Segment and Related Information - Total Revenues by Principal Line of Business (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 3,437	$ 3,602	$ 3,561	$ 3,396	$ 3,500	$ 3,621	$ 3,526	$ 3,336	$ 13,996	$ 13,983	$ 13,649
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									16,457	16,507	16,008
Operating Segments [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									3,393	3,423	3,417
Operating Segments [Member] | Residential [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									2,543	2,608	2,584
Operating Segments [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									2,231	2,209	2,129
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Collection [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									340	273	275
Operating Segments [Member] | Collection [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									8,507	8,513	8,405
Operating Segments [Member] | Landfill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									2,849	2,790	2,685
Operating Segments [Member] | Transfer [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,353	1,329	1,296
Operating Segments [Member] | Wheelabrator [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									817	845	846
Operating Segments [Member] | Recycling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,370	1,447	1,360
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,561	1,583	1,416
Intercompany Operating Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									$ (2,461)	$ (2,524)	$ (2,359)