Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The ratio of debt to EBITDA required to be maintained under the terms of the debt agreement.

No definition available.

Name:	wm_DebtInstrumentCovenantDebtToEBITDARatio
Namespace Prefix:	wm_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the increased leverage ratio on achievement of acquisition with requisite aggregate consideration.

No definition available.

Name:	wm_DebtInstrumentIncreasedLeverageRatioOnAchievementOfAcquisitionWithRequisiteAggregateConsideration
Namespace Prefix:	wm_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the amount of threshold aggregate consideration on acquisition permitted under the revolving credit facility.

No definition available.