Restructuring - Restructuring Charges Pre Tax by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total	$ 67	$ 82	$ 18	$ 67
Two Thousand Fourteen Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total		82
Two Thousand Fourteen Restructuring [Member] | Solid Waste [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total		10
Two Thousand Fourteen Restructuring [Member] | Wheelabrator [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total		1
Two Thousand Fourteen Restructuring [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total		71
2013 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total			18
2013 Restructuring [Member] | Solid Waste [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total			7
2013 Restructuring [Member] | Wheelabrator [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total			1
2013 Restructuring [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total			10
2012 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total				67
2012 Restructuring [Member] | Solid Waste [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total				19
2012 Restructuring [Member] | Wheelabrator [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total				3
2012 Restructuring [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total				$ 45