Nielsen (NLSN) 10-K 19 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	NLSNNV
Entity Registrant Name	Nielsen Holdings plc
Entity Central Index Key	1,492,633
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		361,878,969
Entity Public Float			$ 16,034

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	[1]	$ 6,172	$ 6,288	$ 5,703
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		2,539	2,620	2,398
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		1,915	1,917	1,815
Depreciation and amortization		574	573	510
Restructuring charges		51	89	119
Operating income		1,093	1,089	861
Interest income		4	3	2
Interest expense		(311)	(300)	(309)
Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net		(31)	(71)	(25)
Other income/(expense), net		206	(100)	(9)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates		961	621	520
Provision for income taxes		(383)	(236)	(91)
Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates		(3)	(4)	2
Income from continuing operations		575	381	431
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax				305
Net income		575	381	736
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		5	(3)	(4)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 570	$ 384	$ 740
Net income per share of common stock, basic
Income from continuing operations		$ 1.55	$ 1.01	$ 1.16
Discontinued operations, net of tax				0.81
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		1.55	1.01	1.97
Net income per share of common stock, diluted
Income from continuing operations		1.54	1	1.14
Discontinued operations, net of tax				0.80
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 1.54	$ 1	$ 1.94
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic		366,996,788	379,333,037	375,797,629
Dilutive shares of common stock		3,961,016	5,038,415	5,130,337
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted		370,957,804	384,371,452	380,927,966
Dividends declared per common share		$ 1.09	$ 0.95	$ 0.72
[1]	Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 575	$ 381	$ 736
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(357)	(301)	(99)
Available for sale securities	[1]	(19)	10	9
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	(1)	3	8
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[3]	87	(109)	30
Total other comprehensive loss		(290)	(397)	(52)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		285	(16)	684
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(3)	(10)	(2)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 288	$ (6)	$ 686
[1]	Net of tax of $13 million, $(7) million and $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively.
[2]	Net of tax of $1 million, $(2) million and $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively.
[3]	Net of tax of $(10) million, $32 million and $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively.

Consolidated Statements of Com4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities, tax	$ 13	$ (7)	$ 6
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, tax	1	(2)	5
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, tax	$ (10)	$ 32	$ 18

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 357	$ 273
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $26 and $29 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	1,235	1,241
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	316	497
Total current assets	1,908	2,011
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	490	533
Goodwill	7,783	7,671
Other intangible assets, net	4,772	4,715
Deferred tax assets	78	83
Other non-current assets	272	313
Total assets	15,303	15,326
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,013	1,035
Deferred revenues	322	304
Income tax liabilities	42	62
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	310	393
Total current liabilities	1,687	1,794
Non-current liabilities—
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	7,028	6,419
Deferred tax liabilities	1,074	1,025
Other non-current liabilities	887	955
Total liabilities	$ 10,676	$ 10,193
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Nielsen stockholders’ equity
Common stock, €0.07 par value, 1,185,800,000 and 1,185,800,000 shares authorized; 362,338,369 and 382,622,922 shares issued and 362,338,369 and 372,757,598 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	$ 32	$ 32
Additional paid-in capital	5,119	6,344
Treasury stock, at cost		(415)
Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit)	341	(128)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(1,059)	(777)
Total Nielsen stockholders’ equity	4,433	5,056
Noncontrolling interests	194	77
Total equity	4,627	5,133
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,303	$ 15,326

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade and other receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns | $	$ 26	$ 29
Common stock, shares authorized	1,185,800,000	1,185,800,000
Common stock, shares issued	362,338,369	382,622,922
Common stock, shares outstanding	362,338,369	372,757,598

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 575	$ 381	$ 736
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation expense	48	47	47
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(30)
Gain on sale of discontinued operations			(290)
Deferred income taxes	213	105	(107)
Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other (gains)/losses	(167)	174	40
Equity in net loss/(income) of affiliates, net of dividends received	4	5	2
Depreciation and amortization	574	573	521
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and divested:
Trade and other receivables, net	(35)	(93)	(84)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(63)	(76)	21
Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues	36	(4)	(55)
Other non-current liabilities	(2)	(2)	(6)
Interest payable	15	6	13
Income taxes	11	(23)	63
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,179	1,093	901
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(246)	(314)	(1,249)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	30	(6)	935
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(134)	(163)	(130)
Additions to intangible assets	(274)	(249)	(244)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	7
Other investing activities	36		1
Net cash used in investing activities	(581)	(732)	(687)
Financing Activities
Net (payments)/borrowings under revolving credit facility	(116)	280
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	746	4,544	2,485
Repayment of debt	(98)	(4,598)	(2,171)
Decrease in other short-term borrowings			(5)
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	(408)	(356)	(265)
Repurchase of common stock	(667)	(466)	(11)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	72	103	85
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	30
Other financing activities	(21)	(92)	(35)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(462)	(585)	83
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(52)	(67)	(21)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	84	(291)	276
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	273	564	288
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	357	273	564
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	(159)	(154)	(147)
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	$ (296)	$ (294)	$ (304)

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total		Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Currency Translation Adjustments	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Available-for-Sale Securities	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Cash Flow Hedges	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Post Employment Benefits	Total Nielsen Stockholders’ Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 4,978		$ 30	$ (4)	$ 6,489	$ (1,252)	$ (23)		$ (13)	$ (297)	$ 4,930	$ 48
Net income	736					740					740	(4)
Currency translation adjustments	(99)						(101)				(101)	2
Unrealized loss on pension liability, net of tax	30	[1]								30	30
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	9							$ 9			9
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	8	[2]							8		8
(Divestiture)/acquisition of an interest in a consolidated subsidiary	2				(29)						(29)	31
Noncontrolling interest in a newly consolidated subsidiary	1											1
Dividends to stockholders	(271)				(271)						(271)
Shares of common stock issued in business combinations	3			2	1						3
Exercise of stock options	86		1		85						86
Repurchase of common stock	(11)			(11)							(11)
Stock-based compensation expense	47				47						47
Conversion of mandatorily convertible bonds to shares	288		1		287						288
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	5,807		32	(13)	6,609	(512)	(124)	9	(5)	(267)	5,729	78
Net income	381					384					384	(3)
Currency translation adjustments	(301)						(294)				(294)	(7)
Unrealized loss on pension liability, net of tax	(109)	[1]								(109)	(109)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	10							10			10
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	3	[2]							3		3
(Divestiture)/acquisition of an interest in a consolidated subsidiary	(1)											(1)
Noncontrolling interest in a newly consolidated subsidiary	11											11
Dividends to stockholders	(360)				(359)						(359)	(1)
Shares of common stock issued in business combinations	3			1	2						3
Exercise of stock options	108			63	45						108
Repurchase of common stock	(466)			(466)							(466)
Stock-based compensation expense	47				47						47
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	5,133		32	(415)	6,344	(128)	(418)	19	(2)	(376)	5,056	77
Net income	575					570					570	5
Currency translation adjustments	(357)						(349)				(349)	(8)
Unrealized loss on pension liability, net of tax	87	[1]								87	87
Realized gain on available for sale securities, net of tax	(19)							$ (19)			(19)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(1)	[2]							(1)		(1)
Capital contribution by non-controlling partner	3											3
(Divestiture)/acquisition of an interest in a consolidated subsidiary	116				(1)						(1)	117
Dividends to stockholders	(398)				(297)	(101)					(398)
Shares of common stock issued in business combinations	2				2						2
Exercise of stock options	75			78	(3)						75
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation	30				30						30
Repurchase of common stock	(667)			(467)	(200)						(667)
Equity conversion				$ 804	(804)
Stock-based compensation expense	48				48						48
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 4,627		$ 32		$ 5,119	$ 341	$ (767)		$ (3)	$ (289)	$ 4,433	$ 194
[1]	Net of tax of $(10) million, $32 million and $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively.
[2]	Net of tax of $1 million, $(2) million and $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively.

Consolidated Statements of Cha9

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Unrealized loss on pension liability, tax	$ (10)	$ 32	$ 18
Unrealized gain on available for sale security, tax		(7)	6
Cash flow hedges, tax	1	$ (2)	$ 5
Realized gain on available for sale securities, net of tax	$ 13

Description of Business, Basis

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	1. Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies On May 17, 2006, Nielsen Holdings plc (the “Company” or “Nielsen”), formerly known as Nielsen N.V., Nielsen Holdings N.V., Valcon Acquisition Holding B.V. and Nielsen Holdings B.V., was purchased by a consortium of private equity firms (collectively, the “Sponsors”), as a subsidiary of Valcon Acquisition Holding (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l. (“Luxco”). On May 24, 2006, the Nielsen Company B.V. (“TNC B.V.”) (formerly VNU Group B.V. and VNU N.V.) was acquired through a tender offer to stockholders by Valcon Acquisition B.V. (“Valcon”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (herein referred to as the “Valcon Acquisition”). On January 31, 2011, Nielsen completed an initial public offering of 82,142,858 shares of its €0.07 par value common stock at a price of $23.00 per share. Nielsen’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is traded under the symbol “NLSN.” As of December 31, 2015, the Sponsors that held equity interests in Nielsen at the time of the January 2011 initial public offering had disposed of such interests. On August 31, 2015, Nielsen N.V., a Dutch public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, merged with Nielsen Holdings plc, by way of a cross-border merger under the European Cross-Border Merger Directive, with Nielsen Holdings plc being the surviving company (the “Merger”). The Merger effectively changed the place of incorporation of Nielsen’s publically traded parent holding company from the Netherlands to England and Wales, with no changes made to the business being conducted by Nielsen prior to the Merger. Due to the fact that the Merger was a business combination between entities under common control, the exchange of assets and liabilities were made at carrying value. Therefore, there were no direct accounting implications in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Nielsen, together with its subsidiaries, is a leading global information and measurement company that provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of consumers and consumer behavior. Nielsen is aligned into two reportable segments: what consumers buy (“Buy”), what consumers watch and listen to (“Watch”). Nielsen has a presence in more than 100 countries, with its headquarters located in Oxford, the United Kingdom and New York, USA. See Note 17 – “Segments” for a discussion of the Company’s reportable segments. The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share and per share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. Supplemental cash flows from discontinued operations are presented in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements “Discontinued Operations.” The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2015 for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided. Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries are reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements with disclosure on the face of the consolidated statements of operations of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders and to the noncontrolling interests. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliates and joint ventures where Nielsen has significant influence but not control, usually supported by a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in which Nielsen owns less than 20% and does not have significant influence are accounted for either as available-for-sale securities if the shares are publicly traded or as cost method investments. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation. Foreign Currency Translation Nielsen has significant investments outside the United States, primarily in the Euro-zone, Canada and the United Kingdom. Therefore, changes in the value of foreign currencies affect the consolidated financial statements when translated into U.S. Dollars. The functional currency for substantially all subsidiaries outside the U.S. is the local currency. Financial statements for these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars at period-end exchange rates as to the assets and liabilities and monthly average exchange rates as to revenues, expenses and cash flows. For these countries, currency translation adjustments are recognized in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net, whereas transaction gains and losses are recognized in foreign exchange transaction (losses)/gains, net in the consolidated statement of operations. Nielsen has operations in both the Buy and Watch segments in Venezuela and the functional currency for these operations was the Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes (“bolivars”). 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. Since early 2013, 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 bolivars into U.S. Dollars in its financial statements, resulting in foreign currency exchange transaction losses in the 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 bolivars to the U.S. dollar 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, Nielsen recorded a pre-tax charge of $32 million for the fourth quarter 2014 and 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 December 31, 2015, the SIMADI exchange rate was 198.7 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. As a result of this change, Nielsen has recorded a pre-tax charge of $8 million during the year ended December 31, 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 December 31, 2015 SIMADI rate totaled $3 million. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Research and Development Costs Research and development costs, which were not material for any periods presented, are expensed as incurred. Revenue Recognition Nielsen recognizes revenues when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered or information has been delivered, the fee is fixed or determinable and the collectability of the related revenue is reasonably assured. A significant portion of the Company’s revenue is generated from information (primarily retail measurement and consumer panel services) and measurement (primarily from television, radio, online and mobile audiences) services. The Company generally recognizes revenue from the sale of services as the services are performed, which is usually ratably over the term of the contract(s). Invoiced amounts are recorded as deferred revenue until earned. Substantially all of the Company’s customer contracts are non-cancellable and non-refundable. Certain of the Company’s revenue arrangements include multiple deliverables and in these arrangements, the individual deliverables within the contract that have stand-alone value to the customer are separated and recognized upon delivery based upon the Company’s best estimate of their selling prices. These arrangements are not significant to the Company’s results of operations. In certain cases, software is included as part of these arrangements to allow Nielsen’s customers to view delivered information and is provided for the term of the arrangement and is not significant to the marketing effort and is not sold separately. Accordingly, software provided to Nielsen’s customers is considered to be incidental to the arrangements and is not recognized as a separate element. A discussion of Nielsen’s revenue recognition policies, by segment, follows: Buy Revenue from the Buy segment, primarily from retail measurement services and consumer panel services is recognized over the period during which the services are performed and information is delivered to the customer, primarily on a straight-line basis. The Company provides insights and solutions to customers through analytical studies that are recognized into revenue as value is delivered to the customer. The pattern of revenue recognition for these contracts varies depending on the terms of the individual contracts, and may be recognized proportionally or deferred until the end of the contract term and recognized when the information has been delivered to the customer. Watch Revenue from the Watch segment is primarily generated from television, radio, online and mobile measurement services and recognized over the contract period, as the service is delivered to the customer, primarily on a straight-line basis. Deferred Costs Incremental direct costs incurred related to establishing or significantly expanding a panel in a designated market and costs incurred to build the infrastructure to service new clients, are deferred at the point when Nielsen determines them to be recoverable. Prior to this point, these cost are expensed as incurred. These deferred costs are typically amortized through cost of revenues over the original contract period beginning when the panel or infrastructure to service new clients is ready for its intended use. Advertising and Marketing Costs Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred and are reflected as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. These costs include all brand advertising, telemarketing, direct mail and other sales promotion associated with marketing/media research services. Advertising and marketing costs totaled $19 million, for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Computation of Net Income per Share Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares of common stock primarily consist of employee stock options and restricted stock. Employee stock options, restricted stock and similar equity instruments granted by the Company are treated as potential common stock outstanding in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted stock outstanding include restricted stock units and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options which is calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible for tax purposes are assumed to be used to repurchase stock. The two-class method is an earnings allocation method for computing earnings/(loss) per share when a company’s capital structure includes either two or more classes of common stock or common stock and participating securities. This method determines earnings/(loss) per share based on dividends declared on common stock and participating securities (i.e., distributed earnings), as well as participation rights of participating securities in any undistributed earnings. The two-class method did not have a significant impact on the calculation or presentation of earnings per share for any of the periods presented. The effect of 1,593,807, 2,437,100 and 2,433,400 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive. Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Comprehensive income/(loss) is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) and consists of net income and other gains and losses, net of tax affecting equity that are excluded from net income. Accounts Receivable During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold $50 million of accounts receivables to a third party and recorded an immaterial loss on the sale to interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. The sale was accounted for as a true sale, without recourse. We maintain servicing responsibilities of the receivables, for which the related costs are not significant. The proceeds of $50 million from the sale were reported as a component of the changes in trade and other receivables, net within operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Other Significant Accounting Policies The following table includes other significant accounting policies that are described in other notes to the financial statements, including the related note: Significant Accounting Policy Note Investments 8 Financial Instruments 8 Derivative Financial Instruments 8 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 5 Property, Plant and Equipment 7 Impairment of Long-Lived Assets 5&7 Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits 10 Stock-Based Compensation 13 Income Taxes 14

Summary of Recent Accounting Pr

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	2. Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements Consolidation In Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued an ASU, “ ”. changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the ASU, an entity presents such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Income Taxes In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, requiring all deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any related valuation allowance, to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The classification change for all deferred taxes as noncurrent simplifies entities’ processes as it eliminates the need to separately identify the net current and net noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability in each jurisdiction and allocate valuation allowances. Nielsen elected to prospectively adopt the accounting standard as of December 31, 2015, resulting in a reclassification of Nielsen’s current deferred tax assets and liabilities to the non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities in Nielsen’s consolidated balance sheet. . Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The new model will require revenue recognition to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services and shall be applied retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The FASB has approved a one year deferral of this standard and is now effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Nielsen is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Business Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions	3. Business Acquisitions Arbitron Inc. On September 30, 2013 (the “Acquisition Date”), Nielsen completed the acquisition of Arbitron Inc., an international media and marketing research firm (“Arbitron”), through the purchase of 100% of Arbitron’s outstanding common stock for a total cash purchase price of $1.3 billion (the “Acquisition”). Arbitron has helped Nielsen better address client needs in unmeasured areas of media consumption, including streaming audio and out-of-home and Nielsen’s global distribution footprint has helped expand Arbitron’s capabilities outside of the U.S. With Arbitron’s assets, Nielsen has further expanded its Watch segment’s audience measurement across screens and forms of listening. Arbitron has been rebranded Nielsen Audio. As a part of the Acquisition, Nielsen acquired the remaining 49.5% interest in Scarborough Research, a joint venture between Nielsen and Arbitron (“Scarborough”) that Nielsen historically accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Nielsen accounted for this transaction as a step-acquisition and calculated the fair value of its investment immediately before the acquisition to be $75 million. As a result, during the third quarter of 2013, Nielsen recorded a $24 million gain on its investment in Scarborough to other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. As of October 1, 2013, the financial results of Scarborough were included within the consolidated financial statements of Nielsen. The Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires, among other things, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Since the date of the acquisition occurred on the last day of the quarter, the results of Arbitron were included within Company’s consolidated financial statements commencing October 1, 2013. The Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes $134 million of revenues related to the Arbitron acquisition. The purchase price was allocated based upon the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation: (IN MILLIONS) Fair value of business combination: Cash paid for Arbitron common stock $ 1,296 Accrued payment for directors’ and employees’ equity awards pertaining to pre-merger service 42 Accrued dividend payment on Arbitron common stock 3 Fair value of previously held equity interest in Scarborough 75 Total $ 1,416 Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Cash $ 136 Other current assets 129 Property and equipment 32 Goodwill 947 Amortizable intangible assets 472 Other long term assets 2 Deferred revenue (47 ) Other current liabilities (53 ) Deferred tax liabilities (184 ) Other long term liabilities (18 ) Total $ 1,416 As of the Acquisition Date, the expected fair value of accounts receivable approximated historical cost. The gross contractual receivable was $64 million, of which $4 million was deemed uncollectible. The allocation of the purchase price to goodwill and identified intangible assets was $947 million and $472 million, respectively. All of the Arbitron related goodwill and intangible assets are attributable to the Nielsen’s Watch segment. Intangible assets and their estimated useful lives consist of the following: (IN MILLIONS) Description Amount Useful Life Customer –related intangibles $ 271 10 – 15 years Computer software 159 5 – 10 years Trade names and trademarks 31 3 – 5 years Covenants-not-to-compete 11 1 – 2 years Total $ 472 Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents expected synergies and the going concern nature of Arbitron. The Company incurred acquisition related expenses of $19 million and $9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which primarily consisted of transaction fees, legal, accounting and other professional services that are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statement of operations. The following unaudited pro forma information presents the consolidated results of operations of the Company and Arbitron for the year ended December 31, 2013 as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013, with pro forma adjustments to give effect to amortization of intangible assets, an increase in interest expense from acquisition financing, and certain other adjustments: (IN MILLIONS) 2013 Revenues $ 6,058 Income from continuing operations $ 497 The unaudited pro forma results do not reflect any synergies and are not necessarily indicative of the results that the Company would have attained had the acquisition of Arbitron been completed as of the beginning of the reporting period. Other Acquisitions For the year ended December 31, 2015, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $246 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Included in this amount is $45 million for an additional 13.5% interest in Nielsen Catalina Solutions (“NCS”), a joint venture between us and Catalina that we historically accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As part of this transaction Nielsen gained control of NCS and, as such accounted for it as a step-acquisition and calculated the fair value of the investment immediately before the acquisition to be $161 million. The fair value of the investment was calculated by an income approach using a discounted cash flow analysis, which requires the use of various assumptions, including expectations of future cash flows, growth rates, discount rates and tax rates in developing the present value of future cash flows. As a result, during the fourth quarter of 2015, Nielsen recorded a $158 million gain on the investment in NCS to other income, net in the consolidated statement of operations. Commencing October 1, 2015, NCS was reflected as a consolidated subsidiary within Nielsen’s consolidated financial statements. For the year ended December 31, 2014, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $314 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had that period’s acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2014, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material. For the year ended December 31, 2013, excluding Arbitron, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $43 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had that period’s acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2013, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

Discontinued Operations and Oth

Discontinued Operations and Other Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations and Other Dispositions	4. Discontinued Operations and Other Dispositions In November 2015, Nielsen completed the sale of the National Research Group, Inc., a leader in providing market research to movie studios within our Watch segment, for total cash consideration of $34 million and recorded an $18 million gain on the sale to other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. The disposition did not qualify to be classified as discontinued operations. In February 2014, Nielsen completed the acquisition of Harris Interactive, Inc., a leading global market research firm, through the purchase of all outstanding shares of Harris Interactive’s common stock for $2.04 per share. In June 2014, the Company completed the sale of Harris Interactive European operations (“Harris Europe”) to ITWP Acquisitions Limited (“ITWP”), the parent company of Toluna, a leading digital market research and technology company in exchange for a minority stake in ITWP. The consolidated statements of operations reflect the operating results of Harris Europe as a discontinued operation. In June 2013, the Company completed the sale of its Expositions business, which operates one of the largest portfolios of business-to-business trade shows and conference events in the United States, for total cash consideration of $950 million and recorded a gain of $290 million, net of tax. The consolidated statements of operations reflect the operating results of this business as a discontinued operation. In March 2013, Nielsen completed the exit and shut down of one of its legacy online businesses and recorded a net loss of $3 million associated with this exit. The consolidated statements of operations reflect the operating results of this business as a discontinued operation. Summarized results of operations for discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Revenue $ — $ 15 $ 103 Operating income — — 35 Interest expense — — (8 ) Income from operations before income taxes — — 27 Provision for income taxes — — (12 ) Income from operations — — 15 Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — Gain on sale, net of tax — — 290 Income from discontinued operations $ — $ — $ 305 Nielsen allocated a portion of its consolidated interest expense to discontinued operations based upon the ratio of net assets sold as a proportion of consolidated net assets. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, interest expense of zero, zero and $8 million, respectively was allocated to discontinued operations. Following are the major categories of cash flows from discontinued operations, as included in Nielsen’s consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Net cash provided by operating activities $ — $ — $ 36 Net cash provided by investing activities — — — Net cash provided by financing activities — — — $ — $ — $ 36

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of certain trade names and trademarks, are each tested for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such asset may not be recoverable. Nielsen has designated October 1 st A discounted cash flow analysis requires the use of various assumptions, including expectations of future cash flows, growth rates, discount rates and tax rates in developing the present value of future cash flow projections. The market-based approach utilizes available market comparisons such as indicative industry multiples that are applied to current year revenue and earnings as well as recent comparable transactions. The impairment test for other indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The estimates of fair value of trade names and trademarks are determined using a “relief from royalty” discounted cash flow valuation methodology. Significant assumptions inherent in this methodology include estimates of royalty rates and discount rates. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the respective intangible assets. Assumptions about royalty rates are based on the rates at which comparable trade names and trademarks are being licensed in the marketplace. There was no impairment noted in any period presented with respect to the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets. Nielsen is required to assess whether the value of the Company’s amortizable intangible assets have been impaired whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Nielsen does not perform a periodic assessment of assets for impairment in the absence of such information or indicators. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by comparing the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be derived from an asset (or a group of assets) to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the asset (or the group of assets) exceeds the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is considered to exist. If impairment is considered to exist based on undiscounted cash flows, the impairment charge is measured using an estimation of the assets’ fair value, typically using a discounted cash flow method. The identification of impairment indicators, the estimation of future cash flows and the determination of fair values for assets (or groups of assets) requires Nielsen to make significant judgments concerning the identification and validation of impairment indicators, expected cash flows and applicable discount rates. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and our assessments change. There was no impairment noted in any period presented with respect to the Company’s amortizable intangible assets. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated impairments losses, if any. The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. (IN MILLIONS) Buy Watch Total Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 3,005 $ 4,679 $ 7,684 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments 202 4 206 Effect of foreign currency translation (193 ) (26 ) (219 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 3,014 $ 4,657 $ 7,671 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments 4 361 365 Effect of foreign currency translation (229 ) (24 ) (253 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 2,789 $ 4,994 $ 7,783 Cumulative Impairments $ - $ 376 $ 376 At December 31, 2015, $62 million of goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Other Intangible Assets Intangible assets with finite lives are stated at historical cost, less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. These intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives, which are reviewed annually. Nielsen has purchased and internally developed software to facilitate its global information processing, financial reporting and client access needs. Costs that are related to the conceptual formulation and design of software programs are expensed as incurred. Costs that are incurred to produce the finished product after technological feasibility has been established are capitalized as an intangible asset and are amortized over the estimated useful life. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of software may not be recovered, a recoverability analysis is performed based on estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the software in the future. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from the future cash flows, the software cost is written down to estimate fair value and an impairment is recognized. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and as our assessments change. The table below summarizes the carrying value of such intangible assets and their estimated useful lives: Gross Amounts Accumulated Amortization Estimated Weighted December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) Useful Lives Average 2015 2014 2015 2014 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names and trademarks $ 1,921 $ 1,921 $ - $ - Amortized intangibles: Trade names and trademarks 5-20 years 14 years 167 166 (84 ) (68 ) Customer-related intangibles 6-25 years 21 years 3,013 2,938 (1,193 ) (1,054 ) Covenants-not-to-compete 1-7 years 3 years 37 36 (35 ) (30 ) Computer software 3-10 years 5 years 1,919 1,935 (1,055 ) (1,157 ) Patents and other 3-10 years 6 years 168 105 (86 ) (77 ) Total $ 5,304 $ 5,180 $ (2,453 ) $ (2,386 ) The amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $408 million, $404 million and $324 million, respectively. These amounts include amortization expense associated with computer software of $219 million, $217 million and $171 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Certain of the trade names associated with Nielsen are deemed indefinite-lived intangible assets, as their associated Nielsen brand awareness and recognition has existed for over 50 years and the Company intends to continue to utilize these trade names. There are also no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that may limit their estimated useful lives. Nielsen reconsiders the remaining estimated useful life of indefinite-lived intangible assets each reporting period. The Company’s 2015, 2014 and 2013 annual assessments did not result in an impairment for any of its underlying reporting units or indefinite-lived intangible assets. All other intangible assets are subject to amortization. Future amortization expense is estimated to be as follows: (IN MILLIONS) For the year ending December 31: 2016 $ 429 2017 397 2018 353 2019 269 2020 238 Thereafter 1,165 Total $ 2,851

Changes in and Reclassification

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component	6. Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component The table below summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Currency Available- Translation for-Sale Post Employment (IN MILLIONS) Adjustments Securities Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total Balance December 31, 2014 $ (418 ) $ 19 $ (2 ) $ (376 ) $ (777 ) Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications (357 ) — (8 ) 60 (305 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income — (19 ) 7 27 15 Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income (357 ) (19 ) (1 ) 87 (290 ) Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (8 ) — — — (8 ) Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders (349 ) (19 ) (1 ) 87 (282 ) Balance December 31, 2015 $ (767 ) $ — $ (3 ) $ (289 ) $ (1,059 ) Currency Available- Translation for-Sale Post Employment (IN MILLIONS) Adjustments Securities Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total Balance December 31, 2013 $ (124 ) $ 9 $ (5 ) $ (267 ) $ (387 ) Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications (301 ) 10 (6 ) (123 ) (420 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income — — 9 14 23 Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income (301 ) 10 3 (109 ) (397 ) Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (7 ) — — — (7 ) Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders (294 ) 10 3 (109 ) (390 ) Balance December 31, 2014 $ (418 ) $ 19 $ (2 ) $ (376 ) $ (777 ) The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive Loss Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the Year Ended December 31, Consolidated Income components 2015 2014 Statement of Operations Available for sale securities $ (32 ) $ — Other income 13 — Provision for income taxes $ (19 ) $ — Total, net of tax Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ 12 $ 15 Interest expense (5 ) (6 ) Benefit for income taxes $ 7 $ 9 Total, net of tax Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits Actuarial loss $ 37 $ 19 (a) (10 ) (5 ) Benefit for income taxes $ 27 $ 14 Total, net of tax Total reclassification for the period $ 15 $ 23 Net of tax (a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	7. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives. Nielsen is required to assess whether the value of our long-lived assets, including the Company’s buildings, improvements, technical and other equipment have been impaired whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Nielsen does not perform a periodic assessment of assets for impairment in the absence of such information or indicators. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by comparing the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be derived from an asset (or a group of assets) to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the asset (or the group of assets) exceeds the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is considered to exist. If impairment is considered to exist based on undiscounted cash flows, the impairment charge is measured using an estimation of the assets’ fair value, typically using a discounted cash flow method. The identification of impairment indicators, the estimation of future cash flows and the determination of fair values for assets (or groups of assets) requires Nielsen to make significant judgments concerning the identification and validation of impairment indicators, expected cash flows and applicable discount rates. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and our assessments change. There was no impairment noted in any period presented with respect to the Company’s finite long-lived assets. The following tables summaries the carrying value of our property, plant and equipment including the associated useful lives: Estimated December 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) Useful Life 2015 2014 Land and buildings 25-50 years $ 337 $ 352 Information and communication equipment 3-10 years 825 908 Furniture, equipment and other 3-10 years 108 119 1,270 1,379 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (780 ) (846 ) $ 490 $ 533 Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations related to property, plant and equipment was $160 million, $162 million and $169 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The above amounts include amortization expense on assets under capital leases and other financing obligations of $23 million, $10 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net book value of assets under capital leases and other financing obligations was $166 million and $147 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Capital leases and other financing obligations are comprised primarily of buildings and computer equipment. Gross and net book value of assets under capital leases were as follows: (IN MILLIONS) December 31, 2015 Gross Book Value Accumulated Depreciation Net Book Value Land and buildings $ 170 $ (63 ) $ 107 Information and communication equipment 100 (41 ) 59 $ 270 $ (104 ) $ 166 December 31, 2014 Gross Book Value Accumulated Depreciation Net Book Value Land and buildings $ 172 $ (60 ) $ 112 Information and communication equipment 56 (21 ) 35 $ 228 $ (81 ) $ 147

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	8. Fair Value Measurements Nielsen’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, investments, long-term debt and derivative financial instruments. These financial instruments potentially subject Nielsen to concentrations of credit risk. To minimize the risk of credit loss, these financial instruments are primarily held with acknowledged financial institutions. The carrying value of Nielsen’s financial instruments approximate fair value, except for differences with respect to long-term, fixed and variable-rate debt and certain differences relating to investments accounted for at cost. The fair value of financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values resulting from trading on a national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Cash equivalents have original maturities of three months or less. In addition, the Company has accounts receivable that are not collateralized. The Buy and Watch segments service high quality clients dispersed across many geographic areas. The Company analyzes the aging of accounts receivable, historical bad debts, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts. Investments include available-for-sale securities carried at fair value, or at cost if not publicly traded, investments in affiliates, and a trading asset portfolio maintained to generate returns to offset changes in certain liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements. For the available-for-sale securities, any unrealized holding gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, are excluded from operating results and are recognized in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) net, until realized. Nielsen assesses declines in the value of individual investments to determine whether such decline is other than temporary and thus the investment is impaired by considering available evidence. No impairment charge was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact, and also considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of non-performance. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1: Quoted market prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Level 2: Pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 3: Pricing inputs that are generally unobservable and may not be corroborated by market data. Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured and recorded at fair value, except for equity method investments, cost method investments, and long-term debt. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (2) 30 30 — — Investment in mutual funds (3) 2 2 — — Total $ 32 $ 32 $ — — Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (4) $ 6 — $ 6 — Deferred compensation liabilities (5) 30 30 — — Total $ 36 $ 30 $ 6 — 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 years ended December 31, 2015 or 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold its investment in equity securities for total cash proceeds of $44 million and recorded a gain of $30 million in other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. (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 income/(expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations. (3) Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans. (4) Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk. (5) The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as trading securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the trading securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation. Derivative Financial Instruments Nielsen uses interest rate swap derivative instruments principally to manage the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the cash flows of its underlying debt obligations. To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship must meet several conditions with respect to documentation, probability of occurrence, hedge effectiveness and reliability of measurement. Nielsen documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions as well as the hedge effectiveness assessment, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis. Nielsen recognizes all derivatives at fair value either as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the fair values of such instruments are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. If specific cash flow hedge accounting criteria are met, Nielsen recognizes the changes in fair value of these instruments in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). Nielsen manages exposure to possible defaults on derivative financial instruments by monitoring the concentration of risk that Nielsen has with any individual bank and through the use of minimum credit quality standards for all counterparties. Nielsen does not require collateral or other security in relation to derivative financial instruments. A derivative contract entered into between Nielsen or certain of its subsidiaries and a counterparty that was also a lender under Nielsen’s senior secured credit facilities at the time the derivative contract was entered into is guaranteed under the senior secured credit facilities by Nielsen and certain of its subsidiaries (see Note 11 - Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements for more information). Since it is Nielsen’s policy to only enter into derivative contracts with banks of internationally acknowledged standing, Nielsen considers the counterparty risk to be remote. It is Nielsen’s policy to have an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement established with every bank with which it has entered into any derivative contract. Under each of these ISDA Master Agreements, Nielsen agrees to settle only the net amount of the combined market values of all derivative contracts outstanding with any one counterparty should that counterparty default. Certain of the ISDA Master Agreements contain cross-default provisions where if the Company either defaults in payment obligations under its credit facility or if such obligations are accelerated by the lenders, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. At December 31, 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. Interest Rate Risk Nielsen is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on the floating-rate U.S. Dollar and Euro Term Loans, and uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to hedge this exposure. For these derivatives, Nielsen reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings, and within the same income statement line item as the impact of the hedged transaction. In July 2015, the Company entered into a $150 million in notional amount of three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date in July 2016. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of the interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.62%. This derivative instrument has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge. In April 2015, the Company entered into a $150 million in notional amount of three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date in April 2016. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of the interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.40%. This derivative instrument has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge. In November 2014, the Company entered into a $250 million in notional amount of two-year forward interest swap agreement with a starting date in May 2016. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of the interest rate of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.78%. This derivative instrument has been designated as interest rate cash flow hedge. In November 2014, the Company entered into a $250 million in notional amount of two-year forward interest swap agreement with a starting date in September 2015. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of the interest rate of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.26%. This derivative instrument has been designated as interest rate cash flow hedge. In October and November 2013, the Company entered into $1,000 million in aggregate notional amount of three-year interest rate swap agreements with starting dates in November 2013. These agreements fix the LIBOR related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of our variable-rate debt at a weighted average rate of 0.46%. The commencement date of these interest rate swaps coincided with the $1,000 million aggregate notional amount of interest rate swaps that matured in November 2013. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges. In July 2013, the Company entered into $575 million in aggregate notional amount of three-year interest swap agreements with starting dates in July 2013. These agreements fix the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 0.67%. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges. In November 2012, the Company entered into $500 million in aggregate notional amount of four-year interest rate swap agreements with starting dates in November 2012. These agreements fix the LIBOR related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of our variable-rate debt at a weighted average rate of 0.57%. The commencement date of these interest rate swaps coincided with the $500 million aggregate notional amount of interest rate swaps that matured in November 2012. These derivative instruments have been designated as interest rate cash flow hedges. Nielsen expects to recognize approximately $4 million of net pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense in the next 12 months associated with its interest-related derivative financial instruments. As of December 31, 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 $ 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 US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 150,000,000 April 2019 US Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 150,000,000 July 2019 US Dollar Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Nielsen has managed its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates attributable to certain of its long-term debt through the use of foreign currency swap derivative instruments. When the derivative financial instrument is deemed to be highly effective in offsetting variability in the hedged item, changes in its fair value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and recognized contemporaneously with the earnings effects of the hedged item. During the years ended December 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 Nielsen’s consolidated statements of operations. Nielsen had foreign currency derivative financial instruments outstanding with an immaterial fair value as of December 31, 2015 and no foreign currency derivative instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2014. See Note 11 – “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements” for more information on the long-term debt transactions referenced in this note. Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Accounts Payable Accounts Payable Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments and Other Current Other Non- Current Other Non- and Other Current Other Non- Current (IN MILLIONS) Liabilities Liabilities Current Assets Liabilities Liabilities Interest rate swaps $ 1 $ 5 $ 1 $ 4 $ 2 Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (amounts in millions): Amount of Loss Amount of Loss Recognized in OCI Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI on Derivatives Reclassified from OCI into Income Derivatives in Cash Flow (Effective Portion) into Income (Effective Portion) Hedging Relationships December 31, (Effective Portion) December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Interest rate swaps $ 14 $ 10 $ 4 Interest expense $ 12 $ 15 $ 16 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis The Company is required, on a nonrecurring basis, to adjust the carrying value for certain assets using fair value measurements. The Company’s equity method investments, cost method investments, and non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment, are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment charge is recognized. The Company did not measure any material non-financial assets or liabilities at fair value during the years ended December 31, 2015 or 2014.

Restructuring Activities

Restructuring Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Activities	9. Restructuring Activities Restructuring charges primarily relate to employee separation packages. The amounts are calculated based on salary levels and past service periods. Severance costs are generally charged to earnings when the employee is notified of the offer. A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below: Total (IN MILLIONS) Initiatives Balance at December 31, 2012 $ 64 Charges 119 Non cash charges and other adjustments (4 ) Payments (80 ) Balance at December 31, 2013 99 Charges 89 Non cash charges and other adjustments (3 ) Payments (113 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 72 Charges 51 Non cash charges and other adjustments (8 ) Payments (77 ) Balance at December 30, 2015 $ 38 Of the $38 million in remaining liabilities for restructuring actions, $29 million is expected to be paid within one year and is classified as a current liability within the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015. Productivity Initiatives The Company recorded $51 million and $89 million in restructuring charges primarily relating to employee severance associated with productivity initiatives during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company recorded $119 million in restructuring charges associated with productivity initiatives during the year ended December 31, 2013. The charges primarily related to employee severance associated with productivity initiatives and contract termination costs.

Pensions and Other Post-Retirem

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits	10. Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Nielsen sponsors both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans (the “Pension Plans”) and post-retirement medical plans for some if its employees in the Netherlands, the United States and other international locations. Pension costs, in respect of defined benefit pension plans, primarily represent the increase in the actuarial present value of the obligation for pension benefits based on employee service during the year and the interest on this obligation in respect of employee service in previous years, net of the expected return on plan assets. Differences between this expected return and the actual return on these plan assets and actuarial changes are not recognized in the statement of operations, unless the accumulated differences and changes exceed a certain threshold. Nielsen recognizes obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans as expenses in the statement of operations as they are incurred. The determination of benefit obligations and expenses is based on actuarial models. In order to measure benefit costs and obligations using these models, critical assumptions are made with regard to the discount rate, the expected return on plan assets and the assumed rate of compensation increases. Nielsen provides retiree medical benefits to a limited number of participants in the U.S. Therefore, retiree medical care cost trend rates are not a significant driver of our post retirement costs. Management reviews these critical assumptions at least annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as turnover, retirement and mortality rates. Management reviews these assumptions periodically and updates them as necessary. The discount rate is the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled. For our U.S. plans, the discount rate is based on a bond portfolio that includes only long-term bonds with an Aa rating, or equivalent, from a major rating agency. For the Dutch and other non-U.S. plans, the discount rate is set by reference to market yields on high-quality corporate bonds. Nielsen believes the timing and amount of cash flows related to the bonds in these portfolios are expected to match the estimated payment benefit streams of our plans. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider, for each country, the structure of the asset portfolio and the expected rates of return for each of the components. For Nielsen’s U.S. plans, a 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would increase pension expense on our principal plans by approximately $1 million per year. A similar 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would increase pension expense on our principal Dutch plans by approximately $2 million per year. The Company assumed that the weighted-averages of long-term returns on our pension plans was 6.0% for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The expected long-term rate of return is applied to the fair value of pension plan assets. The actual return on plan assets will vary year to year from this assumption. Although the actual return on plan assets will vary from year to year, Nielsen believes it is appropriate to use long-term expected forecasts in selecting our expected return on plan assets. As such, there can be no assurance that the Company’s actual return on plan assets will approximate the long-term expected forecasts. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company intends to change its approach to calculating the discount rate for its retirement benefit pension plans from a weighted-average yield curve approach to a spot-rate approach. Under the spot-rate approach, the Company will use individual spot rates along the yield curve that correspond with the timing of each future cash outflow for benefit payments in order to calculate interest cost and service cost within net periodic benefit costs. The spot-rate approach will represent a more precise measurement of interest and service cost. The new approach represents a change in accounting estimate that is inseparable from a change in accounting principle and accordingly is accounted for prospectively. A summary of the activity for the Pension Plans follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Change in projected benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 784 $ 380 $ 698 $ 1,862 Service cost 4 — 13 17 Interest cost 14 16 20 50 Plan participants’ contributions 1 — 1 2 Actuarial gains (53 ) (4 ) (31 ) (88 ) Benefits paid (29 ) (12 ) (21 ) (62 ) Expenses paid (2 ) — (2 ) (4 ) Premiums paid — — (1 ) (1 ) Curtailments — — (3 ) (3 ) Settlements — (46 ) (6 ) (52 ) Effect of foreign currency translation (80 ) — (52 ) (132 ) Benefit obligation at end of period 639 334 616 1,589 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 711 301 562 1,574 Actual return on plan assets 9 (13 ) 22 18 Employer contributions 5 1 19 25 Plan participants’ contributions 1 — 1 2 Benefits paid (29 ) (12 ) (21 ) (62 ) Expenses paid (2 ) — (2 ) (4 ) Premiums paid — — (1 ) (1 ) Settlements — (46 ) (6 ) (52 ) Effect of foreign currency translation (73 ) — (43 ) (116 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of period 622 231 531 1,384 Funded status $ (17 ) $ (103 ) $ (85 ) $ (205 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Pension assets included in other non-current assets — — 22 22 Current liabilities — (1 ) (2 ) (3 ) Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities (17 ) (102 ) (105 ) (224 ) Net amount recognized $ (17 ) $ (103 ) $ (85 ) $ (205 ) Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax Net loss/(gain) $ (54 ) $ 30 $ (36 ) $ (60 ) Amortization of prior service costs — — 1 1 Settlement loss — (14 ) (1 ) (15 ) Amortization of net loss (8 ) (7 ) (8 ) (23 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) $ (62 ) $ 9 $ (44 ) $ (97 ) Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax Unrecognized losses $ 161 $ 105 $ 100 $ 366 Year Ended December 31, 2014 The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Change in projected benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 761 $ 336 $ 643 $ 1,740 Service cost 4 1 14 19 Interest cost 25 16 26 67 Plan participants’ contributions — — 2 2 Actuarial losses 137 52 131 320 Benefits paid (35 ) (12 ) (22 ) (69 ) Expenses paid (2 ) — (3 ) (5 ) Premiums paid — — (1 ) (1 ) Amendments (4 ) — — (4 ) Curtailments — (1 ) — (1 ) Settlements — (12 ) (29 ) (41 ) Effect of foreign currency translation (102 ) — (63 ) (165 ) Benefit obligation at end of period 784 380 698 1,862 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 736 298 554 1,588 Actual return on plan assets 90 26 86 202 Employer contributions 11 1 23 35 Plan participants’ contributions — — 2 2 Benefits paid (35 ) (12 ) (22 ) (69 ) Expenses paid (2 ) — (3 ) (5 ) Premiums paid — — (1 ) (1 ) Settlements — (12 ) (29 ) (41 ) Acquisition 6 — — 6 Effect of foreign currency translation (95 ) — (48 ) (143 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of period 711 301 562 1,574 Funded status $ (73 ) $ (79 ) $ (136 ) $ (288 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Pension assets included in other non-current assets — — 35 35 Current liabilities — (1 ) (2 ) (3 ) Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities (73 ) (78 ) (169 ) (320 ) Net amount recognized $ (73 ) $ (79 ) $ (136 ) $ (288 ) Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax Net loss/(gain) $ 45 $ 46 $ 65 $ 156 Settlement loss — (1 ) (6 ) (7 ) Amortization of net loss (5 ) (4 ) (3 ) (12 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 40 $ 41 $ 56 $ 137 Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax Unrecognized losses $ 223 $ 96 $ 144 $ 463 The total accumulated benefit obligation and minimum liability changes for the Pension Plans were as follows: Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Accumulated benefit obligation. $ 1,548 $ 1,803 $ 1,683 Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets at December 31, 2015 The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Projected benefit obligation $ 578 $ 334 $ 509 $ 1,421 Accumulated benefit obligation 577 334 470 1,381 Fair value of plan assets 560 231 402 1,193 Pension Plans with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets at December 31, 2015 The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Projected benefit obligation $ 578 $ 334 $ 509 $ 1,421 Accumulated benefit obligation 577 334 470 1,381 Fair value of plan assets 560 231 402 1,193 Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets at December 31, 2014 The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Projected benefit obligation $ 784 $ 380 $ 590 $ 1,754 Accumulated benefit obligation 783 380 537 1,700 Fair value of plan assets 711 301 419 1,431 Pension Plans with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets at December 31, 2014 The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Projected benefit obligation $ 784 $ 380 $ 590 $ 1,754 Accumulated benefit obligation 783 380 537 1,700 Fair value of plan assets 711 301 419 1,431 Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, includes the following components: Net Periodic Pension Costs The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Year ended December 31, 2015 Service cost $ 4 $ — $ 13 $ 17 Interest cost 14 16 20 50 Expected return on plan assets (30 ) (21 ) (31 ) (82 ) Settlement loss recognized — 14 1 15 Amortization of prior service costs — — (1 ) (1 ) Amortization of net loss 8 7 8 23 Net periodic pension cost $ (4 ) $ 16 $ 10 $ 22 Year ended December 31, 2014 Service cost $ 4 $ 1 $ 14 $ 19 Interest cost 25 16 26 67 Expected return on plan assets (35 ) (21 ) (35 ) (91 ) Settlement loss recognized — 1 6 7 Amortization of net loss 5 4 3 12 Net periodic pension cost $ (1 ) 1 14 14 Year ended December 31, 2013 Service cost $ 4 $ — $ 15 $ 19 Interest cost 25 13 24 62 Expected return on plan assets (34 ) (18 ) (31 ) (83 ) Amortization of net loss 6 5 6 17 Net periodic pension cost $ 1 $ — $ 14 $ 15 The settlement losses of $15 million in 2015 resulted primarily from lump- sum payments to deferred vested participants in the U.S. who elected to cash out their accrued benefit during a special offer. The settlement losses of $7 million in 2014 resulted from annuity purchases for existing retirees in Canada of $5 million, and restructuring actions in Mexico and the U.S. of $1 million, respectively. The deferred loss included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2016 is as follows: The Netherlands United States Other Total Net actuarial loss $ (7 ) $ (5 ) $ (5 ) $ (17 ) Actuarial gains and losses are amortized over the average remaining service lives for plans with active participants, and over the average remaining lives for legacy plans with no active participants. The weighted average assumptions underlying the pension computations were as follows: Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Pension benefit obligation: —discount rate 3.2 % 2.8 % 4.1 % —rate of compensation increase 1.7 % 2.0 % 2.1 % Net periodic pension costs: —discount rate 2.8 % 4.1 % 3.8 % —rate of compensation increase 2.0 % 2.1 % 2.1 % —expected long-term return on plan assets 6.0 % 6.0 % 6.0 % The assumptions for the expected return on plan assets for the Pension Plans were based on a review of the historical returns of the asset classes in which the assets of the Pension Plans are invested and long-term economic forecast for the type of investments held by the plans. The historical returns on these asset classes were weighted based on the expected long-term allocation of the assets of the Pension Plans. Nielsen’s pension plans’ weighted average asset allocations by asset category are as follows: The United Netherlands States Other Total At December 31, 2015 Equity securities 25 % 54 % 42 % 36 % Fixed income securities 59 45 41 50 Other 16 1 17 14 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % At December 31, 2014 Equity securities 24 % 58 % 44 % 37 % Fixed income securities 61 33 49 51 Other 15 9 7 12 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % No Nielsen shares are held by the Pension Plans. Nielsen’s primary objective with regard to the investment of the Pension Plans’ assets is to ensure that in each individual plan, sufficient funds are available to satisfy future benefit obligations. For this purpose, asset and liability management studies are made periodically at each pension fund. For each of the Pension Plans, an appropriate mix is determined on the basis of the outcome of these studies, taking into account the national rules and regulations. The overall target asset allocation among all plans for 2015 was 38% equity securities and 46% long-term interest-earning investments (debt or fixed income securities), and 16% other investments. Equity securities primarily include investments in U.S. and non U.S. companies. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries and mortgage-backed securities. Other types of investments are primarily insurance contracts. Assets at fair value (See Note 8 – “Fair Value Measurements” for additional information on fair value measurement and the underlying fair value hierarchy) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Cash and equivalents $ 8 $ — $ — $ 8 $ 37 $ 1 $ — $ 38 Equity securities – U.S. 25 67 — 92 80 13 — 93 Equity securities – Global. 5 214 — 219 4 292 — 296 Equity securities – non-U.S. 23 169 — 192 29 171 — 200 Real estate — — 33 33 — — 39 39 Corporate bonds 104 410 — 514 111 413 — 524 Debt issued by national, state or local government 54 128 — 182 55 225 — 280 Other — 14 130 144 — 16 88 104 Total Assets at Fair Value $ 219 $ 1,002 $ 163 $ 1,384 316 1,131 $ 127 $ 1,574 The following is a summary of changes in the fair value of the Pension Plans’ Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014: (IN MILLIONS) Real Estate Other Total Balance, end of year December 31, 2013 $ 39 $ 81 $ 120 Actual return on plan assets: Investments 4 — 4 Unrealized gains — 17 17 Effect of foreign currency translation (4 ) (10 ) (14 ) Balance, end of year December 31, 2014 $ 39 $ 88 $ 127 Actual return on plan assets: (Sales)/investments (5 ) 50 45 Unrealized gains 3 1 4 Effect of foreign currency translation (4 ) (9 ) (13 ) Balance, end of year December 31, 2015 $ 33 $ 130 $ 163 Real estate investment valuations require significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such assets. These assets are initially valued at cost and are reviewed periodically utilizing available and relevant market data to determine if the carrying value of these assets should be adjusted. The valuation methodology is applied consistently from period to period. Other types of investments categorized as Level 3 are primarily insurance contracts and are valued based on contractual terms. Contributions to the Pension Plans in 2016 are expected to be approximately $7 million for the Dutch plan, $1 million for the U.S. plan and $19 million for other plans. Estimated future benefit payments are as follows: The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total For the years ending December 31, 2016 $ 29 $ 14 $ 24 $ 67 2017 29 14 19 62 2018 30 15 19 64 2019 30 15 20 65 2020 30 16 22 68 2021-2025 149 92 127 368 Defined Contribution Plans Nielsen also offers defined contribution plans to certain participants, primarily in the United States. Nielsen’s expense related to these plans was $47 million, $45 million and $39 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In the United States, Nielsen contributes cash to each employee’s account in an amount up to 3% of compensation (subject to IRS limitations). No contributions are made in shares of the Company’s common stock.

Long-term Debt and Other Financ

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	11. Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability rather than an asset as per the previous guidance. These costs will continue to be amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect this presentation. Nielsen has early adopted this ASU and it is reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements . Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of December 31, 2015. December 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 variable rate of 2.29% ) due 2019 $ 1,455 $ 1,454 $ 1,532 $ 1,533 $500 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.54% ) due 2017 492 492 497 493 $1,100 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.29% ) due 2021 1,080 1,082 1,090 1,088 €286 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 2.82%) due 2021 305 306 343 343 $575 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2019 164 163 280 274 Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate) 2.78 % 3,496 3,497 2.65 % 3,742 3,731 $800 million 4.50% senior debenture loan due 2020 792 808 791 801 $1,550 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022 — — 1,537 1,554 $625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021 617 640 616 633 $2,300 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022 2,284 2,270 — — Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate) 5.22 % 3,693 3,718 5.23 % 2,944 2,988 Other loans 7 7 8 8 Total long-term debt 4.04 % 7,196 7,222 3.79 % 6,694 6,727 Capital lease and other financing obligations 142 118 Total debt and other financing arrangements 7,338 6,812 Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings 310 393 Non-current portion of long-term debt and capital lease and other financing obligations $ 7,028 $ 6,419 The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt instruments was based on the yield on public debt where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities and such fair value measurements are considered Level 1 or Level 2 in nature, respectively. The carrying value of Nielsen’s long-term debt are denominated in the following currencies: December 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 U.S. Dollars $ 6,891 $ 6,351 Euro 305 343 $ 7,196 $ 6,694 Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) 2016 $ 277 2017 $ 632 2018 $ 202 2019 $ 1,033 2020 $ 806 Thereafter $ 4,246 $ 7,196 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Term Loan Facilities In August 2006, certain of Nielsen’s subsidiaries entered into the Senior Secured Credit Agreement that was amended and restated in June 2009, February 2012, February 2013 and April 2014. The Senior Secured Credit Agreement provides for term loan facilities as shown in the table above. In February 2012, the Senior Secured Credit Agreement was amended and restated to provide for a new five-year amortizing term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1,222 million, the proceeds from which were used to repay a corresponding amount of the existing senior secured term loans due 2013. Borrowings under this new term loan facility bear interest at a rate as determined by the type of borrowing, equal to either the “base rate” or LIBOR rate, plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margin on base rate loans under this new term loan facility ranges from 0.75% to 1.50% based on a total leverage ratio. The applicable margin on LIBOR loans under this new term loan facility ranges from 1.75% to 2.50% based on the total leverage ratio. Loans under this new term loan facility mature in full in February 2017, but the maturity date shall be January 2016 if at such time there is more than $750 million in the aggregate of existing other term loans under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement with a maturity of May 2016. The loans under this new term loan facility are required to be repaid in an amount equal to 5% of the original principal amount in the first year after the closing date, 5% in the second year, 10% in the third year, 10% in the fourth year and 70% in the fifth year (with payments in each year being made in equal quarterly installments other than the fifth year, in which payments shall be equal to 3.33% of the original principal amount of loans in each of the first three quarters and the remaining principal balance due in February 2017 (unless repayment is required in January 2016 as indicated above)). Loans under this new term loan facility are secured on a pari passu basis with the Company’s existing obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Senior Secured Loan Agreement. In February 2013, the Second Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement was amended and restated to provide for a new class of term loans (the “Class E Term Loans”) in an aggregate principal amount of $2,532 million and €289 million, the proceeds of which were used to repay or replace in full a like amount of the Company’s existing Class A Term Loans maturing August 9, 2013, Class B Term Loans maturing May 1, 2016 and Class C Term Loans maturing May 1, 2016. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a charge of $12 million primarily related to the write-off of previously capitalized debt financing fees associated with the Class A, B and C term loans to other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. In April 2014, the Company entered into an amendment agreement to amend and restate the Third Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement in the form of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which provides for three new classes of term loans, Class A Term Loans, Class B-1 Term Loans and Class B-2 Term Loans, in a combined principal amount of $3,180 million and €286 million, the proceeds of which, when combined with the net proceeds from the $750 million 5.0% Senior Notes (see “Debenture Loans” below), were used to repay and replace the Company’s existing Class D Term Loans maturing in February 2017 and the Class E Term Loans maturing in May 2016. Further in May 2014, the Company completed the redemption of $280 million in principal amount of the then currently outstanding $1,080 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus an applicable “make-whole” premium. As a result of these transactions, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $45 million during 2014 to other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations primarily related to the “make-whole” premium associated with the note redemption, as well as the write-off of certain previously capitalized debt financing fees associated with the Class D and E term loans and certain costs incurred in connection with the refinancings. The Class A Term Loans were issued with an aggregate principal balance of $1,580 million, maturing in full in April 2019. The Class A Term Loans shall be required to be repaid in an amount equal to 5% of the original principal amount in the first year after the closing date, 5% in the second year, 7.5% in the third year, 10% in the fourth year, and 72.5% in the fifth year (with payments in each year being made in equal quarterly installments other than the fifth year, in which payments shall be equal to 3.75% of the original principal amount in each of the first three quarters, with the balance repayable on the maturity date). Class A Term Loans bear interest equal to, at our election, a base rate or eurocurrency rate, in each case plus an applicable margin which ranges from 0.50% to 1.25% (in the case of base rate loans) or 1.50% to 2.25% (in the case of eurocurrency rate loans). The specific applicable margin is determined by the Company’s total leverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement). The Class B-1 Term Loans were issued with an aggregate principal balance of $500 million, maturing in full in May 2017 and are required to be repaid in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the original principal amount of Class B-1 Term Loans, with the balance payable in May 2017. Class B-1 Term Loans bear interest equal to, at our election, a base rate or eurocurrency rate, in each case plus an applicable margin, which is equal to 1.25% (in the case of base rate loans) and 2.25% (in the case of eurocurrency rate loans). The Class B-2 Term Loans were issued with an aggregate principal balance of $1,100 million and €286 million, maturing in full in April 2021 and are required to be repaid in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the original principal amount of Class B-2 Term Loans, with the balance payable in April 2021. Class B-2 Term Loans denominated in dollars bear interest equal to, at our election, a base rate or eurocurrency rate, in each case plus an applicable margin, which is equal to 2.00% (in the case of base rate loans) and 3.00% (in the case of eurocurrency rate loans). Class B-2 Term Loan denominated in Euros bear interest equal to the eurocurrency rate plus an applicable margin of 3.00% . The Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. and its restricted subsidiaries (which together constitute most of our subsidiaries) to incur additional indebtedness or guarantees, incur liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions, make certain loans and investments, declare dividends, make payments or redeem or repurchase capital stock, engage in certain mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations, prepay, redeem or purchase certain indebtedness, amend or otherwise alter terms of certain indebtedness, sell certain assets, transact with affiliates, enter into agreements limiting subsidiary distributions and alter the business they conduct. These entities are restricted, subject to certain exceptions, in their ability to transfer their net assets to Nielsen. Such restricted net assets amounted to approximately $5.2 billion at December 31, 2015. In addition, these entities are required to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio. Neither Nielsen nor TNC B.V. is currently bound by any financial or negative covenants contained in the credit agreement. The Senior Secured Credit Agreement also contain certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default. The Fourth Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains substantially the same affirmative covenants as the Third Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement. However, certain negative covenants, including the limitation on the ability of Nielsen and certain of its subsidiaries to make investments and restricted payments and incur debt and liens have been amended, and the financial covenant requiring compliance with certain total leverage ratios has been revised and the covenant in respect of interest coverage ratios has been eliminated Obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement are guaranteed by TNC B.V., substantially all of the wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. and certain of the non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries of TNC B.V., and are secured by substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of the U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. and by a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock of the guarantors, the capital stock of substantially all of the U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V., and up to 65% of the capital stock of certain of the non-U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. Under a separate security agreement, substantially all of the assets of TNC B.V. are pledged as collateral for amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facilities. Revolving Credit Facility The Senior Secured Credit Agreement also contains a senior secured revolving credit facility under which Nielsen Finance LLC, TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., and Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. can borrow revolving loans. The revolving credit facility can also be used for letters of credit, guarantees and swingline loans. In March 2011, the Company amended the Senior Secured Credit Agreement to provide for the termination of the existing revolving credit commitments totaling $688 million, which had a final maturity date of August 2012, and their replacement with new revolving credit commitments totaling $635 million with a final maturity date of April 2016. In May 2014, the existing $635 million revolving credit facility with a final maturity in April 2016 was replaced with new aggregate revolving credit commitments of $575 million with a final maturity of April 2019. The senior secured revolving credit facility is provided under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and so contains covenants and restrictions as noted above with respect to the Senior Secured Credit Agreement under the “Term loan facilities” section above. Obligations under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by the same entities that guarantee obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Senior Secured Loan Agreement. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had $164 million and $280 million borrowings outstanding respectively, and had outstanding letters of credit of $7 million and $6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $404 million available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility. Debenture Loans The indentures governing the Senior Notes limit the majority of Nielsen’s subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase its capital stock, make certain investments, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, use assets as security in other transactions and sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies subject to certain exceptions. Upon a change in control, Nielsen is required to make an offer to redeem all of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the 101% of the aggregate accreted principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by Nielsen, substantially all of the wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of Nielsen, and certain of the non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nielsen. In 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 from the issuances have been 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 program, to reduce outstanding amounts under its revolving credit facility, to pay related fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes. In April 2014, Nielsen completed the issuance of $750 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Senior Notes due 2022 at par. In May 2014, the Company completed the redemption of $280 million in principal amount of the then currently outstanding $1,080 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus an applicable “make-whole” premium. In July 2014, Nielsen completed the issuance of an additional $800 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Senior Notes due 2022. The notes are traded interchangeably with the $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Senior Notes due 2022 issued in April 2014. In addition, in July 2014, the Company redeemed the remaining $800 million of outstanding 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus an applicable “make-whole” premium. As a result of these transactions, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $51 million during 2014 to other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations primarily related to the “make-whole” premium associated with the note redemption, as well as the write-off of certain previously capitalized debt financing fees associated with the 7.75% Senior Notes. In September 2013, the Company issued $625 million aggregate principal amount of 5.50% Senior Notes due 2021 at par, receiving cash proceeds of approximately $616 million, net of fees and expenses. Concurrent with this issuance the Company called for redemption of all of its 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 effective October 23, 2013, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2014 notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date and an “applicable premium” as described in the indenture related to the 2014 note. The redemption of the 11.625% Senior Notes due 2014 resulted in a pre-tax charge of $8 million in other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations in the fourth quarter of 2013. Other Transactions Effective July 1, 2010, the Company designated its Euro denominated variable rate senior secured term loans as non-derivative hedges of its net investment in a European subsidiary. Gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the Euro as compared to the U.S. Dollar associated with this debenture were recorded to the cumulative translation adjustment within stockholders’ equity, net of income tax. Debt-Issuance Costs The costs related to the issuance of debt are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the related debt. Related Party Lenders A portion of the borrowings under the senior secured credit facility, as well as certain of the Company’s senior debenture loans, was purchased by certain of the former Sponsors in market transactions not involving the Company. Amounts held by the former Sponsors were $222 million as of December 31, 2014. Interest expense associated with amounts held by the former Sponsors approximated $6 million and $12 million during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Capital Lease and Other Obligations Nielsen finances certain computer equipment, software, buildings and automobiles under capital leases and related transactions. These arrangements do not include terms of renewal, purchase options, or escalation clauses. Assets under capital lease are recorded within property, plant and equipment. See Note 7 – “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Future minimum capital lease payments under non-cancelable capital leases at December 31, 2015 are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) 2016 $ 38 2017 36 2018 29 2019 19 2020 13 Thereafter 46 Total 181 Less: amount representing interest 39 Present value of minimum lease payments $ 142 Current portion $ 31 Total non-current portion 111 Present value of minimum lease payments $ 142 Capital leases and other financing transactions have effective interest rates primarily ranging from 8% to 10%. Interest expense recorded related to capital leases and other financing transactions during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $8 million, $8 million and $9 million, respectively. Nielsen recognizes rental income from non-cancelable subleases. The total aggregate future rental income proceeds to be received under the non-cancelable subleases are $3 million.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	12. Stockholders’ Equity Common stock activity is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding Beginning of period 372,757,598 378,635,464 362,519,883 Shares of common stock converted from Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 2013 - - 10,416,700 Shares of common stock issued through business combinations 52,698 75,083 101,899 Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans 4,107,501 4,940,195 5,886,821 Repurchases of common stock (14,579,428 ) (10,893,144 ) (289,839 ) End of period 362,338,369 372,757,598 378,635,464 As a result of the Merger, the consideration paid for Nielsen shares, including any incremental directly attributable costs, is recorded as a deduction from shareholders’ equity. When such shares are sold, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable costs, is recorded within shareholders’ equity. Thus, all cumulative shares of Nielsen treasury stock have been cancelled and included within Nielsen’s share capital. On January 31, 2013, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) adopted a cash dividend policy to pay quarterly cash dividends on its outstanding common stock. The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Dividend Per Share February 20, 2014 March 6, 2014 March 20, 2014 $ 0.20 May 1, 2014 June 5, 2014 June 19, 2014 $ 0.25 July 24, 2014 August 28, 2014 September 11, 2014 $ 0.25 October 30, 2014 November 25, 2014 December 9, 2014 $ 0.25 February 19, 2015 March 5, 2015 March 19, 2015 $ 0.25 April 20, 2015 June 4, 2015 June 18, 2015 $ 0.28 July 23, 2015 August 27, 2015 September 10, 2015 $ 0.28 October 29, 2015 November 24, 2015 December 8, 2015 $ 0.28 The dividend policy and payment of future cash dividends are subject to the discretion of the Board. Nielsen’s Board approved a share repurchase program, as included in the below table, for up to $2 billion of our outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to return value to shareholders and to mitigate dilution associated with our equity compensation plans. Board Approval Share Repurchase Authorization ($ in millions) July 25, 2013 $ 500 October 23, 2014 $ 1,000 December 11, 2015 $ 500 Total Share Repurchase Authorization $ 2,000 Repurchases under these plans will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market or otherwise depending on our evaluation of market conditions and other factors. This program has been executed within the limitations of the existing authority granted at Nielsen’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held in 2014 and 2015. As of December 31, 2015, there have been 25,762,411 shares of our common stock purchased at an average price of $44.43 per share (total consideration of approximately $1,144 million) under this program. The activity for the year ended December 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 $ 43.90 814,753 $ 916,031,448 March 1- 31 772,189 $ 43.76 772,189 $ 882,241,498 April 1-30 1,440,798 $ 45.30 1,440,798 $ 816,973,014 May 1-31 1,222,800 $ 45.37 1,222,800 $ 761,496,406 June 1-30 1,300,836 $ 45.14 1,300,836 $ 702,774,965 July 1-31 1,310,000 $ 45.37 1,310,000 $ 643,345,777 August 1-31 1,853,142 $ 47.25 1,853,142 $ 555,793,238 September 1-30 553,756 $ 47.39 553,756 $ 529,551,668 October 1-31 1,276,829 $ 46.95 1,276,829 $ 469,601,614 November 1-30 1,141,708 $ 47.75 1,141,708 $ 415,084,736 December 1-31 1,281,414 $ 46.50 1,281,414 $ 855,495,985 Total 25,762,411 $ 44.43 25,762,411 Subsequent Event On February 18, 2016, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.28 per share on the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on March 17, 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2016.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	13. Stock-Based Compensation Nielsen measures the cost of all stock-based payments, including stock options, at fair value on the grant date and recognizes such costs within the consolidated statements of operations; however, no expense is recognized for stock-based payments that do not ultimately vest. Nielsen recognizes the expense of its options that cliff vest using the straight-line method. For those that vest over time, an accelerated graded vesting is used. The Company recorded $48 million, $47 million and $47 million of expense associated with stock-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In connection with the Valcon Acquisition, Nielsen implemented an equity-based, management compensation plan (“Equity Participation Plan” or “EPP”) to align compensation for certain key executives with the performance of the Company. Under this plan, certain of the Company’s executives may be granted stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and dividend equivalent rights in the shares of the Company or purchase its shares. In connection with the completion of Nielsen’s initial public offering of common stock on January 31, 2011 (and further amended), the Company implemented the Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) and suspended further grants under the EPP. The Stock Incentive Plan is the source of new equity-based awards permitting the Company to grant to its key employees, directors and other service providers the following types of awards: incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to shares of Nielsen’s common stock and performance-based awards denominated in shares or cash. Under the Stock Incentive Plan, Nielsen granted 1,609,170 and 2,448,100 time-based stock options to purchase shares during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the total number of shares authorized for award of options or other equity-based awards was 44,095,000 under the Stock Incentive Plan. The 2015, 2014 and 2013 time-based awards become exercisable over a four-year vesting period at a rate of 25% per year on the anniversary day of the award, and are tied to the executives’ continuing employment. The majority of the 2010 time-based awards become exercisable ratably on the first three anniversaries of the grant date of the award, contingent on continuing employment on each vesting date. In addition, time-based awards granted in 2010 become exercisable over a four-year vesting period tied to the executives’ continuing employment and were fully vested as of December 31, 2013. The 2009, 2008 and 2007 time-based awards became exercisable over a four-year, four-year and five-year vesting period, respectively, and were fully vested as of December 31, 2012. The 2010, 2009 and 2008 performance options are tied to the executives’ continued employment and become vested and exercisable based on the achievement of certain annual EBITDA targets over a four-year vesting period. The 2007 and 2006 performance options are tied to the executives’ targets over a five-year vesting period. If the annual EBITDA targets are achieved on a cumulative basis for any current year and prior years, the options become vested as to a pro-rata portion for any prior year installments which were not vested because of failure to achieve the applicable annual EBITDA target. Both option tranches expire ten years from date of grant. Upon a change in control, any then-unvested time options will fully vest and any then-unvested performance options can vest, subject to certain conditions. The fair values of the granted time-based awards granted during 2015, 2014 and 2013 were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the expected volatility based on the Company’s historical volatility. The following assumptions were used during 2015, 2014 and 2013: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Expected life (years) 4.50-5.25 3.00-5.25 3.50-6.00 Risk-free interest rate 1.27-1.58 % 0.87-1.66 % 0.40-1.99 % Expected dividend yield 2.18- 2.45 % 1.77- 2.39 % 0 - 2.19 % Expected volatility 23.44-23.70 % 23.50-25.32 % 25.40-27.60 % Weighted average volatility 23.56 % 23.99 % 25.89 % The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $48 million, $47 million and $47 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The tax benefit related to the stock compensation expense was $13 million, $15 million and $17 million, for the respective periods. Nielsen’s stock option plan activity is summarized below: Number of Options Weighted-Average Weighted- Aggregate Stock Option Plan activity Outstanding at December 31, 2012 19,687,838 $ 22.80 5.16 $ 156 Granted 2,459,900 36.65 Forfeited (383,163 ) (23.35 ) Exercised (4,667,814 ) (19.11 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2013 17,096,761 25.78 4.61 $ 344 Granted 2,448,100 42.01 Forfeited (798,279 ) (29.57 ) Exercised (4,219,122 ) (24.08 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 14,527,460 $ 28.80 4.29 $ 231 Granted 1,609,170 48.24 Forfeited (1,808,315 ) (30.59 ) Exercised (3,779,137 ) (21.84 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2015 10,549,178 $ 33.96 4.16 $ 136 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 6,111,083 $ 29.15 3.16 $ 107 As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted was $8.13, $7.13 and $6.63, respectively, and the aggregate fair value of options vested was $21 million, $21 million and $27 million, respectively. At December 31, 2015, there is approximately $18 million of unearned stock-based compensation related to stock options which the Company expects to record as stock-based compensation expense over the next four years. The compensation expense related to the time-based awards is amortized over the term of the award using the graded vesting method. The intrinsic value of the options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $94 million, $94 million and $79 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2015, cash proceeds from the exercise of options was $82 million. Activity of Nielsen’s restricted stock units (RSUs) that are ultimately payable in shares of common stock granted under the Stock Incentive Plan is summarized below: Number of Weighted-Average Fair Value RSU activity Nonvested at December 31, 2012 845,308 $ 28.40 Granted 955,531 34.86 Forfeited (230,500 ) 32.56 Vested (262,446 ) 24.96 Nonvested at December 31, 2013 1,307,893 $ 30.53 Granted 526,857 42.74 Forfeited (113,903 ) 30.55 Vested (412,845 ) 28.53 Nonvested at December 31, 2014 1,308,002 $ 35.90 Granted 851,088 47.29 Forfeited (200,217 ) 37.20 Vested (452,106 ) 34.19 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 1,506,767 $ 42.48 The awards vest at a rate of 25% per year over four years on the anniversary day of the award. On September 30, 2013, Nielsen completed the acquisition of Nielsen Audio and concurrently provided 95,599 replacement restricted stock units under Nielsen’s existing Stock Incentive Plan. The exchange was accounted for as a modification in accordance with ASC 718. The aggregate fair value of the replacement awards granted on September 30, 2013, was $3 million, of which $2 million was attributed to post merger service and $1 million was included in purchase price consideration. As of December 31, 2015, approximately $38 million of unearned stock-based compensation related to unvested RSUs (net of estimated forfeitures) is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.4 years. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company granted 381,576 and 333,700 performance restricted stock units, respectively, representing the target number of performance restricted stock subject to the award. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company granted 510,280 shares of performance restricted stock, representing the target number of performance restricted stock subject to the award. The weighted average grant date fair value of the awards in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $45.37, $50.50 and $34.02 per share. For the performance restricted stock units granted in 2015, the total number of performance restricted stock units to be earned is subject to achievement of cumulative performance goals for the three year period ending December 31, 2017. For the performance restricted stock units granted in 2014, the total number of performance restricted stock units to be earned is subject to achievement of cumulative performance goals for the three year period ending December 31, 2016. For the performance restricted stock granted in 2013, the total number of performance restricted stock units to be earned is subject to achievement of cumulative performance goals for the three year period ending December 31, 2015. Forty percent of the target award will be determined based on the Company’s relative total shareholder return and sixty percent of the target award will be determined based on free cash flow achievements. The maximum payout is 200% of target. The fair value of the target award related to free cash flow was the fair value on the date of the grant, and the fair value of the target awards related to relative shareholder return was based on the Monte Carlo model. As of December 31, 2015, there is approximately $15 million of unearned stock-based compensation related to unvested performance restricted stock (net of estimated forfeitures). The compensation expense is amortized over the term of the award, which is 3 years after the grant date. During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company granted 96,282 and 117,520 bonus restricted share units in lieu of a portion of the cash bonus due to certain executives. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company granted 171,792 bonus restricted shares in lieu of a portion of the cash bonus due to certain executives. The awards vest at 50% on the first and second anniversary day of the award. The weighted average grant date fair value of the awards in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $45.28, $45.13 and $32.25 per share. As of December 31, 2015, there is approximately $3 million of unearned stock-based compensation expense related to unvested bonus restricted share units (net of estimated forfeitures). The compensation expense is amortized over the requisite service periods of two and three years.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	14. Income Taxes Nielsen provides for income taxes utilizing the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each balance sheet date, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that future tax benefits associated with a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is provided. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as an adjustment to income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Such tax positions are, based solely on their technical merits, more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities and reflect the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority with full knowledge of all relevant information. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, were: Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013) $ 16 $ 17 $ 19 Non-UK (2015), Non-Dutch (2014-2013) 945 604 501 Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $ 961 $ 621 $ 520 The above amounts for UK and non-UK or Dutch and non-Dutch activities were determined based on the location of the taxing authorities. The provision for income taxes attributable to the income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates consisted of: Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Current: UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013) $ (6 ) $ 4 $ 4 Non-UK (2015), Non-Dutch (2014-2013). 176 127 194 170 131 198 Deferred: UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013) (1 ) 1 3 Non-UK (2015), Non-Dutch (2014-2013) 214 104 (110 ) 213 105 (107 ) Total $ 383 $ 236 $ 91 The Company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was different from the amount computed by applying the statutory UK or Dutch federal income tax rates to the underlying income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates as a result of the following: Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $ 961 $ 621 $ 520 UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013) statutory tax rate 20.25 % 25.0 % 25.0 % Provision for income taxes at the UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013) statutory rate $ 195 $ 155 $ 130 Tax impact on distributions from foreign subsidiaries (5 ) 4 (38 ) Effect of operations in non-UK jurisdictions 74 19 16 Tax impact of global licensing arrangements 80 84 14 U.S. state and local taxation 40 21 9 Withholding and other taxation 37 38 35 Effect of global financing activities (82 ) (84 ) (60 ) Changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions 8 (1 ) 47 Changes in valuation allowances 17 (21 ) (69 ) Effect of change in deferred tax rates 3 2 3 Other, net 16 19 4 Total provision for income taxes $ 383 $ 236 $ 91 Effective tax rate 39.8 % 38.0 % 17.5 % The components of current and non-current deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) were: (IN MILLIONS) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Deferred tax assets (on balance): Net operating loss carryforwards $ 181 $ 175 Interest expense limitation 734 783 Employee benefits 72 93 Tax credit carryforwards 142 198 Share-based payments 41 43 Accrued expenses 39 21 Financial instruments — 10 Other assets 55 84 1,264 1,407 Valuation allowances (144 ) (147 ) Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances 1,120 1,260 Deferred tax liabilities (on balance): Intangible assets (1,640 ) (1,692 ) Fixed asset depreciation (49 ) (25 ) Computer software (280 ) (185 ) Deferred revenues/costs (10 ) (13 ) Financial instruments (6 ) — Unrealized gain on investments (73 ) — Other liabilities (58 ) (62 ) (2,116 ) (1,977 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (996 ) $ (717 ) Recognized as: Deferred income taxes, current $ — $ 226 Deferred income taxes, non-current (996 ) (943 ) Total $ (996 ) $ (717 ) In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, requiring all deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any related valuation allowance, to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The classification change for all deferred taxes as noncurrent simplifies entities’ processes as it eliminates the need to separately identify the net current and net noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability in each jurisdiction and allocate valuation allowances. Nielsen elected to prospectively adopt the accounting standard as of December 31, 2015, resulting in a reclassification of current deferred tax assets and liabilities to the non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities in Nielsen’s consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $807 million and $785 million, respectively, which began to expire in 2016. In addition, the Company had tax credit carryforwards of approximately $157 million and $198 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which begin to expire in 2016. Included within the net operating loss carryforwards, the Company has approximately $120 million of windfall tax benefits from previous stock option exercises that have not been recognized as of December 31, 2015. This amount will not be recognized until the deduction would reduce our income taxes payable. At such time, the amount will be recorded as an increase to paid-in-capital. The Company applies the “with and without” approach when utilizing certain tax attributes whereby windfall tax benefits are used last to offset taxable income. In certain jurisdictions, the Company has operating losses and other tax attributes that, due to the uncertainty of achieving sufficient profits to utilize these operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, the Company currently believes it is more likely than not that a portion of these losses will not be realized. Therefore, the Company has a valuation allowance of approximately $124 million and $120 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to these net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. In addition, the Company has valuation allowances of $20 million and $27 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, on deferred tax assets related to other temporary differences, which the Company currently believes will not be realized. As a consequence of the significant restructuring of the ownership of the Nielsen non-U.S. subsidiaries in 2007 and 2008 the Company has determined that as of December 31, 2015 no income taxes are required to be provided for on the approximately $3.1 billion, which is the excess of the book value of its investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries over the corresponding tax basis. Certain of these differences can be eliminated at a future date. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had gross uncertain tax positions of $461 million and $452 million, respectively. The Company has also accrued interest and penalties associated with these unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 of $34 million and $41 million, respectively. Estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes is classified as a component of benefit (provision) for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. It is reasonably possible that a reduction in a range of $42 million to $74 million of uncertain tax positions may occur within the next twelve months as a result of projected resolutions of worldwide tax disputes and expirations of statute of limitations in various jurisdictions. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross uncertain tax positions is as follows: (IN MILLIONS) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 Balance as of the beginning of period $ 452 $ 475 $ 409 Additions for current year tax positions 24 14 41 Additions for tax positions of prior years 14 12 42 Reductions for lapses of statute of limitations (15 ) (12 ) (8 ) Reductions for tax positions of prior years (14 ) (37 ) (9 ) Balance as of the end of the period $ 461 $ 452 $ 475 If the balance of the Company’s uncertain tax positions is sustained by the taxing authorities in the Company’s favor, the reversal of the entire balance would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods. The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for 2006 and prior periods. In addition, the Company has subsidiaries in various states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years ranging from 2003 through 2015.

Investments in Affiliates and R

Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates Schedule Of Investments [Abstract]
Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions	15. Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions with Affiliates As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, Nielsen had investments in affiliates of $13 million and $18 million, respectively. One of Nielsen’s investments as of December 31, 2012, was its 50.5% non-controlling ownership interest in Scarborough, a joint venture between Nielsen and Arbitron. As a part of the Arbitron Acquisition in September 2013, Nielsen acquired the remaining 49.5% interest in Scarborough that was historically accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Nielsen accounted for this transaction as a step-acquisition and calculated the fair value of its investment immediately before the acquisition to be $75 million. As a result, for the year ended December 31, 2013, Nielsen recorded a $24 million gain on its investment in Scarborough to other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. Commencing October 1, 2013, the financial results of Scarborough were included within the consolidated financial statements of Nielsen. Prior to the Arbitron acquisition, Nielsen and Scarborough entered into various related party transactions in the ordinary course of business, including Nielsen providing certain general and administrative services to Scarborough. Nielsen paid royalties to Scarborough for the right to include Scarborough data in Nielsen services sold directly to Nielsen customers. Additionally, Nielsen sold various Scarborough services directly to its clients, for which it received a commission from Scarborough. As a result of these transactions, Nielsen received net payments from Scarborough of $3 million through September 30, 2013. Obligations between Nielsen and its affiliates are regularly settled in cash in the ordinary course of business. Nielsen had net receivables from its affiliates of approximately $3 million and $9 million for the year ending December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. On October 1, 2015, Nielsen acquired an additional 13.5% of NCS, a joint venture between Nielsen and Catalina for $40 million, net of cash acquired. The joint venture was historically accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As part of this transaction we gained control of NCS, as such accounted for it as a step-acquisition and calculated the fair value of the investment immediately before the acquisition to be $161 million. As a result, during the fourth quarter of 2015, we recorded a $158 million gain on the investment in NCS to other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. Commencing October 1, 2015, NCS was included as a consolidated subsidiary within our consolidated financial statements. Equity Healthcare LLC Effective in January 2009, Nielsen entered into an employer health program arrangement with Equity Healthcare LLC (“Equity Healthcare”). Equity Healthcare negotiates with providers of standard administrative services for health benefit plans and other related services for cost discounts, quality of service monitoring, data services and clinical consulting and oversight by Equity Healthcare. Because of the combined purchasing power of its client participants, Equity Healthcare is able to negotiate pricing terms from providers that are believed to be more favorable than the companies could obtain for themselves on an individual basis. Equity Healthcare is an affiliate of The Blackstone Group, one of the Sponsors. In consideration for Equity Healthcare’s provision of access to these favorable arrangements and its monitoring of the contracted third parties’ delivery of contracted services to Nielsen, the Company pays Equity Healthcare a fee of $2.80 per participating employee per month (“PEPM Fee”). As of December 31, 2015, Nielsen had approximately 7,608 employees enrolled in its self-insured health benefit plans in the United States. Equity Healthcare may also receive a fee (“Health Plan Fees”) from one or more of the health plans with whom Equity Healthcare has contractual arrangements if the total number of employees joining such health plans from participating companies exceeds specified thresholds. TIBCO On July 26, 2012, Vivek Y. Ranadivé was elected as a member of the unitary Board of Directors of Nielsen Holdings plc and The Nielsen Company B.V. Mr. Ranadivé has been the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of TIBCO Software Inc. (“TIBCO”) since its inception in 1997 until December 2014 when he sold his interest in the company. The Company has an ongoing contractual relationship with TIBCO. The Board of Directors of the Company affirmatively determined that Mr. Ranadivé is independent for purposes of the New York Stock Exchange listing rules and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, Nielsen purchased $12 million and $10 million respectively, of software licenses and related IT support services and training from TIBCO.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	16. Commitments and Contingencies Leases and Other Contractual Arrangements In February 2013, the Company amended its Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement (the “MSA”), dated as of October 1, 2007 with Tata America International Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (jointly, “TCS”). The term of the MSA has been extended for an additional three years, so as to expire on December 31, 2020, with a one-year renewal option granted to Nielsen. In addition, the Company has increased its commitment to purchase services from TCS (the “Minimum Commitment”) from $1.0 billion to $2.5 billion over the life of the contract (from October 1, 2007), including a commitment to purchase at least $100 million in services per year (the “Annual Commitment”) until the Minimum Commitment is met. TCS’ charges under the separate Global Infrastructure Services Agreement between the parties will be credited against the Minimum Commitment and the Annual Commitment. TCS will continue to globally provide the Company with professional services relating to information technology (including application development and maintenance), business process outsourcing, client service knowledge process outsourcing, management sciences, analytics, and financial planning and analytics. As Nielsen orders specific services under the Agreement, the parties will execute Statements of Work (“SOWs”) describing the specific scope of the services to be performed by TCS. The amount of the Minimum Commitment and the Annual Commitment may be reduced on the occurrence of certain events, some of which also provide the Company with the right to terminate the Agreement or SOWs, as applicable. As of December 31, 2015, the remaining TCS commitment was approximately $168 million. Nielsen has also entered into operating leases and other contractual obligations to secure real estate facilities, agreements to purchase data processing services and leases of computers and other equipment used in the ordinary course of business and various outsourcing contracts. These agreements are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. The amounts presented below represent the minimum annual payments under Nielsen’s purchase obligations that have initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year. These purchase obligations include data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. For the Years Ending December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Operating leases $ 84 $ 69 $ 55 $ 40 $ 25 $ 48 $ 321 Other contractual obligations (a ) 358 94 48 13 7 1 521 Total $ 442 $ 163 $ 103 $ 53 $ 32 $ 49 $ 842 (a) Other contractual obligations represent obligations under agreement, which are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Nielsen generally requires purchase orders for vendor and third party spending. The amounts presented above represent the minimum future annual services covered by purchase obligations including data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. Nielsen’s remaining commitments as of December 31, 2015 under the outsourced services agreements with TCS have been included above on an estimated basis over the years within the contractual period in which we expect to satisfy its obligations. As of December 31, 2015, the remaining TCS commitment was approximately $168 million. Total expenses incurred under operating leases were $76 million, $81 million and $81 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Nielsen recognized rental income received under subleases of $9 million, $11 million and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At December 31, 2015, Nielsen had aggregate future proceeds to be received under non-cancelable subleases of $25 million. Nielsen also has minimum commitments under non-cancelable capital leases. See Note 11 “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements” for further discussion. Nielsen Foundation, Inc. In November 2015, Nielsen established the Nielsen Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”) for charitable, educational, scientific, and literary purposes including the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as tax exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The assets and transactions of the Foundation are not included in Nielsen’s consolidated financial statements. Donations to the Foundation are expensed when committed by the Company. In December 2015, the Company’s board of directors approved an unconditional donation of $36 million to the Foundation, which was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. Guarantees and Other Contingent Commitments At December 31, 2015, Nielsen was committed under the following significant guarantee arrangements: Sub-lease guarantees Nielsen provides sub-lease guarantees in accordance with certain agreements pursuant to which Nielsen guarantees all rental payments upon default of rental payment by the sub-lessee. To date, the Company has not been required to perform under such arrangements, does not anticipate making any significant payments related to such guarantees and, accordingly, no amounts have been recorded. Letters of credit Letters of credit issued and outstanding amount to $7 million and $6 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Legal Proceedings and Contingencies Nielsen is subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined, the Company does expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect the Company’s future results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

Segments

Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	17. Segments The Company aligns its operating segments in order to conform to management’s internal reporting structure, which is reflective of service offerings by industry. Management aggregates such operating segments into two reporting segments: what consumers buy, consisting principally of market research information and analytical services and what consumers watch and listen to, consisting principally of television, radio, online and mobile audience and advertising measurement services and corresponding analytics. In March 2013, Nielsen completed the exit and shut down of one of its legacy online businesses and in June 2013, Nielsen completed the sale of its expositions business. These divestitures were reported as discontinued operations, which require retrospective restatement of prior periods to classify operating results of these businesses as discontinued operations. (See Note 4 “Discontinued Operations”, for more information). The consolidated statements of operations reflect the operating results of these businesses as discontinued operations. During the fourth quarter of 2013, to conform to a change in management reporting, Nielsen reclassified two products from the Buy segment to the Watch segment. The business segment results have been reclassified for comparison purposes for all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. Corporate consists principally of unallocated items such as certain facilities and infrastructure costs as well as intersegment eliminations. Certain corporate costs, other than those described in Item 7 “Management Discussion and Analysis”, including those related to selling, finance, legal, human resources, and information technology systems, are considered operating costs and are allocated to the Company’s segments based on either the actual amount of costs incurred or on a basis consistent with the operations of the underlying segment. Information with respect to the operations of each of Nielsen’s business segments is set forth below based on the nature of the services offered and geographic areas of operations. Business Segment Information Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Revenues Buy $ 3,345 $ 3,523 $ 3,406 Watch 2,827 2,765 2,297 Total $ 6,172 $ 6,288 $ 5,703 Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Business segment income/(loss) (1) Buy $ 624 $ 658 $ 660 Watch 1,269 1,214 989 Corporate and eliminations (35 ) (35 ) (32 ) Total $ 1,858 $ 1,837 $ 1,617 Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Depreciation and amortization Buy $ 207 $ 224 $ 199 Watch 363 343 302 Corporate and eliminations 4 6 9 Total $ 574 $ 573 $ 510 Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Restructuring charges Buy $ 32 $ 64 $ 47 Watch 14 14 55 Corporate and eliminations 5 11 17 Total $ 51 $ 89 $ 119 Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation expense Buy $ 15 $ 14 $ 14 Watch 8 10 11 Corporate and eliminations 25 23 22 Total $ 48 $ 47 $ 47 Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Other items (2) Buy $ 1 $ (2 ) $ 1 Watch 4 11 51 Corporate and eliminations 87 30 28 Total $ 92 $ 39 $ 80 Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Operating income/(loss) Buy $ 369 $ 358 $ 399 Watch 880 836 570 Corporate and eliminations (156 ) (105 ) (108 ) Total $ 1,093 $ 1,089 $ 861 (IN MILLIONS) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Total assets Buy $ 6,537 $ 6,869 Watch 8,650 8,156 Corporate and eliminations 116 301 Total $ 15,303 $ 15,326 (1) The Company’s chief operating decision maker uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments. (2) For the year ended December 31, 2015, other items consist of a $36 million donation to the Nielsen Foundation, $14 million charge for a vested cash out of certain U.S. pension plan participants, and other non-recurring costs. For the year ended December 31, 2014, other items primarily consist of non-recurring costs. Year ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Capital expenditures Buy $ 159 $ 206 $ 171 Watch 244 198 197 Corporate and eliminations 5 8 6 Total $ 408 $ 412 $ 374 Geographic Segment Information Operating Long- Income/ lived (IN MILLIONS) Revenues (1) (Loss) Assets (2) 2015 United States $ 3,606 $ 761 $ 10,683 North and South America, excluding the United States 567 131 944 United Kingdom 226 (6 ) 240 Other Europe, Middle East & Africa 1,030 120 843 Asia Pacific 743 87 335 Total $ 6,172 $ 1,093 $ 13,045 Operating Long- Income/ lived (IN MILLIONS) Revenues (1) (Loss) Assets (2) 2014 United States $ 3,415 $ 700 $ 10,255 North and South America, excluding the United States 670 161 1,150 United Kingdom 217 (25 ) 207 Other Europe, Middle East & Africa 1,215 160 922 Asia Pacific 771 93 385 Total $ 6,288 $ 1,089 $ 12,919 Operating Income/ (IN MILLIONS) Revenues (1) (Loss) 2013 United States $ 2,857 $ 414 North and South America, excluding the United States 660 167 United Kingdom 193 (11 ) Other Europe, Middle East & Africa 1,234 202 Asia Pacific 759 89 Total $ 5,703 $ 861 (1) Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers. (2) Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

Additional Financial Informatio

Additional Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information	18. Additional Financial Information Prepaid expenses and other current assets December 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets $ — $ 241 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1) 316 256 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 316 $ 497 Accounts payable and other current liabilities December 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 Trade payables $ 216 $ 223 Personnel costs 276 283 Current portion of restructuring liabilities 29 60 Data and professional services 214 196 Interest payable 48 41 Other current liabilities (1) 230 232 Total accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 1,013 $ 1,035 (1) Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

Guarantor Financial Information

Guarantor Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantor Financial Information	19. 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 December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and consolidating statements of operations and cash flows for the periods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company re-designated certain subsidiaries between guarantor and non-guarantor. As a result, the Company adjusted prior periods to reflect the current year structure. 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 Holdings plc Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income For the year ended December 31, 2015 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 3,585 $ 2,587 $ — $ 6,172 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 1,279 1,260 — 2,539 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 4 — 1,048 863 — 1,915 Depreciation and amortization — — 465 109 — 574 Restructuring charges — — 32 19 — 51 Operating (loss)/income (4 ) — 761 336 — 1,093 Interest income — 864 37 5 (902 ) 4 Interest expense — (291 ) (881 ) (41 ) 902 (311 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net — — (10 ) (21 ) — (31 ) Other income/(expense), net — — 252 (46 ) — 206 (Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates (4 ) 573 159 233 — 961 Provision for income taxes (1 ) (127 ) (175 ) (80 ) — (383 ) Equity in net income of subsidiaries 575 297 593 — (1,465 ) — Equity in net loss of affiliates — — (2 ) (1 ) — (3 ) Net income 570 743 575 152 (1,465 ) 575 Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 5 — 5 Net income attributable to controlling interests 570 743 575 147 (1,465 ) 570 Total other comprehensive loss (282 ) (280 ) (282 ) (282 ) 836 (290 ) Total other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (8 ) — (8 ) Total other comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interests (282 ) (280 ) (282 ) (274 ) 836 (282 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) 288 463 293 (130 ) (629 ) 285 Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (3 ) — (3 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests $ 288 $ 463 $ 293 $ (127 ) $ (629 ) $ 288 Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income For the year ended December 31, 2014 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 3,414 $ 2,874 $ — $ 6,288 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 1,269 1,351 — 2,620 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 4 — 955 958 — 1,917 Depreciation and amortization — — 448 125 — 573 Restructuring charges — — 43 46 — 89 Operating (loss)/income (4 ) — 699 394 — 1,089 Interest income — 856 44 8 (905 ) 3 Interest expense — (283 ) (874 ) (48 ) 905 (300 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net — — (2 ) (69 ) — (71 ) Other income/(expense), net — 553 4 (8 ) (649 ) (100 ) (Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates (4 ) 1,126 (129 ) 277 (649 ) 621 Benefit/(provision) for income taxes 7 (94 ) (98 ) (51 ) — (236 ) Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries 381 (521 ) 611 — (471 ) — Equity in net loss of affiliates — — (3 ) (1 ) — (4 ) Net income 384 511 381 225 (1,120 ) 381 Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (3 ) — (3 ) Net income attributable to controlling interests 384 511 381 228 (1,120 ) 384 Total other comprehensive (loss)/income (390 ) 805 (390 ) (490 ) 68 (397 ) Total other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (7 ) — (7 ) Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests (390 ) 805 (390 ) (483 ) 68 (390 ) Total comprehensive (loss)/income (6 ) 1,316 (9 ) (265 ) (1,052 ) (16 ) Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (10 ) — (10 ) Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests $ (6 ) $ 1,316 $ (9 ) $ (255 ) $ (1,052 ) $ (6 ) Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income For the year ended December 31, 2013 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 2,859 $ 2,844 $ — $ 5,703 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 1,087 1,311 — 2,398 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 4 — 889 922 — 1,815 Depreciation and amortization — — 386 124 — 510 Restructuring charges — — 67 52 — 119 Operating (loss)/income (4 ) — 430 435 — 861 Interest income 1 743 58 15 (815 ) 2 Interest expense (2 ) (300 ) (772 ) (50 ) 815 (309 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net — — 1 (26 ) 0 (25 ) Other (expense)/income, net — (21 ) 118 (106 ) 0 (9 ) (Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates (5 ) 422 (165 ) 268 — 520 (Provision)/benefit for income taxes (1 ) (95 ) 82 (77 ) — (91 ) Equity in net income of subsidiaries 746 419 522 — (1,687 ) — Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates — — (1 ) 3 — 2 Income from continuing operations 740 746 438 194 (1,687 ) 431 Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — — 308 (3 ) — 305 Net income 740 746 746 191 (1,687 ) 736 Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (4 ) — (4 ) Net income attributable to controlling interests 740 746 746 195 (1,687 ) 740 Total other comprehensive (loss)/income (54 ) (37 ) (54 ) 32 61 (52 ) Total other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 2 — 2 Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests (54 ) (37 ) (54 ) 30 61 (54 ) Total comprehensive income 686 709 692 223 (1,626 ) 684 Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (2 ) — (2 ) Total comprehensive income attributable to controlling interests $ 686 $ 709 $ 692 $ 225 $ (1,626 ) $ 686 Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Balance Sheet December 31, 2015 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Assets: Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1 $ — $ 7 $ 349 $ — $ 357 Trade and other receivables, net 3 — 550 682 — 1,235 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — 195 121 — 316 Intercompany receivables — 595 224 178 (997 ) — Total current assets 4 595 976 1,330 (997 ) 1,908 Non-current assets — Property, plant and equipment, net — — 324 166 — 490 Goodwill — — 5,774 2,009 — 7,783 Other intangible assets, net — — 4,314 458 — 4,772 Deferred tax assets 1 — 51 26 — 78 Other non-current assets — — 175 97 — 272 Equity investment in subsidiaries 4,793 1,441 3,696 — (9,930 ) — Intercompany receivables — 10,763 3,692 158 (14,613 ) — Total assets $ 4,798 $ 12,799 $ 19,002 $ 4,244 $ (25,540 ) $ 15,303 Liabilities and equity Current liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 1 $ 48 $ 450 $ 514 $ — $ 1,013 Deferred revenues — — 182 140 — 322 Income tax liabilities — — — 42 — 42 Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings — 114 195 1 — 310 Intercompany payables 21 3 753 220 (997 ) — Total current liabilities 22 165 1,580 917 (997 ) 1,687 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt and capital lease obligations — 6,911 102 15 — 7,028 Deferred tax liabilities — 74 977 23 — 1,074 Intercompany loans 341 2,985 10,921 366 (14,613 ) — Other non-current liabilities 2 6 629 250 — 887 Total liabilities 365 10,141 14,209 1,571 (15,610 ) 10,676 Total stockholders’ equity 4,433 2,658 4,793 2,479 (9,930 ) 4,433 Noncontrolling interests — — — 194 — 194 Total equity 4,433 2,658 4,793 2,673 (9,930 ) 4,627 Total liabilities and equity $ 4,798 $ 12,799 $ 19,002 $ 4,244 $ (25,540 ) $ 15,303 Nielsen Holdings plc 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 — — 339 158 — 497 Intercompany receivables 1 227 234 190 (652 ) — Total current assets 51 228 1,048 1,336 (652 ) 2,011 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 — 1 172 140 — 313 Equity investment in subsidiaries 5,017 1,125 6,596 — (12,738 ) — Intercompany receivables — 10,494 492 191 (11,177 ) — Total assets $ 5,069 $ 11,848 $ 18,574 $ 4,402 $ (24,567 ) $ 15,326 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 — 19 42 — 62 Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings — 94 298 1 — 393 Intercompany payables — — 429 223 (652 ) — Total current liabilities 11 138 1,323 974 (652 ) 1,794 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt and capital lease obligations — 6,312 87 20 — 6,419 Deferred tax liabilities — 74 895 56 — 1,025 Intercompany loans — 61 10,685 431 (11,177 ) — Other non-current liabilities 2 2 567 384 — 955 Total liabilities 13 6,587 13,557 1,865 (11,829 ) 10,193 Total stockholders’ equity 5,056 5,261 5,017 2,460 (12,738 ) 5,056 Noncontrolling interests — — — 77 — 77 Total equity 5,056 5,261 5,017 2,537 (12,738 ) 5,133 Total liabilities and equity $ 5,069 $ 11,848 $ 18,574 $ 4,402 $ (24,567 ) $ 15,326 Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended December 31, 2015 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Consolidated Net cash provided by operating activities $ — $ 255 $ 637 $ 287 $ 1,179 Investing activities: Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired — — (246 ) — (246 ) Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net — — 30 — 30 Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets — — (82 ) (52 ) (134 ) Additions to intangible assets — — (237 ) (37 ) (274 ) Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment — — — 7 7 Other investing activities — — 36 — 36 Net cash used in investing activities — — (499 ) (82 ) (581 ) Financing activities: Net borrowings under revolving credit facility — — (116 ) — (116 ) Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs — 746 — — 746 Repayments of debt — (98 ) — — (98 ) Cash dividends paid to stockholders (408 ) — — — (408 ) Repurchase of common stock (667 ) — — — (667 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 79 — (7 ) — 72 Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation — — 30 — 30 Other financing activities 948 (904 ) 16 (81 ) (21 ) Net cash used in financing activities (48 ) (256 ) (77 ) (81 ) (462 ) Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (3 ) (49 ) (52 ) Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (48 ) (1 ) 58 75 84 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 49 1 (51 ) 274 273 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1 $ — $ 7 $ 349 $ 357 Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended December 31, 2014 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Consolidated Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities $ (4 ) $ 523 $ 373 $ 201 $ 1,093 Investing activities: Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired — — (201 ) (113 ) (314 ) Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net — — — (6 ) (6 ) Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets — — (109 ) (54 ) (163 ) Additions to intangible assets — — (222 ) (27 ) (249 ) Other investing activities — — (1 ) 1 — Net cash used in investing activities — — (533 ) (199 ) (732 ) Financing activities: Net borrowings under revolving credit facility — — 280 — 280 Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs — 4,544 — — 4,544 Repayments of debt — (4,597 ) — (1 ) (4,598 ) Cash dividends paid to stockholders (356 ) — — — (356 ) Repurchase of common stock (466 ) (466 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 112 — (6 ) (3 ) 103 Other financing activities 751 (469 ) (370 ) (4 ) (92 ) Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 41 (522 ) (96 ) (8 ) (585 ) Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — (67 ) (67 ) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 37 1 (256 ) (73 ) (291 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 12 — 205 347 564 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 49 $ 1 $ (51 ) $ 274 $ 273 Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended December 31, 2013 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Consolidated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 1 $ 539 $ 40 $ 321 $ 901 Investing activities: Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired — — (1,242 ) (7 ) (1,249 ) Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net — — 935 — 935 Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets — — (56 ) (74 ) (130 ) Additions to intangible assets — — (218 ) (26 ) (244 ) Other investing activities 1 1 Net cash used in investing activities — — (581 ) (106 ) (687 ) Financing activities: Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs — 2,481 — 4 2,485 Repayments of debt — (2,171 ) — — (2,171 ) Decrease in other short-term borrowings — — — (5 ) (5 ) Cash dividends paid to shareholders (265 ) — — — (265 ) Repurchase of common stock (11 ) — — — (11 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 95 — (3 ) (7 ) 85 Other financing activities 191 (849 ) 727 (104 ) (35 ) Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 10 (539 ) 724 (112 ) 83 Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (2 ) (19 ) (21 ) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 11 — 181 84 276 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1 — 24 263 288 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 12 $ — $ 205 $ 347 $ 564

Quarterly Financial Data (unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	20. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) First Second Third Fourth (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2015 Revenues $ 1,458 $ 1,559 $ 1,531 $ 1,624 Operating income $ 199 $ 286 $ 298 $ 310 Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $ 101 $ 202 $ 225 $ 433 Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders $ 63 $ 114 $ 142 $ 251 Net income per share of common stock, basic Income from continuing operations $ 0.17 $ 0.31 $ 0.39 $ 0.69 Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders $ 0.17 $ 0.31 $ 0.39 $ 0.69 Net income per share of common stock, diluted Income from continuing operations $ 0.17 $ 0.31 $ 0.38 $ 0.68 Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders $ 0.17 $ 0.31 $ 0.38 $ 0.68 First Second Third Fourth (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2014 Revenues $ 1,489 $ 1,594 $ 1,572 $ 1,633 Operating income $ 193 $ 277 $ 311 $ 308 Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $ 87 $ 149 $ 187 $ 198 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 58 $ 74 $ 91 $ 161 Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders Net income per share of common stock, basic $ 0.15 $ 0.19 $ 0.24 $ 0.43 Income from continuing operations $ 0.15 $ 0.19 $ 0.24 $ 0.43 Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders Net income per share of common stock, diluted $ 0.15 $ 0.19 $ 0.24 $ 0.42 Income from continuing operations $ 0.15 $ 0.19 $ 0.24 $ 0.42

Schedule I-Condensed Financial

Schedule I-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule I-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Nielsen Holdings plc Parent Company Only Statements of Operations Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 4 $ 4 $ 4 Operating loss (4 ) (4 ) (4 ) Interest income — — 1 Interest expense — — (2 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net — — — Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of subsidiaries (4 ) (4 ) (5 ) (Provision)/benefit for income taxes (1 ) 7 (1 ) Equity in net income of subsidiaries 575 381 746 Net income $ 570 $ 384 $ 740 Nielsen Holdings plc Parent Company Only Balance Sheets December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 Assets: Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1 $ 49 Amounts receivable from subsidiary 3 1 Loan receivable from subsidiary — 1 Total current assets 4 51 Investment in subsidiaries 4,793 5,017 Other non-current assets 1 1 Total assets $ 4,798 $ 5,069 Liabilities and equity: Current liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities 1 10 Intercompany payables 21 — Income tax liability — 1 Total current liabilities 22 11 Loans outstanding from subsidiary 341 — Other non-current liabilities 2 2 Total liabilities 365 13 Total equity 4,433 5,056 Total liabilities and equity $ 4,798 $ 5,069 Nielsen Holdings plc Parent Company Only Statements of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ — $ (4 ) $ 1 Financing Activities: Cash dividends paid to stockholders (408 ) (356 ) (265 ) Repurchase of common stock (667 ) (466 ) (11 ) Activity under stock plans 79 112 95 Other financing activities 948 751 191 Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (48 ) 41 10 Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (48 ) 37 11 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 49 12 1 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 1 $ 49 $ 12 The notes to the consolidated financial statements of Nielsen Holdings plc (the “Company”) are an integral part of these nonconsolidated financial statements. Notes to Schedule I 1. Basis of Presentation The Company has accounted for the earnings of its subsidiaries under the equity method in these financial statements. 2. Commitments and Contingencies The debenture loans are jointly and severally guaranteed on an unconditional basis by the Company and subject to certain exceptions, each of the direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, including VNU Intermediate Holding B.V., Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., VNU International B.V., TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., VNU Marketing Information, Inc. and ACN Holdings, Inc., and the wholly-owned subsidiaries thereof, including the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc., in each case to the extent that such entities provide a guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities. The issuers are Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., both wholly-owned subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc. and subsidiary guarantors and The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S ar l., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. The historical financial information has been updated to reflect The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.ar.l. as an issuer. The Company had no material commitments or contingencies during the reported periods. 3. Related Party Transactions The Company enters into certain transactions with its subsidiaries through the normal course of operations and periodically settles these transactions in cash. On December 31, 2015, the Company had a $362 million liability to subsidiaries associated with financing transactions. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company received a net cash payment of $4 million associated with the sale of shares of common stock in conjunction with acquisitions made by its subsidiaries, net of reimbursements of fees paid on behalf of the Company by its subsidiaries. 4. Common Stock and Related Transactions On January 31, 2013, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) adopted a cash dividend policy to pay quarterly cash dividends on its outstanding common stock. The following table represents the cash dividends paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Dividend Per Share February 20, 2014 March 6, 2014 March 20, 2014 $ 0.20 May 1, 2014 June 5, 2014 June 19, 2014 $ 0.25 July 24, 2014 August 28, 2014 September 11, 2014 $ 0.25 October 30, 2014 November 25, 2014 December 9, 2014 $ 0.25 February 19, 2015 March 5, 2015 March 19, 2015 $ 0.25 April 20, 2015 June 4, 2015 June 18, 2015 $ 0.28 July 23, 2015 August 27, 2015 September 10, 2015 $ 0.28 October 29, 2015 November 24, 2015 December 8, 2015 $ 0.28 The dividend policy and payment of future cash dividends are subject to the discretion of the Board. Nielsen’s Board approved a share repurchase program, as included in the below table, for up to $2 billion of our outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to return value to shareholders and to mitigate dilution associated with our equity compensation plans. Board Approval Share Repurchase Authorization ($ in millions) July 25, 2013 $ 500 October 23, 2014 $ 1,000 December 11, 2015 $ 500 Total Share Repurchase Authorization $ 2,000 Repurchases under these plans will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market or otherwise depending on our evaluation of market conditions and other factors. This program has been executed within the limitations of the existing authority granted at Nielsen’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held in 2014 and 2015. As of December 31, 2015, there have been 25,762,411 shares of our common stock purchased at an average price of $44.43 per share (total consideration of approximately $1,144 million) under this program. 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 $ 43.90 814,753 $ 916,031,448 March 1- 31 772,189 $ 43.76 772,189 $ 882,241,498 April 1-30 1,440,798 $ 45.30 1,440,798 $ 816,973,014 May 1-31 1,222,800 $ 45.37 1,222,800 $ 761,496,406 June 1-30 1,300,836 $ 45.14 1,300,836 $ 702,774,965 July 1-31 1,310,000 $ 45.37 1,310,000 $ 643,345,777 August 1-31 1,853,142 $ 47.25 1,853,142 $ 555,793,238 September 1-30 553,756 $ 47.39 553,756 $ 529,551,668 October 1-31 1,276,829 $ 46.95 1,276,829 $ 469,601,614 November 1-30 1,141,708 $ 47.75 1,141,708 $ 415,084,736 December 1-31 1,281,414 $ 46.50 1,281,414 $ 855,495,985 Total 25,762,411 $ 44.43 25,762,411 Subsequent Event On February 18, 2016, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.28 per share on the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on March 17, 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2016.

Schedule II-Valuation and Quali

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts For the Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (IN MILLIONS) Balance Charges to Acquisitions Deductions Effect of Balance at Allowance for accounts receivable and sales returns For the year ended December 31, 2013 $ 38 $ 3 $ — $ (2 ) $ 0 $ 39 For the year ended December 31, 2014 $ 39 $ 4 $ — $ (11 ) $ (3 ) $ 29 For the year ended December 31, 2015 $ 29 $ 6 $ — $ (7 ) $ (2 ) $ 26 (IN MILLIONS) Balance Charges/ Charged Effect of Balance at Valuation allowance for deferred taxes For the year ended December 31, 2013 $ 232 $ (69 ) $ (5 ) $ (8 ) $ 150 For the year ended December 31, 2014 $ 150 $ (21 ) $ 16 $ 2 $ 147 For the year ended December 31, 2015 $ 147 $ 17 $ (8 ) $ (12 ) $ 144

Description of Business, Basi32

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translations	Foreign Currency Translation Nielsen has significant investments outside the United States, primarily in the Euro-zone, Canada and the United Kingdom. Therefore, changes in the value of foreign currencies affect the consolidated financial statements when translated into U.S. Dollars. The functional currency for substantially all subsidiaries outside the U.S. is the local currency. Financial statements for these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars at period-end exchange rates as to the assets and liabilities and monthly average exchange rates as to revenues, expenses and cash flows. For these countries, currency translation adjustments are recognized in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net, whereas transaction gains and losses are recognized in foreign exchange transaction (losses)/gains, net in the consolidated statement of operations. Nielsen has operations in both the Buy and Watch segments in Venezuela and the functional currency for these operations was the Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes (“bolivars”). 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. Since early 2013, 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 bolivars into U.S. Dollars in its financial statements, resulting in foreign currency exchange transaction losses in the 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 bolivars to the U.S. dollar 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, Nielsen recorded a pre-tax charge of $32 million for the fourth quarter 2014 and 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 December 31, 2015, the SIMADI exchange rate was 198.7 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. As a result of this change, Nielsen has recorded a pre-tax charge of $8 million during the year ended December 31, 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 December 31, 2015 SIMADI rate totaled $3 million.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs Research and development costs, which were not material for any periods presented, are expensed as incurred.
Deferred Costs	Deferred Costs Incremental direct costs incurred related to establishing or significantly expanding a panel in a designated market and costs incurred to build the infrastructure to service new clients, are deferred at the point when Nielsen determines them to be recoverable. Prior to this point, these cost are expensed as incurred. These deferred costs are typically amortized through cost of revenues over the original contract period beginning when the panel or infrastructure to service new clients is ready for its intended use.
Advertising and Marketing Costs	Advertising and Marketing Costs Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred and are reflected as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. These costs include all brand advertising, telemarketing, direct mail and other sales promotion associated with marketing/media research services. Advertising and marketing costs totaled $19 million, for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Computation of Net Income per Share	Computation of Net Income per Share Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares of common stock primarily consist of employee stock options and restricted stock. Employee stock options, restricted stock and similar equity instruments granted by the Company are treated as potential common stock outstanding in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted stock outstanding include restricted stock units and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options which is calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible for tax purposes are assumed to be used to repurchase stock. The two-class method is an earnings allocation method for computing earnings/(loss) per share when a company’s capital structure includes either two or more classes of common stock or common stock and participating securities. This method determines earnings/(loss) per share based on dividends declared on common stock and participating securities (i.e., distributed earnings), as well as participation rights of participating securities in any undistributed earnings. The two-class method did not have a significant impact on the calculation or presentation of earnings per share for any of the periods presented. The effect of 1,593,807, 2,437,100 and 2,433,400 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.
Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Comprehensive income/(loss) is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) and consists of net income and other gains and losses, net of tax affecting equity that are excluded from net income.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold $50 million of accounts receivables to a third party and recorded an immaterial loss on the sale to interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. The sale was accounted for as a true sale, without recourse. We maintain servicing responsibilities of the receivables, for which the related costs are not significant. The proceeds of $50 million from the sale were reported as a component of the changes in trade and other receivables, net within operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
Other Significant Accounting Policies	Other Significant Accounting Policies The following table includes other significant accounting policies that are described in other notes to the financial statements, including the related note: Significant Accounting Policy Note Investments 8 Financial Instruments 8 Derivative Financial Instruments 8 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 5 Property, Plant and Equipment 7 Impairment of Long-Lived Assets 5&7 Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits 10 Stock-Based Compensation 13 Income Taxes 14
Consolidation	Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries are reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements with disclosure on the face of the consolidated statements of operations of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders and to the noncontrolling interests. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliates and joint ventures where Nielsen has significant influence but not control, usually supported by a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in which Nielsen owns less than 20% and does not have significant influence are accounted for either as available-for-sale securities if the shares are publicly traded or as cost method investments. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation. Consolidation In
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Nielsen recognizes revenues when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered or information has been delivered, the fee is fixed or determinable and the collectability of the related revenue is reasonably assured. A significant portion of the Company’s revenue is generated from information (primarily retail measurement and consumer panel services) and measurement (primarily from television, radio, online and mobile audiences) services. The Company generally recognizes revenue from the sale of services as the services are performed, which is usually ratably over the term of the contract(s). Invoiced amounts are recorded as deferred revenue until earned. Substantially all of the Company’s customer contracts are non-cancellable and non-refundable. Certain of the Company’s revenue arrangements include multiple deliverables and in these arrangements, the individual deliverables within the contract that have stand-alone value to the customer are separated and recognized upon delivery based upon the Company’s best estimate of their selling prices. These arrangements are not significant to the Company’s results of operations. In certain cases, software is included as part of these arrangements to allow Nielsen’s customers to view delivered information and is provided for the term of the arrangement and is not significant to the marketing effort and is not sold separately. Accordingly, software provided to Nielsen’s customers is considered to be incidental to the arrangements and is not recognized as a separate element. A discussion of Nielsen’s revenue recognition policies, by segment, follows: Buy Revenue from the Buy segment, primarily from retail measurement services and consumer panel services is recognized over the period during which the services are performed and information is delivered to the customer, primarily on a straight-line basis. The Company provides insights and solutions to customers through analytical studies that are recognized into revenue as value is delivered to the customer. The pattern of revenue recognition for these contracts varies depending on the terms of the individual contracts, and may be recognized proportionally or deferred until the end of the contract term and recognized when the information has been delivered to the customer. Watch Revenue from the Watch segment is primarily generated from television, radio, online and mobile measurement services and recognized over the contract period, as the service is delivered to the customer, primarily on a straight-line basis. Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The new model will require revenue recognition to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services and shall be applied retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The FASB has approved a one year deferral of this standard and is now effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Nielsen is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued an ASU, “ ”. changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the ASU, an entity presents such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, requiring all deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any related valuation allowance, to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The classification change for all deferred taxes as noncurrent simplifies entities’ processes as it eliminates the need to separately identify the net current and net noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability in each jurisdiction and allocate valuation allowances. Nielsen elected to prospectively adopt the accounting standard as of December 31, 2015, resulting in a reclassification of Nielsen’s current deferred tax assets and liabilities to the non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities in Nielsen’s consolidated balance sheet. .

Business Acquisitions (Tables)

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The purchase price was allocated based upon the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation: (IN MILLIONS) Fair value of business combination: Cash paid for Arbitron common stock $ 1,296 Accrued payment for directors’ and employees’ equity awards pertaining to pre-merger service 42 Accrued dividend payment on Arbitron common stock 3 Fair value of previously held equity interest in Scarborough 75 Total $ 1,416 Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Cash $ 136 Other current assets 129 Property and equipment 32 Goodwill 947 Amortizable intangible assets 472 Other long term assets 2 Deferred revenue (47 ) Other current liabilities (53 ) Deferred tax liabilities (184 ) Other long term liabilities (18 ) Total $ 1,416
Intangible Assets and Estimated Useful Lives	Intangible assets and their estimated useful lives consist of the following: (IN MILLIONS) Description Amount Useful Life Customer –related intangibles $ 271 10 – 15 years Computer software 159 5 – 10 years Trade names and trademarks 31 3 – 5 years Covenants-not-to-compete 11 1 – 2 years Total $ 472
Pro Forma Information	The following unaudited pro forma information presents the consolidated results of operations of the Company and Arbitron for the year ended December 31, 2013 as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013, with pro forma adjustments to give effect to amortization of intangible assets, an increase in interest expense from acquisition financing, and certain other adjustments: (IN MILLIONS) 2013 Revenues $ 6,058 Income from continuing operations $ 497

Discontinued Operations and O34

Discontinued Operations and Other Dispositions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summarized Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations	Summarized results of operations for discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Revenue $ — $ 15 $ 103 Operating income — — 35 Interest expense — — (8 ) Income from operations before income taxes — — 27 Provision for income taxes — — (12 ) Income from operations — — 15 Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — Gain on sale, net of tax — — 290 Income from discontinued operations $ — $ — $ 305
Summary of Major Categories of Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations	Following are the major categories of cash flows from discontinued operations, as included in Nielsen’s consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Net cash provided by operating activities $ — $ — $ 36 Net cash provided by investing activities — — — Net cash provided by financing activities — — — $ — $ — $ 36

Goodwill and Other Intangible35

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. (IN MILLIONS) Buy Watch Total Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 3,005 $ 4,679 $ 7,684 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments 202 4 206 Effect of foreign currency translation (193 ) (26 ) (219 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 3,014 $ 4,657 $ 7,671 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments 4 361 365 Effect of foreign currency translation (229 ) (24 ) (253 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 2,789 $ 4,994 $ 7,783 Cumulative Impairments $ - $ 376 $ 376
Other Intangible Assets	The table below summarizes the carrying value of such intangible assets and their estimated useful lives: Gross Amounts Accumulated Amortization Estimated Weighted December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) Useful Lives Average 2015 2014 2015 2014 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names and trademarks $ 1,921 $ 1,921 $ - $ - Amortized intangibles: Trade names and trademarks 5-20 years 14 years 167 166 (84 ) (68 ) Customer-related intangibles 6-25 years 21 years 3,013 2,938 (1,193 ) (1,054 ) Covenants-not-to-compete 1-7 years 3 years 37 36 (35 ) (30 ) Computer software 3-10 years 5 years 1,919 1,935 (1,055 ) (1,157 ) Patents and other 3-10 years 6 years 168 105 (86 ) (77 ) Total $ 5,304 $ 5,180 $ (2,453 ) $ (2,386 )
Summary of Estimated Future Amortization Expense	All other intangible assets are subject to amortization. Future amortization expense is estimated to be as follows: (IN MILLIONS) For the year ending December 31: 2016 $ 429 2017 397 2018 353 2019 269 2020 238 Thereafter 1,165 Total $ 2,851

Changes in and Reclassificati36

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Currency Available- Translation for-Sale Post Employment (IN MILLIONS) Adjustments Securities Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total Balance December 31, 2014 $ (418 ) $ 19 $ (2 ) $ (376 ) $ (777 ) Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications (357 ) — (8 ) 60 (305 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income — (19 ) 7 27 15 Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income (357 ) (19 ) (1 ) 87 (290 ) Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (8 ) — — — (8 ) Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders (349 ) (19 ) (1 ) 87 (282 ) Balance December 31, 2015 $ (767 ) $ — $ (3 ) $ (289 ) $ (1,059 ) Currency Available- Translation for-Sale Post Employment (IN MILLIONS) Adjustments Securities Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total Balance December 31, 2013 $ (124 ) $ 9 $ (5 ) $ (267 ) $ (387 ) Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications (301 ) 10 (6 ) (123 ) (420 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income — — 9 14 23 Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income (301 ) 10 3 (109 ) (397 ) Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (7 ) — — — (7 ) Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders (294 ) 10 3 (109 ) (390 ) Balance December 31, 2014 $ (418 ) $ 19 $ (2 ) $ (376 ) $ (777 )
Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component	The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive Loss Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Affected Line Item in the Year Ended December 31, Consolidated Income components 2015 2014 Statement of Operations Available for sale securities $ (32 ) $ — Other income 13 — Provision for income taxes $ (19 ) $ — Total, net of tax Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ 12 $ 15 Interest expense (5 ) (6 ) Benefit for income taxes $ 7 $ 9 Total, net of tax Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits Actuarial loss $ 37 $ 19 (a) (10 ) (5 ) Benefit for income taxes $ 27 $ 14 Total, net of tax Total reclassification for the period $ 15 $ 23 Net of tax (a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	The following tables summaries the carrying value of our property, plant and equipment including the associated useful lives: Estimated December 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) Useful Life 2015 2014 Land and buildings 25-50 years $ 337 $ 352 Information and communication equipment 3-10 years 825 908 Furniture, equipment and other 3-10 years 108 119 1,270 1,379 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (780 ) (846 ) $ 490 $ 533
Schedule of Gross and Net Book Value of Assets under Capital Leases	Gross and net book value of assets under capital leases were as follows: (IN MILLIONS) December 31, 2015 Gross Book Value Accumulated Depreciation Net Book Value Land and buildings $ 170 $ (63 ) $ 107 Information and communication equipment 100 (41 ) 59 $ 270 $ (104 ) $ 166 December 31, 2014 Gross Book Value Accumulated Depreciation Net Book Value Land and buildings $ 172 $ (60 ) $ 112 Information and communication equipment 56 (21 ) 35 $ 228 $ (81 ) $ 147

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014: December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (2) 30 30 — — Investment in mutual funds (3) 2 2 — — Total $ 32 $ 32 $ — — Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (4) $ 6 — $ 6 — Deferred compensation liabilities (5) 30 30 — — Total $ 36 $ 30 $ 6 — 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 years ended December 31, 2015 or 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold its investment in equity securities for total cash proceeds of $44 million and recorded a gain of $30 million in other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. (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 income/(expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations. (3) Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans. (4) Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk. (5) The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as trading securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the trading securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.
Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps	As of December 31, 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 $ 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 US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 150,000,000 April 2019 US Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 150,000,000 July 2019 US Dollar
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets	The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Accounts Payable Accounts Payable Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments and Other Current Other Non- Current Other Non- and Other Current Other Non- Current (IN MILLIONS) Liabilities Liabilities Current Assets Liabilities Liabilities Interest rate swaps $ 1 $ 5 $ 1 $ 4 $ 2
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (amounts in millions): Amount of Loss Amount of Loss Recognized in OCI Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI on Derivatives Reclassified from OCI into Income Derivatives in Cash Flow (Effective Portion) into Income (Effective Portion) Hedging Relationships December 31, (Effective Portion) December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Interest rate swaps $ 14 $ 10 $ 4 Interest expense $ 12 $ 15 $ 16

Restructuring Activities (Table

Restructuring Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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: Total (IN MILLIONS) Initiatives Balance at December 31, 2012 $ 64 Charges 119 Non cash charges and other adjustments (4 ) Payments (80 ) Balance at December 31, 2013 99 Charges 89 Non cash charges and other adjustments (3 ) Payments (113 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 72 Charges 51 Non cash charges and other adjustments (8 ) Payments (77 ) Balance at December 30, 2015 $ 38

Pensions and Other Post-Retir40

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Pension Plans	A summary of the activity for the Pension Plans follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Change in projected benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 784 $ 380 $ 698 $ 1,862 Service cost 4 — 13 17 Interest cost 14 16 20 50 Plan participants’ contributions 1 — 1 2 Actuarial gains (53 ) (4 ) (31 ) (88 ) Benefits paid (29 ) (12 ) (21 ) (62 ) Expenses paid (2 ) — (2 ) (4 ) Premiums paid — — (1 ) (1 ) Curtailments — — (3 ) (3 ) Settlements — (46 ) (6 ) (52 ) Effect of foreign currency translation (80 ) — (52 ) (132 ) Benefit obligation at end of period 639 334 616 1,589 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 711 301 562 1,574 Actual return on plan assets 9 (13 ) 22 18 Employer contributions 5 1 19 25 Plan participants’ contributions 1 — 1 2 Benefits paid (29 ) (12 ) (21 ) (62 ) Expenses paid (2 ) — (2 ) (4 ) Premiums paid — — (1 ) (1 ) Settlements — (46 ) (6 ) (52 ) Effect of foreign currency translation (73 ) — (43 ) (116 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of period 622 231 531 1,384 Funded status $ (17 ) $ (103 ) $ (85 ) $ (205 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Pension assets included in other non-current assets — — 22 22 Current liabilities — (1 ) (2 ) (3 ) Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities (17 ) (102 ) (105 ) (224 ) Net amount recognized $ (17 ) $ (103 ) $ (85 ) $ (205 ) Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax Net loss/(gain) $ (54 ) $ 30 $ (36 ) $ (60 ) Amortization of prior service costs — — 1 1 Settlement loss — (14 ) (1 ) (15 ) Amortization of net loss (8 ) (7 ) (8 ) (23 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) $ (62 ) $ 9 $ (44 ) $ (97 ) Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax Unrecognized losses $ 161 $ 105 $ 100 $ 366 Year Ended December 31, 2014 The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Change in projected benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 761 $ 336 $ 643 $ 1,740 Service cost 4 1 14 19 Interest cost 25 16 26 67 Plan participants’ contributions — — 2 2 Actuarial losses 137 52 131 320 Benefits paid (35 ) (12 ) (22 ) (69 ) Expenses paid (2 ) — (3 ) (5 ) Premiums paid — — (1 ) (1 ) Amendments (4 ) — — (4 ) Curtailments — (1 ) — (1 ) Settlements — (12 ) (29 ) (41 ) Effect of foreign currency translation (102 ) — (63 ) (165 ) Benefit obligation at end of period 784 380 698 1,862 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 736 298 554 1,588 Actual return on plan assets 90 26 86 202 Employer contributions 11 1 23 35 Plan participants’ contributions — — 2 2 Benefits paid (35 ) (12 ) (22 ) (69 ) Expenses paid (2 ) — (3 ) (5 ) Premiums paid — — (1 ) (1 ) Settlements — (12 ) (29 ) (41 ) Acquisition 6 — — 6 Effect of foreign currency translation (95 ) — (48 ) (143 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of period 711 301 562 1,574 Funded status $ (73 ) $ (79 ) $ (136 ) $ (288 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Pension assets included in other non-current assets — — 35 35 Current liabilities — (1 ) (2 ) (3 ) Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities (73 ) (78 ) (169 ) (320 ) Net amount recognized $ (73 ) $ (79 ) $ (136 ) $ (288 ) Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax Net loss/(gain) $ 45 $ 46 $ 65 $ 156 Settlement loss — (1 ) (6 ) (7 ) Amortization of net loss (5 ) (4 ) (3 ) (12 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 40 $ 41 $ 56 $ 137 Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax Unrecognized losses $ 223 $ 96 $ 144 $ 463
Total Accumulated Benefit Obligation and Minimum Liability Changes for Pension Plans	The total accumulated benefit obligation and minimum liability changes for the Pension Plans were as follows: Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Accumulated benefit obligation. $ 1,548 $ 1,803 $ 1,683 Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets at December 31, 2015 The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Projected benefit obligation $ 578 $ 334 $ 509 $ 1,421 Accumulated benefit obligation 577 334 470 1,381 Fair value of plan assets 560 231 402 1,193 Pension Plans with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets at December 31, 2015 The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Projected benefit obligation $ 578 $ 334 $ 509 $ 1,421 Accumulated benefit obligation 577 334 470 1,381 Fair value of plan assets 560 231 402 1,193 Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets at December 31, 2014 The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Projected benefit obligation $ 784 $ 380 $ 590 $ 1,754 Accumulated benefit obligation 783 380 537 1,700 Fair value of plan assets 711 301 419 1,431 Pension Plans with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets at December 31, 2014 The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Projected benefit obligation $ 784 $ 380 $ 590 $ 1,754 Accumulated benefit obligation 783 380 537 1,700 Fair value of plan assets 711 301 419 1,431
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, includes the following components: Net Periodic Pension Costs The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total Year ended December 31, 2015 Service cost $ 4 $ — $ 13 $ 17 Interest cost 14 16 20 50 Expected return on plan assets (30 ) (21 ) (31 ) (82 ) Settlement loss recognized — 14 1 15 Amortization of prior service costs — — (1 ) (1 ) Amortization of net loss 8 7 8 23 Net periodic pension cost $ (4 ) $ 16 $ 10 $ 22 Year ended December 31, 2014 Service cost $ 4 $ 1 $ 14 $ 19 Interest cost 25 16 26 67 Expected return on plan assets (35 ) (21 ) (35 ) (91 ) Settlement loss recognized — 1 6 7 Amortization of net loss 5 4 3 12 Net periodic pension cost $ (1 ) 1 14 14 Year ended December 31, 2013 Service cost $ 4 $ — $ 15 $ 19 Interest cost 25 13 24 62 Expected return on plan assets (34 ) (18 ) (31 ) (83 ) Amortization of net loss 6 5 6 17 Net periodic pension cost $ 1 $ — $ 14 $ 15
Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Expected to be Recognized	The deferred loss included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2016 is as follows: The Netherlands United States Other Total Net actuarial loss $ (7 ) $ (5 ) $ (5 ) $ (17 )
Weighted Average Assumptions Underlying Pension Computations	The weighted average assumptions underlying the pension computations were as follows: Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Pension benefit obligation: —discount rate 3.2 % 2.8 % 4.1 % —rate of compensation increase 1.7 % 2.0 % 2.1 % Net periodic pension costs: —discount rate 2.8 % 4.1 % 3.8 % —rate of compensation increase 2.0 % 2.1 % 2.1 % —expected long-term return on plan assets 6.0 % 6.0 % 6.0 %
Weighted Average Asset Allocation by Asset Category	Nielsen’s pension plans’ weighted average asset allocations by asset category are as follows: The United Netherlands States Other Total At December 31, 2015 Equity securities 25 % 54 % 42 % 36 % Fixed income securities 59 45 41 50 Other 16 1 17 14 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % At December 31, 2014 Equity securities 24 % 58 % 44 % 37 % Fixed income securities 61 33 49 51 Other 15 9 7 12 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 %
Assets at Fair Value	Assets at fair value (See Note 8 – “Fair Value Measurements” for additional information on fair value measurement and the underlying fair value hierarchy) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Cash and equivalents $ 8 $ — $ — $ 8 $ 37 $ 1 $ — $ 38 Equity securities – U.S. 25 67 — 92 80 13 — 93 Equity securities – Global. 5 214 — 219 4 292 — 296 Equity securities – non-U.S. 23 169 — 192 29 171 — 200 Real estate — — 33 33 — — 39 39 Corporate bonds 104 410 — 514 111 413 — 524 Debt issued by national, state or local government 54 128 — 182 55 225 — 280 Other — 14 130 144 — 16 88 104 Total Assets at Fair Value $ 219 $ 1,002 $ 163 $ 1,384 316 1,131 $ 127 $ 1,574
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Pension Plans Level 3 Assets	The following is a summary of changes in the fair value of the Pension Plans’ Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014: (IN MILLIONS) Real Estate Other Total Balance, end of year December 31, 2013 $ 39 $ 81 $ 120 Actual return on plan assets: Investments 4 — 4 Unrealized gains — 17 17 Effect of foreign currency translation (4 ) (10 ) (14 ) Balance, end of year December 31, 2014 $ 39 $ 88 $ 127 Actual return on plan assets: (Sales)/investments (5 ) 50 45 Unrealized gains 3 1 4 Effect of foreign currency translation (4 ) (9 ) (13 ) Balance, end of year December 31, 2015 $ 33 $ 130 $ 163
Estimated Future Benefit Payments	Estimated future benefit payments are as follows: The United (IN MILLIONS) Netherlands States Other Total For the years ending December 31, 2016 $ 29 $ 14 $ 24 $ 67 2017 29 14 19 62 2018 30 15 19 64 2019 30 15 20 65 2020 30 16 22 68 2021-2025 149 92 127 368

Long-term Debt and Other Fina41

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Debt	Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of December 31, 2015. December 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 variable rate of 2.29% ) due 2019 $ 1,455 $ 1,454 $ 1,532 $ 1,533 $500 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.54% ) due 2017 492 492 497 493 $1,100 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.29% ) due 2021 1,080 1,082 1,090 1,088 €286 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 2.82%) due 2021 305 306 343 343 $575 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2019 164 163 280 274 Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate) 2.78 % 3,496 3,497 2.65 % 3,742 3,731 $800 million 4.50% senior debenture loan due 2020 792 808 791 801 $1,550 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022 — — 1,537 1,554 $625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021 617 640 616 633 $2,300 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022 2,284 2,270 — — Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate) 5.22 % 3,693 3,718 5.23 % 2,944 2,988 Other loans 7 7 8 8 Total long-term debt 4.04 % 7,196 7,222 3.79 % 6,694 6,727 Capital lease and other financing obligations 142 118 Total debt and other financing arrangements 7,338 6,812 Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings 310 393 Non-current portion of long-term debt and capital lease and other financing obligations $ 7,028 $ 6,419
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Currency Wise	The carrying value of Nielsen’s long-term debt are denominated in the following currencies: December 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 U.S. Dollars $ 6,891 $ 6,351 Euro 305 343 $ 7,196 $ 6,694
Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) 2016 $ 277 2017 $ 632 2018 $ 202 2019 $ 1,033 2020 $ 806 Thereafter $ 4,246 $ 7,196
Summary of Future Minimum Capital Lease Payments Under Non-Cancelable Capital Leases	Future minimum capital lease payments under non-cancelable capital leases at December 31, 2015 are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) 2016 $ 38 2017 36 2018 29 2019 19 2020 13 Thereafter 46 Total 181 Less: amount representing interest 39 Present value of minimum lease payments $ 142 Current portion $ 31 Total non-current portion 111 Present value of minimum lease payments $ 142

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock Activity	Common stock activity is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding Beginning of period 372,757,598 378,635,464 362,519,883 Shares of common stock converted from Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 2013 - - 10,416,700 Shares of common stock issued through business combinations 52,698 75,083 101,899 Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans 4,107,501 4,940,195 5,886,821 Repurchases of common stock (14,579,428 ) (10,893,144 ) (289,839 ) End of period 362,338,369 372,757,598 378,635,464
Summary of Dividends Declared on Nielsen's Common Stock	The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Dividend Per Share February 20, 2014 March 6, 2014 March 20, 2014 $ 0.20 May 1, 2014 June 5, 2014 June 19, 2014 $ 0.25 July 24, 2014 August 28, 2014 September 11, 2014 $ 0.25 October 30, 2014 November 25, 2014 December 9, 2014 $ 0.25 February 19, 2015 March 5, 2015 March 19, 2015 $ 0.25 April 20, 2015 June 4, 2015 June 18, 2015 $ 0.28 July 23, 2015 August 27, 2015 September 10, 2015 $ 0.28 October 29, 2015 November 24, 2015 December 8, 2015 $ 0.28
Summary of Approved Authorized Shares for Repurchase	Board Approval Share Repurchase Authorization ($ in millions) July 25, 2013 $ 500 October 23, 2014 $ 1,000 December 11, 2015 $ 500 Total Share Repurchase Authorization $ 2,000
Summary of Open Market Share Repurchases Activity	The activity for the year ended December 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 $ 43.90 814,753 $ 916,031,448 March 1- 31 772,189 $ 43.76 772,189 $ 882,241,498 April 1-30 1,440,798 $ 45.30 1,440,798 $ 816,973,014 May 1-31 1,222,800 $ 45.37 1,222,800 $ 761,496,406 June 1-30 1,300,836 $ 45.14 1,300,836 $ 702,774,965 July 1-31 1,310,000 $ 45.37 1,310,000 $ 643,345,777 August 1-31 1,853,142 $ 47.25 1,853,142 $ 555,793,238 September 1-30 553,756 $ 47.39 553,756 $ 529,551,668 October 1-31 1,276,829 $ 46.95 1,276,829 $ 469,601,614 November 1-30 1,141,708 $ 47.75 1,141,708 $ 415,084,736 December 1-31 1,281,414 $ 46.50 1,281,414 $ 855,495,985 Total 25,762,411 $ 44.43 25,762,411

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Assumptions Used in Options	The following assumptions were used during 2015, 2014 and 2013: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Expected life (years) 4.50-5.25 3.00-5.25 3.50-6.00 Risk-free interest rate 1.27-1.58 % 0.87-1.66 % 0.40-1.99 % Expected dividend yield 2.18- 2.45 % 1.77- 2.39 % 0 - 2.19 % Expected volatility 23.44-23.70 % 23.50-25.32 % 25.40-27.60 % Weighted average volatility 23.56 % 23.99 % 25.89 %
Summary of Stock Option Plan Activity	Nielsen’s stock option plan activity is summarized below: Number of Options Weighted-Average Weighted- Aggregate Stock Option Plan activity Outstanding at December 31, 2012 19,687,838 $ 22.80 5.16 $ 156 Granted 2,459,900 36.65 Forfeited (383,163 ) (23.35 ) Exercised (4,667,814 ) (19.11 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2013 17,096,761 25.78 4.61 $ 344 Granted 2,448,100 42.01 Forfeited (798,279 ) (29.57 ) Exercised (4,219,122 ) (24.08 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 14,527,460 $ 28.80 4.29 $ 231 Granted 1,609,170 48.24 Forfeited (1,808,315 ) (30.59 ) Exercised (3,779,137 ) (21.84 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2015 10,549,178 $ 33.96 4.16 $ 136 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 6,111,083 $ 29.15 3.16 $ 107
Summery of Restricted Stock Units	Activity of Nielsen’s restricted stock units (RSUs) that are ultimately payable in shares of common stock granted under the Stock Incentive Plan is summarized below: Number of Weighted-Average Fair Value RSU activity Nonvested at December 31, 2012 845,308 $ 28.40 Granted 955,531 34.86 Forfeited (230,500 ) 32.56 Vested (262,446 ) 24.96 Nonvested at December 31, 2013 1,307,893 $ 30.53 Granted 526,857 42.74 Forfeited (113,903 ) 30.55 Vested (412,845 ) 28.53 Nonvested at December 31, 2014 1,308,002 $ 35.90 Granted 851,088 47.29 Forfeited (200,217 ) 37.20 Vested (452,106 ) 34.19 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 1,506,767 $ 42.48

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income/(Loss) of Affiliates	The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, were: Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013) $ 16 $ 17 $ 19 Non-UK (2015), Non-Dutch (2014-2013) 945 604 501 Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $ 961 $ 621 $ 520
Provision for Income Taxes Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income of Affiliates	The provision for income taxes attributable to the income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates consisted of: Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Current: UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013) $ (6 ) $ 4 $ 4 Non-UK (2015), Non-Dutch (2014-2013). 176 127 194 170 131 198 Deferred: UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013) (1 ) 1 3 Non-UK (2015), Non-Dutch (2014-2013) 214 104 (110 ) 213 105 (107 ) Total $ 383 $ 236 $ 91
Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes as Per UK or Dutch Federal Income Tax Rates	The Company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was different from the amount computed by applying the statutory UK or Dutch federal income tax rates to the underlying income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates as a result of the following: Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $ 961 $ 621 $ 520 UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013) statutory tax rate 20.25 % 25.0 % 25.0 % Provision for income taxes at the UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013) statutory rate $ 195 $ 155 $ 130 Tax impact on distributions from foreign subsidiaries (5 ) 4 (38 ) Effect of operations in non-UK jurisdictions 74 19 16 Tax impact of global licensing arrangements 80 84 14 U.S. state and local taxation 40 21 9 Withholding and other taxation 37 38 35 Effect of global financing activities (82 ) (84 ) (60 ) Changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions 8 (1 ) 47 Changes in valuation allowances 17 (21 ) (69 ) Effect of change in deferred tax rates 3 2 3 Other, net 16 19 4 Total provision for income taxes $ 383 $ 236 $ 91 Effective tax rate 39.8 % 38.0 % 17.5 %
Components of Current and Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets/(Liabilities)	The components of current and non-current deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) were: (IN MILLIONS) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Deferred tax assets (on balance): Net operating loss carryforwards $ 181 $ 175 Interest expense limitation 734 783 Employee benefits 72 93 Tax credit carryforwards 142 198 Share-based payments 41 43 Accrued expenses 39 21 Financial instruments — 10 Other assets 55 84 1,264 1,407 Valuation allowances (144 ) (147 ) Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances 1,120 1,260 Deferred tax liabilities (on balance): Intangible assets (1,640 ) (1,692 ) Fixed asset depreciation (49 ) (25 ) Computer software (280 ) (185 ) Deferred revenues/costs (10 ) (13 ) Financial instruments (6 ) — Unrealized gain on investments (73 ) — Other liabilities (58 ) (62 ) (2,116 ) (1,977 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (996 ) $ (717 ) Recognized as: Deferred income taxes, current $ — $ 226 Deferred income taxes, non-current (996 ) (943 ) Total $ (996 ) $ (717 )
Schedule of Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Gross Uncertain Tax Positions	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross uncertain tax positions is as follows: (IN MILLIONS) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 Balance as of the beginning of period $ 452 $ 475 $ 409 Additions for current year tax positions 24 14 41 Additions for tax positions of prior years 14 12 42 Reductions for lapses of statute of limitations (15 ) (12 ) (8 ) Reductions for tax positions of prior years (14 ) (37 ) (9 ) Balance as of the end of the period $ 461 $ 452 $ 475

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum Annual Payments under Nielsen's Purchase Obligations	The amounts presented below represent the minimum annual payments under Nielsen’s purchase obligations that have initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year. These purchase obligations include data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. For the Years Ending December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Operating leases $ 84 $ 69 $ 55 $ 40 $ 25 $ 48 $ 321 Other contractual obligations (a ) 358 94 48 13 7 1 521 Total $ 442 $ 163 $ 103 $ 53 $ 32 $ 49 $ 842 (a) Other contractual obligations represent obligations under agreement, which are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Nielsen generally requires purchase orders for vendor and third party spending. The amounts presented above represent the minimum future annual services covered by purchase obligations including data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. Nielsen’s remaining commitments as of December 31, 2015 under the outsourced services agreements with TCS have been included above on an estimated basis over the years within the contractual period in which we expect to satisfy its obligations. As of December 31, 2015, the remaining TCS commitment was approximately $168 million.

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Business Segment Information Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Revenues Buy $ 3,345 $ 3,523 $ 3,406 Watch 2,827 2,765 2,297 Total $ 6,172 $ 6,288 $ 5,703 Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Business segment income/(loss) (1) Buy $ 624 $ 658 $ 660 Watch 1,269 1,214 989 Corporate and eliminations (35 ) (35 ) (32 ) Total $ 1,858 $ 1,837 $ 1,617 Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Depreciation and amortization Buy $ 207 $ 224 $ 199 Watch 363 343 302 Corporate and eliminations 4 6 9 Total $ 574 $ 573 $ 510 Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Restructuring charges Buy $ 32 $ 64 $ 47 Watch 14 14 55 Corporate and eliminations 5 11 17 Total $ 51 $ 89 $ 119 Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation expense Buy $ 15 $ 14 $ 14 Watch 8 10 11 Corporate and eliminations 25 23 22 Total $ 48 $ 47 $ 47 Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Other items (2) Buy $ 1 $ (2 ) $ 1 Watch 4 11 51 Corporate and eliminations 87 30 28 Total $ 92 $ 39 $ 80 Year Ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Operating income/(loss) Buy $ 369 $ 358 $ 399 Watch 880 836 570 Corporate and eliminations (156 ) (105 ) (108 ) Total $ 1,093 $ 1,089 $ 861 (IN MILLIONS) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Total assets Buy $ 6,537 $ 6,869 Watch 8,650 8,156 Corporate and eliminations 116 301 Total $ 15,303 $ 15,326 (1) The Company’s chief operating decision maker uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments. (2) For the year ended December 31, 2015, other items consist of a $36 million donation to the Nielsen Foundation, $14 million charge for a vested cash out of certain U.S. pension plan participants, and other non-recurring costs. For the year ended December 31, 2014, other items primarily consist of non-recurring costs. Year ended December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 2013 Capital expenditures Buy $ 159 $ 206 $ 171 Watch 244 198 197 Corporate and eliminations 5 8 6 Total $ 408 $ 412 $ 374
Geographical Segment Information	Geographic Segment Information Operating Long- Income/ lived (IN MILLIONS) Revenues (1) (Loss) Assets (2) 2015 United States $ 3,606 $ 761 $ 10,683 North and South America, excluding the United States 567 131 944 United Kingdom 226 (6 ) 240 Other Europe, Middle East & Africa 1,030 120 843 Asia Pacific 743 87 335 Total $ 6,172 $ 1,093 $ 13,045 Operating Long- Income/ lived (IN MILLIONS) Revenues (1) (Loss) Assets (2) 2014 United States $ 3,415 $ 700 $ 10,255 North and South America, excluding the United States 670 161 1,150 United Kingdom 217 (25 ) 207 Other Europe, Middle East & Africa 1,215 160 922 Asia Pacific 771 93 385 Total $ 6,288 $ 1,089 $ 12,919 Operating Income/ (IN MILLIONS) Revenues (1) (Loss) 2013 United States $ 2,857 $ 414 North and South America, excluding the United States 660 167 United Kingdom 193 (11 ) Other Europe, Middle East & Africa 1,234 202 Asia Pacific 759 89 Total $ 5,703 $ 861 (1) Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers. (2) Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

Additional Financial Informat47

Additional Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets December 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets $ — $ 241 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1) 316 256 Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 316 $ 497
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	Accounts payable and other current liabilities December 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2015 2014 Trade payables $ 216 $ 223 Personnel costs 276 283 Current portion of restructuring liabilities 29 60 Data and professional services 214 196 Interest payable 48 41 Other current liabilities (1) 230 232 Total accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 1,013 $ 1,035 (1) Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

Guarantor Financial Informati48

Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Guarantees [Abstract]
Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income	Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income For the year ended December 31, 2015 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 3,585 $ 2,587 $ — $ 6,172 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 1,279 1,260 — 2,539 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 4 — 1,048 863 — 1,915 Depreciation and amortization — — 465 109 — 574 Restructuring charges — — 32 19 — 51 Operating (loss)/income (4 ) — 761 336 — 1,093 Interest income — 864 37 5 (902 ) 4 Interest expense — (291 ) (881 ) (41 ) 902 (311 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net — — (10 ) (21 ) — (31 ) Other income/(expense), net — — 252 (46 ) — 206 (Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates (4 ) 573 159 233 — 961 Provision for income taxes (1 ) (127 ) (175 ) (80 ) — (383 ) Equity in net income of subsidiaries 575 297 593 — (1,465 ) — Equity in net loss of affiliates — — (2 ) (1 ) — (3 ) Net income 570 743 575 152 (1,465 ) 575 Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 5 — 5 Net income attributable to controlling interests 570 743 575 147 (1,465 ) 570 Total other comprehensive loss (282 ) (280 ) (282 ) (282 ) 836 (290 ) Total other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (8 ) — (8 ) Total other comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interests (282 ) (280 ) (282 ) (274 ) 836 (282 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) 288 463 293 (130 ) (629 ) 285 Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (3 ) — (3 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests $ 288 $ 463 $ 293 $ (127 ) $ (629 ) $ 288 Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income For the year ended December 31, 2014 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 3,414 $ 2,874 $ — $ 6,288 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 1,269 1,351 — 2,620 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 4 — 955 958 — 1,917 Depreciation and amortization — — 448 125 — 573 Restructuring charges — — 43 46 — 89 Operating (loss)/income (4 ) — 699 394 — 1,089 Interest income — 856 44 8 (905 ) 3 Interest expense — (283 ) (874 ) (48 ) 905 (300 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net — — (2 ) (69 ) — (71 ) Other income/(expense), net — 553 4 (8 ) (649 ) (100 ) (Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates (4 ) 1,126 (129 ) 277 (649 ) 621 Benefit/(provision) for income taxes 7 (94 ) (98 ) (51 ) — (236 ) Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries 381 (521 ) 611 — (471 ) — Equity in net loss of affiliates — — (3 ) (1 ) — (4 ) Net income 384 511 381 225 (1,120 ) 381 Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (3 ) — (3 ) Net income attributable to controlling interests 384 511 381 228 (1,120 ) 384 Total other comprehensive (loss)/income (390 ) 805 (390 ) (490 ) 68 (397 ) Total other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (7 ) — (7 ) Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests (390 ) 805 (390 ) (483 ) 68 (390 ) Total comprehensive (loss)/income (6 ) 1,316 (9 ) (265 ) (1,052 ) (16 ) Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (10 ) — (10 ) Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests $ (6 ) $ 1,316 $ (9 ) $ (255 ) $ (1,052 ) $ (6 ) Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income For the year ended December 31, 2013 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 2,859 $ 2,844 $ — $ 5,703 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 1,087 1,311 — 2,398 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 4 — 889 922 — 1,815 Depreciation and amortization — — 386 124 — 510 Restructuring charges — — 67 52 — 119 Operating (loss)/income (4 ) — 430 435 — 861 Interest income 1 743 58 15 (815 ) 2 Interest expense (2 ) (300 ) (772 ) (50 ) 815 (309 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net — — 1 (26 ) 0 (25 ) Other (expense)/income, net — (21 ) 118 (106 ) 0 (9 ) (Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates (5 ) 422 (165 ) 268 — 520 (Provision)/benefit for income taxes (1 ) (95 ) 82 (77 ) — (91 ) Equity in net income of subsidiaries 746 419 522 — (1,687 ) — Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates — — (1 ) 3 — 2 Income from continuing operations 740 746 438 194 (1,687 ) 431 Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — — 308 (3 ) — 305 Net income 740 746 746 191 (1,687 ) 736 Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (4 ) — (4 ) Net income attributable to controlling interests 740 746 746 195 (1,687 ) 740 Total other comprehensive (loss)/income (54 ) (37 ) (54 ) 32 61 (52 ) Total other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 2 — 2 Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests (54 ) (37 ) (54 ) 30 61 (54 ) Total comprehensive income 686 709 692 223 (1,626 ) 684 Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (2 ) — (2 ) Total comprehensive income attributable to controlling interests $ 686 $ 709 $ 692 $ 225 $ (1,626 ) $ 686
Consolidating Balance Sheet	Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Balance Sheet December 31, 2015 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Assets: Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1 $ — $ 7 $ 349 $ — $ 357 Trade and other receivables, net 3 — 550 682 — 1,235 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — 195 121 — 316 Intercompany receivables — 595 224 178 (997 ) — Total current assets 4 595 976 1,330 (997 ) 1,908 Non-current assets — Property, plant and equipment, net — — 324 166 — 490 Goodwill — — 5,774 2,009 — 7,783 Other intangible assets, net — — 4,314 458 — 4,772 Deferred tax assets 1 — 51 26 — 78 Other non-current assets — — 175 97 — 272 Equity investment in subsidiaries 4,793 1,441 3,696 — (9,930 ) — Intercompany receivables — 10,763 3,692 158 (14,613 ) — Total assets $ 4,798 $ 12,799 $ 19,002 $ 4,244 $ (25,540 ) $ 15,303 Liabilities and equity Current liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 1 $ 48 $ 450 $ 514 $ — $ 1,013 Deferred revenues — — 182 140 — 322 Income tax liabilities — — — 42 — 42 Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings — 114 195 1 — 310 Intercompany payables 21 3 753 220 (997 ) — Total current liabilities 22 165 1,580 917 (997 ) 1,687 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt and capital lease obligations — 6,911 102 15 — 7,028 Deferred tax liabilities — 74 977 23 — 1,074 Intercompany loans 341 2,985 10,921 366 (14,613 ) — Other non-current liabilities 2 6 629 250 — 887 Total liabilities 365 10,141 14,209 1,571 (15,610 ) 10,676 Total stockholders’ equity 4,433 2,658 4,793 2,479 (9,930 ) 4,433 Noncontrolling interests — — — 194 — 194 Total equity 4,433 2,658 4,793 2,673 (9,930 ) 4,627 Total liabilities and equity $ 4,798 $ 12,799 $ 19,002 $ 4,244 $ (25,540 ) $ 15,303 Nielsen Holdings plc 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 — — 339 158 — 497 Intercompany receivables 1 227 234 190 (652 ) — Total current assets 51 228 1,048 1,336 (652 ) 2,011 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 — 1 172 140 — 313 Equity investment in subsidiaries 5,017 1,125 6,596 — (12,738 ) — Intercompany receivables — 10,494 492 191 (11,177 ) — Total assets $ 5,069 $ 11,848 $ 18,574 $ 4,402 $ (24,567 ) $ 15,326 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 — 19 42 — 62 Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings — 94 298 1 — 393 Intercompany payables — — 429 223 (652 ) — Total current liabilities 11 138 1,323 974 (652 ) 1,794 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt and capital lease obligations — 6,312 87 20 — 6,419 Deferred tax liabilities — 74 895 56 — 1,025 Intercompany loans — 61 10,685 431 (11,177 ) — Other non-current liabilities 2 2 567 384 — 955 Total liabilities 13 6,587 13,557 1,865 (11,829 ) 10,193 Total stockholders’ equity 5,056 5,261 5,017 2,460 (12,738 ) 5,056 Noncontrolling interests — — — 77 — 77 Total equity 5,056 5,261 5,017 2,537 (12,738 ) 5,133 Total liabilities and equity $ 5,069 $ 11,848 $ 18,574 $ 4,402 $ (24,567 ) $ 15,326
Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended December 31, 2015 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Consolidated Net cash provided by operating activities $ — $ 255 $ 637 $ 287 $ 1,179 Investing activities: Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired — — (246 ) — (246 ) Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net — — 30 — 30 Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets — — (82 ) (52 ) (134 ) Additions to intangible assets — — (237 ) (37 ) (274 ) Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment — — — 7 7 Other investing activities — — 36 — 36 Net cash used in investing activities — — (499 ) (82 ) (581 ) Financing activities: Net borrowings under revolving credit facility — — (116 ) — (116 ) Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs — 746 — — 746 Repayments of debt — (98 ) — — (98 ) Cash dividends paid to stockholders (408 ) — — — (408 ) Repurchase of common stock (667 ) — — — (667 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 79 — (7 ) — 72 Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation — — 30 — 30 Other financing activities 948 (904 ) 16 (81 ) (21 ) Net cash used in financing activities (48 ) (256 ) (77 ) (81 ) (462 ) Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (3 ) (49 ) (52 ) Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (48 ) (1 ) 58 75 84 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 49 1 (51 ) 274 273 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1 $ — $ 7 $ 349 $ 357 Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended December 31, 2014 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Consolidated Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities $ (4 ) $ 523 $ 373 $ 201 $ 1,093 Investing activities: Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired — — (201 ) (113 ) (314 ) Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net — — — (6 ) (6 ) Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets — — (109 ) (54 ) (163 ) Additions to intangible assets — — (222 ) (27 ) (249 ) Other investing activities — — (1 ) 1 — Net cash used in investing activities — — (533 ) (199 ) (732 ) Financing activities: Net borrowings under revolving credit facility — — 280 — 280 Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs — 4,544 — — 4,544 Repayments of debt — (4,597 ) — (1 ) (4,598 ) Cash dividends paid to stockholders (356 ) — — — (356 ) Repurchase of common stock (466 ) (466 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 112 — (6 ) (3 ) 103 Other financing activities 751 (469 ) (370 ) (4 ) (92 ) Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 41 (522 ) (96 ) (8 ) (585 ) Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — (67 ) (67 ) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 37 1 (256 ) (73 ) (291 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 12 — 205 347 564 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 49 $ 1 $ (51 ) $ 274 $ 273 Nielsen Holdings plc Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended December 31, 2013 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non-Guarantor Consolidated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 1 $ 539 $ 40 $ 321 $ 901 Investing activities: Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired — — (1,242 ) (7 ) (1,249 ) Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net — — 935 — 935 Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets — — (56 ) (74 ) (130 ) Additions to intangible assets — — (218 ) (26 ) (244 ) Other investing activities 1 1 Net cash used in investing activities — — (581 ) (106 ) (687 ) Financing activities: Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs — 2,481 — 4 2,485 Repayments of debt — (2,171 ) — — (2,171 ) Decrease in other short-term borrowings — — — (5 ) (5 ) Cash dividends paid to shareholders (265 ) — — — (265 ) Repurchase of common stock (11 ) — — — (11 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 95 — (3 ) (7 ) 85 Other financing activities 191 (849 ) 727 (104 ) (35 ) Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 10 (539 ) 724 (112 ) 83 Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (2 ) (19 ) (21 ) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 11 — 181 84 276 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1 — 24 263 288 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 12 $ — $ 205 $ 347 $ 564

Quarterly Financial Data (una49

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	First Second Third Fourth (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2015 Revenues $ 1,458 $ 1,559 $ 1,531 $ 1,624 Operating income $ 199 $ 286 $ 298 $ 310 Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $ 101 $ 202 $ 225 $ 433 Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders $ 63 $ 114 $ 142 $ 251 Net income per share of common stock, basic Income from continuing operations $ 0.17 $ 0.31 $ 0.39 $ 0.69 Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders $ 0.17 $ 0.31 $ 0.39 $ 0.69 Net income per share of common stock, diluted Income from continuing operations $ 0.17 $ 0.31 $ 0.38 $ 0.68 Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders $ 0.17 $ 0.31 $ 0.38 $ 0.68 First Second Third Fourth (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2014 Revenues $ 1,489 $ 1,594 $ 1,572 $ 1,633 Operating income $ 193 $ 277 $ 311 $ 308 Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $ 87 $ 149 $ 187 $ 198 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 58 $ 74 $ 91 $ 161 Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders Net income per share of common stock, basic $ 0.15 $ 0.19 $ 0.24 $ 0.43 Income from continuing operations $ 0.15 $ 0.19 $ 0.24 $ 0.43 Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders Net income per share of common stock, diluted $ 0.15 $ 0.19 $ 0.24 $ 0.42 Income from continuing operations $ 0.15 $ 0.19 $ 0.24 $ 0.42

Description of Business, Basi50

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2011$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)VEF / $	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)SegmentCountryVEF / $shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2014shares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015€ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014€ / sharesVEF / $	Feb. 28, 2013VEF / $	Jan. 31, 2011€ / shares
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued in initial public offering | shares	82,142,858
Common stock, par value | € / shares								€ 0.07	€ 0.07		€ 0.07
Common stock, price per share in initial public offering | $ / shares	$ 23
Number of reportable segments | Segment				2
Number of countries in which entity operates | Country				100
Cost method investments, percentage				20.00%
Foreign currency exchange rate | VEF / $			10.8	198.7					50
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains (losses)		$ (32)	$ (20)	$ (8)	$ (52)
Advertising and marketing expenses				$ 19	$ 19		$ 19
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earning per share under compensation plan | shares				1,593,807		2,437,100	2,433,400
Uncommitted accounts receivable				$ 50
Before devaluation of currency
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Foreign currency exchange rate | VEF / $										4.30
After devaluation of currency
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Foreign currency exchange rate | VEF / $										6.30
SICAD I Exchange Rate
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Net monetary assets				$ 3
Minimum
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Equity method investments, percentage				20.00%
Maximum
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Equity method investments, percentage				50.00%

Summary of Recent Accounting 51

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Reclassification of prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 8
Reclassification of other non-current assets to current portion of long-term debt	$ 42

Business Acquisitions - Additio

Business Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 7,783			$ 7,783	$ 7,671	$ 7,684
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired					$ 246	$ 314	43
Arbitron
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition purchase price				$ 1,296
Percentage ownership interest acquired			100.00%	100.00%
Acquisition Date					Sep. 30, 2013
Fair value of investment immediately before acquisition				$ 75
Gain on investment							134
Acquired receivables, estimated uncollectible			$ 4	4
Gross contractual receivable			64	64
Goodwill			947	947
Provisional allocation of purchase price to identified intangible assets			$ 472	$ 472
Acquisition related expenses							$ 19	$ 9
Scarborough
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest acquired			49.50%	49.50%
Fair value of investment immediately before acquisition				$ 75
Gain on investment			$ 24
NCS
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest acquired	13.50%	13.50%			13.50%
Fair value of investment immediately before acquisition	$ 161				$ 161
Gain on investment		$ 158
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	$ 40
Payments to acquire businesses					$ 45

Business Acquisitions - Schedul

Business Acquisitions - Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Goodwill		$ 7,783	$ 7,671	$ 7,684
Arbitron
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for Arbitron common stock	$ 1,296
Accrued payment for directors’ and employees’ equity awards pertaining to pre-merger service	42
Accrued dividend payment on Arbitron common stock	3
Fair value of previously held equity interest in Scarborough	75
Total	1,416
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Cash	136
Other current assets	129
Property and equipment	32
Goodwill	947
Amortizable intangible assets	472
Other long term assets	2
Deferred revenue	(47)
Other current liabilities	(53)
Deferred tax liabilities	(184)
Other long term liabilities	(18)
Total	$ 1,416

Business Acquisitions - Intangi

Business Acquisitions - Intangible Assets and Estimated Useful Lives (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015
Arbitron
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Provisional allocation of purchase price to identified intangible assets	$ 472
Customer –related intangibles | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		6 years
Customer –related intangibles | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		25 years
Customer –related intangibles | Arbitron
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Provisional allocation of purchase price to identified intangible assets	$ 271
Customer –related intangibles | Arbitron | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Customer –related intangibles | Arbitron | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years
Computer software | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		3 years
Computer software | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		10 years
Computer software | Arbitron
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Provisional allocation of purchase price to identified intangible assets	$ 159
Computer software | Arbitron | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Computer software | Arbitron | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Trade names and trademarks | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		5 years
Trade names and trademarks | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		20 years
Trade names and trademarks | Arbitron
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Provisional allocation of purchase price to identified intangible assets	$ 31
Trade names and trademarks | Arbitron | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Trade names and trademarks | Arbitron | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Covenants-not-to-compete | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		1 year
Covenants-not-to-compete | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		7 years
Covenants-not-to-compete | Arbitron
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Provisional allocation of purchase price to identified intangible assets	$ 11
Covenants-not-to-compete | Arbitron | Minimum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year
Covenants-not-to-compete | Arbitron | Maximum
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	2 years

Business Acquisitions - Pro For

Business Acquisitions - Pro Forma Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 6,058
Income from continuing operations	$ 497

Discontinued Operations and O56

Discontinued Operations and Other Dispositions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds associated with sale of business			$ 950
Gain on sale, net of tax			$ 290			$ 290
Loss on shut down of business in discontinued operations		$ 3
Disposal group, including discontinued operation, interest expense				$ 0	$ 0	$ 8
National Research Group, Inc
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds associated with sale of business	$ 34
Gain on sale to other income/(expense), net	$ 18
Harris Interactive, Inc.
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Business acquisition purchase price, per share							$ 2.04

Discontinued Operations and O57

Discontinued Operations and Other Dispositions - Summarized Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Revenue							$ 15	$ 103
Operating income								35
Interest expense						$ 0	$ 0	(8)
Income from operations before income taxes								27
Provision for income taxes								(12)
Income from operations								15
Gain on sale, net of tax					$ 290			290
Income from discontinued operations	$ 161	$ 91	$ 74	$ 58				$ 305

Discontinued Operations and O58

Discontinued Operations and Other Dispositions - Summary of Major Categories of Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 36
Net cash used for discontinued operations	$ 36

Goodwill and Other Intangible59

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment of amortizable intangible assets	$ 0
Goodwill deductible for income tax purposes	62,000,000
Amortization expense, intangible assets	408,000,000	$ 404,000,000	$ 324,000,000
Amortization expense, computer software	$ 219,000,000	$ 217,000,000	$ 171,000,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible60

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	$ 7,671	$ 7,684
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	365	206
Effect of foreign currency translation	(253)	(219)
Balance ending	7,783	7,671
Cumulative Impairments	376
Buy
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	3,014	3,005
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	4	202
Effect of foreign currency translation	(229)	(193)
Balance ending	2,789	3,014
Watch
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	4,657	4,679
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	361	4
Effect of foreign currency translation	(24)	(26)
Balance ending	4,994	$ 4,657
Cumulative Impairments	$ 376

Goodwill and Other Intangible61

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 5,304	$ 5,180
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (2,453)	(2,386)
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	14 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 167	166
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (84)	(68)
Trade names and trademarks | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Trade names and trademarks | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years
Customer - related intangibles
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	21 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 3,013	2,938
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (1,193)	(1,054)
Customer - related intangibles | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	6 years
Customer - related intangibles | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	25 years
Covenants-not-to-compete
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	3 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 37	36
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (35)	(30)
Covenants-not-to-compete | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year
Covenants-not-to-compete | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Computer software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 1,919	1,935
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (1,055)	(1,157)
Computer software | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Computer software | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Patents and other
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	6 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 168	105
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (86)	(77)
Patents and other | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Patents and other | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 1,921	$ 1,921

Goodwill and Other Intangible62

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 429
2,017	397
2,018	353
2,019	269
2,020	238
Thereafter	1,165
Total	$ 2,851

Changes in and Reclassificati63

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 ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ (777)	$ (387)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	(305)	(420)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	15	23
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	(290)	(397)	$ (52)
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(8)	(7)	2
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	(282)	(390)	(54)
Ending Balance	(1,059)	(777)	(387)
Currency Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(418)	(124)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	(357)	(301)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	(357)	(301)
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(8)	(7)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	(349)	(294)
Ending Balance	(767)	(418)	(124)
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(2)	(5)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	(8)	(6)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	7	9
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	(1)	3
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	(1)	3
Ending Balance	(3)	(2)	(5)
Post Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(376)	(267)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications	60	(123)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	27	14
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	87	(109)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	87	(109)
Ending Balance	(289)	(376)	(267)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Available-for-Sale Securities
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	19	9
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications		10
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income	(19)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income	(19)	10
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$ (19)	10
Ending Balance		$ 19	$ 9

Changes in and Reclassificati64

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component - Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes						$ (383)	$ (236)	$ (91)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 251	$ 142	$ 114	$ 63	570	384	$ 740
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						15	23
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Available-for-Sale Securities
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes						13
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Available-for-Sale Securities | Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Income						(32)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders						(19)
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate contracts
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes						(5)	(6)
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]
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders						7	9
Interest expense						12	15
Post Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes						(10)	(5)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Actuarial loss, before Tax	[1]					37	19
Post Employment Benefits | 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						$ 27	$ 14
[1]	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Property, Plant and Equipment -

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Gross	$ 1,270	$ 1,379
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(780)	(846)
Property, plant and equipment, Net	490	533
Land and buildings
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Gross	$ 337	352
Land and buildings | Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	25 years
Land and buildings | Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	50 years
Information and communication equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Gross	$ 825	908
Information and communication equipment | Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Information and communication equipment | Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	10 years
Furniture, equipment and other
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Gross	$ 108	$ 119
Furniture, equipment and other | Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Furniture, equipment and other | Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	10 years

Property, Plant and Equipment66

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 574	$ 573	$ 510
Capital Leases, Net Book Value	166	147
Capital lease and other financing obligations
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	23	10	7
Continuing operations related to property, plant and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations	$ 160	$ 162	$ 169

Property, Plant and Equipment67

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Gross and Net Book Value of Assets under Capital Leases (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Gross Book Value	$ 270	$ 228
Capital Leases, Accumulated Depreciation	(104)	(81)
Capital Leases, Net Book Value	166	147
Land and buildings
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Gross Book Value	170	172
Capital Leases, Accumulated Depreciation	(63)	(60)
Capital Leases, Net Book Value	107	112
Information and communication equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Gross Book Value	100	56
Capital Leases, Accumulated Depreciation	(41)	(21)
Capital Leases, Net Book Value	$ 59	$ 35

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended				2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Impairment in other expense						$ 0	$ 0		$ 0
Pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense expected to be recognized in next twelve months						4,000,000
Forward Interest Rate Swap Agreement | Designated As Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding	$ 150,000,000		$ 575,000,000	$ 500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000					$ 150,000,000
Interest rate swap maturity term	3 years		3 years	4 years	3 years			3 years
Variable interest rate	1.40%									1.62%
Variable interest rate			0.67%	0.57%	0.46%
Forward Interest Rate Swap Agreement | Designated As Hedging Instrument | May 2016
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding		$ 250,000,000
Interest rate swap maturity term		2 years
Variable interest rate		1.78%
Forward Interest Rate Swap Agreement | Designated As Hedging Instrument | September 2015
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding		$ 250,000,000
Interest rate swap maturity term		2 years
Variable interest rate		1.26%
Interest rate swaps matured in November 2013 | Designated As Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding					$ 1,000,000,000
Interest rate swaps matured in November 2012 | Designated As Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding				$ 500,000,000
Foreign Currency Exchange Contract
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding						0	0
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments						$ 2,000,000	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Finan

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Asset		$ 32	$ 76
Liabilities:
Liabilities		36	34
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Assets:
Asset			1
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[1]	6	6
Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[2]	30	28
Level 1
Assets:
Asset		32	75
Liabilities:
Liabilities		30	28
Level 1 | Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[2]	30	28
Level 2
Assets:
Asset			1
Liabilities:
Liabilities		6	6
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Assets:
Asset			1
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[1]	6	6
Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	[3]	30	28
Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation | Level 1
Assets:
Asset	[3]	30	28
Investment In Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	[4]	2	2
Investment In Mutual Funds | Level 1
Assets:
Asset	[4]	$ 2	2
Investments in Equity Securities
Assets:
Asset	[5]		45
Investments in Equity Securities | Level 1
Assets:
Asset	[5]		$ 45
[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]	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 income/(expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
[4]	Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.
[5]	Investments in equity securities are carried at fair value, which is based on the quoted market price at period end in an active market. These investments are classified as available-for-sale with any unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded, net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) until realized. Nielsen assesses declines in the value of individual investments to determine whether such decline is other than temporary and thus the investment is impaired by considering available evidence. No impairment charge was recorded for these available-for-sale securities during the years ended December 31, 2015 or 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold its investment in equity securities for total cash proceeds of $44 million and recorded a gain of $30 million in other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations.

Fair Value Measurements - Fin70

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment in other expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Other income/(expense), net	206	(100)	$ (9)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment in other expense	0	$ 0
Sale of equity securities for cash	44
Other income/(expense), net	$ 30

Fair Value Measurements - Outst

Fair Value Measurements - Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on May 2016
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding	$ 1,575,000,000
Maturity Date	May 1, 2016
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on November 2016
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding	$ 500,000,000
Maturity Date	Nov. 1, 2016
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on September 2017
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	Sep. 1, 2017
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on May 2018
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	May 1, 2018
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on April 2019
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding	$ 150,000,000
Maturity Date	Apr. 1, 2019
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2019
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments outstanding	$ 150,000,000
Maturity Date	Jul. 1, 2019

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) - Interest Rate Swap Arrangements - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Account Payable And Other Current Liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 1	$ 4
Account Payable And Other Non Current Liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 5	2
Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets		$ 1

Fair Value Measurements - Deriv

Fair Value Measurements - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of Loss/(Gain) Recognized in OCI Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$ 14	$ 10	$ 4
Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$ 12	$ 15	$ 16

Restructuring Activities - Summ

Restructuring Activities - Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 72	$ 99	$ 64
Charges	51	89	119
Non cash charges and other adjustments	(8)	(3)	(4)
Payments	(77)	(113)	(80)
Ending Balance	$ 38	$ 72	$ 99

Restructuring Activities - Addi

Restructuring Activities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring reserve	$ 38	$ 72	$ 99	$ 64
Restructuring actions for remaining liabilities, Current	29
Restructuring charges	$ 51	$ 89	$ 119

Pensions and Other Post-Retir76

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan assumptions used in calculations, basis point	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Settlement loss recognized	$ 15	$ 7
Defined contribution plan expenses	$ 47	45	$ 39
Contributions made in shares by the employer	0
Minimum
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Percentage of contribution by the employer	3.00%
Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of assets	38.00%
Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of assets	46.00%
Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of assets	16.00%
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan assumptions used in calculations, basis point	50.00%
Pension expense	$ 1
Settlement loss recognized	14	1
Contributions to the pension plans	$ 1
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan assumptions used in calculations, basis point	50.00%
Pension expense	$ 2
Contributions to the pension plans	7
Canada
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Settlement loss recognized		5
Mexico
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Settlement loss recognized		$ 1
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Contributions to the pension plans	$ 19

Pensions and Other Post-Retir77

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Summary of Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$ 1,862	$ 1,740
Service cost	17	19	$ 19
Interest cost	50	67	62
Plan participants’ contributions	2	2
Actuarial (gains) losses	(88)	320
Benefits paid	(62)	(69)
Expenses paid	(4)	(5)
Premiums paid	(1)	(1)
Amendments		(4)
Curtailments	(3)	(1)
Settlements	(52)	(41)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(132)	(165)
Benefit obligation at end of period	1,589	1,862	1,740
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	1,574	1,588
Actual return on plan assets	18	202
Employer contributions	25	35
Plan participants’ contributions	2	2
Benefits paid	(62)	(69)
Expenses paid	(4)	(5)
Premiums paid	(1)	(1)
Settlements	(52)	(41)
Acquisition		6
Effect of foreign currency translation	(116)	(143)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	1,384	1,574	1,588
Funded status	(205)	(288)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	22	35
Current liabilities	(3)	(3)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	(224)	(320)
Net amount recognized	(205)	(288)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net loss/(gain)	(60)	156
Amortization of prior service costs	1
Settlement loss	(15)	(7)
Amortization of net loss	(23)	(12)	(17)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	(97)	137
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	366	463
The Netherlands
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	784	761
Service cost	4	4	4
Interest cost	14	25	25
Plan participants’ contributions	1
Actuarial (gains) losses	(53)	137
Benefits paid	(29)	(35)
Expenses paid	(2)	(2)
Amendments		(4)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(80)	(102)
Benefit obligation at end of period	639	784	761
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	711	736
Actual return on plan assets	9	90
Employer contributions	5	11
Plan participants’ contributions	1
Benefits paid	(29)	(35)
Expenses paid	(2)	(2)
Acquisition		6
Effect of foreign currency translation	(73)	(95)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	622	711	736
Funded status	(17)	(73)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	(17)	(73)
Net amount recognized	(17)	(73)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net loss/(gain)	(54)	45
Amortization of net loss	(8)	(5)	(6)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	(62)	40
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	161	223
United States
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	380	336
Service cost		1
Interest cost	16	16	13
Actuarial (gains) losses	(4)	52
Benefits paid	(12)	(12)
Curtailments		(1)
Settlements	(46)	(12)
Benefit obligation at end of period	334	380	336
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	301	298
Actual return on plan assets	(13)	26
Employer contributions	1	1
Benefits paid	(12)	(12)
Settlements	(46)	(12)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	231	301	298
Funded status	(103)	(79)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Current liabilities	(1)	(1)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	(102)	(78)
Net amount recognized	(103)	(79)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net loss/(gain)	30	46
Settlement loss	(14)	(1)
Amortization of net loss	(7)	(4)	(5)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	9	41
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	105	96
Other
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	698	643
Service cost	13	14	15
Interest cost	20	26	24
Plan participants’ contributions	1	2
Actuarial (gains) losses	(31)	131
Benefits paid	(21)	(22)
Expenses paid	(2)	(3)
Premiums paid	(1)	(1)
Curtailments	(3)
Settlements	(6)	(29)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(52)	(63)
Benefit obligation at end of period	616	698	643
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	562	554
Actual return on plan assets	22	86
Employer contributions	19	23
Plan participants’ contributions	1	2
Benefits paid	(21)	(22)
Expenses paid	(2)	(3)
Premiums paid	(1)	(1)
Settlements	(6)	(29)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(43)	(48)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	531	562	554
Funded status	(85)	(136)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	22	35
Current liabilities	(2)	(2)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	(105)	(169)
Net amount recognized	(85)	(136)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net loss/(gain)	(36)	65
Amortization of prior service costs	1
Settlement loss	(1)	(6)
Amortization of net loss	(8)	(3)	$ (6)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	(44)	56
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	$ 100	$ 144

Pensions and Other Post-Retir78

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Total Accumulated Benefit Obligation and Minimum Liability Changes For Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 1,548	$ 1,803	$ 1,683
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	1,421	1,754
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,381	1,700
Fair value of plan assets	1,193	1,431
Accumulated Benefit Obligation | The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	578	784
Accumulated benefit obligation	577	783
Fair value of plan assets	560	711
Accumulated Benefit Obligation | United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	334	380
Accumulated benefit obligation	334	380
Fair value of plan assets	231	301
Accumulated Benefit Obligation | Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	509	590
Accumulated benefit obligation	470	537
Fair value of plan assets	402	419
Projected Benefit Obligation
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	1,421	1,754
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,381	1,700
Fair value of plan assets	1,193	1,431
Projected Benefit Obligation | The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	578	784
Accumulated benefit obligation	577	783
Fair value of plan assets	560	711
Projected Benefit Obligation | United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	334	380
Accumulated benefit obligation	334	380
Fair value of plan assets	231	301
Projected Benefit Obligation | Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	509	590
Accumulated benefit obligation	470	537
Fair value of plan assets	$ 402	$ 419

Pensions and Other Post-Retir79

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 17	$ 19	$ 19
Interest cost	50	67	62
Expected return on plan assets	(82)	(91)	(83)
Settlement loss recognized	15	7
Amortization of prior service costs	(1)
Amortization of net loss	23	12	17
Net periodic pension cost	22	14	15
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	4	4	4
Interest cost	14	25	25
Expected return on plan assets	(30)	(35)	(34)
Amortization of net loss	8	5	6
Net periodic pension cost	(4)	(1)	1
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost		1
Interest cost	16	16	13
Expected return on plan assets	(21)	(21)	(18)
Settlement loss recognized	14	1
Amortization of net loss	7	4	5
Net periodic pension cost	16	1
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	13	14	15
Interest cost	20	26	24
Expected return on plan assets	(31)	(35)	(31)
Settlement loss recognized	1	6
Amortization of prior service costs	(1)
Amortization of net loss	8	3	6
Net periodic pension cost	$ 10	$ 14	$ 14

Pensions and Other Post-Retir80

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Expected to be Recognized (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ (17)
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	(7)
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	(5)
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ (5)

Pensions and Other Post-Retir81

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions Underlying Pension Computations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension benefit obligation:
Pension benefit obligation - discount rate	3.20%	2.80%	4.10%
Pension benefit obligation - rate of compensation increase	1.70%	2.00%	2.10%
Net periodic pension costs:
Net periodic pension costs - discount rate	2.80%	4.10%	3.80%
Net periodic pension costs - rate of compensation increase	2.00%	2.10%	2.10%
Net periodic pension costs - expected long-term return on plan assets	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%

Pensions and Other Post-Retir82

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Weighted Average Asset Allocation by Asset Category (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	36.00%	37.00%
Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	50.00%	51.00%
Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	14.00%	12.00%
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
The Netherlands | Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	25.00%	24.00%
The Netherlands | Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	59.00%	61.00%
The Netherlands | Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	16.00%	15.00%
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
United States | Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	54.00%	58.00%
United States | Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	45.00%	33.00%
United States | Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	1.00%	9.00%
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Other | Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	42.00%	44.00%
Other | Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	41.00%	49.00%
Other | Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	17.00%	7.00%

Pensions and Other Post-Retir83

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Assets at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	$ 1,384	$ 1,574	$ 1,588
Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	219	316
Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	1,002	1,131
Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	163	127
Cash and equivalents
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	8	38
Cash and equivalents | Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	8	37
Cash and equivalents | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value		1
Equity securities - U.S.
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	92	93
Equity securities - U.S. | Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	25	80
Equity securities - U.S. | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	67	13
Equity securities - Global
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	219	296
Equity securities - Global | Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	5	4
Equity securities - Global | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	214	292
Equity securities – non-U.S.
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	192	200
Equity securities – non-U.S. | Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	23	29
Equity securities – non-U.S. | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	169	171
Real estate
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	33	39
Real estate | Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	33	39
Corporate bonds
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	514	524
Corporate bonds | Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	104	111
Corporate bonds | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	410	413
Debt issued by national, state or local government
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	182	280
Debt issued by national, state or local government | Level 1
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	54	55
Debt issued by national, state or local government | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	128	225
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	144	104
Other | Level 2
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	14	16
Other | Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	$ 130	$ 88

Pensions and Other Post-Retir84

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Pension Plans Level 3 Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Actual return on plan assets:
Effect of foreign currency translation	$ (116)	$ (143)
Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	127	120
Actual return on plan assets:
(Sales)/investments	45	4
Unrealized gains	4	17
Effect of foreign currency translation	(13)	(14)
Balance, end of year	163	127
Real estate | Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	39	39
Actual return on plan assets:
(Sales)/investments	(5)	4
Unrealized gains	3
Effect of foreign currency translation	(4)	(4)
Balance, end of year	33	39
Other | Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	88	81
Actual return on plan assets:
(Sales)/investments	50
Unrealized gains	1	17
Effect of foreign currency translation	(9)	(10)
Balance, end of year	$ 130	$ 88

Pensions and Other Post-Retir85

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
2,016	$ 67
2,017	62
2,018	64
2,019	65
2,020	68
2021-2025	368
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
2,016	29
2,017	29
2,018	30
2,019	30
2,020	30
2021-2025	149
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
2,016	14
2,017	14
2,018	15
2,019	15
2,020	16
2021-2025	92
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
2,016	24
2,017	19
2,018	19
2,019	20
2,020	22
2021-2025	$ 127

Long-term Debt and Other Fina86

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

Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2014USD ($)

Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)

May. 31, 2014USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)

Feb. 28, 2013USD ($)

Feb. 29, 2012USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2011USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

May. 31, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)

Apr. 30, 2014EUR (€)

Feb. 28, 2013EUR (€)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Reclassification current assets

$ 8,000,000

Reclassification of non-current assets to short -term and long-term debt obligations

42,000,000

Senior Secured Credit Agreement amortizing term, amended

5 years

Senior secured credit agreement amended, principal amount

$ 1,222,000,000

Payment to redeem outstanding senior notes

98,000,000

$ 4,598,000,000

$ 2,171,000,000

Redemption price percentage of principal amount redeemed

100.00%

100.00%

Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt

(51,000,000)

Net restricted assets, subsidiary entities

$ 5,200,000,000

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

65.00%

Letters of credit, outstanding

$ 7,000,000

6,000,000

Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs

746,000,000

4,544,000,000

2,485,000,000

Issue of Notes to Related Parties

222,000,000

Interest expense associated with amounts held by former Sponsors

6,000,000

12,000,000

Interest expense related to capital leases and other financing transactions

8,000,000

$ 8,000,000

$ 9,000,000

Proceeds to be received under non-cancelable subleases

$ 3,000,000

Senior Secured Notes

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument face value

$ 750,000,000

Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage

5.00%

5.00%

Debenture loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

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

101.00%

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument face value

$ 800,000,000

$ 750,000,000

Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

Debt instrument, maturity year

2,022

2,022

Senior debenture loan due 2021

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument face value

$ 625,000,000

Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage

5.50%

Debt instrument, maturity year

2,021

Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs

$ 616,000,000

Debt Instrument Issuance As Percentage Of Par Value

100.00%

Senior debenture loan due 2014

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage

11.625%

Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt

$ (8,000,000)

Debt instrument, maturity year

2,014

Class A Term Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Original principal amount paid in first year

5.00%

Original principal amount paid in second year

5.00%

Original principal amount paid in third year

7.50%

Original principal amount paid in fourth year

10.00%

Original principal amount paid in fifth year

72.50%

Original principal amount repaid

3.75%

Debt instrument face value

$ 1,580,000,000

Convertible Subordinated Bonds, Maturity date

Apr. 1, 2019

Class B-1 Term Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Original principal amount repaid

1.00%

Debt instrument face value

$ 500,000,000

Convertible Subordinated Bonds, Maturity date

May 1, 2017

Class B-1 Term Loans | Base Rate Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Margin under term loan facility

1.25%

Class B-1 Term Loans | Eurocurrency Rate Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Margin under term loan facility

2.25%

Class B-2 Term Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Original principal amount repaid

1.00%

Debt instrument face value

$ 1,100,000,000

€ 286

Convertible Subordinated Bonds, Maturity date

Apr. 1, 2021

Class B-2 Term Loans | Base Rate Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Margin under term loan facility

2.00%

Applicable margin for senior secured term loans, base rate loans

3.00%

Class B-2 Term Loans | Eurocurrency Rate Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Margin under term loan facility

3.00%

Class E Term Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Senior secured credit agreement amended, principal amount

$ 2,532,000,000

€ 289

Convertible Subordinated Bonds, Maturity date

May 1, 2016

Class E Term Loans | Class A Term Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, maturity date

Aug. 9, 2013

Class E Term Loans | Class B Term Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, maturity date

May 1, 2016

Class E Term Loans | Class C Term Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, maturity date

May 1, 2016

New Classes Term Loan

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Senior secured credit agreement amended, principal amount

$ 3,180,000,000

€ 286

Class D Term Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Convertible Subordinated Bonds, Maturity date

Feb. 1, 2017

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument face value

$ 750,000,000

$ 800,000,000

$ 750,000,000

$ 2,300,000,000

$ 1,550,000,000

Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

Debt instrument, maturity year

2,022

2,022

2,022

2,022

2,022

Minimum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Margin on LIBOR loans

1.75%

Effective interest rates on capital Leases and other financing activities

8.00%

Minimum | Class A Term Loans | Base Rate Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Margin under term loan facility

0.50%

Minimum | Class A Term Loans | Eurocurrency Rate Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Margin under term loan facility

1.50%

Maximum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Margin on LIBOR loans

2.50%

Effective interest rates on capital Leases and other financing activities

10.00%

Maximum | Class A Term Loans | Base Rate Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Margin under term loan facility

1.25%

Maximum | Class A Term Loans | Eurocurrency Rate Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Margin under term loan facility

2.25%

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, maturity year

2017-02

Principal amount of notes issued

$ 750,000,000

Original principal amount paid in first year

5.00%

Original principal amount paid in second year

5.00%

Original principal amount paid in third year

10.00%

Original principal amount paid in fourth year

10.00%

Original principal amount paid in fifth year

70.00%

Original principal amount repaid

3.33%

Senior Secured Credit Agreement | Class E Term Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Write off of previously capitalized debt financing fees

$ 12,000,000

Senior Debenture Loan Due 2018

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt

$ (45,000,000)

7.75% Senior Notes Due 2018

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument face value

$ 1,080,000,000

$ 1,080,000,000

Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage

7.75%

7.75%

7.75%

Payment to redeem outstanding senior notes

$ 800,000,000

$ 280,000,000

$ 280,000,000

Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt

(45,000,000)

Debt instrument, maturity year

2,018

Revolving credit commitments

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, maturity date

Apr. 30, 2016

Aug. 31, 2012

Debt instrument, maximum borrowing capacity

$ 635,000,000

$ 688,000,000

635,000,000

Borrowings, outstanding

$ 164,000,000

280,000,000

Letters of credit, outstanding

7,000,000

$ 6,000,000

Debt instrument, remaining borrowing capacity

$ 404,000,000

New revolving credit commitments

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, maturity date

Apr. 30, 2019

Apr. 30, 2016

Debt instrument, maximum borrowing capacity

$ 575,000,000

$ 635,000,000

$ 575,000,000

Base Rate | Minimum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Margin under term loan facility

0.75%

Base Rate | Maximum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Margin under term loan facility

1.50%

Long-term Debt and Other Fina87

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	4.04%	3.79%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 7,196	$ 6,694
Capital lease and other financing obligations, Carrying Amount	142	118
Total debt and other financing arrangements	7,338	6,812
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings	310	393
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	7,028	6,419
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 7,222	$ 6,727
Senior secured credit facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	2.78%	2.65%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 3,496	$ 3,742
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 3,497	$ 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	$ 3,693	$ 2,944
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	3,718	2,988
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019 | Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,455	1,532
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,454	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	164	280
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	163	274
Senior Secured Term Loan Due 2017 | Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	492	497
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	492	493
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021 | Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,080	1,090
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,082	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	343
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	306	343
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	792	791
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	808	801
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	2,284	1,537
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	2,270	1,554
Senior debenture loan due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	617	616
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	640	633
Other Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	7	8
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 7	$ 8

Long-term Debt and Other Fina88

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) € in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2014EUR (€)
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019 | Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 1,580				$ 1,580	$ 1,580
Debt instrument, variable rate	2.29%					2.29%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2,019	2,019
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019 | Euro LIBOR or LIBOR Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 575				$ 575	$ 575
Debt instrument, maturity year					2,019	2,019
Senior Secured Term Loan Due 2017 | Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 500				$ 500	$ 500
Debt instrument, variable rate	2.54%					2.54%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2,017	2,017
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021 | Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 1,100				$ 1,100	$ 1,100
Debt instrument, variable rate	3.29%					3.29%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2,021	2,021
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value | €							€ 286	€ 286
Debt instrument, variable rate	2.82%					2.82%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2,021	2,021
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 800				$ 800	$ 800
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	4.50%				4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2,020	2,020
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 2,300	$ 750	$ 800	$ 750	$ 2,300	$ 1,550
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Debt instrument, maturity year		2,022	2,022	2,022	2,022	2,022
Senior debenture loan due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 625				$ 625	$ 625
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.50%				5.50%	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2,021	2,021

Long-Term Debt and Other Fina89

Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Schedule of Long-Term Debt Currency Wise (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Amount of Long Term Debt	$ 7,196	$ 6,694
U.S. Dollars
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Amount of Long Term Debt	6,891	6,351
Euro
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Amount of Long Term Debt	$ 305	$ 343

Long-term Debt and Other Fina90

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 277
2,017	632
2,018	202
2,019	1,033
2,020	806
Thereafter	4,246
Total	$ 7,196	$ 6,694

Long-Term Debt and Other Fina91

Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Future Minimum Capital Lease Payments Under Non-Cancelable Capital Leases (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 38
2,017	36
2,018	29
2,019	19
2,020	13
Thereafter	46
Total	181
Less: amount representing interest	39
Present value of minimum lease payments	142
Current portion	31
Total non-current portion	$ 111

Stockholders' Equity - Common S

Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Activity (Detail) - shares	1 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
Beginning of period												372,757,598	372,757,598	378,635,464	362,519,883
Shares of common stock converted from Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Bonds due February 2013															10,416,700
Shares of common stock issued through business combinations													52,698	75,083	101,899
Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans													4,107,501	4,940,195	5,886,821
Repurchases of common stock	(1,281,414)	(1,141,708)	(1,276,829)	(553,756)	(1,853,142)	(1,310,000)	(1,300,836)	(1,222,800)	(1,440,798)	(772,189)	(814,753)	(1,611,203)	(14,579,428)	(10,893,144)	(289,839)
End of period	362,338,369												362,338,369	372,757,598	378,635,464

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Dividends Paid (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Feb. 18, 2015
Dividend Per Share	$ 1.09	$ 0.95	$ 0.72
Installment One
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Feb. 19, 2015	Feb. 20, 2014
Record Date	Mar. 5, 2015	Mar. 6, 2014
Payment Date	Mar. 19, 2015	Mar. 20, 2014
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.25	$ 0.20
Installment Two
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Apr. 20, 2015	May 1, 2014
Record Date	Jun. 4, 2015	Jun. 5, 2014
Payment Date	Jun. 18, 2015	Jun. 19, 2014
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.28	$ 0.25
Installment Three
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Jul. 23, 2015	Jul. 24, 2014
Record Date	Aug. 27, 2015	Aug. 28, 2014
Payment Date	Sep. 10, 2015	Sep. 11, 2014
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.28	$ 0.25
Installment Four
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Oct. 29, 2015	Oct. 30, 2014
Record Date	Nov. 24, 2015	Nov. 25, 2014
Payment Date	Dec. 8, 2015	Dec. 9, 2014
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.28	$ 0.25

Stockholders' Equity - Addition

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Feb. 18, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 11, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Cost of treasury stock		$ 2,000,000,000												$ 2,000,000,000			$ 500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Cumulative shares repurchased		25,762,411												25,762,411	11,182,983
Average price of common stock purchased		$ 46.50	$ 47.75	$ 46.95	$ 47.39	$ 47.25	$ 45.37	$ 45.14	$ 45.37	$ 45.30	$ 43.76	$ 43.90	$ 44.09	$ 44.43	$ 42.67
Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock		$ 1,144,000,000												$ 1,144,000,000
Declaration Date														Feb. 18, 2015
Dividends declared per common share														$ 1.09	$ 0.95	$ 0.72
Subsequent Event
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Feb. 18, 2016
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.28
Cash dividend, date to be Paid	Mar. 17, 2016
Cash dividend, recorded date	Mar. 3, 2016
Maximum
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Cost of treasury stock		$ 2,000,000,000												$ 2,000,000,000

Stockholders' Equity - Summary

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Approved Authorized Shares for Repurchase Program (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 11, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Cost of treasury stock	$ 2,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000

Stockholders' Equity - Open Mar

Stockholders' Equity - Open Market Share Repurchases Activity (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 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	1,281,414	1,141,708	1,276,829	553,756	1,853,142	1,310,000	1,300,836	1,222,800	1,440,798	772,189	814,753	1,611,203
Total Number of Shares Purchased, ending balance	25,762,411												25,762,411	11,182,983
Average price of common stock purchased	$ 46.50	$ 47.75	$ 46.95	$ 47.39	$ 47.25	$ 45.37	$ 45.14	$ 45.37	$ 45.30	$ 43.76	$ 43.90	$ 44.09	$ 44.43	$ 42.67
Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Plans or Programs	$ 855,495,985	$ 415,084,736	$ 469,601,614	$ 529,551,668	$ 555,793,238	$ 643,345,777	$ 702,774,965	$ 761,496,406	$ 816,973,014	$ 882,241,498	$ 916,031,448	$ 951,797,780	$ 855,495,985	$ 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	1,281,414	1,141,708	1,276,829	553,756	1,853,142	1,310,000	1,300,836	1,222,800	1,440,798	772,189	814,753	1,611,203
Total Number of Shares Purchased, ending balance	25,762,411												25,762,411	11,182,983

Stock-Based Compensation - Addi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for award of options		44,095,000
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 48	$ 47	$ 47
Tax benefit related to the stock compensation expense		$ 13	$ 15	$ 17
Weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted		$ 8.13	$ 7.13	$ 6.63
Aggregate fair value of options vested		$ 21	$ 21	$ 27
Intrinsic value of options exercised		94	$ 94	$ 79
Cash proceeds from exercise of options		$ 82
Aggregate fair value of the replacement awards granted	$ 3
Post merger service
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value of the replacement awards granted	2
Purchase price consideration
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value of the replacement awards granted	$ 1
Time-based stock options | Stock Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted		1,609,170	2,448,100
Vesting period		4 years	4 years	4 years
Vesting rate		25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Tranches expiration period		10 years
Stock option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unearned stock-based compensation related to stock options		$ 18
Unearned stock-based compensation, expected period to recognize		4 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unearned stock-based compensation, expected period to recognize		3 years 4 months 24 days
Unearned stock-based compensation of RSUs		$ 38
Number of Options, Granted		851,088	526,857	955,531
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted		$ 47.29	$ 42.74	$ 34.86
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Stock Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate		25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Stock Incentive Plan | Nielsen Audio
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units granted	95,599
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Bonus
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate		50.00%
Unearned stock-based compensation related to stock options		$ 3
Restricted stock units granted		96,282	117,520	171,792
Weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted		$ 45.28	$ 45.13	$ 32.25
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Bonus | Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unearned stock-based compensation, expected period to recognize		2 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Bonus | Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unearned stock-based compensation, expected period to recognize		3 years
Performance restricted stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Number of Options, Granted		381,576	333,700	510,280
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted		$ 45.37	$ 50.50	$ 34.02
Share based compensation arrangement required service period, years		3 years
Relative shareholder return, percentage		40.00%
Free cash flow achievement, percentage		60.00%
Maximum payout, percentage		200.00%
Unearned stock-based compensation		$ 15

Stock-Based Compensation - Summ

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Assumptions Used in Options (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Weighted average volatility	23.56%	23.99%	25.89%
Minimum
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Expected life (years)	4 years 6 months	3 years	3 years 6 months
Risk-free interest rate	1.27%	0.87%	0.40%
Expected dividend yield	2.18%	1.77%	0.00%
Expected volatility	23.44%	23.50%	25.40%
Maximum
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Expected life (years)	5 years 3 months	5 years 3 months	6 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.58%	1.66%	1.99%
Expected dividend yield	2.45%	2.39%	2.19%
Expected volatility	23.70%	25.32%	27.60%

Stock-Based Compensation - Su99

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Plan Activity (Detail) - Time Based and Performance Based - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options, Outstanding beginning	14,527,460	17,096,761	19,687,838
Number of Options, Granted	1,609,170	2,448,100	2,459,900
Number of Options, Forfeited	(1,808,315)	(798,279)	(383,163)
Number of Options, Exercised	(3,779,137)	(4,219,122)	(4,667,814)
Number of Options, Outstanding ending	10,549,178	14,527,460	17,096,761	19,687,838
Number of Options, Exercisable	6,111,083
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding beginning	$ 28.80	$ 25.78	$ 22.80
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	48.24	42.01	36.65
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	(30.59)	(29.57)	(23.35)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	(21.84)	(24.08)	(19.11)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding ending	33.96	$ 28.80	$ 25.78	$ 22.80
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 29.15
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years, Outstanding Beginning	4 years 1 month 28 days	4 years 3 months 15 days	4 years 7 months 10 days	5 years 1 month 28 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years, Exercisable Ending	3 years 1 month 28 days
Aggregate Intrinsic, Outstanding Beginning	$ 231	$ 344	$ 156
Aggregate Intrinsic, Outstanding Ending	136	$ 231	$ 344	$ 156
Aggregate Intrinsic, Exercisable	$ 107

Stock-Based Compensation - Rest

Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock Units (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options, Outstanding beginning	1,308,002	1,307,893	845,308
Number of Options, Granted	851,088	526,857	955,531
Number of RSUs, Forfeited	(200,217)	(113,903)	(230,500)
Number of RSUs, Vested	(452,106)	(412,845)	(262,446)
Number of Options, Outstanding ending	1,506,767	1,308,002	1,307,893
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding beginning	$ 35.90	$ 30.53	$ 28.40
Weighted-Average Grant date Fair Value, Granted	47.29	42.74	34.86
Weighted-Average Grant date Fair Value, Forfeited	37.20	30.55	32.56
Weighted-Average Grant date Fair Value, Vested	34.19	28.53	24.96
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding ending	$ 42.48	$ 35.90	$ 30.53

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income(Loss) of Affiliates (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013)									$ 16	$ 17	$ 19
Non-UK (2015), Non-Dutch (2014-2013)									945	604	501
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates	$ 433	$ 225	$ 202	$ 101	$ 198	$ 187	$ 149	$ 87	$ 961	$ 621	$ 520

Income Taxes - Provision for In

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income of Affiliates (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current:
UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013)	$ (6)	$ 4	$ 4
Non-UK (2015), Non-Dutch (2014-2013).	176	127	194
Total current income tax provision	170	131	198
Deferred:
UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013)	(1)	1	3
Non-UK (2015), Non-Dutch (2014-2013)	214	104	(110)
Total deferred income tax provision	213	105	(107)
Total provision for income taxes	$ 383	$ 236	$ 91

Income Taxes - Schedule of Prov

Income Taxes - Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes as Per UK or Dutch Federal Income Tax Rates (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	$ 433	$ 225	$ 202	$ 101	$ 198	$ 187	$ 149	$ 87	$ 961	$ 621	$ 520
UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013) statutory tax rate									20.25%	25.00%	25.00%
Provision for income taxes at the UK (2015), Dutch (2014-2013) statutory rate									$ 195	$ 155	$ 130
Tax impact on distributions from foreign subsidiaries									(5)	4	(38)
Effect of operations in non-UK jurisdictions									74	19	16
Tax impact of global licensing arrangements									80	84	14
U.S. state and local taxation									40	21	9
Withholding and other taxation									37	38	35
Effect of global financing activities									(82)	(84)	(60)
Changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions									8	(1)	47
Changes in valuation allowances									17	(21)	(69)
Effect of change in deferred tax rates									3	2	3
Other, net									16	19	4
Total provision for income taxes									$ 383	$ 236	$ 91
Effective tax rate									39.80%	38.00%	17.50%

Income Taxes - Components of Cu

Income Taxes - Components of Current and Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets/(Liabilities) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 181	$ 175
Interest expense limitation	734	783
Employee benefits	72	93
Tax credit carryforwards	142	198
Share-based payments	41	43
Accrued expenses	39	21
Financial instruments		10
Other assets	55	84
Total deferred tax assets, gross	1,264	1,407
Valuation allowances	(144)	(147)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances	1,120	1,260
Intangible assets	(1,640)	(1,692)
Fixed asset depreciation	(49)	(25)
Computer software	(280)	(185)
Deferred revenues/costs	(10)	(13)
Financial instruments	(6)
Unrealized gain on investments	(73)
Other liabilities	(58)	(62)
Total deferred income tax liabilities	(2,116)	(1,977)
Net deferred tax liability	(996)	(717)
Deferred income taxes, current		226
Deferred income taxes, non-current	$ (996)	$ (943)

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 807,000,000	$ 785,000,000
Tax credit carryforwards	142,000,000	198,000,000
Deferred tax assets, gross tax credit carry forwards	$ 157,000,000
Operating loss carryforwards year of expiration	2,016
Tax credit carryforward expiration	2,016
Tax benefits from previous stock option exercises	$ 120,000,000
Valuation allowance related to operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	124,000,000	120,000,000
Valuation allowance	20,000,000	27,000,000
Income tax expense (benefit) for non-US subsidiaries	0
Excess book value of its investment	3,100,000,000
Liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits	461,000,000	452,000,000	$ 475,000,000	$ 409,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	34,000,000	$ 41,000,000
Minimum
Income Tax [Line Items]
Reduction in uncertain tax positions	42,000,000
Maximum
Income Tax [Line Items]
Reduction in uncertain tax positions	$ 74,000,000

Income Taxes - Schedule of Reco

Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Gross Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance as of the beginning of period	$ 452	$ 475	$ 409
Additions for current year tax positions	24	14	41
Additions for tax positions of prior years	14	12	42
Reductions for lapses of statute of limitations	(15)	(12)	(8)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(14)	(37)	(9)
Balance as of the end of the period	$ 461	$ 452	$ 475

Investments in Affiliates an107

Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail)	Oct. 02, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Employees	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Employees	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates		$ 13,000,000			$ 13,000,000	$ 18,000,000
Gain on its investment							$ 24,000,000
Receivable from affiliates		$ 3,000,000			3,000,000	9,000,000
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired					246,000,000	314,000,000	43,000,000
Health Plan Fees					$ 2.80
Number of employees enrolled in health benefit plans | Employees		7,608			7,608
TIBCO
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Services purchased from affiliates					$ 12,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Scarborough
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Non-controlling ownership interest								50.50%
Percentage ownership interest acquired			49.50%	49.50%
Fair value of investment immediately before acquisition				$ 75,000,000
Payments received through transactions, net				3,000,000
Gain on investment			$ 24,000,000
Arbitron
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Fair value of investment immediately before acquisition				$ 75,000,000
Gain on investment							$ 134,000,000
NCS
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest acquired	13.50%	13.50%			13.50%
Fair value of investment immediately before acquisition	$ 161,000,000				$ 161,000,000
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	$ 40,000,000
Gain on investment		$ 158,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Effective date of agreement		Oct. 1, 2007
Extended agreement term		3 years
Agreement expiration date		December 31, 2020
Commitment to purchase services		$ 168,000,000
Total expenses incurred under operating leases		76,000,000	$ 81,000,000	$ 81,000,000
Recognized rental income received under subleases		9,000,000	11,000,000	11,000,000
Aggregate future proceeds under non-cancelable subleases	$ 25,000,000	25,000,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses		1,915,000,000	1,917,000,000	$ 1,815,000,000
Letters of credit, outstanding	7,000,000	7,000,000	$ 6,000,000
Nielsen Foundation, Inc.
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	36,000,000
Commitment
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Purchase amount of commitments	$ 100,000,000	100,000,000
Minimum
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase services		1,000,000,000
Maximum
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase services		$ 2,500,000,000

Commitments and Contingencie109

Commitments and Contingencies - Minimum Annual Payments under Nielsen's Purchase Obligations (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2016	$ 84
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2017	69
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2018	55
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2019	40
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2020	25
Operating leases, Thereafter	48
Operating leases, Total	321
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2016	358	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2017	94	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2018	48	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2019	13	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2020	7	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Thereafter	1	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Total	521	[1]
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2016	442
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2017	163
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2018	103
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2019	53
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2020	32
Total, Thereafter	49
Total	$ 842
[1]	Other contractual obligations represent obligations under agreement, which are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Nielsen generally requires purchase orders for vendor and third party spending. The amounts presented above represent the minimum future annual services covered by purchase obligations including data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. Nielsen’s remaining commitments as of December 31, 2015 under the outsourced services agreements with TCS have been included above on an estimated basis over the years within the contractual period in which we expect to satisfy its obligations. As of December 31, 2015, the remaining TCS commitment was approximately $168 million.

Commitments and Contingencie110

Commitments and Contingencies - Minimum Annual Payments under Nielsen's Purchase Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitment to purchase services	$ 168

Segments - Additional Informati

Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013Product	Dec. 31, 2015Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment		2
Number of products reclassified from Buy segment to Watch segment | Product	2

Segments - Business Segment Inf

Segments - Business Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 1,624	$ 1,531	$ 1,559	$ 1,458	$ 1,633	$ 1,572	$ 1,594	$ 1,489	$ 6,172	[1]	$ 6,288	[1]	$ 5,703	[1]
Business segment income/(loss)	[2]									1,858		1,837		1,617
Depreciation and amortization										574		573		510
Restructuring charges										51		89		119
Stock-based compensation expense										48		47		47
Other items	[3]									92		39		80
Operating income/(loss)		310	$ 298	$ 286	$ 199	308	$ 311	$ 277	$ 193	1,093		1,089		861
Total assets		15,303				15,326				15,303		15,326
Capital expenditures										408		412		374
Operating Segments | Buy
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										3,345		3,523		3,406
Business segment income/(loss)	[2]									624		658		660
Depreciation and amortization										207		224		199
Restructuring charges										32		64		47
Stock-based compensation expense										15		14		14
Other items	[3]									1		(2)		1
Operating income/(loss)										369		358		399
Total assets		6,537				6,869				6,537		6,869
Capital expenditures										159		206		171
Operating Segments | Watch
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										2,827		2,765		2,297
Business segment income/(loss)	[2]									1,269		1,214		989
Depreciation and amortization										363		343		302
Restructuring charges										14		14		55
Stock-based compensation expense										8		10		11
Other items	[3]									4		11		51
Operating income/(loss)										880		836		570
Total assets		8,650				8,156				8,650		8,156
Capital expenditures										244		198		197
Corporate, Non-Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business segment income/(loss)	[2]									(35)		(35)		(32)
Depreciation and amortization										4		6		9
Restructuring charges										5		11		17
Stock-based compensation expense										25		23		22
Other items	[3]									87		30		28
Operating income/(loss)										(156)		(105)		(108)
Total assets		$ 116				$ 301				116		301
Capital expenditures										$ 5		$ 8		$ 6
[1]	Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.
[2]	The Company’s chief operating decision maker uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments
[3]	For the year ended December 31, 2015, other items consist of a $36 million donation to the Nielsen Foundation, $14 million charge for a vested cash out of certain U.S. pension plan participants, and other non-recurring costs. For the year ended December 31, 2014, other items primarily consist of non-recurring costs.

Segments - Business Segment 113

Segments - Business Segment Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
United States Pension Plans Of U S Entity Defined Benefit | Other Non Recurring Cost
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Charges for vested cash	$ 14
Nielsen Foundation Inc
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Donation paid	$ 36

Segments - Geographic Segment I

Segments - Geographic Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 1,624	$ 1,531	$ 1,559	$ 1,458	$ 1,633	$ 1,572	$ 1,594	$ 1,489	$ 6,172	[1]	$ 6,288	[1]	$ 5,703	[1]
Operating income/(loss)		310	$ 298	$ 286	$ 199	308	$ 311	$ 277	$ 193	1,093		1,089		861
Long-lived Assets	[2]	13,045				12,919				13,045		12,919
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									3,606		3,415		2,857
Operating income/(loss)										761		700		414
Long-lived Assets	[2]	10,683				10,255				10,683		10,255
North and South America, excluding the United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									567		670		660
Operating income/(loss)										131		161		167
Long-lived Assets	[2]	944				1,150				944		1,150
United Kingdom
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									226		217		193
Operating income/(loss)										(6)		(25)		(11)
Long-lived Assets	[2]	240				207				240		207
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									1,030		1,215		1,234
Operating income/(loss)										120		160		202
Long-lived Assets	[2]	843				922				843		922
Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									743		771		759
Operating income/(loss)										87		93		$ 89
Long-lived Assets	[2]	$ 335				$ 385				$ 335		$ 385
[1]	Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.
[2]	Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

Additional Financial Informa115

Additional Financial Information - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets			$ 241
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	[1]	$ 316	256
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets		$ 316	$ 497
[1]	Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

Additional Financial Informa116

Additional Financial Information - Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Trade payables		$ 216	$ 223
Personnel costs		276	283
Current portion of restructuring liabilities		29	60
Data and professional services		214	196
Interest payable		48	41
Other current liabilities	[1]	230	232
Total accounts payable and other current liabilities		$ 1,013	$ 1,035
[1]	Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

Guarantor Financial Informat117

Guarantor Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsidiaries of Nielsen
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiaries	100.00%

Guarantor Financial Informat118

Guarantor Financial Information - Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,624	$ 1,531	$ 1,559	$ 1,458	$ 1,633	$ 1,572	$ 1,594	$ 1,489	$ 6,172	[1]	$ 6,288	[1]	$ 5,703	[1]
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									2,539		2,620		2,398
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									1,915		1,917		1,815
Depreciation and amortization									574		573		510
Restructuring charges									51		89		119
Operating income	310	298	286	199	308	311	277	193	1,093		1,089		861
Interest income									4		3		2
Interest expense									(311)		(300)		(309)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net									(31)		(71)		(25)
Other income/(expense), net									206		(100)		(9)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates	433	225	202	101	198	187	149	87	961		621		520
Provision for income taxes									(383)		(236)		(91)
Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									(3)		(4)		2
Income from continuing operations									575		381		431
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax					$ 161	$ 91	$ 74	$ 58					305
Net income									575		381		736
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									5		(3)		(4)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$ 251	$ 142	$ 114	$ 63					570		384		740
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income									(290)		(397)		(52)
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interests									(8)		(7)		2
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests									(282)		(390)		(54)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)									285		(16)		684
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									(3)		(10)		(2)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen stockholders									288		(6)		686
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									4		4		4
Operating income									(4)		(4)		(4)
Interest income													1
Interest expense													(2)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									(4)		(4)		(5)
Provision for income taxes									(1)		7		(1)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									575		381		746
Income from continuing operations													740
Net income									570		384		740
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									570		384		740
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income									(282)		(390)		(54)
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests									(282)		(390)		(54)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)									288		(6)		686
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen stockholders									288		(6)		686
Issuers
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest income									864		856		743
Interest expense									(291)		(283)		(300)
Other income/(expense), net											553		(21)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									573		1,126		422
Provision for income taxes									(127)		(94)		(95)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									297		(521)		419
Income from continuing operations													746
Net income									743		511		746
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									743		511		746
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income									(280)		805		(37)
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests									(280)		805		(37)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)									463		1,316		709
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen stockholders									463		1,316		709
Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									3,585		3,414		2,859
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									1,279		1,269		1,087
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									1,048		955		889
Depreciation and amortization									465		448		386
Restructuring charges									32		43		67
Operating income									761		699		430
Interest income									37		44		58
Interest expense									(881)		(874)		(772)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net									(10)		(2)		1
Other income/(expense), net									252		4		118
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									159		(129)		(165)
Provision for income taxes									(175)		(98)		82
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									593		611		522
Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									(2)		(3)		(1)
Income from continuing operations													438
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax													308
Net income									575		381		746
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									575		381		746
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income									(282)		(390)		(54)
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests									(282)		(390)		(54)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)									293		(9)		692
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen stockholders									293		(9)		692
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									2,587		2,874		2,844
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									1,260		1,351		1,311
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									863		958		922
Depreciation and amortization									109		125		124
Restructuring charges									19		46		52
Operating income									336		394		435
Interest income									5		8		15
Interest expense									(41)		(48)		(50)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net									(21)		(69)		(26)
Other income/(expense), net									(46)		(8)		(106)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									233		277		268
Provision for income taxes									(80)		(51)		(77)
Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									(1)		(1)		3
Income from continuing operations													194
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax													(3)
Net income									152		225		191
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									5		(3)		(4)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									147		228		195
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income									(282)		(490)		32
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interests									(8)		(7)		2
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests									(274)		(483)		30
Total comprehensive income/(loss)									(130)		(265)		223
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									(3)		(10)		(2)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen stockholders									(127)		(255)		225
Consolidation Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest income									(902)		(905)		(815)
Interest expense									902		905		815
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net													0
Other income/(expense), net											(649)		0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates											(649)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									(1,465)		(471)		(1,687)
Income from continuing operations													(1,687)
Net income									(1,465)		(1,120)		(1,687)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									(1,465)		(1,120)		(1,687)
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income									836		68		61
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests									836		68		61
Total comprehensive income/(loss)									(629)		(1,052)		(1,626)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen stockholders									$ (629)		$ (1,052)		$ (1,626)
[1]	Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

Guarantor Financial Informat119

Guarantor Financial Information - Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 357	$ 273	$ 564	$ 288
Trade and other receivables, net	1,235	1,241
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	316	497
Total current assets	1,908	2,011
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	490	533
Goodwill	7,783	7,671	7,684
Other intangible assets, net	4,772	4,715
Deferred tax assets	78	83
Other non-current assets	272	313
Total assets	15,303	15,326
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,013	1,035
Deferred revenues	322	304
Income tax liabilities	42	62
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	310	393
Total current liabilities	1,687	1,794
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	7,028	6,419
Deferred tax liabilities	1,074	1,025
Other non-current liabilities	887	955
Total liabilities	10,676	10,193
Total stockholders’ equity	4,433	5,056
Noncontrolling interests	194	77
Total equity	4,627	5,133	5,807	4,978
Total liabilities and equity	15,303	15,326
Parent
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1	49	12	1
Trade and other receivables, net	3	1
Intercompany receivables		1
Total current assets	4	51
Non-current assets
Deferred tax assets	1	1
Equity investment in subsidiaries	4,793	5,017
Total assets	4,798	5,069
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1	10
Income tax liabilities		1
Intercompany payables	21
Total current liabilities	22	11
Non-current liabilities
Intercompany loans	341
Other non-current liabilities	2	2
Total liabilities	365	13
Total stockholders’ equity	4,433	5,056
Total equity	4,433	5,056
Total liabilities and equity	4,798	5,069
Issuers
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		1
Intercompany receivables	595	227
Total current assets	595	228
Non-current assets
Other non-current assets		1
Equity investment in subsidiaries	1,441	1,125
Intercompany receivables	10,763	10,494
Total assets	12,799	11,848
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	48	44
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	114	94
Intercompany payables	3
Total current liabilities	165	138
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	6,911	6,312
Deferred tax liabilities	74	74
Intercompany loans	2,985	61
Other non-current liabilities	6	2
Total liabilities	10,141	6,587
Total stockholders’ equity	2,658	5,261
Total equity	2,658	5,261
Total liabilities and equity	12,799	11,848
Guarantor
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	7	(51)	205	24
Trade and other receivables, net	550	526
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	195	339
Intercompany receivables	224	234
Total current assets	976	1,048
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	324	335
Goodwill	5,774	5,588
Other intangible assets, net	4,314	4,318
Deferred tax assets	51	25
Other non-current assets	175	172
Equity investment in subsidiaries	3,696	6,596
Intercompany receivables	3,692	492
Total assets	19,002	18,574
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	450	418
Deferred revenues	182	159
Income tax liabilities		19
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	195	298
Intercompany payables	753	429
Total current liabilities	1,580	1,323
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	102	87
Deferred tax liabilities	977	895
Intercompany loans	10,921	10,685
Other non-current liabilities	629	567
Total liabilities	14,209	13,557
Total stockholders’ equity	4,793	5,017
Total equity	4,793	5,017
Total liabilities and equity	19,002	18,574
Non-Guarantor
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	349	274	$ 347	$ 263
Trade and other receivables, net	682	714
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	121	158
Intercompany receivables	178	190
Total current assets	1,330	1,336
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	166	198
Goodwill	2,009	2,083
Other intangible assets, net	458	397
Deferred tax assets	26	57
Other non-current assets	97	140
Intercompany receivables	158	191
Total assets	4,244	4,402
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	514	563
Deferred revenues	140	145
Income tax liabilities	42	42
Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	1	1
Intercompany payables	220	223
Total current liabilities	917	974
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	15	20
Deferred tax liabilities	23	56
Intercompany loans	366	431
Other non-current liabilities	250	384
Total liabilities	1,571	1,865
Total stockholders’ equity	2,479	2,460
Noncontrolling interests	194	77
Total equity	2,673	2,537
Total liabilities and equity	4,244	4,402
Consolidation Eliminations
Current assets
Intercompany receivables	(997)	(652)
Total current assets	(997)	(652)
Non-current assets
Equity investment in subsidiaries	(9,930)	(12,738)
Intercompany receivables	(14,613)	(11,177)
Total assets	(25,540)	(24,567)
Current liabilities
Intercompany payables	(997)	(652)
Total current liabilities	(997)	(652)
Non-current liabilities
Intercompany loans	(14,613)	(11,177)
Total liabilities	(15,610)	(11,829)
Total stockholders’ equity	(9,930)	(12,738)
Total equity	(9,930)	(12,738)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (25,540)	$ (24,567)

Guarantor Financial Informat120

Guarantor Financial Information - Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 1,179	$ 1,093	$ 901
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(246)	(314)	(1,249)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	30	(6)	935
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(134)	(163)	(130)
Additions to intangible assets	(274)	(249)	(244)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	7
Other investing activities	36		1
Net cash used in investing activities	(581)	(732)	(687)
Financing activities:
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	(116)	280
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	746	4,544	2,485
Repayment of debt	(98)	(4,598)	(2,171)
Decrease in other short-term borrowings			(5)
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	(408)	(356)	(265)
Repurchase of common stock	(667)	(466)	(11)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	72	103	85
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	30
Other financing activities	(21)	(92)	(35)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(462)	(585)	83
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(52)	(67)	(21)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	84	(291)	276
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	273	564	288
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	357	273	564
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		(4)	1
Financing activities:
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	(408)	(356)	(265)
Repurchase of common stock	(667)	(466)	(11)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	79	112	95
Other financing activities	948	751	191
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(48)	41	10
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(48)	37	11
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	49	12	1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1	49	12
Issuers
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	255	523	539
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	746	4,544	2,481
Repayment of debt	(98)	(4,597)	(2,171)
Other financing activities	(904)	(469)	(849)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(256)	(522)	(539)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1)	1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		1
Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	637	373	40
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(246)	(201)	(1,242)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	30		935
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(82)	(109)	(56)
Additions to intangible assets	(237)	(222)	(218)
Other investing activities	36	(1)
Net cash used in investing activities	(499)	(533)	(581)
Financing activities:
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	(116)	280
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	(7)	(6)	(3)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	30
Other financing activities	16	(370)	727
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(77)	(96)	724
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3)		(2)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	58	(256)	181
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	(51)	205	24
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	7	(51)	205
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	287	201	321
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		(113)	(7)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net		(6)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(52)	(54)	(74)
Additions to intangible assets	(37)	(27)	(26)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	7
Other investing activities		1	1
Net cash used in investing activities	(82)	(199)	(106)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs			4
Repayment of debt		(1)
Decrease in other short-term borrowings			(5)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		(3)	(7)
Other financing activities	(81)	(4)	(104)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(81)	(8)	(112)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(49)	(67)	(19)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	75	(73)	84
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	274	347	263
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 349	$ 274	$ 347

Quarterly Financial Data (un121

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) - Consolidating Statements of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,624	$ 1,531	$ 1,559	$ 1,458	$ 1,633	$ 1,572	$ 1,594	$ 1,489	$ 6,172	[1]	$ 6,288	[1]	$ 5,703	[1]
Operating income	310	298	286	199	308	311	277	193	1,093		1,089		861
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	433	225	202	101	198	187	149	87	961		621		520
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax					$ 161	$ 91	$ 74	$ 58					305
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$ 251	$ 142	$ 114	$ 63					$ 570		$ 384		$ 740
Net income per share of common stock, basic
Income from continuing operations	$ 0.69	$ 0.39	$ 0.31	$ 0.17	$ 0.43	$ 0.24	$ 0.19	$ 0.15	$ 1.55		$ 1.01		$ 1.16
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	0.69	0.39	0.31	0.17					1.55		1.01		1.97
Net income per share of common stock, diluted
Income from continuing operations	0.68	0.38	0.31	0.17	$ 0.42	$ 0.24	$ 0.19	$ 0.15	1.54		1		1.14
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$ 0.68	$ 0.38	$ 0.31	$ 0.17					$ 1.54		$ 1		$ 1.94
[1]	Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

Condensed Financial Information

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses									$ 1,915	$ 1,917	$ 1,815
Operating income/(loss)	$ 310	$ 298	$ 286	$ 199	$ 308	$ 311	$ 277	$ 193	1,093	1,089	861
Interest income									4	3	2
Interest expense									(311)	(300)	(309)
Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net									(31)	(71)	(25)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates	$ 433	$ 225	$ 202	$ 101	$ 198	$ 187	$ 149	$ 87	961	621	520
Provision for income taxes									(383)	(236)	(91)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									(3)	(4)	2
Net income									575	381	736
Total Nielsen Stockholders’ Equity
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses									4	4	4
Operating income/(loss)									(4)	(4)	(4)
Interest income											1
Interest expense											(2)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates									(4)	(4)	(5)
Provision for income taxes									(1)	7	(1)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									575	381	746
Net income									$ 570	$ 384	$ 740

Condensed Financial Informat123

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 357	$ 273	$ 564	$ 288
Total current assets	1,908	2,011
Other non-current assets	272	313
Total assets	15,303	15,326
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,013	1,035
Income tax liabilities	42	62
Total current liabilities	1,687	1,794
Other non-current liabilities	887	955
Total liabilities	10,676	10,193
Total stockholders’ equity	4,433	5,056
Total liabilities and equity	15,303	15,326
Total Nielsen Stockholders’ Equity
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1	49	$ 12	$ 1
Amounts receivable from subsidiary	3	1
Loan receivable from subsidiary		1
Total current assets	4	51
Investment in subsidiaries	4,793	5,017
Other non-current assets	1	1
Total assets	4,798	5,069
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1	10
Intercompany payables	21
Income tax liabilities		1
Total current liabilities	22	11
Loans outstanding from subsidiary	341
Other non-current liabilities	2	2
Total liabilities	365	13
Total stockholders’ equity	4,433	5,056
Total liabilities and equity	$ 4,798	$ 5,069

Condensed Financial Informat124

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Statement of Cashflow (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 1,179	$ 1,093	$ 901
Financing Activities
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	(408)	(356)	(265)
Repurchase of common stock	(667)	(466)	(11)
Other financing activities	(21)	(92)	(35)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(462)	(585)	83
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	84	(291)	276
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	273	564	288
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	357	273	564
Total Nielsen Stockholders’ Equity
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		(4)	1
Financing Activities
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	(408)	(356)	(265)
Repurchase of common stock	(667)	(466)	(11)
Activity under stock plans	79	112	95
Other financing activities	948	751	191
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(48)	41	10
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(48)	37	11
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	49	12	1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 1	$ 49	$ 12

Condensed Financial Informat125

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Feb. 18, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 11, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Amounts liability to subsidiary		$ 362,000,000												$ 362,000,000
Net cash payment received associated with the sale of shares of common stock in conjunction with acquisitions made by subsidiaries															$ 4,000,000
Share repurchase amount authorized		$ 2,000,000,000												$ 2,000,000,000			$ 500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Cumulative shares repurchased		25,762,411												25,762,411	11,182,983
Average price of common stock purchased		$ 46.50	$ 47.75	$ 46.95	$ 47.39	$ 47.25	$ 45.37	$ 45.14	$ 45.37	$ 45.30	$ 43.76	$ 43.90	$ 44.09	$ 44.43	$ 42.67
Total consideration of stock repurchase program		$ 1,144,000,000												$ 1,144,000,000
Declaration Date														Feb. 18, 2015
Dividends declared per common share														$ 1.09	$ 0.95	$ 0.72
Subsequent Event
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Feb. 18, 2016
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.28
Payment Date	Mar. 17, 2016
Record Date	Mar. 3, 2016
Maximum
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Share repurchase amount authorized		$ 2,000,000,000												$ 2,000,000,000

Condensed Financial Informat126

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Schedule Of Dividends Paid (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Feb. 18, 2015
Dividend Per Share	$ 1.09	$ 0.95	$ 0.72
Installment One
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Feb. 19, 2015	Feb. 20, 2014
Record Date	Mar. 5, 2015	Mar. 6, 2014
Payment Date	Mar. 19, 2015	Mar. 20, 2014
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.25	$ 0.20
Installment Two
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Apr. 20, 2015	May 1, 2014
Record Date	Jun. 4, 2015	Jun. 5, 2014
Payment Date	Jun. 18, 2015	Jun. 19, 2014
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.28	$ 0.25
Installment Three
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Jul. 23, 2015	Jul. 24, 2014
Record Date	Aug. 27, 2015	Aug. 28, 2014
Payment Date	Sep. 10, 2015	Sep. 11, 2014
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.28	$ 0.25
Installment Four
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Oct. 29, 2015	Oct. 30, 2014
Record Date	Nov. 24, 2015	Nov. 25, 2014
Payment Date	Dec. 8, 2015	Dec. 9, 2014
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.28	$ 0.25

Condensed Financial Informat127

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Summary of Share Repurchase Authorization (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 11, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Cost of treasury stock	$ 2,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000

Condensed Financial Informat128

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Open Market Share Repurchases Activity (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Total Number of Shares Purchased, beginning balance												11,182,983	11,182,983
Number of Shares Purchased	1,281,414	1,141,708	1,276,829	553,756	1,853,142	1,310,000	1,300,836	1,222,800	1,440,798	772,189	814,753	1,611,203	14,579,428	10,893,144	289,839
Total Number of Shares Purchased, ending balance	25,762,411												25,762,411	11,182,983
Average price of common stock purchased	$ 46.50	$ 47.75	$ 46.95	$ 47.39	$ 47.25	$ 45.37	$ 45.14	$ 45.37	$ 45.30	$ 43.76	$ 43.90	$ 44.09	$ 44.43	$ 42.67
Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Plans or Programs	$ 855,495,985	$ 415,084,736	$ 469,601,614	$ 529,551,668	$ 555,793,238	$ 643,345,777	$ 702,774,965	$ 761,496,406	$ 816,973,014	$ 882,241,498	$ 916,031,448	$ 951,797,780	$ 855,495,985	$ 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	1,281,414	1,141,708	1,276,829	553,756	1,853,142	1,310,000	1,300,836	1,222,800	1,440,798	772,189	814,753	1,611,203
Total Number of Shares Purchased, ending balance	25,762,411												25,762,411	11,182,983

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for accounts receivable and sales returns
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Period	$ 29	$ 39	$ 38
Charges/ (Credits) to Expense	6	4	3
Deductions	(7)	(11)	(2)
Effect of Foreign Currency Translation	(2)	(3)	0
Balance at End of Period	26	29	39
Valuation allowance for deferred taxes
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Period	147	150	232
Charges/ (Credits) to Expense	17	(21)	(69)
Charged to Other Accounts	(8)	16	(5)
Effect of Foreign Currency Translation	(12)	2	(8)
Balance at End of Period	$ 144	$ 147	$ 150