Segment and Related Information - Total Revenues by Principal Line of Business (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 3,460	$ 3,548	$ 3,425	$ 3,176	$ 3,246	$ 3,360	$ 3,315	$ 3,040	$ 13,609	$ 12,961	$ 13,996
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									16,246	15,350	16,457
Operating Segments [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									3,480	3,332	3,393
Operating Segments [Member] | Residential [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									2,487	2,499	2,543
Operating Segments [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									2,412	2,252	2,231
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Collection [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									423	356	340
Operating Segments [Member] | Collection [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									8,802	8,439	8,507
Operating Segments [Member] | Landfill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									3,110	2,919	2,849
Operating Segments [Member] | Transfer [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,512	1,377	1,353
Operating Segments [Member] | Recycling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,221	1,163	1,370
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,601	1,452	1,561
Operating Segments [Member] | Wheelabrator [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues											817
Intercompany Operating Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									$ (2,637)	$ (2,389)	$ (2,461)