Nielsen (NLSN) 10-Q 28 Oct 21 2021 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Title of 12(b) Security	Ordinary shares, par value €0.07 per share
Trading Symbol	NLSN
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Registrant Name	Nielsen Holdings plc
Entity Central Index Key	0001492633
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Tax Identification Number	98-1225347
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	001-35042
Entity Address, Address Line One	675 Avenue of the Americas
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10010
City Area Code	646
Local Phone Number	654-5000
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	X0
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	358,927,442
Other Address
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Address, Address Line One	5th Floor Endeavour House
Entity Address Address Line Two	189 Shaftesbury Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	London
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	WC2H 8JR
City Area Code	646
Local Phone Number	654-5000
Entity Address, Country	GB

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 882	$ 836	$ 2,606	$ 2,489
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	307	290	876	916
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	218	167	642	542
Depreciation and amortization	129	140	382	423
Impairment of other long-lived assets		8		49
Restructuring charges	6	9	12	41
Operating income	222	222	694	518
Interest expense, net	(68)	(82)	(217)	(247)
Foreign currency exchange transaction (losses)/gains, net	(1)	9	(5)	10
Other expense, net	(1)	(9)	(27)	(15)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	152	140	445	266
Provision for income taxes	(33)	(38)	(129)	(72)
Equity in net income of affiliates	1		1
Net income from continuing operations	120	102	317	194
Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(17)	(92)	440	(223)
Net income/(loss)	103	10	757	(29)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	3	8	12
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ 100	$ 7	$ 749	$ (41)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, basic
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ 0.33	$ 0.28	$ 0.86	$ 0.51
Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders	(0.05)	(0.26)	1.23	(0.63)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	0.28	0.02	2.09	(0.11)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, diluted
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders	0.32	0.28	0.86	0.51
Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders	(0.05)	(0.26)	1.22	(0.63)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ 0.28	$ 0.02	$ 2.08	$ (0.11)
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic	358,879,518	356,913,312	358,489,287	356,661,167
Dilutive shares of common stock	1,648,595	1,529,996	1,896,697	1,162,553
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted	360,528,113	358,443,308	360,385,984	357,823,720
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.18	$ 0.18

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)		$ 103	$ 10	$ 757	$ (29)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	(20)		180	(90)
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	5	6	14	(25)
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[3]	3	3	149	10
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income		(12)	9	343	(105)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		91	19	1,100	(134)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		1	5	6	7
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ 90	$ 14	$ 1,094	$ (141)
[1]	Net of tax of zero and $5 million
[2]	Net of tax of $(1) million million
[3]	Net of tax of zero and $(1) million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $(44) million and $(3) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$ 0	$ 5	$ (1)	$ 5
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, tax	(1)	(2)	(6)	10
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, tax	$ 0	$ (1)	$ (44)	$ (3)

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 542	$ 500
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $16 and $23 as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively	580	465
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	265	195
Current assets, discontinued operations		1,064
Total current assets	1,387	2,224
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	247	270
Operating lease right-of-use asset	155	161
Goodwill	5,659	5,680
Other intangible assets, net	3,505	3,663
Deferred tax assets	47	53
Other non-current assets	169	159
Non-current assets, discontinued operations		1,925
Total assets	11,169	14,135
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	546	499
Deferred revenues	136	135
Income tax liabilities	107	15
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	37	276
Current liabilities, discontinued operations		989
Total current liabilities	826	1,914
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	5,841	6,684
Deferred tax liabilities	670	888
Operating lease liabilities	139	140
Other non-current liabilities	407	429
Non-current liabilities, discontinued operations		1,837
Total liabilities	7,883	11,892
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Nielsen shareholders’ equity
Common stock, €0.07 par value, 1,185,800,000 and 1,185,800,000 shares authorized, 358,927,514 and 357,678,263 shares issued and 358,927,442 and 357,644,935 shares outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively	32	32
Additional paid-in capital	4,289	4,340
Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit)	(467)	(1,216)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(760)	(1,105)
Total Nielsen shareholders’ equity	3,094	2,051
Noncontrolling interests	192	192
Total equity	3,286	2,243
Total liabilities and equity	$ 11,169	$ 14,135

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2021€ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2020€ / shares
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade and other receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns | $	$ 16		$ 23
Common stock, par value | € / shares		€ 0.07		€ 0.07
Common stock, shares authorized	1,185,800,000		1,185,800,000
Common stock, shares issued	358,927,514		357,678,263
Common stock, shares outstanding	358,927,442		357,644,935

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Operating Activities
Net income from continuing operations	$ 317	$ 194
Net loss from discontinued operations	(94)	(223)
Gain on disposal of Global Connect, net of tax, within discontinued operations	534
Net income/(loss)	757	(29)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense	27	44
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	(534)
Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other losses	39	11
Equity in net loss of affiliates, net of dividends received		1
Depreciation and amortization	418	655
Impairment of other long-lived assets		53
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and divested:
Trade and other receivables, net	(131)	11
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(33)	137
Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues	(112)	(129)
Other non-current liabilities	(35)	(37)
Interest payable	32	31
Income taxes	11	(86)
Net cash provided by operating activities	439	662
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(13)	(29)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	2,269	13
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(41)	(26)
Additions to intangible assets	(197)	(319)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant, equipment and other assets	3
Other investing activities		(4)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	2,021	(365)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	1,231	2,974
Repayment of debt	(3,632)	(1,319)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(65)	(64)
Activity from share-based compensation plans	(10)	(6)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	1	3
Finance leases	(34)	(43)
Other financing activities	(10)	(29)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(2,519)	1,516
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(9)	(17)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(68)	1,796
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	610	454
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	542	2,250
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	96	128
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	$ 193	$ 246

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total		Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Currency Translation Adjustments	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Cash Flow Hedges	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Post Employment Benefits	Total Nielsen Shareholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 2,388		$ 32	$ 4,378	$ (1,210)	$ (776)	$ (19)	$ (210)	$ 2,195	$ 193
Net (loss)/income	(29)				(41)				(41)	12
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(90)					(85)			(85)	(5)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(25)	[1]					(25)		(25)
Unrealized gain on pension liability, net of tax	10							10	10
Capital contribution by non-controlling partner	1									1
Employee stock purchase plan	3			3					3
Dividends to shareholders	(77)			(64)					(64)	(13)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	(6)			(6)					(6)
Share-based compensation expense	45			45					45
Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	2,220		32	4,356	(1,251)	(861)	(44)	(200)	2,032	188
Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	2,207		32	4,359	(1,258)	(859)	(50)	(203)	2,021	186
Net (loss)/income	10				7				7	3
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax						(2)			(2)	2
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	6	[1]					6		6
Unrealized gain on pension liability, net of tax	3							3	3
Capital contribution by non-controlling partner	1									1
Employee stock purchase plan	1			1					1
Dividends to shareholders	(25)			(21)					(21)	(4)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	(1)			(1)					(1)
Share-based compensation expense	18			18					18
Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	2,220		32	4,356	(1,251)	(861)	(44)	(200)	2,032	188
Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	2,243		32	4,340	(1,216)	(821)	(39)	(245)	2,051	192
Net (loss)/income	757				749				749	8
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(53)					(51)			(51)	(2)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	14	[1]					14		14
Unrealized gain on pension liability, net of tax	8							8	8
Other Comprehensive Income gain/(loss) on disposition, net of tax	374					233		141	374
Dividends to shareholders	(74)			(65)					(65)	(9)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	(5)			(5)					(5)
Share-based compensation expense	26			26					26
Other	(4)			(7)					(7)	3
Balance at Sep. 30, 2021	3,286		32	4,289	(467)	(639)	(25)	(96)	3,094	192
Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	3,210		32	4,301	(567)	(621)	(30)	(99)	3,016	194
Net (loss)/income	103				100				100	3
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(20)					(18)			(18)	(2)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	5	[1]					5		5
Unrealized gain on pension liability, net of tax	3							3	3
Dividends to shareholders	(25)			(22)					(22)	(3)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	(1)			(1)					(1)
Share-based compensation expense	10			10					10
Other	1			1					1
Balance at Sep. 30, 2021	$ 3,286		$ 32	$ 4,289	$ (467)	$ (639)	$ (25)	$ (96)	$ 3,094	$ 192
[1]	Net of tax of $(1) million million

Condensed Consolidated Statem_6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Currency translation adjustments, tax	$ 0	$ 5	$ (1)	$ 5
Cash flow hedges, tax	(1)	(2)	(6)	10
Unrealized gain on pension liability, tax	$ 0	$ (1)	(2)	$ (3)
Other comprehensive income gain/(loss) on disposition, tax			$ (42)
Dividends to shareholders, per share of common stock	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06

Background and Basis of Present

Background and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Background and Basis of Presentation	1. Background and Basis of Presentation Background Nielsen Holdings plc (“Nielsen” or the “Company”), together with its subsidiaries, shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through the Company’s understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, Nielsen empowers its clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries, with its registered office located in London, the United Kingdom and its headquarters located in New York, United States. On March 5, 2021, Nielsen completed the previously announced sale of the Company’s Global Connect business (such business, “Global Connect,” and the sale of Global Connect, the “Connect Transaction”) to affiliates of Advent International Corporation (“Purchaser”) – The results of operations of the Global Connect segment have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Subsequent to the closing of the Connect Transaction, the Company no longer consolidated the financial results of the Global Connect segment. Our continuing business operates as a single operating segment and a single reportable segment. Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies, commitments and contingencies and certain other information, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to September 30, 2021 for potential recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided. Earnings per Share Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares of common stock primarily consist of employee stock options and restricted stock units. The effect of 2,154,386 and 2,900,800 shares of common stock underlying outstanding equity awards under Nielsen’s stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive. The effect of 2,550,964 and 3,213,323 shares of common stock underlying outstanding equity awards under Nielsen’s stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive. Accounts Receivable The Company extends non-interest bearing trade credit to its customers in the ordinary course of business. To minimize credit risk, ongoing credit evaluations of clients’ financial condition are performed. The allowance for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amounts is no longer probable by also incorporating reasonable and supportable forecasts (expected loss). During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, Nielsen sold $10 million of accounts receivable to third parties and recorded an immaterial loss on the sale to interest expense, net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, zero and $30 million of previously sold receivables, respectively, remained outstanding. The sales were accounted for as true sales, without recourse. Nielsen maintains servicing responsibilities for the receivables sold during the period, for which the related costs are not significant. The proceeds of $10 million from the sales were reported as a component of the changes in trade and other receivables, net within operating activities in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows . There were no sales of accounts receivable for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Discontinued Operations We consider assets to be held for sale when management, having the authority through shareholder approval, commits to a formal plan to actively market the assets for sale at a price reasonable in relation to fair value, the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the sale have been initiated, the sale of the asset is expected to be completed within one year and it is unlikely that significant changes will be made to the plan. Upon designation as held for sale, we record the carrying value of an asset at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell. In accordance with GAAP, assets held for sale are not depreciated or amortized . If the disposal of the component of an entity (or group of components) represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results, it meets the criteria for discontinued operations. The results of discontinued operations, as well as any gain or loss on the disposal transaction, are presented separately, net of tax, from the results of continuing operations for all periods presented. The expenses included in the results of discontinued operations are the direct operating expenses incurred by the discontinued segment that may be reasonably segregated from the costs of the ongoing operations of the Company. Certain corporate costs directly attributable to the discontinued operations and transaction costs directly related to the sale are also presented within net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes. The assets and liabilities have been accounted for as assets held for sale in our condensed consolidated balance sheets through the date of the sale. The operating results related to these lines of business have been included in discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The condensed consolidated statement of cash flows presents combined cash flows from continuing operations with cash flows from discontinued operations within each cash flow statement category. See Note 15 – Discontinued Operations for further detail.

Summary of Recent Accounting Pr

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	2. Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income taxes Effective January 1, 2021, the Company adopted ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The standard amends and aims to simplify accounting disclosure requirements regarding a number of topics including: intraperiod tax allocation, accounting for deferred taxes when there are changes in consolidation of certain investments, tax basis step up in an acquisition and the application of effective rate changes during interim periods, amongst other improvements. Upon adoption, this new standard did not have a significant impact on Nielsen’s financial statements. Reference Rate Reform - On March 12, 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (“ASC 848”): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. ASC 848 contains optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. The provisions of ASC 848 must be applied at a Topic, Subtopic or Industry Subtopic for all transactions other than derivatives, which may be applied at a hedging relationship level. The Company has elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”)-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	3. Revenue Recognition Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a product or service to a customer, which generally occurs over time. Substantially all of the Company’s customer contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable. Revenue is primarily generated from television, radio, digital and mobile audience measurement services and analytics, which are used by the Company’s clients to establish the value of airtime and more effectively schedule and promote their programming and the Company’s advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance, revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied and control of the service is transferred to the customer. The Company enters into cooperation arrangements with certain customers, under which the customer provides Nielsen with its data in exchange for Nielsen’s services. Nielsen records these transactions at fair value, which is determined based on the fair value of goods or services received, if reasonably estimable. If not reasonably estimable, the Company considers the fair value of the goods or services surrendered. The table below sets forth the Company’s revenue disaggregated by major product offerings and timing of revenue recognition. (IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Nielsen Audience Measurement $ 637 $ 613 $ 1,898 $ 1,831 Outcomes/Content 245 223 708 658 Media $ 882 $ 836 $ 2,606 $ 2,489 Timing of revenue recognition Products transferred at a point in time $ 95 $ 79 $ 280 $ 234 Products and services transferred over time 787 757 2,326 2,255 Total $ 882 $ 836 $ 2,606 $ 2,489 Contract Assets and Liabilities Contract assets represent the Company’s rights to consideration in exchange for services transferred to a customer that have not been billed as of the reporting date. While the Company’s rights to consideration are generally unconditional at the time its performance obligations are satisfied, under certain circumstances the related billing occurs in arrears, generally within one month of the services being rendered. At the inception of a contract, the Company generally expects the period between when it transfers its services to its customers and when the customer pays for such services will be one year or less. Contract liabilities relate to advance consideration received or the right to consideration that is unconditional from customers for which revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied and control transferred to the customer. The table below sets forth the Company’s contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers. (IN MILLIONS) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Contract assets $ 110 $ 94 Contract liabilities $ 136 $ 135 The increase in the contract assets balance during the period was primarily due to $99 million of revenue recognized that was not billed, in accordance with the terms of the contracts, as of September 30, 2021, offset by $82 million of contract assets included in the December 31, 2020 balance that were invoiced to our clients and therefore transferred to trade receivables. The increase in the contract liability balance during the period is primarily due to $ 119 million of advance consideration received or the right to consideration that is unconditional from customers for which revenue was not recognized during the period, offset by $ million of revenue recognized that was i ncluded in the December 31, 2020 contract liability balance . Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations As of September 30, 2021, approximately $3.6 billion of revenue is expected to be recognized from remaining performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) for our services. This amount excludes variable consideration allocated to performance obligations related to sales and usage based royalties on licenses of intellectual property. The Company expects to recognize revenue on approximately 67% of these remaining performance obligations through December 31, 2022, with the balance recognized thereafter. Deferred Costs Incremental direct costs incurred to build the infrastructure to service new contracts are capitalized as a contract cost. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the balances of such capitalized costs were $21 million and $3 million, respectively. These costs are typically amortized through cost of revenues over the original contract period beginning when the infrastructure to service new clients is ready for its intended use. The amortization of these costs for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was zero. There was no impairment loss recorded in any of the periods presented. Expected Credit Losses Nielsen is required to measure expected credit losses on trade accounts receivable. Nielsen considered the asset’s contractual life, the risk of loss and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic The following schedule represents the allowance for doubtful accounts roll forward incorporating expected credit losses as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. (IN MILLIONS) Balance Beginning of Period Net Charges to Deductions Effect of Foreign Currency Translation Balance at End of Period Allowance for accounts receivable For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 $ 11 $ (3 ) $ - $ - $ 8 Year ended December 31, 2020 $ 8 $ 7 $ (4 ) $ - $ 11

Business Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions	4. Business Acquisitions Acquisitions For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $13 million associated with current period acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2021 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2021, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $3 million associated with current period acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2020 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2020, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	5. Leases All significant lease arrangements are generally recognized at lease commencement. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement. An ROU asset and corresponding lease liability are not recorded for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less (short term leases) and Nielsen recognizes lease expense for these short term leases as incurred over the lease term . ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the reasonably certain lease term, and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Nielsen’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that Nielsen will exercise that option. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Nielsen uses the rate implicit in the lease for the discount rate when determining the present value of lease payments whenever that rate is readily determinable. If the rate is not readily determinable, Nielsen uses its incremental borrowing rate, which is updated periodically, based on the information available at commencement date. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments related to initial direct cost and prepayments and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Nielsen has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for together . Nielsen has operating and finance leases for real estate facilities, servers, computer hardware, and other equipment. Nielsen’s leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 20 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. The components of lease expense were as follows: (in millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 Lease cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 12 $ 9 Interest on lease liabilities 1 2 Total finance lease cost 13 11 Operating lease cost 14 14 Sublease income (1 ) — Total lease cost $ 26 $ 25 (in millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 Lease cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 32 $ 29 Interest on lease liabilities 3 5 Total finance lease cost 35 34 Operating lease cost 40 39 Short-term lease cost 1 2 Variable lease costs 1 — Sublease income (4 ) (1 ) Total lease cost $ 73 $ 74 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: (in millions, except lease term and discount rate) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Operating leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 155 $ 161 Other current liabilities 55 50 Operating lease liabilities 139 140 Total operating lease liabilities $ 194 $ 190 Finance leases Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 320 $ 300 Accumulated depreciation (212 ) (175 ) Property, plant and equipment, net 108 125 Other intangible assets, gross 16 11 Accumulated amortization (15 ) (9 ) Other intangible assets, net 1 2 Accounts payable and other current liabilities 37 39 Long-term debt and capital lease obligations 43 59 Total finance lease liabilities $ 80 $ 98 Nine Months Ended September 30, Other information 2021 2020 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from finance leases (3 ) (5 ) Operating cash flows from operating leases (45 ) (36 ) Financing cash flows from finance leases (29 ) (31 ) Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 16 18 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 19 15 Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases 2 years 4 years Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases 6 years 7 years Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases 5.13 % 5.49 % Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases 2.96 % 4.08 % Annual maturities of Nielsen’s lease liabilities are as follows: (in millions) Operating Leases Finance Leases For October 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 $ 16 $ 12 2022 55 35 2023 41 26 2024 26 9 2025 15 1 2026 11 — Thereafter 46 — Total lease payments 210 83 Less imputed interest (16 ) (3 ) Total $ 194 $ 80

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. (IN MILLIONS) Nielsen Balance, December 31, 2020 $ 5,680 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments (6 ) Effect of foreign currency translation (15 ) Balance, September 30, 2021 $ 5,659 At September 30, 2021, $28 million of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. There were no indicators of impairment related to goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Nielsen will continue to closely evaluate any indicators of future impairments related to goodwill. Other Intangible Assets Gross Amounts Accumulated Amortization September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names and trademarks $ 1,833 $ 1,833 $ — $ — Amortized intangibles: Trade names and trademarks 128 128 (113 ) (110 ) Customer-related intangibles 2,564 2,564 (1,666 ) (1,580 ) Covenants-not-to-compete 26 26 (26 ) (26 ) Content databases 168 168 (63 ) (53 ) Computer software 1,523 1,372 (891 ) (692 ) Patents and other 151 153 (129 ) (120 ) Total $ 4,560 $ 4,411 $ (2,888 ) $ (2,581 ) Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are each tested for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Pursuant to the Connect Transaction, Nielsen granted Advent a license to brand its products and services with the Nielsen name and other trademarks for 20 years following the closing of the Connect Transaction. There was an indefinite-lived trade name historically recognized within the Connect segment. However, as this indefinite-lived trade name will be retained by Nielsen as part of the Connect Transaction, the trade name is included within continuing operations. During the first quarter of 2021, Nielsen concluded that there was a triggering event for an interim impairment assessment as a result of the change in unit of account of the indefinite-lived intangibles as a result of the sale of Global Connect. 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. The discount rates we used in our evaluation was 10.1%. Assumptions about royalty rates are based on the rates at which comparable trade names and trademarks are being licensed in the marketplace. Based on our interim impairment assessment as of March 31, 2021, Nielsen concluded that the estimated fair values exceeded their carrying values, thus no impairment was recorded. There were no indicators of impairment during the third quarter of 2021. Nielsen will continue to closely evaluate any indicators of future impairments . Amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets was $102 million and $114 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These amounts included amortization expense associated with computer software of $67 million and $77 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets was $306 million and $342 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These amounts included amortization expense associated with computer software of $199 million and $227 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. At September 30, 2021, the net book value of purchased software and internally developed software was $10 million and $622 million, respectively.

Changes in and Reclassification

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component	7. Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component The table below summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. Foreign Currency Translation Post Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2020 $ (821 ) $ (39 ) $ (245 ) $ (1,105 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (53 ) (1 ) — (54 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 233 15 149 397 Net current period other comprehensive income 180 14 149 343 Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (2 ) — — (2 ) Net current period other comprehensive income attributable to Nielsen shareholders 182 14 149 345 Balance September 30, 2021 $ (639 ) $ (25 ) $ (96 ) $ (760 ) Foreign Currency Translation Post Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2019 $ (776 ) $ (19 ) $ (210 ) $ (1,005 ) Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications (90 ) (37 ) 1 (126 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 12 9 21 Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income (90 ) (25 ) 10 (105 ) Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (5 ) — — (5 ) Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen shareholders (85 ) (25 ) 10 (100 ) Balance September 30, 2020 $ (861 ) $ (44 ) $ (200 ) $ (1,105 ) The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive (Income)/Loss Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2021 September 30, 2020 Statement of Operations Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ 7 $ 7 Interest (income)/expense (1 ) (2 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 6 $ 5 Total, net of tax Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits Actuarial loss $ 3 $ 4 (a) (1 ) (1 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 2 $ 3 Total, net of tax Total reclassification for the period $ 8 $ 8 Net of tax (a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive Loss/(Income) Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2021 September 30, 2020 Statement of Operations Currency Translation Adjustments Currency translation (gains)/losses on dispositions (1) $ 233 $ — Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations — — Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations $ 233 $ — Total, net of tax Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ 20 $ 17 Interest (income)/expense (5 ) (5 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 15 $ 12 Total, net of tax Post-Employment Benefits Amortization of actuarial loss (2) $ 11 $ 12 (3 ) (3 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 8 $ 9 Total, net of tax Unrealized (gains)/losses on pension liability on dispositions (1) $ 183 $ — Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations (42 ) — Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations $ 141 $ — Total, net of tax Total Post-Employment Benefits reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss $ 149 $ 9 Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive Loss/(Income) Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2021 September 30, 2020 Statement of Operations Total reclassification for the period $ 397 $ 21 Net of tax (1) The sale of Global Connect resulted in a total reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income of $374 million, including accumulated currency translation adjustment of $233 million, and unrealized gain on pension liability of $141 million, net of taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. (2) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Restructuring Activities

Restructuring Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Activities	8. Restructuring Activities Productivity Initiatives Restructuring charges are primarily related to programs associated with Nielsen’s plans to reduce selling, general and administrative expenses, consolidate real estate locations, as well as automation initiatives . A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below: Total (IN MILLIONS) Initiatives Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 14 Charges (1) — Payments (11 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments (2 ) Balance at September 30, 2021 $ 1 (1 ) Excludes charges related to operating lease right-of-use assets of $12 million. Nielsen recorded $6 million and $12 million in restructuring charges primarily relating to real estate consolidation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. Nielsen recorded $9 million and $41 million in restructuring charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively . These charges mostly represent severance costs related to employee separation packages. The amounts are calculated based on salary levels and past service periods. Severance costs are generally charged to earnings when planned employee terminations are approved. The $1 million in remaining liabilities for restructuring actions is expected to be paid within one year and is classified as a current liability within the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2021.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	9. Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact, and also considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of non-performance . There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1: Quoted market prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Level 2: Pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 3: Pricing inputs that are generally unobservable and may not be corroborated by market data. Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured and recorded at fair value, except for equity method investments 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. In addition, the Company records changes in the fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair values in net income rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). Investments that do not have readily determinable fair values are recognized at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adjustments related to the observable price changes will also be recognized in net income . The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (1) $ 25 $ 25 — — Investment in mutual funds (2) 2 2 — — Warrant (3) 5 — — 5 Interest rate swap arrangements (4 ) — — — — Total $ 32 $ 27 $ — 5 Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (4 ) $ 32 — $ 32 — Deferred compensation liabilities (5 ) 25 25 — — Total $ 57 $ 25 $ 32 — December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (1) $ 24 $ 24 — — Investment in mutual funds (2) 2 2 — — Interest rate swap arrangements (4) — — — — Total $ 26 $ 26 — — Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (4) $ 52 — $ 52 — Deferred compensation liabilities (5) 24 24 — — Total $ 76 $ 24 $ 52 — (1) 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 equity securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other income/(expense), net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. (2) Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans. ( 3 ) The estimated fair value of the Connect Warrant issued March 5, 2021 of $5 million was part of the proceeds related to the sale of the Global Connect segment and included in the net gain on sale of the Global Connect segment. The Connect Warrant is marked-to-market each reporting period with the subsequent change in fair value recorded to other income/(expense), net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The Connect Warrant is reported within other non-current assets within the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the Connect Warrant asset is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and had an estimated fair value of $5 million as of September 30, 2021. ( 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 equity 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 equity securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation. Derivative Financial Instruments Nielsen primarily uses interest rate swap derivative instruments to manage 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 10 – 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 pursuant to which the Company could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if the Company either defaults in payment obligations under its credit facility or if such obligations are accelerated by the lenders. At September 30, 2021, Nielsen had no material exposure to potential economic losses due to counterparty credit default risk or cross-default risk on its derivative financial instruments. Foreign Currency Exchange Risk During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, Nielsen recorded a net loss of $1 million and $3 million, respectively, associated with foreign currency derivative financial instruments within foreign currency exchange transactions losses, net in its condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the notional amount of the outstanding foreign currency derivative financial instruments were $27 million and $68 million, respectively. Interest Rate Risk Nielsen is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on the floating-rate U.S. Dollar Loans, and uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to hedge this exposure. For these derivatives, Nielsen reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings, and within the same income statement line item as the impact of the hedged transaction . As of September 30, 2021, the Company had the following U.S. Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate outstanding interest rate swaps designated as hedges utilized in the management of its interest rate risk Notional Amount (In Millions) Maturity Date $ 250 October 2021 $ 250 July 2022 $ 150 April 2023 $ 250 May 2023 $ 250 June 2023 $ 150 July 2023 The effect of cash flow hedge accounting on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 respectively is as follows: Interest Expense Interest Expense Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Interest expense, net (Location in the consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded) $ 68 $ 82 $ 217 $ 247 Amount of gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, net of tax $ (6 ) $ (5 ) $ (15 ) $ (12 ) Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income as a result that a forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring, net of tax $ — $ — $ — $ — For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, interest expense, net, includes $1 million of interest income in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations. There was no interest income for any other periods presented. Nielsen expects to recognize approximately $21 million of net pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense in the next 12 months associated with its interest-related derivative financial instruments. Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Prepaid Expense Prepaid Expense Other and Other Current Other Current Other Non-Current Other Current Other Current Non-Current (IN MILLIONS) Assets Liabilities Liabilities Assets Liabilities Liabilities Interest rate swaps $ — $ 5 $ 27 $ — $ 4 $ 48 Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Three Months Ended into Income (Effective Three Months Ended Hedging Relationships September 30, Portion) September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Interest rate swaps $ 1 $ (1 ) Interest expense $ 7 $ 7 The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Nine Months Ended into Income Nine Months Ended Hedging Relationships September 30, (Effective Portion) September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Interest rate swaps $ — $ 52 Interest expense $ 20 $ 17 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, and non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment, are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment charge is recognized. The Company did not measure any material non-financial assets or liabilities at fair value during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Long-term Debt and Other Financ

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangements	10. Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of September 30, 2021. Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Weighted Weighted (IN MILLIONS) Interest Carrying Fair Interest Carrying Fair Senior secured term loans Rate Amount Value Rate Amount Value $1,125 (LIBOR based variable rate of 1.83%) due 2023 $ 742 $ 742 $ 754 $ 752 $2,303 (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.08%) due 2023 1,600 1,600 1,603 1,602 € — — 251 250 €660 — — 639 654 $550 (LIBOR based variable rate of 4.75%) due 2025 — — 419 434 $850 Senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2023 — — — — Total (with weighted-average interest rate) 2.13 % 2,342 2,342 3.01 % 3,666 3,692 Senior debenture loans $425 5.500% due 2021 — — 150 151 $825 5.000% due 2022 — — 824 828 $500 5.000% due 2025 498 511 498 514 $1,000 5.625% due 2028 986 1,035 985 1,088 $750 5.875% due 2030 740 788 739 846 $625 4.500% due 2029 616 609 — — $625 4.750% due 2031 616 607 — — Total (with weighted-average interest rate) 5.52 % 3,456 3,550 5.69 % 3,196 3,427 Total long-term debt 4.16 % 5,798 5,892 4.26 % 6,862 7,119 Finance lease and other financing obligations 80 98 Total debt and other financing arrangements 5,878 6,960 Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings 37 276 Non-current portion of long-term debt and finance lease and other financing obligations $ 5,841 $ 6,684 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. On October 31, 2020, Nielsen entered into the Stock Purchase Agreement to sell its Global Connect business to affiliates of Purchaser, for $2.7 billion in cash, subject to adjustments based on closing levels of cash, indebtedness, debt-like items and working capital, and the Connect Warrant. The Connect Transaction was approved by the requisite vote of Nielsen’s shareholders. The Connect Transaction closed on March 5, 2021. The Company received net proceeds of $2.4 billion on March 5, 2021, after final closing adjustments. Proceeds from the sale were primarily utilized for debt repayment. On March 16, 2021, Nielsen completed the partial prepayment of $1.0 billion of the senior secured term loans due 2023 and $0.3 billion of the senior secured term loans due 2025. The partial prepayment resulted in aggregate principal amounts of 2023 and 2025 senior secured term loans remaining outstanding of approximately $2.6 billion and $1 billion, respectively. Nielsen redeemed $150 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 5.500% senior notes due 2021 effective March 21, 2021 and redeemed $825 million of outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 5.000% senior notes due 2022 effective April 10, 2021, in each case at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date. Nielsen wrote-off certain previously deferred financing fees of $7.5 million associated with the redemptions during the period ended March 31, 2021, which was included within net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax. The redemption of the 2022 Notes resulted in a pre-tax charge of $1 million in the second quarter of 2021, which was included within other expense, net, in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Debenture Loans On May 28, 2021, Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., each an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Nielsen, issued $625 million aggregate principal amount of 4.500% Senior Notes due 2029, which mature on July 15, 2029 (the “2029 Notes”), and $625 million aggregate principal amount of 4.750% Senior Notes due 2031, which mature on July 15, 2031 (the “2031 Notes”). Nielsen capitalized $19 million of fees in connection with the refinancing. Nielsen will pay interest on the 2029 Notes at a rate of 4.500% per annum and on the 2031 Notes at a rate of 4.750% per annum, in each case semiannually on the interest payment dates provided in the indentures governing the 2029 Notes and the 2031 Notes, as applicable. Nielsen applied the net proceeds of the offering plus cash on hand to prepay the approximately $430 million €530 million senior secured euro term loans which were both due 2025 and the approximately €204 million aggregate outstanding principal amount of senior secured euro term loans due 2023 Nielsen wrote-off certain previously deferred financing fees of $20 million in connection with the May 2021 prepayments In connection with the prepayment of the senior secured dollar and euro term loans due 2025, Nielsen terminated the Credit Agreement dated June 4, 2020, as amended on July 21, 2020, and all commitments thereunder. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, interest expense, net, includes $1 million of interest income in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations. There was no interest income for any other periods presented. Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) For October 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 $ — 2022 — 2023 2,342 2024 — 2025 498 2026 — Thereafter 2,958 $ 5,798

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	11. Shareholders’ Equity Common stock activity is as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding Beginning of period 357,644,935 Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans 1,249,251 Employee benefit trust activity 33,256 End of period 358,927,442 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 to shareholders for year ended December 31, 2020 and the nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Dividend Per Share February 20, 2020 March 5, 2020 March 19, 2020 $ 0.06 April 16, 2020 June 4, 2020 June 18, 2020 $ 0.06 July 16, 2020 August 20, 2020 September 3, 2020 $ 0.06 October 27, 2020 November 19, 2020 December 3, 2020 $ 0.06 February 4, 2021 March 4, 2021 March 18, 2021 $ 0.06 April 22, 2021 June 3, 2021 June 17, 2021 $ 0.06 July 15, 2021 August 19, 2021 September 2, 2021 $ 0.06 On October 14, 2021, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per share on Nielsen’s common stock. The dividend is payable on December 2, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 18, 2021. The dividend policy and the 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 $2 billion in the aggregate of our outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to return value to shareholders and to mitigate dilution associated with Nielsen’s equity compensation plans. Board Approval Share Repurchase Authorization ($ in millions) July 25, 2013 $ 500 October 23, 2014 1,000 December 11, 2015 500 Total Share Repurchase Authorization $ 2,000 Repurchases under this program will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time and depending on Nielsen’s evaluation of market conditions and other factors. This program has been executed within the limitations of the authority granted Nielsen on August 6, 2015 . As of September 30, 2021, there were 39,426,521 shares of the Company’s common stock purchased at an average price of $44.95 per share (total consideration of approximately $1,772 million) under this program. There were no share repurchases during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	12. Income Taxes The effective tax rates before discrete tax items for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 were 27% ($41 million tax expense) and 24% ($34 million tax expense), respectively. The tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was higher than the statutory rate as a result of the impact of tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns and state taxes, offset by the reversal of valuation allowances related to certain loss carryforwards. The tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was higher than the statutory rate as a result of the impact of tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns offset by the reversal of valuation allowances related to certain loss carryforwards. The effective tax rates including discrete items were 22% ($33 million tax expense) and 27% ($38 million tax expense), respectively. The effective tax rates before discrete tax items for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 were 27% ($119 million tax expense) and 21% ($55 million tax expense), respectively. The tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was higher than the statutory rate as a result of the impact of tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns and state taxes, offset by the reversal of valuation allowances related to certain loss carryforwards. The tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was lower than the statutory rate as a result of the reversal of valuation allowances related to certain loss carryforwards offset by the impact of tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns. The effective tax rates including discrete items were 29% ($129 million tax expense) and 27% ($72 million tax expense), respectively. The estimated liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2020 was $128 million. If the Company’s tax positions are favorably sustained by the taxing authorities, the reversal of the underlying liabilities would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods. The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examination for 2015 and prior periods. In addition, the Company has subsidiaries in various states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years ranging from 2013 through 2020. To date, the Company is not aware of any material adjustments not already accrued related to any of the current Federal, state or foreign audits under examination.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	13. Commitments and Contingencies Legal Proceedings and Contingencies In August 2018, a putative shareholder class action lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York, naming as defendants Nielsen, former Chief Executive Officer Dwight Mitchell Barns, and former Chief Financial Officer Jamere Jackson. Another lawsuit, which alleged similar facts but also named other Nielsen officers, was filed in the Northern District of Illinois in September 2018 and transferred to the Southern District of New York in December 2018. The actions were consolidated on April 22, 2019, and the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi was appointed lead plaintiff for the putative class. The operative complaint was filed on September 27, 2019, and asserts violations of certain provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, based on allegedly false and materially misleading statements relating to the outlook of Nielsen’s Buy segment (now “Global Connect,” which was sold in the first quarter of 2021), Nielsen’s preparedness for changes in global data privacy laws and Nielsen’s reliance on third-party data. Nielsen moved to dismiss the operative complaint on November 26, 2019. On January 4, 2021, certain of the allegations against Nielsen and its officers were dismissed, while others were sustained. Discovery is ongoing. In addition, in January 2019, a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court against a number of Nielsen’s current and former officers and directors. The derivative lawsuit alleges that the named officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company in connection with factual assertions substantially similar to those in the putative class action complaint. The derivative lawsuit further alleges that certain officers and directors engaged in trading Nielsen stock based on material, nonpublic information. An amended complaint was filed on May 7, 2021, which Nielsen moved to dismiss on July 16, 2021. By agreement dated September 8, 2021, the action was stayed for a period of 90 days. Nielsen intends to defend these lawsuits vigorously. Based on currently available information, Nielsen believes that the Company has meritorious defenses to these actions and that their resolution is not likely to have a material adverse effect on Nielsen’s business, financial position, or results of operations. 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 not expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will 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. In July 2019, Nielsen amended its Second Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement (the “MSA”), dated as of October 1, 2017 and effective as of January 1, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), with Tata America International Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (jointly, “TCS”) by executing Amendment Number One (the “Amendment”) with TCS, dated as of July 1, 2019 and effective as of January 1, 2019 (the “Amendment Effective Date”). The Amendment reduced the amount of services Nielsen committed to purchase from TCS from the Amendment Effective Date through the remaining term of the MSA (the “Minimum Commitment”) to $1.4 billion, including a commitment to purchase at least $184 million in services per year from 2021 through 2024, and $138 million in services in 2025 (in each of the foregoing cases, the “Annual Commitment”). As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate TCS commitment was approximately $875 million. In September 2021, it was agreed with TCS that Nielsen’s remaining Minimum Commitment, after giving effect to the sale of Global Connect, was $90 million (“Remaining Minimum Commitment”). It was also agreed that the remaining Annual Commitment for services would be $45 million in 2021 and $17 million per year from 2022 through 2025 (“Remaining Annual Commitment”). Upon satisfaction of the Remaining Minimum Commitment, the Remaining Annual Commitment no longer applies. TCS’s charges under existing and future statements of work (“SOWs”) pursuant to the MSA will continue to be credited against the Remaining Minimum Commitment and the Remaining Annual Commitment and the occurrence of certain events, some of which also provide Nielsen with the right to terminate the Agreement or SOWs, as applicable, will continue to be available to reduce the Remaining Minimum Commitment and Remaining Annual Commitment amounts as they occur. As of September 30, 2021, the Remaining Minimum Commitment was approximately $13 million.

Segments

Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	14. Segments As discussed in Note 15 – Discontinued Operations, the Global Connect segment has been classified as discontinued operations beginning with the first quarter of 2021. The Company evaluated segment reporting in accordance with ASC 280 “Segment Reporting” and beginning with the first quarter of 2021, the Company concluded that it operates as a single operating segment and a single reportable segment consisting principally of television, radio, online and mobile audience and advertising measurement and corresponding analytics. Nielsen aligns its operating segment in order to conform to management’s internal reporting structure. Nielsen operates as a complete unit - from the conception of a product, through the collection of the data, into the technology and operations, all the way to the data being sold and delivered to the client. The reporting structure of Nielsen is and has historically been centralized under one Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), who evaluates Nielsen’s operating financial results to assess its performance. Business Segment Information (IN MILLIONS) Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 Revenues $ 882 $ 836 Operating income 222 222 Depreciation and amortization 129 140 Impairment of other long-lived assets — 8 Restructuring charges 6 9 Share-based compensation expense 10 10 Dis-synergy costs (1) — (18 ) Other items (2) 15 3 Business segment income (3) $ 382 $ 374 Total Assets: Total assets as of September 30, 2021 $ 11,169 Total assets as of December 31, 2020 $ 11,146 (IN MILLIONS) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 Revenues $ 2,606 $ 2,489 Operating income 694 518 Depreciation and amortization 382 423 Impairment of other long-lived assets — 49 Restructuring charges 12 41 Share-based compensation expense 26 30 Dis-synergy costs (1) — (53 ) Other items (2) 26 23 Business segment income (3) $ 1,140 $ 1,031 (1) Costs to stand-up Nielsen as a standalone company including incremental Real Estate, IT/Infrastructure, Transition Services Agreements (TSAs) and Commercial Arrangements . (2) Other Items primarily consists of business optimization costs and transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Other Items primarily consists of business optimization costs and transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, as well as strategic review costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. (3) The CODM uses business segment income to measure performance from period to period

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	15. Discontinued Operations On October 31, 2020, Nielsen entered into the Stock Purchase Agreement to sell its Global Connect business to affiliates of Purchaser, for $2.7 billion in cash, subject to adjustments based on closing levels of cash, indebtedness, debt-like items and working capital, and the Connect Warrant. On February 11, 2021, Nielsen held a special meeting of Nielsen’s shareholders. At the special meeting, the Connect Transaction was submitted to a vote of the shareholders through the solicitation of proxies. Approval of the Connect Transaction required the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of ordinary shares present (online or by proxy) at the special meeting. The Connect Transaction was approved by the requisite vote of Nielsen’s shareholders. Beginning in the first quarter of 2021, the Global Connect segment met the criteria set forth in ASC 205 – 20 “Presentation of Financial Statements – Discontinued Operations,” and has been presented on a discontinued operations basis for all periods presented. Given the Global Connect segment represented a separate segment and approximately 50% of our consolidated revenues, we considered this to be a strategic shift. The Connect Transaction closed on March 5, 2021. The Company received net proceeds of $2.4 billion on March 5, 2021, pending final closing adjustments. During the third quarter of 2021, the Company finalized the closing adjustments resulting in a $10.5 million reduction in net proceeds, and an updated gain of $534 million net of tax, subject to final adjustment within discontinued operations. Proceeds from the sale were primarily utilized for debt repayment. On March 16, 2021, Nielsen completed the partial prepayment of $1.0 billion of the senior secured term loans due 2023 and $0.3 billion of the senior secured term loans due 2025. The partial prepayment resulted in aggregate principal amount of 2023 and 2025 senior secured term loans remaining outstanding of approximately $2.6 billion and $1 billion, respectively. Nielsen redeemed $150 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 5.500% senior notes due 2021 effective March 21, 2021 and redeemed $825 million of outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 5.000% senior notes due 2022 effective April 10, 2021, in each case at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date. In connection with the Connect Transaction, Nielsen and Global Connect entered into a Transition Services Agreement for services that primarily relate to technology functions such as infrastructure and cybersecurity, which will run for up to two years following the closing, with an option to extend the term by six months per service. In addition, Nielsen and Global Connect entered into a Master Services Agreement pursuant to which each party granted the other reciprocal licenses to certain data used by Global Connect and Nielsen, respectively, as well as certain corresponding services related to such data at agreed rates for up to five years following the closing. The following table summarizes the major classes of line items constituting net income from discontinued operations, net of tax: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Operations Revenues $ — $ 727 $ 452 $ 2,129 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — 373 264 1,132 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — 284 229 875 Depreciation and amortization — 77 36 232 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets — — — 4 Restructuring charges — 41 6 104 Operating loss — (48 ) (83) (218 ) Other income and expenses (1) (9) (13 ) (32) (35 ) (Loss)/income from discontinued operations before income taxes (9) (61 ) (115) (253 ) (Provision)/benefit for income taxes — (31 ) 21 30 Net loss from discontinued operations $ (9) $ (92 ) $ (94 ) $ (223 ) Disposal (Loss)/gain on disposal before income taxes (2) $ (8 ) $ — $ 371 $ — Benefit for income taxes — — 163 — (Loss)/gain on disposal, net of taxes (8 ) — 534 — Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations (17 ) (92 ) 440 (223 ) Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 1 Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders $ (17) $ (92 ) $ 440 $ (224 ) (1) During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a charge of $9 million under the tax indemnification arrangement with Purchaser discussed below. The Company’s Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement entered into in July 2020 and the Credit Agreement entered into in June 2020, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto in July 2020, required $1.3 billion of senior secured term loans to be repaid pursuant to the debt covenants that triggered as a result of the Connect Transaction. As such, the Company elected to allocate interest expense to discontinued operations of $10 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and $8 million and $28 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (2) During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a charge of $8 million after finalizing the closing adjustments as part of the Connect Transaction. The Company has incurred $162 million in separation costs related to the sale of Global Connect, of which $37 million and $91 million are reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These costs are comprised primarily of professional fees (e.g., legal, banking and accounting), as well as other items that are incremental and one-time in nature that are related to the sale of Global Connect. The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations at December 31, 2020: December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2020 Assets: Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 110 Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns 689 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 265 Total current assets of discontinued operations 1,064 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment, net 177 Operating lease right-of-use asset 217 Goodwill 360 Other intangible assets, net 807 Deferred tax assets 228 Other non-current assets 136 Total assets of discontinued operations $ 2,989 Liabilities: Current liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 710 Deferred revenues 235 Income tax liabilities 27 Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings 17 Total current liabilities of discontinued operations 989 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 1,330 Deferred tax liabilities 65 Operating lease liabilities 218 Other non-current liabilities 224 Total liabilities of discontinued operations $ 2,826 As of September 30, 2021, the condensed consolidated balance sheet included $36 million of an estimated receivable from Purchaser within prepaid expenses and other current assets as well as $17 million within accounts payable and other current liabilities and $27 million within other non-current liabilities for estimated liabilities to affiliates of Purchaser. These represent estimated receivables from and payables to affiliates of Purchaser under tax indemnification arrangements for certain liabilities to various taxing authorities that will be settled in future periods. The following table provides operating and investing cash flows for Nielsen’s discontinued operations (in millions): September 30, September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 2020 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net cash flows provided by/(used in) operating activities (1) $ (240 ) $ 23 Net cash flows provided by/(used in) investing activities (26 ) (162 ) (1) The three month period ended

Summary of Recent Accounting _2

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies, commitments and contingencies and certain other information, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to September 30, 2021 for potential recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares of common stock primarily consist of employee stock options and restricted stock units. The effect of 2,154,386 and 2,900,800 shares of common stock underlying outstanding equity awards under Nielsen’s stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive. The effect of 2,550,964 and 3,213,323 shares of common stock underlying outstanding equity awards under Nielsen’s stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable The Company extends non-interest bearing trade credit to its customers in the ordinary course of business. To minimize credit risk, ongoing credit evaluations of clients’ financial condition are performed. The allowance for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amounts is no longer probable by also incorporating reasonable and supportable forecasts (expected loss). During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, Nielsen sold $10 million of accounts receivable to third parties and recorded an immaterial loss on the sale to interest expense, net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, zero and $30 million of previously sold receivables, respectively, remained outstanding. The sales were accounted for as true sales, without recourse. Nielsen maintains servicing responsibilities for the receivables sold during the period, for which the related costs are not significant. The proceeds of $10 million from the sales were reported as a component of the changes in trade and other receivables, net within operating activities in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows . There were no sales of accounts receivable for the three months ended September 30, 2021.
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations We consider assets to be held for sale when management, having the authority through shareholder approval, commits to a formal plan to actively market the assets for sale at a price reasonable in relation to fair value, the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the sale have been initiated, the sale of the asset is expected to be completed within one year and it is unlikely that significant changes will be made to the plan. Upon designation as held for sale, we record the carrying value of an asset at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell. In accordance with GAAP, assets held for sale are not depreciated or amortized . If the disposal of the component of an entity (or group of components) represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results, it meets the criteria for discontinued operations. The results of discontinued operations, as well as any gain or loss on the disposal transaction, are presented separately, net of tax, from the results of continuing operations for all periods presented. The expenses included in the results of discontinued operations are the direct operating expenses incurred by the discontinued segment that may be reasonably segregated from the costs of the ongoing operations of the Company. Certain corporate costs directly attributable to the discontinued operations and transaction costs directly related to the sale are also presented within net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes. The assets and liabilities have been accounted for as assets held for sale in our condensed consolidated balance sheets through the date of the sale. The operating results related to these lines of business have been included in discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The condensed consolidated statement of cash flows presents combined cash flows from continuing operations with cash flows from discontinued operations within each cash flow statement category. See Note 15 – Discontinued Operations for further detail.
Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income taxes	Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income taxes Effective January 1, 2021, the Company adopted ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The standard amends and aims to simplify accounting disclosure requirements regarding a number of topics including: intraperiod tax allocation, accounting for deferred taxes when there are changes in consolidation of certain investments, tax basis step up in an acquisition and the application of effective rate changes during interim periods, amongst other improvements. Upon adoption, this new standard did not have a significant impact on Nielsen’s financial statements.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a product or service to a customer, which generally occurs over time. Substantially all of the Company’s customer contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable. Revenue is primarily generated from television, radio, digital and mobile audience measurement services and analytics, which are used by the Company’s clients to establish the value of airtime and more effectively schedule and promote their programming and the Company’s advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance, revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied and control of the service is transferred to the customer. The Company enters into cooperation arrangements with certain customers, under which the customer provides Nielsen with its data in exchange for Nielsen’s services. Nielsen records these transactions at fair value, which is determined based on the fair value of goods or services received, if reasonably estimable. If not reasonably estimable, the Company considers the fair value of the goods or services surrendered.
Leases	All significant lease arrangements are generally recognized at lease commencement. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement. An ROU asset and corresponding lease liability are not recorded for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less (short term leases) and Nielsen recognizes lease expense for these short term leases as incurred over the lease term . ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the reasonably certain lease term, and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Nielsen’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that Nielsen will exercise that option. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Nielsen uses the rate implicit in the lease for the discount rate when determining the present value of lease payments whenever that rate is readily determinable. If the rate is not readily determinable, Nielsen uses its incremental borrowing rate, which is updated periodically, based on the information available at commencement date. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments related to initial direct cost and prepayments and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Nielsen has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for together . Nielsen has operating and finance leases for real estate facilities, servers, computer hardware, and other equipment. Nielsen’s leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 20 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within 1 year.

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Summary of Revenue Disaggregated by Major Product Offerings and Timing of Revenue Recognition	The table below sets forth the Company’s revenue disaggregated by major product offerings and timing of revenue recognition. (IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Nielsen Audience Measurement $ 637 $ 613 $ 1,898 $ 1,831 Outcomes/Content 245 223 708 658 Media $ 882 $ 836 $ 2,606 $ 2,489 Timing of revenue recognition Products transferred at a point in time $ 95 $ 79 $ 280 $ 234 Products and services transferred over time 787 757 2,326 2,255 Total $ 882 $ 836 $ 2,606 $ 2,489
Summary of Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers	The table below sets forth the Company’s contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers. (IN MILLIONS) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Contract assets $ 110 $ 94 Contract liabilities $ 136 $ 135
Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Roll Forward Incorporating Expected Credit Losses	The following schedule represents the allowance for doubtful accounts roll forward incorporating expected credit losses as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. (IN MILLIONS) Balance Beginning of Period Net Charges to Deductions Effect of Foreign Currency Translation Balance at End of Period Allowance for accounts receivable For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 $ 11 $ (3 ) $ - $ - $ 8 Year ended December 31, 2020 $ 8 $ 7 $ (4 ) $ - $ 11

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Components of Lease Expense	The components of lease expense were as follows: (in millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 Lease cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 12 $ 9 Interest on lease liabilities 1 2 Total finance lease cost 13 11 Operating lease cost 14 14 Sublease income (1 ) — Total lease cost $ 26 $ 25 (in millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 Lease cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 32 $ 29 Interest on lease liabilities 3 5 Total finance lease cost 35 34 Operating lease cost 40 39 Short-term lease cost 1 2 Variable lease costs 1 — Sublease income (4 ) (1 ) Total lease cost $ 73 $ 74
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: (in millions, except lease term and discount rate) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Operating leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 155 $ 161 Other current liabilities 55 50 Operating lease liabilities 139 140 Total operating lease liabilities $ 194 $ 190 Finance leases Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 320 $ 300 Accumulated depreciation (212 ) (175 ) Property, plant and equipment, net 108 125 Other intangible assets, gross 16 11 Accumulated amortization (15 ) (9 ) Other intangible assets, net 1 2 Accounts payable and other current liabilities 37 39 Long-term debt and capital lease obligations 43 59 Total finance lease liabilities $ 80 $ 98 Nine Months Ended September 30, Other information 2021 2020 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from finance leases (3 ) (5 ) Operating cash flows from operating leases (45 ) (36 ) Financing cash flows from finance leases (29 ) (31 ) Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 16 18 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 19 15 Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases 2 years 4 years Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases 6 years 7 years Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases 5.13 % 5.49 % Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases 2.96 % 4.08 %
Schedule of Annual Maturities of Lease Liabilities	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s lease liabilities are as follows: (in millions) Operating Leases Finance Leases For October 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 $ 16 $ 12 2022 55 35 2023 41 26 2024 26 9 2025 15 1 2026 11 — Thereafter 46 — Total lease payments 210 83 Less imputed interest (16 ) (3 ) Total $ 194 $ 80

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. (IN MILLIONS) Nielsen Balance, December 31, 2020 $ 5,680 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments (6 ) Effect of foreign currency translation (15 ) Balance, September 30, 2021 $ 5,659
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets Gross Amounts Accumulated Amortization September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names and trademarks $ 1,833 $ 1,833 $ — $ — Amortized intangibles: Trade names and trademarks 128 128 (113 ) (110 ) Customer-related intangibles 2,564 2,564 (1,666 ) (1,580 ) Covenants-not-to-compete 26 26 (26 ) (26 ) Content databases 168 168 (63 ) (53 ) Computer software 1,523 1,372 (891 ) (692 ) Patents and other 151 153 (129 ) (120 ) Total $ 4,560 $ 4,411 $ (2,888 ) $ (2,581 )

Changes in and Reclassificati_2

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net of Tax by Component	The table below summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. Foreign Currency Translation Post Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2020 $ (821 ) $ (39 ) $ (245 ) $ (1,105 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (53 ) (1 ) — (54 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 233 15 149 397 Net current period other comprehensive income 180 14 149 343 Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (2 ) — — (2 ) Net current period other comprehensive income attributable to Nielsen shareholders 182 14 149 345 Balance September 30, 2021 $ (639 ) $ (25 ) $ (96 ) $ (760 ) Foreign Currency Translation Post Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2019 $ (776 ) $ (19 ) $ (210 ) $ (1,005 ) Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications (90 ) (37 ) 1 (126 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 12 9 21 Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income (90 ) (25 ) 10 (105 ) Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (5 ) — — (5 ) Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen shareholders (85 ) (25 ) 10 (100 ) Balance September 30, 2020 $ (861 ) $ (44 ) $ (200 ) $ (1,105 )
Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component	The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive (Income)/Loss Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2021 September 30, 2020 Statement of Operations Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ 7 $ 7 Interest (income)/expense (1 ) (2 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 6 $ 5 Total, net of tax Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits Actuarial loss $ 3 $ 4 (a) (1 ) (1 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 2 $ 3 Total, net of tax Total reclassification for the period $ 8 $ 8 Net of tax (a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive Loss/(Income) Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2021 September 30, 2020 Statement of Operations Currency Translation Adjustments Currency translation (gains)/losses on dispositions (1) $ 233 $ — Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations — — Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations $ 233 $ — Total, net of tax Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ 20 $ 17 Interest (income)/expense (5 ) (5 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 15 $ 12 Total, net of tax Post-Employment Benefits Amortization of actuarial loss (2) $ 11 $ 12 (3 ) (3 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 8 $ 9 Total, net of tax Unrealized (gains)/losses on pension liability on dispositions (1) $ 183 $ — Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations (42 ) — Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations $ 141 $ — Total, net of tax Total Post-Employment Benefits reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss $ 149 $ 9 Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive Loss/(Income) Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2021 September 30, 2020 Statement of Operations Total reclassification for the period $ 397 $ 21 Net of tax (1) The sale of Global Connect resulted in a total reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income of $374 million, including accumulated currency translation adjustment of $233 million, and unrealized gain on pension liability of $141 million, net of taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. (2) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Restructuring Activities (Table

Restructuring Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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, 2020 $ 14 Charges (1) — Payments (11 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments (2 ) Balance at September 30, 2021 $ 1 (1 ) Excludes charges related to operating lease right-of-use assets of $12 million.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (1) $ 25 $ 25 — — Investment in mutual funds (2) 2 2 — — Warrant (3) 5 — — 5 Interest rate swap arrangements (4 ) — — — — Total $ 32 $ 27 $ — 5 Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (4 ) $ 32 — $ 32 — Deferred compensation liabilities (5 ) 25 25 — — Total $ 57 $ 25 $ 32 — December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (1) $ 24 $ 24 — — Investment in mutual funds (2) 2 2 — — Interest rate swap arrangements (4) — — — — Total $ 26 $ 26 — — Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (4) $ 52 — $ 52 — Deferred compensation liabilities (5) 24 24 — — Total $ 76 $ 24 $ 52 — (1) 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 equity securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other income/(expense), net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. (2) Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans. ( 3 ) The estimated fair value of the Connect Warrant issued March 5, 2021 of $5 million was part of the proceeds related to the sale of the Global Connect segment and included in the net gain on sale of the Global Connect segment. The Connect Warrant is marked-to-market each reporting period with the subsequent change in fair value recorded to other income/(expense), net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The Connect Warrant is reported within other non-current assets within the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the Connect Warrant asset is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and had an estimated fair value of $5 million as of September 30, 2021. ( 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 equity 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 equity securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.
Summary of U.S Dollar Term Loan to Fixed Rate Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps	As of September 30, 2021, the Company had the following U.S. Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate outstanding interest rate swaps designated as hedges utilized in the management of its interest rate risk Notional Amount (In Millions) Maturity Date $ 250 October 2021 $ 250 July 2022 $ 150 April 2023 $ 250 May 2023 $ 250 June 2023 $ 150 July 2023
Schedule of Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations	The effect of cash flow hedge accounting on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 respectively is as follows: Interest Expense Interest Expense Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Interest expense, net (Location in the consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded) $ 68 $ 82 $ 217 $ 247 Amount of gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, net of tax $ (6 ) $ (5 ) $ (15 ) $ (12 ) Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income as a result that a forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring, net of tax $ — $ — $ — $ —
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets	The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Prepaid Expense Prepaid Expense Other and Other Current Other Current Other Non-Current Other Current Other Current Non-Current (IN MILLIONS) Assets Liabilities Liabilities Assets Liabilities Liabilities Interest rate swaps $ — $ 5 $ 27 $ — $ 4 $ 48
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Three Months Ended into Income (Effective Three Months Ended Hedging Relationships September 30, Portion) September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Interest rate swaps $ 1 $ (1 ) Interest expense $ 7 $ 7 The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Nine Months Ended into Income Nine Months Ended Hedging Relationships September 30, (Effective Portion) September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Interest rate swaps $ — $ 52 Interest expense $ 20 $ 17

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_2

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Debt	Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of September 30, 2021. September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Weighted Weighted (IN MILLIONS) Interest Carrying Fair Interest Carrying Fair Senior secured term loans Rate Amount Value Rate Amount Value $1,125 (LIBOR based variable rate of 1.83%) due 2023 $ 742 $ 742 $ 754 $ 752 $2,303 (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.08%) due 2023 1,600 1,600 1,603 1,602 € — — 251 250 €660 — — 639 654 $550 (LIBOR based variable rate of 4.75%) due 2025 — — 419 434 $850 Senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2023 — — — — Total (with weighted-average interest rate) 2.13 % 2,342 2,342 3.01 % 3,666 3,692 Senior debenture loans $425 5.500% due 2021 — — 150 151 $825 5.000% due 2022 — — 824 828 $500 5.000% due 2025 498 511 498 514 $1,000 5.625% due 2028 986 1,035 985 1,088 $750 5.875% due 2030 740 788 739 846 $625 4.500% due 2029 616 609 — — $625 4.750% due 2031 616 607 — — Total (with weighted-average interest rate) 5.52 % 3,456 3,550 5.69 % 3,196 3,427 Total long-term debt 4.16 % 5,798 5,892 4.26 % 6,862 7,119 Finance lease and other financing obligations 80 98 Total debt and other financing arrangements 5,878 6,960 Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings 37 276 Non-current portion of long-term debt and finance lease and other financing obligations $ 5,841 $ 6,684
Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) For October 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 $ — 2022 — 2023 2,342 2024 — 2025 498 2026 — Thereafter 2,958 $ 5,798

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock Activity	Common stock activity is as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding Beginning of period 357,644,935 Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans 1,249,251 Employee benefit trust activity 33,256 End of period 358,927,442
Summary of Dividends Declared on Nielsen's Common Stock	The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid to shareholders foryear ended December 31, 2020 and the nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Dividend Per Share February 20, 2020 March 5, 2020 March 19, 2020 $ 0.06 April 16, 2020 June 4, 2020 June 18, 2020 $ 0.06 July 16, 2020 August 20, 2020 September 3, 2020 $ 0.06 October 27, 2020 November 19, 2020 December 3, 2020 $ 0.06 February 4, 2021 March 4, 2021 March 18, 2021 $ 0.06 April 22, 2021 June 3, 2021 June 17, 2021 $ 0.06 July 15, 2021 August 19, 2021 September 2, 2021 $ 0.06
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

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Business Segment Information (IN MILLIONS) Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 Revenues $ 882 $ 836 Operating income 222 222 Depreciation and amortization 129 140 Impairment of other long-lived assets — 8 Restructuring charges 6 9 Share-based compensation expense 10 10 Dis-synergy costs (1) — (18 ) Other items (2) 15 3 Business segment income (3) $ 382 $ 374 Total Assets: Total assets as of September 30, 2021 $ 11,169 Total assets as of December 31, 2020 $ 11,146 (IN MILLIONS) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 Revenues $ 2,606 $ 2,489 Operating income 694 518 Depreciation and amortization 382 423 Impairment of other long-lived assets — 49 Restructuring charges 12 41 Share-based compensation expense 26 30 Dis-synergy costs (1) — (53 ) Other items (2) 26 23 Business segment income (3) $ 1,140 $ 1,031 (1) Costs to stand-up Nielsen as a standalone company including incremental Real Estate, IT/Infrastructure, Transition Services Agreements (TSAs) and Commercial Arrangements . (2) Other Items primarily consists of business optimization costs and transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Other Items primarily consists of business optimization costs and transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, as well as strategic review costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. (3) The CODM uses business segment income to measure performance from period to period

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Discontinued Operations	The following table summarizes the major classes of line items constituting net income from discontinued operations, net of tax: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Operations Revenues $ — $ 727 $ 452 $ 2,129 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — 373 264 1,132 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — 284 229 875 Depreciation and amortization — 77 36 232 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets — — — 4 Restructuring charges — 41 6 104 Operating loss — (48 ) (83) (218 ) Other income and expenses (1) (9) (13 ) (32) (35 ) (Loss)/income from discontinued operations before income taxes (9) (61 ) (115) (253 ) (Provision)/benefit for income taxes — (31 ) 21 30 Net loss from discontinued operations $ (9) $ (92 ) $ (94 ) $ (223 ) Disposal (Loss)/gain on disposal before income taxes (2) $ (8 ) $ — $ 371 $ — Benefit for income taxes — — 163 — (Loss)/gain on disposal, net of taxes (8 ) — 534 — Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations (17 ) (92 ) 440 (223 ) Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 1 Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders $ (17) $ (92 ) $ 440 $ (224 ) (1) During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a charge of $9 million under the tax indemnification arrangement with Purchaser discussed below. The Company’s Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement entered into in July 2020 and the Credit Agreement entered into in June 2020, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto in July 2020, required $1.3 billion of senior secured term loans to be repaid pursuant to the debt covenants that triggered as a result of the Connect Transaction. As such, the Company elected to allocate interest expense to discontinued operations of $10 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and $8 million and $28 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (2) During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a charge of $8 million after finalizing the closing adjustments as part of the Connect Transaction. The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations at December 31, 2020: December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2020 Assets: Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 110 Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns 689 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 265 Total current assets of discontinued operations 1,064 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment, net 177 Operating lease right-of-use asset 217 Goodwill 360 Other intangible assets, net 807 Deferred tax assets 228 Other non-current assets 136 Total assets of discontinued operations $ 2,989 Liabilities: Current liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 710 Deferred revenues 235 Income tax liabilities 27 Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings 17 Total current liabilities of discontinued operations 989 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 1,330 Deferred tax liabilities 65 Operating lease liabilities 218 Other non-current liabilities 224 Total liabilities of discontinued operations $ 2,826 The following table provides operating and investing cash flows for Nielsen’s discontinued operations (in millions): September 30, September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 2020 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net cash flows provided by/(used in) operating activities (1) $ (240 ) $ 23 Net cash flows provided by/(used in) investing activities (26 ) (162 ) (1) The three month period ended

Background and Basis of Prese_2

Background and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 05, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)Countryshares	Sep. 30, 2020shares	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)Countryshares	Sep. 30, 2020shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2020USD ($)
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposal of Global Connect, net of tax, within discontinued operations				$ 534,000,000
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earning per share under compensation plan | shares		2,154,386	2,900,800	2,550,964	3,213,323
Accounts receivable sold to third parties				$ 10,000,000
Accounts receivable outstanding		$ 0		0		$ 30,000,000
Proceed from sales of accounts receivable		0		10,000,000
Connect
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposal of Global Connect, net of tax, within discontinued operations		(8,000,000)		534,000,000
Connect | Advent
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Cash proceeds on sale of business							$ 2,700,000,000
Net proceeds from sale of business	$ 2,400,000,000
Reduction in net proceeds		$ 10,500,000
Gain (loss) on disposal of Global Connect, net of tax, within discontinued operations				$ 534,000,000
Minimum
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of countries in which entity operates | Country		55		55

Summary of Recent Accounting _3

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adopted	true
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adoption date	Jan. 1, 2021
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, immaterial effect	true
Accounting standards update description	ASU No. 2019-12

Revenue Recognition - Summary o

Revenue Recognition - Summary of Revenue Disaggregated by Major Product Offerings and Timing of Revenue Recognition (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 882	$ 836	$ 2,606	$ 2,489
Operating Segments | Products Transferred at a Point in Time
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	95	79	280	234
Operating Segments | Products and Services Transferred Over Time
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	787	757	2,326	2,255
Media | Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	882	836	2,606	2,489
Media | Operating Segments | Audience Measurement
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	637	613	1,898	1,831
Media | Operating Segments | Outcomes/Content
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 245	$ 223	$ 708	$ 658

Revenue Recognition - Summary_2

Revenue Recognition - Summary of Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenues [Abstract]
Contract assets	$ 110	$ 94
Contract liabilities	$ 136	$ 135

Revenue Recognition - Additiona

Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenues [Abstract]
Increase in contract with customer asset			$ 99,000,000
Contract with customer asset offset			82,000,000
Increase in contract with customer liability			119,000,000
Contract with customer liability offset			115,000,000
Revenue, remaining performance obligation			$ 3,600,000,000
Revenue, remaining performance obligations, percentage	67.00%		67.00%
Deferred costs capitalized	$ 21,000,000		$ 21,000,000		$ 3,000,000
Amortization of deferred costs	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Revenue Recognition - Schedule

Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Roll Forward Incorporating Expected Credit Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Allowance for accounts receivable
Balance Beginning of Period	$ 11	$ 8
Net Charges to Expense	(3)	7
Deductions		(4)
Balance at End of Period	$ 8	$ 11

Business Acquisitions - Additio

Business Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Other acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	$ 13	$ 3

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Minimum
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating and Finance leases, remaining lease terms	1 year
Maximum
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating and Finance leases, remaining lease terms	20 years
Operating and Financing leases, options to extend leases term	5 years
Operating and Finance leases, options to terminate leases term	1 year

Leases - Components of Lease Ex

Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$ 12	$ 9	$ 32	$ 29
Interest on lease liabilities	1	2	3	5
Total finance lease cost	13	11	35	34
Operating lease cost	14	14	40	39
Short-term lease cost			1	2
Variable lease costs			1
Sublease income	(1)		(4)	(1)
Total lease cost	$ 26	$ 25	$ 73	$ 74

Leases - Supplemental Balance S

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 155		$ 161
Other current liabilities	$ 55		$ 50
Operating Lease Liability Current Statement Of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent		us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent
Operating lease liabilities	$ 139		$ 140
Total operating lease liabilities	194		190
Finance leases
Property, plant and equipment, gross	320		300
Accumulated depreciation	(212)		(175)
Property, plant and equipment, net	108		125
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$ 37		$ 39
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent		us-gaap:AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$ 43		$ 59
Finance Lease Liability Noncurrent Statement Of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		Long-term debt and finance lease obligations
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 80		$ 98
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from finance leases	(3)	$ (5)
Operating cash flows from operating leases	(45)	(36)
Financing cash flows from finance leases	(29)	(31)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	16	18
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 19	$ 15
Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases	2 years	4 years
Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases	6 years	7 years
Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases	5.13%	5.49%
Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases	2.96%	4.08%
Other Intangible Assets
Finance leases
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 16		11
Accumulated depreciation	(15)		(9)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 1		$ 2

Leases - Schedule of Annual Mat

Leases - Schedule of Annual Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases, October 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021	$ 16
Operating Leases, 2022	55
Operating Leases, 2023	41
Operating Leases, 2024	26
Operating Leases, 2025	15
Operating Leases, 2026	11
Operating Leases, Thereafter	46
Operating Leases, Total lease payments	210
Operating Leases, Less imputed interest	(16)
Operating Leases, Total	194	$ 190
Finance Leases, October 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021	12
Finance Leases, 2022	35
Finance Leases, 2023	26
Finance Leases, 2024	9
Finance Leases, 2025	1
Finance Leases, Total lease payments	83
Finance Leases, Less imputed interest	(3)
Finance Leases, Total	$ 80	$ 98

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance beginning	$ 5,680
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	(6)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(15)
Balance ending	$ 5,659

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill deductible for income tax purposes		$ 28,000,000			$ 28,000,000
Goodwill, impairment loss					0
Impairment of intangible assets		0	$ 0
Amortization expense, intangible assets		102,000,000		$ 114,000,000	306,000,000	$ 342,000,000
Amortization expense, computer software		67,000,000		$ 77,000,000	199,000,000	$ 227,000,000
Purchased Software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net book value		10,000,000			10,000,000
Internally Developed Software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net book value		$ 622,000,000			$ 622,000,000
Connect | Advent | Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets license period	20 years
Measurement Input, Discount Rate
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Discount rate					10.10%

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 4,560	$ 4,411
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(2,888)	(2,581)
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	128	128
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(113)	(110)
Customer - related intangibles
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	2,564	2,564
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(1,666)	(1,580)
Covenants-not-to-compete
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	26	26
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(26)	(26)
Content database
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	168	168
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(63)	(53)
Computer software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	1,523	1,372
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(891)	(692)
Patents and other
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	151	153
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(129)	(120)
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 1,833	$ 1,833

Changes in and Reclassificati_3

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net of Tax by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	$ 3,210	$ 2,207	$ 2,243	$ 2,388
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	8	8	397	21
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income	(12)	9	343	(105)
Balance	3,286	2,220	3,286	2,220
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	(621)	(859)	(821)	(776)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications			(53)	(90)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			233
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income			180	(90)
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			(2)	(5)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen shareholders			182	(85)
Balance	(639)	(861)	(639)	(861)
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance			(39)	(19)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications			(1)	(37)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			15	12
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income			14	(25)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen shareholders			14	(25)
Balance	(25)	(44)	(25)	(44)
Post Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	(99)	(203)	(245)	(210)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications				1
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			149	9
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income			149	10
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen shareholders			149	10
Balance	(96)	(200)	(96)	(200)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance			(1,105)	(1,005)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications			(54)	(126)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			397	21
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income			343	(105)
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			(2)	(5)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen shareholders			345	(100)
Balance	$ (760)	$ (1,105)	$ (760)	$ (1,105)

Changes in and Reclassificati_4

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component - Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, Net of Tax	$ (17)	$ (92)	$ 440	$ (223)
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes	33	38	129	72
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	(100)	(7)	(749)	41
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of tax	8	8	397	21
Currency Translation (Gains)/Losses on Dispositions
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, before Tax			233
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, Net of Tax			233
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of tax			15	12
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate contracts | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income)/Loss
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (income)/expense	7	7	20	17
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes	(1)	(2)	(5)	(5)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	6	5	15	12
Amortization of Actuarial Loss
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax	3	4	11	12
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes	(1)	(1)	(3)	(3)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of tax	$ 2	$ 3	8	9
Unrealized (Gains)/Losses on Pension Liability on Dispositions
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, before Tax			183
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, Tax			(42)
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, Net of Tax			141
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Post Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Net of tax			$ 149	$ 9

Changes in and Reclassificati_5

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component - Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 8	$ 8	$ 397	$ 21
Connect
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			374
Currency Translation Adjustments | Connect
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			233
Unrealized (Gains)/Losses on Pension Liability on Dispositions | Connect
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			$ 141

Restructuring Activities - Summ

Restructuring Activities - Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 14
Payments	(11)
Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments	(2)
Ending Balance	$ 1

Restructuring Activities - Su_2

Restructuring Activities - Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Operating Lease Right-of-use Assets
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 12

Restructuring Activities - Addi

Restructuring Activities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 6	$ 9	$ 12	$ 41
Restructuring reserve	1		1		$ 14
Real Estate Consolidation
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 6		$ 12
Broad-Based Productivity Plan
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 9		$ 41

Fair Value Measurements - Finan

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 05, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Warrant
Assets:
Asset		$ 5	$ 5
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets:
Asset		32		$ 26
Liabilities:
Liabilities		57		76
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[1]	32		52
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[2]	25		24
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	[3]	25		24
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investment in Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	[4]	2		2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Warrant
Assets:
Asset	[5]	5
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets:
Asset		27		26
Liabilities:
Liabilities		25		24
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[2]	25		24
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	[3]	25		24
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investment in Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	[4]	2		2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Liabilities:
Liabilities		32		52
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[1]	32		$ 52
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets:
Asset		5
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Warrant
Assets:
Asset	[5]	$ 5
[1]	Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.
[2]	The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as equity 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 equity 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 equity securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other income/(expense), net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
[4]	Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.
[5]	The estimated fair value of the Connect Warrant issued March 5, 2021 of $5 million was part of the proceeds related to the sale of the Global Connect segment and included in the net gain on sale of the Global Connect segment. The Connect Warrant is marked-to-market each reporting period with the subsequent change in fair value recorded to other income/(expense), net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  The Connect Warrant is reported within other non-current assets within the condensed consolidated balance sheet.  The fair value of the Connect Warrant asset is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and had an estimated fair value of $5 million as of September 30, 2021.

Fair Value Measurements - Fin_2

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 05, 2021
Connect Warrant
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	$ 5	$ 5

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	$ (68,000,000)	$ (82,000,000)	$ (217,000,000)	$ (247,000,000)
Pre-tax gain (loss) from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense expected to be recognized in next twelve months			21,000,000
Interest Income
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	0	$ 0	0	1,000,000
Foreign Currency Exchange Contract
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments			1,000,000	$ 3,000,000
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments	$ 27,000,000		$ 27,000,000		$ 68,000,000

Fair Value Measurements - Summa

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of U.S Dollar Term Loan to Fixed Rate Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on October 2021
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2021-10
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2022
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2022-07
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on April 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 150,000,000
Maturity Date	2023-04
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on May 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2023-05
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on June 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2023-06
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 150,000,000
Maturity Date	2023-07

Fair Value Measurements - Sched

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) - Interest Expense - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest expense, net (Location in the consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded)	$ 68	$ 82	$ 217	$ 247
Amount of gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, net of tax	$ (6)	$ (5)	$ (15)	$ (12)

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) - Interest Rate Swap Arrangements - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Current Liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 5	$ 4
Other Non-Current Liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 27	$ 48

Fair Value Measurements - Deriv

Fair Value Measurements - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain)/Loss Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$ 1	$ (1)		$ 52
Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$ 7	$ 7	$ 20	$ 17

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_3

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 16, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	4.16%		4.26%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 5,798		$ 6,862
Finance lease and other financing obligations	80		98
Total debt and other financing arrangements	5,878		6,960
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings	37		276
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	5,841		6,684
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 5,892		$ 7,119
Senior Secured Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	2.13%		3.01%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 2,342		$ 3,666
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 2,342		$ 3,692
Senior Debenture Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	5.52%		5.69%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 3,456		$ 3,196
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	3,550		3,427
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount		$ 2,600
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 1.83%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	742		754
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	742		752
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.08%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,600		1,603
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,600		1,602
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.50%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount			251
Total long-term debt, Fair Value			250
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount		$ 1,000
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 3.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount			639
Total long-term debt, Fair Value			654
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 4.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount			419
Total long-term debt, Fair Value			434
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount			150
Total long-term debt, Fair Value			151
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount			824
Total long-term debt, Fair Value			828
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	498		498
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	511		514
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	986		985
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,035		1,088
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	740		739
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	788		$ 846
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	616
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	609
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	616
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 607

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_4

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	May 28, 2021	Apr. 10, 2021	Mar. 21, 2021	Mar. 16, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity year				2023
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 1.83%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value					$ 1,125,000,000	$ 1,125,000,000
Debt instrument, variable rate					1.83%	1.83%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2023	2023
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.08%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value					$ 2,303,000,000	$ 2,303,000,000
Debt instrument, variable rate					2.08%	2.08%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2023	2023
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.50%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value					$ 545,000,000	$ 545,000,000
Debt instrument, variable rate					2.50%	2.50%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2023	2023
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity year				2023
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 3.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value					$ 660,000,000	$ 660,000,000
Debt instrument, variable rate					3.75%	3.75%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2025	2025
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 4.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value					$ 550,000,000	$ 550,000,000
Debt instrument, variable rate					4.75%	4.75%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2025	2025
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Due 2023 | Euro Libor or Libor based variable rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value					$ 850,000,000	$ 850,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity year					2023	2023
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value					$ 425,000,000	$ 425,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity year			2021		2021	2021
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage			5.50%		5.50%	5.50%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value					$ 825,000,000	$ 825,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity year		2022			2022	2022
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage		5.00%			5.00%	5.00%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value					$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity year					2025	2025
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage					5.00%	5.00%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value					$ 1,000,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity year					2028	2028
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage					5.625%	5.625%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value					$ 750,000,000	$ 750,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity year					2030	2030
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage					5.875%	5.875%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 625,000,000				$ 625,000,000	$ 625,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity year	2029				2029	2029
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	4.50%				4.50%	4.50%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 625,000,000				$ 625,000,000	$ 625,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity year	2031				2031	2031
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	4.75%				4.75%	4.75%

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_5

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) € in Millions	Jul. 21, 2021	May 28, 2021USD ($)	Apr. 10, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 21, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 16, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 05, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2020USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount							$ 5,798,000,000			$ 5,798,000,000			$ 6,862,000,000
Redemption rate of senior notes equal to principal amount plus premium and accrued and unpaid interest					100.00%
Interest income							0		$ 0	0		$ 1,000,000
March 2021 Redemptions
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Wrote-off certain previously deferred financing fees								$ 1,000,000		7,500,000
May 2021 Redemptions
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Wrote-off certain previously deferred financing fees										20,000,000
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Date of long term debt termination	Jun. 4, 2020
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 4.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of term loan										$ 430,000,000
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 3.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of term loan | €											€ 530
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.50%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of term loan | €											€ 204
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of term loan					$ 1,000,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity year					2023
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount					$ 2,600,000,000
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.50%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity year										2023	2023		2023
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount													$ 251,000,000
Debt instrument face value							545,000,000			$ 545,000,000			$ 545,000,000
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of term loan					$ 300,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity year					2023
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount					$ 1,000,000,000
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 4.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity year										2025	2025		2025
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount													$ 419,000,000
Debt instrument face value							550,000,000			$ 550,000,000			$ 550,000,000
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 3.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity year										2025	2025		2025
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount													$ 639,000,000
Debt instrument face value							$ 660,000,000			$ 660,000,000			$ 660,000,000
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity year				2021						2021	2021		2021
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount													$ 150,000,000
Debt instrument redeemed principal amount				$ 150,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage				5.50%			5.50%			5.50%			5.50%
Redemption rate of senior notes equal to principal amount plus premium and accrued and unpaid interest				100.00%
Debt instrument face value							$ 425,000,000			$ 425,000,000			$ 425,000,000
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity year			2022							2022	2022		2022
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount													$ 824,000,000
Debt instrument redeemed principal amount			$ 825,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage			5.00%				5.00%			5.00%			5.00%
Redemption rate of senior notes equal to principal amount plus premium and accrued and unpaid interest			100.00%
Debt instrument face value							$ 825,000,000			$ 825,000,000			$ 825,000,000
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity year		2029								2029	2029		2029
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount							$ 616,000,000			$ 616,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage		4.50%					4.50%			4.50%			4.50%
Debt instrument face value		$ 625,000,000					$ 625,000,000			$ 625,000,000			$ 625,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date		Jul. 15, 2029
Debt instrument, frequency of interest payment		semiannually
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity year		2031								2031	2031		2031
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount							$ 616,000,000			$ 616,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage		4.75%					4.75%			4.75%			4.75%
Debt instrument face value		$ 625,000,000					$ 625,000,000			$ 625,000,000			$ 625,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date		Jul. 15, 2031
Debt instrument, frequency of interest payment		semiannually
Senior Debenture Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument remaining outstanding amount							$ 3,456,000,000			$ 3,456,000,000			$ 3,196,000,000
Capitalized debt refinancing fees		$ 19,000,000
Connect | Advent
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash proceeds on sale of business														$ 2,700,000,000
Net proceeds from sale of business						$ 2,400,000,000

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_6

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2023	$ 2,342
2025	498
Thereafter	2,958
Total	$ 5,798	$ 6,862

Shareholders' Equity - Common S

Shareholders' Equity - Common Stock Activity (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021shares
Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
Beginning of period	357,644,935
Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans	1,249,251
Employee benefit trust activity	33,256
End of period	358,927,442

Shareholders' Equity - Schedule

Shareholders' Equity - Schedule of Dividends Paid (Detail) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.18	$ 0.18
Installment One
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date			Feb. 4, 2021		Feb. 20, 2020
Record Date			Mar. 4, 2021		Mar. 5, 2020
Payment Date			Mar. 18, 2021		Mar. 19, 2020
Dividend Per Share			$ 0.06		$ 0.06
Installment Two
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date			Apr. 22, 2021		Apr. 16, 2020
Record Date			Jun. 3, 2021		Jun. 4, 2020
Payment Date			Jun. 17, 2021		Jun. 18, 2020
Dividend Per Share			$ 0.06		$ 0.06
Installment Three
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date			Jul. 15, 2021		Jul. 16, 2020
Record Date			Aug. 19, 2021		Aug. 20, 2020
Payment Date			Sep. 2, 2021		Sep. 3, 2020
Dividend Per Share			$ 0.06		$ 0.06
Installment Four
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date					Oct. 27, 2020
Record Date					Nov. 19, 2020
Payment Date					Dec. 3, 2020
Dividend Per Share					$ 0.06

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Oct. 14, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 11, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.18	$ 0.18
Cost of treasury stock		$ 2,000,000,000		$ 2,000,000,000		$ 500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Program executed within limitations of authority granted date				Aug. 6, 2015
Stock repurchase program approval date				May 12, 2020
Cumulative shares repurchased		39,426,521		39,426,521
Average price of common stock purchased				$ 44.95
Payments for repurchase of common stock		$ 1,772,000,000		$ 1,772,000,000
Repurchases of common stock				0
Maximum
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Cost of treasury stock		$ 2,000,000,000		$ 2,000,000,000
Subsequent Event
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Oct. 14, 2021
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.06
Cash dividend, date to be Paid	Dec. 2, 2021
Cash dividend, recorded date	Nov. 18, 2021

Shareholders' Equity - Summary

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Approved Authorized Shares for Repurchase Program (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021	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

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rates before discrete tax items	27.00%	24.00%	27.00%	21.00%
Income tax expense (benefit) before discrete tax items	$ 41	$ 34	$ 119	$ 55
Effective tax rates including discrete tax items	22.00%	27.00%	29.00%	27.00%
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes	$ 33	$ 38	$ 129	$ 72
Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits					$ 128

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Effective date of agreement		Oct. 1, 2017
Purchase amended and restated agreement date	Jul. 1, 2019
Purchase amended and restated agreement effective date	Jan. 1, 2019
Remaining commitments amount		$ 13,000,000	$ 875,000,000
Services Per Year From 2021 Through 2024
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase services	$ 184,000,000
Services 2021
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase services		45,000,000
Services Per Year From 2022 Through 2025
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase services		17,000,000
Services 2025
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase services	138,000,000
Commitment
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Purchase commitment, remaining minimum amount committed	$ 1,400,000,000	$ 90,000,000

Segments - Business Segment Inf

Segments - Business Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenues		$ 882	$ 836	$ 2,606	$ 2,489
Operating income		222	222	694	518
Depreciation and amortization		129	140	382	423
Impairment of other long-lived assets			8		49
Restructuring charges		6	9	12	41
Share-based compensation expense		10	10	26	30
Dis-synergy costs	[1]		(18)		(53)
Other items	[2]	15	3	26	23
Business segment income	[3]	382	$ 374	1,140	$ 1,031
Assets:
Total assets		$ 11,169		$ 11,169		$ 11,146
[1]	Costs to stand-up Nielsen as a standalone company including incremental Real Estate, IT/Infrastructure, Transition Services Agreements (TSAs) and Commercial Arrangements .
[2]	Other Items primarily consists of business optimization costs and transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Other Items primarily consists of business optimization costs and transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, as well as strategic review costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
[3]	The CODM uses business segment income to measure performance from period to period

Discontinued Operations - Addit

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 16, 2021	Mar. 05, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Apr. 10, 2021	Mar. 21, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposal of Global Connect, net of tax, within discontinued operations					$ 534
Prepayment of debt					3,632	$ 1,319
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount				$ 5,798	5,798				$ 6,862
Redemption rate of senior notes equal to principal amount plus premium and accrued and unpaid interest	100.00%
Transition Services Agreement term			2 years
Transition Services Agreement extension option period			6 months
Facility Closing
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Separation cost, incurred					162
Facility Closing | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Separation cost, incurred					37	$ 91
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Prepayment of debt	$ 1,000
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	2,600
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Prepayment of debt	300
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 1,000
5.500% Senior Notes due 2021
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Debt instrument redeemed principal amount								$ 150
5.000% Senior Notes due 2022
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Debt instrument redeemed principal amount							$ 825
Connect
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Segment revenue percentage on consolidated revenues			50.00%
Gain (loss) on disposal of Global Connect, net of tax, within discontinued operations				(8)	534
Accounts receivable from purchaser									$ 689
Connect | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Accounts receivable from purchaser				36	36
Connect | Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities payable to affiliates of purchaser				17	17
Connect | Other Non-Current Liabilities
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities payable to affiliates of purchaser				27	27
Connect | Advent
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds on sale of business			$ 2,700
Net proceeds from sale		$ 2,400
Gain (loss) on disposal of Global Connect, net of tax, within discontinued operations					$ 534
Reduction in net proceeds				$ 10.5

Discontinued Operations - Summa

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Major Classes of Line Items Constituting Net Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 6	$ 9	$ 12	$ 41
Net loss from discontinued operations			(94)	(223)
(Loss)/gain on disposal, net of taxes			534
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, Net of Tax	(17)	(92)	440	(223)
Connect
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues		727	452	2,129
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		373	264	1,132
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		284	229	875
Depreciation and amortization		77	36	232
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets				4
Restructuring charges		41	6	104
Operating loss		(48)	(83)	(218)
Other income and expenses	(9)	(13)	(32)	(35)
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations before income taxes	(9)	(61)	(115)	(253)
(Provision)/benefit for income taxes		(31)	21	30
Net loss from discontinued operations	(9)	(92)	(94)	(223)
(Loss)/gain on disposal before income taxes (2)	(8)		371
Benefit for income taxes			163
(Loss)/gain on disposal, net of taxes	(8)		534
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, Net of Tax	(17)	(92)	440	(223)
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests				1
Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ (17)	$ (92)	$ 440	$ (224)

Discontinued Operations - Sum_2

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Major Classes of Line Items Constituting Net Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposal of Global Connect, net of tax, within discontinued operations				$ 534
Connect
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Debt repayment pursuant to the debt covenants triggered as a result of disposal	$ 1,300
Interest expense allocated to discontinued operations			$ 10	8	$ 28
Disposal group including discontinued operation tax indemnification		$ 9
Gain (loss) on disposal of Global Connect, net of tax, within discontinued operations		$ (8)		$ 534

Discontinued Operations - Sum_3

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Current assets
Total current assets of discontinued operations	$ 1,064
Current liabilities
Total current liabilities of discontinued operations	989
Connect
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	110
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns	689
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	265
Total current assets of discontinued operations	1,064
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	177
Operating lease right-of-use asset	217
Goodwill	360
Other intangible assets, net	807
Deferred tax assets	228
Other non-current assets	136
Total assets of discontinued operations	2,989
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	710
Deferred revenues	235
Income tax liabilities	27
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	17
Total current liabilities of discontinued operations	989
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	1,330
Deferred tax liabilities	65
Operating lease liabilities	218
Other non-current liabilities	224
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$ 2,826

Discontinued Operations - Opera

Discontinued Operations - Operating and Investing Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations (Detail) - Connect - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net cash flows provided by/(used in) operating activities	$ (240)	$ 23
Net cash flows provided by/(used in) investing activities	$ (26)	$ (162)

Discontinued Operations - Ope_2

Discontinued Operations - Operating and Investing Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Payments for separation costs		$ 11
Connect | Facility Closing | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Payments for separation costs	$ 3
Net payments under the tax indemnification arrangements	$ (4)