Segment and Related Information - Total Revenues by Principal Line of Business (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 3,246	$ 3,360	$ 3,315	$ 3,040	$ 3,437	$ 3,602	$ 3,561	$ 3,396	$ 12,961	$ 13,996	$ 13,983
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									15,350	16,457	16,507
Operating Segments [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									3,332	3,393	3,423
Operating Segments [Member] | Residential [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									2,499	2,543	2,608
Operating Segments [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									2,252	2,231	2,209
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Collection [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									356	340	273
Operating Segments [Member] | Collection [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									8,439	8,507	8,513
Operating Segments [Member] | Landfill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									2,919	2,849	2,790
Operating Segments [Member] | Transfer [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,377	1,353	1,329
Operating Segments [Member] | Wheelabrator [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues										817	845
Operating Segments [Member] | Recycling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,163	1,370	1,447
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,452	1,561	1,583
Intercompany Operating Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									$ (2,389)	$ (2,461)	$ (2,524)