| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 31, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001492633 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 31, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | NIELSEN HOLDINGS PLC |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | X0 |
| Entity File Number | 001-35042 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1225347 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 85 Broad Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10004 |
| Entity Address, Region | Oxfordshire |
| Entity Address, Country | GB |
| City Area Code | 1 (646) |
| Local Phone Number | 654-5000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | true |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Ordinary shares, par value €0.07 per share |
| Trading Symbol | NLSN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
