Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 3,522	$ 3,235	$ 9,972	$ 9,328
Costs and expenses:
Operating	2,261	2,006	6,396	5,883
Selling, general and administrative	380	369	1,144	1,065
Depreciation and amortization	317	317	935	917
Restructuring	15	0	15	(1)
(Income) expense from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items	6	(1)	6	(78)
Total costs and expenses	2,979	2,691	8,496	7,786
Income from operations	543	544	1,476	1,542
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(118)	(126)	(358)	(354)
Interest income	1	1	6	3
Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities	(7)	(8)	(20)	(16)
Other, net	2	0	4	2
Total other income (expense)	(122)	(133)	(368)	(365)
Income before income taxes	421	411	1,108	1,177
Provision for income taxes	136	153	377	469
Consolidated net income	285	258	731	708
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	13	14	36	36
Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.	$ 272	$ 244	$ 695	$ 672
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.58	$ 0.51	$ 1.47	$ 1.40
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.58	$ 0.51	$ 1.46	$ 1.39
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.34	$ 0.315	$ 1.02	$ 0.945