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Segment and Related Information - Summary of Property and Equipment (Net) Relating to Operations by Segment (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Property and equipment, net $ 10,657us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet $ 12,344us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet $ 12,651us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
United States and Puerto Rico [Member]      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Property and equipment, net 9,586us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= wm_UnitedStatesAndPuertoRicoMember
11,198us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= wm_UnitedStatesAndPuertoRicoMember
11,293us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= wm_UnitedStatesAndPuertoRicoMember
Canada [Member]      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Property and equipment, net $ 1,071us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_CA
$ 1,146us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_CA
$ 1,358us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_CA