Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 3,347	$ 3,158	$ 6,450	$ 6,093
Costs and expenses:
Operating	2,140	1,996	4,135	3,877
Selling, general and administrative	382	345	764	696
Depreciation and amortization	319	309	618	600
Restructuring	0	(1)	0	(1)
(Income) expense from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items	0	(77)	0	(77)
Total costs and expenses	2,841	2,572	5,517	5,095
Income from operations	506	586	933	998
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(119)	(116)	(240)	(228)
Interest income	2	2	5	2
Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities	(9)	(8)	(13)	(8)
Other, net	1	0	2	2
Total other income (expense)	(125)	(122)	(246)	(232)
Income before income taxes	381	464	687	766
Provision for income taxes	131	206	241	316
Consolidated net income	250	258	446	450
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	13	12	23	22
Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.	$ 237	$ 246	$ 423	$ 428
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.50	$ 0.51	$ 0.89	$ 0.89
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.50	$ 0.51	$ 0.89	$ 0.88
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.34	$ 0.315	$ 0.68	$ 0.63