Segment and Related Information - Revenues mix (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 3,652	$ 3,716	$ 3,677	$ 3,440	$ 3,460	$ 3,548	$ 3,425	$ 3,176	$ 14,485	$ 13,609	$ 12,961
Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									17,370	16,246	15,350
Operating Segments [Member] | Collection [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									9,264	8,802	8,439
Operating Segments [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									3,714	3,480	3,332
Operating Segments [Member] | Residential [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									2,528	2,487	2,499
Operating Segments [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									2,583	2,412	2,252
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Collection [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									439	423	356
Operating Segments [Member] | Landfill [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									3,370	3,110	2,919
Operating Segments [Member] | Transfer [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,591	1,512	1,377
Operating Segments [Member] | Recycling [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,432	1,221	1,163
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Revenue [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									1,713	1,601	1,452
Intercompany Operating Revenues [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total operating revenues									$ (2,885)	$ (2,637)	$ (2,389)