Trading Arrangements, by Individual Trading Arrangements, by Individual [Table] Trading Arrangement: Trading Arrangement [Axis] Maximum Maximum [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Abstract] Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Abstract] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Adjustment to Compensation, Amount Adjustment to Compensation Amount Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Contingent liability payments Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Investing Activities Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized; 630,282,461 shares issued Common Stock, Value, Issued Tax payments associated with equity-based compensation transactions Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-Based Payment Arrangement Segment Reporting, Entity-Wide Information Not Provided as Part of Reportable Segment, Product and Service, Revenue [Table] Segment Reporting, Entity-Wide Information Not Provided as Part of Reportable Segment, Product and Service, Revenue [Table] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Restatement Determination Date Restatement Determination Date Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses Net Of Cash Divested And Proceeds From Sales Of Assets Investing Activities Proceeds from divestiture of businesses net of cash divested and proceeds from sales of assets investing activities. Investments in unconsolidated entities Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Long-term debt and finance leases Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities (Gain) Loss from Divestitures, Asset Impairments and Unusual Items, Net Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both, Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Revisions in estimates Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Revision in Estimates Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Other consideration Other Payments to Acquire Businesses Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Stock price (in dollars per share) Shares Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Property, Plant, and Equipment Deferred revenue recognition period Deferred Revenue Recognition Period Deferred revenue recognition period, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other collection Other Collection [Member] Other Collection [Member] Acquisitions Stock issued for acquisitions, value Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] Obligations settled Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Landfill Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province PEO Total Compensation Amount PEO Total Compensation Amount Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Capital Expenditures Segment Reporting, Long-Lived Asset, Expenditure for Addition East Tier, West Tier and Corporate and Other East Tier, West Tier and Corporate and Other [Member] East Tier, West Tier and Corporate and Other Other intangible assets, net Intangible Asset, Excluding Goodwill, after Accumulated Amortization Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Weighted average basic common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Interest rate swaps Derivative, Notional Amount Debt classified as long-term due to intent and ability to refinance on long-term basis Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Rolling 12 Months Classified as Long-Term Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items] Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Total Beginning balance Ending balance Asset Retirement Obligation Commitments and Contingencies Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Healthcare Solutions Healthcare Solutions [Member] WM Healthcare Solutions segment provides collection, processing, and disposal of regulated and specialized waste, including medical, pharmaceutical and hazardous waste, and compliance programs. Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract] Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract] Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Commercial Commercial [Member] Commercial [Member] New borrowings Tax-exempt bonds issued Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt and Capital Securities, Net Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Investment proportional amortization tax impact Investment Program, Proportional Amortization Method, Elected, Income Tax Credit Award Timing MNPI Disclosure Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Royalty amount Royalty Expense Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group [Text Block] (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and other, net Gain Loss From Divestitures Asset Impairments And Other Noncash Portion The (gain) loss from divestitures asset impairments and other, noncash portion. Maximum capacity Credit Facility, aggregate capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Current portion of long-term debt Long-Term Debt, Current Maturities Schedule of Total Assets by Reportable Segments Segment Reporting, Reconciliation of Asset by Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Environmental Exit Cost [Table] Environmental Exit Cost [Table] Effect of using weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Net Number of Shares Reduced, Basic This element represents the weighted average total net number of shares reduced throughout the period. Derivative instruments, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Residential Residential [Member] Residential [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Measure of Activity [Abstract] Variable Interest Entity, Measure of Activity [Abstract] Adoption of New Accounting Standards in 2026 New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization And Accretion The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets and includes accretion expense. Summary of Reportable Segments Segment Reporting [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Net gain on disposal of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Effect of using weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Issued, Basic Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] (Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net Gain (Loss) From Divestitures Asset Impairments And Unusual Items The aggregate amount of asset impairment charges, (gains) and losses related to the divestiture of businesses and unusual items incurred during an accounting period. Other intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Identifiable Intangible Asset, Excluding Goodwill Workforce covered by collective bargaining (as a percent) Multiemployer Plan, Pension, Significant, Employees Covered by Collective-Bargaining Arrangement to All Participants, Percentage Restricted funds Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Provision for bad debts Provision for Doubtful Accounts and Other Credit Losses Amount of expense (reversal of expense) for expected credit loss on doubtful accounts and other credit losses. Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Net cash used in investing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in Compensation Table Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in the Compensation Table [Member] Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Costs and expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Debt term Debt Instrument, Term Treasury stock at cost, 232,564,661 and 227,340,757 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Common, Value Total liabilities measured at fair value Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Renewable Natural Gas Renewable Natural Gas [Member] Related to renewable natural gas ("RNG"). Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Award Timing, How MNPI Considered Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block] Computing Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Segment revenue Segment Reporting, Entity-Wide Information Not Provided as Part of Reportable Segment, Product and Service, Revenue [Line Items] Peer Group Issuers, Footnote Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] Summary of Operating Revenues Segment Reporting, Entity-Wide Information Not Provided as Part of Reportable Segment, Product and Service, Revenue [Table Text Block] Total liabilities Liabilities Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Net operating revenue royalty (as a percent) Royalty Percentage Royalty on net operating revenue from owned or operated landfills as a percent. Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year [Member] Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost [Member] Company Selected Measure Name Company Selected Measure Name Non-owned sites EPA notified we are a PRP Number Of Non Owned Sites Listed On Environmental Protection Agency National Priorities List For Which We Have Been Notified We Are PRP Number of non-owned sites listed on the environmental protection agency's national priorities list for which we have been notified we are a PRP. Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Tax Year 2025 Tax Year 2025 [Member] Available-for-sale securities, net OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Gain (Loss), after Adjustment and Tax Post Retirement Benefit Obligations Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Long-term debt Long-Term Debt, Gross Landfill and environmental remediation liabilities Accrued Capping, Closure, Post-closure and Environmental Costs, Noncurrent Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Cash flows from operating activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3 and $3, respectively Other Receivables, Net, Current Compensation Amount Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount Individual: Individual [Axis] Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote [Text Block] Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion of $25,838 and $25,096, respectively Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Negotiated payment for early termination Gain Loss From Divestitures Asset Impairment And Unusual Items The amount of asset impairment charges, (gains) and losses related to the divestiture of businesses and unusual items incurred during an accounting period. Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation awards and other contingently issuable shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Adjustment Commercial paper borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Commercial Paper Award Timing Predetermined Award Timing Predetermined [Flag] Industrial Industrial [Member] Industrial [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock, Common [Member] Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] Carrying value of debt Debt and Lease Obligation Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] John J. Morris, Jr. [Member] John J. Morris, Jr. Obligations incurred and capitalized Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred All Executive Categories All Executive Categories [Member] Allowance for other receivables Allowance for Credit Loss, Receivable, Other, Current Pension Adjustments Service Cost Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Debt Long-Term Debt, Fair Value Debt maturing within the next 12 months Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Rolling 12 Months Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period: Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation [Abstract] $3.5 Billion Revolving Credit Facility $3.5 Billion Revolving Credit Facility [Member] $3.5 Billion Revolving Credit Facility Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Segment and Related Information Segment Reporting [Text Block] Outstanding borrowings under credit facility Long-Term Line of Credit Minimum Minimum [Member] East Tier East Tier [Member] Eastern U.S., Great Lakes Region and Canada Cash dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Expiration Date Trading Arrangement Expiration Date Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Recyclable Material Fee Income Recyclable Material Fee Income [Member] Recyclable Material Fee Income Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Cash equivalents and money market funds Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Total equity Balance, December 31, 2025 Balance, September 30, 2026 Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Certain Fixed-Rate Senior Notes Certain Fixed-Rate Senior Notes [Member] Certain Fixed-Rate Senior Notes Business Acquisition Business Combination [Line Items] Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Tax credits and adjustments Income Tax Credits and Adjustments Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Exercise Price Award Exercise Price Cash flows from investing activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Authorized share repurchases Share Repurchase Program, Authorized, Amount Segment Reporting Segment Reporting [Line Items] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Contract amortization period Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Period Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Including Discontinued Operation Debt and Derivatives Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Landfill Landfill [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Debt issuance costs, discounts and other Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block] Aggregate investment balance Equity Method Investments Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Combination [Table] Acquisitions and Divestitures Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, Transaction between Entities under Common Control, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract] Parts and supplies Prepaid Supplies Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date Weighted average interest rate, finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Cash dividends declared Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity Equity, Attributable to Parent Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Environmental Remediation Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Abstract] Senior Notes Due 2026 Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2026 ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Title Trading Arrangement, Individual Title Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items] Financing leases and other, maturing through 2075 (weighted average interest rate of 4.91% as of September 30, 2026 and 4.83% as of December 31, 2025) Finance Lease, Liability Common Stock Repurchase Program Treasury Stock [Text Block] Environmental Remediation Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward] Other, net Proceeds from (Payment for) Other Financing Activity Allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Amount of refund received Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Deferred income tax expense (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Tax Exempt Bonds Due 2055 Tax Exempt Bonds Due 2055 [Member] Represents the aggregate tax exempt bonds entered into by the entity. Business Combination [Domain] Business Combination [Domain] Renewable Energy Renewable Energy [Member] Renewable Energy segment develops, operates and promotes projects for the beneficial use of landfill gas. Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments Asset Retirement Obligation Increase Decrease For Acquisitions Divestitures And Other Adjustments Asset Retirement Obligation Increase Decrease For Acquisitions Divestitures And Other Adjustments Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Accumulated depreciation and depletion Property, Plant, and Equipment, Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Current (in accrued liabilities) Accrued Capping, Closure, Post-closure and Environmental Costs Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock All Adjustments to Compensation All Adjustments to Compensation [Member] Business Combination [Axis] Business Combination [Axis] Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year [Member] Net cash provided by operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(1), $(4), $0 and $0, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] San Jacinto Waste Pits San Jacinto Waste Pits [Member] San Jacinto Waste Pits [Member] Intercompany Elimination Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Spread rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate City Area Code City Area Code Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] All Individuals All Individuals [Member] Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Statement Statement [Line Items] Total assets Total assets Assets Assets Total Beginning balance Ending balance Environmental remediation liabilities Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Sites EPA notified we are a PRP Number Of Sites Listed On Environmental Protection Agency National Priorities List For Which We Have Been Notified We Are PRP Number of sites listed on the environmental protection agency's national priorities list for which we have been notified we are a PRP. Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Non-cash financing lease incurred Lease Obligation Incurred Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Current (in accrued liabilities) Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current PEO PEO [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Business Combination, Series of Individually Immaterial Business Combinations Business Combination, Series of Individually Immaterial Business Combinations [Member] Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Goodwill Goodwill Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Available- for-Sale Securities AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Parent [Member] Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Beginning balance, common shares (in shares) Ending balance, common shares (in shares) Number of common shares outstanding at end of period (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Equity roll forward Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Award Timing Disclosures [Line Items] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Net cash used in financing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Total Shareholder Return Amount Total Shareholder Return Amount Transfer Transfer [Member] Transfer [Member] Low Income Housing Investments Low income housing investments [Member] Represents the investment in low income housing properties. Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity [Abstract] Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, tax Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Cash flows from financing activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Operating revenues Gross Operating Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities Asset Retirement Obligation And Environmental Remediation Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation And Environmental Remediation Disclosure [Text Block] Unused and available credit capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Senior Notes Due 2027 Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2027 Deferred sales incentives Deferred Sale Inducement Cost Charles Boettcher Trading Arrangement, Common Stock [Member] Charles Boettcher Trading Arrangement, Common Stock Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Underlying Securities Award Underlying Securities Amount Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Financing leases and other Financing leases and other [Member] Financing leases and other. Acquisitions (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Other, net Payment for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activity Intercompany operating revenue from collection and disposal services Revenue from Collection and Disposal Revenue from Collection and Disposal Other Letter Of Credit Lines Other Letter Of Credit Lines [Member] Represents other letter of credit facilities entered into by the entity. Capitalized Contract Cost [Table] Capitalized Contract Cost [Table] Segment Reporting [Table] Segment Reporting [Table] Other current assets Other Assets, Current Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Table] Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Table] Aggregate increase potential liability Environmental Exit Costs, Reasonably Possible Additional Loss Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Other income (expense): Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Environmental Remediation Environmental Remediation Liabilities [Member] Environmental costs. Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Gain from divestitures Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Amount of IRS deposit net of reserves IRS Deposit Net Of Reserve For Uncertain Tax Positions The carrying amount of cash deposits held by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as of the balance sheet date related to disputed tax positions, net of the unrecognized tax benefit liability (reserve for uncertain tax positions) recorded for the associated tax years. Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year [Member] Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Entity File Number Entity File Number Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Asset impairments Asset, Impairment Loss Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items] Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Measure: Measure [Axis] Treasury stock (in shares) Beginning balance, treasury shares (in shares) Ending balance, treasury shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Common, Shares Long-term Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent Long-term Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Reduction to the carrying amount of hedged senior notes Debt Instrument, Increase (Decrease), Net Income Taxes Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Charles Boettcher Trading Arrangement, Stock Options [Member] Charles Boettcher Trading Arrangement, Stock Options Debt instrument, amount repaid Debt Instrument, Repaid, Principal Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Recycling Processing and Sales Recycling Processing and Sales [Member] Recycling Processing and Sales operating segment includes the processing of materials collected from residential, commercial and industrial customers and recycling brokerage activities. Potentially issuable shares (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Contingently Issuable Shares Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Deferred contract costs Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Variable Interest Entity Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Termination Date Trading Arrangement Termination Date Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Owned sites EPA notified we are a PRP Number Of Owned Sites Listed On Environmental Protection Agency National Priorities List For Which We Have Been Notified We Are PRP Number of owned sites listed on environmental protection agency's national priorities list for which we have been notified we are PRP. Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block] Equity-based compensation transactions, net Restricted Stock, Value, Shares Issued Net of Tax Withholdings Post-retirement benefit obligations, net Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag] Obligations settled Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments Other long-term assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Document Type Document Type Debt instrument, amount repurchased Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Fair Value Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Tax Year 2026 Tax Year 2026 [Member] Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Fair Value as of Grant Date Award Grant Date Fair Value Trust For Final Capping, Closure, Post-closure Or Environmental Remediation Obligations Trust For Final Capping, Closure, Post-closure Or Environmental Remediation Obligations [Member] Represents the trust for final capping, closure, post-closure or environmental remediation obligations. Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement Pay vs Performance Disclosure, Table Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block] Arrangement Duration Trading Arrangement Duration Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Bonds Bonds [Member] Other, net, (in shares) Stockholders' Equity, Other Shares Contract Acquisition Costs Capitalized Contract Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capitalized Contract Cost, Policy Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted [Text Block] Commitments and contingencies (Note 6) Commitments and Contingencies Changed Peer Group, Footnote Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Executive Category: Executive Category [Axis] Capitalized Costs Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items] LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] All Award Types Award Type [Domain] Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entity [Table] Common stock repurchase program, (in shares) Shares repurchased (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired PEO Name PEO Name Total other income (expense) Interest And Other Income Expense Interest and other income (expense), total. Derivative Instruments Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Income tax deposit paid Income Tax Paid, before Refund Received Other Net Expenses Segment Reporting, Other Segment Item, Amount Long-Lived Asset, Class [Axis] Long-Lived Asset, Class [Axis] Concentrations of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Variable interest entities interest expense Interest Expense, Beneficial Interests Issued by Consolidated Variable Interest Entities Equity-based compensation transactions, net (in shares) Restricted Stock, Shares Issued Net of Shares for Tax Withholdings Common stock repurchase program Cash paid for common stock repurchases Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Tax Year 2017 Tax Year 2017 [Member] Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block] Material Terms of Trading Arrangement Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block] Non-NEOs Non-NEOs [Member] Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in other current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalent, Current Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year [Member] Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Payments made for acquisitions Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Equity-based compensation expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Changes to Landfill and Environmental Remediation Liabilities Asset Retirement Obligation And Environmental Remediation Rollforward Analysis [Table Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation And Environmental Remediation Rollforward Analysis Table [Text Block] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Axis] Environmental Exit Cost by Property [Axis] Environmental Exit Cost by Property [Axis] Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Capital Stock, Dividends and Common Stock Repurchase Program Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Common stock repurchase program Cash paid for repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Deferred revenues Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] Debt repayments Debt repayments Repayment of Long-Term Debt, Long-Term Lease Obligation, and Capital Security Award Type Award Type [Axis] Named Executive Officers, Footnote Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block] Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $85 and $87, respectively Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Commercial paper repayments Repayments of Commercial Paper Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Available-for-sale securities Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Charles Boettcher [Member] Charles Boettcher Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] Investment maturity Investment Maturity Term The period of time an investment matures. Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Michael J. Watson [Member] Michael J. Watson Reclassifications Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment [Policy Text Block] Canadian Senior Notes Due 2026 Canadian Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Represents information pertaining to Canadian senior notes. Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Canadian Senior Notes Due 2033 Canadian Senior Notes Due 2033 [Member] Represents information pertaining to Canadian senior notes maturing July 2033. Equity Awards Adjustments Equity Awards Adjustments [Member] Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Employee Stock Option Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Tax credits from production and sales activity Income Tax Credits and Adjustments, Production and Sales Activity A credit or adjustment related to production and sales activity for government or taxing authority authorized decrease in taxes owed as a result of meeting certain tax policy conditions. Current (in accrued liabilities) Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Noncontrolling interests Equity, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Landfills near properties guaranteeing market value Number Of Landfills Adjacent To Or Near Homeowners Properties With Agreements Guaranteeing Market Value Number of landfills adjacent to or near homeowners properties with agreements guaranteeing market value. Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-Term Debt Restructuring Restructuring Charges Tabular List, Table Tabular List [Table Text Block] Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in restricted funds Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalent, Noncurrent Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) West Tier West Tier [Member] Western US, Including Upper Midwest Region, and British Columbia, Canada Interest accretion Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Other Debt Obligations Other Debt Obligations [Member] Total Accrued Capping And Environmental Costs The total amount of estimated costs accrued as of the balance sheet date to comply with regulatory requirements pertaining to the retirement of a waste management facility (such as a landfill or waste treatment facility). Landfill Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity: Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Long-Lived Asset, Class [Domain] Long-Lived Asset, Class [Domain] Liabilities for Landfill and Environmental Remediation Costs Environmental Exit Costs by Cost [Table Text Block] Intercompany operating expenses from collection and disposal services Collection and Disposal Expenses Collection and Disposal Expenses Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax (expense) benefit of $0, $0, $0 and $0, respectively Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 10b5-1 Plan 10b5-1 Plan [Member] Represents stock activity under a 10b5-1 plan. Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Aggregate Available Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount Total assets measured at fair value Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Long-term debt, less current portion Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation Collection and Disposal Collection and Disposal [Member] Collection and Disposal operating segments provides integrated environmental services, including collection, transfer, and disposal. Name Measure Name Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Other Ancillary Other Operating Segment [Member] Debt Debt Instrument [Line Items] Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] Total consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Corporate and Other Corporate Segment and Other Operating Segment [Member] Income tax benefit from low-income housing investments Investment Program, Proportional Amortization Method, Elected, Income Tax Credit and Other Income Tax Benefit, before Amortization Expense Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Goodwill impairment charge Goodwill, Impairment Loss Senior Notes Due 2054 Senior Notes Due 2054 [Member] Environmental Exit Costs, Name of Property [Domain] Environmental Exit Costs, Name of Property [Domain] Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalent Company Selected Measure Amount Company Selected Measure Amount Tax Period [Domain] Tax Period [Domain] Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Consolidated net income Consolidated net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Interest rate derivatives Derivative Liability Non-PEO NEO Non-PEO NEO [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Operating Operating Expenses Cost of Product and Service Sold Award Timing Method Award Timing Method [Text Block] Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect and Discontinued Operation Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Revisions in estimates Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate AOCI roll forward AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Erroneous Compensation Analysis Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block] Location, Statement of Financial Position, Balance [Axis] Location, Statement of Financial Position, Balance [Axis] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Restatement Determination Date: Restatement Determination Date [Axis] Exercise of common stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Leases Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Total collection Collection [Member] Collection [Member] Deferred revenues and other liabilities Increase Decrease in Deferred Revenue and Other Operating Liabilities The increase (decrease) during the reporting period, excluding the portion taken into income, in the liability reflecting revenue yet to be earned for which cash or other forms of consideration was received or recorded as a receivable. Also includes the increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other liabilities used in operating activities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. May include changes in other current liabilities, other noncurrent liabilities, or a combination of other current and noncurrent liabilities. Asset Impairments and Unusual Items Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items] Commercial Paper Program Commercial Paper Program [Member] Commercial Paper Program. Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block]