XML 147 R69.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Debt - Components of Debt (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Credit facility $ 9,435us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations $ 10,226us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Current portion of long-term debt 1,090us-gaap_DebtCurrent 726us-gaap_DebtCurrent
Long-term debt, less current portion 8,345us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations 9,500us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
U.S. Revolving Credit Facility [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Credit facility   420us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis
= us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Letter of Credit Facilities [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Credit facility      
Canadian Credit Facility and Term Loan [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Credit facility 232us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis
= wm_CanadianCreditFacilityAndTermLoanMember
414us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis
= wm_CanadianCreditFacilityAndTermLoanMember
Senior Notes [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Credit facility 6,273us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
6,287us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Tax-exempt Bonds [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Credit facility 2,541us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= wm_TaxExemptBondsMember
2,664us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= wm_TaxExemptBondsMember
Capital Leases and Other [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Credit facility $ 389us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= wm_CapitalLeasesAndOtherMember
$ 441us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= wm_CapitalLeasesAndOtherMember