Nielsen (NLSN) 10-Q 22 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	NLSNNV
Entity Registrant Name	Nielsen N.V.
Entity Central Index Key	1492633
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	369,888,767

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$1,458	$1,489
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	622	642
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	481	489
Depreciation and amortization	142	141
Restructuring charges	14	24
Operating income	199	193
Interest income	1	1
Interest expense	-73	-77
Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net	-26	-27
Other expense, net		-3
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	101	87
Provision for income taxes	-38	-33
Equity in net income of affiliates		1
Net income	63	55
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		-3
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$63	$58
Net income per share of common stock, basic
Income from continuing operations	$0.17	$0.15
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$0.17	$0.15
Net income per share of common stock, diluted
Income from continuing operations	$0.17	$0.15
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$0.17	$0.15
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic	371,169,651	379,012,826
Dilutive shares of common stock	4,192,306	5,726,773
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted	375,361,957	384,739,599
Dividends declared per common share	$0.25	$0.20

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)/Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$63		$55
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-172	[1]	-8	[1]
Available for sale securities	3	[2]	2	[2]
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	-3	[3]
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	6	[4]	3	[4]
Total other comprehensive loss	-166		-3
Total comprehensive (loss)/income	-103		52
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3		-3
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	($100)		$55
[1]	Net of tax of $(12) million and $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively
[2]	Net of tax of $(2) million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively
[3]	Net of tax of$2 million and zero for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively
[4]	Net of tax of $(1) million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)/Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	($12)	$1
Available-for-sale securities, tax	-2	-2
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, tax	2	0
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, tax	($1)	($1)

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$343	$273
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $31 and $29 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	1,168	1,241
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	554	505
Total current assets	2,065	2,019
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	512	533
Goodwill	7,640	7,671
Other intangible assets, net	4,737	4,715
Deferred tax assets	67	83
Other non-current assets	367	355
Total assets	15,388	15,376
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	858	1,035
Deferred revenues	320	304
Income tax liabilities	72	62
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	188	397
Total current liabilities	1,438	1,798
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	7,159	6,465
Deferred tax liabilities	1,026	1,025
Other non-current liabilities	922	955
Total liabilities	10,545	10,243
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Nielsen stockholders’ equity
Common stock, €0.07 par value, 1,185,800,000 and 1,185,800,000 shares authorized; 382,652,203 and 382,622,922 shares issued and 369,888,767 and 372,757,598 shares outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	32	32
Additional paid-in capital	6,285	6,344
Treasury stock, at cost	-544	-415
Accumulated deficit	-65	-128
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	-940	-777
Total Nielsen stockholders’ equity	4,768	5,056
Noncontrolling interests	75	77
Total equity	4,843	5,133
Total liabilities and equity	$15,388	$15,376

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	EUR (€)
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade and other receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns	$31		$29
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	382,652,203	382,652,203	382,622,922	382,622,922
Common stock, shares outstanding	369,888,767	369,888,767	372,757,598	372,757,598

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating Activities
Net income	$63	$55
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation expense	14	12
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-26
Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other losses	26	30
Equity in net income of affiliates, net of dividends received		-1
Depreciation and amortization	142	141
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and divested:
Trade and other receivables, net	47	21
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-56	-48
Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues	-200	-167
Other non-current liabilities	-1	3
Interest payable	57	43
Income taxes	9	1
Net cash provided by operating activities	75	90
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	-191	-184
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	-33	-14
Additions to intangible assets	-69	-63
Other investing activities	2
Net cash used in investing activities	-291	-261
Financing Activities
Net (payments)/borrowings under revolving credit facility	-205	30
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	746
Repayment of debt	-25	-24
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	-90	-74
Repurchase of common stock	-141	-16
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	6	11
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	26
Other financing activities	-3	-2
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	314	-75
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-28	-17
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	70	-263
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	273	564
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	343	301
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	-29	-32
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	($16)	($34)

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen

Background and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Background and Basis of Presentation	1. Background and Basis of Presentation
	Background
	Nielsen N.V. (formerly Nielsen Holdings N.V.) (“Nielsen” or the “Company”), together with its subsidiaries, is a leading global information and measurement company that provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of consumers and consumer behavior. Nielsen is aligned into two reporting segments: what consumers buy (“Buy”) and what consumers watch and listen to (“Watch”). Nielsen has a presence in more than 100 countries, with its headquarters located in Diemen, the Netherlands and New York, USA.
	The Company was formed by several private equity groups through Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. (“Luxco”). As of December 31, 2014, Luxco owned  approximately 15% of the Company’s common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, Luxco sold 17.8 million shares of the Company’s common stock. As of March 31, 2015, Luxco owned approximately 10% of the Company’s common stock.
	On February 26, 2015, Nielsen announced that its Board of Directors unanimously approved a proposal that would result in a change in domicile of the Company from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom. Under the proposal, the Company’s principal executive offices would continue to be located in the United States. The proposed change in domicile is subject to approval from Nielsen's shareholders and the satisfaction of other customary conditions.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies, commitments and contingencies and certain other information, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to March 31, 2015 for potential recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided.
	Earnings per Share
	Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares of common stock consist of employee stock options and restricted stock.
	The effect of 2,418,103 and 81,000 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.
	Devaluation of Venezuelan Currency
	Nielsen has operations in both the Buy and Watch segments in Venezuela and the functional currency for these operations was the Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes. Venezuela’s currency has been considered hyperinflationary since January 1, 2010 and, accordingly, the local currency transactions 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.
	During the period between the first quarter of 2013 through the first quarter of 2015, there have been a number of changes in the foreign exchange regime in Venezuela that have impacted the conversion rates used by the Company for the conversion of Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes into U.S. Dollars in its financial statements, resulting in foreign currency exchange transaction losses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations, reflecting the write-down of monetary assets and liabilities in our Venezuelan operations.
	In February 2013, the official exchange rate was moved from 4.30 to 6.30 and the regulated System of Transactions with Securities in Foreign Currency market was suspended.
	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 the SICAD I exchange rate represented what was the most realistic official exchange rate at which to remeasure the U.S. dollar value of the bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities of  Nielsen’s Venezuelan operations at that time. At March 31, 2014, the SICAD I exchange rate was 10.8 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. As a result of this change, Nielsen recorded a pre-tax charge of $20 million during the first quarter of 2014.
	Due to the lack of access to the SICAD I auction system throughout the remainder of 2014, 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 SICAD II was created to provide a more open mechanism that was designed to permit any company to request U.S. dollars for any purpose.  At December 31, 2014, the SICAD II exchange rate was 50.0 bolivars to the U.S. dollar.  As a result of the changes in exchange rate assumptions in the fourth quarter 2014, Nielsen recorded  a pre-tax charge of  $32 million, for a total of $52 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	On February 12, 2015, the Venezuelan government replaced SICAD II with a new foreign exchange market mechanism (“SIMADI”). Nielsen currently expects to be able to access U.S. dollars through the SIMADI market. SIMADI has significantly higher foreign exchange rates than those available through the other foreign exchange mechanisms. At March 31, 2015, the SIMADI exchange rate was 193.0 bolivars to the U.S. dollar.  As a result of this change, Nielsen recorded a pre-tax charge of $7 million during the first quarter of 2015.
	The Company will continue to assess the appropriate conversion rate based on events in Venezuela and the Company’s specific facts and circumstances.  Total net monetary assets in U.S. dollars at the March 31, 2015 SIMADI rate totaled $3 million.

Summary_of_Recent_Accounting_P

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	2. Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Consolidation
	In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis”. The new standard is intended to improve targeted areas of the consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures. The amendments in the ASU affect the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations. In addition, the amendments in this ASU simplify and improve current GAAP by reducing the number of consolidation models. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015; however, early adoption is permitted. Nielsen is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Debt Issuance Costs
	In March 2015, the FASB issued an ASU, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. The new standard changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the ASU, an entity will present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015; however, early adoption is permitted. Nielsen is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions	3. Business Acquisitions
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $191 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these current period acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2015, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014, we paid cash consideration of $184 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2014, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	(IN MILLIONS)	Buy			Watch			Total
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	3,014		$	4,657		$	7,671
	Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments		5		$	129		$	134
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(147	)		(18	)		(165	)
	Balance, March 31, 2015	$	2,872		$	4,768		$	7,640
	At March 31, 2015, $68 million of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
	Other Intangible Assets
		Gross Amounts						Accumulated Amortization
		March 31,			December 31,			March 31,			December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Indefinite-lived intangibles:
	Trade names and trademarks	$	1,921		$	1,921		$	—		$	—
	Amortized intangibles:
	Trade names and trademarks		167			166			(72	)		(68	)
	Customer-related intangibles		2,967			2,938			(1,097	)		(1,054	)
	Covenants-not-to-compete		38			36			(32	)		(30	)
	Computer software		2,027			1,935			(1,208	)		(1,157	)
	Patents and other		105			105			(79	)		(77	)
	Total	$	5,304		$	5,180		$	(2,488	)	$	(2,386	)
	Amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets was $100 million and $97 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts included amortization expense associated with computer software of $54 million and $51 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Changes_in_and_Reclassificatio

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component	5. 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
			Currency			Available-
			Translation			for-Sale					Post Employment
			Adjustments			Securities		Cash Flow Hedges			Benefits			Total
	(IN MILLIONS)
	Balance December 31, 2014		$	(418	)	$	19	$	(2	)	$	(376	)	$	(777	)
	Other comprehensive (loss)/income before			(172	)		3		(5	)		1			(173	)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other			—			—		2			5			7
	comprehensive (loss)/income
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income			(172	)		3		(3	)		6			(166	)
	Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable			(3	)		—		—			—			(3	)
	to noncontrolling interest
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income			(169	)		3		(3	)		6			(163	)
	attributable to Nielsen stockholders
	Balance March 31, 2015		$	(587	)	$	22	$	(5	)	$	(370	)	$	(940	)
			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			(8	)		2		(2	)		1			(7	)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other			—			—		2			2			4
	comprehensive (loss)/income
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income			(8	)		2		—			3			(3	)
	attributable to Nielsen stockholders
	Balance March 31, 2014			(132	)		11		(5	)		(264	)		(390	)
	The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
			Amount Reclassified from
			Accumulated Other
	(IN MILLIONS)		Comprehensive Loss
	Details about Accumulated							Affected Line Item in the
	Other Comprehensive		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended		Condensed Consolidated
	Income components		March 31, 2015			March 31, 2014		Statement of Operations
	Cash flow hedges
	Interest rate contracts		$	3		$	4	Interest expense
				1			2	Benefit for income taxes
			$	2		$	2	Total, net of tax
	Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits
	Actuarial loss		$	6		$	3	(a)
				1			1	Benefit for income taxes
			$	5		$	2	Total, net of tax
	Total reclassification for the period		$	7		$	4	Net of tax
	(a)	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Restructuring_Activities

Restructuring Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Activities	6. Restructuring Activities
	A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	72
	Charges		14
	Payments		(22	)
	Non cash charges and other adjustments		(5	)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	59
	Nielsen recorded $14 million and $24 million in restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, primarily relating to severance costs.
	Of the $59 million in remaining liabilities for restructuring actions, $48 million is expected to be paid within one year and is classified as a current liability within the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	7. Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact, and also considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of non-performance.
	There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1:		Quoted market prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
	Level 2:		Pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.
	Level 3:		Pricing inputs that are generally unobservable and may not be corroborated by market data.
	Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis
	The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured and recorded at fair value, except for equity method investments, cost method investments, and long-term debt. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
	The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
			March 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2015		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Investments in equity securities (1)		$	50	$	50			—			—
	Plan assets for deferred compensation (2)			30		30			—			—
	Investment in mutual funds (3)			2		2			—			—
	Total		$	82	$	82		$	—			—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap arrangements (4)		$	10		—		$	10			—
	Deferred compensation liabilities (5)			30		30			—			—
	Total		$	40	$	30		$	10			—
			December 31,
			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			—
	-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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014.
	-2	Plan assets are comprised of investments in mutual funds, which are intended to fund liabilities arising from deferred compensation plans. These investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as trading securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other expense, net.
	-3	Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.
	-4	Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.
	-5	The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as trading securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the trading securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	Nielsen primarily uses interest rate swap derivative instruments to manage risk that changes in interest rates will affect the cash flows of its underlying debt obligations.
	To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship must meet several conditions with respect to documentation, probability of occurrence, hedge effectiveness and reliability of measurement. Nielsen documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions as well as the hedge effectiveness assessment, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis. Nielsen recognizes all derivatives at fair value either as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the fair values of such instruments are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. If specific cash flow hedge accounting criteria are met, Nielsen recognizes the changes in fair value of these instruments in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss).
	Nielsen manages exposure to possible defaults on derivative financial instruments by monitoring the concentration of risk that Nielsen has with any individual bank and through the use of minimum credit quality standards for all counterparties. Nielsen does not require collateral or other security in relation to derivative financial instruments. A derivative contract entered into between Nielsen or certain of its subsidiaries and a counterparty that was also a lender under Nielsen’s senior secured credit facilities at the time the derivative contract was entered into is guaranteed under the senior secured credit facilities by Nielsen and certain of its subsidiaries (see Note 9 - Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements for more information). Since it is Nielsen’s policy to only enter into derivative contracts with banks of internationally acknowledged standing, Nielsen considers the counterparty risk to be remote.
	It is Nielsen’s policy to have an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement established with every bank with which it has entered into any derivative contract. Under each of these ISDA Master Agreements, Nielsen agrees to settle only the net amount of the combined market values of all derivative contracts outstanding with any one counterparty should that counterparty default. Certain of the ISDA Master Agreements contain cross-default provisions where if the Company either defaults in payment obligations under its credit facility or if such obligations are accelerated by the lenders, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. At March 31, 2015, Nielsen had no material exposure to potential economic losses due to counterparty credit default risk or cross-default risk on its derivative financial instruments.
	Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
	Foreign currency translation risk is the risk that exchange rate gains or losses arise from translating foreign entities’ statements of earnings and balance sheets from functional currency to our reporting currency (the U.S. Dollar) for consolidation purposes. Nielsen manages translation risk exposure by creating “natural hedges” in its financing or by using derivative financial instruments aimed at offsetting certain exposures in the statement of earnings or the balance sheet. Nielsen does not trade derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. During the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, Nielsen recorded a net gain of $2 million and zero, respectively, associated with foreign currency derivative financial instruments within foreign currency exchange transactions losses, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.  As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 there were no foreign currency derivative financial instruments outstanding.
	Interest Rate Risk
	Nielsen is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on the floating-rate U.S. Dollar and Euro Term Loans, and uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to hedge this exposure. For these derivatives, Nielsen reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings, and within the same income statement line item as the impact of the hedged transaction.
	As of March 31, 2015 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
	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.
	Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
			March 31, 2015					31-Dec-14
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging		Accounts Payable								Accounts Payable				Other
	Instruments		and Other Current		Other Non-Current			Other Non-			and Other Current			Non-Current
	(IN MILLIONS)		Liabilities		Liabilities			Current Assets				Liabilities		Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps		$	3	$	7		$	1		$	4		$	2
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:
									Amount of Loss
		Amount of Loss							Reclassified from AOCI
		Recognized in OCI					Location of Loss		into Income
		(Effective Portion)					Reclassified from AOCI		(Effective Portion)
Derivatives in Cash Flow		Three Months Ended					into Income  (Effective		Three Months Ended
Hedging Relationships		March 31,					Portion)		March 31,
(IN MILLIONS)		2015		2014					2015			2014
Interest rate swaps		$	8	$	4		Interest expense		$	3		$	4
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The Company is required, on a nonrecurring basis, to adjust the carrying value using fair value measurements or provide valuation allowances for certain assets using the more-likely-than-not criteria. 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 three months ended March 31, 2015.

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	8. Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements
	Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of March 31, 2015.
		March 31, 2015							December 31, 2014
		Weighted							Weighted
		Interest			Carrying		Fair		Interest			Carrying		Fair
	(IN MILLIONS)	Rate			Amount		Value		Rate			Amount		Value
	$1,580 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based					1,521		1,513					1,542		1,533
	variable rate of 2.18% ) due 2019
	$500 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based					496		496					497		493
	variable rate of 2.43% ) due 2017
	$1,100 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based					1,092		1,091					1,094		1,088
	variable rate of 3.18% ) due 2021
	€286 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based					305		305					345		343
	variable rate of 2.99%) due 2021
	$575 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro					75		75					280		274
	LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2019
	Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-		2.69	%		3,489		3,480		2.65	%		3,758		3,731
	average interest rate)
	$800 million 4.50% senior debenture loan due 2020					800		814					800		801
	$1,550 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022					—		—					1,553		1,554
	$625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021					625		646					625		633
	$2,300 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022					2,308		2,326					—		—
	Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate)		5.22	%		3,733		3,786		5.23	%		2,978		2,988
	Other loans					9		9					8		8
	Total long-term debt		4	%		7,231		7,275		3.79	%		6,744		6,727
	Capital lease and other financing obligations					116							118
	Total debt and other financing arrangements					7,347							6,862
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and					188							397
	other financing obligations and other short-term
	borrowings
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and capital				$	7,159						$	6,465
	lease and other financing obligations
	The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt instruments was based on the yield on public debt where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities and such fair value measurements are considered Level 1 or Level 2 in nature, respectively.
	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	For April 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015	$	149
	2016		123
	2017		642
	2018		212
	2019		1,041
	2020		814
	Thereafter		4,250
		$	7,231
	In February 2015, Nielsen completed the issuance of $750 million aggregate principal amount of their 5.0% Senior Notes due 2022. The notes are traded interchangeably with the $750 million and the $800 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Senior Notes due 2022 issued in April 2014 and July 2014, respectively.  The proceeds of from the issuances will be used to make repurchases of Nielsen’s outstanding common stock from time to time, in the open market or otherwise, pursuant to Nielsen’s existing share repurchase programs, to reduce outstanding amounts under its revolving credit facility, to pay related fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	9. Stockholders’ Equity
	Common stock activity is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2015
	Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
	Beginning of period		372,757,598
	Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans		329,314
	Repurchases of common stock		(3,198,145	)
	End of period		369,888,767
	Cumulative shares of treasury stock were 12,763,436 and 9,865,324 with a corresponding value of $544 million and $415 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	On January 31, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a cash dividend policy to pay quarterly cash dividends on its outstanding common stock.   The below table summarizes the dividends declared on Nielsen’s common stock during 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	Declaration Date	Record Date		Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
	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
	October  30, 2014	25-Nov-14		9-Dec-14	$	0.25
	19-Feb-15	5-Mar-15		19-Mar-15	$	0.25
	The dividend policy and the payment of future cash dividends are subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.
	On April 20, 2015, the Company’s Board declared a cash dividend of $0.28 per share on our common stock. The dividend is payable on June 18, 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 4, 2015.
	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 2015 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. As of March 31, 2015, there have been 14,381,128 shares of our common stock purchased at an average price of $42.96 per share (total consideration of $618 million) under this program. The activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015 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, 2014		11,182,983		$	42.67		11,182,983	$	1,022,830,101
	2015 Activity
	January 1- 31		1,611,203			44.09		1,611,203	$	951,797,780
	February 1- 28		814,753		$	43.9		814,753	$	916,031,448
	March 1- 31		772,189		$	43.76		772,189	$	882,241,498
	Total		14,381,128		$	42.96		14,381,128

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	10. Income Taxes
	The effective tax rate was 38% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was higher than the statutory rate as a result of the impact of tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns, the effect of global licensing activities and foreign distributions and audit settlements, offset by the favorable impact of certain financing activities and the release of certain tax contingencies. The tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was higher than the statutory rate as a result of the tax impact of the Venezuela currency revaluation, the impact of tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns, and accrual for future audit settlements offset by the favorable impact of certain financing activities and release of tax contingencies.
	The estimated liability for unrecognized income tax benefits as of December 31, 2015 is $457 million and was $452 million as of December 31, 2014. If the Company’s tax positions are favorably sustained by the taxing authorities, the reversal of the underlying liabilities would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods.
	The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examination for 2006 and prior periods. In addition, the Company has subsidiaries in various states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years ranging from 2003 through 2014.
	To date, the Company is not aware of any material adjustments not already accrued related to any of the current Federal, state or foreign audits under examination.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	11. Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
	Nielsen is subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined, the Company does expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect the Company’s future results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

Segments

Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	12. Segments
	The Company aligns its operating segments in order to conform to management’s internal reporting structure, which is reflective of service offerings by industry. Management aggregates such operating segments into two reporting segments: what consumers buy (“Buy”), consisting principally of market research information and analytical services; and what consumers watch (“Watch”), consisting principally of television, radio, online and mobile audience and advertising measurement and corresponding analytics.
	Corporate consists principally of unallocated items such as certain facilities and infrastructure costs as well as intersegment eliminations. Certain corporate costs, other than those described above, including those related to selling, finance, legal, human resources, and information technology systems, are considered operating costs and are allocated to the Company’s segments based on either the actual amount of costs incurred or on a basis consistent with the operations of the underlying segment. Information with respect to the operations of each of Nielsen’s business segments is set forth below based on the nature of the services offered and geographic areas of operations.
	Business Segment Information
	(IN MILLIONS)		Buy		Watch		Corporate			Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Revenues		$	798	$	660		—		$	1,458
	Depreciation and amortization		$	53	$	88	$	1		$	142
	Restructuring charges		$	7	$	4	$	3		$	14
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	5	$	2	$	7		$	14
	Other items(1)		$	—	$	—	$	11		$	11
	Operating income/(loss)		$	45	$	184	$	(30	)	$	199
	Business segment income/(loss)(2)		$	110	$	278	$	(8	)	$	380
	Total assets as of March 31, 2015		$	6,522	$	8,431	$	435		$	15,388
	(IN MILLIONS)			Buy		Watch		Corporate			Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Revenues		$	837	$	652	$	—		$	1,489
	Depreciation and amortization		$	54	$	86	$	1		$	141
	Restructuring charges		$	18	$	3	$	3		$	24
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	6	$	4	$	2		$	12
	Other items(1)		$	—		1	$	5		$	6
	Operating income/(loss)		$	40	$	173	$	(20	)	$	193
	Business segment income/(loss)(2)		$	118	$	267	$	(9	)	$	376
	Total assets as of December 31, 2014		$	6,869	$	8,156	$	351		$	15,376
	-1	Other items primarily consist of non-recurring costs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	-2	The Company’s chief operating decision making group uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments.

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio

Guarantor Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantor Financial Information	13. Guarantor Financial Information
	The following supplemental financial information is being provided for purposes of compliance with reporting covenants contained in certain debt obligations of Nielsen and its subsidiaries. The financial information sets forth for Nielsen, its subsidiaries that have issued certain debt securities (the “Issuers”) and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, the consolidating balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and consolidating statements of operations and cash flows for the periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The issued debt securities are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by Nielsen and subject to certain exceptions, each of the direct and indirect 100% owned subsidiaries of Nielsen, in each case to the extent that such entities provide a guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities. The issuers are also 100% owned indirect subsidiaries of Nielsen: Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. for certain series of debt obligations, and The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S ar l., for the other series of debt obligations. Each issuer is a guarantor of the debt obligations not issued by it.
	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. The senior secured credit facilities contain certain limitations on the ability of Nielsen to receive the cash flows of its subsidiaries.
	While all subsidiary guarantees of the issued debt securities are full and unconditional, these guarantees contain customary release provisions including when (i) the subsidiary is sold or sells all of its assets, (ii) the subsidiary is declared “unrestricted” for covenant purposes, (iii) the subsidiary’s guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities is released and (iv) the requirements for discharge of the indenture have been satisfied.
	Nielsen N.V.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-			Elimination			Consolidated
											Guarantor
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	846		$	612		$	—		$	1,458
	Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and		—			—			312			310			—			622
	amortization shown separately below
	Selling, general and administrative expenses,		1			—			258			222			—			481
	exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown
	separately below
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			113			29			—			142
	Restructuring charges		—			—			11			3			—			14
	Operating (loss)/income		(1	)		—			152			48			—			199
	Interest income		—			220			11			1			(231	)		1
	Interest expense		—			(68	)		(224	)		(12	)		231			(73	)
	Foreign currency exchange transaction expense,		—			—			(11	)		(15	)		—			(26	)
	net
	Other expense/(income), net		—			—			(8	)		8			—			—
	(Loss)/income from continuing operations before		(1	)		152			(80	)		30			—			101
	income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of
	subsidiaries and affiliates
	(Provision)/benefit for income taxes		—			(53	)		35			(20	)		—			(38	)
	Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		64			(15	)		109			—			(158	)		—
	Net income		63			84			64			10			(158	)		63
	Total other comprehensive loss		(163	)		(9	)		(163	)		(232	)		401			(166	)
	Total other comprehensive loss attributable to		—			—			—			(3	)		—			(3	)
	noncontrolling interests
	Total other comprehensive loss attributable to		(163	)		(9	)		(163	)		(229	)		401			(163	)
	controlling interests
	Total comprehensive (loss)/income		(100	)		75			(99	)		(222	)		243			(103	)
	Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling		—			—			—			(3	)		—			(3	)
	interests
	Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to	$	(100	)	$	75		$	(99	)	$	(219	)	$	243		$	(100	)
	controlling interest
	Nielsen N.V.
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-			Elimination			Consolidated
											Guarantor
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	803		$	686		$	—		$	1,489
	Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and		—			—			307			335			—			642
	amortization shown separately below
	Selling, general and administrative expenses,		—			—			248			241			—			489
	exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown
	separately below
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			110			31			—			141
	Restructuring charges		—			—			12			12			—			24
	Operating income		—			—			126			67			—			193
	Interest income		—			208			12			2			(221	)		1
	Interest expense		—			(73	)		(213	)		(12	)		221			(77	)
	Foreign currency exchange transaction		—			—			1			(28	)		—			(27	)
	income/(losses), net
	Other (expense)/income, net		—			—			(10	)		7			—			(3	)
	Income from continuing operations before income		—			135			(84	)		36			—			87
	taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of
	subsidiaries and affiliates
	Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		4			(47	)		21			(11	)		—			(33	)
	Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		54			(36	)		118			—			(136	)		—
	Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates		—			—			(1	)		2			—			1
Net income		58			52			54			27			(136	)		55
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling		—			—			—			(3	)		—			(3	)
interests
Net income attributable to controlling interest		58			52			54			30			(136	)		58
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income		(3	)		(12	)		(3	)		5			10			(3	)
Total comprehensive income		55			40			51			32			(126	)		52
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling		—			—			—			(3	)		—			(3	)
interests
Total comprehensive income attributable to	$	55		$	40		$	51		$	35		$	(126	)	$	55
controlling interests
Nielsen N.V
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
March 31, 2015
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-			Elimination			Consolidated
										Guarantor
Assets:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	30			—			74			239			—			343
Trade and other receivables, net		1			—			539			628			—			1,168
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			9			391			154			—			554
Intercompany receivables		1			440			139			179			(759	)		—
Total current assets		32			449			1,143			1,200			(759	)		2,065
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net		—			—			337			175			—			512
Goodwill		—			—			5,719			1,921			—			7,640
Other intangible assets, net		—			—			4,375			362			—			4,737
Deferred tax assets		1			—			24			42			—			67
Other non-current assets		—			49			189			129			—			367
Equity investment in subsidiaries		4,767			1,322			6,184			—			(12,273	)		—
Intercompany loans		—			10,835			496			183			(11,514	)		—
Total assets	$	4,800		$	12,655		$	18,467		$	4,012		$	(24,546	)	$	15,388
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	13		$	98		$	314		$	433		$	—		$	858
Deferred revenues		—			—			185			135			—			320
Income tax liabilities		—			—			18			54			—			72
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease		—			98			89			1			—			188
obligations and short-term borrowings
Intercompany payables		7			—			622			130			(759	)		—
Total current liabilities		20			196			1,228			753			(759	)		1,438
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			7,049			89			21			—			7,159
Deferred tax liabilities		—			78			867			81			—			1,026
Intercompany loans		10			61			10,948			495			(11,514	)		—
Other non-current liabilities		2			7			568			345			—			922
Total liabilities		32			7,391			13,700			1,695			(12,273	)		10.545
Total stockholders’ equity		4,768			5,264			4,767			2,242			(12,273	)		4,768
Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			75			—			75
Total equity		4,768			5,264			4,767			2,317			(12,273	)		4,843
Total liabilities and equity	$	4,800		$	12,655		$	18,467		$	4,012		$	(24,546	)	$	15,388
Nielsen N.V.
Condensed 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		—			98			298			1			—			397
obligations and short-term borrowings
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
Nielsen N.V.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2015
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-			Consolidated
										Guarantor
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	1		$	10		$	85		$	(21	)	$	75
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(190	)		(1	)		(191	)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(29	)		(4	)		(33	)
Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(63	)		(6	)		(69	)
Other investing activities		—			—			2			—			2
Net cash used in investing activities		—			—			(280	)		(11	)		(291	)
Financing activities:
Net repayments under revolving credit facility		—			—			(205	)		—			(205	)
Repayments of debt		—			(25	)		—			—			(25	)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs		—			746			—			—			746
Cash dividends paid to stockholders		(90	)		—			—			—			(90	)
Repurchase of common stock		(141	)		—			—			—			(141	)
Activity under stock plans		7			—			(1	)		—			6
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		—			—			26			—			26
Other financing activities		204			(732	)		504			21			(3	)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities		(20	)		(11	)		324			21			314
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(4	)		(24	)		(28	)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents		(19	)		(1	)		125			(35	)		70
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		49			1			(51	)		274			273
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	30		$	—		$	74		$	239		$	343
Nielsen N.V.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31, 2014
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-			Consolidated
										Guarantor
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	$	(2	)	$	178		$	(70	)	$	(16	)	$	90
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(114	)		(70	)		(184	)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(10	)		(4	)		(14	)
Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(59	)		(4	)		(63	)
Other investing activities		6			—			(6	)		—			—
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		6			—			(189	)		(78	)		(261	)
Financing activities:
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility		—			—			30			—			30
Repayments of debt		—			(23	)		—			(1	)		(24	)
Cash dividends paid to stockholders		(74	)		—			—			—			(74	)
Repurchase of common stock		(16	)											(16	)
Activity under stock plans		12			—			—			(1	)		11
Other financing activities		65			(155	)		54			34			(2	)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities		(13	)		(178	)		84			32			(75	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			—			(17	)		(17	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(9	)		—			(175	)		(79	)		(263	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		12			—			205			347			564
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3		$	—		$	30		$	268		$	301

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen1

Background and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies, commitments and contingencies and certain other information, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to March 31, 2015 for potential recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share
	Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares of common stock consist of employee stock options and restricted stock.
	The effect of 2,418,103 and 81,000 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.
Devaluation of Venezuelan Currency	Devaluation of Venezuelan Currency
	Nielsen has operations in both the Buy and Watch segments in Venezuela and the functional currency for these operations was the Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes. Venezuela’s currency has been considered hyperinflationary since January 1, 2010 and, accordingly, the local currency transactions 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.
	During the period between the first quarter of 2013 through the first quarter of 2015, there have been a number of changes in the foreign exchange regime in Venezuela that have impacted the conversion rates used by the Company for the conversion of Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes into U.S. Dollars in its financial statements, resulting in foreign currency exchange transaction losses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations, reflecting the write-down of monetary assets and liabilities in our Venezuelan operations.
	In February 2013, the official exchange rate was moved from 4.30 to 6.30 and the regulated System of Transactions with Securities in Foreign Currency market was suspended.
	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 the SICAD I exchange rate represented what was the most realistic official exchange rate at which to remeasure the U.S. dollar value of the bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities of  Nielsen’s Venezuelan operations at that time. At March 31, 2014, the SICAD I exchange rate was 10.8 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. As a result of this change, Nielsen recorded a pre-tax charge of $20 million during the first quarter of 2014.
	Due to the lack of access to the SICAD I auction system throughout the remainder of 2014, 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 SICAD II was created to provide a more open mechanism that was designed to permit any company to request U.S. dollars for any purpose.  At December 31, 2014, the SICAD II exchange rate was 50.0 bolivars to the U.S. dollar.  As a result of the changes in exchange rate assumptions in the fourth quarter 2014, Nielsen recorded  a pre-tax charge of  $32 million, for a total of $52 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	On February 12, 2015, the Venezuelan government replaced SICAD II with a new foreign exchange market mechanism (“SIMADI”). Nielsen currently expects to be able to access U.S. dollars through the SIMADI market. SIMADI has significantly higher foreign exchange rates than those available through the other foreign exchange mechanisms. At March 31, 2015, the SIMADI exchange rate was 193.0 bolivars to the U.S. dollar.  As a result of this change, Nielsen recorded a pre-tax charge of $7 million during the first quarter of 2015.
	The Company will continue to assess the appropriate conversion rate based on events in Venezuela and the Company’s specific facts and circumstances.  Total net monetary assets in U.S. dollars at the March 31, 2015 SIMADI rate totaled $3 million.
Consolidation	Consolidation
	In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis”. The new standard is intended to improve targeted areas of the consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures. The amendments in the ASU affect the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations. In addition, the amendments in this ASU simplify and improve current GAAP by reducing the number of consolidation models. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015; however, early adoption is permitted. Nielsen is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs
	In March 2015, the FASB issued an ASU, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. The new standard changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the ASU, an entity will present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015; however, early adoption is permitted. Nielsen is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015.
	(IN MILLIONS)	Buy			Watch			Total
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	3,014		$	4,657		$	7,671
	Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments		5		$	129		$	134
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(147	)		(18	)		(165	)
	Balance, March 31, 2015	$	2,872		$	4,768		$	7,640
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets
		Gross Amounts						Accumulated Amortization
		March 31,			December 31,			March 31,			December 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Indefinite-lived intangibles:
	Trade names and trademarks	$	1,921		$	1,921		$	—		$	—
	Amortized intangibles:
	Trade names and trademarks		167			166			(72	)		(68	)
	Customer-related intangibles		2,967			2,938			(1,097	)		(1,054	)
	Covenants-not-to-compete		38			36			(32	)		(30	)
	Computer software		2,027			1,935			(1,208	)		(1,157	)
	Patents and other		105			105			(79	)		(77	)
	Total	$	5,304		$	5,180		$	(2,488	)	$	(2,386	)

Changes_in_and_Reclassificatio1

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
			Currency			Available-
			Translation			for-Sale					Post Employment
			Adjustments			Securities		Cash Flow Hedges			Benefits			Total
	(IN MILLIONS)
	Balance December 31, 2014		$	(418	)	$	19	$	(2	)	$	(376	)	$	(777	)
	Other comprehensive (loss)/income before			(172	)		3		(5	)		1			(173	)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other			—			—		2			5			7
	comprehensive (loss)/income
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income			(172	)		3		(3	)		6			(166	)
	Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable			(3	)		—		—			—			(3	)
	to noncontrolling interest
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income			(169	)		3		(3	)		6			(163	)
	attributable to Nielsen stockholders
	Balance March 31, 2015		$	(587	)	$	22	$	(5	)	$	(370	)	$	(940	)
			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			(8	)		2		(2	)		1			(7	)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other			—			—		2			2			4
	comprehensive (loss)/income
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income			(8	)		2		—			3			(3	)
	attributable to Nielsen stockholders
	Balance March 31, 2014			(132	)		11		(5	)		(264	)		(390	)
Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component
	The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
			Amount Reclassified from
			Accumulated Other
	(IN MILLIONS)		Comprehensive Loss
	Details about Accumulated							Affected Line Item in the
	Other Comprehensive		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended		Condensed Consolidated
	Income components		March 31, 2015			March 31, 2014		Statement of Operations
	Cash flow hedges
	Interest rate contracts		$	3		$	4	Interest expense
				1			2	Benefit for income taxes
			$	2		$	2	Total, net of tax
	Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits
	Actuarial loss		$	6		$	3	(a)
				1			1	Benefit for income taxes
			$	5		$	2	Total, net of tax
	Total reclassification for the period		$	7		$	4	Net of tax
	(a)	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Restructuring_Activities_Table

Restructuring Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	72
	Charges		14
	Payments		(22	)
	Non cash charges and other adjustments		(5	)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	59

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
			March 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2015		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Investments in equity securities (1)		$	50	$	50			—			—
	Plan assets for deferred compensation (2)			30		30			—			—
	Investment in mutual funds (3)			2		2			—			—
	Total		$	82	$	82		$	—			—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap arrangements (4)		$	10		—		$	10			—
	Deferred compensation liabilities (5)			30		30			—			—
	Total		$	40	$	30		$	10			—
			December 31,
			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			—
	-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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014.
	-2	Plan assets are comprised of investments in mutual funds, which are intended to fund liabilities arising from deferred compensation plans. These investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as trading securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other expense, net.
	-3	Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.
	-4	Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.
	-5	The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as trading securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the trading securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.
Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps	As of March 31, 2015 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
			March 31, 2015					31-Dec-14
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging		Accounts Payable								Accounts Payable				Other
	Instruments		and Other Current		Other Non-Current			Other Non-			and Other Current			Non-Current
	(IN MILLIONS)		Liabilities		Liabilities			Current Assets				Liabilities		Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps		$	3	$	7		$	1		$	4		$	2
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:
										Amount of Loss
			Amount of Loss							Reclassified from AOCI
			Recognized in OCI					Location of Loss		into Income
			(Effective Portion)					Reclassified from AOCI		(Effective Portion)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Three Months Ended					into Income  (Effective		Three Months Ended
	Hedging Relationships		March 31,					Portion)		March 31,
	(IN MILLIONS)		2015		2014					2015			2014
	Interest rate swaps		$	8	$	4		Interest expense		$	3		$	4

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ1

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Debt	Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of March 31, 2015.
		March 31, 2015							December 31, 2014
		Weighted							Weighted
		Interest			Carrying		Fair		Interest			Carrying		Fair
	(IN MILLIONS)	Rate			Amount		Value		Rate			Amount		Value
	$1,580 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based					1,521		1,513					1,542		1,533
	variable rate of 2.18% ) due 2019
	$500 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based					496		496					497		493
	variable rate of 2.43% ) due 2017
	$1,100 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based					1,092		1,091					1,094		1,088
	variable rate of 3.18% ) due 2021
	€286 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based					305		305					345		343
	variable rate of 2.99%) due 2021
	$575 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro					75		75					280		274
	LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2019
	Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-		2.69	%		3,489		3,480		2.65	%		3,758		3,731
	average interest rate)
	$800 million 4.50% senior debenture loan due 2020					800		814					800		801
	$1,550 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022					—		—					1,553		1,554
	$625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021					625		646					625		633
	$2,300 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022					2,308		2,326					—		—
	Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate)		5.22	%		3,733		3,786		5.23	%		2,978		2,988
	Other loans					9		9					8		8
	Total long-term debt		4	%		7,231		7,275		3.79	%		6,744		6,727
	Capital lease and other financing obligations					116							118
	Total debt and other financing arrangements					7,347							6,862
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and					188							397
	other financing obligations and other short-term
	borrowings
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and capital				$	7,159						$	6,465
	lease and other financing obligations
Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows:
	(IN MILLIONS)
	For April 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015	$	149
	2016		123
	2017		642
	2018		212
	2019		1,041
	2020		814
	Thereafter		4,250
		$	7,231

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock Activity	Common stock activity is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2015
	Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
	Beginning of period		372,757,598
	Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans		329,314
	Repurchases of common stock		(3,198,145	)
	End of period		369,888,767
Summary of Dividends Declared on Nielsen's Common Stock	The below table summarizes the dividends declared on Nielsen’s common stock during 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	Declaration Date	Record Date		Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
	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
	October  30, 2014	25-Nov-14		9-Dec-14	$	0.25
	19-Feb-15	5-Mar-15		19-Mar-15	$	0.25
Summary of Open Market Share Repurchases Activity	The activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015 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, 2014		11,182,983		$	42.67		11,182,983	$	1,022,830,101
	2015 Activity
	January 1- 31		1,611,203			44.09		1,611,203	$	951,797,780
	February 1- 28		814,753		$	43.9		814,753	$	916,031,448
	March 1- 31		772,189		$	43.76		772,189	$	882,241,498
	Total		14,381,128		$	42.96		14,381,128

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Business Segment Information
	(IN MILLIONS)		Buy		Watch		Corporate			Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Revenues		$	798	$	660		—		$	1,458
	Depreciation and amortization		$	53	$	88	$	1		$	142
	Restructuring charges		$	7	$	4	$	3		$	14
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	5	$	2	$	7		$	14
	Other items(1)		$	—	$	—	$	11		$	11
	Operating income/(loss)		$	45	$	184	$	(30	)	$	199
	Business segment income/(loss)(2)		$	110	$	278	$	(8	)	$	380
	Total assets as of March 31, 2015		$	6,522	$	8,431	$	435		$	15,388
	(IN MILLIONS)			Buy		Watch		Corporate			Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Revenues		$	837	$	652	$	—		$	1,489
	Depreciation and amortization		$	54	$	86	$	1		$	141
	Restructuring charges		$	18	$	3	$	3		$	24
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	6	$	4	$	2		$	12
	Other items(1)		$	—		1	$	5		$	6
	Operating income/(loss)		$	40	$	173	$	(20	)	$	193
	Business segment income/(loss)(2)		$	118	$	267	$	(9	)	$	376
	Total assets as of December 31, 2014		$	6,869	$	8,156	$	351		$	15,376
	-1	Other items primarily consist of non-recurring costs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	-2	The Company’s chief operating decision making group uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments.

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio1

Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantees [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)	Nielsen N.V.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-			Elimination			Consolidated
											Guarantor
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	846		$	612		$	—		$	1,458
	Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and		—			—			312			310			—			622
	amortization shown separately below
	Selling, general and administrative expenses,		1			—			258			222			—			481
	exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown
	separately below
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			113			29			—			142
	Restructuring charges		—			—			11			3			—			14
	Operating (loss)/income		(1	)		—			152			48			—			199
	Interest income		—			220			11			1			(231	)		1
	Interest expense		—			(68	)		(224	)		(12	)		231			(73	)
	Foreign currency exchange transaction expense,		—			—			(11	)		(15	)		—			(26	)
	net
	Other expense/(income), net		—			—			(8	)		8			—			—
	(Loss)/income from continuing operations before		(1	)		152			(80	)		30			—			101
	income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of
	subsidiaries and affiliates
	(Provision)/benefit for income taxes		—			(53	)		35			(20	)		—			(38	)
	Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		64			(15	)		109			—			(158	)		—
	Net income		63			84			64			10			(158	)		63
	Total other comprehensive loss		(163	)		(9	)		(163	)		(232	)		401			(166	)
	Total other comprehensive loss attributable to		—			—			—			(3	)		—			(3	)
	noncontrolling interests
	Total other comprehensive loss attributable to		(163	)		(9	)		(163	)		(229	)		401			(163	)
	controlling interests
	Total comprehensive (loss)/income		(100	)		75			(99	)		(222	)		243			(103	)
	Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling		—			—			—			(3	)		—			(3	)
	interests
	Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to	$	(100	)	$	75		$	(99	)	$	(219	)	$	243		$	(100	)
	controlling interest
	Nielsen N.V.
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-			Elimination			Consolidated
											Guarantor
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	803		$	686		$	—		$	1,489
	Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and		—			—			307			335			—			642
	amortization shown separately below
	Selling, general and administrative expenses,		—			—			248			241			—			489
	exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown
	separately below
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			110			31			—			141
	Restructuring charges		—			—			12			12			—			24
	Operating income		—			—			126			67			—			193
	Interest income		—			208			12			2			(221	)		1
	Interest expense		—			(73	)		(213	)		(12	)		221			(77	)
	Foreign currency exchange transaction		—			—			1			(28	)		—			(27	)
	income/(losses), net
	Other (expense)/income, net		—			—			(10	)		7			—			(3	)
	Income from continuing operations before income		—			135			(84	)		36			—			87
	taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of
	subsidiaries and affiliates
	Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		4			(47	)		21			(11	)		—			(33	)
	Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		54			(36	)		118			—			(136	)		—
	Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates		—			—			(1	)		2			—			1
	Net income		58			52			54			27			(136	)		55
	Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling		—			—			—			(3	)		—			(3	)
	interests
	Net income attributable to controlling interest		58			52			54			30			(136	)		58
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income		(3	)		(12	)		(3	)		5			10			(3	)
Total comprehensive income		55			40			51			32			(126	)		52
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling		—			—			—			(3	)		—			(3	)
interests
Total comprehensive income attributable to	$	55		$	40		$	51		$	35		$	(126	)	$	55
controlling interests
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited)	Nielsen N.V
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
	March 31, 2015
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-			Elimination			Consolidated
											Guarantor
	Assets:
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	30			—			74			239			—			343
	Trade and other receivables, net		1			—			539			628			—			1,168
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			9			391			154			—			554
	Intercompany receivables		1			440			139			179			(759	)		—
	Total current assets		32			449			1,143			1,200			(759	)		2,065
	Non-current assets
	Property, plant and equipment, net		—			—			337			175			—			512
	Goodwill		—			—			5,719			1,921			—			7,640
	Other intangible assets, net		—			—			4,375			362			—			4,737
	Deferred tax assets		1			—			24			42			—			67
	Other non-current assets		—			49			189			129			—			367
	Equity investment in subsidiaries		4,767			1,322			6,184			—			(12,273	)		—
	Intercompany loans		—			10,835			496			183			(11,514	)		—
	Total assets	$	4,800		$	12,655		$	18,467		$	4,012		$	(24,546	)	$	15,388
	Liabilities and equity:
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	13		$	98		$	314		$	433		$	—		$	858
	Deferred revenues		—			—			185			135			—			320
	Income tax liabilities		—			—			18			54			—			72
	Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease		—			98			89			1			—			188
	obligations and short-term borrowings
	Intercompany payables		7			—			622			130			(759	)		—
	Total current liabilities		20			196			1,228			753			(759	)		1,438
	Non-current liabilities
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			7,049			89			21			—			7,159
	Deferred tax liabilities		—			78			867			81			—			1,026
	Intercompany loans		10			61			10,948			495			(11,514	)		—
	Other non-current liabilities		2			7			568			345			—			922
	Total liabilities		32			7,391			13,700			1,695			(12,273	)		10.545
	Total stockholders’ equity		4,768			5,264			4,767			2,242			(12,273	)		4,768
	Noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			75			—			75
	Total equity		4,768			5,264			4,767			2,317			(12,273	)		4,843
	Total liabilities and equity	$	4,800		$	12,655		$	18,467		$	4,012		$	(24,546	)	$	15,388
	Nielsen N.V.
	Condensed 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		—			98			298			1			—			397
obligations and short-term borrowings
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
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)	Nielsen N.V.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-			Consolidated
											Guarantor
	Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	1		$	10		$	85		$	(21	)	$	75
	Investing activities:
	Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(190	)		(1	)		(191	)
	Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(29	)		(4	)		(33	)
	Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(63	)		(6	)		(69	)
	Other investing activities		—			—			2			—			2
	Net cash used in investing activities		—			—			(280	)		(11	)		(291	)
	Financing activities:
	Net repayments under revolving credit facility		—			—			(205	)		—			(205	)
	Repayments of debt		—			(25	)		—			—			(25	)
	Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs		—			746			—			—			746
	Cash dividends paid to stockholders		(90	)		—			—			—			(90	)
	Repurchase of common stock		(141	)		—			—			—			(141	)
	Activity under stock plans		7			—			(1	)		—			6
	Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		—			—			26			—			26
	Other financing activities		204			(732	)		504			21			(3	)
	Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities		(20	)		(11	)		324			21			314
	Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(4	)		(24	)		(28	)
	Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents		(19	)		(1	)		125			(35	)		70
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		49			1			(51	)		274			273
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	30		$	—		$	74		$	239		$	343
	Nielsen N.V.
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014
	(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Non-			Consolidated
											Guarantor
	Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	$	(2	)	$	178		$	(70	)	$	(16	)	$	90
	Investing activities:
	Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(114	)		(70	)		(184	)
	Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(10	)		(4	)		(14	)
	Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(59	)		(4	)		(63	)
	Other investing activities		6			—			(6	)		—			—
	Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		6			—			(189	)		(78	)		(261	)
	Financing activities:
	Net borrowings under revolving credit facility		—			—			30			—			30
	Repayments of debt		—			(23	)		—			(1	)		(24	)
	Cash dividends paid to stockholders		(74	)		—			—			—			(74	)
	Repurchase of common stock		(16	)											(16	)
	Activity under stock plans		12			—			—			(1	)		11
	Other financing activities		65			(155	)		54			34			(2	)
	Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities		(13	)		(178	)		84			32			(75	)
	Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			—			(17	)		(17	)
	Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(9	)		—			(175	)		(79	)		(263	)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		12			—			205			347			564
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3		$	—		$	30		$	268		$	301

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen2

Background and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Before devaluation of currency

After devaluation of currency

SICAD I Exchange Rate

SICAD II Exchange Rate

SIMADI Exchange Rate

SIMADI Exchange Rate

Luxco

Luxco

Nielsen's common stock

Segment

VEF

VEF

VEF

VEF

USD ($)

VEF

Country

Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]

Number of reportable segments

2

Number of countries in which entity operates

100

Percentage of owned shares

10.00%

15.00%

Common stock, shares issued

382,652,203

382,622,922

382,622,922

17,800,000

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

2,418,103

81,000

Foreign currency exchange rate

4.3

6.3

10.8

50

193

Foreign currency exchange transaction gains (losses)

($7)

($32)

($20)

($52)

Net monetary assets

$3

Business_Acquisitions_Addition

Business Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net of cash paid for acquisitions	$191	$184

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	$7,671
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	134
Effect of foreign currency translation	-165
Balance ending	7,640
Buy
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	3,014
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	5
Effect of foreign currency translation	-147
Balance ending	2,872
Watch
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	4,657
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	129
Effect of foreign currency translation	-18
Balance ending	$4,768

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill deductible for income tax purposes	$68
Amortization expense, intangible assets	100	97
Amortization expense, computer software	$54	$51

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$5,304	$5,180
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-2,488	-2,386
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	167	166
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-72	-68
Customer - related intangibles
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	2,967	2,938
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-1,097	-1,054
Covenants-not-to-compete
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	38	36
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-32	-30
Computer software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	2,027	1,935
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-1,208	-1,157
Patents and other
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	105	105
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	-79	-77
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles, Gross Amounts	$1,921	$1,921

Changes_in_and_Reclassificatio2

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax by Component (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	($777)	($387)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	-173	-7
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	7	4
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	-166	-3
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-3
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	-163	-3
Ending Balance	-940	-390
Currency Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-418	-124
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	-172	-8
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	-172
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-3
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	-169	-8
Ending Balance	-587	-132
Available-for-Sale Securities
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	19	9
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	3	2
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	3
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	3	2
Ending Balance	22	11
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-2	-5
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	-5	-2
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	2	2
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	-3
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	-3
Ending Balance	-5	-5
Post Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-376	-267
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	1	1
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	5	2
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	6
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	6	3
Ending Balance	($370)	($264)

Changes_in_and_Reclassificatio3

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component - Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	$38		$33
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	63		58
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	7		4
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate contracts
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	1		2
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate contracts | Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	3		4
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	2		2
Actuarial loss
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	1		1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Actuarial loss, before Tax	6	[1]	3	[1]
Actuarial loss | Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$5		$2
[1]	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Restructuring_Activities_Summa

Restructuring Activities - Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$72
Charges	14	24
Payments	-22
Non cash charges and other adjustments	-5
Ending Balance	$59

Restructuring_Activities_Addit

Restructuring Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring charges	$14	$24
Restructuring reserve	59		72
Restructuring actions for remaining liabilities, Current	$48

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Asset	$82		$76
Liabilities:
Liabilities	40		34
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Assets:
Asset			1
Liabilities:
Liabilities	10	[1]	6	[1]
Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	30	[2]	28	[2]
Investments in Equity Securities
Assets:
Asset	50	[3]	45	[3]
Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	30	[4]	28	[4]
Investment In Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	2	[5]	2	[5]
Level 1
Assets:
Asset	82		75
Liabilities:
Liabilities	30		28
Level 1 | Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	30	[2]	28	[2]
Level 1 | Investments in Equity Securities
Assets:
Asset	50	[3]	45	[3]
Level 1 | Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	30	[4]	28	[4]
Level 1 | Investment In Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	2	[5]	2	[5]
Level 2
Assets:
Asset			1
Liabilities:
Liabilities	10		6
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Assets:
Asset			1
Liabilities:
Liabilities	$10	[1]	$6	[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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014.
[4]	Plan assets are comprised of investments in mutual funds, which are intended to fund liabilities arising from deferred compensation plans. These investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as trading securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other expense, net.
[5]	Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ1

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense expected to be recognized in next twelve months	$8,000,000
Foreign Currency Exchange Contract
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments	2,000,000	0
Derivative financial instruments outstanding	$0		$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Outsta

Fair Value Measurements - Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
	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]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding	$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 Arrangements, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Account Payable And Other Current Liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Liabilities	$3	$4
Account Payable And Other Non Current Liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Liabilities	7	2
Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	$1

Fair_Value_Measurements_Deriva

Fair Value Measurements - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Detail) (Interest Rate Swap Arrangements, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of Loss Recognized in OCI Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$8	$4
Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$3	$4

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ2

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	4.00%	3.79%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$7,231	$6,744
Capital lease and other financing obligations, Carrying Amount	116	118
Total debt and other financing arrangements	7,347	6,862
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings	188	397
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	7,159	6,465
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	7,275	6,727
Senior secured credit facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	2.69%	2.65%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	3,489	3,758
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	3,480	3,731
Debenture Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	5.22%	5.23%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	3,733	2,978
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	3,786	2,988
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019 | Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,521	1,542
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,513	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	75	280
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	75	274
Senior Secured Term Loan Due 2017 | Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	496	497
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	496	493
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021 | Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,092	1,094
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,091	1,088
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	305	345
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	305	343
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	800	800
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	814	801
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	2,308	1,553
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	2,326	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	646	633
Other Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	9	8
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$9	$8

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ3

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

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2015

Jul. 31, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019

Senior Secured Term Loan Due 2017

Senior Secured Term Loan Due 2017

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021

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 2022

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021

Libor Based Variable Rate

Libor Based Variable Rate

Euro LIBOR or LIBOR Based Variable Rate

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

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument face value

$1,580

$1,580

$575

$500

$500

$1,100

$1,100

€ 286

€ 286

$800

$800

$750

$800

$750

$2,300

$1,550

$625

$625

Debt instrument, variable rate

2.18%

2.18%

2.43%

2.43%

3.18%

3.18%

2.99%

2.99%

Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage

4.50%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

5.50%

Debt instrument, maturity year

2019

2019

2019

2017

2017

2021

2021

2021

2021

2020

2022

2022

2022

2022

2021

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ4

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
For April 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015	$149
2016	123
2017	642
2018	212
2019	1,041
2020	814
Thereafter	4,250
Total	$7,231	$6,744

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Financ5

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022, USD $)	0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$750	$800	$750	$2,300	$1,550
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2022	2022	2022	2022

Stockholders_Equity_Common_Sto

Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Activity (Detail)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
Beginning of period			372,757,598	372,757,598
Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans				329,314
Repurchases of common stock	-772,189	-814,753	-1,611,203	-3,198,145
End of period	369,888,767			369,888,767

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 20, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Cumulative shares of treasury stock	12,763,436			12,763,436		9,865,324
Cost of treasury stock	$544			$544		$415
Dividends declared per common share				$0.25	$0.20
Cumulative shares repurchased	14,381,128			14,381,128		11,182,983
Average price of common stock purchased	$43.76	$43.90	$44.09	$42.96		$42.67
Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock	618			618
Maximum
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Cost of treasury stock								$1,000	$500
Subsequent Event
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Declaration Date							20-Apr-15
Dividends declared per common share							$0.28
Payment Date							18-Jun-15
Record Date							4-Jun-15

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Dividends Paid (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 20, 2014	1-May-14	Jul. 24, 2014	Oct. 30, 2014	Feb. 19, 2015
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividend Per Share	$0.25	$0.20
Installment One
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 Two
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 Three
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 Four
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	30-Oct-14
Record Date	25-Nov-14
Payment Date	9-Dec-14
Dividend Per Share						$0.25
Installment Five
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	19-Feb-15
Record Date	5-Mar-15
Payment Date	19-Mar-15
Dividend Per Share							$0.25

Stockholders_Equity_Open_Marke

Stockholders' Equity - Open Market Share Repurchases Activity (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Total Number of Shares Purchased, beginning balance			11,182,983	11,182,983
Number of Shares Purchased	772,189	814,753	1,611,203	3,198,145
Total Number of Shares Purchased, ending balance	14,381,128			14,381,128	11,182,983
Average price of common stock purchased	$43.76	$43.90	$44.09	$42.96	$42.67
Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Plans or Programs	$882,241,498	$916,031,448	$951,797,780	$882,241,498	$1,022,830,101
Publicly Announced Plans Or Programs
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Total Number of Shares Purchased, beginning balance			11,182,983	11,182,983
Number of Shares Purchased	772,189	814,753	1,611,203
Total Number of Shares Purchased, ending balance	14,381,128			14,381,128

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax [Line Items]
Effective tax rates	38.00%	38.00%
Liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits			$452
Scenario, Forecast
Income Tax [Line Items]
Liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits				$457

Segments_Additional_Informatio

Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

Segments_Business_Segment_Info

Segments - Business Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$1,458		$1,489
Depreciation and amortization	142		141
Restructuring charges	14		24
Stock-based compensation expense	14		12
Other items	11	[1]	6	[1]
Operating income/(loss)	199		193
Business segment income/(loss)	380	[2]	376	[2]
Total assets	15,388				15,376
Operating Segments | Buy
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	798		837
Depreciation and amortization	53		54
Restructuring charges	7		18
Stock-based compensation expense	5		6
Operating income/(loss)	45		40
Business segment income/(loss)	110	[2]	118	[2]
Total assets	6,522				6,869
Operating Segments | Watch
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	660		652
Depreciation and amortization	88		86
Restructuring charges	4		3
Stock-based compensation expense	2		4
Other items			1	[1]
Operating income/(loss)	184		173
Business segment income/(loss)	278	[2]	267	[2]
Total assets	8,431				8,156
Corporate, Non-Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	1		1
Restructuring charges	3		3
Stock-based compensation expense	7		2
Other items	11	[1]	5	[1]
Operating income/(loss)	-30		-20
Business segment income/(loss)	-8	[2]	-9	[2]
Total assets	$435				$351
[1]	Other items primarily consist of non-recurring costs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
[2]	The Company’s chief operating decision making group uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments.

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio2

Guarantor Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Ownership percentage in subsidiaries	100.00%

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio3

Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$1,458	$1,489
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	622	642
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	481	489
Depreciation and amortization	142	141
Restructuring charges	14	24
Operating income	199	193
Interest income	1	1
Interest expense	-73	-77
Foreign currency exchange transaction income/(expense), net	-26	-27
Other (expense)/income, net		-3
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	101	87
Provision for income taxes	-38	-33
Net income	63	55
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income	-166	-3
Total other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3
Total other comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interests	-163	-3
Total comprehensive (loss)/income	-103	52
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3	-3
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	-100	55
Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates		1
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		-3
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	63	58
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	1
Operating income	-1
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	-1
Provision for income taxes		4
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	64	54
Net income	63	58
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income	-163	-3
Total other comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interests	-163
Total comprehensive (loss)/income	-100	55
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	-100	55
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		58
Issuers
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest income	220	208
Interest expense	-68	-73
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	152	135
Provision for income taxes	-53	-47
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	-15	-36
Net income	84	52
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income	-9	-12
Total other comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interests	-9
Total comprehensive (loss)/income	75	40
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	75	40
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		52
Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	846	803
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	312	307
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	258	248
Depreciation and amortization	113	110
Restructuring charges	11	12
Operating income	152	126
Interest income	11	12
Interest expense	-224	-213
Foreign currency exchange transaction income/(expense), net	-11	1
Other (expense)/income, net	-8	-10
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	-80	-84
Provision for income taxes	35	21
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	109	118
Net income	64	54
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income	-163	-3
Total other comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interests	-163
Total comprehensive (loss)/income	-99	51
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	-99	51
Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates		-1
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		54
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	612	686
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	310	335
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	222	241
Depreciation and amortization	29	31
Restructuring charges	3	12
Operating income	48	67
Interest income	1	2
Interest expense	-12	-12
Foreign currency exchange transaction income/(expense), net	-15	-28
Other (expense)/income, net	8	7
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	30	36
Provision for income taxes	-20	-11
Net income	10	27
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income	-232	5
Total other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3
Total other comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interests	-229
Total comprehensive (loss)/income	-222	32
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3	-3
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	-219	35
Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates		2
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		-3
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		30
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest income	-231	-221
Interest expense	231	221
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	-158	-136
Net income	-158	-136
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income	401	10
Total other comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interests	401
Total comprehensive (loss)/income	243	-126
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	243	-126
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		($136)

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio4

Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited) (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$343	$273	$301	$564
Trade and other receivables, net	1,168	1,241
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	554	505
Total current assets	2,065	2,019
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	512	533
Goodwill	7,640	7,671
Other intangible assets, net	4,737	4,715
Deferred tax assets	67	83
Other non-current assets	367	355
Total assets	15,388	15,376
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	858	1,035
Deferred revenues	320	304
Income tax liabilities	72	62
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	188	397
Total current liabilities	1,438	1,798
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	7,159	6,465
Deferred tax liabilities	1,026	1,025
Other non-current liabilities	922	955
Total liabilities	10,545	10,243
Total stockholders’ equity	4,768	5,056
Noncontrolling interests	75	77
Total equity	4,843	5,133
Total liabilities and equity	15,388	15,376
Parent
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	30	49	3	12
Trade and other receivables, net	1	1
Intercompany receivables	1	1
Total current assets	32	51
Non-current assets
Deferred tax assets	1	1
Equity investment in subsidiaries	4,767	5,017
Total assets	4,800	5,069
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	13	10
Income tax liabilities		1
Intercompany payables	7
Total current liabilities	20	11
Non-current liabilities
Intercompany loans	10
Other non-current liabilities	2	2
Total liabilities	32	13
Total stockholders’ equity	4,768	5,056
Total equity	4,768	5,056
Total liabilities and equity	4,800	5,069
Issuers
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9	8
Intercompany receivables	440	228
Total current assets	449	237
Non-current assets
Other non-current assets	49	44
Equity investment in subsidiaries	1,322	1,124
Intercompany loans	10,835
Intercompany receivables		10,493
Total assets	12,655	11,898
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	98	44
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	98	98
Total current liabilities	196	142
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	7,049	6,358
Deferred tax liabilities	78	74
Intercompany loans	61	61
Other non-current liabilities	7	2
Total liabilities	7,391	6,637
Total stockholders’ equity	5,264	5,261
Total equity	5,264	5,261
Total liabilities and equity	12,655	11,898
Guarantor
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	74	-51	30	205
Trade and other receivables, net	539	526
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	391	339
Intercompany receivables	139	141
Total current assets	1,143	955
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	337	335
Goodwill	5,719	5,588
Other intangible assets, net	4,375	4,318
Deferred tax assets	24	25
Other non-current assets	189	171
Equity investment in subsidiaries	6,184	6,548
Intercompany loans	496
Intercompany receivables		560
Total assets	18,467	18,500
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	314	418
Deferred revenues	185	159
Income tax liabilities	18	18
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	89	298
Intercompany payables	622	428
Total current liabilities	1,228	1,321
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	89	87
Deferred tax liabilities	867	895
Intercompany loans	10,948	10,613
Other non-current liabilities	568	567
Total liabilities	13,700	13,483
Total stockholders’ equity	4,767	5,017
Total equity	4,767	5,017
Total liabilities and equity	18,467	18,500
Non-Guarantor
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	239	274	268	347
Trade and other receivables, net	628	714
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	154	158
Intercompany receivables	179	190
Total current assets	1,200	1,336
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	175	198
Goodwill	1,921	2,083
Other intangible assets, net	362	397
Deferred tax assets	42	57
Other non-current assets	129	140
Intercompany loans	183
Intercompany receivables		191
Total assets	4,012	4,402
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	433	563
Deferred revenues	135	145
Income tax liabilities	54	43
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	1	1
Intercompany payables	130	132
Total current liabilities	753	884
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	21	20
Deferred tax liabilities	81	56
Intercompany loans	495	570
Other non-current liabilities	345	384
Total liabilities	1,695	1,914
Total stockholders’ equity	2,242	2,411
Noncontrolling interests	75	77
Total equity	2,317	2,488
Total liabilities and equity	4,012	4,402
Eliminations
Current assets
Intercompany receivables	-759	-560
Total current assets	-759	-560
Non-current assets
Equity investment in subsidiaries	-12,273	-12,689
Intercompany loans	-11,514
Intercompany receivables		-11,244
Total assets	-24,546	-24,493
Current liabilities
Intercompany payables	-759	-560
Total current liabilities	-759	-560
Non-current liabilities
Intercompany loans	-11,514	-11,244
Total liabilities	-12,273	-11,804
Total stockholders’ equity	-12,273	-12,689
Total equity	-12,273	-12,689
Total liabilities and equity	($24,546)	($24,493)

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio5

Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$75	$90
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	-191	-184
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	-33	-14
Additions to intangible assets	-69	-63
Other investing activities	2
Net cash used in investing activities	-291	-261
Financing Activities
Net (payments)/borrowings under revolving credit facility	-205	30
Repayment of debt	-25	-24
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	746
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	-90	-74
Repurchase of common stock	-141	-16
Activity under stock plans	6	11
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	26
Other financing activities	-3	-2
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	314	-75
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-28	-17
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	70	-263
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	273	564
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	343	301
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	1	-2
Investing Activities
Other investing activities		6
Net cash used in investing activities		6
Financing Activities
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	-90	-74
Repurchase of common stock	-141	-16
Activity under stock plans	7	12
Other financing activities	204	65
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-20	-13
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-19	-9
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	49	12
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	30	3
Issuers
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	10	178
Financing Activities
Repayment of debt	-25	-23
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	746
Other financing activities	-732	-155
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-11	-178
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1
Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	85	-70
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	-190	-114
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	-29	-10
Additions to intangible assets	-63	-59
Other investing activities	2	-6
Net cash used in investing activities	-280	-189
Financing Activities
Net (payments)/borrowings under revolving credit facility	-205	30
Activity under stock plans	-1
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	26
Other financing activities	504	54
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	324	84
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-4
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	125	-175
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	-51	205
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	74	30
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	-21	-16
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	-1	-70
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	-4	-4
Additions to intangible assets	-6	-4
Net cash used in investing activities	-11	-78
Financing Activities
Repayment of debt		-1
Activity under stock plans		-1
Other financing activities	21	34
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	21	32
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-24	-17
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-35	-79
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	274	347
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$239	$268