Restructuring Charges by Segment PreTax (Detail) (2012 Restructuring Plan [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total	$ 44	$ 51
Eastern [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total	3	4
Midwest [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total	5	5
South [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total	5	7
Western [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total	9	9
Wheelabrator [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total	1	1
Corporate and Other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, Total	$ 21	$ 25