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Segment and Related Information - Summary of Net Operating Revenues by Segment (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 $ 3,437us-gaap_Revenues $ 3,602us-gaap_Revenues $ 3,561us-gaap_Revenues $ 3,396us-gaap_Revenues $ 3,500us-gaap_Revenues $ 3,621us-gaap_Revenues $ 3,526us-gaap_Revenues $ 3,336us-gaap_Revenues $ 13,996us-gaap_Revenues $ 13,983us-gaap_Revenues $ 13,649us-gaap_Revenues
United States and Puerto Rico [Member]                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Total operating revenues                 13,064us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= wm_UnitedStatesAndPuertoRicoMember
13,054us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= wm_UnitedStatesAndPuertoRicoMember
12,812us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= wm_UnitedStatesAndPuertoRicoMember
Canada [Member]                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Total operating revenues                 $ 932us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_CA
$ 929us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_CA
$ 837us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_CA