Entity Central Index Key Document document and entity information. Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Income loss from subsidiaries. Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenues Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below Cost Of Revenue Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below Selling General And Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation And Amortization Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Operating income Operating Income Loss Interest income Investment Income Net Interest expense Interest Expense Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain Loss Before Tax Other expense, net Nonoperating Income Expense Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense Benefit Equity in net (loss)/income of affiliates Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Net income Profit Loss Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders Net Income Loss Net income per share of common stock, basic Earnings Per Share Basic [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Basic Share Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders Earnings Per Share Basic Net income per share of common stock, diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Diluted Share Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders Earnings Per Share Diluted Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Dilutive shares of common stock Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Dividends declared per common share Common Stock Dividends Per Share Declared Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Available for sale securities Other Comprehensive Income Loss Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income Loss Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Defined benefit pension plan adjustments Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Net Unamortized Gain Loss Arising During Period Net Of Tax Total other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Total comprehensive (loss)/income Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Tax Available-for-sale securities, tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Available For Sale Securities Tax Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Tax Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, tax Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Net Unamortized Gain Loss Arising During Period Tax Intercompany loans liabilities noncurrent. Intercompany payables liabilities current. Intercompany loans non current asset. Intercompany receivables assets noncurrent. Intercompany receivables assets current. Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets: Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $27 and $29 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively Receivables Net Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current Non-current assets Assets Noncurrent [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment, net Property Plant And Equipment Net Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets Net Noncurrent Other non-current assets Other Assets Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and equity: Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and other current liabilities Accounts Payable And Other Accrued Liabilities Current Deferred revenues Deferred Revenue Current Income tax liabilities Accrued Income Taxes Current Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings Debt Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current Non-current liabilities Liabilities Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt and capital lease obligations Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) Commitments And Contingencies Equity: Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Nielsen stockholders’ equity Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock, €0.07 par value, 1,185,800,000 and 1,185,800,000 shares authorized; 364,057,942 and 382,622,922 shares issued and 364,057,942 and 372,757,598 shares outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively Common Stock Value Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Treasury stock, at cost Treasury Stock Value Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit) Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Total Nielsen stockholders’ equity Stockholders Equity Noncontrolling interests Minority Interest Total equity Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Trade and other receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Common stock, par value Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock Shares Outstanding Increase decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues. Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Stock-based compensation expense Share Based Compensation Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Operating Activities Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other losses Foreign Currency Transaction Gain Loss Unrealized Equity in net income of affiliates, net of dividends received Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Net Of Dividends Or Distributions Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and divested: Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Trade and other receivables, net Increase Decrease In Accounts And Other Receivables Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase Decrease In Prepaid Deferred Expense And Other Assets Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable And Other Current Liabilities And Deferred Revenues Other non-current liabilities Increase Decrease In Other Noncurrent Liabilities Interest payable Increase Decrease In Interest Payable Net Income taxes Increase Decrease In Income Taxes Payable Net Of Income Taxes Receivable Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations Investing Activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired Payments To Acquire Interest In Subsidiaries And Affiliates Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Additions to intangible assets Payments To Acquire Intangible Assets Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations Financing Activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net payments under revolving credit facility Proceeds From Repayments Of Lines Of Credit Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs Proceeds From Debt Net Of Issuance Costs Repayment of debt Repayments Of Debt Cash dividends paid to stockholders Payments Of Dividends Repurchase of common stock Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds From Issuance Of Shares Under Incentive And Share Based Compensation Plans Including Stock Options Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Financing Activities Other financing activities Proceeds From Payments For Other Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Net Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid Net Accounting Policies [Abstract] Background and Basis of Presentation Business Description And Basis Of Presentation [Text Block] Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Acquisitions and Dispositions Mergers Acquisitions And Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Activities Restructuring And Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Long-term debt and other financing arrangements. Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements Long Term Debt And Other Financing Arrangements [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Guarantees [Abstract] Guarantor Financial Information Guarantees [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis Of Accounting Policy Policy [Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share Policy [Text Block] Devaluation of foreign currency. Devaluation of Venezuelan Currency Devaluation Of Foreign Currency Policy [Text Block] Consolidation Consolidation Policy [Text Block] Debt Issuance Costs Debt Policy [Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition Policy [Text Block] Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill Schedule Of Goodwill [Text Block] Schedule of intangible assets excluding goodwill. Other Intangible Assets Schedule Of Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill Table [Text Block] Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax by Component Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Table [Text Block] Schedule of reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive income loss. Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component Schedule Of Reclassification Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Table [Text Block] Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities Schedule Of Restructuring And Related Costs [Text Block] Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Text Block] Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps Schedule Of Notional Amounts Of Outstanding Derivative Positions Table [Text Block] Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets Schedule Of Fair Value Hedging Instruments Statements Of Financial Performance And Financial Position Location Table [Text Block] Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Schedule Of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Statements Of Financial Performance And Financial Position Location Table [Text Block] Summary of Long-Term Debt Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Text Block] Annual maturities for long term debt. Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt Annual Maturities For Long Term Debt Table [Text Block] Common Stock Activity Schedule Of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward Table [Text Block] Summary of Dividends Declared on Nielsen's Common Stock Dividends Declared Table [Text Block] Summary of Open Market Share Repurchases Activity Accelerated Share Repurchases [Text Block] Business Segment Information Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Text Block] Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Condensed Statement Of Comprehensive Income Table [Text Block] Consolidating Balance Sheet Schedule Of Condensed Balance Sheet Table [Text Block] Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Schedule Of Condensed Cash Flow Statement Table [Text Block] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] Business and basis of presentation. Business and basis of presentation. Business And Basis Of Presentation [Table] Business And Basis Of Presentation [Table] Legal Entity Legal Entity [Axis] Entity Entity [Domain] Luxco. Luxco Luxco [Member] Statement Scenario Statement Scenario [Axis] Scenario Unspecified Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Before devaluation of currency Scenario Previously Reported [Member] After devaluation of currency Scenario Actual [Member] New foreign exchange market mechanism. SIMADI Exchange Rate New Foreign Exchange Market Mechanism [Member] Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number Of Reportable Segments Number of countries in which entity operates Number Of Countries In Which Entity Operates Common stock ownership percentage. Percentage of owned shares Common Stock Ownership Percentage Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earning per share under compensation plan Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Foreign currency exchange rate Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Translation1 Foreign currency exchange transaction gains (losses) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain Loss Realized Monetary assets net. Net monetary assets Monetary Assets Net Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired Payments To Acquire Businesses Net Of Cash Acquired Disposal group including discontinued operation accounts payable and other liabilities current. Prepaid expenses and other current assets Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Prepaid And Other Assets Current Accounts payable and other current liabilities Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Accounts Payable And Other Liabilities Current Schedule Of Goodwill [Table] Schedule Of Goodwill [Table] Statement Business Segments Statement Business Segments [Axis] Segment Segment [Domain] Buy. Buy Buy [Member] Watch. Watch Watch [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Balance beginning Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments Goodwill Period Increase Decrease Effect of foreign currency translation Goodwill Translation And Purchase Accounting Adjustments Balance ending Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill deductible for income tax purposes Deferred Tax Assets Goodwill And Intangible Assets Schedule of finite and indefinite lived intangible assets. Schedule of finite and indefinite lived intangible assets. Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Trade names and trademarks Trademarks And Trade Names [Member] Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Customer - related intangibles Customer Related Intangible Assets [Member] Covenants-not-to-compete Noncompete Agreements [Member] Computer software Computer Software Intangible Asset [Member] Patents and other. Patents and other Patents And Other [Member] Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived intangibles, Gross Amounts Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Amortized expenses computer software. Amortization expense, intangible assets Amortization Of Intangible Assets Amortization expense, computer software Amortized Expenses Computer Software Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Statement Equity Components Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component Equity Component [Domain] Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Available-for-Sale Securities Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain Loss [Member] Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Net Gain Loss From Designated Or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Post Employment Benefits Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Beginning Balance Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Reclassifications Net Of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Current Period Net Of Tax Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen stockholders Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Parent Ending Balance Actuarial loss Derivative Instrument Risk Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Interest expense Interest Income Expense Net Benefit for income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Actuarial loss, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From A O C I Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans For Net Gain Loss Before Tax Beginning Balance Restructuring Reserve Charges Payments Payments For Restructuring Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments Restructuring Reserve Translation And Other Adjustment Ending Balance Restructuring reserve Restructuring actions for remaining liabilities, Current Restructuring Reserve Current Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value By Measurement Frequency Fair Value By Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurement Frequency Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Fair Value By Asset Class Fair Value By Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset Class Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset Class [Domain] Investments in Equity Securities Equity Method Investments [Member] Plan assets for deferred compensation. Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation Plan Assets For Deferred Compensation [Member] Investment in mutual funds. Investment In Mutual Funds Investment In Mutual Funds [Member] Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Fair Value By Liability Class Fair Value By Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Liability Class Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Liability Class [Domain] Deferred compensation liabilities. Deferred Compensation Liabilities Deferred Compensation Liabilities [Member] Interest Rate Swap Arrangements Interest Rate Swap [Member] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets: Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Asset Assets Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities: Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Impairment in other expense Other Asset Impairment Charges Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship By Income Statement Location By Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship By Income Statement Location By Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Foreign Currency Exchange Contract Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Hedging Designation Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated As Hedging Instrument Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] Forward Interest Rate Swap Agreement Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items] Gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments Gain Loss On Foreign Currency Fair Value Hedge Derivatives Derivative financial instruments outstanding Derivative Notional Amount Interest rate swap maturity term. Interest rate swap maturity term Interest Rate Swap Maturity Term Variable interest rate Derivative Variable Interest Rate Derivative By Nature Derivative By Nature [Axis] Derivative Name Derivative Name [Domain] Us dollar term loan floating to fixed rate swaps maturing on November fifteen. US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on November 2015 Us Dollar Term Loan Floating To Fixed Rate Swaps Maturing On November Fifteen [Member] Euro Term Loan Floating To Fixed Rate Swaps Maturing On November Fifteen. Euro term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on November 2015 Euro Term Loan Floating To Fixed Rate Swaps Maturing On November Fifteen [Member] Us dollar term loan floating to fixed rate swaps maturing on May sixteen. US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on May 2016 Us Dollar Term Loan Floating To Fixed Rate Swaps Maturing On May Sixteen [Member] Us dollar term loan floating to fixed rate swaps maturing on November sixteen. US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on November 2016 Us Dollar Term Loan Floating To Fixed Rate Swaps Maturing On November Sixteen [Member] Us dollar term loan floating to fixed rate swaps maturing on September seventeen. US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on September 2017 Us Dollar Term Loan Floating To Fixed Rate Swaps Maturing On September Seventeen [Member] Us dollar term loan floating to fixed rate swaps maturing on May eighteen. US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on May 2018 Us Dollar Term Loan Floating To Fixed Rate Swaps Maturing On May Eighteen [Member] Us dollar term loan floating to fixed rate swaps maturing on April nineteen. US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on April 2019 Us Dollar Term Loan Floating To Fixed Rate Swaps Maturing On April Nineteen [Member] Us Dollar Term Loan Floating To Fixed Rate Swaps Maturing On July Nineteen Member. US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2019 Us Dollar Term Loan Floating To Fixed Rate Swaps Maturing On July Nineteen [Member] Maturity Date Derivative Maturity Dates Pretax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized in next twelve months. Pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense expected to be recognized in next twelve months Pretax Losses From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Expected To Be Recognized In Next Twelve Months Fair Values Derivatives Balance Sheet Location By Derivative Contract Type By Hedging Designation [Table] Fair Values Derivatives Balance Sheet Location By Derivative Contract Type By Hedging Designation [Table] Balance Sheet Location Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Account payable and other current liabilities. Account Payable And Other Current Liabilities Account Payable And Other Current Liabilities [Member] Account payable and other non current liabilities. Account Payable And Other Non Current Liabilities Account Payable And Other Non Current Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items] Liabilities Derivative Instruments In Hedges Liabilities At Fair Value Assets Derivative Instruments In Hedges Assets At Fair Value Fair value of derivatives included in accounts payable and other current liabilities. Assets Fair Value Of Derivatives Included In Accounts Payable And Other Current Liabilities Income Statement Location Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense Interest Expense [Member] Amount of Loss/(Gain) Recognized in OCI Derivatives (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Effective Portion Net Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Reclassified From Accumulated O C I Into Income Effective Portion Net Debt Instrument [Table] Debt Instrument [Table] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Senior secured credit facility. Senior secured credit facilities Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] Debenture loans. Debenture Loans Debenture Loans [Member] Senior secured term loan due two thousand and nineteen. Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2019 Senior Secured Term Loan Due Two Thousand And Nineteen [Member] Senior secured term loan due two thousand and seventeen. Senior Secured Term Loan Due 2017 Senior Secured Term Loan Due Two Thousand And Seventeen [Member] Senior secured term loan due two thousand and twenty one. Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2021 Senior Secured Term Loan Due Two Thousand And Twenty One [Member] Senior debenture loan due two thousand and twenty. Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020 Senior Debenture Loan Due Two Thousand And Twenty [Member] Senior debenture loan due two thousand and twenty two. Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022 Senior Debenture Loan Due Two Thousand And Twenty Two [Member] Senior debenture loan due two thousand and twenty one. Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021 Senior Debenture Loan Due Two Thousand And Twenty One [Member] Other loans. Other Loans Other Loans [Member] Variable Rate Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate Variable Rate [Domain] Libor Based Variable Rate London Interbank Offered Rate L I B O R [Member] Euro libor based variable rate. Euro Libor Based Variable Rate Euro Libor Based Variable Rate [Member] Libor or euro libor based variable rate. Euro LIBOR or LIBOR Based Variable Rate Libor Or Euro Libor Based Variable Rate [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate Longterm Debt Weighted Average Interest Rate Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount Long Term Debt Capital lease and other financing obligations, Carrying Amount Capital Lease Obligations Total debt and other financing arrangements Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Less: Current portion of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings Total long-term debt, Fair Value Long Term Debt Fair Value Debt instrument maturity year. Debt instrument face value Debt Instrument Face Amount Debt instrument, variable rate Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate1 Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Debt instrument, maturity year Debt Instrument Maturity Year Long term debt maturities repayments of principal thereafter. For October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal Remainder Of Fiscal Year 2016 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Next Rolling Twelve Months 2017 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Rolling Year Two 2018 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Rolling Year Three 2019 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Rolling Year Four 2020 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Rolling Year Five Thereafter Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal Thereafter Total Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding Common Stock Number Of Shares Par Value And Other Disclosures [Abstract] Beginning of period Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans Stock Issued During Period Shares Share Based Compensation Shares of common stock issued through business combinations Stock Issued During Period Shares Acquisitions Repurchases of common stock Stock Repurchased During Period Shares End of period Dividends Payable [Table] Dividends Payable [Table] Dividends Dividends [Axis] Dividends Dividends [Domain] Installment one. Installment One Installment One [Member] Installment two. Installment Two Installment Two [Member] Installment three. Installment Three Installment Three [Member] Installment four. Installment Four Installment Four [Member] Installment five. Installment Five Installment Five [Member] Installment six. Installment Six Installment Six [Member] Installment seven. Installment Seven Installment Seven [Member] Dividends Payable [Line Items] Dividends Payable [Line Items] Declaration Date Dividends Payable Date Declared Day Month And Year Record Date Dividends Payable Date Of Record Day Month And Year Payment Date Dividend Payable Date To Be Paid Day Month And Year Dividend Per Share Common stock repurchased shares. Common stock repurchased average price per share. Common stock repurchased value. Stockholders equity. Stockholders' equity. Stockholders Equity [Table] Stockholders Equity [Table] Range Range [Axis] Range Member Range [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Stockholders Equity [Line Items] Stockholders Equity [Line Items] Cost of treasury stock Cumulative shares repurchased Common Stock Repurchased Shares Average price of common stock purchased Common Stock Repurchased Average Price Per Share Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock Common Stock Repurchased Value Stock repurchased during period. Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule Of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Schedule Of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Share Repurchase Program Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Publicly announced plans or programs. Publicly Announced Plans Or Programs Publicly Announced Plans Or Programs [Member] Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items] Total Number of Shares Purchased, beginning balance Number of Shares Purchased Stock Repurchased During Period Total Number of Shares Purchased, ending balance Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Plans or Programs Stock Repurchase Program Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount1 Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitment And Contingencies [Table] Income Tax [Table] Income Tax [Table] Scenario, Forecast Scenario Forecast [Member] Income Tax [Line Items] Income Tax [Line Items] Effective tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Business segment income loss. Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Consolidation Items Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment Corporate Non Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Other items Other Cost And Expense Operating Operating income/(loss) Business segment income/(loss) Business Segment Income Loss Total assets Subsidiaries of Nielsen Subsidiaries [Member] Ownership percentage in subsidiaries Minority Interest Ownership Percentage By Parent Consolidation Eliminations Consolidation Eliminations [Member] Parent Parent Company [Member] Issuers Subsidiary Issuer [Member] Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Non Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Other income/(expense), net Equity in net income of subsidiaries Income Loss From Subsidiaries Total other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Total other comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interests Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries and affiliates Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Trade and other receivables, net Intercompany receivables Intercompany Receivables Assets Current Equity investment in subsidiaries Investments In Affiliates Subsidiaries Associates And Joint Ventures Intercompany loans Intercompany Loans Non Current Asset Intercompany receivables Intercompany Receivables Assets Non Current Intercompany payables Intercompany Payables Liabilities Current Intercompany loans Intercompany Loans Liabilities Noncurrent Total stockholders’ equity Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities Net repayments under revolving credit facility Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities Other investing activities Payments For Proceeds From Other Investing Activities