Document and entity information. 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 Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key 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 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $22 and $21, respectively Other Receivables Other receivables Prepaid Supplies Parts and supplies Other Assets, Current Other assets Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $17,860 and $17,704, respectively Goodwill Goodwill Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other intangible assets, net Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Restricted trust and escrow accounts Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investments in unconsolidated entities Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Deferred revenues Debt, Current Current portion of long-term debt Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt, less current portion Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Accrued Capping, Closure, Post-closure and Environmental Costs, Noncurrent Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities Long-term Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Equity: Waste Management, Inc. stockholders' equity: Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized; 630,282,461 shares issued Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Treasury Stock, Common, Value Treasury stock at cost, 198,511,161 and 196,963,558 shares, respectively Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Stockholders' equity Total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Ending balance Beginning balance Total equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and equity Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation and amortization Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Revenues Operating revenues Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and expenses: Cost of Goods and Services Sold Operating Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Restructuring Charges Restructuring The aggregate amount of asset impairment charges other than goodwill impairment, gains and losses related to the divestiture of businesses, and unusual items incurred during an accounting period. Generally, these items are either unusual or infrequent, but not both (in which case they would be extraordinary items). Income Expense From Divestitures Asset Impairments And Unusual Items Net gain from divestitures Costs and Expenses Costs and expenses Total costs and expenses Operating Income (Loss) Income from operations Income from operations Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other income (expense): Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Interest expense, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other, net Interest and other income (expense), total. Interest And Other Income Expense Total other income (expense) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense Income tax expense (benefit) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Consolidated net income Consolidated net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic earnings per common share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted earnings per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Cash dividends declared per common share CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Derivative instruments, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Available-for-sale securities, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Post-retirement benefit obligation, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax expense (benefit) Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Interest accretion Interest accretion on landfill liabilities Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for bad debts Share-based Compensation Equity-based compensation expense Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Net gain on disposal of assets Income expense from divestitures asset impairments and other noncash portion. Income Expense From Divestitures Asset Impairments And Other Noncash Portion (Income) expense from divestitures, asset impairments and other, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities, net of dividends Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities The increase (decrease) during the reporting period, excluding the portion taken into income, in the liability reflecting revenue yet to be earned for which cash or other forms of consideration was received or recorded as a receivable. Also includes the increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other liabilities used in operating activities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. May include changes in other current liabilities, other noncurrent liabilities, or a combination of other current and noncurrent liabilities. Increase Decrease in Deferred Revenue and Other Operating Liabilities Deferred revenues and other liabilities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Capital expenditures Proceeds from divestiture of businesses net of cash divested and proceeds from sales of assets investing activities. Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses Net Of Cash Divested And Proceeds From Sales Of Assets Investing Activities Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets (net of cash divested) Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt and Capital Securities, Net New borrowings Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Debt repayments Debt repayments Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper Net commercial paper borrowings Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Common stock repurchase program Cash paid for repurchase of common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Cash dividends Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Exercise of common stock options Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Tax payments associated with equity-based compensation transactions Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Financing activities Net cash used in financing activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in restricted trust and escrow accounts CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Equity roll forward Shares, Outstanding Ending balance, shares Beginning balance, shares New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Adoption of new accounting standards Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash dividends Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Equity-based compensation transactions, net of tax Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Equity-based compensation transaction, shares Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Common stock repurchase program Common stock repurchases Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Common stock repurchase program, shares Shares repurchased Stockholders' Equity, Other Other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Shares Other, net, shares Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities Asset Retirement Obligation And Environmental Remediation Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation And Environmental Remediation Disclosure [Text Block] Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities Debt Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Debt Operating Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Operating Revenues Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Segment and Related Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment and Related Information Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Common Stock Repurchase Program Treasury Stock [Text Block] Common Stock Repurchase Program Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Variable Interest Entities No definition available. Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Adoption of New Accounting Standards and New Accounting Standards Pending Adoption Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Environmental Exit Costs by Cost [Table Text Block] Liabilities for Landfill and Environmental Remediation Costs Asset Retirement Obligation And Environmental Remediation Rollforward Analysis Table [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation And Environmental Remediation Rollforward Analysis [Table Text Block] Changes to Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Components of Debt Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Common Share Data Used for Computing Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reportable Segments Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Summary of operating revenues mix Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Number of Operating Segments Number of areas Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Deferred contract costs Contract acquisition costs Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] New ASU Amount of investment in equity security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in net income (FV-NI). Equity Securities, FV-NI Equity investments without readily determinable fair values Amount of increase (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) for reclassification to retained earnings of tax effect from remeasurement of deferred tax pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Tax Effect Adoption of new accounting standard Schedule of Environmental Exit Cost [Table] Schedule of Environmental Exit Cost [Table] Environmental Exit Cost by Property [Axis] Environmental Exit Costs Name Of Property [Domain] Environmental Exit Costs, Name of Property [Domain] Environmental costs. Environmental Costs [Member] Environmental Remediation Liabilities [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Landfill [Member] Landfill [Member] Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items] Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Current (in accrued liabilities), Landfill Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Long-term, Landfill Asset Retirement Obligation Ending balance, landfill Beginning balance, landfill Total, Landfill Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current Current (in accrued liabilities), Environmental Remediation Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent Long-term, Environmental Remediation Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Ending balance, environmental remediation Beginning balance, environmental remediation Environmental remediation liabilities Total, Environmental Remediation Accrued Capping, Closure, Post-closure and Environmental Costs Current (in accrued liabilities) The total amount of estimated costs accrued as of the balance sheet date to comply with regulatory requirements pertaining to the retirement of a waste management facility (such as a landfill or waste treatment facility). Accrued Capping And Environmental Costs Total Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] San Jacinto Waste Pits [Member] San Jacinto Waste Pits [Member] San Jacinto Waste Pits [Member] Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Obligations incurred and capitalized Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Obligations settled Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments Obligations settled Obligations settled Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Charges to Expense for New Losses Interest accretion Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Revision in Estimates Revisions in estimates and interest rate assumptions Revisions in estimate Asset Retirement Obligation Increase Decrease For Acquisitions Divestitures And Other Adjustments Asset Retirement Obligation Increase Decrease For Acquisitions Divestitures And Other Adjustments Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Represents the revolving credit facility entered into by the entity. Credit Facility Revolving [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Commercial Paper Program. Commercial Paper Program [Member] Commercial Paper Program [Member] Represents the Canadian term loan and revolving credit facility entered into by the entity. Canadian Term Loan And Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Canadian Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Represents the aggregate senior notes entered into by the entity. Senior Notes Aggregate [Member] Senior Notes, Aggregate [Member] Represents the aggregate tax exempt bonds entered into by the entity. Tax Exempt Bonds [Member] Tax Exempt Bonds [Member] Capital leases and other. Capital Leases And Other [Member] Capital Leases and Other [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and capital lease obligations Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit Facility, aggregate capacity Maximum capacity Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate Represents the Canadian Revolving Credit Facility. Canadian Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Canadian Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Canadian Term Loan [Member] Canadian Term Loan [Member] Canadian Term Loan [Member] Represents other letter of credit facilities entered into by the entity. Other Letter Of Credit Facilities [Member] Other Letter of Credit Facilities [Member] Represents other debt entered into by the entity. Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Amount of short-term borrowings, long-term debt and capital leases due within the next twelve months, including amounts classified as current and amounts classified as noncurrent due to intent and ability to refinance. Debt and Capital Leases Maturing Within Next Twelve Months Debt maturing within twelve months Represent debt with interest rate periods that expire within the next 12 months. Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Period, Expiring Current Debt with interest rate periods that expiring in the next 12 months The portion of short-term borrowings, current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations and borrowings subject to refinancing within the next twelve months, classified as long-term obligations due to the intent and ability to refinance on a long-term basis. Debt Maturing Or Subject To Refinancing Within Next Twelve Months Classified As Long Term Debt classified as long-term due to intent and ability to refinance on long-term basis Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount Variable-rate tax-exempt bonds Long-term Line of Credit Outstanding borrowings under credit facility Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of credit outstanding Long-term Debt, Gross Debt, before unamortized (discount) premium Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Unused and available credit capacity Debt Instrument, Term Debt term Maximum borrowing capacity under a term loan without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. Term Loan, Maximum Borrowing Amount Maximum term credit Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Net line of credit proceeds (repayments) Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Net debt borrowings (repayments) Capitalized Contract Cost [Table] Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items] Contract Acquisition Costs Revenue from sources other than customer contracts as a percent. Revenue, Other Than Customer Contracts, Percent Revenue other than customer contracts (as a percent) Amortization period of cost capitalized in obtaining or fulfilling contract with customer, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Period Contract amortization period Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Deferred contract costs amortization The percent of revenue derived from long-term contracts. Revenue, Long Term Contract, Percent Long-term revenue contracts (as a percent) Weighted Average Remaining Contract Term Weighted Average Remaining Contract Term Weighted average remaining contract term Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Investments qualifying for federal tax credits. Investments Qualifying For Federal Tax Credits [Member] Investments Qualifying for Federal Tax Credits [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective tax rate of income (loss) before income taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Deferred income tax benefits included in income tax expense Income tax expense (benefit), including federal tax credits, from equity method investment. Income Tax Expense Benefit Including Federal Tax Credits From Equity Method Investment Income tax (expense) benefit, including tax credits, from equity method investment Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Number of common shares outstanding at year-end Number of shares of common stock issuable or subject to repurchase or cancellation. Weighted Average Number of Shares, Issuable and Subject to Repurchase Effect of using weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average basic common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation awards and other contingently issuable shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding Potentially issuable shares. Potentially Issuable Shares Potentially issuable shares Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Wheelabrator [Member] Wheelabrator [Member] Wheelabrator [Member] Represents information related to Grows North and Tullytown Landfills. Grows North And Tullytown Landfills [Member] Grows North and Tullytown Landfills [Member] Information related to Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill. Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill [Member] Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Approximate number of homeowners properties adjacent to or near certain of our landfills with agreements guaranteeing market value. Number Of Homeowners Properties Adjacent To Or Near Certain Of Our Landfills With Agreements Guaranteeing Market Value Approximate number of homeowners' properties adjacent to or near certain of our landfills with agreements guaranteeing market value Number of landfills adjacent to or near homeowners properties with agreements guaranteeing market value. Number Of Landfills Adjacent To Or Near Homeowners Properties With Agreements Guaranteeing Market Value Number of landfills adjacent to or near homeowners' properties with agreements guaranteeing market value Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Maximum future payments Environmental Remediation Reasonably Possible Additional Losses High Estimate Environmental Remediation Reasonably Possible Additional Losses High Estimate Environmental remediation reasonably possible additional losses high estimate Number of sites listed on the environmental protection agency's national priorities list for which we have been notified we are a PRP. Number Of Sites Listed On Environmental Protection Agency National Priorities List For Which We Have Been Notified We Are PRP Number of sites listed on the EPA's NPL for which we have been notified we are a PRP Number of owned sites listed on environmental protection agency's national priorities list for which we have been notified we are PRP. Number Of Owned Sites Listed On Environmental Protection Agency National Priorities List For Which We Have Been Notified We Are PRP Number of owned sites listed on the EPA's NPL for which we have been notified we are a PRP Number of non-owned sites listed on the environmental protection agency's national priorities list for which we have been notified we are a PRP. Number Of Non Owned Sites Listed On Environmental Protection Agency National Priorities List For Which We Have Been Notified We Are PRP Number of non-owned sites listed on the EPA's NPL for which we have been notified we are a PRP Disclosure required under item one zero three of SEC's regulation Sk. Disclosure Required Under Item One Zero Three Of SECs Regulation Sk Dollar threshold for environmental matters requiring disclosure under item 103 of the SEC's Regulation S-K The number of major rainfalls. Number of Major Rainstorms Number of major rainfalls Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Percentage of Participants Approximate percentage of workforce covered by collective bargaining agreements Maximum number of months expected for IRS audits to be completed. Maximum Number of Life Expected For IRS Audits to be Completed Expected time of completion of IRS audits Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Solid Waste. Solid Waste [Member] Solid Waste [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Elimination [Member] Intercompany Operating Revenues [Member] Corporate Non Segment [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Operating Group Total (Member) Operating Group [Member] Operating Group Total [Member] Tier One [Member] Tier One [Member] Tier 1 [Member] Tier Two [Member] Tier Two [Member] Tier 2 [Member] Tier Three [Member] Tier Three [Member] Tier 3 [Member] All Other Segments [Member] Other [Member] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products And Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Collection [Member] Collection [Member] Collection [Member] Commercial [Member] Commercial [Member] Commercial [Member] Residential [Member] Residential [Member] Residential [Member] Industrial [Member] Industrial [Member] Industrial [Member] Other Collection [Member] Other Collection [Member] Other Collection [Member] Landfill Line of Business [Member] Landfill Line Of Business [Member] Landfill [Member] Transfer [Member] Transfer [Member] Transfer [Member] Recycling [Member] Recycling [Member] Recycling [Member] Other Lines Of Business [Member] Other Lines Of Business [Member] Other Revenue [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Number of Businesses Acquired Number of business acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Consideration, net of cash acquired, for business acquisitions Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Net Gain Loss From Designated Or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Derivative Instruments [Member] Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain Loss [Member] Available for sale Securities [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Post - Retirement Benefit Obligation [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI roll forward Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, tax Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Currency Derivatives [Member] Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Outstanding derivatives Accelerated Share Repurchases [Table] Accelerated Share Repurchases, Date [Axis] Accelerated Share Repurchases Date [Domain] Accelerated Share Repurchases, Date [Domain] Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement (ASR) [Member] Represents stock activity under a 10b5-1 plan. Stock Activity Under10b51 Plan [Member] 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items] Accelerated Share Repurchases, Initial Price Paid Per Share ASR price (dollars per share) Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid Per Share Weighted average per share purchase price Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Authorized share repurchases Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Member] Investments [Domain] Money Market Funds [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Availableforsale Securities [Member] Available-for-sale Securities [Member] Fixed Income Securities [Member] Fixed-Income Securities [Member] Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Redeemable Preferred Stock [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] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Money market funds Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Investments Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets Measurement Basis [Axis] Portion At Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of Debt Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Represents the investment in low income housing properties. Investment In Low Income Housing Properties [Member] Investment In Low Income Housing Properties [Member] Represents the trust for final capping, closure, post-closure or environmental remediation obligations. Trust For Final Capping Closure Post Closure Or Environmental Remediation Obligations [Member] Trust For Final Capping, Closure, Post-closure Or Environmental Remediation Obligations [Member] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Classification Of Variable Interest Entity [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Receivables Investments in Unconsolidated Entities and Other Assets [Member] Other Receivables Investments In Unconsolidated Entities And Other Assets [Member] Other Receivables Investments in Unconsolidated Entities and Other Assets [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Long-term other assets [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] The number of variable interest entities held. Variable Interest Entity, Number Number of variable interest entities Equity Method Investments Aggregate investment balance Long-term Debt Equity method investments debt balance Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Value of consolidated VIEs Condensed Balance Sheet Statement Table Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company [Member] WM [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] WM Holdings [Member] Non Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Consolidation Eliminations [Member] Eliminations [Member] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements Captions [Line Items] Total current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents. Current Assets Excluding Cash And Cash Equivalents Other current assets Investments In Affiliates Investments In Affiliates Investments in affiliates Advances to Affiliate Advances to affiliates Total long term assets excluding property, plant and equipment and investments in and advances to affiliates. Long Term Assets Excluding Property Plant And Equipment And Investments In And Advances To Affiliates Other assets Total current liabilities excluding current portion of long-term debt. Current Liabilities Excluding Current Portion Of Long Term Debt Accounts payable and other current liabilities Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Due to affiliates Long term liabilities excluding long term debt and due to affiliate noncurrent. Long Term Liabilities Excluding Long Term Debt And Due To Affiliate Noncurrent Other liabilities Reclassification from equity to advance affiliates. Reclassification From Equity To Advance Affiliates Advances to affiliates Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, Net of Tax Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax Income (loss) from equity method investments and other nonoperating income (expense). Income Loss From Equity Method Investments And Other Nonoperating Income Expense Other, net Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table] Condensed Statement Of Income Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements Captions [Line Items] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Difference Between Revenue Guidance In Effect Before And After Topic606 [Member] Impact of adoption [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type Of Adoption [Member] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update201409 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update201601 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update201615 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-15 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Accounting Standards Update201802 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Capitalized Contract Cost [Axis] Capitalized Contract Cost [Domain] Capitalized Contract Cost [Domain] Information related to deferred sales incentives. Deferred Sales Incentives [Member] Deferred Sales Incentives [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Selling General And Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Sales [Member] Reduction to Sales [Member]