because of failure to achieve the applicable annual EBITDA target. Both option tranches expire ten years from date of grant. Upon a change in control, any then-unvested time options will fully vest and any then-unvested performance options can vest, subject to certain conditions.
	The fair values of the granted time-based awards granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For 2014 and 2013 awards, expected volatility was based on the Company’s historical volatility.  For 2012, because of the Company’s limited trading history, expected volatility utilized was based on a combination of the estimates of implied volatility of the Company’s peer-group, the Company’s historical volatility adjusted for leverage and implied volatility based on trading Nielsen call options.
	The following assumptions were used during 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Expected life (years)		3.00-5.25				3.50-6.00				3.50-6.00
	Risk-free interest rate		0.87-1.66	%			0.40-1.99	%			0.38-.083	%
	Expected dividend yield		1.77- 2.39	%			0 - 2.19	%			0	%
	Expected volatility		23.50-25.32	%			25.40-27.60	%			28.00-30.30	%
	Weighted average volatility		23.99	%			25.89	%			28.56	%
	The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $47 million, $47 million and $34 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The tax benefit related to the stock compensation expense was $15 million, $17 million and $13 million, for the respective periods.
	In connection with the resignation of a senior executive effective July 31, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement that modified certain components of the executive’s share based awards. The impact of this modification was not material to reported stock-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Nielsen’s stock option plan activity is summarized below:
			Number of Options				Weighted-Average				Weighted-		Aggregate
			(Time Based and				Exercise Price				Average		Intrinsic
			Performance Based)								Remaining		Value in
											Contractual		Millions
											Term in
											Years
	Stock Option Plan activity
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011			18,582,027			$	20.65				5.77	$	175
	Granted			4,133,381				28
	Forfeited			(655,034	)			(24.30	)
	Exercised			(2,372,536	)			(14.64	)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			19,687,838				22.8				5.16	$	156
	Granted			2,459,900				36.65
	Forfeited			(383,163	)			(23.35	)
	Exercised			(4,667,814	)			(19.11	)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			17,096,761			$	25.78				4.61	$	344
	Granted			2,448,100				42.01
	Forfeited			(798,279	)			(29.57	)
	Exercised			(4,219,122	)			(24.08	)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			14,527,460			$	28.8				4.29	$	231
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014			7,199,834			$	23.8				3.38	$	151
	As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted was $7.13, $6.63 and $7.25, respectively, and the aggregate fair value of options vested was $21 million, $27 million and $21 million, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, there is approximately $24 million of unearned stock-based compensation related to stock options which the Company expects to record as stock-based compensation expense over the next four years. The compensation expense related to the time-based awards is amortized over the term of the award using the graded vesting method.
	The intrinsic value of the options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $94 million, $79 million and $34 million, respectively.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, cash proceeds from the exercise of options was $101 million.
	As of December 31, 2014, affiliates of Centerview Partners, a stockholder of Luxco collectively hold 59,375 performance-based options. Cumulative expense related to these outstanding options amounted to approximately zero through December 31, 2014 as it is not probable these options will vest.
	Activity of Nielsen’s restricted stock units (RSUs) that are ultimately payable in shares of common stock granted under the Stock Incentive Plan is summarized below:
			Number of				Weighted-Average
			RSUs				Grant Date
							Fair Value
	RSU activity
	Nonvested at December 31, 2011		265,684				$	28.95
	Granted		687,300					27.99
	Forfeited		(26,695	)				29.02
	Vested		(80,981	)				26.44
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012		845,308				$	28.4
	Granted		955,531					34.86
	Forfeited		(230,500	)				32.56
	Vested		(262,446	)				24.96
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		1,307,893				$	30.53
	Granted		526,857					42.74
	Forfeited		(113,903	)				30.55
	Vested		(412,845	)				28.53
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014		1,308,002				$	35.9
	The awards vest at a rate of 25% per year over four years on the anniversary day of the award.
	On September 30, 2013, Nielsen completed the acquisition of Nielsen Audio and concurrently provided 95,599 replacement restricted stock units under Nielsen’s existing Stock Incentive Plan. The exchange was accounted for as a modification in accordance with ASC 718.   The aggregate fair value of the replacement awards granted on September 30, 2013, was $3 million, of which $2 million was attributed to post merger service and $1 million was included in purchase price consideration.
	As of December 31, 2014, approximately $27 million of unearned stock-based compensation related to unvested RSUs (net of estimated forfeitures) is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.2 years.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company granted 333,700 and 510,280 performance restricted stock units, respectively, representing the target number of performance restricted stock subject to the award. The weighted average grant date fair value of the awards in 2014 and 2013 were $50.50 and $ 34.02 per share.  For the performance restricted stock units granted in 2014, the total number of performance restricted stock units to be earned is subject to achievement of cumulative performance goals for the three year period ending December 31, 2016. For the performance restricted stock units granted in 2013, the total number of performance restricted stock to be earned is subject to the achievement of cumulative performance goals for the three year period ending December 31, 2015. Forty percent of the target award will be determined based on the Company’s relative total shareholder return and sixty percent of the target award will be determined based on free cash flow achievements.  The maximum payout is 200% of target.  The fair value of the target award related to free cash flow was the fair value on the date of the grant, and the fair value of the target awards related to relative shareholder return was based on the Monte Carlo model. As of December 31, 2014, there is approximately $17 million of unearned stock-based compensation related to unvested performance restricted stock (net of estimated forfeitures). The compensation expense is amortized over the term of the award, which is 3 years after the grant date.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted 117,520 bonus restricted share units in lieu of a portion of the cash bonus due to certain executives.  The awards vest at 50% on the first and second anniversary day of the award.  The weighted average grant fair value date of the awards was $45.13 per share.  As of December 31, 2014, there is approximately $2 million of unearned stock-based compensation expense related to unvested bonus restricted share units (net of estimated forfeitures).  The compensation expense is amortized over the requisite service periods of two and three years.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	14. Income Taxes
	Nielsen provides for income taxes utilizing the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each balance sheet date, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that future tax benefits associated with a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is provided. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as an adjustment to income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Such tax positions are, based solely on their technical merits, more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities and reflect the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority with full knowledge of all relevant information. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
	The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, were:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013			2012
	Dutch	$	17		$	19		$	20
	Non-Dutch		604			501			339
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	$	621		$	520		$	359
	The above amounts for Dutch and non-Dutch activities were determined based on the location of the taxing authorities.
	The provision for income taxes attributable to the income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates consisted of:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Dutch	$	4		$	4		$	(20	)
	Non-Dutch		127			194			95
			131			198			75
	Deferred:
	Dutch		1			3			25
	Non-Dutch		104			(110	)		22
			105			(107	)		47
	Total	$	236		$	91		$	122
	The Company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was different from the amount computed by applying the statutory Dutch federal income tax rates to the underlying income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates as a result of the following:
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	$	621		$	520		$	359
	Dutch statutory tax rate		25	%		25	%		25	%
	Provision for income taxes at the Dutch statutory rate	$	155		$	130		$	90
	Tax impact on distributions from foreign subsidiaries		4			(38	)		35
	Effect of operations in non-Dutch jurisdictions		19			16			(8	)
	Tax impact of global licensing arrangements		84			14			19
	U.S. state and local taxation		21			9			4
	Withholding and other taxation		38			35			36
	Effect of global financing activities		(84	)		(60	)		(51	)
	Changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions		(1	)		47			48
	Changes in valuation allowances		(21	)		(69	)		(15	)
	Effect of change in deferred tax rates		2			3			(40	)
	Other, net		19			4			4
	Total provision for income taxes	$	236		$	91		$	122
	Effective tax rate		38	%		17.5	%		34	%
	The components of current and non-current deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) were:
	(IN MILLIONS)	December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets (on balance):
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	175		$	195
	Interest expense limitation		783			830
	Deferred compensation		—			2
	Deferred revenues / costs		—			7
	Employee benefits		93			56
	Tax credit carryforwards		198			179
	Share-based payments		43			75
	Accrued expenses		21			40
	Financial instruments		10			29
	Other assets		84			6
			1,407			1,419
	Valuation allowances		(147	)		(150	)
	Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances		1,260			1,269
	Deferred tax liabilities (on balance):
	Intangible assets		(1,692	)		(1,715	)
	Fixed asset depreciation		(25	)		(27	)
	Computer software		(185	)		(174	)
	Deferred revenues/costs		(13	)		—
	Other liabilities		(62	)		—
			(1,977	)		(1,916	)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(717	)	$	(647	)
Recognized as:
Deferred income taxes, current	$	226		$	102
Deferred income taxes, non-current		(943	)		(749	)
Total	$	(717	)	$	(647	)
At December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $785 million and $942 million, respectively, which begin to expire in 2015. In addition, the Company had tax credit carryforwards of approximately $198 million and $179 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which will begin to expire in 2015.
We have approximately $132 million of unrecognized windfall tax benefits from previous stock option exercises that have not been recognized as of December 31, 2014. This amount will not be recognized until the deduction would reduce our income taxes payable. At such time, the amount will be recorded as an increase to paid-in-capital. We apply the “with-and without” approach when utilizing certain tax attributes whereby windfall tax benefits are used last to offset taxable income.
In certain jurisdictions, the Company has operating losses and other tax attributes that, due to the uncertainty of achieving sufficient profits to utilize these operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, the Company currently believes it is more likely than not that a portion of these losses will not be realized. Therefore, the Company has a valuation allowance of approximately $120 million and $140 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to these net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. In addition, the Company has valuation allowances of $27 million and $10 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, on deferred tax assets related to other temporary differences, which the Company currently believes will not be realized.
As a consequence of the significant restructuring of the ownership of the Nielsen non-U.S. subsidiaries in 2007 and 2008 the Company has determined that as of December 31, 2014 no income taxes are required to be provided for on the approximately $3.2 billion, which is the excess of the book value of its investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries over the corresponding tax basis. Certain of these differences can be eliminated at a future date.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had gross uncertain tax positions of $452 million and $475 million, respectively. The Company has also accrued interest and penalties associated with these unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $41 million and $52 million, respectively. Estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes is classified as a component of benefit (provision) for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. It is reasonably possible that a reduction in a range of $23 million to $45 million of uncertain tax positions may occur within the next twelve months as a result of projected resolutions of worldwide tax disputes and expirations of statute of limitations in various jurisdictions.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross uncertain tax positions is as follows:
(IN MILLIONS)	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Balance as of the beginning of period	$	475		$	409		$	370
Additions for current year tax positions		14			41			37
Additions for tax positions of prior years		12			42			21
Reductions for lapses of statute of limitations		(12	)		(8	)		(15	)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(37	)		(9	)		(4	)
Balance as of the end of the period	$	452		$	475		$	409
If the balance of the Company’s uncertain tax positions is sustained by the taxing authorities in the Company’s favor, the reversal of the entire balance 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. Federal jurisdiction and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations 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 2003 through 2014.

Investments_in_Affiliates_and_

Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates Schedule Of Investments [Abstract]
Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions	15. Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions
	Related Party Transactions with Affiliates
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Nielsen had investments in affiliates of $18 million, respectively. One of Nielsen’s investments as of December 31, 2012, was its 50.5% non-controlling ownership interest in Scarborough, a joint venture between Nielsen and Arbitron. As a part of the Arbitron Acquisition in September 2013, Nielsen acquired the remaining 49.5% interest in Scarborough that was historically accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Nielsen accounted for this transaction as a step-acquisition and calculated the fair value of its investment immediately before the acquisition to be $75 million. As a result, Nielsen recorded a $24 million gain on its investment in Scarborough to other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. Commencing October 1, 2013, the financial results of Scarborough were included within the consolidated financial statements of Nielsen.
	Prior to the Acquisition, Nielsen and Scarborough entered into various related party transactions in the ordinary course of business, including Nielsen providing certain general and administrative services to Scarborough. Nielsen paid royalties to Scarborough for the right to include Scarborough data in Nielsen services sold directly to Nielsen customers. Additionally, Nielsen sold various Scarborough services directly to its clients, for which it received a commission from Scarborough. As a result of these transactions, Nielsen received net payments from Scarborough of $3 million through September 30, 2013, and $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Obligations between Nielsen and its affiliates are regularly settled in cash in the ordinary course of business. Nielsen had net receivables from its affiliates of approximately $9 million and $6 million for the year ending December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Equity Healthcare LLC
	Effective in January 2009, Nielsen entered into an employer health program arrangement with Equity Healthcare LLC (“Equity Healthcare”). Equity Healthcare negotiates with providers of standard administrative services for health benefit plans and other related services for cost discounts, quality of service monitoring, data services and clinical consulting and oversight by Equity Healthcare. Because of the combined purchasing power of its client participants, Equity Healthcare is able to negotiate pricing terms from providers that are believed to be more favorable than the companies could obtain for themselves on an individual basis. Equity Healthcare is an affiliate of The Blackstone Group, one of the Sponsors.
	In consideration for Equity Healthcare’s provision of access to these favorable arrangements and its monitoring of the contracted third parties’ delivery of contracted services to Nielsen, the Company pays Equity Healthcare a fee of $2.70 per participating employee per month (“PEPM Fee”). As of December 31, 2014, Nielsen had approximately 8,170 employees enrolled in its self-insured health benefit plans in the United States. Equity Healthcare may also receive a fee (“Health Plan Fees”) from one or more of the health plans with whom Equity Healthcare has contractual arrangements if the total number of employees joining such health plans from participating companies exceeds specified thresholds.
	TIBCO
	On July 26, 2012, Vivek Y. Ranadivé was elected as a member of the unitary Board of Directors of Nielsen N.V. and The Nielsen Company B.V. Mr. Ranadivé has been the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of TIBCO Software Inc. (“TIBCO”) since its inception in 1997 until December 2014 when he sold his interest in the company. The Company has an ongoing contractual relationship with TIBCO. The Board of Directors of the Company affirmatively determined that Mr. Ranadivé is independent for purposes of the New York Stock Exchange listing rules and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, Nielsen purchased $10 million and $10 million, respectively, of software licenses and related IT support services and training from TIBCO and sold data to TIBCO of zero and $2 million, respectively.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Nielsen had no outstanding payables, and outstanding receivables of zero and $2, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	16. Commitments and Contingencies
	Leases and Other Contractual Arrangements
	In February 2013, the Company amended its Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement (the “MSA”), dated as of October 1, 2007 with Tata America International Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (jointly, “TCS”). The term of the MSA has been extended for an additional three years, so as to expire on December 31, 2020, with a one-year renewal option granted to Nielsen. In addition, the Company has increased its commitment to purchase services from TCS (the “Minimum Commitment”) from $1.0 billion to $2.5 billion over the life of the contract (from October 1, 2007), including a commitment to purchase at least $100 million in services per year (the “Annual Commitment”) until the Minimum Commitment is met. TCS’ charges under the separate Global Infrastructure Services Agreement between the parties will be credited against the Minimum Commitment and the Annual Commitment. TCS will continue to globally provide the Company with professional services relating to information technology (including application development and maintenance), business process outsourcing, client service knowledge process outsourcing, management sciences, analytics, and financial planning and analytics. As Nielsen orders specific services under the Agreement, the parties will execute Statements of Work (“SOWs”) describing the specific scope of the services to be performed by TCS. The amount of the Minimum Commitment and the Annual Commitment may be reduced on the occurrence of certain events, some of which also provide the Company with the right to terminate the Agreement or SOWs, as applicable. As of December 31, 2014, the remaining TCS commitment was approximately $609 million.
	Nielsen has also entered into operating leases and other contractual obligations to secure real estate facilities, agreements to purchase data processing services and leases of computers and other equipment used in the ordinary course of business and various outsourcing contracts. These agreements are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices.
	The amounts presented below represent the minimum annual payments under Nielsen’s purchase obligations that have initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year. These purchase obligations include data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing.
		For the Years Ending December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Operating leases	$	87	$	71	$	60	$	51	$	37	$	60	$	366
	Other contractual obligations(a)		666		245		64		35		7		-		1,017
	Total	$	753	$	316	$	124	$	86	$	44	$	60	$	1,383
	(a) Other contractual obligations represent obligations under agreement, which are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Nielsen generally requires purchase orders for vendor and third party spending. The amounts presented above represent the minimum future annual services covered by purchase obligations including data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. Nielsen’s remaining commitments as of December 31, 2014 under the outsourced services agreements with TCS have been included above on an estimated basis over the years within the contractual period in which we expect to satisfy its obligations. As of December 31, 2014, the remaining TCS commitment was approximately $609 million.
	Total expenses incurred under operating leases were $81 million, $81 million and $88 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Nielsen recognized rental income received under subleases of $11 million, $11 million and $8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2014, Nielsen had aggregate future proceeds to be received under non-cancelable subleases of $33 million.
	Nielsen also has minimum commitments under non-cancelable capital leases. See Note 11 “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements” for further discussion.
	Guarantees and Other Contingent Commitments
	At December 31, 2014, Nielsen was committed under the following significant guarantee arrangements:
	Sub-lease guarantees
	Nielsen provides sub-lease guarantees in accordance with certain agreements pursuant to which Nielsen guarantees all rental payments upon default of rental payment by the sub-lessee. To date, the Company has not been required to perform under such arrangements, does not anticipate making any significant payments related to such guarantees and, accordingly, no amounts have been recorded.
	Letters of credit
	Letters of credit issued and outstanding amount to $6 million and $12 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	17. 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, consisting principally of market research information and analytical services and what consumers watch and listen to, consisting principally of television, radio, online and mobile audience and advertising measurement services and corresponding analytics. In March 2013, Nielsen completed the exit and shut down of one of its legacy online businesses and in June 2013, Nielsen completed the sale of its expositions business. These divestitures were reported as discontinued operations, which require retrospective restatement of prior periods to classify operating results of these businesses as discontinued operations. (See Note 4 “Discontinued Operations”, for more information). The consolidated statements of operations reflect the operating results of these businesses as discontinued operations.
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, to conform to a change in management reporting, Nielsen reclassified two products from the Buy segment to the Watch segment.  The business segment results have been reclassified for comparison purposes for all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements.
	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 in Item 7 “Management Discussion and Analysis”, 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
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Buy		$	3,523		$	3,406		$	3,341
	Watch			2,765			2,297			2,066
	Total		$	6,288		$	5,703		$	5,407
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Business segment income/(loss)(1)
	Buy		$	658		$	660		$	676
	Watch			1,214			989			856
	Corporate and eliminations			(35	)		(32	)		(28	)
	Total		$	1,837		$	1,617		$	1,504
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Depreciation and amortization
	Buy		$	224		$	199		$	197
	Watch			343			302			285
	Corporate and eliminations			6			9			11
	Total		$	573		$	510		$	493
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Restructuring charges
	Buy		$	64		$	47		$	58
	Watch			14			55			20
	Corporate and eliminations			11			17			7
	Total		$	89		$	119		$	85
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Stock-based compensation expense
	Buy		$	14		$	14		$	10
	Watch			10			11			7
	Corporate and eliminations			23			22			17
	Total		$	47		$	47		$	34
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Other items(2)
	Buy		$	(2	)	$	1		$	8
	Watch			11			51			(9	)
	Corporate and eliminations			30			28			13
	Total		$	39		$	80		$	12
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Operating income/(loss)
	Buy		$	358		$	399		$	403
	Watch			836			570			553
	Corporate and eliminations			(105	)		(108	)		(76	)
	Total		$	1,089		$	861		$	880
	(IN MILLIONS)		December 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Total assets
	Buy		$	6,869		$	6,768
	Watch			8,156			8,326
	Corporate and eliminations(3)			351			436
	Total		$	15,376		$	15,530
	-1	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
	-2	For the year ended December 31, 2014, other items primarily consist of non-recurring costs. For the year months ended December 31, 2013, other items primarily consist of one-time items associated with the acquisition of Arbitron, including non-cash purchase accounting adjustments and transaction related costs.
	-3	Includes deferred financing costs of $50 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
			Year ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
Capital expenditures
Buy		$	206		$	171		$	169
Watch			198			197			181
Expositions		—			—				5
Corporate and eliminations			8			6			3
Total		$	412		$	374		$	358
Geographic Segment Information
					Operating			Long-
					Income/			lived
(IN MILLIONS)		Revenues(1)			(Loss)			Assets(2)
2014
United States		$	3,415		$	700		$	10,255
North and South America, excluding the United States			670			161			1,150
The Netherlands			40		(16		)	1
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa			1,392			151			1,128
Asia Pacific			771			93			385
Total		$	6,288		$	1,089		$	12,919
					Operating			Long-
					Income/			lived
(IN MILLIONS)		Revenues(1)			(Loss)			Assets(2)
2013
United States		$	2,857		$	414		$	10,203
North and South America, excluding the United States			660			167			1,268
The Netherlands			39			(3	)		(6	)
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa			1,388			194			1,137
Asia Pacific			759			89			423
Total		$	5,703		$	861		$	13,025
					Operating
					Income/
(IN MILLIONS)		Revenues(1)			(Loss)
2012
United States		$	2,637		$	447
North and South America, excluding the United States			640			170
The Netherlands			39			2
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa			1,353			178
Asia Pacific			738			83
Total		$	5,407		$	880
-1	Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

Additional_Financial_Informati

Additional Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information	18. Additional Financial Information
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets
			December 31,		December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets		$	241	$	116
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets(1)			264		258
	Total prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	505	$	374
	Accounts payable and other current liabilities
			December 31,		December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014		2013
	Trade payables		$	223	$	143
	Personnel costs			283		309
	Current portion of restructuring liabilities			60		87
	Data and professional services			196		201
	Interest payable			41		44
	Other current liabilities(1)			232		242
	Total accounts payable and other current liabilities		$	1,035	$	1,026
	-1	Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio

Guarantor Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantor Financial Information
	19. Guarantor Financial Information
	The following supplemental financial information sets forth for the Company, its subsidiaries that have issued certain debt securities (the “Issuers”) and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, all as defined in the credit agreements, the consolidating balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and consolidating statements of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on an unconditional basis by Nielsen and subject to certain exceptions, each of the direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nielsen, including VNU Intermediate Holding B.V., Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., VNU International B.V., TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., VNU Marketing Information, Inc. and ACN Holdings, Inc., and the wholly-owned subsidiaries thereof, including the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc., in each case to the extent that such entities provide a guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities. The issuers are Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., both wholly-owned subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc. and subsidiary guarantors and The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S ar l., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. The historical financial information has been updated to reflect The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S ar l. as an issuer.
	Nielsen is a holding company and does not have any material assets or operations other than ownership of the capital stock of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All of Nielsen’s operations are conducted through its subsidiaries, and, therefore, Nielsen is expected to continue to be dependent upon the cash flows of its subsidiaries to meet its obligations.
	Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	For the year ended December 31, 2014
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	3,414		$	2,874		$	—		$	6,288
	Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1,270			1,350			—			2,620
	Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		4			—			955			958			—			1,917
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			448			125			—			573
	Restructuring charges		—			—			43			46			—			89
	Operating (loss)/income		(4	)		—			698			395			—			1,089
	Interest income		—			856			46			8			(907	)		3
	Interest expense		—			(283	)		(874	)		(50	)		907			(300	)
	Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net		—			—			(2	)		(69	)		—			(71	)
	Other income/(expense), net		—			553			200			(204	)		(649	)		(100	)
	(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates		(4	)		1,126			68			80			(649	)		621
	Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		7			(94	)		(92	)		(57	)		—			(236	)
	Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		381			(721	)		408			—			(68	)		—
	Equity in net loss of affiliates		—			—			(3	)		(1	)		—			(4	)
	Net income		384			311			381			22			(717	)		381
	Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(3	)		—			(3	)
	Net income attributable to controlling interests		384			311			381			25			(717	)		384
	Total other comprehensive (loss)/income		(390	)		799			(390	)		(490	)		74			(397	)
	Total other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(7	)		—			(7	)
	Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests		(390	)		799			(390	)		(483	)		74			(390	)
	Total comprehensive (loss)/income		(6	)		1,110			(9	)		(468	)		(643	)		(16	)
	Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(10	)		—			(10	)
	Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests	$	(6	)	$	1,110		$	(9	)	$	(458	)	$	(643	)	$	(6	)
	Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	2,859		$	2,844		$	—		$	5,703
	Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1,087			1,311			—			2,398
	Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		4			—			889			922			—			1,815
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			386			124			—			510
	Restructuring charges		—			—			67			52			—			119
	Operating (loss)/income		(4	)		—			430			435			—			861
	Interest income		1			743			58			15			(815	)		2
	Interest expense		(2	)		(300	)		(772	)		(50	)		815			(309	)
	Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		—			—			1			(26	)		0			(25	)
	Other (expense)/income, net		—			(21	)		118			(106	)		0			(9	)
	(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates		(5	)		422			(165	)		268			—			520
	(Provision)/benefit for income taxes		(1	)		(95	)		82			(77	)		—			(91	)
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries		746			421			522			—			(1,689	)		—
	Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates		—			—			(1	)		3			—			2
	Income from continuing operations		740			748			438			194			(1,689	)		431
	Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			308			(3	)		—			305
	Net income		740			748			746			191			(1,689	)		736
	Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(4	)		—			(4	)
	Net income attributable to controlling interests		740			748			746			195			(1,689	)		740
	Total other comprehensive (loss)/income		(54	)		(39	)		(54	)		32			63			(52	)
	Total other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			2			—			2
	Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests		(54	)		(39	)		(54	)		30			63			(54	)
	Total comprehensive income		686			709			692			223			(1,626	)		684
	Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(2	)		—			(2	)
	Total comprehensive income  attributable to controlling interests	$	686		$	709		$	692		$	225		$	(1,626	)	$	686
	Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	2,640		$	2,767		$	—		$	5,407
	Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			970			1,255			—			2,225
	Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		2			—			817			905			—			1,724
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			377			116			—			493
Restructuring charges		—			—			28			57			—			85
Operating (loss)/income		(2	)		—			448			434			—			880
Interest income		—			695			59			28			(778	)		4
Interest expense		(23	)		(367	)		(717	)		(61	)		778			(390	)
Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net		(1	)		—			(2	)		(14	)		—			(17	)
Other (expense)/income, net		—			(121	)		148			(145	)		—			(118	)
(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates		(26	)		207			(64	)		242			—			359
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		2			(32	)		(11	)		(81	)		—			(122	)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries		297			142			332			—			(771	)		—
Equity in net income of affiliates		—			—			3			2			—			5
Income from continuing operations		273			317			260			163			(771	)		242
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			37			(7	)		—			30
Net income		273			317			297			156			(771	)		272
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(1	)		—			(1	)
Net income attributable to controlling interests		273			317			297			157			(771	)		273
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income		(34	)		(28	)		(34	)		37			28			(31	)
Total other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			3			—			3
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interest		(34	)		(28	)		(34	)		34			28			(34	)
Total comprehensive income		239			289			263			193			(743	)		241
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			2			—			2
Total comprehensive income attributable to controlling interests	$	239		$	289		$	263		$	191		$	(743	)	$	239
Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2014
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
Assets:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	49		$	1		$	(51	)	$	274		$	—		$	273
Trade and other receivables, net		1			—			526			714			—			1,241
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			8			339			158			—			505
Intercompany receivables		1			228			141			190			(560	)		—
Total current assets		51			237			955			1,336			(560	)		2,019
Non-current assets		—
Property, plant and equipment, net		—			—			335			198			—			533
Goodwill		—			—			5,588			2,083			—			7,671
Other intangible assets, net		—			—			4,318			397			—			4,715
Deferred tax assets		1			—			25			57			—			83
Other non-current assets		—			44			171			140			—			355
Equity investment in subsidiaries		5,017			1,124			6,548			—			(12,689	)		—
Intercompany receivables		—			10,493			560			191			(11,244	)		—
Total assets	$	5,069		$	11,898		$	18,500		$	4,402		$	(24,493	)	$	15,376
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	10		$	44		$	418		$	563		$	—		$	1,035
Deferred revenues		—			—			159			145			—			304
Income tax liabilities		1			—			18			43			—			62
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings		—			98			298			1			—			397
Intercompany payables		—			—			428			132			(560	)		—
Total current liabilities		11			142			1,321			884			(560	)		1,798
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			6,358			87			20			—			6,465
Deferred tax liabilities		—			74			895			56			—			1,025
Intercompany loans		—			61			10,613			570			(11,244	)		—
Other non-current liabilities		2			2			567			384			—			955
Total liabilities		13			6,637			13,483			1,914			(11,804	)		10,243
Total stockholders’ equity		5,056			5,261			5,017			2,411			(12,689	)		5,056
Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			77			—			77
Total equity		5,056			5,261			5,017			2,488			(12,689	)		5,133
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,069		$	11,898		$	18,500		$	4,402		$	(24,493	)	$	15,376
Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2013
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
Assets:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	12		$	—		$	205		$	347		$	—		$	564
Trade and other receivables, net		2			—			447			747			—			1,196
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			11			225			138			—			374
Intercompany receivables		—			190			169			176			(535	)		—
Total current assets		14			201			1,046			1,408			(535	)		2,134
Non-current assets		—
Property, plant and equipment, net		—			—			327			233			—			560
Goodwill		—			—			5,493			2,191			—			7,684
Other intangible assets, net		—			—			4,360			421			—			4,781
Deferred tax assets		—			7			58			50			—			115
Other non-current assets		—			39			99			118			—			256
Equity investment in subsidiaries		5,728			2,020			7,631			—			(15,379	)		—
Intercompany receivables		—			10,224			495			1,289			(12,008	)		—
Total assets	$	5,742		$	12,491		$	19,509		$	5,710		$	(27,922	)	$	15,530
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	6		$	47		$	367		$	606		$	—		$	1,026
Deferred revenues		—			—			154			152			—			306
Income tax liabilities		—			—			13			42			—			55
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings		—			136			11			1			—			148
Intercompany payables		—			5			377			153			(535	)		—
Total current liabilities		6			188			922			954			(535	)		1,535
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			6,388			86			18			—			6,492
Deferred tax liabilities		—			74			720			70			—			864
Intercompany loans		—			—			11,513			495			(12,008	)		—
Other non-current liabilities		7			8			540			277			—			832
Total liabilities		13			6,658			13,781			1,814			(12,543	)		9,723
Total stockholders’ equity		5,729			5,833			5,728			3,818			(15,379	)		5,729
Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			78			—			78
Total equity		5,729			5,833			5,728			3,896			(15,379	)		5,807
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,742		$	12,491		$	19,509		$	5,710		$	(27,922	)	$	15,530
Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2014
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidated
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	$	(4	)	$	523		$	379		$	195		$	1,093
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(201	)		(113	)		(314	)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net		—			—			—			(6	)		(6	)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(109	)		(54	)		(163	)
Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(222	)		(27	)		(249	)
Other investing activities		—			—			(1	)		1			—
Net cash used in investing activities		—			—			(533	)		(199	)		(732	)
Financing activities:
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility		—			—			280			—			280
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs		—			4,544			—			—			4,544
Repayments of debt		—			(4,597	)		—			(1	)		(4,598	)
Cash dividends paid to stockholders		(356	)		—			—			—			(356	)
Repurchase of common stock		(466	)											(466	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		112			—			(6	)		(3	)		103
Other financing activities		751			(469	)		(376	)		2			(92	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		41			(522	)		(102	)		(2	)		(585	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			—			(67	)		(67	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		37			1			(256	)		(73	)		(291	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		12			—			205			347			564
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	49		$	1		$	(51	)	$	274		$	273
Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2013
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	1		$	539		$	40		$	321		$	901
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(1,242	)		(7	)		(1,249	)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net		—			—			935			—			935
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(56	)		(74	)		(130	)
Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(218	)		(26	)		(244	)
Other investing activities											1			1
Net cash used in investing activities		—			—			(581	)		(106	)		(687	)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs		—			2,481			—			4			2,485
Repayments of debt		—			(2,171	)		—			—			(2,171	)
Decrease in other short-term borrowings		—			—			—			(5	)		(5	)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(265	)		—			—			—			(265	)
Repurchase  of common stock		(11	)		—			—			—			(11	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		95			—			(3	)		(7	)		85
Other financing activities		191			(849	)		727			(104	)		(35	)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities		10			(539	)		724			(112	)		83
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(2	)		(19	)		(21	)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		11			—			181			84			276
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1			—			24			263			288
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	12		$	—		$	205		$	347		$	564
Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2012
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidated
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	$	(18	)	$	253		$	176		$	373		$	784
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(142	)		(18	)		(160	)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net		—			—			(4	)		—			(4	)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(59	)		(73	)		(132	)
Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(204	)		(22	)		(226	)
Net cash used in investing activities		—			—			(409	)		(113	)		(522	)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs		—			1,998			—			—			1,998
Repayments of debt		—			(2,120	)		(110	)		—			(2,230	)
Increase in other short-term borrowings		—			—			—			3			3
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		34			—			(3	)		(2	)		29
Other financing activities		(15	)		(131	)		336			(288	)		(98	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		19			(253	)		223			(287	)		(298	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			—			5			5
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		1			—			(10	)		(22	)		(31	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		—			—			34			285			319
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1		$	—		$	24		$	263		$	288

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	20. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	2014
	Revenues	$	1,489	$	1,594	$	1,572	$	1,633
	Operating income	$	193	$	277	$	311	$	308
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	$	87	$	149	$	187	$	198
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$	58	$	74	$	91	$	161
	Net income per share of common stock, basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.15	$	0.19	$	0.24	$	0.43
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$	0.15	$	0.19	$	0.24	$	0.43
	Net income per share of common stock, diluted
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.15	$	0.19	$	0.24	$	0.42
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$	0.15	$	0.19	$	0.24	$	0.42
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	2013
	Revenues	$	1,319	$	1,386	$	1,387	$	1,611
	Operating income	$	142	$	238	$	243	$	238
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	$	41	$	161	$	171	$	147
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	12	$	307	—		$	(14	)
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$	35	$	426	$	134	$	145
	Net income per share of common stock, basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.06	$	0.32	$	0.35	$	0.42
	Discontinued operations, net of tax		0.03		0.82	—			(0.04	)
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$	0.09	$	1.14	$	0.35	$	0.38
	Net income per share of common stock, diluted
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.06	$	0.31	$	0.35	$	0.41
	Discontinued operations, net of tax		0.03		0.8	—			(0.03	)
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$	0.09	$	1.12	$	0.35	$	0.38

Schedule_ICondensed_Financial_

Schedule I-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule I-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
	Nielsen N.V.
	Parent Company Only
	Statements of Operations
		Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013			2012
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	4		$	4		$	2
	Operating loss		(4	)		(4	)		(2	)
	Interest income		—			1			—
	Interest expense		—			(2	)		(23	)
	Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net		—			—			(1	)
	Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of subsidiaries		(4	)		(5	)		(26	)
	Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		7			(1	)		2
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries		381			746			297
	Net income	$	384		$	740		$	273
	Nielsen N.V.
	Parent Company Only
	Balance Sheets
		December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013
	Assets:
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	49		$	12
	Amounts receivable from subsidiary		1			2
	Loan receivable from subsidiary		1			—
	Total current assets		51			14
	Investment in subsidiaries		5,017			5,728
	Other non-current assets		1			—
	Total assets	$	5,069		$	5,742
	Liabilities and equity:
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable and other current liabilities		10			6
	Income tax liability		1			—
	Total current liabilities		11			6
	Long-term debt		—			—
	Other non-current liabilities		2			7
	Total liabilities		13			13
	Total equity		5,056			5,729
	Total liabilities and equity	$	5,069		$	5,742
	Nielsen N.V.
	Parent Company Only
	Statements of Cash Flows
		Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013			2012
	Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	(4	)	$	1		$	(18	)
	Financing Activities:
	Cash dividends paid to stockholders		(356	)		(265	)		—
	Repurchase of common stock		(466	)		(11	)		—
	Activity under stock plans		112			95			34
	Other financing activities		751			191			(15	)
	Net cash provided by financing activities		41			10			19
	Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		37			11			1
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		12			1			—
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	49		$	12		$	1
	The notes to the consolidated financial statements of Nielsen N.V. (the “Company”) are an integral part of these nonconsolidated financial statements.
	Notes to Schedule I
	1. Basis of Presentation
	The Company has accounted for the earnings of its subsidiaries under the equity method in these financial statements.
	2. Commitments and Contingencies
	The debenture loans are jointly and severally guaranteed on an unconditional basis by the Company and subject to certain exceptions, each of the direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, including VNU Intermediate Holding B.V., Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., VNU International B.V., TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., VNU Marketing Information, Inc. and ACN Holdings, Inc., and the wholly-owned subsidiaries thereof, including the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc., in each case to the extent that such entities provide a guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities. The issuers are Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., both wholly-owned subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc. and subsidiary guarantors and The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S ar l., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. The historical financial information has been updated to reflect The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S ar l. as an issuer.
	The Company had no material commitments or contingencies during the reported periods.
	3. Related Party Transactions
	The Company executed a $6 million short-term loan with one of its subsidiaries with an original maturity in June 2012 and began accreting interest in December 2011 at a rate of 3.01%. In 2012, the loan was extended at a rate of 2.99% and matured in December 2013.
	The Company enters into certain transactions with its subsidiaries through the normal course of operations and periodically settles these transactions in cash. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company received a net cash payment of $4 million associated with the sale of shares of common stock in conjunction with acquisitions made by its subsidiaries, net of reimbursements of fees paid on behalf of the Company by its subsidiaries. On December 31, 2013, the Company had a $3 million receivable from subsidiary associated with the sale of shares of common stock in conjunction with acquisitions made by its subsidiaries.
4. Common Stock and Mandatory Convertible Bond Offerings and Related Transactions
On January 31, 2013, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) adopted a cash dividend policy to pay quarterly cash dividends on its outstanding common stock. The following table represents the cash dividends paid for the year ended December 31, 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
30-Oct-14	25-Nov-14		9-Dec-14	$	0.25
The dividend policy and payment of future cash dividends are subject to the discretion of the Board.
No dividends were declared or paid on the Company’s common stock in 2012.
On July 25, 2013, Nielsen’s Board approved a share repurchase program for up to $500 million of its outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to mitigate dilution associated with Nielsen’s equity compensation plans. On October 23, 2014, the Company announced that its board of directors approved a new share repurchase program for up to $1 billion of Nielsen’s outstanding common stock. This is in addition to the current authorization in place since July 2013 as described above.  Repurchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market or otherwise depending on Nielsen management’s evaluation of market conditions and other factors. This program will be executed within the limitations of the existing authority granted at Nielsen’s 2014 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. As of December 31, 2014, there have been 11,182,983 shares of our common stock purchased at an average price of $42.67 per share (total consideration of $477 million) under this program. The activity for the year ended December 31, 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
October 1-31		223,047		$	42.72			223,047		$	1,404,363,449
November 1-30		5,387,545		$	41.09			5,387,545		$	1,182,970,041
December 1-31		3,674,279		$	43.58			3,674,279		$	1,022,830,101
Total		11,182,983		$	42.67			11,182,983
On January 31, 2011, Nielsen completed an initial public offering of 82,142,858 shares of its €0.07 par value common stock at a price of $23.00 per share. Nielsen’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is traded under the symbol “NLSN.” During 2012, 2013 and 2014, Luxco and certain Nielsen employees (the “selling shareholders”) completed public offerings totaling 216,703,942 shares of our stock at a weighted average price of $37.84 per share. All proceeds went to the selling stockholders and the offering did not have a significant impact on our operating results or financial position.  As of December 31, 2014, Luxco owned  approximately 15% of the Company’s common stock.
Concurrent with its offering of common stock, the Company issued $288 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 1, 2013 (“the Bonds”), generating proceeds of approximately $277 million, net of $11 million of underwriter discounts. Interest on the Bonds was payable quarterly in arrears in February, May, August and November of each year, and commenced in May 2011. The Bonds provided for mandatory conversion into between 10,416,700 and 12,499,925 shares of Nielsen’s common stock on February 1, 2013 at a conversion rate per $50.00 principal amount of the bonds of not more than 2.1739 shares and not less than 1.8116 shares depending on the market value of its common stock (the average of the volume weighted-average price of its common stock for a 20 consecutive trading day period beginning on the 25 trading day immediately preceding February 1, 2013) relative to the initial price and the threshold appreciation price per share of $23.00 and $27.60, respectively. On February 1, 2013, the Bonds were converted into 10,416,700 shares of Nielsen’s common stock at per share price of $27.60.
The Company remitted and utilized substantially all of the combined net proceeds of approximately $2,078 million associated with the aforementioned transactions to certain of its subsidiaries to settle the Advisory Agreements in place between the Sponsors and certain of such subsidiaries and to redeem and retire certain issuances of the Company’s subsidiary long-term indebtedness.
Subsequent Event
On February 19, 2015, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share on the Company’s common stock.  The dividend is payable on March 19, 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2015.

Schedule_IIValuation_and_Quali

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	For the Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
	(IN MILLIONS)	Balance		Charges to			Acquisitions		Deductions		Effect of			Balance at
		Beginning		Expense			and				Foreign			End of
		of					Divestitures				Currency			Period
		Period									Translation
	Allowance for accounts receivable and sales returns
	For the year ended December 31, 2012	$	24	$	10		$	4	$	0	$	0		$	38
	For the year ended December 31, 2013	$	38	$	3		$	—	$	-2	$	0		$	39
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	39	$	4		$	—	$	-11	$	(3	)	$	29
	(IN MILLIONS)	Balance		Charges/			Charged		Effect of		Balance at
		Beginning of		(Credits) to			to		Foreign		End of
		Period		Expense			Other		Currency		Period
							Accounts		Translation
	Valuation allowance for deferred taxes
	For the year ended December 31, 2012	$	193	$	(15	)	$	46	$	8	$	232
	For the year ended December 31, 2013	$	232	$	(69	)	$	-5	$	-8	$	150
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	150	$	(21	)	$	16	$	2	$	147

Description_of_Business_Basis_1

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation	Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries are reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements with disclosure on the face of the consolidated statements of operations of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders and to the noncontrolling interests. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliates and joint ventures where Nielsen has significant influence but not control, usually supported by a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in which Nielsen owns less than 20% and does not have significant influence are accounted for either as available-for-sale securities if the shares are publicly traded or as cost method investments. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation.
Foreign Currency Translations	Foreign Currency Translation
	Nielsen has significant investments outside the United States, primarily in the Euro-zone, Canada and the United Kingdom. Therefore, changes in the value of foreign currencies affect the consolidated financial statements when translated into U.S. Dollars. The functional currency for substantially all subsidiaries outside the U.S. is the local currency. Financial statements for these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars at period-end exchange rates as to the assets and liabilities and monthly average exchange rates as to revenues, expenses and cash flows. For these countries, currency translation adjustments are recognized in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net, whereas transaction gains and losses are recognized in foreign exchange transaction (losses)/gains, net in the consolidated statement of operations.
	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 have 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.
	During 2014, as a result of further changes associated with the Venezuelan currency exchange rate mechanisms, the Company changed the exchange rate used to remeasure its Venezuelan subsidiaries’ financial statements in U.S. dollars. Based on facts and circumstances present at March 31, 2014, 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 Exchange Agreement No. 25 between the Central Bank of Venezuela and the Venezuelan government, the Company believed that any future remittances for royalty and dividend payments would be transacted at the SICAD I exchange rate. Accordingly, because the equity of the Venezuelan subsidiary would be realized through the payment of royalties and dividends, the SICAD I exchange rate represented a more realistic exchange rate at which to remeasure the U.S. dollar value of the bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiaries in the consolidated financial statements. However, since its implementation, the Company has not been successful in gaining access to U.S. dollars through SICAD I.  Due to the lack of access to the SICAD I auction system, as of December 31, 2014 the Company decided it was more likely that it would be able to gain access to U.S. dollars through the SICAD II mechanism to settle transactions conducted by the Company in Venezuela as it was created to provide an open mechanism that permits any company to request U.S. dollars for any purpose.  Accordingly, the Company concluded that the SICAD II exchange rate should be used to re-measure its bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, the SICAD II exchange rate was 50.0 bolivars to the U.S. dollar, compared with the official exchange rate of 6.3 bolivars to the U.S. dollar and the SICAD I exchange rate of 12.0 bolivars to the U.S. dollar.  As a result of these changes, Nielsen recorded a pre-tax charge of $52 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 in foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net in the consolidated statement of operations, reflecting the write-down of monetary assets and liabilities in the Company’s Venezuelan operations.
	The Company will continue to assess the appropriate conversion rate based on events in Venezuela and the Company’s specific facts and circumstances.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs, which were not material for any periods presented, are expensed as incurred.
Deferred Costs	Deferred Costs
	Incremental direct costs incurred related to establishing or significantly expanding a panel in a designated market and costs incurred to build the infrastructure to service new clients, are deferred at the point when Nielsen determines them to be recoverable. Prior to this point, these cost are expensed as incurred. These deferred costs are typically amortized over the original contract period beginning when the panel or electronic metered sample is ready for its intended use.
Advertising and Marketing Costs	Advertising and Marketing Costs
	Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred and are reflected as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. These costs include all brand advertising, telemarketing, direct mail and other sales promotion associated with marketing/media research services. Advertising and marketing costs totaled $19 million, $19 million and $18 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Computation of Net Income per Share	Computation of Net Income per Share
	Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number 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 primarily consist of employee stock options and restricted stock.
	Employee stock options, restricted stock and similar equity instruments granted by the Company are treated as potential common stock outstanding in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted stock outstanding include restricted stock units and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options which is calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible for tax purposes are assumed to be used to repurchase stock.
	The two-class method is an earnings allocation method for computing earnings/(loss) per share when a company’s capital structure includes either two or more classes of common stock or common stock and participating securities. This method determines earnings/(loss) per share based on dividends declared on common stock and participating securities (i.e., distributed earnings), as well as participation rights of participating securities in any undistributed earnings. The two-class method did not have a significant impact on the calculation or presentation of earnings per share for any of the periods presented.
	The effect of 2,437,100, 2,433,400 and 7,698,964 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive. Additionally, the Company’s mandatory convertible subordinated bonds due 2013 were converted into 10,416,700 shares of common stock on February 1, 2013, and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2012, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.
Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
	Comprehensive income/(loss) is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) and consists of net income or loss and other gains and losses, net of tax affecting equity that are excluded from net income or loss.
Other Significant Accounting Policies	Other Significant Accounting Policies
	The following table includes other significant accounting policies that are described in other notes to the financial statements, including the related note and page number:
	Significant Accounting Policy	Note	Page #
	Investments	8	76
	Financial Instruments	8	76
	Derivative Financial Instruments	8	76
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	5	71
	Property, Plant and Equipment	7	75
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	5&7	71 and 75
	Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits	10	80
	Stock-Based Compensation	13	93
	Income Taxes	14	97
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 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 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 consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Nielsen recognizes revenues when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered or information has been delivered, the fee is fixed or determinable and the collectability of the related revenue is reasonably assured.
	A significant portion of the Company’s revenue is generated from information (primarily retail measurement and consumer panel services) and measurement (primarily from television, radio, online and mobile audiences) services. The Company generally recognizes revenue from the sale of services as the services are performed, which is usually ratably over the term of the contract(s). Invoiced amounts are recorded as deferred revenue until earned. Substantially all of the Company’s customer contracts are non-cancellable and non-refundable.
	Certain of the Company’s revenue arrangements include multiple deliverables and in these arrangements, the individual deliverables within the contract that have stand-alone value to the customer are separated and recognized upon delivery based upon the Company’s best estimate of their selling prices. These arrangements are not significant to the Company’s results of operations. In certain cases, software is included as part of these arrangements to allow Nielsen’s customers to view delivered information and is provided for the term of the arrangement and is not significant to the marketing effort and is not sold separately. Accordingly, software provided to Nielsen’s customers is considered to be incidental to the arrangements and is not recognized as a separate element.
	A discussion of Nielsen’s revenue recognition policies, by segment, follows:
	Buy
	Revenue from the Buy segment, primarily from retail measurement services and consumer panel services is recognized over the period during which the services are performed and information is delivered to the customer, primarily on a straight-line basis.
	The Company provides insights and solutions to customers through analytical studies that are recognized into revenue as value is delivered to the customer. The pattern of revenue recognition for these contracts varies depending on the terms of the individual contracts, and may be recognized proportionally or deferred until the end of the contract term and recognized when the information has been delivered to the customer.
	Watch
	Revenue from the Watch segment is primarily generated from television, radio, online and mobile measurement services and recognized over the contract period, as the service is delivered to the customer, primarily on a straight-line basis.
	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 consolidated financial statements, including which transition method will be applied.

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The purchase price was allocated based upon the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	Fair value of business combination:
	Cash paid for Arbitron common stock	$	1,296
	Accrued payment for directors’ and employees’ equity awards pertaining to pre-merger service		42
	Accrued dividend payment on Arbitron common stock		3
	Fair value of previously held equity interest in Scarborough		75
	Total	$	1,416
	Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Cash	$	136
	Other current assets		129
	Property and equipment		32
	Goodwill		947
	Amortizable intangible assets		472
	Other long term assets		2
	Deferred revenue		(47	)
	Other current liabilities		(53	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		(184	)
	Other long term liabilities		(18	)
	Total	$	1,416
Intangible Assets and Estimated Useful Lives	Intangible assets and their estimated useful lives consist of the following:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	Description	Amount			Useful Life
	Customer –related intangibles	$	271			10 – 15 years
	Computer software		159			5 – 10 years
	Trade names and trademarks		31			3 – 5 years
	Covenants-not-to-compete		11			1 – 2 years
	Total	$	472
Pro Forma Information	The following unaudited pro forma information presents the consolidated results of operations of the Company and Arbitron for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2012, with pro forma adjustments to give effect to amortization of intangible assets, an increase in interest expense from acquisition financing, and certain other adjustments:
		December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2013			2012
	Revenues	$	6,058		$	5,885
	Income from continuing operations	$	497		$	275

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summarized Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations	Summarized results of operations for discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014		2013			2012
	Revenue	$	15	$	103		$	205
	Operating income		—		35			72
	Interest expense		—		(8	)		(23	)
	Income from operations before income taxes		—		27			49
	Provision for income taxes		—		(12	)		(18	)
	Income from operations		—		15			31
	Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—		—			1
	Gain on sale, net of tax		—		290			—
	Income from discontinued operations	$	—	$	305		$	30
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 consolidated statements of cash flows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014	2013			2012
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	—	$	36		$	67
	Net cash provided by investing activities		—		—			(11	)
	Net cash provided by financing activities		—		—			—
		$	—	$	36		$	56

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	(IN MILLIONS)		Buy			Watch			Expositions			Total
	Balance, December 31, 2012(a)		$	3,061		$	3,726		$	565		$	7,352
	Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments			17			945			(565	)		397
	Effect of foreign currency translation			(73	)		8			-			(65	)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	3,005		$	4,679		$	-		$	7,684
	Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments			202			4			-			206
	Effect of foreign currency translation			(193	)		(26	)		-			(219	)
	Balance, December 31, 2014		$	3,014		$	4,657		$	-		$	7,671
	Cummulative Impairments		$	-		$	376		$	2		$	378
	·	During the fourth quarter of 2013, to conform to a change in management reporting, Nielsen reclassified two products from the Buy segment to the Watch segment. Goodwill by segment has been retrospectively restated to reflect this change.
Other Intangible Assets	The table below summarizes the carrying value of such intangible assets and their estimated useful lives:
						Gross Amounts						Accumulated Amortization
			Estimated		Weighted	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		Useful Lives		Average	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Indefinite-lived intangibles:
	Trade names and trademarks					$	1,921		$	1,921		$	-		$	-
	Amortized intangibles:
	Trade names and trademarks		5-20 years		14 years		166			156			(68	)		(53	)
	Customer-related intangibles		6-25 years		22 years		2,938			2,882			(1,054	)		(897	)
	Covenants-not-to-compete		1-7 years		3 years		36			36			(30	)		(19	)
	Computer software		3-10 years		5 years		1,935			1,668			(1,157	)		(941	)
	Patents and other		3-10 years		5 years		105			95			(77	)		(67	)
	Total					$	5,180		$	4,837		$	(2,386	)	$	(1,977	)
Summary of Estimated Future Amortization Expense	All other intangible assets are subject to amortization. Future amortization expense is estimated to be as follows:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	For the year ending December 31:
	2015	$	397
	2016	340
	2017	293
	2018	238
	2019	191
	Thereafter		1,335
	Total	$	2,794

Changes_in_and_Reclassificatio1

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		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		(301	)			10				(6	)		(123	)		(420	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	—				—				9			14			23
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income		(301	)			10				3			(109	)		(397	)
	Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(7	)			—				—			—			(7	)
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(294	)			10				3			(109	)		(390	)
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	(418	)		$	19			$	(2	)	$	(376	)	$	(777	)
		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		(99	)			9				(3	)		15			(78	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	—				—					11			15			26
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income		(99	)			9				8			30			(52	)
	Net current period other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest		2			—				—			—				2
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(101	)			9				8			30			(54	)
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	(124	)		$	9			$	(5	)	$	(267	)	$	(387	)
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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
			Amount Reclassified from
			Accumulated Other
	(IN MILLIONS)		Comprehensive Loss
	Details about Accumulated									Affected Line Item in the
	Other Comprehensive		Year Ended December 31,							Consolidated
	Income components		2014				2013			Statement of Operations
	Cash flow hedges
	Interest rate contracts		$	15			$	16		Interest expense
				(6	)			(5	)	Benefit for income taxes
			$	9			$	11		Total, net of tax
	Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits
	Actuarial loss		$	19			$	17		(a)
				(5	)			(2	)	Benefit for income taxes
			$	14			$	15		Total, net of tax
	Total reclassification for the period		$	23			$	26		Net of tax
	(a)	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	The following tables summaries the carrying value of our property, plant and equipment including the associated useful lives:
		Estimated		December 31,				December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	Useful Life		2014				2013
	Land and buildings	25-50 years		$	352			$	350
	Information and communication equipment	3-10 years			908				809
	Furniture, equipment and other	3-10 years			119				117
					1,379				1,276
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization				(846	)			(716	)
				$	533			$	560
Schedule of Gross and Net Book Value of Assets under Capital Leases	Gross and net book value of assets under capital leases were as follows:
	(IN MILLIONS)	31-Dec-14
		Gross Book Value				Accumulated  Depreciation				Net Book Value
	Land and buildings	$	172			$	(60	)		$	112
	Information and communication equipment		56				(21	)			35
		$	228			$	(81	)		$	147
	31-Dec-13
		Gross Book Value				Accumulated  Depreciation				Net Book Value
	Land and buildings	$	184			$	(59	)		$	125
	Information and communication equipment		32				(12	)			20
		$	216			$	(71	)		$	145

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Investments in equity securities (1)		$	45		$	45		—		—
	Plan assets for deferred compensation (2)			28			28		—		—
	Investment in mutual funds (3)			2			2		—		—
	Interest rate swap arrangements (4)			1		—				1	—
	Total		$	76		$	75		$	1	—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap arrangements (4)		$	6		—			$	6	—
	Deferred compensation liabilities (5)			28			28		—		—
	Total		$	34		$	28		$	6	—
			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. Nielsen assesses declines in the value of individual investments to determine whether such decline is other than temporary and thus the investment is impaired by considering available evidence. No impairment charge was recorded for these available-for-sale securities during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	-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 in the consolidated statements of operations.
	-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 December 31, 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			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
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000			September 2017			US Dollar
	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000			May 2018			US Dollar
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets	The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
			31-Dec-14								December 31, 2013
						Accounts Payable					Accounts Payable
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging		Other Non-			and Other			Other Non-		and Other				Other Non-
	Instruments					Current			Current		Current				Current
	(IN MILLIONS)		Current Assets			Liabilities			Liabilities		Liabilities				Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps		$	1		$	4		$	2	$	2			$	8
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (amounts in millions):
			Amount of Loss										Amount of Loss
			Recognized in OCI								Location of Loss		Reclassified from OCI
			on Derivatives								Reclassified from OCI		into Income
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		(Effective Portion)								into Income		(Effective Portion)
	Hedging Relationships		December 31,								(Effective Portion)		December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012				2014				2013		2012
	Interest rate swaps		$	10		$	4		$	23	Interest expense		$	15			$	16	$	25

Restructuring_Activities_Table

Restructuring Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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, 2011	$	67
	Charges		85
	Non cash charges and other adjustments		(6	)
	Payments		(82	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		64
	Charges		119
	Non cash charges and other adjustments		(4	)
	Payments		(80	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		99
	Charges		89
	Non cash charges and other adjustments		(3	)
	Payments		(113	)
	Balance at December 30, 2014	$	72

Pensions_and_Other_PostRetirem1

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Pension Plans	A summary of the activity for the Pension Plans follows:
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-14
		The			United
	(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
	Change in projected benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	761		$	336			$	643			$	1,740
	Service cost		4		1					14				19
	Interest cost		25			16				26				67
	Plan participants’ contributions	—			—					2				2
	Actuarial losses		137		52				131				320
	Benefits paid	(35		)	(12		)		(22		)		(69		)
	Expenses paid	(2		)	—				(3		)		(5		)
	Premiums paid	—			—				(1		)		(1		)
	Amendments	(4		)	—				—				(4		)
	Curtailments	—			(1		)		—				(1		)
	Settlements	—			(12		)		(29		)		(41		)
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(102	)	—					(63	)			(165	)
	Benefit obligation at end of period		784			380				698				1,862
	Change in plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		736			298				554				1,588
	Actual return on plan assets		90			26				86				202
	Employer contributions		11		1					23				35
	Plan participants’ contributions	—			—					2				2
	Benefits paid	(35		)	(12		)		(22		)		(69		)
	Expenses paid	(2		)	—				(3		)		(5		)
	Premiums paid	—			—				(1		)		(1		)
	Settlements	—			(12		)		(29		)		(41		)
	Insurance	6				—			—					6
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(95	)	—					(48	)			(143	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of period		711			301				562				1,574
	Funded status	$	(73	)	$	(79	)		$	(136	)		$	(288	)
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Pension assets included in other non-current assets	—			—					35				35
	Current liabilities	—			(1		)		(2		)		(3		)
	Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	(73		)	(78		)		(169		)		(320		)
	Net amount recognized	$	(73	)	$	(79	)		$	(136	)		$	(288	)
	Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
	Net loss	$	45		$	46			$	65			$	156
	Settlement loss		—			(1	)			(6	)			(7	)
	Amortization of net loss	(5		)	(4		)		(3		)		(12		)
	Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	40		$	41			$	56			$	137
	Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
	Unrecognized losses	$	223		$	96			$	144			$	463
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-13
		The			United
	(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
	Change in projected benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	727		$	295			$	664			$	1,686
	Service cost		4		—					15				19
	Interest cost		25			13				24				62
	Plan participants’ contributions	—			—					2				2
	Actuarial losses/(gains)		12			(8	)			(27	)			(23	)
	Benefits paid		(35	)		(11	)			(21	)			(67	)
	Expenses paid		(2	)	—					(3	)			(5	)
	Premiums paid	—			—					(1	)			(1	)
	Amendments	—			—					(1	)			(1	)
	Curtailments	—			—					(13	)			(13	)
	Settlements	—			—					(1	)		(1		)
	Acquisition	—				47			—					47
	Effect of foreign currency translation		30		—					5				35
	Benefit obligation at end of period		761			336				643				1,740
	Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		707			248				486				1,441
Actual return on plan assets		28			25				46				99
Employer contributions		8		—					43				51
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—					2				2
Benefits paid		(35	)		(11	)			(21	)			(67	)
Expenses paid		(2	)	—					(3	)			(5	)
Premiums paid	—			—					(1	)			(1	)
Settlements	—			—					(1	)			(1	)
Acquisition	—				36			—					36
Effect of foreign currency translation		30		—					3				33
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		736			298				554				1,588
Funded status	$	(25	)	$	(38	)		$	(89	)		$	(152	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	—			—					40				40
Current liabilities	—				(1	)			(1	)			(2	)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities		(25	)		(37	)			(128	)			(190	)
Net amount recognized	$	(25	)	$	(38	)		$	(89	)		$	(152	)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net loss/(gain)	$	24		$	(14	)		$	(56	)		$	(46	)
Amortization of net loss		(6	)		(5	)			(6	)			(17	)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	18		$	(19	)		$	(62	)		$	(63	)
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	$	183		$	55			$	88			$	326
Total Accumulated Benefit Obligation and Minimum Liability Changes for Pension Plans	The total accumulated benefit obligation and minimum liability changes for the Pension Plans were as follows:
		Year Ended			Year Ended				Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,				December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013				2012
	Accumulated benefit obligation.	$	1,803		$	1,683			$	1,618
		Pension Plans with Accumulated
		Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
		Assets at December 31, 2014
		The			United
	(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
	Projected benefit obligation	$	784		$	380			$	590			$	1,754
	Accumulated benefit obligation	783			380				537					1,700
	Fair value of plan assets	711			301				419					1,431
		Pension Plans with Projected
		Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
		Assets at December 31, 2014
		The			United
	(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
	Projected benefit obligation	$	784		$	380			$	590			$	1,754
	Accumulated benefit obligation	783			380				537					1,700
	Fair value of plan assets	711			301				419					1,431
		Pension Plans with Accumulated
		Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
		Assets at December 31, 2013
		The			United
	(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
	Projected benefit obligation	$	761		$	336			$	524			$	1,621
	Accumulated benefit obligation	756			334				477					1,567
	Fair value of plan assets	736			298				395					1,429
		Pension Plans with Projected
		Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
		Assets at December 31, 2013
		The			United
	(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
	Projected benefit obligation	$	761		$	336			$	524			$	1,621
	Accumulated benefit obligation	756			334				477					1,567
	Fair value of plan assets	736			298				395					1,429
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, includes the following components:
		Net Periodic Pension Costs
		The			United
	(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States					Other				Total
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Service cost	$	4		$		1			$	14			$	19
	Interest cost		25			16					26				67
	Expected return on plan assets		(35	)		(21		)			(35	)			(91	)
	Settlement loss recognized		—			1					6				7
	Amortization of net loss		5			4					3				12
	Net periodic pension cost	$	(1	)	$		1			$	14			$	14
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Service cost	$	4		$		—			$	15			$	19
	Interest cost		25			13					24				62
	Expected return on plan assets		(34	)		(18		)			(31	)			(83	)
	Amortization of net loss		6			5					6				17
	Net periodic pension cost	$	1		$		—			$	14			$	15
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Service cost	$	3		$		—			$	14			$	17
	Interest cost		28			13					25				66
	Expected return on plan assets		(34	)		(18		)			(29	)			(81	)
	Amortization of net loss		3			4					4				11
	Net periodic pension cost	$	—		$	(1		)		$	14			$	13
Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Expected to be Recognized	The deferred loss included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2015 is as follows:
		The			United				Other				Total
		Netherlands			States
	Net actuarial loss	$	(9	)	$	(7	)		$	(8	)		$	(24	)
Weighted Average Assumptions Underlying Pension Computations	The weighted average assumptions underlying the pension computations were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013				2012
	Pension benefit obligation:
	—discount rate		2.8	%		4.1	%			3.8	%
	—rate of compensation increase		2	%		2.1	%			2.1	%
	Net periodic pension costs:
	—discount rate		4.1	%		3.8	%			4.7	%
	—rate of compensation increase		2.1	%		2.1	%			2	%
	—expected long-term return on plan assets		6	%		6	%			6.2	%
Weighted Average Asset Allocation by Asset Category	Nielsen’s pension plans’ weighted average asset allocations by asset category are as follows:
		The			United
		Netherlands			States				Other				Total
	At December 31, 2014
	Equity securities		24	%		58	%			44	%			37	%
	Fixed income securities	61			33				49				51
	Other	15			9				7				12
	Total		100	%		100	%			100	%			100	%
	At December 31, 2013
	Equity securities		24	%		62	%			50	%			40	%
	Fixed income securities	61			37				43				50
	Other	15			1				7				10
	Total		100	%		100	%			100	%			100	%
Assets at Fair Value	Assets at fair value (See Note 8 – “Fair Value Measurements” for additional information on fair value measurement and the underlying fair value hierarchy) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2014															December 31, 2013
	Asset Category	Level 1			Level 2				Level 3				Total				Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Cash and equivalents	$	37		$	1		$	—				$	38			$	15	$	4	$	—		$	19
	Equity securities – U.S.		80			13			—					93				80		72		—			152
	Equity securities – Global.		4			292			—					296				7		191		—			198
	Equity securities – non-U.S.		29			171			—					200				31		256		—			287
	Real estate	—			—					39				39			—		—				39		39
	Corporate bonds		111			413			—					524				104		441		—			545
	Debt issued by national, state or local government		55			225			—					280				46		201		—			247
	Other	—				16				88				104			—			20			81		101
	Total Assets at Fair Value	$	316		$	1,131			$	127			$	1,574			$	283	$	1,185		$	120	$	1,588
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Pension Plans Level 3 Assets	The following is a summary of changes in the fair value of the Pension Plans’ Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(IN MILLIONS)	Real Estate			Other				Total
	Balance, end of year December 31, 2012	$	32		$	77			$	109
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Investments	6				—				6
	Unrealized gains	—				1				1
	Effect of foreign currency translation	1				3				4
	Balance, end of year December 31, 2013	$	39		$	81			$	120
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Investments		4			—				4
	Unrealized gains	—				17				17
	Effect of foreign currency translation	(4		)		(10	)			(14	)
	Balance, end of year December 31, 2014	$	39		$	88			$	127
Estimated Future Benefit Payments	Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:
		The			United
	(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States				Other				Total
	For the years ending December 31,
	2015	$	32		$	18			$	21			$	71
	2016		33			14				21				68
	2017		33			14				23				70
	2018		33			15				23				71
	2019		33			15				24				72
	2020-2024		167			88				143				398

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ1

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Debt	Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of December 31, 2014.
		December 31, 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 2.16% ) due 2019					1,542		1,533				—		—
	$500 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.41% ) due 2017					497		493				—		—
	$1,100 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.16% ) due 2021					1,094		1,088				—		—
	€286 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 3.01%) due 2021					345		343				—		—
	€289 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 3.15%) due 2022				—		—						394		395
	$575 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2019					280		274				—		—
	Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate)		2.65	%		3,758		3,731		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		801					800		779
	$1,550 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022					1,553		1,554				—		—
	$625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021					625		633					625		636
	Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate)		5.23	%		2,978		2,988		6.51	%		2,508		2,587
	Other loans					8		8					5		5
	Total long-term debt		3.79	%		6,744		6,727		4.28	%		6,529		6,612
	Capital lease and other financing obligations					118							111
	Total debt and other financing arrangements					6,862							6,640
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings					397							148
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and capital lease and other financing obligations				$	6,465						$	6,492
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Currency Wise	The carrying value of Nielsen’s long-term debt are denominated in the following currencies:
		December 31,			December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013
	U.S. Dollars	$	6,399		$	6,135
	Euro		345			394
		$	6,744		$	6,529
Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	2015	$	379
	2016	$	128
	2017	$	640
	2018	$	212
	2019	$	1,042
	Thereafter	$	4,343
		$	6,744
Summary of Future Minimum Capital Lease Payments Under Non-Cancelable Capital Leases	Future minimum capital lease payments under non-cancelable capital leases at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	2015	$	24
	2016		24
	2017		22
	2018		15
	2019		13
	Thereafter		62
	Total		160
	Less: amount representing interest		42
	Present value of minimum lease payments	$	118
	Current portion	$	18
	Total non-current portion		100
	Present value of minimum lease payments	$	118

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock Activity	Common stock activity is as follows:
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
	Beginning of period		378,635,464			362,519,883			359,647,605
	Shares of common stock converted from Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 2013		-			10,416,700			-
	Shares of common stock issued through business combinations		75,083			101,899			246,627
	Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans		4,940,195			5,886,821			2,625,651
	Repurchases of common stock		(10,893,144	)		(289,839	)		-
	End of period		372,757,598			378,635,464			362,519,883
Summary of Dividends Declared on Nielsen's Common Stock	On January 31, 2013, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) adopted a cash dividend policy to pay quarterly cash dividends on its outstanding common stock. The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid for the year ended December 31, 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
	30-Oct-14	25-Nov-14		9-Dec-14	$	0.25
Summary of Open Market Share Repurchases Activity	The activity for the year ended December 31, 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
	October 1-31		223,047		$	42.72			223,047	$	1,404,363,449
	November 1-30		5,387,545		$	41.09			5,387,545	$	1,182,970,041
	December 1-31		3,674,279		$	43.58			3,674,279	$	1,022,830,101
	Total		11,182,983		$	42.67			11,182,983

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Assumptions Used in Options	The following assumptions were used during 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Expected life (years)		3.00-5.25				3.50-6.00				3.50-6.00
	Risk-free interest rate		0.87-1.66	%			0.40-1.99	%			0.38-.083	%
	Expected dividend yield		1.77- 2.39	%			0 - 2.19	%			0	%
	Expected volatility		23.50-25.32	%			25.40-27.60	%			28.00-30.30	%
	Weighted average volatility		23.99	%			25.89	%			28.56	%
Summary of Stock Option Plan Activity	Nielsen’s stock option plan activity is summarized below:
			Number of Options				Weighted-Average				Weighted-		Aggregate
			(Time Based and				Exercise Price				Average		Intrinsic
			Performance Based)								Remaining		Value in
											Contractual		Millions
											Term in
											Years
	Stock Option Plan activity
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011			18,582,027			$	20.65				5.77	$	175
	Granted			4,133,381				28
	Forfeited			(655,034	)			(24.30	)
	Exercised			(2,372,536	)			(14.64	)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			19,687,838				22.8				5.16	$	156
	Granted			2,459,900				36.65
	Forfeited			(383,163	)			(23.35	)
	Exercised			(4,667,814	)			(19.11	)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			17,096,761			$	25.78				4.61	$	344
	Granted			2,448,100				42.01
	Forfeited			(798,279	)			(29.57	)
	Exercised			(4,219,122	)			(24.08	)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			14,527,460			$	28.8				4.29	$	231
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014			7,199,834			$	23.8				3.38	$	151
Summery of Restricted Stock Units	Activity of Nielsen’s restricted stock units (RSUs) that are ultimately payable in shares of common stock granted under the Stock Incentive Plan is summarized below:
			Number of				Weighted-Average
			RSUs				Grant Date
							Fair Value
	RSU activity
	Nonvested at December 31, 2011		265,684				$	28.95
	Granted		687,300					27.99
	Forfeited		(26,695	)				29.02
	Vested		(80,981	)				26.44
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012		845,308				$	28.4
	Granted		955,531					34.86
	Forfeited		(230,500	)				32.56
	Vested		(262,446	)				24.96
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		1,307,893				$	30.53
	Granted		526,857					42.74
	Forfeited		(113,903	)				30.55
	Vested		(412,845	)				28.53
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014		1,308,002				$	35.9

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income/(Loss) of Affiliates	The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, were:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013			2012
	Dutch	$	17		$	19		$	20
	Non-Dutch		604			501			339
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	$	621		$	520		$	359
Provision for Income Taxes Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income of Affiliates	The provision for income taxes attributable to the income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates consisted of:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Dutch	$	4		$	4		$	(20	)
	Non-Dutch		127			194			95
			131			198			75
	Deferred:
	Dutch		1			3			25
	Non-Dutch		104			(110	)		22
			105			(107	)		47
	Total	$	236		$	91		$	122
Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes as Per Dutch Federal Income Tax Rates	The Company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was different from the amount computed by applying the statutory Dutch federal income tax rates to the underlying income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates as a result of the following:
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2014			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	$	621		$	520		$	359
	Dutch statutory tax rate		25	%		25	%		25	%
	Provision for income taxes at the Dutch statutory rate	$	155		$	130		$	90
	Tax impact on distributions from foreign subsidiaries		4			(38	)		35
	Effect of operations in non-Dutch jurisdictions		19			16			(8	)
	Tax impact of global licensing arrangements		84			14			19
	U.S. state and local taxation		21			9			4
	Withholding and other taxation		38			35			36
	Effect of global financing activities		(84	)		(60	)		(51	)
	Changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions		(1	)		47			48
	Changes in valuation allowances		(21	)		(69	)		(15	)
	Effect of change in deferred tax rates		2			3			(40	)
	Other, net		19			4			4
	Total provision for income taxes	$	236		$	91		$	122
	Effective tax rate		38	%		17.5	%		34	%
Components of Current and Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets/(Liabilities)	The components of current and non-current deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) were:
	(IN MILLIONS)	December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets (on balance):
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	175		$	195
	Interest expense limitation		783			830
	Deferred compensation		—			2
	Deferred revenues / costs		—			7
	Employee benefits		93			56
	Tax credit carryforwards		198			179
	Share-based payments		43			75
	Accrued expenses		21			40
	Financial instruments		10			29
	Other assets		84			6
			1,407			1,419
	Valuation allowances		(147	)		(150	)
	Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances		1,260			1,269
	Deferred tax liabilities (on balance):
	Intangible assets		(1,692	)		(1,715	)
	Fixed asset depreciation		(25	)		(27	)
	Computer software		(185	)		(174	)
	Deferred revenues/costs		(13	)		—
	Other liabilities		(62	)		—
			(1,977	)		(1,916	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(717	)	$	(647	)
	Recognized as:
	Deferred income taxes, current	$	226		$	102
	Deferred income taxes, non-current		(943	)		(749	)
	Total	$	(717	)	$	(647	)
Schedule of Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Gross Uncertain Tax Positions	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross uncertain tax positions is as follows:
	(IN MILLIONS)	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance as of the beginning of period	$	475		$	409		$	370
	Additions for current year tax positions		14			41			37
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		12			42			21
	Reductions for lapses of statute of limitations		(12	)		(8	)		(15	)
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(37	)		(9	)		(4	)
	Balance as of the end of the period	$	452		$	475		$	409

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum Annual Payments under Nielsen's Purchase Obligations	The amounts presented below represent the minimum annual payments under Nielsen’s purchase obligations that have initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year. These purchase obligations include data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing.
		For the Years Ending December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Operating leases	$	87	$	71	$	60	$	51	$	37	$	60	$	366
	Other contractual obligations(a)		666		245		64		35		7		-		1,017
	Total	$	753	$	316	$	124	$	86	$	44	$	60	$	1,383
	(a) Other contractual obligations represent obligations under agreement, which are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Nielsen generally requires purchase orders for vendor and third party spending. The amounts presented above represent the minimum future annual services covered by purchase obligations including data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. Nielsen’s remaining commitments as of December 31, 2014 under the outsourced services agreements with TCS have been included above on an estimated basis over the years within the contractual period in which we expect to satisfy its obligations. As of December 31, 2014, the remaining TCS commitment was approximately $609 million.

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Business Segment Information
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Buy		$	3,523		$	3,406		$	3,341
	Watch			2,765			2,297			2,066
	Total		$	6,288		$	5,703		$	5,407
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Business segment income/(loss)(1)
	Buy		$	658		$	660		$	676
	Watch			1,214			989			856
	Corporate and eliminations			(35	)		(32	)		(28	)
	Total		$	1,837		$	1,617		$	1,504
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Depreciation and amortization
	Buy		$	224		$	199		$	197
	Watch			343			302			285
	Corporate and eliminations			6			9			11
	Total		$	573		$	510		$	493
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Restructuring charges
	Buy		$	64		$	47		$	58
	Watch			14			55			20
	Corporate and eliminations			11			17			7
	Total		$	89		$	119		$	85
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Stock-based compensation expense
	Buy		$	14		$	14		$	10
	Watch			10			11			7
	Corporate and eliminations			23			22			17
	Total		$	47		$	47		$	34
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Other items(2)
	Buy		$	(2	)	$	1		$	8
	Watch			11			51			(9	)
	Corporate and eliminations			30			28			13
	Total		$	39		$	80		$	12
			Year Ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Operating income/(loss)
	Buy		$	358		$	399		$	403
	Watch			836			570			553
	Corporate and eliminations			(105	)		(108	)		(76	)
	Total		$	1,089		$	861		$	880
	(IN MILLIONS)		December 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Total assets
	Buy		$	6,869		$	6,768
	Watch			8,156			8,326
	Corporate and eliminations(3)			351			436
	Total		$	15,376		$	15,530
	-1	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
	-2	For the year ended December 31, 2014, other items primarily consist of non-recurring costs. For the year months ended December 31, 2013, other items primarily consist of one-time items associated with the acquisition of Arbitron, including non-cash purchase accounting adjustments and transaction related costs.
	-3	Includes deferred financing costs of $50 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
			Year ended December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014			2013			2012
	Capital expenditures
	Buy		$	206		$	171		$	169
	Watch			198			197			181
Expositions		—			—				5
Corporate and eliminations			8			6			3
Total		$	412		$	374		$	358
Geographical Segment Information	Geographic Segment Information
						Operating			Long-
						Income/			lived
	(IN MILLIONS)		Revenues(1)			(Loss)			Assets(2)
	2014
	United States		$	3,415		$	700		$	10,255
	North and South America, excluding the United States			670			161			1,150
	The Netherlands			40		(16		)	1
	Other Europe, Middle East & Africa			1,392			151			1,128
	Asia Pacific			771			93			385
	Total		$	6,288		$	1,089		$	12,919
						Operating			Long-
						Income/			lived
	(IN MILLIONS)		Revenues(1)			(Loss)			Assets(2)
	2013
	United States		$	2,857		$	414		$	10,203
	North and South America, excluding the United States			660			167			1,268
	The Netherlands			39			(3	)		(6	)
	Other Europe, Middle East & Africa			1,388			194			1,137
	Asia Pacific			759			89			423
	Total		$	5,703		$	861		$	13,025
						Operating
						Income/
	(IN MILLIONS)		Revenues(1)			(Loss)
	2012
	United States		$	2,637		$	447
	North and South America, excluding the United States			640			170
	The Netherlands			39			2
	Other Europe, Middle East & Africa			1,353			178
	Asia Pacific			738			83
	Total		$	5,407		$	880
	-1	Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

Additional_Financial_Informati1

Additional Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets
			December 31,		December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets		$	241	$	116
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets(1)			264		258
	Total prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	505	$	374
Account Payable and Other Current Liabilities	Accounts payable and other current liabilities
			December 31,		December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2014		2013
	Trade payables		$	223	$	143
	Personnel costs			283		309
	Current portion of restructuring liabilities			60		87
	Data and professional services			196		201
	Interest payable			41		44
	Other current liabilities(1)			232		242
	Total accounts payable and other current liabilities		$	1,035	$	1,026
	-1	Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio1

Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	3,414		$	2,874		$	—		$	6,288
	Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1,270			1,350			—			2,620
	Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		4			—			955			958			—			1,917
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			448			125			—			573
	Restructuring charges		—			—			43			46			—			89
	Operating (loss)/income		(4	)		—			698			395			—			1,089
	Interest income		—			856			46			8			(907	)		3
	Interest expense		—			(283	)		(874	)		(50	)		907			(300	)
	Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net		—			—			(2	)		(69	)		—			(71	)
	Other income/(expense), net		—			553			200			(204	)		(649	)		(100	)
	(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates		(4	)		1,126			68			80			(649	)		621
	Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		7			(94	)		(92	)		(57	)		—			(236	)
	Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		381			(721	)		408			—			(68	)		—
	Equity in net loss of affiliates		—			—			(3	)		(1	)		—			(4	)
	Net income		384			311			381			22			(717	)		381
	Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(3	)		—			(3	)
	Net income attributable to controlling interests		384			311			381			25			(717	)		384
	Total other comprehensive (loss)/income		(390	)		799			(390	)		(490	)		74			(397	)
	Total other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(7	)		—			(7	)
	Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests		(390	)		799			(390	)		(483	)		74			(390	)
	Total comprehensive (loss)/income		(6	)		1,110			(9	)		(468	)		(643	)		(16	)
	Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(10	)		—			(10	)
	Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests	$	(6	)	$	1,110		$	(9	)	$	(458	)	$	(643	)	$	(6	)
	Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	2,859		$	2,844		$	—		$	5,703
	Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1,087			1,311			—			2,398
	Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		4			—			889			922			—			1,815
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			386			124			—			510
	Restructuring charges		—			—			67			52			—			119
	Operating (loss)/income		(4	)		—			430			435			—			861
	Interest income		1			743			58			15			(815	)		2
	Interest expense		(2	)		(300	)		(772	)		(50	)		815			(309	)
	Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		—			—			1			(26	)		0			(25	)
	Other (expense)/income, net		—			(21	)		118			(106	)		0			(9	)
	(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates		(5	)		422			(165	)		268			—			520
	(Provision)/benefit for income taxes		(1	)		(95	)		82			(77	)		—			(91	)
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries		746			421			522			—			(1,689	)		—
	Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates		—			—			(1	)		3			—			2
	Income from continuing operations		740			748			438			194			(1,689	)		431
	Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			308			(3	)		—			305
	Net income		740			748			746			191			(1,689	)		736
	Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(4	)		—			(4	)
	Net income attributable to controlling interests		740			748			746			195			(1,689	)		740
	Total other comprehensive (loss)/income		(54	)		(39	)		(54	)		32			63			(52	)
	Total other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			2			—			2
	Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests		(54	)		(39	)		(54	)		30			63			(54	)
	Total comprehensive income		686			709			692			223			(1,626	)		684
	Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(2	)		—			(2	)
	Total comprehensive income  attributable to controlling interests	$	686		$	709		$	692		$	225		$	(1,626	)	$	686
	Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	2,640		$	2,767		$	—		$	5,407
	Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			970			1,255			—			2,225
	Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		2			—			817			905			—			1,724
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			377			116			—			493
	Restructuring charges		—			—			28			57			—			85
	Operating (loss)/income		(2	)		—			448			434			—			880
	Interest income		—			695			59			28			(778	)		4
	Interest expense		(23	)		(367	)		(717	)		(61	)		778			(390	)
	Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net		(1	)		—			(2	)		(14	)		—			(17	)
Other (expense)/income, net		—			(121	)		148			(145	)		—			(118	)
(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates		(26	)		207			(64	)		242			—			359
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		2			(32	)		(11	)		(81	)		—			(122	)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries		297			142			332			—			(771	)		—
Equity in net income of affiliates		—			—			3			2			—			5
Income from continuing operations		273			317			260			163			(771	)		242
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			—			37			(7	)		—			30
Net income		273			317			297			156			(771	)		272
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(1	)		—			(1	)
Net income attributable to controlling interests		273			317			297			157			(771	)		273
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income		(34	)		(28	)		(34	)		37			28			(31	)
Total other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			3			—			3
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interest		(34	)		(28	)		(34	)		34			28			(34	)
Total comprehensive income		239			289			263			193			(743	)		241
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			2			—			2
Total comprehensive income attributable to controlling interests	$	239		$	289		$	263		$	191		$	(743	)	$	239
Consolidating Balance Sheet
	Consolidating Balance Sheet
	December 31, 2014
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
	Assets:
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	49		$	1		$	(51	)	$	274		$	—		$	273
	Trade and other receivables, net		1			—			526			714			—			1,241
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			8			339			158			—			505
	Intercompany receivables		1			228			141			190			(560	)		—
	Total current assets		51			237			955			1,336			(560	)		2,019
	Non-current assets		—
	Property, plant and equipment, net		—			—			335			198			—			533
	Goodwill		—			—			5,588			2,083			—			7,671
	Other intangible assets, net		—			—			4,318			397			—			4,715
	Deferred tax assets		1			—			25			57			—			83
	Other non-current assets		—			44			171			140			—			355
	Equity investment in subsidiaries		5,017			1,124			6,548			—			(12,689	)		—
	Intercompany receivables		—			10,493			560			191			(11,244	)		—
	Total assets	$	5,069		$	11,898		$	18,500		$	4,402		$	(24,493	)	$	15,376
	Liabilities and equity
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	10		$	44		$	418		$	563		$	—		$	1,035
	Deferred revenues		—			—			159			145			—			304
	Income tax liabilities		1			—			18			43			—			62
	Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings		—			98			298			1			—			397
	Intercompany payables		—			—			428			132			(560	)		—
	Total current liabilities		11			142			1,321			884			(560	)		1,798
	Non-current liabilities
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			6,358			87			20			—			6,465
	Deferred tax liabilities		—			74			895			56			—			1,025
	Intercompany loans		—			61			10,613			570			(11,244	)		—
	Other non-current liabilities		2			2			567			384			—			955
	Total liabilities		13			6,637			13,483			1,914			(11,804	)		10,243
	Total stockholders’ equity		5,056			5,261			5,017			2,411			(12,689	)		5,056
	Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			77			—			77
	Total equity		5,056			5,261			5,017			2,488			(12,689	)		5,133
	Total liabilities and equity	$	5,069		$	11,898		$	18,500		$	4,402		$	(24,493	)	$	15,376
	Consolidating Balance Sheet
	December 31, 2013
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
	Assets:
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	12		$	—		$	205		$	347		$	—		$	564
	Trade and other receivables, net		2			—			447			747			—			1,196
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			11			225			138			—			374
	Intercompany receivables		—			190			169			176			(535	)		—
	Total current assets		14			201			1,046			1,408			(535	)		2,134
	Non-current assets		—
	Property, plant and equipment, net		—			—			327			233			—			560
	Goodwill		—			—			5,493			2,191			—			7,684
	Other intangible assets, net		—			—			4,360			421			—			4,781
	Deferred tax assets		—			7			58			50			—			115
	Other non-current assets		—			39			99			118			—			256
	Equity investment in subsidiaries		5,728			2,020			7,631			—			(15,379	)		—
	Intercompany receivables		—			10,224			495			1,289			(12,008	)		—
	Total assets	$	5,742		$	12,491		$	19,509		$	5,710		$	(27,922	)	$	15,530
	Liabilities and equity
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	6		$	47		$	367		$	606		$	—		$	1,026
	Deferred revenues		—			—			154			152			—			306
	Income tax liabilities		—			—			13			42			—			55
	Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings		—			136			11			1			—			148
	Intercompany payables		—			5			377			153			(535	)		—
Total current liabilities		6			188			922			954			(535	)		1,535
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			6,388			86			18			—			6,492
Deferred tax liabilities		—			74			720			70			—			864
Intercompany loans		—			—			11,513			495			(12,008	)		—
Other non-current liabilities		7			8			540			277			—			832
Total liabilities		13			6,658			13,781			1,814			(12,543	)		9,723
Total stockholders’ equity		5,729			5,833			5,728			3,818			(15,379	)		5,729
Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			78			—			78
Total equity		5,729			5,833			5,728			3,896			(15,379	)		5,807
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,742		$	12,491		$	19,509		$	5,710		$	(27,922	)	$	15,530
Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	For the year ended December 31, 2014
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidated
	Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	$	(4	)	$	523		$	379		$	195		$	1,093
	Investing activities:
	Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(201	)		(113	)		(314	)
	Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net		—			—			—			(6	)		(6	)
	Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(109	)		(54	)		(163	)
	Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(222	)		(27	)		(249	)
	Other investing activities		—			—			(1	)		1			—
	Net cash used in investing activities		—			—			(533	)		(199	)		(732	)
	Financing activities:
	Net borrowings under revolving credit facility		—			—			280			—			280
	Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs		—			4,544			—			—			4,544
	Repayments of debt		—			(4,597	)		—			(1	)		(4,598	)
	Cash dividends paid to stockholders		(356	)		—			—			—			(356	)
	Repurchase of common stock		(466	)											(466	)
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options		112			—			(6	)		(3	)		103
	Other financing activities		751			(469	)		(376	)		2			(92	)
	Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		41			(522	)		(102	)		(2	)		(585	)
	Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			—			(67	)		(67	)
	Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		37			1			(256	)		(73	)		(291	)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		12			—			205			347			564
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	49		$	1		$	(51	)	$	274		$	273
	Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidated
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	1		$	539		$	40		$	321		$	901
	Investing activities:
	Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(1,242	)		(7	)		(1,249	)
	Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net		—			—			935			—			935
	Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(56	)		(74	)		(130	)
	Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(218	)		(26	)		(244	)
	Other investing activities											1			1
	Net cash used in investing activities		—			—			(581	)		(106	)		(687	)
	Financing activities:
	Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs		—			2,481			—			4			2,485
	Repayments of debt		—			(2,171	)		—			—			(2,171	)
	Decrease in other short-term borrowings		—			—			—			(5	)		(5	)
	Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(265	)		—			—			—			(265	)
	Repurchase  of common stock		(11	)		—			—			—			(11	)
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options		95			—			(3	)		(7	)		85
	Other financing activities		191			(849	)		727			(104	)		(35	)
	Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities		10			(539	)		724			(112	)		83
	Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(2	)		(19	)		(21	)
	Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		11			—			181			84			276
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1			—			24			263			288
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	12		$	—		$	205		$	347		$	564
	Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidated
	Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	$	(18	)	$	253		$	176		$	373		$	784
	Investing activities:
	Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(142	)		(18	)		(160	)
	Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net		—			—			(4	)		—			(4	)
	Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(59	)		(73	)		(132	)
	Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(204	)		(22	)		(226	)
	Net cash used in investing activities		—			—			(409	)		(113	)		(522	)
	Financing activities:
	Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs		—			1,998			—			—			1,998
	Repayments of debt		—			(2,120	)		(110	)		—			(2,230	)
	Increase in other short-term borrowings		—			—			—			3			3
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options		34			—			(3	)		(2	)		29
	Other financing activities		(15	)		(131	)		336			(288	)		(98	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		19			(253	)		223			(287	)		(298	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			—			5			5
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		1			—			(10	)		(22	)		(31	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		—			—			34			285			319
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1		$	—		$	24		$	263		$	288

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	2014
	Revenues	$	1,489	$	1,594	$	1,572	$	1,633
	Operating income	$	193	$	277	$	311	$	308
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	$	87	$	149	$	187	$	198
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$	58	$	74	$	91	$	161
	Net income per share of common stock, basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.15	$	0.19	$	0.24	$	0.43
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$	0.15	$	0.19	$	0.24	$	0.43
	Net income per share of common stock, diluted
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.15	$	0.19	$	0.24	$	0.42
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$	0.15	$	0.19	$	0.24	$	0.42
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	2013
	Revenues	$	1,319	$	1,386	$	1,387	$	1,611
	Operating income	$	142	$	238	$	243	$	238
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	$	41	$	161	$	171	$	147
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	12	$	307	—		$	(14	)
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$	35	$	426	$	134	$	145
	Net income per share of common stock, basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.06	$	0.32	$	0.35	$	0.42
	Discontinued operations, net of tax		0.03		0.82	—			(0.04	)
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$	0.09	$	1.14	$	0.35	$	0.38
	Net income per share of common stock, diluted
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.06	$	0.31	$	0.35	$	0.41
	Discontinued operations, net of tax		0.03		0.8	—			(0.03	)
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$	0.09	$	1.12	$	0.35	$	0.38

Description_of_Business_Basis_2

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Feb. 28, 2013

Jan. 31, 2011

Jan. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

Before devaluation of currency

After devaluation of currency

SICAD II Exchange Rate

Official Exchange Rate

SICAD I Exchange Rate

Minimum

Maximum

Luxco

Segment

Country

Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]

Common stock, shares issued in initial public offering

82,142,858

82,142,858

216,703,942

216,703,942

216,703,942

Common stock, par value

€ 0.07

€ 0.07

€ 0.07

Common stock, price per share in initial public offering

$23

Number of shares offered through public offering

82,142,858

82,142,858

216,703,942

216,703,942

216,703,942

Common stock par value

$37.84

$37.84

$37.84

Percentage of owned shares

15.00%

Number of reportable segments

2

Number of countries in which entity operates

100

Equity method investments, percentage

20.00%

50.00%

Cost method investments, percentage

20.00%

Currency devaluation percentage

32.00%

Foreign currency exchange rate

4.3

6.3

50

6.3

12

Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net

($12)

($52)

Advertising and marketing expenses

$19

$19

$18

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

2,437,100

2,433,400

7,698,964

Convertible share of common stock

10,416,700

Business_Acquisitions_Addition

Business Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net of cash paid for acquisitions	$314	$43	$160
Arbitron
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition purchase price				1,296
Percentage ownership interest acquired				100.00%	100.00%
Acquisition Date	30-Sep-13
Fair value of investment immediately before acquisition	75			75
Gain on investment		134
Acquired receivables, estimated uncollectible				4	4
Gross contractual receivable				64	64
Provisional allocation of purchase price to goodwill				947	947
Provisional allocation of purchase price to identified intangible assets				472	472
Acquisition related expenses		19	9
Scarborough
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest acquired			50.50%
Percentage ownership interest acquired				49.50%	49.50%
Fair value of investment immediately before acquisition	75			75
Gain on investment					$24

Business_Acquisitions_Schedule

Business Acquisitions - Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (Arbitron, USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Arbitron
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for Arbitron common stock	$1,296
Accrued payment for directors’ and employees’ equity awards pertaining to pre-merger service	42
Accrued dividend payment on Arbitron common stock	3
Fair value of previously held equity interest in Scarborough	75	75
Total	1,416
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Cash	136
Other current assets	129
Property and equipment	32
Goodwill	947
Amortizable intangible assets	472
Other long term assets	2
Deferred revenue	-47
Other current liabilities	-53
Deferred tax liabilities	-184
Other long term liabilities	-18
Total	$1,416

Business_Acquisitions_Intangib

Business Acquisitions - Intangible Assets and Estimated Useful Lives (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Arbitron
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Provisional allocation of purchase price to identified intangible assets		472
Customer –related intangibles | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	6 years
Customer –related intangibles | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	25 years
Customer –related intangibles | Arbitron
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Provisional allocation of purchase price to identified intangible assets		271
Customer –related intangibles | Arbitron | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		10 years
Customer –related intangibles | Arbitron | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		15 years
Computer software | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Computer software | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Computer software | Arbitron
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Provisional allocation of purchase price to identified intangible assets		159
Computer software | Arbitron | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		5 years
Computer software | Arbitron | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		10 years
Trade names and trademarks | Arbitron
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Provisional allocation of purchase price to identified intangible assets		31
Trade names and trademarks | Arbitron | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		3 years
Trade names and trademarks | Arbitron | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		5 years
Covenants-not-to-compete | Arbitron
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Provisional allocation of purchase price to identified intangible assets		11
Covenants-not-to-compete | Arbitron | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		1 year
Covenants-not-to-compete | Arbitron | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		2 years

Business_Acquisitions_Pro_Form

Business Acquisitions - Pro Forma Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Revenues	$6,058	$5,885
Income from continuing operations	$497	$275

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds associated with sale of business		$950
Gain on sale, net of tax		290		290
Loss on shut down of business in discontinued operations	3
Disposal group, including discontinued operation, interest expense			$0	$8	$23
Harris Interactive, Inc.
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Business acquisition purchase price, per share						$2.04

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations - Summarized Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Revenue					$15	$103	$205
Operating income						35	72
Interest expense					0	-8	-23
Income from operations before income taxes						27	49
Provision for income taxes						-12	-18
Income from operations						15	31
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests							1
Gain on sale, net of tax				290		290
Income from discontinued operations	($14)	$307	$12			$305	$30

Discontinued_Operations_Summar1

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Major Categories of Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$67
Net cash provided by investing activities	-11
Net cash used for discontinued operations	$56

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment of amortizable intangible assets	$0
Goodwill deductible for income tax purposes	73,000,000
Amortization expense, intangible assets	404,000,000	324,000,000	294,000,000
Amortization expense, computer software	$217,000,000	$171,000,000	$151,000,000

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	$7,684	$7,352	[1]
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	206	397
Effect of foreign currency translation	-219	-65
Balance ending	7,671	7,684
Cummulative Impairments	378
Buy
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	3,005	3,061	[1]
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	202	17
Effect of foreign currency translation	-193	-73
Balance ending	3,014	3,005
Watch
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	4,679	3,726	[1]
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	4	945
Effect of foreign currency translation	-26	8
Balance ending	4,657	4,679
Cummulative Impairments	376
Expositions
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning		565	[1]
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments		-565
Cummulative Impairments	$2
[1]	During the fourth quarter of 2013, to conform to a change in management reporting, Nielsen reclassified two products from the Buy segment to the Watch segment. Goodwill by segment has been retrospectively restated to reflect this change.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	Product
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of products reclassified from Buy segment to Watch segment	2

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$5,180	$4,837
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-2,386	-1,977
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles, Gross Amounts	1,921	1,921
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	14 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	166	156
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-68	-53
Trade names and trademarks | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Trade names and trademarks | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years
Customer –related intangibles
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	22 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	2,938	2,882
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-1,054	-897
Customer –related intangibles | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	6 years
Customer –related intangibles | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	25 years
Covenants-not-to-compete
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	3 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	36	36
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-30	-19
Covenants-not-to-compete | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year
Covenants-not-to-compete | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Computer software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	1,935	1,668
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-1,157	-941
Computer software | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Computer software | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Patents and other
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	105	95
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	($77)	($67)
Patents and other | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Patents and other | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$397
2016	340
2017	293
2018	238
2019	191
Thereafter	1,335
Total	$2,794

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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	($387)	($333)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	-420	-78
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	23	26
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	-397	-52
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-7	2
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	-390	-54
Ending Balance	-777	-387
Currency Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-124	-23
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	-301	-99
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	-301	-99
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-7	2
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	-294	-101
Ending Balance	-418	-124
Available-for-Sale Securities
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	9
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	10	9
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	10	9
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	10	9
Ending Balance	19	9
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-5	-13
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	-6	-3
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	9	11
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	3	8
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	3	8
Ending Balance	-2	-5
Post Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-267	-297
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	-123	15
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	14	15
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	-109	30
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	-109	30
Ending Balance	($376)	($267)

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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	$23		$26
Interest rate contracts
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax	15		16
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, tax	-6		-5
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	9		11
Actuarial loss
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax	19	[1]	17	[1]
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, tax	-5		-2
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	$14		$15
[1]	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Gross	1,379	$1,276
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-846	-716
Property, plant and equipment, Net	533	560
Land and buildings
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Gross	352	350
Land and buildings | Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	25 years
Land and buildings | Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	50 years
Information and communication equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Gross	908	809
Information and communication equipment | Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Information and communication equipment | Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	10 years
Furniture, equipment and other
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Gross	119	$117
Furniture, equipment and other | Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Furniture, equipment and other | Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	10 years

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations	$573	$521	$520
Depreciation and amortization	573	510	493
Capital Leases, Net Book Value	147	145
Capital lease and other financing obligations
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	10	7	7
Continuing operations related to property, plant and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations	$162	$169	$183

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S1

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Gross and Net Book Value of Assets under Capital Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Gross Book Value	$228	$216
Capital Leases, Accumulated Depreciation	-81	-71
Capital Leases, Net Book Value	147	145
Land and buildings
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Gross Book Value	172	184
Capital Leases, Accumulated Depreciation	-60	-59
Capital Leases, Net Book Value	112	125
Information and communication equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Gross Book Value	56	32
Capital Leases, Accumulated Depreciation	-21	-12
Capital Leases, Net Book Value	$35	$20

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Nov. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2011

Nov. 30, 2011

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

May-16

Sep-15

Forward Contracts

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest rate swaps matured in November 2013

Interest rate swaps matured in November 2012

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Forward Contracts

Forward Contracts

USD ($)

USD ($)

Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]

Impairment in other expense

$0

$0

$6,000,000

Notional amount of interest rate swap

250,000,000

1,000,000,000

575,000,000

500,000,000

125,000,000

125,000,000

1,000,000,000

500,000,000

250,000,000

250,000,000

Interest rate swap maturity term

4 years

3 years

3 years

4 years

4 years

4 years

2 years

2 years

Variable interest rate

1.78%

1.26%

Average variable interest rate

0.84%

0.46%

0.67%

0.57%

Lower variable interest rate range

0.84%

0.84%

Higher variable interest rate range

1.30%

1.30%

Pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense expected to be recognized in next twelve months

$8,000,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Asset	$76		$55
Liabilities:
Liabilities	34		35
Interest Rate Swap
Assets:
Asset	1	[1]
Liabilities:
Liabilities	6	[1]	10	[1]
Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	28	[2]	25	[2]
Investments in Equity Securities
Assets:
Asset	45	[3]	28	[3]
Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	28	[4]	25	[4]
Investment In Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	2	[5]	2	[5]
Level 1
Assets:
Asset	75		55
Liabilities:
Liabilities	28		25
Level 1 | Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	28	[2]	25	[2]
Level 1 | Investments in Equity Securities
Assets:
Asset	45	[3]	28	[3]
Level 1 | Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	28	[4]	25	[4]
Level 1 | Investment In Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	2	[5]	2	[5]
Level 2
Assets:
Asset	1
Liabilities:
Liabilities	6		10
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap
Assets:
Asset	1	[1]
Liabilities:
Liabilities	$6	[1]	$10	[1]
[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 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.
[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. Nielsen assesses declines in the value of individual investments to determine whether such decline is other than temporary and thus the investment is impaired by considering available evidence. No impairment charge was recorded for these available-for-sale securities during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.Â
[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 in the consolidated statements of operations.
[5]	Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ1

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment in other expense	$0	$0	$6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment in other expense	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Outsta

Fair Value Measurements - Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 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	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on September 2017	US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on May 2018
	USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$250,000,000	$125,000,000	€ 125,000,000	$1,575,000,000	$500,000,000	$250,000,000	$250,000,000
Maturity Date	1-Sep-15	1-Nov-15	1-Nov-15	1-May-16	1-Nov-16	1-Sep-17	1-May-18

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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest Rate Swap | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Non-Current Assets	$1
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	4	2
Other Non-Current Liabilities	$2	$8

Fair_Value_Measurements_Deriva

Fair Value Measurements - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of Loss Recognized in OCI Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$10	$4	$23
Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$15	$16	$25

Restructuring_Activities_Summa

Restructuring Activities - Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$99	$64	$67
Charges	89	119	85
Non cash charges and other adjustments	-3	-4	-6
Payments	-113	-80	-82
Ending Balance	$72	$99	$64

Restructuring_Activities_Addit

Restructuring Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve	$72	$99	$64	$67
Restructuring actions for remaining liabilities, Current	60
Restructuring charges	89	119	85
Lease Termination Charges | Productivity Initiatives and Legacy Programs
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			$5

Pensions_and_Other_PostRetirem2

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2006
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan assumptions used in calculations, basis point	6.00%	6.00%	6.20%
Settlement loss recognized	$7
Defined contribution plan expenses	45	39	37
Contributions made in shares by the employer	0
Minimum
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Percentage of contribution by the employer	3.00%
Maximum | Up On Freeze Of US Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Percentage of contribution by the employer				4.00%
Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of assets	40.00%
Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of assets	57.00%
Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of assets	3.00%
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan assumptions used in calculations, basis point	50.00%
Pension expense	1
Settlement loss recognized	1
Contributions to the pension plans	1
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan assumptions used in calculations, basis point	50.00%
Pension expense	3
Contributions to the pension plans	6
Canada
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Settlement loss recognized	5
Mexico
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Settlement loss recognized	1
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Contributions to the pension plans	$21

Pensions_and_Other_PostRetirem3

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Summary of Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$1,740	$1,686
Service cost	19	19	17
Interest cost	67	62	66
Plan participants’ contributions	2	2
Actuarial losses/(gains)	320	-23
Benefits paid	-69	-67
Expenses paid	-5	-5
Premiums paid	-1	-1
Amendments	-4	-1
Curtailments	-1	-13
Settlements	-41	-1
Acquisition		47
Effect of foreign currency translation	-165	35
Benefit obligation at end of period	1,862	1,740	1,686
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	1,588	1,441
Actual return on plan assets	202	99
Employer contributions	35	51
Plan participants’ contributions	2	2
Benefits paid	-69	-67
Expenses paid	-5	-5
Premiums paid	-1	-1
Settlements	-41	-1
Acquisition		36
Insurance	6
Effect of foreign currency translation	-143	33
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	1,574	1,588	1,441
Funded status	-288	-152
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	35	40
Current liabilities	-3	-2
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	-320	-190
Net amount recognized	-288	-152
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net loss	156	-46
Settlement loss	-7
Amortization of net loss	-12	-17	-11
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	137	-63
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	463	326
The Netherlands
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	761	727
Service cost	4	4	3
Interest cost	25	25	28
Actuarial losses/(gains)	137	12
Benefits paid	-35	-35
Expenses paid	-2	-2
Amendments	-4
Effect of foreign currency translation	-102	30
Benefit obligation at end of period	784	761	727
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	736	707
Actual return on plan assets	90	28
Employer contributions	11	8
Benefits paid	-35	-35
Expenses paid	-2	-2
Insurance	6
Effect of foreign currency translation	-95	30
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	711	736	707
Funded status	-73	-25
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	-73	-25
Net amount recognized	-73	-25
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net loss	45	24
Amortization of net loss	-5	-6	-3
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	40	18
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	223	183
United States
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	336	295
Service cost	1
Interest cost	16	13	13
Actuarial losses/(gains)	52	-8
Benefits paid	-12	-11
Curtailments	-1
Settlements	-12
Acquisition		47
Benefit obligation at end of period	380	336	295
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	298	248
Actual return on plan assets	26	25
Employer contributions	1
Benefits paid	-12	-11
Settlements	-12
Acquisition		36
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	301	298	248
Funded status	-79	-38
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Current liabilities	-1	-1
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	-78	-37
Net amount recognized	-79	-38
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net loss	46	-14
Settlement loss	-1
Amortization of net loss	-4	-5	-4
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	41	-19
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	96	55
Other
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	643	664
Service cost	14	15	14
Interest cost	26	24	25
Plan participants’ contributions	2	2
Actuarial losses/(gains)	131	-27
Benefits paid	-22	-21
Expenses paid	-3	-3
Premiums paid	-1	-1
Amendments		-1
Curtailments		-13
Settlements	-29	-1
Effect of foreign currency translation	-63	5
Benefit obligation at end of period	698	643	664
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	554	486
Actual return on plan assets	86	46
Employer contributions	23	43
Plan participants’ contributions	2	2
Benefits paid	-22	-21
Expenses paid	-3	-3
Premiums paid	-1	-1
Settlements	-29	-1
Effect of foreign currency translation	-48	3
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	562	554	486
Funded status	-136	-89
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	35	40
Current liabilities	-2	-1
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	-169	-128
Net amount recognized	-136	-89
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net loss	65	-56
Settlement loss	-6
Amortization of net loss	-3	-6	-4
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	56	-62
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	$144	$88

Pensions_and_Other_PostRetirem4

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Total Accumulated Benefit Obligation and Minimum Liability Changes For Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$1,803	$1,683	$1,618
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	1,754	1,621
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,700	1,567
Fair value of plan assets	1,431	1,429
Accumulated Benefit Obligation | The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	784	761
Accumulated benefit obligation	783	756
Fair value of plan assets	711	736
Accumulated Benefit Obligation | United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	380	336
Accumulated benefit obligation	380	334
Fair value of plan assets	301	298
Accumulated Benefit Obligation | Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	590	524
Accumulated benefit obligation	537	477
Fair value of plan assets	419	395
Projected Benefit Obligation
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	1,754	1,621
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,700	1,567
Fair value of plan assets	1,431	1,429
Projected Benefit Obligation | The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	784	761
Accumulated benefit obligation	783	756
Fair value of plan assets	711	736
Projected Benefit Obligation | United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	380	336
Accumulated benefit obligation	380	334
Fair value of plan assets	301	298
Projected Benefit Obligation | Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	590	524
Accumulated benefit obligation	537	477
Fair value of plan assets	$419	$395

Pensions_and_Other_PostRetirem5

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	$19	$19	$17
Interest cost	67	62	66
Expected return on plan assets	-91	-83	-81
Settlement loss recognized	7
Amortization of net loss	12	17	11
Net periodic pension cost	14	15	13
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	4	4	3
Interest cost	25	25	28
Expected return on plan assets	-35	-34	-34
Amortization of net loss	5	6	3
Net periodic pension cost	-1	1
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	1
Interest cost	16	13	13
Expected return on plan assets	-21	-18	-18
Settlement loss recognized	1
Amortization of net loss	4	5	4
Net periodic pension cost	1		-1
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	14	15	14
Interest cost	26	24	25
Expected return on plan assets	-35	-31	-29
Settlement loss recognized	6
Amortization of net loss	3	6	4
Net periodic pension cost	$14	$14	$14

Pensions_and_Other_PostRetirem6

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Expected to be Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	($24)
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	-9
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	-7
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	($8)

Pensions_and_Other_PostRetirem7

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions Underlying Pension Computations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension benefit obligation:
Pension benefit obligation - discount rate	2.80%	4.10%	3.80%
Pension benefit obligation - rate of compensation increase	2.00%	2.10%	2.10%
Net periodic pension costs:
Net periodic pension costs - discount rate	4.10%	3.80%	4.70%
Net periodic pension costs - rate of compensation increase	2.10%	2.10%	2.00%
Net periodic pension costs - expected long-term return on plan assets	6.00%	6.00%	6.20%

Pensions_and_Other_PostRetirem8

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Weighted Average Asset Allocation by Asset Category (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	37.00%	40.00%
Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	51.00%	50.00%
Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	12.00%	10.00%
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
The Netherlands | Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	24.00%	24.00%
The Netherlands | Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	61.00%	61.00%
The Netherlands | Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	15.00%	15.00%
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
United States | Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	58.00%	62.00%
United States | Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	33.00%	37.00%
United States | Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	9.00%	1.00%
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Other | Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	44.00%	50.00%
Other | Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	49.00%	43.00%
Other | Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	7.00%	7.00%

Pensions_and_Other_PostRetirem9

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Assets at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	$1,574	$1,588	$1,441
Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	316	283
Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	1,131	1,185
Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	127	120
Cash and equivalents
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	38	19
Cash and equivalents | Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	37	15
Cash and equivalents | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	1	4
Equity securities - U.S.
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	93	152
Equity securities - U.S. | Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	80	80
Equity securities - U.S. | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	13	72
Equity securities - Global
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	296	198
Equity securities - Global | Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	4	7
Equity securities - Global | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	292	191
Equity securities – non-U.S.
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	200	287
Equity securities – non-U.S. | Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	29	31
Equity securities – non-U.S. | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	171	256
Real estate
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	39	39
Real estate | Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	39	39
Corporate bonds
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	524	545
Corporate bonds | Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	111	104
Corporate bonds | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	413	441
Debt issued by national, state or local government
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	280	247
Debt issued by national, state or local government | Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	55	46
Debt issued by national, state or local government | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	225	201
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	104	101
Other | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	16	20
Other | Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	$88	$81

Recovered_Sheet1

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Pension Plans Level 3 Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Actual return on plan assets:
Effect of foreign currency translation	($143)	$33
Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	120	109
Actual return on plan assets:
Investments	4	6
Unrealized gains	17	1
Effect of foreign currency translation	-14	4
Balance, end of year	127	120
Real estate | Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	39	32
Actual return on plan assets:
Investments	4	6
Effect of foreign currency translation	-4	1
Balance, end of year	39	39
Other | Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	81	77
Actual return on plan assets:
Unrealized gains	17	1
Effect of foreign currency translation	-10	3
Balance, end of year	$88	$81

Recovered_Sheet2

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
2015	$71
2016	68
2017	70
2018	71
2019	72
2020-2024	398
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
2015	32
2016	33
2017	33
2018	33
2019	33
2020-2024	167
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
2015	18
2016	14
2017	14
2018	15
2019	15
2020-2024	88
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
2015	21
2016	21
2017	23
2018	23
2019	24
2020-2024	$143

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ2

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	3.79%	4.28%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$6,744	$6,529
Capital lease and other financing obligations, Carrying Amount	118	111
Total debt and other financing arrangements	6,862	6,640
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings	397	148
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	6,465	6,492
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	6,727	6,612
Senior secured credit facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	2.65%	2.89%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	3,758	4,016
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	3,731	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	2,988	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 Due 2017 | Libor Based Variable Rate | 2.15% 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 | 2.41% Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	497
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	493
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019 | Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,542
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,533
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019 | Euro LIBOR or LIBOR Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	280
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	274
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021 | Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,094
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,088
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	345
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	343
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2022 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount		394
Total long-term debt, Fair Value		395
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	801	779
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,553
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,554
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	625	625
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	633	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

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 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 2021

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2022

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Due 2019

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Due 2019

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2018

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2018

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021

2.15% Libor Based Variable Rate

2.41% Libor Based Variable Rate

Libor Based Variable Rate

Libor Based Variable Rate

Libor Based Variable Rate

Euro Libor Based Variable Rate

Euro Libor Based Variable Rate

Euro LIBOR or LIBOR Based Variable Rate

Euro LIBOR or LIBOR Based Variable Rate

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Senior Secured Term Loan Due 2017

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2016

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Libor Based Variable Rate

Libor Based Variable Rate

USD ($)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument face value

$2,532

$1,580

$1,100

€ 286

€ 289

$575

$1,080

$1,080

$800

$800

$750

$1,550

$800

$625

$625

$625

$1,222

$500

Debt instrument, variable rate

2.90%

2.16%

3.16%

3.01%

3.15%

2.15%

2.41%

Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage

7.75%

7.75%

4.50%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

5.50%

5.50%

Debt instrument, maturity year

2016

2019

2021

2021

2022

2019

2018

2020

2022

2022

2021

2021

2017

2017

Recovered_Sheet3

Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Schedule of Long-Term Debt Currency Wise (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Amount of Long Term Debt	$6,744	$6,529
U.S. Dollars
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Amount of Long Term Debt	6,399	6,135
Euro
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Amount of Long Term Debt	$345	$394

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ4

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$379
2016	128
2017	640
2018	212
2019	1,042
Thereafter	4,343
Total	$6,744	$6,529

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ5

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

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2014

Feb. 01, 2013

31-May-14

Feb. 29, 2012

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 01, 2013

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Nov. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2014

31-May-14

31-May-14

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-14

Mar. 31, 2011

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Apr. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Class A Term Loans

Class B-1 Term Loans

Class B-2 Term Loans

Class B-2 Term Loans

Class E Term Loans

Class E Term Loans

Class E Term Loans

Class E Term Loans

Class E Term Loans

Class E Term Loans

New Classes Term Loan

New Classes Term Loan

Class D Term Loans

8.50% Senior Secured Term Loan Due 2017

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2018

7.75% Senior Notes Due 2018

7.75% Senior Notes Due 2018

7.75% Senior Notes Due 2018

7.75% Senior Notes Due 2018

Revolving credit commitments

Revolving credit commitments

Revolving credit commitments

Revolving credit commitments

New revolving credit commitments

New revolving credit commitments

Base Rate

Base Rate

Senior Secured Notes

Base Rate Loans

Base Rate Loans

Base Rate Loans

Base Rate Loans

Eurocurrency Rate Loans

Eurocurrency Rate Loans

Eurocurrency Rate Loans

Eurocurrency Rate Loans

Debenture Loans

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021

Senior debenture loan due 2014

Senior debenture loan due 2014

Mandatory convertible subordinated bonds due 2013

4.50% Senior Notes Due 2020

Eleven Point Five Zero Percent Senior Discount Notes Due Two Thousand And Sixteen

Eleven Point Five Zero Percent Senior Discount Notes Due Two Thousand And Sixteen

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Class A Term Loans

Class B Term Loans

Class C Term Loans

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Class E Term Loans

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Minimum

Maximum

USD ($)

Class B-1 Term Loans

Class B-2 Term Loans

Minimum

Maximum

Class B-1 Term Loans

Class B-2 Term Loans

Minimum

Maximum

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

8.50% Senior Secured Term Loan Due 2017

USD ($)

Class A Term Loans

Class A Term Loans

Class A Term Loans

Class A Term Loans

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Common stock, shares issued in initial public offering

82,142,858

216,703,942

216,703,942

216,703,942

Common stock, par value

€ 0.07

€ 0.07

€ 0.07

Issue price per share

$23

Proceeds from initial offering

$1,801,000,000

Underwriter discounts

88,000,000

Issuance of Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds

288,000,000

Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage

8.50%

7.75%

7.75%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

5.50%

5.50%

11.63%

6.25%

11.50%

Proceeds from issuance of bonds

277,000,000

Underwriter discounts on issue of bonds

11,000,000

Convertible Subordinated Bonds, Maturity date

1-Apr-19

1-May-17

1-Apr-21

1-Apr-21

1-May-16

1-Feb-17

1-Feb-13

1-Oct-20

Bonds converted to common stock

10,416,700

10,416,700

Common stock conversion per share price

$27.60

Senior Secured Credit Agreement amortizing term, amended

5 years

Senior secured credit agreement amended, principal amount

1,222,000,000

2,532,000,000

289,000,000

3,180,000,000

286,000,000

Margin under term loan facility

0.75%

1.50%

1.25%

2.00%

0.50%

1.25%

2.25%

3.00%

1.50%

2.25%

Margin on LIBOR loans

1.75%

2.50%

Debt instrument, maturity year

Feb-17

2018

2022

Principal amount of notes issued

750,000,000

1,080,000,000

800,000,000

Original principal amount paid in first year

5.00%

5.00%

Original principal amount paid in second year

5.00%

5.00%

Original principal amount paid in third year

7.50%

10.00%

Original principal amount paid in fourth year

10.00%

10.00%

Original principal amount paid in fifth year

72.50%

70.00%

Original principal amount repaid

3.75%

1.00%

1.00%

1.00%

3.33%

Debt instrument, maturity date

9-Aug-13

1-May-16

1-May-16

30-Apr-16

31-Aug-12

30-Apr-19

30-Apr-16

Write off of previously capitalized deferred financing fees

12,000,000

Debt instrument face value

1,580,000,000

500,000,000

1,100,000,000

286,000,000

1,080,000,000

750,000,000

750,000,000

1,550,000,000

800,000,000

625,000,000

625,000,000

625,000,000

Payment to redeem outstanding senior notes

4,598,000,000

2,171,000,000

2,230,000,000

280,000,000

Redemption price percentage of principal amount redeemed

100.00%

100.00%

Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt

-51,000,000

-45,000,000

-45,000,000

-8,000,000

Applicable margin for senior secured term loans, base rate loans

3.00%

Net restricted assets, subsidiary entities

5,000,000,000

Capital stock of non-U.S. subsidiaries of the company, percentage

65.00%

Debt instrument, maximum borrowing capacity

635,000,000

688,000,000

575,000,000

635,000,000

Borrowings, outstanding

280,000,000

0

Letters of credit, outstanding

6,000,000

12,000,000

6,000,000

12,000,000

Debt instrument, remaining borrowing capacity

289,000,000

Redemption of Senior notes and Senior subordinated discount notes at a percentage of aggregated accreted principal plus accrued and unpaid interest

101.00%

Debt instrument, maturity year

2022

2022

2021

2021

2014

Payment to redeem outstanding senior notes

800,000,000

280,000,000

Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs

4,544,000,000

2,485,000,000

1,998,000,000

616,000,000

Debt Instrument Issuance As Percentage Of Par Value

100.00%

Interest rate

7.75%

4.50%

Cash proceeds from issue of notes, net of fees and expenses

1,065,000,000

788,000,000

Incurring cost

115,000,000

Maturity price of Senior Notes

1,085,000,000

Deferred financing costs

50,000,000

50,000,000

Issue of Notes to Related Parties

222,000,000

379,000,000

Interest expense associated with amounts held by Sponsors

6,000,000

12,000,000

20,000,000

Effective interest rates on capital Leases and other financing activities

8.00%

10.00%

Interest expense related to capital leases and other financing transactions

8,000,000

9,000,000

9,000,000

Proceeds to be received under non-cancelable subleases

$3,000,000

Recovered_Sheet4

Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Future Minimum Capital Lease Payments Under Non-Cancelable Capital Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$24
2016	24
2017	22
2018	15
2019	13
Thereafter	62
Total	160
Less: amount representing interest	42
Present value of minimum lease payments	118
Current portion	18
Total non-current portion	$100

Stockholders_Equity_Common_Sto

Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Activity (Detail)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
Beginning of period													378,635,464	362,519,883	359,647,605
Shares of common stock converted from Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 2013	10,416,700													10,416,700
Shares of common stock issued through business combinations													75,083	101,899	246,627
Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans													4,940,195	5,886,821	2,625,651
Repurchases of common stock		-3,674,279	-5,387,545	-223,047	-197,759	-181,509	-188,612	-207,243	-211,848	-269,972	-241,091	-110,239	-10,893,144	-289,839
End of period		372,757,598											372,757,598	378,635,464	362,519,883

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended											12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 19, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Cumulative shares of treasury stock	9,865,324											9,865,324	409,067
Cost of treasury stock	$415											$415	$13
Dividends declared per common share												$0.95	$0.72	$0
Cumulative shares repurchased	11,182,983											11,182,983	289,839
Average price of common stock purchased	$43.58	$41.09	$42.72	$45.66	$47.15	$48.54	$47.44	$47.20	$44.47	$46.85	$43.42	$42.67	$39.49
Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock	477											477
Declaration Date												19-Feb-15
Subsequent Event
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share															$0.25
Cash dividend, date to be Paid															19-Mar-15
Cash dividend, recorded date															5-Mar-15
Maximum
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Cost of treasury stock																$1,000	$500

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Dividends Paid (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	19-Feb-15
Dividend Per Share	$0.95	$0.72	$0
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
Installment Eight
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	30-Oct-14
Record Date	25-Nov-14
Payment Date	9-Dec-14
Dividend Per Share	$0.25

Condensed_Financial_Informatio

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Open Market Share Repurchases Activity (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Total Number of Shares Purchased, beginning balance												289,839
Number of Shares Purchased	3,674,279	5,387,545	223,047	197,759	181,509	188,612	207,243	211,848	269,972	241,091	110,239	10,893,144	289,839
Total Number of Shares Purchased, ending balance	11,182,983											11,182,983	289,839
Average price of common stock purchased	$43.58	$41.09	$42.72	$45.66	$47.15	$48.54	$47.44	$47.20	$44.47	$46.85	$43.42	$42.67	$39.49
Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Plans or Programs	$1,022,830,101	$1,182,970,041	$1,404,363,449	$413,891,828	$422,921,757	$431,480,660	$440,635,906	$450,467,820	$460,467,412	$472,472,783	$483,768,078	$1,022,830,101	$488,554,427	$488,554,427
Publicly Announced Plans Or Programs
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Number of Shares Purchased	3,674,279	5,387,545	223,047	197,759	181,509	188,612	207,243	211,848	269,972	241,091	110,239
Total Number of Shares Purchased, ending balance	11,182,983											11,182,983	289,839

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 30, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for award of options	44,095,000
Stock-based compensation expense	$47	$47	$34
Tax benefit related to the stock compensation expense	15	17	13
Weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted	$7.13	$6.63	$7.25
Aggregate fair value of options vested	21	27	21
Intrinsic value of options exercised	94	79	34
Cash proceeds from exercise of options	101
Aggregate fair value of the replacement awards granted				3
Post merger service
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value of the replacement awards granted				2
Purchase price consideration
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value of the replacement awards granted				1
Centerview Partners
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cumulative expense related to outstanding options	0
Time-based stock options | Stock Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted	2,448,100	2,459,900
Vesting period	4 years	4 years	4 years
Vesting rate	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Tranches expiration period	10 years
Stock option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unearned stock-based compensation related to stock options	24
Unearned stock-based compensation, expected period to recognize	4 years
Performance-based stock options | Centerview Partners
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted	59,375
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unearned stock-based compensation, expected period to recognize	3 years 2 months 12 days
Unearned stock-based compensation of RSUs	27
Number of Options, Granted	526,857	955,531	687,300
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	$42.74	$34.86	$27.99
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Stock Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Stock Incentive Plan | Nielsen Audio
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units granted				95,599
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Bonus
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate	50.00%
Unearned stock-based compensation related to stock options					2
Restricted stock units granted	117,520
Weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted	$45.13
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Bonus | Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unearned stock-based compensation, expected period to recognize	3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Bonus | Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unearned stock-based compensation, expected period to recognize	2 years
Performance restricted stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Number of Options, Granted	333,700	510,280
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	$50.50	$34.02
Share based compensation arrangement required service period, years	3 years
Relative shareholder return, percentage	40.00%
Free cash flow achievement, percentage	60.00%
Maximum payout, percentage	200.00%
Unearned stock-based compensation	$17

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Assumptions Used in Options (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield			0.00%
Weighted average volatility	23.99%	25.89%	28.56%
Minimum
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Expected life (years)	3 years	3 years 6 months	3 years 6 months
Risk-free interest rate	0.87%	0.40%	0.38%
Expected dividend yield	1.77%	0.00%
Expected volatility	23.50%	25.40%	28.00%
Maximum
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Expected life (years)	5 years 3 months	6 years	6 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.66%	1.99%	0.08%
Expected dividend yield	2.39%	2.19%
Expected volatility	25.32%	27.60%	30.30%

StockBased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Plan Activity (Detail) (Time Based and Performance Based, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Time Based and Performance Based
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options, Outstanding beginning	17,096,761	19,687,838	18,582,027
Number of Options, Granted	2,448,100	2,459,900	4,133,381
Number of Options, Forfeited	-798,279	-383,163	-655,034
Number of Options, Exercised	-4,219,122	-4,667,814	-2,372,536
Number of Options, Outstanding ending	14,527,460	17,096,761	19,687,838	18,582,027
Number of Options, Exercisable	7,199,834
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding beginning	$25.78	$22.80	$20.65
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	$42.01	$36.65	$28
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	($29.57)	($23.35)	($24.30)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	($24.08)	($19.11)	($14.64)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding ending	$28.80	$25.78	$22.80	$20.65
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$23.80
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years, Outstanding Beginning	4 years 3 months 15 days	4 years 7 months 10 days	5 years 1 month 28 days	5 years 9 months 7 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years, Outstanding Ending	4 years 3 months 15 days	4 years 7 months 10 days	5 years 1 month 28 days	5 years 9 months 7 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years, Exercisable Ending	3 years 4 months 17 days
Aggregate Intrinsic, Outstanding Beginning	$344	$156	$175
Aggregate Intrinsic, Outstanding Ending	231	344	156	175
Aggregate Intrinsic, Exercisable	$151

StockBased_Compensation_Restri

Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock Units (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options, Outstanding beginning	1,307,893	845,308	265,684
Number of Options, Granted	526,857	955,531	687,300
Number of RSUs, Forfeited	-113,903	-230,500	-26,695
Number of RSUs, Vested	-412,845	-262,446	-80,981
Number of Options, Outstanding ending	1,308,002	1,307,893	845,308
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding beginning	$30.53	$28.40	$28.95
Weighted-Average Grant date Fair Value, Granted	$42.74	$34.86	$27.99
Weighted-Average Grant date Fair Value, Forfeited	$30.55	$32.56	$29.02
Weighted-Average Grant date Fair Value, Vested	$28.53	$24.96	$26.44
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding ending	$35.90	$30.53	$28.40

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes - Components of Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income(Loss) of Affiliates (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Dutch									$17	$19	$20
Non-Dutch									604	501	339
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates	$198	$187	$149	$87	$147	$171	$161	$41	$621	$520	$359

Income_Taxes_Provision_for_Inc

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income of Affiliates (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Dutch	$4	$4	($20)
Non-Dutch	127	194	95
Total current income tax provision	131	198	75
Deferred:
Dutch	1	3	25
Non-Dutch	104	-110	22
Total deferred income tax provision	105	-107	47
Total provision for income taxes	$236	$91	$122

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Provi

Income Taxes - Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes as Per Dutch Federal Income Tax Rates (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	$198	$187	$149	$87	$147	$171	$161	$41	$621	$520	$359
Dutch statutory tax rate									25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Provision for income taxes at the Dutch statutory rate									155	130	90
Tax impact on distributions from foreign subsidiaries									4	-38	35
Effect of operations in non-Dutch jurisdictions									19	16	-8
Tax impact of global licensing arrangements									84	14	19
U.S. state and local taxation									21	9	4
Withholding and other taxation									38	35	36
Effect of global financing activities									-84	-60	-51
Changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions									-1	47	48
Changes in valuation allowances									-21	-69	-15
Effect of change in deferred tax rates									2	3	-40
Other, net									19	4	4
Total provision for income taxes									$236	$91	$122
Effective tax rate									38.00%	17.50%	34.00%

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Cur

Income Taxes - Components of Current and Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets/(Liabilities) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$175	$195
Interest expense limitation	783	830
Deferred compensation		2
Deferred revenues / costs		7
Employee benefits	93	56
Tax credit carryforwards	198	179
Share-based payments	43	75
Accrued expenses	21	40
Financial instruments	10	29
Other assets	84	6
Total deferred tax assets, gross	1,407	1,419
Valuation allowances	-147	-150
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances	1,260	1,269
Intangible assets	-1,692	-1,715
Fixed asset depreciation	-25	-27
Computer software	-185	-174
Deferred revenues/costs	-13
Other liabilities	-62
Total deferred income tax liabilities	-1,977	-1,916
Net deferred tax liability	-717	-647
Deferred income taxes, current	226	102
Deferred income taxes, non-current	($943)	($749)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$785,000,000	$942,000,000
Tax credit carryforwards	198,000,000	179,000,000
Operating loss carryforwards year of expiration	2015
Tax credit carryforward expiration	2015
Tax benefits from previous stock option exercises	132,000,000
Valuation allowance related to operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	120,000,000	140,000,000
Valuation allowance	27,000,000	10,000,000
Income tax expense (benefit) for non-US subsidiaries	0
Excess book value of its investment	3,200,000,000
Liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits	452,000,000	475,000,000	409,000,000	370,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	41,000,000	52,000,000
Minimum
Income Tax [Line Items]
Reduction in uncertain tax positions	23,000,000
Maximum
Income Tax [Line Items]
Reduction in uncertain tax positions	$45,000,000

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Recon

Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Gross Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance as of the beginning of period	$475	$409	$370
Additions for current year tax positions	14	41	37
Additions for tax positions of prior years	12	42	21
Reductions for lapses of statute of limitations	-12	-8	-15
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-37	-9	-4
Balance as of the end of the period	$452	$475	$409

Investments_in_Affiliates_and_1

Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Employees
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	$18,000,000	$18,000,000
Gain on its investment	24,000,000
Receivable from affiliates	9,000,000	6,000,000
Health Plan Fees	2.7
Number of employees enrolled in health benefit plans	8,170
TIBCO
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Receivable from affiliates	0	2,000,000
Services purchased from affiliates	10,000,000	10,000,000
Services provided to affiliates	0	2,000,000
Payables to affiliates	0	0
Scarborough
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest acquired				50.50%
Remaining interest in joint venture			49.50%
Fair value of investment immediately before acquisition	75,000,000		75,000,000
Payments received through transactions, net			3,000,000	15,000,000
Arbitron
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest acquired			100.00%
Fair value of investment immediately before acquisition	$75,000,000		$75,000,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Effective date of agreement	1-Oct-07
Extended agreement term	3 years
Agreement expiration date	31-Dec-20
Commitment to purchase services	$609
Total expenses incurred under operating leases	81	81	88
Recognized rental income received under subleases	11	11	8
Aggregate future proceeds under non-cancelable subleases	33
Letters of credit, outstanding	6	12
Commitment
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Purchase amount of commitments	100
Minimum
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase services	1,000
Maximum
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase services	$2,500

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Minimum Annual Payments under Nielsen's Purchase Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2015	$87
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2016	71
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2017	60
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2018	51
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2019	37
Operating leases, Thereafter	60
Operating leases, Total	366
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2015	666	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2016	245	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2017	64	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2018	35	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2019	7	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Total	1,017	[1]
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2015	753
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2016	316
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2017	124
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2018	86
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2019	44
Total, Thereafter	60
Total	$1,383
[1]	Other contractual obligations represent obligations under agreement, which are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Nielsen generally requires purchase orders for vendor and third party spending. The amounts presented above represent the minimum future annual services covered by purchase obligations including data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. Nielsen’s remaining commitments as of December 31, 2014 under the outsourced services agreements with TCS have been included above on an estimated basis over the years within the contractual period in which we expect to satisfy its obligations. As of December 31, 2014, the remaining TCS commitment was approximately $609 million.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Minimum Annual Payments under Nielsen's Purchase Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitment to purchase services	$609

Segments_Additional_Informatio

Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
	Product	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments		2
Number of products reclassified from Buy segment to Watch segment	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										12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$1,633		$1,572	$1,594	$1,489	$1,611		$1,387	$1,386	$1,319	$6,288		$5,703		$5,407
Business segment income/(loss)											1,837	[1]	1,617	[1]	1,504	[1]
Depreciation and amortization											573		510		493
Restructuring charges											89		119		85
Stock-based compensation expense											47		47		34
Other items											39	[2]	80	[2]	12	[2]
Operating income/(loss)	308		311	277	193	238		243	238	142	1,089		861		880
Total assets	15,376					15,530					15,376		15,530
Capital expenditures											412		374		358
Operating Segments | Buy
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											3,523		3,406		3,341
Business segment income/(loss)											658	[1]	660	[1]	676	[1]
Depreciation and amortization											224		199		197
Restructuring charges											64		47		58
Stock-based compensation expense											14		14		10
Other items											-2	[2]	1	[2]	8	[2]
Operating income/(loss)											358		399		403
Total assets	6,869					6,768					6,869		6,768
Capital expenditures											206		171		169
Operating Segments | Watch
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											2,765		2,297		2,066
Business segment income/(loss)											1,214	[1]	989	[1]	856	[1]
Depreciation and amortization											343		302		285
Restructuring charges											14		55		20
Stock-based compensation expense											10		11		7
Other items											11	[2]	51	[2]	-9	[2]
Operating income/(loss)											836		570		553
Total assets	8,156					8,326					8,156		8,326
Capital expenditures											198		197		181
Operating Segments | Expositions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures															5
Corporate And Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business segment income/(loss)											-35	[1]	-32	[1]	-28	[1]
Operating income/(loss)											-105		-108		-76
Corporate, Non-Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization											6		9		11
Restructuring charges											11		17		7
Stock-based compensation expense											23		22		17
Other items											30	[2]	28	[2]	13	[2]
Total assets	351	[3]				436	[3]				351	[3]	436	[3]
Capital expenditures											$8		$6		$3
[1]	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
[2]	For the year ended December 31, 2014, other items primarily consist of non-recurring costs. For the year months ended December 31, 2013, other items primarily consist of one-time items associated with the acquisition of Arbitron, including non-cash purchase accounting adjustments and transaction related costs.
[3]	Includes deferred financing costs of $50 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Segments_Business_Segment_Info1

Segments - Business Segment Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Deferred financing costs	$50	$50

Segments_Geographic_Segment_In

Segments - Geographic Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$1,633		$1,572	$1,594	$1,489	$1,611		$1,387	$1,386	$1,319	$6,288		$5,703		$5,407
Operating income/(loss)	308		311	277	193	238		243	238	142	1,089		861		880
Reportable Geographical Components
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											6,288	[1]	5,703	[1]	5,407	[1]
Operating income/(loss)											1,089		861		880
Long-lived Assets	12,919	[2]				13,025	[2]				12,919	[2]	13,025	[2]
Reportable Geographical Components | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											3,415	[1]	2,857	[1]	2,637	[1]
Operating income/(loss)											700		414		447
Long-lived Assets	10,255	[2]				10,203	[2]				10,255	[2]	10,203	[2]
Reportable Geographical Components | North and South America, excluding the United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											670	[1]	660	[1]	640	[1]
Operating income/(loss)											161		167		170
Long-lived Assets	1,150	[2]				1,268	[2]				1,150	[2]	1,268	[2]
Reportable Geographical Components | The Netherlands
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											40	[1]	39	[1]	39	[1]
Operating income/(loss)											-16		-3		2
Long-lived Assets	1	[2]				-6	[2]				1	[2]	-6	[2]
Reportable Geographical Components | Other Europe, Middle East & Africa
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											1,392	[1]	1,388	[1]	1,353	[1]
Operating income/(loss)											151		194		178
Long-lived Assets	1,128	[2]				1,137	[2]				1,128	[2]	1,137	[2]
Reportable Geographical Components | Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											771	[1]	759	[1]	738	[1]
Operating income/(loss)											93		89		83
Long-lived Assets	$385	[2]				$423	[2]				$385	[2]	$423	[2]
[1]	Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.
[2]	Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

Additional_Financial_Informati2

Additional Financial Information - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets	$241		$116
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	264	[1]	258	[1]
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$505		$374
[1]	Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

Additional_Financial_Informati3

Additional Financial Information - Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Trade payables	$223		$143
Personnel costs	283		309
Current portion of restructuring liabilities	60		87
Data and professional services	196		201
Interest payable	41		44
Other current liabilities	232	[1]	242	[1]
Total accounts payable and other current liabilities	$1,035		$1,026
[1]	Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio2

Guarantor Financial Information - Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$1,633	$1,572	$1,594	$1,489	$1,611	$1,387	$1,386	$1,319	$6,288	$5,703	$5,407
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									2,620	2,398	2,225
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									1,917	1,815	1,724
Depreciation and amortization									573	510	493
Restructuring charges									89	119	85
Operating income	308	311	277	193	238	243	238	142	1,089	861	880
Interest income									3	2	4
Interest expense									-300	-309	-390
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net									-71	-25	-17
Other income/(expense), net									-100	-9	-118
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates	198	187	149	87	147	171	161	41	621	520	359
Provision for income taxes									-236	-91	-122
Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									-4	2	5
Income from continuing operations									381	431	242
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax					-14		307	12		305	30
Net income									381	736	272
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									-3	-4	-1
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	161	91	74	58	145	134	426	35	384	740	273
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income									-397	-52	-31
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interests									-7	2	3
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests									-390	-54	-34
Total comprehensive (loss)/income									-16	684	241
Less: comprehensive (loss)/ income attributable to noncontrolling interests									-10	-2	2
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									-6	686	239
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									4	4	2
Operating income									-4	-4	-2
Interest income										1
Interest expense										-2	-23
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net											-1
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									-4	-5	-26
Provision for income taxes									7	-1	2
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries									381	746	297
Income from continuing operations										740	273
Net income									384	740	273
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									384	740	273
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income									-390	-54	-34
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests									-390	-54	-34
Total comprehensive (loss)/income									-6	686	239
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									-6	686	239
Issuers
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest income									856	743	695
Interest expense									-283	-300	-367
Other income/(expense), net									553	-21	-121
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									1,126	422	207
Provision for income taxes									-94	-95	-32
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries									-721	421	142
Income from continuing operations										748	317
Net income									311	748	317
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									311	748	317
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income									799	-39	-28
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests									799	-39	-28
Total comprehensive (loss)/income									1,110	709	289
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									1,110	709	289
Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									3,414	2,859	2,640
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									1,270	1,087	970
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									955	889	817
Depreciation and amortization									448	386	377
Restructuring charges									43	67	28
Operating income									698	430	448
Interest income									46	58	59
Interest expense									-874	-772	-717
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net									-2	1	-2
Other income/(expense), net									200	118	148
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									68	-165	-64
Provision for income taxes									-92	82	-11
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries									408	522	332
Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									-3	-1	3
Income from continuing operations										438	260
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax										308	37
Net income									381	746	297
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									381	746	297
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income									-390	-54	-34
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests									-390	-54	-34
Total comprehensive (loss)/income									-9	692	263
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									-9	692	263
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									2,874	2,844	2,767
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									1,350	1,311	1,255
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									958	922	905
Depreciation and amortization									125	124	116
Restructuring charges									46	52	57
Operating income									395	435	434
Interest income									8	15	28
Interest expense									-50	-50	-61
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net									-69	-26	-14
Other income/(expense), net									-204	-106	-145
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									80	268	242
Provision for income taxes									-57	-77	-81
Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									-1	3	2
Income from continuing operations										194	163
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax										-3	-7
Net income									22	191	156
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									-3	-4	-1
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									25	195	157
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income									-490	32	37
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interests									-7	2	3
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests									-483	30	34
Total comprehensive (loss)/income									-468	223	193
Less: comprehensive (loss)/ income attributable to noncontrolling interests									-10	-2	2
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									-458	225	191
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest income									-907	-815	-778
Interest expense									907	815	778
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net										0
Other income/(expense), net									-649	0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									-649
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries									-68	-1,689	-771
Income from continuing operations										-1,689	-771
Net income									-717	-1,689	-771
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									-717	-1,689	-771
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income									74	63	28
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests									74	63	28
Total comprehensive (loss)/income									-643	-1,626	-743
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									($643)	($1,626)	($743)

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio3

Guarantor Financial Information - Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$273	$564	$288		$319
Trade and other receivables, net	1,241	1,196
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	505	374
Total current assets	2,019	2,134
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	533	560
Goodwill	7,671	7,684	7,352	[1]
Other intangible assets, net	4,715	4,781
Deferred tax assets	83	115
Other non-current assets	355	256
Total assets	15,376	15,530
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,035	1,026
Deferred revenues	304	306
Income tax liabilities	62	55
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	397	148
Total current liabilities	1,798	1,535
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	6,465	6,492
Deferred tax liabilities	1,025	864
Other non-current liabilities	955	832
Total liabilities	10,243	9,723
Total stockholders’ equity	5,056	5,729
Noncontrolling interests	77	78
Total equity	5,133	5,807	4,978		4,641
Total liabilities and equity	15,376	15,530
Parent
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	49	12	1
Trade and other receivables, net	1	2
Intercompany receivables	1
Total current assets	51	14
Non-current assets
Deferred tax assets	1
Equity investment in subsidiaries	5,017	5,728
Total assets	5,069	5,742
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	10	6
Income tax liabilities	1
Total current liabilities	11	6
Non-current liabilities
Other non-current liabilities	2	7
Total liabilities	13	13
Total stockholders’ equity	5,056	5,729
Total equity	5,056	5,729
Total liabilities and equity	5,069	5,742
Issuers
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8	11
Intercompany receivables	228	190
Total current assets	237	201
Non-current assets
Deferred tax assets		7
Other non-current assets	44	39
Equity investment in subsidiaries	1,124	2,020
Intercompany receivables	10,493	10,224
Total assets	11,898	12,491
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	44	47
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	98	136
Intercompany payables		5
Total current liabilities	142	188
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	6,358	6,388
Deferred tax liabilities	74	74
Intercompany loans	61
Other non-current liabilities	2	8
Total liabilities	6,637	6,658
Total stockholders’ equity	5,261	5,833
Total equity	5,261	5,833
Total liabilities and equity	11,898	12,491
Guarantor
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	-51	205	24		34
Trade and other receivables, net	526	447
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	339	225
Intercompany receivables	141	169
Total current assets	955	1,046
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	335	327
Goodwill	5,588	5,493
Other intangible assets, net	4,318	4,360
Deferred tax assets	25	58
Other non-current assets	171	99
Equity investment in subsidiaries	6,548	7,631
Intercompany receivables	560	495
Total assets	18,500	19,509
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	418	367
Deferred revenues	159	154
Income tax liabilities	18	13
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	298	11
Intercompany payables	428	377
Total current liabilities	1,321	922
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	87	86
Deferred tax liabilities	895	720
Intercompany loans	10,613	11,513
Other non-current liabilities	567	540
Total liabilities	13,483	13,781
Total stockholders’ equity	5,017	5,728
Total equity	5,017	5,728
Total liabilities and equity	18,500	19,509
Non-Guarantor
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	274	347	263		285
Trade and other receivables, net	714	747
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	158	138
Intercompany receivables	190	176
Total current assets	1,336	1,408
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	198	233
Goodwill	2,083	2,191
Other intangible assets, net	397	421
Deferred tax assets	57	50
Other non-current assets	140	118
Intercompany receivables	191	1,289
Total assets	4,402	5,710
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	563	606
Deferred revenues	145	152
Income tax liabilities	43	42
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	1	1
Intercompany payables	132	153
Total current liabilities	884	954
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	20	18
Deferred tax liabilities	56	70
Intercompany loans	570	495
Other non-current liabilities	384	277
Total liabilities	1,914	1,814
Total stockholders’ equity	2,411	3,818
Noncontrolling interests	77	78
Total equity	2,488	3,896
Total liabilities and equity	4,402	5,710
Eliminations
Current assets
Intercompany receivables	-560	-535
Total current assets	-560	-535
Non-current assets
Equity investment in subsidiaries	-12,689	-15,379
Intercompany receivables	-11,244	-12,008
Total assets	-24,493	-27,922
Current liabilities
Intercompany payables	-560	-535
Total current liabilities	-560	-535
Non-current liabilities
Intercompany loans	-11,244	-12,008
Total liabilities	-11,804	-12,543
Total stockholders’ equity	-12,689	-15,379
Total equity	-12,689	-15,379
Total liabilities and equity	($24,493)	($27,922)
[1]	During the fourth quarter of 2013, to conform to a change in management reporting, Nielsen reclassified two products from the Buy segment to the Watch segment. Goodwill by segment has been retrospectively restated to reflect this change.

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio4

Guarantor Financial Information - Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	$1,093	$901	$784
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	-314	-1,249	-160
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	-6	935	-4
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	-163	-130	-132
Additions to intangible assets	-249	-244	-226
Other investing activities		1
Net cash used in investing activities	-732	-687	-522
Financing Activities
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	280
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	4,544	2,485	1,998
Repayment of debt	-4,598	-2,171	-2,230
(Decrease)/increase in other short-term borrowings		-5	3
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	-356	-265
Repurchase of common stock	-466	-11
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	103	85	29
Other financing activities	-92	-35	-98
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-585	83	-298
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-67	-21	5
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	-291	276	-31
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	564	288	319
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	273	564	288
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	-4	1	-18
Financing Activities
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	-356	-265
Repurchase of common stock	-466	-11
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	112	95	34
Other financing activities	751	191	-15
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	41	10	19
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	37	11	1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	12	1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	49	12	1
Issuers
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	523	539	253
Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	4,544	2,481	1,998
Repayment of debt	-4,597	-2,171	-2,120
Other financing activities	-469	-849	-131
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-522	-539	-253
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1
Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	379	40	176
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	-201	-1,242	-142
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net		935	-4
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	-109	-56	-59
Additions to intangible assets	-222	-218	-204
Other investing activities	-1
Net cash used in investing activities	-533	-581	-409
Financing Activities
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	280
Repayment of debt			-110
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	-6	-3	-3
Other financing activities	-376	727	336
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-102	724	223
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		-2
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	-256	181	-10
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	205	24	34
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	-51	205	24
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	195	321	373
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	-113	-7	-18
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	-6
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	-54	-74	-73
Additions to intangible assets	-27	-26	-22
Other investing activities	1	1
Net cash used in investing activities	-199	-106	-113
Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs		4
Repayment of debt	-1
(Decrease)/increase in other short-term borrowings		-5	3
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	-3	-7	-2
Other financing activities	2	-104	-288
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-2	-112	-287
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-67	-19	5
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	-73	84	-22
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	347	263	285
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$274	$347	$263

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) - Consolidating Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$1,633	$1,572	$1,594	$1,489	$1,611	$1,387	$1,386	$1,319	$6,288	$5,703	$5,407
Operating income	308	311	277	193	238	243	238	142	1,089	861	880
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	198	187	149	87	147	171	161	41	621	520	359
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax					-14		307	12		305	30
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$161	$91	$74	$58	$145	$134	$426	$35	$384	$740	$273
Net income per share of common stock, basic
Income from continuing operations	$0.43	$0.24	$0.19	$0.15	$0.42	$0.35	$0.32	$0.06	$1.01	$1.16	$0.67
Discontinued operations, net of tax					($0.04)		$0.82	$0.03		$0.81	$0.08
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$0.43	$0.24	$0.19	$0.15	$0.38	$0.35	$1.14	$0.09	$1.01	$1.97	$0.75
Net income per share of common stock, diluted
Income from continuing operations	$0.42	$0.24	$0.19	$0.15	$0.41	$0.35	$0.31	$0.06	$1	$1.14	$0.66
Discontinued operations, net of tax					($0.03)		$0.80	$0.03		$0.80	$0.08
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$0.42	$0.24	$0.19	$0.15	$0.38	$0.35	$1.12	$0.09	$1	$1.94	$0.75

Condensed_Financial_Informatio1

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses									$1,917	$1,815	$1,724
Operating income/(loss)	308	311	277	193	238	243	238	142	1,089	861	880
Interest income									3	2	4
Interest expense									-300	-309	-390
Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net									-71	-25	-17
Provision for income taxes									-236	-91	-122
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									-4	2	5
Net income									381	736	272
Total Nielsen Stockholders’ Equity
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses									4	4	2
Operating income/(loss)									-4	-4	-2
Interest income										1
Interest expense										-2	-23
Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net											-1
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of subsidiaries									-4	-5	-26
Provision for income taxes									7	-1	2
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									381	746	297
Net income									$384	$740	$273

Condensed_Financial_Informatio2

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$273	$564	$288	$319
Amounts receivable from subsidiary		3
Total current assets	2,019	2,134
Investment in subsidiaries	2,078
Other non-current assets	355	256
Total assets	15,376	15,530
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,035	1,026
Income tax liabilities	62	55
Total current liabilities	1,798	1,535
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	6,744	6,529
Other non-current liabilities	955	832
Total liabilities	10,243	9,723
Total stockholders’ equity	5,056	5,729
Total liabilities and equity	15,376	15,530
Total Nielsen Stockholders’ Equity
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	49	12	1
Amounts receivable from subsidiary	1	2
Loan receivable from subsidiary	1
Total current assets	51	14
Investment in subsidiaries	5,017	5,728
Other non-current assets	1
Total assets	5,069	5,742
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	10	6
Income tax liabilities	1
Total current liabilities	11	6
Other non-current liabilities	2	7
Total liabilities	13	13
Total stockholders’ equity	5,056	5,729
Total liabilities and equity	$5,069	$5,742

Condensed_Financial_Informatio3

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Statement of Cashflow (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	$1,093	$901	$784
Financing Activities
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	-356	-265
Repurchase of common stock	-466	-11
Other financing activities	-92	-35	-98
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-585	83	-298
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-291	276	-31
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	564	288	319
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	273	564	288
Total Nielsen Stockholders’ Equity
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	-4	1	-18
Financing Activities
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	-356	-265
Repurchase of common stock	-466	-11
Activity under stock plans	112	95	34
Other financing activities	751	191	-15
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	41	10	19
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	37	11	1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	12	1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$49	$12	$1

Condensed_Financial_Informatio4

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Additional Information (Detail)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Nov. 30, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

31-May-14

Apr. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2011

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Feb. 19, 2015

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 23, 2014

Jul. 25, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Subsequent Event

Mandatory convertible subordinated bonds due 2013

Luxco

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]

Short-term loan with subsidiaries

$6,000,000

Maturity date of short-term loan

Jun-12

Dec-11

Interest rate of short-term loan

3.01%

2.99%

Amounts receivable from subsidiary

3,000,000

Net cash payment received associated with the sale of shares of common stock in conjunction with acquisitions made by subsidiaries

4,000,000

Share repurchase amount authorized

1,000,000,000

500,000,000

Average price of common stock purchased

$43.58

$41.09

$42.72

$45.66

$47.15

$48.54

$47.44

$47.20

$44.47

$46.85

$43.42

$42.67

$39.49

Total consideration of stock repurchase program

477,000,000

477,000,000

Cumulative shares repurchased

11,182,983

11,182,983

289,839

Initial public offering

82,142,858

82,142,858

Par value of common stock

€ 0.07

Common stock, price per share in initial public offering

$23

Common stock, shares issued in initial public offering

82,142,858

82,142,858

216,703,942

216,703,942

216,703,942

Common stock par value

$37.84

$37.84

$37.84

$37.84

Percentage of owned shares

15.00%

Issuance of Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds

288,000,000

Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage

6.25%

Proceeds from issuance of bonds

277,000,000

Underwriter discounts on issue of bonds

11,000,000

Convertible Subordinated Bonds, Maturity date

1-Feb-13

Bond conversion date

1-Feb-13

Conversion rate

$50

Bonds converted to common stock

12,499,925

10,416,700

Number of shares issued per bond conversion

2.1739

1.8116

Initial price per share

$23

Threshold appreciation price per share

$27.60

Advisory Agreements net proceeds

$2,078,000,000

$2,078,000,000

Declaration Date

19-Feb-15

Dividends declared per common share

$0.95

$0.72

$0

$0.25

Payment Date

19-Mar-15

Record Date

5-Mar-15

Condensed_Financial_Informatio5

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Schedule Of Dividends Paid (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	19-Feb-15
Dividend Per Share	$0.95	$0.72	$0
Installment One
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	31-Jan-13
Record Date	6-Mar-13
Payment Date	20-Mar-13
Dividend Per Share	$0.16
Installment Two
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	2-May-13
Record Date	5-Jun-13
Payment Date	19-Jun-13
Dividend Per Share	$0.16
Installment Three
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	25-Jul-13
Record Date	28-Aug-13
Payment Date	11-Sep-13
Dividend Per Share	$0.20
Installment Four
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	22-Oct-13
Record Date	25-Nov-13
Payment Date	9-Dec-13
Dividend Per Share	$0.20
Installment Five
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	20-Feb-14
Record Date	6-Mar-14
Payment Date	20-Mar-14
Dividend Per Share	$0.20
Installment Six
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	1-May-14
Record Date	5-Jun-14
Payment Date	19-Jun-14
Dividend Per Share	$0.25
Installment Seven
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	24-Jul-14
Record Date	28-Aug-14
Payment Date	11-Sep-14
Dividend Per Share	$0.25
Installment Eight
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	30-Oct-14
Record Date	25-Nov-14
Payment Date	9-Dec-14
Dividend Per Share	$0.25

Stockholders_Equity_Open_Marke

Stockholders' Equity - Open Market Share Repurchases Activity (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]
Total Number of Shares Purchased, beginning balance												289,839
Number of Shares Purchased	3,674,279	5,387,545	223,047	197,759	181,509	188,612	207,243	211,848	269,972	241,091	110,239	10,893,144	289,839
Total Number of Shares Purchased, ending balance	11,182,983											11,182,983	289,839
Average price of common stock purchased	$43.58	$41.09	$42.72	$45.66	$47.15	$48.54	$47.44	$47.20	$44.47	$46.85	$43.42	$42.67	$39.49
Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Plans or Programs	$1,022,830,101	$1,182,970,041	$1,404,363,449	$413,891,828	$422,921,757	$431,480,660	$440,635,906	$450,467,820	$460,467,412	$472,472,783	$483,768,078	$1,022,830,101	$488,554,427	$488,554,427
Publicly Announced Plans Or Programs
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]
Number of Shares Purchased	3,674,279	5,387,545	223,047	197,759	181,509	188,612	207,243	211,848	269,972	241,091	110,239
Total Number of Shares Purchased, ending balance	11,182,983											11,182,983	289,839

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for accounts receivable and sales returns
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Period	$39	$38	$24
Charges/ (Credits) to Expense	4	3	10
Acquisitions and Divestitures			4
Deductions	-11	-2	0
Effect of Foreign Currency Translation	-3	0	0
Balance at End of Period	29	39	38
Valuation allowance for deferred taxes
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Period	150	232	193
Charges/ (Credits) to Expense	-21	-69	-15
Charged to Other Accounts	16	-5	46
Effect of Foreign Currency Translation	2	-8	8
Balance at End of Period	$147	$150	$232