XML 44 R32.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.10.0.1

Basis of Presentation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Jan. 01, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
New ASU |  |  |  |  |
Restricted trust and escrow accounts |  | $ 419 | $ 319 |  |
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] |  |  |  |  |
New ASU |  |  |  |  |
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values |  | $ 84 |  |  |
Accounting Standards Update 2016-15 [Member] |  |  |  |  |
New ASU |  |  |  |  |
Restricted trust and escrow accounts |  |  | $ 271 | $ 65 | $ 62
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] |  |  |  |  |
New ASU |  |  |  |  |
Adoption of new accounting standard | $ (5) |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The noncurrent cash, cash equivalents and investments that is restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits classified as long-term; that is not expected to be released from such existing restrictions within one year of the balance sheet date or operating cycle, whichever is longer. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. Includes noncurrent cash equivalents and investments that are similarly restricted as to withdrawal, usage or disposal. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of investment in equity security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in net income (FV-NI). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wm_EquitySecuritiesFvNi
Namespace Prefix: | wm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) for reclassification to retained earnings of tax effect from remeasurement of deferred tax pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wm_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017ReclassificationFromAociToRetainedEarningsTaxEffect
Namespace Prefix: | wm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201615Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=wm_AccountingStandardsUpdate201802Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |