Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions	Jun. 30, 2011
Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Fair value of trust funds and escrow accounts	$ 120
Carrying value of restricted trust funds and escrow accounts for which company is the not sole beneficiary specifically for future settlement of landfill and environmental remediation liabilities	$ 105

Name:

wm_CarryingValueOfRestrictedTrustFundsAndEscrowAccountsForWhichCompanyIsNotSoleBeneficiarySpecificallyForFutureSettlementOfLandfillAndEnvironmentalRemediationLiabilities

Namespace Prefix:

wm

Data Type:

xbrli:monetaryItemType

Balance Type:

debit

Period Type:

instant