Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 3,459	$ 3,347	$ 6,754	$ 6,450
Costs and expenses:
Operating	2,260	2,140	4,426	4,135
Selling, general and administrative	374	382	781	764
Depreciation and amortization	323	319	640	618
Restructuring	3		7
(Income) expense from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items	33		33
Total costs and expenses	2,993	2,841	5,887	5,517
Income from operations	466	506	867	933
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(121)	(119)	(243)	(240)
Interest income	1	2	2	5
Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities	(11)	(9)	(18)	(13)
Other, net	(1)	1	(2)	2
Total other income (expense)	(132)	(125)	(261)	(246)
Income before income taxes	334	381	606	687
Provision for income taxes	115	131	204	241
Consolidated net income	219	250	402	446
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	11	13	23	23
Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.	$ 208	$ 237	$ 379	$ 423
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.45	$ 0.50	$ 0.82	$ 0.89
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.45	$ 0.50	$ 0.82	$ 0.89
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.355	$ 0.34	$ 0.71	$ 0.68