CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 3,621	$ 3,461	$ 10,483	$ 10,215
Costs and expenses:
Operating	2,325	2,229	6,845	6,655
Selling, general and administrative	349	335	1,092	1,116
Depreciation and amortization	344	331	1,006	971
Restructuring	3	44	13	51
(Income) expense from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items	23	22	38	55
Total costs and expenses	3,044	2,961	8,994	8,848
Income from operations	577	500	1,489	1,367
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(119)	(123)	(363)	(366)
Interest income		2	2	4
Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities	(3)	(17)	(19)	(35)
Other, net	(3)	(14)	(12)	(16)
Total other income (expense)	(125)	(152)	(392)	(413)
Income before income taxes	452	348	1,097	954
Provision for income taxes	155	125	368	329
Consolidated net income	297	223	729	625
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	6	9	26	32
Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.	$ 291	$ 214	$ 703	$ 593
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.62	$ 0.46	$ 1.50	$ 1.28
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.62	$ 0.46	$ 1.50	$ 1.28
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.365	$ 0.355	$ 1.095	$ 1.065