Document and Entity Information Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Transition Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Amendment Flag Amendment Flag CONDENSED 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 $34 and $28, respectively Accounts receivable, net of allowance Other Receivables, Net, Current Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6 and $1, respectively Prepaid Supplies Parts and supplies Other Assets, Current Other assets Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $19,266 and $18,657, 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 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 Income Tax Liabilities, Net 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] 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, 207,695,158 and 205,956,366 shares, respectively Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent 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 Adoption of new accounting standard Total equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and equity Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts, ending balance Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning balance Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Other Receivables, Current Allowance for other receivables 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 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax 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, (gains) and losses related to the divestiture of businesses and unusual items incurred during an accounting period. Gain Loss From Divestitures Asset Impairments And Unusual Items (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net 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 Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss on early extinguishment of debt Loss on early extinguishment of debt 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 Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Consolidated net income Consolidated net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent 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 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and 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 obligations, 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 (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. CONDENSED 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 benefit Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Interest accretion Interest accretion on landfill liabilities Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for bad debts Additions charged to expense Share-based Compensation Equity-based compensation expense Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Net gain on disposal of assets The (gain) loss from divestitures asset impairments and other, noncash portion. Gain Loss From Divestitures Asset Impairments And Other Noncash Portion (Gain) loss 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 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 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 Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs Premiums paid on early extinguishment of debt Premiums paid on early extinguishment of debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper Net commercial paper borrowings (repayments) 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 Net cash provided by (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 (Decrease) 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, Current Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in other current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in restricted trust and escrow accounts CONDENSED 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 Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash dividends declared Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Equity-based compensation transactions, net 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 Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Common stock repurchase program, shares Shares repurchased (in shares) Stockholders' Equity, Other Other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Shares Other, net, shares Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Cash dividends declared per common share 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 and Interest Rate Derivatives Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Debt and Interest Rate Derivatives 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 n/a Acquisitions and Assets Held-for-Sale Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Acquisitions and Assets Held-for-Sale Asset Impairments and Unusual Items Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both, Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Impairments and Unusual Items Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Capital Stock, Dividends and 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 Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Event Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leases Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentrations of Credit Risk New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Adoption of New Accounting Standards and New Accounting Standard Pending Adoption Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Summary of allowance for doubtful accounts 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), net of tax Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis 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 Operating Segments Number of areas Number of areas Capitalized Contract Cost [Table] Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items] Contract Acquisition Costs Deferred revenue recognition period, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Deferred Revenue Recognition Period Deferred revenue recognition period Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Period Contract amortization period Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Deferred contract costs Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Deferred contract costs amortization Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Accounting change Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease) Total allowance increase (decrease) The percentage of receivables outstanding less than threshold period. Receivables Outstanding Less than Threshold, Percent Receivables outstanding less than 60 days (as a percent) The threshold period used to measure receivables. Threshold Period Measuring Receivables Threshold period to measure receivables Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Allowance activity Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff Accounts written-off, net of recoveries Amount of other increase (decrease) to the allowance for credit loss. Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Other Acquisitions, divestitures and other, net Other Receivables Notes and other receivables, current and noncurrent Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables Allowance for notes and other receivables, current and noncurrent The percentage of receivables classified as current assets. Receivables Classified as Current, Percent Receivables classified as current (as a percent) 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 Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Obligations incurred and capitalized Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Obligations settled Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments 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 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 Represents the increase (decrease) included in the total revision of the asset retirement obligation during the period related to the increase (decrease) related to the expected timing of capping activities. Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate, Increase (Decrease) Related to Change in Expect Capping Timing Asset retirement obligation revision of estimate increase (decrease) related to estimated capping activities The amount of increase (decrease) due to landfill closure. Asset Retirement Obligation, Increase (Decrease) Landfill Closure Asset retirement obligation, increase (decrease) related to landfill closure Increase (decrease) to operating expenses due to change in discount rate used to estimate present value of environmental remediation obligations. Increase Decrease To Operating Expenses Due To Change In Discount Rate Used To Estimate Present Value Of Environmental Remediation Obligations Increase (decrease) operating expenses due to change in discount rate Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Discount Rate Risk-free discount rate of the obligations 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 information pertaining to Canadian senior notes. Canadian Senior Notes [Member] Canadian Senior Notes [Member] Represents the aggregate tax exempt bonds entered into by the entity. Tax Exempt Bonds [Member] Tax Exempt Bonds [Member] Financing leases and other. Financing Leases And Other [Member] Financing leases and other [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Carrying value of debt Debt Debt Issuance Cost, Gross, Noncurrent Debt issuance costs, discounts and other Debt issuance costs, discounts and other Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate (as a percent) Amount of short-term borrowings, long-term debt and financing leases due or subject to remarketing within the next twelve months, including amounts classified as current and amounts classified as noncurrent due to intent and ability to refinance. Debt and Financing Leases Maturing or Subject to Remarketing Within Next Twelve Months Debt maturing or subject to remarketing within twelve months Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument face amount 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 expire in the next 12 months Amount of short-term borrowings, long-term debt and financing leases due or subject to remarketing within the next twelve months, including amounts classified as current and amounts classified as noncurrent due to intent and ability to refinance. Debt and Financing Leases Maturing or Subject to Remarketing Within Next Twelve Months, Classified as Long Term Debt maturing or subject to remarketing within twelve months classified as long-term Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit Facility, aggregate capacity Maximum capacity Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount Variable-rate tax-exempt bonds The long-term portion of the carrying amount of long-term borrowings outstanding as of the balance sheet date, which accrues interest at a rate subject to change from time to time. Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Noncurrent Variable-rate tax-exempt bonds, non-current Debt Instrument, Term Debt term Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Spread rate Long-term Line of Credit Outstanding borrowings under credit facility Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of credit outstanding Commercial Paper Commercial paper borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Unused and available credit capacity Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Aggregate principal amounts of notes redeemed (as a percent) Interest Payable, Current The amount of debt refunded and reissued. Debt Instrument, Refund and Reissue Debt refunded and reissued Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Interest rate derivative asset notional amount Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Interest rate derivatives Interest rate derivatives fair value Derivative, Cash Received on Hedge Cash received on derivative Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] 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 The amount by which the fair value of an investment is less than the carrying amount of that investment and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary. Investment without readily determinable fair value, Other than Temporary Impairment Investment impairment Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Equity method investments impairment charges 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 Interest Expense Interest expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Excess tax benefits associated with equity-based compensation Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Increase (decrease) to accruals and related deferred taxes Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to nondeductible acquisition transaction costs. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Acquisition Transaction Costs, Amount Nondeductible acquisition transaction costs Asset Impairment Charges Asset impairments Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Number of common shares outstanding at end of period Weighted Average Number of Shares Issued, Basic Effect of using weighted average common shares outstanding This element represents the weighted average total net number of shares reduced throughout the period. Weighted Average Net Number of Shares Reduced, Basic Net reduction, 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] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] 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 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 Operating Expenses Charge to "Operating" expenses Multiemployer Plan, Pension, Significant, Employees Covered by Collective-Bargaining Arrangement to All Participants, Percentage 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 Number of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Elimination [Member] Intercompany Operating Revenues [Member] 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] Business Acquisition, Share Price Price per share Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Total enterprise value Total consideration, net of cash acquired Amount of total debt assumed at the acquisition date. Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Debt Total debt assumed The number of customers. Number of Customers Number of customers Number of States in which Entity Operates Number of states Represents the number of landfills. Number of Landfills Number of landfills Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Divestitures Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Divestiture consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Assets held-for-sale, disposal Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Liabilities held-for-sale, disposal Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Table] Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items] Asset Impairments and Unusual Items Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets Asset fair value Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] 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 Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Dollar exchange rate Accumulated Gain Loss Net Cash Flow Hedge Parent [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] 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 Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Outstanding derivatives Accelerated Share Repurchases [Table] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items] 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] 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 Cash equivalents and money market funds Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Investments The period of time an investment matures. Investment Maturity Term Investment maturity Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] 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 Proceeds from (Repayments of) Long-term Debt and Capital Securities Net borrowings (repayments) Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Equity Method Investments Aggregate investment balance Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Debt incurred for acquisition Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption Adjustment [Member] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [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] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type Of Adoption [Member] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update201613 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Represents information pertaining to advanced disposal services. Advanced Disposal Services [Member] Advanced Disposal [Member] Commercial Paper Program. Commercial Paper Program [Member] Commercial Paper Program [Member] Represents the aggregate senior notes entered into by the entity. Senior Notes Aggregate [Member] Senior Notes, Aggregate [Member] Represents information pertaining to the 4.60% senior notes due March 2021. Senior Notes4.60 Percent Due March2021 [Member] 4.60% senior notes due March 2021 [Member] Represents the $3.0 billion revolving credit facility entered into by the entity in 2020. Revolving Credit Facility2020 [Member] $3.0 billion US revolving credit facility [Member] Represents the $3.5 billion revolving credit facility entered into by the entity. Credit Facility Revolving [Member] $3.5 billion revolving credit facility [Member] Represents other letter of credit facilities entered into by the entity. Other Letter Of Credit Facilities [Member] Other Letter Of Credit Facilities [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate L I B O R [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate [Member] Represents information pertaining to the 4.75% senior notes due June 2020. Senior Notes4.75 Percent Due June2020 [Member] 4.75% senior notes due June 2020 [Member] Represents the senior notes entered into by the entity that include a special mandatory redemption feature. Senior Notes Mandatory Redemption Feature [Member] Senior Notes, Mandatory Redemption Feature [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Treasury Lock [Member] Treasury rate lock [Member] 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] Represents information pertaining to refined coal facility. Refined Coal Facility [Member] Refined Coal Facility [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Withdrawal From Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan [Member] Withdrawal from Multiemployer Pension Plans [Member] 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] 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] Represents energy services assets. Energy Services Assets [Member] Energy Services Assets [Member] Represents landfills and an oil field waste injection facility. Landfills And Oil Field Waste Injection Facility [Member] Landfills and Oil Field Waste Injection Facility [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Petro Waste Environmental ("Petro Waste"). Petro Waste Environmental [Member] Petro Waste Environmental [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Disposed Of By Sale Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Represents renewable energy assets. Renewable Energy Assets [Member] Renewable Energy Assets [Member] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change In Accounting Estimate Type [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] A revision in the estimated carrying value. Carrying Value [Member] Carrying Value [Member] A revision in the expected timing of activities. Expected Timing [Member] Expected Timing [Member] 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] 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 Inputs Level1 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Member] Investments [Domain] Availableforsale Securities [Member] Available-for-sale Securities [Member] Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] 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] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [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] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member]