Covanta Holding (CVA) 10-Q 24 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 17, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	CVA
Entity Registrant Name	COVANTA HOLDING CORP
Entity Central Index Key	225648
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		130,503,593

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING REVENUES:
Waste and service revenues	$257	$247	$747	$747
Recycled metals revenues	19	17	52	55
Electricity and steam sales	117	115	322	297
Other operating revenues	34	33	92	115
Total operating revenues	427	412	1,213	1,214
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Plant operating expenses	232	225	765	735
Other operating expenses	26	31	67	100
General and administrative expenses	22	24	72	74
Depreciation and amortization expense	52	46	157	145
Net interest expense on project debt	3	7	10	22
Net write-offs	12	-2	63	-2
Total operating expenses	347	331	1,134	1,074
Operating income (loss)	80	81	79	140
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	-30	-25	-88	-67
Non-cash convertible debt related expense	-7	-6	-21	-19
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	-1	-2
Other (expense) income, net	0	0	0	3
Total other expenses	-37	-31	-110	-85
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit) and equity in net income from unconsolidated investments	43	50	-31	55
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-19	-27	-9	-30
Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments	4	4	4	10
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	28	27	-36	35
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	0	0	-2
NET INCOME (LOSS)	28	27	-36	33
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries	0	-1	1	-1
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION	28	26	-35	32
Amounts Attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation stockholders:
Continuing Operations	28	26	-35	34
Discontinued Operations	0	0	0	-2
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION	28	26	-35	32
Basic
Continuing operations	$0.22	$0.20	($0.27)	$0.25
Discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)
Basic	$0.22	$0.20	($0.27)	$0.24
Weighted Average Shares	129	131	129	133
Diluted
Continuing Operations	$0.22	$0.19	($0.27)	$0.25
Discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)
Diluted	$0.22	$0.19	($0.27)	$0.24
Weighted Average Shares	130	132	129	134
Cash Dividend Declared Per Share:	$0.17	$0.15	$0.50	$0.45
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	$0	$0	$0	$1

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$28	$27	($36)	$33
Foreign currency translation	2	2	-3	-2
Adjustment for defined benefit pension plan termination settlement, net of tax	0	1	-4	1
Pension and postretirement plan unrecognized benefits, net of tax benefit	0	0	3	0
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax	1	-3	1	-2
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	-1	1	-1	1
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation	2	1	-4	-2
Comprehensive income (loss)	30	28	-40	31
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries	0	-1	1	-1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	0	-1	1	-1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation	$30	$27	($39)	$30

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (PARENTHETICAL) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Other Comprehensive Income, Finalization of Pension [Member]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	$0		($2)	$0
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	0	0	1	0
Derivative [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	0	1	0	1
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	$0	$0	$0	$0

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$252	$246
Restricted funds held in trust	54	53
Receivables (less allowances)	268	256
Unbilled service receivables	16	18
Deferred income taxes	39	18
Note Hedge	175	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	106	97
Total Current Assets	910	688
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,609	2,561
Investments in fixed maturities at market	33	36
Restricted funds held in trust	140	161
Unbilled service receivables	14	17
Waste, service and energy contracts, net	373	399
Other intangible assets, net	21	23
Goodwill	249	249
Investments in investees and joint ventures	47	49
Other assets	184	343
Total Assets	4,580	4,526
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	618	3
Current portion of project debt	59	80
Accounts payable	34	41
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	301	236
Total Current Liabilities	1,012	360
Long-term debt	1,574	2,012
Project debt	206	237
Deferred income taxes	718	691
Waste and service contracts	32	35
Other liabilities	131	136
Total Liabilities	3,673	3,471
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
Covanta Holding Corporation stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock ($0.10 par value; authorized 10 shares; none issued and outstanding)	0	0
Common stock ($0.10 par value; authorized 250 shares; issued; outstanding)	14	16
Additional paid-in capital	788	806
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	3	7
Accumulated earnings	99	222
Treasury stock, at par	-1	-3
Total Covanta Holding Corporation stockholders' equity	903	1,048
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	4	7
Total Equity	907	1,055
Total Liabilities and Equity	$4,580	$4,526

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Receivables, allowances	$8	$6
Investments in fixed maturities at cost	$33	$36
Preferred stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10	10
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	250	250
Common stock, shares issued	136	159
Common stock, shares outstanding	131	132

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
NET INCOME (LOSS)	($36)	$33
Less: (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense	0	-2
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-36	35
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization expense	157	145
Amortization of long-term debt deferred financing costs	6	5
Amortization of debt premium and discount	-1	-3
Net write-offs	63	-2
Defined benefit pension plan settlement gain	-6	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	1	2
Non-cash convertible debt related expense	21	19
Stock-based compensation expense	12	13
Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments	-4	-10
Dividends from unconsolidated investments	7	7
Deferred income taxes	6	23
Other, net	-11	-8
Change in restricted funds held in trust	17	-10
Change in working capital	35	52
Total adjustments for continuing operations	303	233
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	267	268
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	267	268
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from the sale of investment securities	6	2
Purchase of investment securities	-15	-10
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-140	-94
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	-49	0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-14	0
Acquisition of land use rights	0	-1
Property insurance proceeds	4	7
Other, net	-2	-2
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	-210	-98
Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations	0	11
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-210	-87
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt	22	699
Payment of deferred financing costs	-1	-26
Principal payments on long-term debt	-2	-621
Principal payments on project debt	-53	-46
Convertible debenture repurchases	0	-25
Payments of borrowings on revolving credit facility	-396	-63
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	462	83
Change in restricted funds held in trust	3	-11
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	-45	-51
Common stock repurchased	-34	-83
Financing of insurance premiums, net	0	-10
Distributions to partners of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	0	-1
Other, net	-8	3
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations	-52	-152
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities from discontinued operations	0	-2
Net cash used in financing activities	-52	-154
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1	1
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	6	28
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	246	234
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	252	262
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at end of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	$252	$262

ORGANIZATION_AND_BASIS_OF_PRES

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The terms “we,” “our,” “ours,” “us” and “Company” refer to Covanta Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries; the term “Covanta Energy” refers to our subsidiary Covanta Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries.
	Organization
	Covanta is one of the world’s largest owners and operators of infrastructure for the conversion of waste to energy (known as “energy-from-waste” or “EfW”), as well as other waste disposal and renewable energy production businesses. Energy-from-waste serves two key markets as both a sustainable waste management solution that is environmentally superior to landfilling and as a source of clean energy that reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions and is considered renewable under the laws of many states and under federal law. Our facilities are critical infrastructure assets that allow our customers, which are principally municipal entities, to provide an essential public service.
	Our EfW facilities earn revenue from both the disposal of waste and the generation of electricity, generally under long-term contracts, as well as from the sale of metal recovered during the energy-from-waste process. We process approximately 20 million tons of solid waste annually. We operate and/or have ownership positions in 45 energy-from-waste facilities, which are primarily located in North America, and 14 additional energy generation facilities, including other renewable energy production facilities in North America (wood biomass and hydroelectric). In total, these assets produce approximately 10 million megawatt hours (“MWh”) of baseload electricity annually. We also operate a waste management infrastructure that is complementary to our core EfW business.
	We own and hold equity interests in energy-from-waste facilities in China and Italy. We also have investments in subsidiaries engaged in insurance operations in California, primarily in property and casualty insurance, whose remaining business was transitioned into run-off in 2012, and collectively account for less than 1% of our consolidated revenue.
	We have one reportable segment which is Americas and is comprised of waste and energy services operations primarily in the United States and Canada. For additional information, see Note 5. Financial Information by Business Segments.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete condensed consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included in our condensed consolidated financial statements. All intra-entity accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Operating results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (“Form 10-K”).
	We use the equity method to account for our investments for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. Consolidated net income includes our proportionate share of the net income or loss of these companies. Such amounts are classified as “equity in net income from unconsolidated investments” in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Investments in companies in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence are carried at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value. We monitor investments for other-than-temporary declines in value and make reductions when appropriate.

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMEN

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	NOTE 2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued updates concerning parent's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries of groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. This update was issued to resolve diversity in practice and requires the release of cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent sells a part or all of its investment within a foreign entity, no longer holds a controlling interest in an investment in a foreign entity or obtains control of an investment in a foreign entity that was previously recognized as an equity method investment (step acquisition). We are required to adopt this standard prospectively for the first quarter of 2014; however, we have early adopted this standard, as permitted, during the third quarter of 2013. This update is consistent with how we currently account for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries of groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity, therefore adoption of this update resulted in no impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an update concerning the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This update provides for the presentation of all or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward unless such balances are not available at the reporting date at which point the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. We are required to adopt this standard prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist for the first quarter of 2014; however, we have early adopted this standard, as permitted, during the third quarter of 2013. This update is consistent with how we currently present unrecognized tax benefits, therefore adoption of this update resulted in no impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an update concerning the inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (OIS) as a permitted U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging. This update is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. We do not currently participate in hedging of interest rates and as such there is no immediate impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

ACQUISITIONS_BUSINESS_DEVELOPM

ACQUISITIONS, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND DISPOSITIONS (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions, Business Developtment and Dispositions [Abstract]
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]	NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND DISPOSITIONS
	Acquisitions
	Camden Energy-from-Waste Facility
	In August 2013, we acquired the Camden Resource Recovery Facility located in Camden, New Jersey for cash consideration of $49 million. The 1,050 ton-per-day EfW facility provides sustainable waste management services to Camden County and surrounding communities while generating approximately 21 megawatts of renewable energy, which is sold at prevailing market rates. The majority of the purchase price allocation included $53 million of plant, property & equipment and a $5 million intangible liability related to a long-term above market contract. The acquired intangible liability will be amortized as a contra-expense to the contract expiration date of December 2019. The preliminary purchase price allocation, which includes no goodwill, is based on estimates and assumptions, any changes to which could affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities resulting from this acquisition.
	Business Development, Asset Management and Organic Growth
	Huntington Energy-from-Waste Facility
	In January 2013, we purchased the remaining equity interests in the Huntington EfW facility from two minority partners for approximately $14 million, increasing our ownership interest to 100%.
	MacArthur Energy-from-Waste Facility
	In May 2013, we extended the service agreement for the MacArthur EfW facility from 2015 to 2030 on substantially the same terms as the existing agreement. The Town of Islip will supply virtually all of the facility's waste capacity.
	Southeast Connecticut Energy-from-Waste Facility
	In May 2013, our service fee contract with the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resource Recovery Authority (“SCRRRA”) was extended from 2015 to 2017 pursuant to an option held by SCRRRA. The terms of the contract remain unchanged under the extension. The project debt on the facility will be repaid by February 2015, at which time SCRRA will have paid debt service as a component of the service fee during the term of the original contract. SCRRRA will effectively retain the benefit of the debt repayment during the two year extension period.
	New York City Waste Transport and Disposal Contract
	In August 2013, New York City's Department of Sanitation awarded Covanta a contract to handle waste transport and disposal from two marine transfer stations located in Queens and Manhattan. Covanta plans to utilize capacity at existing facilities for the disposal of approximately 800,000 tons per year of New York City's municipal solid waste. Service for the Queens marine transfer station is expected to begin in early 2015, with service for the Manhattan marine transfer station expected to follow in 2016 when construction work is expected to be completed by New York City. The contract is for 20 years, effective from the date operations commence at the Queens marine transfer station, with options for New York City to extend the term for two additional five-year periods, and calls for waste to be transported using a multi-modal approach. We plan to purchase equipment, including barges, railcars, containers, and intermodal equipment. We expect our total investment to purchase this equipment will be approximately $110 million, plus enhancements of approximately $30 million to existing facilities that will be part of the network of assets supporting this contract. These investments will be made over several years beginning in 2013.
	Marion Energy-from-Waste Facility
	In September 2013, we extended the service agreement for the Marion EfW facility effective at the end of the current agreement which ends in September 2014, with the new agreement term ending in 2017 on substantially the same terms as the existing agreement. Marion County will supply virtually all of the facility's waste capacity. The agreement also provides Marion County with the option to extend the agreement to 2019.
	Organic Growth Investments
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we invested approximately $76 million in various organic growth initiatives, including increasing metals recovery, enhancing the capabilities of our existing assets, deploying new or improved technologies targeted at increasing revenue and/or reducing expenses, and expanding our specialty waste and other waste management services.
	Dispositions
	During 2011, we sold the majority of our interests in certain fossil fuel independent power production facilities in the Philippines and India, and in April 2012, we completed the sale of the remaining independent power production assets in Bangladesh. For additional information, refer to Note 4. Dispositions of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K. The results of operations of these businesses are included in the condensed consolidated statements of income as “Income from discontinued operations, net of tax.” The cash flows of these businesses are also presented separately in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The following table summarizes the operating results of the discontinued operations for the periods indicated (in millions):
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-12		30-Sep-12
	Revenues	$	—	$	—
	Operating expenses	$	—	$	(3	)
	Loss before income tax expense and equity in net income from unconsolidated investments	$	—	$	(3	)
	Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments	$	—	$	2
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense of $0 and $1, respectively	$	—	$	(2	)

EQUITY_AND_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_

EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Equity and Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	NOTE 4. EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)
	Equity
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we granted 634,107 restricted stock awards and 219,484 restricted stock units. For information related to stock-based award plans, see Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we repurchased 479,204 shares of our common stock in connection with tax withholdings for vested stock awards.
	Dividends declared to stockholders are as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Regular cash dividend
	Declared	$	21			$	20			$	65		$	61
	Per Share	$	0.165			$	0.15			$	0.495		$	0.45
	We increased the current share repurchase authorization to a total of $150 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Under the program, common stock repurchases may be made in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, or by other available methods, at management’s discretion in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing and amounts of any repurchases will depend on many factors, including our capital structure, the market price of our common stock and overall market conditions. As of September 30, 2013, the amount remaining under our currently authorized share repurchase program was $116 million.
	Common stock repurchased is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		Amount				Shares			Weighted
						Repurchased			Average Cost
									per Share
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013	$	24			1.2			$	19.27
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2013	10				0.5			$	19.62
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	—				—			$	—
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	$	34			1.7			$	19.37
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries is as follows (in millions):
			As of September 30,
			2013				2012
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, balance as of beginning of period		$	7			$	5
	Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries		(2		)		—
	Net (loss) income		(1		)		1
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, balance as of end of period		$	4			$	6
	Earnings Per Share
	Per share data is based on the weighted average number of outstanding shares of our common stock, par value $0.10 per share, during the relevant period. Basic earnings per share are calculated using only the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock. Diluted earnings per share computations, as calculated under the treasury stock method, include the weighted average number of shares of additional outstanding common stock issuable for stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and warrants whether or not currently exercisable. Diluted earnings per share for all the periods presented does not include securities if their effect was anti-dilutive (in millions, except per share amounts).
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$	28			$	26			$	(35	)	$	34
	Net loss from discontinued operations	—				—				—			(2		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation	$	28			$	26			$	(35	)	$	32
	Basic earnings (loss) per share:
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	129				131				129			133
	Continuing operations	$	0.22			$	0.2			$	(0.27	)	$	0.25
	Discontinued operations	—				—				—			(0.01		)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.22			$	0.2			$	(0.27	)	$	0.24
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	129				131				129			133
	Dilutive effect of stock options	—				—				—			—
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock	1				1				—			1
	Dilutive effect of convertible securities	—				—				—			—
	Dilutive effect of warrants	—				—				—			—
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	130				132				129			134
	Continuing operations	$	0.22			$	0.19			$	(0.27	)	$	0.25
	Discontinued operations	—				—				—			(0.01		)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.22			$	0.19			$	(0.27	)	$	0.24
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Securities excluded from the weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
	Stock options	1			2			1			2
	Restricted stock	—			—			1			—
	Restricted stock units	—			—			—			—
	Warrants	29			28			29			28
	In 2009, we entered into privately negotiated warrant transactions in connection with the issuance of 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014. These warrants could have a dilutive effect to the extent that the price of our common stock exceeds the applicable strike price of $21.67. As of September 30, 2013, the warrants did not have a dilutive effect on earnings per share because the average market price during the periods presented was below the strike price.

FINANCIAL_INFORMATION_BY_BUSIN

FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS	NOTE 5. FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS
	We have one reportable segment which is Americas and is comprised of waste and energy services operations primarily in the United States and Canada. The results of our reportable segment are as follows (in millions):
		Americas			All Other  (1)			Total
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Operating revenues	$	417		$	10		$	427
	Depreciation and amortization expense	51			1			52
	Net write-offs (gains)	12			—			12
	Operating income (loss)	83			(3		)	80
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Operating revenues	$	402		$	10		$	412
	Depreciation and amortization expense	46			—			46
	Net write-offs (gains)	(13		)	11			(2		)
	Operating income (loss)	105			(24		)	81
		Americas			All Other  (1)			Total
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Operating revenues	$	1,182		$	31		$	1,213
	Depreciation and amortization expense	155			2			157
	Net write-offs (gains)	16			47			63
	Operating income (loss)	140			(61		)	79
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Operating revenues	$	1,183		$	31		$	1,214
	Depreciation and amortization expense	143			2			145
	Net write-offs (gains)	(13		)	11			(2		)
	Operating income (loss)	176			(36		)	140
	-1	All other is comprised of the financial results of our insurance subsidiaries’ operations and all assets outside of North America.

CONSOLIDATED_DEBT_Notes

CONSOLIDATED DEBT (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 6. CONSOLIDATED DEBT
	Consolidated debt is as follows (in millions):
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	LONG-TERM DEBT:
	Revolving credit facility	$	126		$	60
	Term loan due 2019	295			298
	Debt discount related to Term loan	(1		)	(1		)
	Term loan, net	294			297
	Credit Facilities Sub-total	$	420		$	357
	7.25% Senior Notes due 2020	$	400		$	400
	6.375% Senior Notes due 2022	400			400
	3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014	460			460
	Debt discount related to 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes	(21		)	(42		)
	Cash conversion option derivative at fair value	176			105
	3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes, net	615			523
	Notes Sub-total	$	1,415		$	1,323
	4.00% - 5.25% Tax-Exempt Bonds due from 2024 to 2042	$	335		$	335
	Variable Rate Tax-Exempt Bonds due 2043	22			—
	Tax-Exempt Bonds Sub-total	$	357		$	335
	Total long-term debt	$	2,192		$	2,015
	Less: current portion (includes $21 and $0 of unamortized discount, respectively, and $176 and $0 of cash conversion option derivative at fair value, respectively)	(618		)	(3		)
	Noncurrent long-term debt	$	1,574		$	2,012
	PROJECT DEBT:
	Americas project debt
	4.00% - 7.00% Americas project debt related to Service Fee structures due 2013 through 2022	$	195		$	223
	5.248% - 8.375% Americas project debt related to Tip Fee structures due 2013 through 2020	45			68
	Unamortized debt premium, net	2			3
	Total Americas project debt	242			294
	Other project debt	23			23
	Total project debt	265			317
	Less: Current project debt (includes $1 and $1 of unamortized premium, respectively)	(59		)	(80		)
	Noncurrent project debt	$	206		$	237
	TOTAL CONSOLIDATED DEBT	$	2,457		$	2,332
	Less: Current debt	(677		)	(83		)
	TOTAL NONCURRENT CONSOLIDATED DEBT	$	1,780		$	2,249
	The 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes mature on June 1, 2014, and therefore the outstanding balance for the 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes is included in the current portion of long-term debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013.
	Credit Facilities
	Our subsidiary, Covanta Energy, has credit facilities, which are comprised of a $900 million revolving credit facility that expires in 2017 (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and a $300 million term loan due 2019 (the “Term Loan”) (collectively referred to as the "Credit Facilities").
	The Revolving Credit Facility is available for the issuance of letters of credit up to the full amount of the facility, provides for a $50 million sub-limit for the issuance of swing line loans (a loan that can be requested in US Dollars on a same day basis for a short drawing period); and is available in US Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling, Canadian Dollars and certain other currencies to be agreed upon, in each case for either borrowings or for the issuance of letters of credit. The proceeds under the Revolving Credit Facility are available for working capital and general corporate purposes of Covanta Energy and its subsidiaries.
	We have the option to establish additional term loan commitments and/or increase the size of the Revolving Credit Facility (collectively, the “Incremental Facilities”), subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and obtaining sufficient lender commitments, in an amount up to the greater of $500 million and the amount that, after giving effect to the incurrence of such Incremental Facilities, would not result in a leverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement governing our Credit Facilities (the “Credit Agreement”), exceeding 2.75:1.00.
	Availability under Revolving Credit Facility
	As of September 30, 2013, we had availability under the Revolving Credit Facility as follows (in millions):
		Total			Maturing		Outstanding Borrowings as of		Outstanding Letters of Credit as of		Availability as of
		Available					30-Sep-13		30-Sep-13		30-Sep-13
		Under  Credit Facility
	Revolving Credit Facility	$	900		2017		$	126	$	281	$	493
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we borrowed $462 million under the Revolving Credit Facility, of which we subsequently repaid $396 million during the period.
	Repayment Terms
	As of September 30, 2013, the Term Loan has mandatory amortization payments of $3 million in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and $280 million in 2019. The Credit Facilities (both the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility) are pre-payable at our option at any time.
	Under certain circumstances, the Credit Facilities obligate us to apply 25% of our excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for each fiscal year commencing in 2013, as well as net cash proceeds from specified other sources, such as asset sales or insurance proceeds, to prepay the Term Loan, provided that this excess cash flow percentage shall be reduced to 0% in the event the Leverage Ratio (as defined below under Credit Agreement Covenants) is at or below 3.00:1.00.
	Interest and Fees
	Borrowings under the Credit Facilities bear interest, at our option, at either a base rate or a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin determined by pricing grids, which are based on Covanta Energy’s leverage ratio. Base rate is defined as the higher of (i) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50%, (ii) the rate the administrative agent announces from time to time as its per annum “prime rate” or (iii) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.00%. Eurodollar rate borrowings bear interest at the British Bankers’ Association LIBOR Rate, commonly referred to as “LIBOR”, for the interest period selected by us. Base rate borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility shall bear interest at the base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75%. Eurodollar borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility shall bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.00% to 2.75%. Fees for issuances of letters of credit include fronting fees equal to 0.125% per annum and a participation fee for the lenders equal to the applicable interest margin for LIBOR rate borrowings. We will incur an unused commitment fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.50% on the unused amount of commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Term Loan bore interest, at our option, at either (i) the base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.00%, or (ii) LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.75% to 3.00%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00%. Effective March 29, 2013, we modified the Term Loan and it now bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.75% with a 0.75% LIBOR floor.
	Guarantees and Security
	The Credit Facilities are guaranteed by us and by certain of our subsidiaries. The subsidiaries that are party to the Credit Facilities agreed to secure all of the obligations under the Credit Facilities by granting, for the benefit of secured parties, a first priority lien on substantially all of their assets, to the extent permitted by existing contractual obligations; a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock of each of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of substantially all the capital stock of each of our foreign subsidiaries which are directly owned, in each case to the extent not otherwise pledged.
	Credit Agreement Covenants
	The loan documentation governing the Credit Facilities contains various affirmative and negative covenants, as well as financial maintenance covenants, that limit our ability to engage in certain types of transactions. We were in compliance with all of the affirmative and negative covenants under the Credit Facilities as of September 30, 2013.
	The negative covenants of the Credit Facilities limit our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:
	•	incur additional indebtedness (including guarantee obligations);
	•	create certain liens against or security interests over certain property;
	•	pay dividends on, redeem, or repurchase our capital stock or make other restricted junior payments;
	•	enter into agreements that restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions or other payments to us;
	•	make investments;
•	consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis;
•	dispose of certain assets; and
•	make certain acquisitions.
The financial maintenance covenants of the Credit Facilities, which are measured on a trailing four quarter period basis, include the following:
•	a maximum Leverage Ratio of 4.00 to 1.00 for the trailing four quarter period, which measures the principal amount of Covanta Energy’s consolidated debt less certain restricted funds dedicated to repayment of project debt principal and construction costs (“Consolidated Adjusted Debt”) to its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as calculated in the Credit Agreement (“Adjusted EBITDA”). The definition of Adjusted EBITDA in the Credit Facilities excludes certain non-recurring and non-cash charges.
•	a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio of 3.00 to 1.00, which measures Covanta Energy’s Adjusted EBITDA to its consolidated interest expense plus certain interest expense of ours, to the extent paid by Covanta Energy as calculated in the Credit Agreement.
7.25% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “7.25% Notes”)
For specific criteria related to redemption features of the 7.25% Notes, refer to Note 11. Consolidated Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
6.375% Senior Notes due 2022 (the "6.375% Notes")
For specific criteria related to redemption features of the 6.375% Notes, refer to Note 11. Consolidated Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 (the “3.25% Notes”)
The 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes mature on June 1, 2014, and therefore the outstanding balance for the 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes is included in the current portion of long-term debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013.
Under limited circumstances and subject to certain customary adjustments as provided in the indenture for the 3.25% Notes, the 3.25% Notes are convertible by the holders thereof into cash only (the "Cash Conversion Option"), based on a conversion rate, effective as of September 26, 2013, of 64.0526 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 3.25% Notes (which represents a conversion price of approximately $15.61 per share). We will not deliver common stock (or any other securities) upon conversion under any circumstances. During the fourth quarter of 2013, holders of the 3.25% Notes have the right to cash convert the 3.25% Notes as a result of our common stock price having traded at more than 130% of the conversion price of the 3.25% Notes for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending September 30, 2013.
In connection with the issuance of the 3.25% Notes, we also sold warrants (the “Warrants”), correlating to the number of shares underlying the 3.25% Notes, which currently have a strike price of $21.67 and settle on a net share basis. As the 3.25% Notes convert only into cash, the strike price of the Warrants effectively represents the conversion price above which we may issue shares in connection with these two issuances. For additional information, see Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in our Form 10-K.
The debt discount related to the 3.25% Notes is accreted over their term and recognized as non-cash convertible debt related expense. The amount of the debt discount accretion expected to be included in our consolidated financial statements is $8 million and $13 million for the remainder of 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2014, respectively.
For specific criteria related to contingent interest, conversion or redemption features of the 3.25% Notes and details related to the Cash Conversion Option, cash convertible note hedge and Warrants related to the 3.25% Notes, refer to Note 11. Consolidated Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K. For details related to the fair value for the contingent interest feature, cash conversion option, and cash convertible note hedge related to the 3.25% Notes, see Note 12. Derivative Instruments.
4.00% - 5.25% Tax-Exempt Bonds due from 2024 to 2042 ("Tax Exempt Bonds")
For specific criteria related to redemption features of the Tax Exempt Bonds, refer to Note 11. Consolidated Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
Tax-Exempt Variable Rate Demand Bonds due 2043 ("Variable Rate Bonds")
On July 1, 2013, we issued $22 million of new tax-exempt corporate variable-rate demand bonds, which are secured by a letter of credit issued under our Revolving Credit Facility and will mature on July 1, 2043. Proceeds from the offering were utilized to refinance $22 million of the tax-exempt project debt at our Delaware Valley facility which matured on July 1, 2013. Financing costs were not material.
The Variable Rate Bonds are unsecured obligations which are guaranteed by Covanta Energy Corporation, and are not secured by project assets. Except for amounts payable out of drawings under the letter of credit, principal and interest on the Variable Rate Bonds will be payable solely from, and secured solely by, a pledge of payments derived under a loan agreement between us and the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency as Issuer.
The Variable Rate Bonds bear interest either on a daily or weekly interest rate as determined by the remarketing agent on the basis of examination of bonds comparable to the Variable Rate Bonds known by the remarketing agent to have been priced or traded under then prevailing market conditions. As of September 30, 2013, the weekly interest rate was 0.11%. Interest on the Variable Rate Bonds is paid monthly on the first business day of each month beginning on August 1, 2013.
The Variable Rate Bonds are subject to redemption at our option, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest. The Variable Rate Bonds also contain a mandatory tender for purchase feature, contingent upon a conversion of the interest rate period or failure to procure a renewal or alternate letter of credit, at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest.

INCOME_TAXES_Notes

INCOME TAXES (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE 7. INCOME TAXES
	We record our interim tax provision based upon our estimated annual effective tax rate (“ETR”) and account for the tax effects of discrete events in the period in which they occur. We file a federal consolidated income tax return with our eligible subsidiaries. Our federal consolidated income tax return also includes the taxable results of certain grantor trusts described below.
	The ETR was approximately (28)% and 55% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The non-cash write-off of United Kingdom development costs recorded in the second quarter of 2013 has no corresponding tax benefit. The ETR for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, excluding the impact of the non-cash write-off of United Kingdom development costs and other foreign losses for which we cannot recognize a tax benefit, would have been approximately 32%. For additional information, see Note 8. Supplementary Information.
	We currently estimate our ETR for the year ending December 31, 2013 will be approximately 180%. The ETR estimate for the year December 31, 2013, excluding the impact of the non-cash write-off of United Kingdom development costs and foreign losses for which we cannot recognize a tax benefit, would have been approximately 45%.
	Uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest and penalties, were $122 million and $124 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2013 are potential benefits of $122 million that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we recognized a net tax benefit for uncertain tax positions of $2 million and a net tax expense of $1 million, respectively, including interest and penalties. We have accrued interest and penalties associated with liabilities for uncertain tax positions of $1 million for both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. We continue to reflect tax related interest and penalties as part of the tax provision.
	In the ordinary course of our business, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and state tax authorities will periodically audit our federal and state tax returns. As issues are examined by the IRS and state auditors, we may decide to adjust the existing liability for uncertain tax positions for issues that were not previously deemed an exposure. Federal income tax returns for Covanta Energy are closed for the years through 2003. However, to the extent net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) are utilized from earlier years, federal income tax returns for Covanta Holding Corporation, formerly known as Danielson Holding Corporation, are still open. The IRS is currently auditing our tax returns for the years 2004 through 2009, which includes years during the carryforward period including returns in which some of the losses giving rise to the NOLs that were reported. In connection with this audit, the IRS has proposed certain adjustments to our 2008 tax return.  We do not believe such proposed adjustments are consistent with applicable rules, and we have challenged them through the IRS's administrative appeals procedures.  If we are unsuccessful in challenging such adjustments, some portion of the NOLs would not be available to offset consolidated taxable income, and/or we could be required to pay federal income taxes (and potentially interest and penalties) for prior years. State income tax returns are generally subject to examination for a period of three to five years after the filing of the respective return. The state impact of any federal changes remains subject to examination by various states for a period of up to one year after formal notification to the states. We have various state income tax returns in the process of examination, administrative appeals or litigation.
	Our NOLs predominantly arose from our predecessor insurance entities, formerly named Mission Insurance Group, Inc., (“Mission”). These Mission insurance entities have been in state insolvency proceedings in California and Missouri since the late 1980's. The amount of NOLs available to us will be reduced by any taxable income or increased by any taxable losses generated by current members of our consolidated tax group, which include grantor trusts associated with the Mission insurance entities.
	While we cannot predict what amounts, if any, may be includable in taxable income as a result of the final administration of these grantor trusts, substantial actions toward such final administration have been taken and we believe that neither arrangements with the California Commissioner of Insurance nor the final administration by the Director of the Division of Insurance for the State of Missouri will result in a material reduction in available NOLs.
	We had consolidated federal NOLs estimated to be approximately $392 million for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2012, based on the income tax returns filed and projected to be filed. The federal NOLs will expire in various amounts from December 31, 2023 through December 31, 2031, if not used. In addition to the consolidated federal NOLs, as of December 31, 2012, we had state NOL carryforwards of approximately $303 million, which expire between 2013 and 2031, net foreign NOL carryforwards of approximately $29 million expiring between 2015 and 2031, federal tax credit carryforwards, including production tax credits of $48 million expiring between 2014 and 2022, and minimum tax credits of $7 million with no expiration. These deferred tax assets are offset by a valuation allowance of approximately $34 million. For further information, refer to Note 15. Income Taxes of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.

SUPPLEMENTARY_INFORMATION_Note

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION	NOTE 8. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
	Operating Revenues
	The components of waste and service revenues are as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2013			2012				2013			2012
	Waste and service revenue unrelated to project debt	$	248		$	235			$	718		$	710
	Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt - principal	8			10				25			31
	Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt - interest	1			2				4			6
	Total waste and service revenue	$	257		$	247			$	747		$	747
	Under some of our service agreements, we bill municipalities fees to service project debt (principal and interest). The amounts billed are based on the actual principal amortization schedule for the project bonds. Regardless of the amounts billed to client communities relating to project debt principal, we recognize revenue earned explicitly to service project debt principal on a levelized basis over the term of the applicable agreement. In the beginning of the agreement, principal billed is less than the amount of levelized revenue recognized related to principal and we record an unbilled service receivable asset. At some point during the agreement, the amount we bill will exceed the levelized revenue and the unbilled service receivable begins to reduce, and ultimately becomes nil at the end of the contract.
	In the final year(s) of a contract, cash may be utilized from available debt service reserve accounts to pay remaining principal amounts due to project bondholders and such amounts are no longer billed to or paid by municipalities. Generally, therefore, in the last year of the applicable agreement, little or no cash is received from municipalities relating to project debt, while our levelized service revenue continues to be recognized until the expiration date of the term of the agreement.
	Operating Costs
	Pass through costs
	Pass through costs are costs for which we receive a direct contractually committed reimbursement from the municipal client which sponsors an energy-from-waste project. These costs generally include utility charges, insurance premiums, ash residue transportation and disposal and certain chemical costs. These costs are recorded net of municipal client reimbursements in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Total pass through costs were $17 million and $15 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively and $52 million and $54 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Other operating expenses
	The components of other operating expenses are as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2013			2012				2013			2012
	Construction costs	$	32		$	25			$	86		$	95
	Insurance subsidiary operating expenses (1)	1			8				3			13
	Defined benefit pension plan settlement gain (2)	—			—				(6		)	—
	Insurance recoveries (3)	(4		)	—				(4		)	(5		)
	Other (4)	(3		)	(2		)		(12		)	(3		)
	Total other operating expenses	$	26		$	31			$	67		$	100
	-1	Insurance subsidiary operating expenses are primarily comprised of incurred but not reported loss reserves, loss adjustment expenses and policy acquisition costs. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we transitioned our remaining insurance business to run-off and recorded losses and reserve increases of $7 million primarily relating to adverse loss development.
	-2	During the first quarter of 2013, we had final settlement of our defined benefit pension plan. For additional information see Note 9. Benefit Obligations.
	-3	See Stanislaus Energy-from-Waste Facility discussion below.
	-4	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recognized a gain of $3 million related to a contract amendment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recognized a gain of $8 million related to early termination of a power purchase agreement.
	Stanislaus Energy-from-Waste Facility
	In January 2012, our Stanislaus, California energy-from-waste facility experienced a turbine generator failure. Damage to the turbine generator was extensive and operations at the facility were suspended promptly to assess the cause and extent of damage. The facility is capable of processing waste without utilizing the turbine generator to generate electricity, and we resumed waste processing operations during the first quarter of 2012. The facility began to generate electricity during the fourth quarter of 2012 and is fully operational. During 2012, total capital expenditures related to the repair of the turbine generator was $12 million. The cost of repair or replacement, and business interruption losses, were insured under the terms of applicable insurance policies, subject to deductibles. We recorded insurance recoveries in our condensed consolidated statements of income as follows (in millions):
			Twelve Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			31-Dec-12			30-Sep-13
	Insurance Recoveries for Repair and reconstruction costs (net of write-down of assets, recorded to Other operating expenses)		$	7		$	4
	Insurance Recoveries for Business Interruption and Clean-up costs, net of costs incurred (reduction to Plant operating expenses)		$	—		$	3
	Amortization of waste, service and energy contracts
	Our waste, service, energy and other contract intangibles are intangible assets and liabilities relating to long-term operating contracts at acquired facilities and are recorded upon acquisition at their estimated fair market values based upon discounted cash flows. Intangible assets and liabilities are amortized using the straight line method over their remaining useful lives.
	The following table details the amount of the actual/estimated amortization expense and contra-expense associated with these intangible assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2013 included or expected to be included in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for each of the years indicated (in millions):
		Waste, Service and			Waste, Service and Other
		Energy Contract Intangibles			Contract Intangibles
		(Amortization Expense)			(Contra-Expense)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	$	23		$	(7	)
	Remainder of 2013	$	8		$	(3	)
	2014	29			(10		)
	2015	26			(6		)
	2016	23			(6		)
	2017	15			(4		)
	Thereafter	272			(3		)
	Total	$	373		$	(32	)
	Net write-offs (gains)
	The components of net write-offs are as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2013			2012				2013			2012
	Americas segment:
	Write-down of Wallingford EfW facility assets (1)	$	9		$	—			$	9		$	—
	Write-down of equity investment in biomass facility (2)	3			—				3			—
	Write-off of loan issued for the Harrisburg EfW facility to fund certain facility improvements (3)	—			—				4			—
	Write-off of intangible liability (4)	—			(29		)		—			(29		)
	Write-down of renewable fuels project (5)	—			16				—			16
	Sub-total:	12			(13		)		16			(13		)
	Other:
	Development costs - UK (6)	—			11				47			11
Total net write-offs (gains)	$	12		$	(2	)		$	63		$	(2	)
-1	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a non-cash write-down of $9 million resulting from an impairment charge related to our Wallingford EfW facility assets in Connecticut.
-2	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a non-cash write-down of $3 million related to our 55% equity investment in the Pacific Ultrapower Chinese Station biomass facility in California.
-3	See Harrisburg Energy-from-Waste Facility discussion below.
-4	During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, our service contract for the Essex EfW facility was amended and we recorded a non-cash write-off of an intangible liability of $29 million related to the below-market service contract which was recorded at fair value upon acquisition of the facility.
-5	During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we suspended construction of a facility that transformed waste materials into renewable liquid fuels. We recorded a non-cash write-off of $16 million representing the capitalized costs related to this project.
-6	See Development Costs - United Kingdom discussion below.
Harrisburg Energy-from-Waste Facility
In 2008, we entered into a ten year agreement with The Harrisburg Authority to maintain and operate an 800 ton per day energy-from-waste facility located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We also agreed to provide construction management services and to advance up to $26 million in funding to The Harrisburg Authority for certain facility improvements required to enhance facility performance, which improvements were substantially completed during 2010. The repayment of this funding was guaranteed by the City of Harrisburg, but was otherwise unsecured, and junior to project bondholders' rights. We advanced $22 million, of which $20 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2010 under this funding arrangement. On October 5, 2010, we filed suit against the City of Harrisburg in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas seeking to enforce our rights under the City's guaranty. On December 15, 2010, the City of Harrisburg was formally admitted to the State oversight program for distressed municipalities known as Act 47. In 2010, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $7 million, pre-tax, to write-down the receivable to $13 million, which was calculated based on a range of potential outcomes utilizing various estimated cash flows for the receivable. In June 2012, the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority ("LCSWMA") was selected by the Office of the Receiver for the City of Harrisburg as the winner of a competitive bidding process to enter into immediate negotiations for the purchase of the Harrisburg energy-from-waste facility. During the quarter ended June 30, 2013, we engaged in negotiations with the Office of the Receiver for a final settlement regarding repayment of our receivable. Based on a range of potential outcomes with respect to such repayment, we recorded an additional non-cash write-off of $4 million, pre-tax, to write-down the receivable to $9 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2013. During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, we entered into an amended and restated agreement with LCSWMA that will replace our original ten year agreement with The Harrisburg Authority upon closing of the sale of the Harrisburg energy-from-waste facility from The Harrisburg Authority to LCSWMA.  This closing is conditioned on reaching a complex global settlement among all Harrisburg stakeholders. The receipt of $9 million from the receiver for the outstanding receivable, as well as the complex global settlement, are both conditions to the amended and restated agreement with LCSWMA. The amended and restated agreement expires December 31, 2017 and its terms are similar to the original agreement.
Development Costs - United Kingdom
On April 19, 2013, we received notification that we were not selected as the preferred bidder for the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority's (“MRWA”) waste procurement. The MRWA waste procurement would have accounted for a significant portion of the capacity at a project to be located at Ince Park, Cheshire, England. Based on this triggering event, we evaluated the recoverability of our capitalized development costs related to our United Kingdom development efforts. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a non-cash write-off of approximately $47 million comprised of capitalized development costs and land related to United Kingdom development projects which we ceased to pursue in their current form, based on an analysis of potential outcomes regarding the recoverability of the assets. We also incurred approximately $3 million in severance and other restructuring expenses related to our United Kingdom development office which was recorded as general and administrative expenses.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded a non-cash write-off of $11 million of capitalized development costs related to a development project which we ceased to pursue in the United Kingdom.
Non-Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense
The components of non-cash convertible debt related expense are as follows (in millions):
	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30,							September 30,
	2013			2012				2013			2012
Debt discount accretion related to the 3.25% Notes	$	7		$	7			$	21		$	20
Fair value changes related to the cash convertible note hedge	(35		)	8				(71		)	(33		)
Fair value changes related to the cash conversion option derivative	35			(9		)		71			32
Total non-cash convertible debt related expense	$	7		$	6			$	21		$	19
Other Income, Net
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, other income included $0 and $3 million, respectively, of foreign currency gains related to intercompany loans.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("AOCI")
The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in millions):
	Foreign Currency Translation			Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Unrecognized Net Gain (Loss)				Net Unrealized Gain on Derivatives			Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities			Total
Balance December 31, 2012	$	4		$	2			$	—		$	1		$	7
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(3		)	3				1			(1		)	—
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			(4		)		—			—			(4		)
Net current period comprehensive (loss) income	(3		)	(1		)		1			(1		)	(4		)
Balance September 30, 2013	$	1		$	1			$	1		$	—		$	3
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in millions):
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		For the Three Months Ended			For the Nine Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Component		30-Sep-13							Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
Defined benefit pension plan
Prior service costs		$	—		$	(9	)		Other operating expenses
Net actuarial loss		—			3				Other operating expenses
		—			(6		)		Total before tax
		—			2				Tax benefit
		$	—		$	(4	)		Net of tax

BENEFIT_OBLIGATIONS_Notes

BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS	NOTE 9. BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
	Defined Benefit Pension Plan
	The components of net periodic benefit costs, interest costs and the expected return on plan assets for the pension and other post-retirement benefits were not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	During 2012, the IRS approved the defined benefit pension plan termination. Employees were given two disbursement elections, either a lump sum payment or an annuity option. Approximately 72% of plan participants elected the lump sum payment option, and during the fourth quarter of 2012, $62 million was distributed to such participants. During the first quarter of 2013, $35 million of annuity contracts were purchased on behalf of participants choosing the annuity option. During the first quarter of 2013, we recorded a pre-tax defined benefit pension plan settlement gain of $6 million which was recorded as other operating income in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The defined benefit pension plan termination concluded with the purchase of the annuities during the first quarter of 2013. Accordingly, we have no future obligations related to the defined benefit pension plan, including future funding requirements.
	Defined Contribution Plans
	Substantially all of our employees in the United States are eligible to participate in defined contribution plans we sponsor. Our costs related to defined contribution plans were $4 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and $12 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Notes

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	NOTE 10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we awarded certain employees 580,207 restricted stock awards and 24,003 restricted stock units ("RSUs"). The restricted stock awards will be expensed over the requisite service period, subject to an assumed 12% average forfeiture rate. The terms of the restricted stock awards include vesting provisions based solely on continued service. If the service criteria are satisfied, the restricted stock awards generally vest during March of 2014, 2015, and 2016. The RSUs were expensed during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we awarded an additional 195,481 RSUs that will vest based upon the total stockholder return (“TSR”) performance of our common stock over a three year period relative to companies included in published indices for the waste and disposal industry, the conventional electricity utilities industry and other similarly sized “mid-cap”companies (the “TSR Equity Awards”). We recognize compensation expense for the TSR Equity Awards based on the grant date fair value of the award which was determined using a Monte Carlo model.
	On May 10, 2013, in accordance with our existing program for annual director compensation, we awarded 53,900 shares of restricted stock under the Directors Plan. We determined that the service vesting condition of these restricted stock awards to be non-substantive and, in accordance with accounting principles for stock compensation, recorded the entire fair value of the award as compensation expense on the grant date.
	Compensation expense related to our stock-based awards totaled $3 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and $12 million and $13 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense and weighted-average years to be recognized are as follows (in millions, except for weighted average years):
		As of September 30, 2013
		Unrecognized stock-	Weighted-average years
		based compensation	to be recognized
	Restricted Stock Awards	$10	1.5
	Restricted Stock Units	$3	2.3

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Notes

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	NOTE 11. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Fair Value Measurements
	Authoritative guidance associated with fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs), then significant other observable inputs (Level 2 inputs) and the lowest priority to significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
	•	For cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds, and marketable securities, the carrying value of these amounts is a reasonable estimate of their fair value. The fair value of restricted funds held in trust is based on quoted market prices of the investments held by the trustee.
	•	Fair values for long-term debt and project debt are determined using quoted market prices.
	•	The fair value of the note hedge and the cash conversion option are determined using an option pricing model based on observable inputs such as implied volatility, risk free interest rate, and other factors. The fair value of the note hedge is adjusted to reflect counterparty risk of non-performance, and is based on the counterparty’s credit spread in the credit derivatives market. The contingent interest features related to the Debentures and the 3.25% Notes are valued quarterly using the present value of expected cash flow models incorporating the probabilities of the contingent events occurring.
	The estimated fair value amounts have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we would realize in a current market exchange. The fair-value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to us as of September 30, 2013. Such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since September 30, 2013, and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
	The following table presents information about the fair value measurement of our assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
					As of
	Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:		Fair Value Measurement Level		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
					(In millions)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Bank deposits and certificates of deposit		1		$	246			$	240
	Money market funds		1		6				6
	Total cash and cash equivalents:				252				246
	Restricted funds held in trust:
	Bank deposits and certificates of deposit		1		2				2
	Money market funds		1		63				64
	U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations (1)		1		15				17
	State and municipal obligations		1		112				119
	Commercial paper/Guaranteed investment contracts/Repurchase agreements		1		2				12
	Total restricted funds held in trust:				194				214
	Restricted funds — other:
	Bank deposits and certificates of deposit (2)(3)		1		1				5
	Money market funds (3)		1		7				8
	Residential mortgage-backed securities (3)		1		1				1
	Total restricted funds other:				9				14
	Investments:
	Mutual and bond funds (2)(3)		1		13				2
	Investments available for sale:
	U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations (4)		1		6				6
	Residential mortgage-backed securities (4)		1		10				11
	Other government obligations (4)		1		4				5
	Corporate investments (4)		1		13				14
	Equity securities (3)		1		4				3
	Total investments:				50				41
	Derivative Asset — Note Hedge		2		175				104
	Total assets:				$	680			$	619
	Liabilities:
	Derivative Liability — Cash Conversion Option		2		$	176			$	105
	Derivative Liabilities — Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures		2		0				0
	Derivative Liability — Energy Hedges		2		—				1
	Total liabilities:				$	176			$	106
	The following financial instruments are recorded at their carrying amount (in millions).
			As of September 30, 2013								As of December 31, 2012
	Financial Instruments Recorded at Carrying Amount:		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying			Estimated
			Amount				Fair Value				Amount			Fair Value
	Assets:
	Accounts receivables (5)		$	291			$	291			$	283		$	283
	Liabilities:
	Long-term debt		$	2,192			$	2,137			$	2,015		$	2,081
	Project debt		$	265			$	277			$	317		$	329
	-1	The U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations in restricted funds held in trust are primarily comprised of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation securities at fair value.
	-2	Included in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	-3	Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	-4	Included in investments in fixed maturities at market in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	-5	Includes $23 million and $27 million of noncurrent receivables in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	Investments
	Our insurance subsidiaries’ fixed maturity debt and equity securities portfolio are classified as “available-for-sale” and are carried at fair value. Other investments, such as investments in companies in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, are carried at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the cost or amortized cost of our investments approximated their fair value as unrealized gains and losses were not material. The change in net unrealized gain on securities included as a separate component of AOCI in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income was not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The expected maturities of fixed maturity securities, by amortized cost and fair value are shown below (in millions):
		As of September 30, 2013
		Amortized Cost				Fair Value
Available-for-sale:
One year or less	$	4			$	4
Over one year to five years	16				16
Over five years to ten years	13				13
More than ten years	—				—
Total fixed maturities	$	33			$	33
Our fixed maturities held by our insurance subsidiary include mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, collectively (“MBS”) representing 32% and 31% of the total fixed maturities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Our MBS holdings are issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or the Government National Mortgage Association all of which are rated “AAA” by Moody’s Investors Services. MBS and callable bonds, in contrast to other bonds, are more sensitive to market value declines in a rising interest rate environment than to market value increases in a declining interest rate environment.
As of both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the aggregate losses from temporarily impaired investments were less than $1 million. As of September 30, 2013, 3 of the temporarily impaired fixed maturity investments had maturities less than 12 months and 26 had maturities greater than 12 months. The following table sets forth a summary of temporarily impaired investments held by our insurance subsidiary (dollars in millions):
		As of September 30, 2013						As of December 31, 2012
Description of Investments		Fair				Number of Investments		Fair				Number of Investments
		Value						Value
U.S. Treasury and other direct U.S. Government obligations		$	3			5		$	1			1
Residential mortgage-backed securities		9				17		9				12
Other government obligations		1				2		—				1
Corporate bonds		2				5		1				3
Total fixed maturities		15						11
Equity securities		—				3		1				8
Total temporarily impaired investments		$	15					$	12

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Notes

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	NOTE 12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	The following disclosures summarize the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the effect of changes in fair value related to those derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions).
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated		Fair Value as of
	As Hedging Instruments	Balance Sheet Location	September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Asset Derivatives:
	Note Hedge	Note Hedge	$	175		$	—
	Note Hedge	Other noncurrent assets	$	—		$	104
	Liability Derivatives:
	Cash Conversion Option	Current portion of long-term debt	$	176		$	—
	Cash Conversion Option	Long-term debt	$	—		$	105
	Contingent interest features of the Debentures and 3.25% Notes	Other noncurrent liabilities	$	0		$	0
			Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivatives
	Effect on Income of	Location of Gain or (Loss)	For the Three Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated	Recognized in Income on	September 30,						September 30,
	As Hedging Instruments	Derivatives
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Note Hedge	Non-cash convertible debt related expense	$	35		$	(8	)	$	71		$	33
	Cash Conversion Option	Non-cash convertible debt related expense	(35		)	9			(71		)	(32		)
	Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures	Non-cash convertible debt related expense	—			—			—			—
	Effect on income of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments		$	—		$	1		$	—		$	1
	Cash Conversion Option, Note Hedge and Contingent Interest features related to the 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes
	The cash conversion option is a derivative instrument which is recorded at fair value quarterly with any change in fair value being recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as non-cash convertible debt related expense. The note hedge is accounted for as a derivative instrument and, as such, is recorded at fair value quarterly with any change in fair value being recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as non-cash convertible debt related expense.
	We expect the gain or loss associated with changes to the valuation of the note hedge to substantially offset the gain or loss associated with changes to the valuation of the cash conversion option. However, they will not be completely offsetting as a result of changes in the credit valuation adjustment related to the note hedge. Our most significant credit exposure arises from the note hedge. The fair value of the note hedge reflects the maximum loss that would be incurred should the option counterparties fail to perform according to the terms of the note hedge agreement. For specific details related to the cash conversion option, note hedge and contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes, refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
	Energy Price Risk
	Following the expiration of certain long-term energy sales contracts, we may have exposure to market risk, and therefore revenue fluctuations, in energy markets. We have entered into contractual arrangements that will mitigate our exposure to this volatility through a variety of hedging techniques, and will continue to do so in the future. Our efforts in this regard will involve only mitigation of price volatility for the energy we produce, and will not involve speculative energy trading. Consequently, we have entered into agreements with various financial institutions to hedge our exposure to market risk. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of the energy derivatives of $1 million, pre-tax, was recorded as a current liability and as a component of AOCI.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	We and/or our subsidiaries are party to a number of claims, lawsuits and pending actions, most of which are routine and all of which are incidental to our business. We assess the likelihood of potential losses on an ongoing basis and when losses are considered probable and reasonably estimable, record as a loss an estimate of the outcome. If we can only estimate the range of a possible loss, an amount representing the low end of the range of possible outcomes is recorded. The final consequences of these proceedings are not presently determinable with certainty.
	Environmental Matters
	Our operations are subject to environmental regulatory laws and environmental remediation laws. Although our operations are occasionally subject to proceedings and orders pertaining to emissions into the environment and other environmental violations, which may result in fines, penalties, damages or other sanctions, we believe that we are in substantial compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations.
	We may be identified, along with other entities, as being among parties potentially responsible for contribution to costs associated with the correction and remediation of environmental conditions at disposal sites subject to federal and/or analogous state laws. In certain instances, we may be exposed to joint and several liabilities for remedial action or damages. Our liability in connection with such environmental claims will depend on many factors, including our volumetric share of waste, the total cost of remediation, and the financial viability of other companies that also sent waste to a given site and, in the case of divested operations, the contractual arrangement with the purchaser of such operations.
	The potential costs related to the matters described below and the possible impact on future operations are uncertain due in part to the complexity of governmental laws and regulations and their interpretations, the varying costs and effectiveness of cleanup technologies, the uncertain level of insurance or other types of recovery and the questionable level of our responsibility. Although the ultimate outcome and expense of any litigation, including environmental remediation, is uncertain, we believe that the following proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	Lower Passaic River Matter. In August 2004, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) notified Covanta Essex Company (“Essex”) that it was a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) for Superfund response actions in the Lower Passaic River Study Area, referred to as “LPRSA,” a 17 mile stretch of river in northern New Jersey. Essex is one of 67 PRPs participating in the LPRSA PRP group, which is undertaking a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (“Study”) of the LPRSA under EPA oversight. Essex’s share of the Study costs to date are not material to its financial position and results of operations; however, the Study costs are exclusive of any LPRSA remedial costs or natural resource damages that may ultimately be assessed against PRPs. In February 2009, Essex and over 300 other PRPs were named as third-party defendants in a suit brought by the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) in New Jersey Superior Court of Essex County ("Superior Court") against Occidental Chemical Corporation and certain related entities (“Occidental”) with respect to alleged contamination of the LPRSA by Occidental. The Occidental third-party complaint seeks contribution with respect to any award to NJDEP of damages against Occidental in the matter. NJDEP and third party defendants including Essex agreed to a settlement which is subject to public comment and approval by the Superior Court prior to becoming final and effective.  The Company's share of the proposed settlement is not material to our financial position or results of operations. The Superior Court litigation remains stayed pending consideration of the proposed settlement. Considering the history of industrial and other discharges into the LPRSA from other sources, including named PRPs, Essex believes any releases to the LPRSA from its facility to be de minimis; however, it is not possible at this time to predict that outcome or to estimate Essex’s liability in the matter, including for LPRSA remedial costs and/or natural resource damages and/or contribution claims made by Occidental and/or other PRPs.
	California Matter. On March 5, 2012, we received a letter from the Department of Toxic Substances Control of the State of California (the “Department”) notifying us that the Department and several District Attorneys’ offices in the State of California are investigating the operation of our biomass facilities in California. It is our understanding that the investigation is focused on issues relating to (i) the feedstock at our biomass facilities and the impact of that fuel on the quality and character of the ash residue generated at these facilities and (ii) our compliance with California’s environmental laws at our biomass facilities. We believe that our biomass operations in California are in compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations in all material respects. We are cooperating with the Department’s and District Attorneys’ investigation. We do not believe that the investigation or any matters arising there from will have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	North Carolina Transformer Site Matter. In a letter from the EPA dated December 19, 2012, our subsidiary, Covanta Dade Power Corp. (“Dade”) was named as a PRP, along with numerous other unidentified PRPs, relating to the cleanup of the Ward Transformer Superfund Site in Raleigh, North Carolina (“Ward Site”). Dade's alleged liability as a PRP stems from the 1994 servicing at the Ward Site of a transformer alleged to have contained PCB-contaminated oil. EPA is seeking reimbursement from PRPs for its oversight costs in connection with ongoing cleanup activities at the Ward Site. While our investigation in this matter is continuing, based on information obtained to date, we believe Dade's responsibility, if any, in connection with this matter to be de minimis; however, it is not possible at this time to estimate the range of possible loss relating to Dade's ultimate liability, if any, in this matter.
	Other Matters
	Other commitments as of September 30, 2013 were as follows (in millions):
			Commitments Expiring by Period
			Total		Less Than		More Than
					One Year		One Year
	Letters of credit		$	281	$	6	$	275
	Surety bonds		304		—		304
	Total other commitments — net		$	585	$	6	$	579
	The letters of credit were issued under the Revolving Credit Facility to secure our performance under various contractual undertakings related to our domestic and international projects or to secure obligations under our insurance program. Each letter of credit relating to a project is required to be maintained in effect for the period specified in related project contracts, and generally may be drawn if it is not renewed prior to expiration of that period.
	We believe that we will be able to fully perform under our contracts to which these existing letters of credit relate, and that it is unlikely that letters of credit would be drawn because of a default of our performance obligations. If any of these letters of credit were to be drawn by the beneficiary, the amount drawn would be immediately repayable by us to the issuing bank. If we do not immediately repay such amounts drawn under these letters of credit, unreimbursed amounts would be treated under the Credit Facilities as either additional term loans or as revolving loans in the case of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility.
	The surety bonds listed on the table above relate primarily to performance obligations ($291 million) and support for closure obligations of various energy projects when such projects cease operating ($13 million). Were these bonds to be drawn upon, we would have a contractual obligation to indemnify the surety company.
	We have certain contingent obligations related to the 7.25% Notes, 6.375% Notes and the 3.25% Notes. These arise as follows:
	•	holders may require us to repurchase their 7.25% Notes, 6.375% Notes and their 3.25% Notes if a fundamental change occurs; and
	•	holders may exercise their conversion rights upon the occurrence of certain events, which would require us to pay the conversion settlement amount in cash.
	For specific criteria related to contingent interest, conversion or redemption features of the 7.25% Notes, the 6.375% Notes and the 3.25% Notes, refer to Note 11. Consolidated Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
	We have issued or are party to guarantees and related contractual support obligations undertaken pursuant to agreements to construct and operate waste and energy facilities. For some projects, such performance guarantees include obligations to repay certain financial obligations if the project revenues are insufficient to do so, or to obtain or guarantee financing for a project. With respect to our businesses, we have issued guarantees to municipal clients and other parties that our subsidiaries will perform in accordance with contractual terms, including, where required, the payment of damages or other obligations. Additionally, damages payable under such guarantees for our energy-from-waste facilities could expose us to recourse liability on project debt. If we must perform under one or more of such guarantees, our liability for damages upon contract termination would be reduced by funds held in trust and proceeds from sales of the facilities securing the project debt and is presently not estimable. Depending upon the circumstances giving rise to such damages, the contractual terms of the applicable contracts, and the contract counterparty’s choice of remedy at the time a claim against a guarantee is made, the amounts owed pursuant to one or more of such guarantees could be greater than our then-available sources of funds. To date, we have not incurred material liabilities under such guarantees.
	We are planning significant capital improvements, at a cost estimated to be between approximately $75 million to $100 million, for the Essex EfW facility, including a state-of-the-art particulate emissions control system and a new recycling system for ferrous and non-ferrous metals.  A small portion of the total costs will be incurred in 2013, with the majority of the costs expected to be spent in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The facility's environmental performance is currently compliant with all environmental permits and will be further improved with the baghouse installation.
	In August 2013, New York City's Department of Sanitation awarded Covanta a contract to handle waste transport and disposal from two marine transfer stations located in Queens and Manhattan. Covanta plans to utilize capacity at existing facilities for the disposal of approximately 800,000 tons per year of New York City's municipal solid waste. Service for the Queens marine transfer station is expected to begin in early 2015, with service for the Manhattan marine transfer station to follow in 2016 when construction work is expected to be completed by New York City. The agreement is for 20 years, effective from the date operations commence at the Queens marine transfer station, with options for New York City to extend the term for two additional five-year periods, and calls for waste to be transported using a multi-modal approach. We plan to purchase equipment, including barges, railcars, containers, and intermodal equipment. We expect our total investment to purchase this equipment will be approximately $110 million, plus enhancements of approximately $30 million to existing facilities that will be part of the network of assets supporting this contract. These investments will be made over several years beginning in 2013.

ORGANIZATION_AND_BASIS_OF_PRES1

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete condensed consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included in our condensed consolidated financial statements. All intra-entity accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We use the equity method to account for our investments for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. Consolidated net income includes our proportionate share of the net income or loss of these companies. Such amounts are classified as “equity in net income from unconsolidated investments” in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Investments in companies in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence are carried at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value. We monitor investments for other-than-temporary declines in value and make reductions when appropriate.
Share Repurchase Policy [Policy Text Block]	Under the program, common stock repurchases may be made in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, or by other available methods, at management’s discretion in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing and amounts of any repurchases will depend on many factors, including our capital structure, the market price of our common stock and overall market conditions.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Per share data is based on the weighted average number of outstanding shares of our common stock, par value $0.10 per share, during the relevant period. Basic earnings per share are calculated using only the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock. Diluted earnings per share computations, as calculated under the treasury stock method, include the weighted average number of shares of additional outstanding common stock issuable for stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and warrants whether or not currently exercisable.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We record our interim tax provision based upon our estimated annual effective tax rate (“ETR”) and account for the tax effects of discrete events in the period in which they occur. We file a federal consolidated income tax return with our eligible subsidiaries. Our federal consolidated income tax return also includes the taxable results of certain grantor trusts described below.
Waste and Service Revenue [Policy Text Block]	Under some of our service agreements, we bill municipalities fees to service project debt (principal and interest). The amounts billed are based on the actual principal amortization schedule for the project bonds. Regardless of the amounts billed to client communities relating to project debt principal, we recognize revenue earned explicitly to service project debt principal on a levelized basis over the term of the applicable agreement. In the beginning of the agreement, principal billed is less than the amount of levelized revenue recognized related to principal and we record an unbilled service receivable asset. At some point during the agreement, the amount we bill will exceed the levelized revenue and the unbilled service receivable begins to reduce, and ultimately becomes nil at the end of the contract.
	In the final year(s) of a contract, cash may be utilized from available debt service reserve accounts to pay remaining principal amounts due to project bondholders and such amounts are no longer billed to or paid by municipalities. Generally, therefore, in the last year of the applicable agreement, little or no cash is received from municipalities relating to project debt, while our levelized service revenue continues to be recognized until the expiration date of the term of the agreement.
Pass Through Costs Policy [Text Block]	Pass through costs are costs for which we receive a direct contractually committed reimbursement from the municipal client which sponsors an energy-from-waste project. These costs generally include utility charges, insurance premiums, ash residue transportation and disposal and certain chemical costs. These costs are recorded net of municipal client reimbursements in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Our waste, service, energy and other contract intangibles are intangible assets and liabilities relating to long-term operating contracts at acquired facilities and are recorded upon acquisition at their estimated fair market values based upon discounted cash flows. Intangible assets and liabilities are amortized using the straight line method over their remaining useful lives
Share Based Compensation Policy [Text Block]	The terms of the restricted stock awards include vesting provisions based solely on continued service. If the service criteria are satisfied, the restricted stock awards generally vest during March of 2014, 2015, and 2016. The RSUs were expensed during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
Share Based Compensation Expense for Directors [Policy Text Block]	We determined that the service vesting condition of these restricted stock awards to be non-substantive and, in accordance with accounting principles for stock compensation, recorded the entire fair value of the award as compensation expense on the grant date.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Authoritative guidance associated with fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs), then significant other observable inputs (Level 2 inputs) and the lowest priority to significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
	•	For cash and cash equivalents, restricted funds, and marketable securities, the carrying value of these amounts is a reasonable estimate of their fair value. The fair value of restricted funds held in trust is based on quoted market prices of the investments held by the trustee.
	•	Fair values for long-term debt and project debt are determined using quoted market prices.
	•	The fair value of the note hedge and the cash conversion option are determined using an option pricing model based on observable inputs such as implied volatility, risk free interest rate, and other factors. The fair value of the note hedge is adjusted to reflect counterparty risk of non-performance, and is based on the counterparty’s credit spread in the credit derivatives market. The contingent interest features related to the Debentures and the 3.25% Notes are valued quarterly using the present value of expected cash flow models incorporating the probabilities of the contingent events occurring.
	The estimated fair value amounts have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we would realize in a current market exchange. The fair-value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to us as of September 30, 2013. Such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since September 30, 2013, and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Our insurance subsidiaries’ fixed maturity debt and equity securities portfolio are classified as “available-for-sale” and are carried at fair value. Other investments, such as investments in companies in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, are carried at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The cash conversion option is a derivative instrument which is recorded at fair value quarterly with any change in fair value being recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as non-cash convertible debt related expense. The note hedge is accounted for as a derivative instrument and, as such, is recorded at fair value quarterly with any change in fair value being recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as non-cash convertible debt related expense.
	We expect the gain or loss associated with changes to the valuation of the note hedge to substantially offset the gain or loss associated with changes to the valuation of the cash conversion option. However, they will not be completely offsetting as a result of changes in the credit valuation adjustment related to the note hedge. Our most significant credit exposure arises from the note hedge. The fair value of the note hedge reflects the maximum loss that would be incurred should the option counterparties fail to perform according to the terms of the note hedge agreement.
Derivatives Price Risk Derivatives Risk Management Policy [Text Block]	Following the expiration of certain long-term energy sales contracts, we may have exposure to market risk, and therefore revenue fluctuations, in energy markets. We have entered into contractual arrangements that will mitigate our exposure to this volatility through a variety of hedging techniques, and will continue to do so in the future. Our efforts in this regard will involve only mitigation of price volatility for the energy we produce, and will not involve speculative energy trading. Consequently, we have entered into agreements with various financial institutions to hedge our exposure to market risk.

DISPOSITIONS_Tables

DISPOSITIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Dispositions [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the operating results of the discontinued operations for the periods indicated (in millions):
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-12		30-Sep-12
	Revenues	$	—	$	—
	Operating expenses	$	—	$	(3	)
	Loss before income tax expense and equity in net income from unconsolidated investments	$	—	$	(3	)
	Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments	$	—	$	2
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense of $0 and $1, respectively	$	—	$	(2	)

EQUITY_AND_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_1

EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block]	Dividends declared to stockholders are as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Regular cash dividend
	Declared	$	21			$	20			$	65		$	61
	Per Share	$	0.165			$	0.15			$	0.495		$	0.45
Common Stock Repurchased Table [Text Block]	Common stock repurchased is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		Amount				Shares			Weighted
						Repurchased			Average Cost
									per Share
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013	$	24			1.2			$	19.27
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2013	10				0.5			$	19.62
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	—				—			$	—
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	$	34			1.7			$	19.37
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Diluted earnings per share for all the periods presented does not include securities if their effect was anti-dilutive (in millions, except per share amounts).
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$	28			$	26			$	(35	)	$	34
	Net loss from discontinued operations	—				—				—			(2		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation	$	28			$	26			$	(35	)	$	32
	Basic earnings (loss) per share:
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	129				131				129			133
	Continuing operations	$	0.22			$	0.2			$	(0.27	)	$	0.25
	Discontinued operations	—				—				—			(0.01		)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.22			$	0.2			$	(0.27	)	$	0.24
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	129				131				129			133
	Dilutive effect of stock options	—				—				—			—
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock	1				1				—			1
	Dilutive effect of convertible securities	—				—				—			—
	Dilutive effect of warrants	—				—				—			—
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	130				132				129			134
	Continuing operations	$	0.22			$	0.19			$	(0.27	)	$	0.25
	Discontinued operations	—				—				—			(0.01		)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.22			$	0.19			$	(0.27	)	$	0.24
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Securities excluded from the weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
	Stock options	1			2			1			2
	Restricted stock	—			—			1			—
	Restricted stock units	—			—			—			—
	Warrants	29			28			29			28
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries is as follows (in millions):
			As of September 30,
			2013				2012
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, balance as of beginning of period		$	7			$	5
	Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries		(2		)		—
	Net (loss) income		(1		)		1
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, balance as of end of period		$	4			$	6

FINANCIAL_INFORMATION_BY_BUSIN1

FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Results of Reportable Segment	The results of our reportable segment are as follows (in millions):
		Americas			All Other  (1)			Total
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Operating revenues	$	417		$	10		$	427
	Depreciation and amortization expense	51			1			52
	Net write-offs (gains)	12			—			12
	Operating income (loss)	83			(3		)	80
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Operating revenues	$	402		$	10		$	412
	Depreciation and amortization expense	46			—			46
	Net write-offs (gains)	(13		)	11			(2		)
	Operating income (loss)	105			(24		)	81
		Americas			All Other  (1)			Total
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Operating revenues	$	1,182		$	31		$	1,213
	Depreciation and amortization expense	155			2			157
	Net write-offs (gains)	16			47			63
	Operating income (loss)	140			(61		)	79
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Operating revenues	$	1,183		$	31		$	1,214
	Depreciation and amortization expense	143			2			145
	Net write-offs (gains)	(13		)	11			(2		)
	Operating income (loss)	176			(36		)	140
	-1	All other is comprised of the financial results of our insurance subsidiaries’ operations and all assets outside of North America.

CONSOLIDATED_DEBT_Tables

CONSOLIDATED DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	Consolidated debt is as follows (in millions):
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	LONG-TERM DEBT:
	Revolving credit facility	$	126		$	60
	Term loan due 2019	295			298
	Debt discount related to Term loan	(1		)	(1		)
	Term loan, net	294			297
	Credit Facilities Sub-total	$	420		$	357
	7.25% Senior Notes due 2020	$	400		$	400
	6.375% Senior Notes due 2022	400			400
	3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014	460			460
	Debt discount related to 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes	(21		)	(42		)
	Cash conversion option derivative at fair value	176			105
	3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes, net	615			523
	Notes Sub-total	$	1,415		$	1,323
	4.00% - 5.25% Tax-Exempt Bonds due from 2024 to 2042	$	335		$	335
	Variable Rate Tax-Exempt Bonds due 2043	22			—
	Tax-Exempt Bonds Sub-total	$	357		$	335
	Total long-term debt	$	2,192		$	2,015
	Less: current portion (includes $21 and $0 of unamortized discount, respectively, and $176 and $0 of cash conversion option derivative at fair value, respectively)	(618		)	(3		)
	Noncurrent long-term debt	$	1,574		$	2,012
	PROJECT DEBT:
	Americas project debt
	4.00% - 7.00% Americas project debt related to Service Fee structures due 2013 through 2022	$	195		$	223
	5.248% - 8.375% Americas project debt related to Tip Fee structures due 2013 through 2020	45			68
	Unamortized debt premium, net	2			3
	Total Americas project debt	242			294
	Other project debt	23			23
	Total project debt	265			317
	Less: Current project debt (includes $1 and $1 of unamortized premium, respectively)	(59		)	(80		)
	Noncurrent project debt	$	206		$	237
	TOTAL CONSOLIDATED DEBT	$	2,457		$	2,332
	Less: Current debt	(677		)	(83		)
	TOTAL NONCURRENT CONSOLIDATED DEBT	$	1,780		$	2,249
Revolving Credit Facility Table [Text Block]	As of September 30, 2013, we had availability under the Revolving Credit Facility as follows (in millions):
		Total			Maturing		Outstanding Borrowings as of		Outstanding Letters of Credit as of		Availability as of
		Available					30-Sep-13		30-Sep-13		30-Sep-13
		Under  Credit Facility
	Revolving Credit Facility	$	900		2017		$	126	$	281	$	493

SUPPLEMENTARY_INFORMATION_Tabl

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Waste and Service Revenue [Table Text Block]	The components of waste and service revenues are as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2013			2012				2013			2012
	Waste and service revenue unrelated to project debt	$	248		$	235			$	718		$	710
	Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt - principal	8			10				25			31
	Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt - interest	1			2				4			6
	Total waste and service revenue	$	257		$	247			$	747		$	747
Components of Other Operating Expenses	The components of other operating expenses are as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2013			2012				2013			2012
	Construction costs	$	32		$	25			$	86		$	95
	Insurance subsidiary operating expenses (1)	1			8				3			13
	Defined benefit pension plan settlement gain (2)	—			—				(6		)	—
	Insurance recoveries (3)	(4		)	—				(4		)	(5		)
	Other (4)	(3		)	(2		)		(12		)	(3		)
	Total other operating expenses	$	26		$	31			$	67		$	100
	-1	Insurance subsidiary operating expenses are primarily comprised of incurred but not reported loss reserves, loss adjustment expenses and policy acquisition costs. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we transitioned our remaining insurance business to run-off and recorded losses and reserve increases of $7 million primarily relating to adverse loss development.
	-2	During the first quarter of 2013, we had final settlement of our defined benefit pension plan. For additional information see Note 9. Benefit Obligations.
	-3	See Stanislaus Energy-from-Waste Facility discussion below.
	-4	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recognized a gain of $3 million related to a contract amendment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recognized a gain of $8 million related to early termination of a power purchase agreement.
Schedule of Stanislaus Insurance Recoveries [Table Text Block]	We recorded insurance recoveries in our condensed consolidated statements of income as follows (in millions):
			Twelve Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			31-Dec-12			30-Sep-13
	Insurance Recoveries for Repair and reconstruction costs (net of write-down of assets, recorded to Other operating expenses)		$	7		$	4
	Insurance Recoveries for Business Interruption and Clean-up costs, net of costs incurred (reduction to Plant operating expenses)		$	—		$	3
Amortization Expense and Contra-Expense Associated with Intangible Assets and Liabilities	The following table details the amount of the actual/estimated amortization expense and contra-expense associated with these intangible assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2013 included or expected to be included in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for each of the years indicated (in millions):
		Waste, Service and			Waste, Service and Other
		Energy Contract Intangibles			Contract Intangibles
		(Amortization Expense)			(Contra-Expense)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	$	23		$	(7	)
	Remainder of 2013	$	8		$	(3	)
	2014	29			(10		)
	2015	26			(6		)
	2016	23			(6		)
	2017	15			(4		)
	Thereafter	272			(3		)
	Total	$	373		$	(32	)
Schedule Of Net Write-Offs [Table Text Block]	The components of net write-offs are as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2013			2012				2013			2012
	Americas segment:
	Write-down of Wallingford EfW facility assets (1)	$	9		$	—			$	9		$	—
	Write-down of equity investment in biomass facility (2)	3			—				3			—
	Write-off of loan issued for the Harrisburg EfW facility to fund certain facility improvements (3)	—			—				4			—
	Write-off of intangible liability (4)	—			(29		)		—			(29		)
	Write-down of renewable fuels project (5)	—			16				—			16
	Sub-total:	12			(13		)		16			(13		)
	Other:
	Development costs - UK (6)	—			11				47			11
	Total net write-offs (gains)	$	12		$	(2	)		$	63		$	(2	)
	-1	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a non-cash write-down of $9 million resulting from an impairment charge related to our Wallingford EfW facility assets in Connecticut.
	-2	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a non-cash write-down of $3 million related to our 55% equity investment in the Pacific Ultrapower Chinese Station biomass facility in California.
	-3	See Harrisburg Energy-from-Waste Facility discussion below.
	-4	During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, our service contract for the Essex EfW facility was amended and we recorded a non-cash write-off of an intangible liability of $29 million related to the below-market service contract which was recorded at fair value upon acquisition of the facility.
	-5	During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we suspended construction of a facility that transformed waste materials into renewable liquid fuels. We recorded a non-cash write-off of $16 million representing the capitalized costs related to this project.
	-6	See Development Costs - United Kingdom discussion below.
Components of Non-Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense	The components of non-cash convertible debt related expense are as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2013			2012				2013			2012
	Debt discount accretion related to the 3.25% Notes	$	7		$	7			$	21		$	20
	Fair value changes related to the cash convertible note hedge	(35		)	8				(71		)	(33		)
	Fair value changes related to the cash conversion option derivative	35			(9		)		71			32
	Total non-cash convertible debt related expense	$	7		$	6			$	21		$	19
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in millions):
		Foreign Currency Translation			Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Unrecognized Net Gain (Loss)				Net Unrealized Gain on Derivatives			Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities			Total
	Balance December 31, 2012	$	4		$	2			$	—		$	1		$	7
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(3		)	3				1			(1		)	—
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			(4		)		—			—			(4		)
	Net current period comprehensive (loss) income	(3		)	(1		)		1			(1		)	(4		)
	Balance September 30, 2013	$	1		$	1			$	1		$	—		$	3
Schedule of Reclasses in AOCI [Table Text Block]	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in millions):
	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
			For the Three Months Ended			For the Nine Months Ended
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Component		30-Sep-13							Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
	Defined benefit pension plan
	Prior service costs		$	—		$	(9	)		Other operating expenses
	Net actuarial loss		—			3				Other operating expenses
			—			(6		)		Total before tax
			—			2				Tax benefit
			$	—		$	(4	)		Net of tax

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense and weighted-average years to be recognized are as follows (in millions, except for weighted average years):
		As of September 30, 2013
		Unrecognized stock-	Weighted-average years
		based compensation	to be recognized
	Restricted Stock Awards	$10	1.5
	Restricted Stock Units	$3	2.3

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Tables

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities	The following table presents information about the fair value measurement of our assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
					As of
	Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:		Fair Value Measurement Level		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
					(In millions)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Bank deposits and certificates of deposit		1		$	246			$	240
	Money market funds		1		6				6
	Total cash and cash equivalents:				252				246
	Restricted funds held in trust:
	Bank deposits and certificates of deposit		1		2				2
	Money market funds		1		63				64
	U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations (1)		1		15				17
	State and municipal obligations		1		112				119
	Commercial paper/Guaranteed investment contracts/Repurchase agreements		1		2				12
	Total restricted funds held in trust:				194				214
	Restricted funds — other:
	Bank deposits and certificates of deposit (2)(3)		1		1				5
	Money market funds (3)		1		7				8
	Residential mortgage-backed securities (3)		1		1				1
	Total restricted funds other:				9				14
	Investments:
	Mutual and bond funds (2)(3)		1		13				2
	Investments available for sale:
	U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations (4)		1		6				6
	Residential mortgage-backed securities (4)		1		10				11
	Other government obligations (4)		1		4				5
	Corporate investments (4)		1		13				14
	Equity securities (3)		1		4				3
	Total investments:				50				41
	Derivative Asset — Note Hedge		2		175				104
	Total assets:				$	680			$	619
	Liabilities:
	Derivative Liability — Cash Conversion Option		2		$	176			$	105
	Derivative Liabilities — Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures		2		0				0
	Derivative Liability — Energy Hedges		2		—				1
	Total liabilities:				$	176			$	106
	The following financial instruments are recorded at their carrying amount (in millions).
			As of September 30, 2013								As of December 31, 2012
	Financial Instruments Recorded at Carrying Amount:		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying			Estimated
			Amount				Fair Value				Amount			Fair Value
	Assets:
	Accounts receivables (5)		$	291			$	291			$	283		$	283
	Liabilities:
	Long-term debt		$	2,192			$	2,137			$	2,015		$	2,081
	Project debt		$	265			$	277			$	317		$	329
	-1	The U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations in restricted funds held in trust are primarily comprised of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation securities at fair value.
	-2	Included in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	-3	Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	-4	Included in investments in fixed maturities at market in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	-5	Includes $23 million and $27 million of noncurrent receivables in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
Expected Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities by Amortized Cost and Fair Value	The expected maturities of fixed maturity securities, by amortized cost and fair value are shown below (in millions):
		As of September 30, 2013
		Amortized Cost				Fair Value
	Available-for-sale:
	One year or less	$	4			$	4
	Over one year to five years	16				16
	Over five years to ten years	13				13
	More than ten years	—				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	33			$	33
Temporarily Impaired Investments Held by Insurance Subsidiary	The following table sets forth a summary of temporarily impaired investments held by our insurance subsidiary (dollars in millions):
			As of September 30, 2013						As of December 31, 2012
	Description of Investments		Fair				Number of Investments		Fair				Number of Investments
			Value						Value
	U.S. Treasury and other direct U.S. Government obligations		$	3			5		$	1			1
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		9				17		9				12
	Other government obligations		1				2		—				1
	Corporate bonds		2				5		1				3
	Total fixed maturities		15						11
	Equity securities		—				3		1				8
	Total temporarily impaired investments		$	15					$	12

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Tables

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	The following disclosures summarize the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the effect of changes in fair value related to those derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions).
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated		Fair Value as of
	As Hedging Instruments	Balance Sheet Location	September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Asset Derivatives:
	Note Hedge	Note Hedge	$	175		$	—
	Note Hedge	Other noncurrent assets	$	—		$	104
	Liability Derivatives:
	Cash Conversion Option	Current portion of long-term debt	$	176		$	—
	Cash Conversion Option	Long-term debt	$	—		$	105
	Contingent interest features of the Debentures and 3.25% Notes	Other noncurrent liabilities	$	0		$	0
			Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivatives
	Effect on Income of	Location of Gain or (Loss)	For the Three Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated	Recognized in Income on	September 30,						September 30,
	As Hedging Instruments	Derivatives
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Note Hedge	Non-cash convertible debt related expense	$	35		$	(8	)	$	71		$	33
	Cash Conversion Option	Non-cash convertible debt related expense	(35		)	9			(71		)	(32		)
	Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures	Non-cash convertible debt related expense	—			—			—			—
	Effect on income of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments		$	—		$	1		$	—		$	1

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Other Commitments	Other commitments as of September 30, 2013 were as follows (in millions):
		Commitments Expiring by Period
		Total		Less Than		More Than
				One Year		One Year
	Letters of credit	$	281	$	6	$	275
	Surety bonds	304		—		304
	Total other commitments — net	$	585	$	6	$	579

Recovered_Sheet1

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details)	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
		Energy From Waste Facilities [Member]	Other Energy Generation Facilities [Member]	Investments in Majority-owned Subsidiaries [Member]	Solid Waste [Member]	Electric Generation [Member]
		Facility	Facility		ton	MW
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Annual Output					20,000,000	10,000,000
Number Of Facilities		45	14
Insurance Percentage Of Total Revenue				1.00%
Number Of Reportable Business Segments	1
Segment Reporting, Additional Information about Entity's Reportable Segments	Americas and is comprised of waste and energy services operations primarily in the United States and Canada

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (Camden Resource Recovery Facility [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Camden Resource Recovery Facility [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition	19-Aug-13
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity		Camden Resource Recovery Facility
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		$49
Business Acquisition, Description of Acquired Entity		The 1,050 ton-per-day EfW facility provides sustainable waste management services to Camden County and surrounding communities while generating approximately 21 megawatts of renewable energy, which is sold at prevailing market rates.
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment		53
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Liability	$5

Business_Development_Details

Business Development (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Organic Growth Investments [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Projects	$76
Covanta Huntington Limited Partnership [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates	14
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		100.00%
NYC Waste Contract [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Total Annual Waste	800,000
Estimated Capital Expenditures For Project	110
Estimated Capital Improvements	$30

Dispositions_Details

Dispositions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue		$0		$0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense		0		-3
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax		0		-3
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Income Loss From Equity Method Investments		0		2
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	0	0	0	-2
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	$0	$0	$0	$1

Recovered_Sheet2

Equity And Earnings Per Share ("EPS") - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Repurchased In Period	479,204
Restricted Stock [Member]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	634,107
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	219,484

Dividend_Information_Details

Dividend Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Dividend Information [Abstract]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	$21	$20	$65	$61
Cash Dividend Declared Per Share:	$0.17	$0.15	$0.50	$0.45

Common_Stock_Repurchased_Detai

Common Stock Repurchased (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Common Stock Repurchased [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount, Value	$150			$150
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount				116
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method	$0	$10	$24	$34
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	0	0.5	1.2	1.7
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$0	$19.62	$19.27	$19.37

Noncontrolling_Interests_in_Su

Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Rollforward of Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$4	$6	$4	$6	$7	$5
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation			-2	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$0	$1	($1)	$1

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Per

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Computations and Antidilutive Securities Excluded (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Common stock, par value	$0.10		$0.10		$0.10
Continuing Operations	$28	$26	($35)	$34
Discontinued Operations	0	0	0	-2
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION	$28	$26	($35)	$32
Basic earnings per share:
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	129	131	129	133
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share	$0.22	$0.20	($0.27)	$0.25
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)
Basic	$0.22	$0.20	($0.27)	$0.24
Diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	129	131	129	133
Dilutive effect of restricted stock	1	1	0	1
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities	0	0	0	0
Dilutive effect of warrants	0	0	0	0
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	130	132	129	134
Continuing Operations	$0.22	$0.19	($0.27)	$0.25
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)
Diluted	$0.22	$0.19	($0.27)	$0.24
Restricted Stock [Member]
Diluted earnings per share:
Securities excluded from the weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:	0	0	1	0
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Diluted earnings per share:
Securities excluded from the weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:	1	2	1	2
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Diluted earnings per share:
Securities excluded from the weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:	0	0	0	0
Warrants [Member]
Diluted earnings per share:
Securities excluded from the weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:	29	28	29	28
Warrants [Member]
Diluted earnings per share:
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Strike Price			21.67
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Diluted earnings per share:
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	0	0	0	0

Recovered_Sheet3

Financial Information By Business Segments - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS Additional Information [Abstract]
Number Of Reportable Business Segments	1
Segment Reporting, Additional Information about Entity's Reportable Segments	Americas and is comprised of waste and energy services operations primarily in the United States and Canada

Results_of_Reportable_Segment_

Results of Reportable Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$427		$412		$1,213		$1,214
Depreciation and amortization expense	52		46		157		145
Net write-offs	12		-2		63		-2
Operating income (loss)	80		81		79		140
Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	417		402		1,182		1,183
Depreciation and amortization expense	51		46		155		143
Net write-offs	12		-13		16		-13
Operating income (loss)	83		105		140		176
All Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	10	[1]	10	[1]	31	[1]	31	[1]
Depreciation and amortization expense	1	[1]	0	[1]	2	[1]	2	[1]
Net write-offs	0	[1]	11		47	[1]	11	[1]
Operating income (loss)	($3)	[1]	($24)	[1]	($61)	[1]	($36)	[1]
[1]	All other is comprised of the financial results of our insurance subsidiariesb operations and all assets outside of North America.

Consolidated_Debt_Details

Consolidated Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Americas [Member]	Americas [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Term Loan [Member]	Term Loan [Member]	Senior Notes 7.25 Percent Due 2020 [Member]	Senior Notes 7.25 Percent Due 2020 [Member]	Senior Notes 6.375 Percent Due 2022 [Member]	Senior Notes 6.375 Percent Due 2022 [Member]	3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014	3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014	Tax Exempt Bonds due 2024 to 2042 [Member]	Tax Exempt Bonds due 2024 to 2042 [Member]	Americas Project Debt Related To Service Fee Structures [Member]	Americas Project Debt Related To Service Fee Structures [Member]	Americas Project Debt Related To Tip Fee Structures [Member]	Americas Project Debt Related To Tip Fee Structures [Member]	Project Debt Type [Member]	Project Debt Type [Member]	Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]	Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]	Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]	Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]
																							Variable Rate Tax Exempt Bond due 2043 [Member] [Member] [Member]	Variable Rate Tax Exempt Bond due 2043 [Member] [Member] [Member]	Variable Rate Tax Exempt Bond due 2043 [Member] [Member] [Member]	Project Debt Type [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$420	$357			$126	$60	$295	$298
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount							-1	-1					-21	-42
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability													176	105
Long-term Debt, Gross							294	297
Long-term Debt	2,192	2,015							400	400	400	400	615	523	335	335							22	22	0
Total Long Term Debt, Tax Exempt Bonds	357	335
Debt Instrument, Face Amount													460	460
Total Long Term Debt, Senior Notes	1,415	1,323
Current portion of long-term debt	-618	-3																								-22
Long-term debt, Noncurrent	1,574	2,012
Project Debt	265	317	242	294													195	223	45	68
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium																					2	3
Other Project Debt	23	23
Current portion of project debt	-59	-80
Project Debt Noncurrent	206	237
Debt, Total	2,457	2,332
Debt, Current	-677	-83
Debt, Noncurrent	1,780	2,249
Debt Discount, current													20	0							1	1
Derivative Liabilities, Current													$175	$0

Credit_Facilities_Details

Credit Facilities (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Credit Facilities (Additional Information) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings	$462	$83
Leverage Ratio Maximum	2.75
Availability under Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	420		357
Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings	462	83
Repayments of Lines of Credit	396	63
Credit Facilities Repayment Terms [Abstract]
Additional Annual Payment Percentage Of Excess Cash Flow From Subsidiaries Subject To Term Loan Repayment	25.00%
Excess Cash Flow Percentage	0.00%
Leverage Ratio	3
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Debt Instrument Covenant Total Leverage Ratio Maximum	4
Debt Instrument Covenant Permitted Interest Ratio Minimum	3
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities (Additional Information) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	900
Availability under Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	1-Jan-17
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	126		60
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	281
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	493
Letter of Credit [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Percentage Of Fronting Fee	0.13%
Incremental Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities (Additional Information) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings	500
Availability under Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings	500
Term Loan [Member]
Credit Facilities (Additional Information) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	300
Availability under Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	295		298
Swingline Loans [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities (Additional Information) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	50
Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
One Month L I B O R [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
L I B O R [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.75%
L I B O R Interest Rate Floor	1.00%
L I B O R Interest Rate Floor modified	0.75%
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.38%
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Base Rate Loans [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Minimum [Member] | L I B O R [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.75%
Minimum [Member] | L I B O R [Member] | Euro Dollar Rate [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.50%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Base Rate Loans [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Maximum [Member] | L I B O R [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.00%
Maximum [Member] | L I B O R [Member] | Euro Dollar Rate [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.75%
Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]
Credit Facilities Interest and Fees [Abstract]
Guarantee Percent	65.00%
Fiscal Year 2014 [Member]
Credit Facilities Repayment Terms [Abstract]
Annual Remaining Amortization	3
Fiscal Year 2015 [Member]
Credit Facilities Repayment Terms [Abstract]
Annual Remaining Amortization	3
Fiscal Year 2016 [Member]
Credit Facilities Repayment Terms [Abstract]
Annual Remaining Amortization	3
Fiscal Year 2017 [Member]
Credit Facilities Repayment Terms [Abstract]
Annual Remaining Amortization	3
Fiscal Year 2018 [Member]
Credit Facilities Repayment Terms [Abstract]
Annual Remaining Amortization	3
Fiscal Year 2019 [Member]
Credit Facilities Repayment Terms [Abstract]
Annual Remaining Amortization	$280

325_Cash_Convertible_Senior_No

3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Convertible Conversion Ratio Numerator	64.0526
Debt Instrument Convertible Conversion Ratio Denominator	$1,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price	$15.61
Warrants [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Strike Price	21.67
Forecasted In 2013 [Member] | 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Expected Accretion Of Debt Discount	8,000,000
Forecasted In 2014 [Member] | 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Expected Accretion Of Debt Discount	$13,000,000

Variable_Rate_TaxExempt_Bonds_

Variable Rate Tax-Exempt Bonds due 2042 (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 02, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]	Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]	Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]	Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]	Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]	Debentures Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]
			Variable Rate Tax Exempt Bond due 2043 [Member] [Member] [Member]	Variable Rate Tax Exempt Bond due 2043 [Member] [Member] [Member]	Variable Rate Tax Exempt Bond due 2043 [Member] [Member] [Member]	Tax Exempt Bond, Type [Domain]	Project Debt Type [Member]	Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]
								Tax Exempt Bond, Type [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$2,192	$2,015	$22	$22	$0
Project Debt	$618	$3					$22
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate						0.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage								100.00%

INCOME_TAXES_Additional_Inform

INCOME TAXES - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate			-28.00%	55.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate, Contunuing Operations, excluding non-deductible losses			32.00%		45.00%
Estimated annual effective tax rate					180.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$122		$122			$124
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate	122		122
Expense (benefit) of interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions	-2	-2	1	1
Accrued interest and penalties associated with liabilities for unrecognized tax positions	1		1			1
Federal Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
IRS Audit Period			The IRS is currently auditing our tax returns for the years 2004 through 2009
Consolidated net operating loss carryforwards						392
Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Date Range			in various amounts from DecemberB 31, 2023 through DecemberB 31, 2031
Tax credit carryforwards						48
Minimum tax credits with no expiration						7
Valuation allowance						34
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Consolidated net operating loss carryforwards						303
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Consolidated net operating loss carryforwards						$29
Minimum [Member] | Federal Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards expirations			1-Jan-14
Minimum [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss carryforwards expirations			1-Oct-13
Minimum [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss carryforwards expirations			1-Jan-15
Maximum [Member] | Federal Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards expirations			31-Dec-22
Maximum [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss carryforwards expirations			31-Dec-31
Maximum [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss carryforwards expirations			31-Dec-31

Components_of_Waste_and_Servic

Components of Waste and Service Revenues (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Components of Waste and Service Revenue [Line Items]
Waste and service revenues	$257	$247	$747	$747
Waste and Services Revenue [Member]
Components of Waste and Service Revenue [Line Items]
Waste and service revenues unrelated to project debt	248	235	718	710
Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt - principal	8	10	25	31
Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt - interest	$1	$2	$4	$6

Pass_Through_Costs_Details

Pass Through Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pass Thru Costs [Abstract]
Cost of Reimbursable Expense	$17	$15	$52	$54

Components_of_Other_Operating_

Components of Other Operating Expenses (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Stanislaus [Member]

Stanislaus [Member]

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Construction Expense

$32

$25

$86

$95

Affiliate Costs

1

[1]

8

[1]

3

[1]

13

[1]

Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements

6

0

0

[2]

6

0

[2]

6

[2]

0

[2]

Insurance Recoveries

3

0

Other Operating Income (Expense), Net

3

[3]

2

[3]

12

[3]

3

[3]

Increase (Decrease) in Property and Casualty Insurance Liabilities

7

Gain Loss on Contract Amendment

3

Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination

-8

Payments to Acquire Productive Assets

140

94

12

Gain From Insurance Proceeds

4

[4]

0

[4]

4

[4]

5

[4]

4

7

Other Cost and Expense, Operating

$26

$31

$67

$100

[1]

(1)Insurance subsidiary operating expenses are primarily comprised of incurred but not reported loss reserves, loss adjustment expenses and policy acquisition costs. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we transitioned our remaining insurance business to run-off and recorded losses and reserve increases of $7 million primarily relating to adverse loss development.

[2]

(2)During the first quarter of 2013, we had final settlement of our defined benefit pension plan. For additional information see Note 9. Benefit Obligations.

[3]

(4)During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recognized a gain of $3 million related to a contract amendment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recognized a gain of $8 million related to early termination of a power purchase agreement.

[4]

(3)See Stanislaus Energy-from-Waste Facility discussion below.

Amortization_of_Waste_Service_

Amortization of Waste, Service and Energy Contracts (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Waste And Service Contracts Intangible Liabilities [Member]
Schedule of Amortization [Line Items]
Cost Of Services Accretion	($7)
Future Accretion Expense Year One	-3
Future Accretion Expense Year Two	-10
Future Accretion Expense Year Three	-6
Future Accretion Expense Year Four	-6
Future Accretion Expense Year Five	-4
Future Accretion Expense After Year Five	-3
Accretion Expense	-32
Waste Service And Energy Contracts Intangible Assets [Member]
Schedule of Amortization [Line Items]
Cost of Services, Amortization	23
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	8
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	29
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	26
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	23
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	15
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	272
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$373

Components_of_Net_Gains_Write_

Components of Net Gains Write Offs (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2008

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

UNITED KINGDOM

Wallingford EfW Facility [Member]

Wallingford EfW Facility [Member]

Wallingford EfW Facility [Member]

Wallingford EfW Facility [Member]

Equity Method Investments [Member]

Equity Method Investments [Member]

Equity Method Investments [Member]

Equity Method Investments [Member]

Renewable Fuels Project [Member]

Renewable Fuels Project [Member]

Renewable Fuels Project [Member]

Renewable Fuels Project [Member]

UKCapitalized Development Costs [Member]

UKCapitalized Development Costs [Member]

Harrisburg EFW Facility [Member]

Harrisburg EFW Facility [Member]

Harrisburg EFW Facility [Member]

Harrisburg EFW Facility [Member]

Harrisburg EFW Facility [Member]

Harrisburg EFW Facility [Member]

Harrisburg EFW Facility [Member]

Harrisburg EFW Facility [Member]

Essex EFW Facility [Member]

Essex EFW Facility [Member]

Essex EFW Facility [Member]

Essex EFW Facility [Member]

Americas [Member]

Americas [Member]

Americas [Member]

Americas [Member]

Other Segments [Member]

Other Segments [Member]

Other Segments [Member]

Other Segments [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Waste And Service Contracts Intangible Liabilities [Member]

Waste And Service Contracts Intangible Liabilities [Member]

Waste And Service Contracts Intangible Liabilities [Member]

Waste And Service Contracts Intangible Liabilities [Member]

UKCapitalized Development Costs [Member]

UKCapitalized Development Costs [Member]

UKCapitalized Development Costs [Member]

UKCapitalized Development Costs [Member]

Net write-offs

$12

($2)

$63

($2)

$9

[1]

$0

[1]

$9

[1]

$0

[1]

$3

[2]

$0

[2]

$3

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[3]

$16

[3]

$0

[3]

$16

[3]

$47

$11

$0

[4]

$0

[4]

$4

[4]

$0

[4]

$7

$0

[5]

($29)

[5]

$0

[5]

($29)

[5]

$12

($13)

$16

($13)

$0

[6]

$11

[6]

$47

[6]

$11

[6]

Loans Issued For Facility Improvements Total Available

26

Loans Issued For Facility Improvements

22

Loans Issued For Facility Improvements Outstanding

20

Facility Advance Net After Write Down

9

13

Restructuring Charges

$3

[1]

(1)During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a non-cash write-down of $9 million resulting from an impairment charge related to our Wallingford EfW facility assets in Connecticut.

[2]

(2)During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a non-cash write-down of $3 million related to our 55% equity investment in the Pacific Ultrapower Chinese Station biomass facility in California.

[3]

(5)During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we suspended construction of a facility that transformed waste materials into renewable liquid fuels. We recorded a non-cash write-off of $16 million representing the capitalized costs related to this project.

[4]

(3)See Harrisburg Energy-from-Waste Facility discussion below.

[5]

(4)During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, our service contract for the Essex EfW facility was amended and we recorded a non-cash write-off of an intangible liability of $29 million related to the below-market service contract which was recorded at fair value upon acquisition of the facility.

[6]

(6)See Development Costs - United Kingdom discussion below.

Components_of_NonCash_Converti

Components of Non-Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Non Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense [Line Items]
Total non-cash convertible debt related expense	$7	$6	$21	$19
Convertible Note Hedge
Non Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense [Line Items]
Fair value changes related to the derivative	-35	8	-71	-33
Cash Conversion Option Derivative
Non Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense [Line Items]
Fair value changes related to the derivative	35	-9	71	32
3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014
Non Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense [Line Items]
Accretion Expense	$7	$7	$21	$20

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Detai

Other Income (Expense) Net (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Other Income (Expense) Net [Abstract]
Other Loss Gain Foreign Currency Intercompany Loans	$0	$3

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	$1		$1		$4
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	1		1		2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Cumulative Changes In Derivatives Arising During Period Net Of Tax	1		1		0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	0		0		1
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	3		3		7
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification Adjustments			0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0	0	3	0
Other Comprehensive Income Reclassified from AOCI			-4
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax	0	1	-4	1
Foreign currency translation	2	2	-3	-2
Adjustment for defined benefit pension plan termination settlement, net of tax			1
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax	1	-3	1	-2
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	-1	1	-1	1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	2	1	-4	-2
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification Adjustments			-3
Other Comprehensive Income Reclassified from AOCI			0
Unrealized Gain Loss on Derivatives [Member]
Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification Adjustments			1
Other Comprehensive Income Reclassified from AOCI			0
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification Adjustments			-1
Other Comprehensive Income Reclassified from AOCI			$0

AOCI_Reclasses_Details

AOCI Reclasses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of AOCI Reclasses [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$19	$27	$9	$30
Adjustment for defined benefit pension plan termination settlement, net of tax	0	-1	4	-1
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Schedule of AOCI Reclasses [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	0		-6
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	0		2
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Schedule of AOCI Reclasses [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	0		-9
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax	$0		$3

Benefit_Obligations_Defined_Be

Benefit Obligations Defined Benefit (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Lump Sum payment [Member] [Member]

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Lump Sum payment [Member] [Member]

Annuity Payment [Member]

Pension and PBO - Additional Information [Abstract]

Percentage of Pension Plan Participants

72.00%

Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid

$62

$35

Defined benefit pension plan settlement gain

$6

$0

$0

[1]

$6

$0

[1]

$6

[1]

$0

[1]

[1]

(2)During the first quarter of 2013, we had final settlement of our defined benefit pension plan. For additional information see Note 9. Benefit Obligations.

Benefit_Obligations_Defined_Co

Benefit Obligations Defined Contribution (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans - Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$4	$4	$12	$12

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$3	$3	$12	$13
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	10		10
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			1 year 6 months
Employee Restricted Equity Awards [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			580,207
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Forfeitures			12.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$3		$3
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			2 years 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			219,484
Directors Plan [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			53,900
Employees Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			24,003
Total Stock Return (TSR) [Domain] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			195,481

Stockbased_compensation_Parent

Stock-based compensation Parenthetical (Details) (Employee Restricted Equity Awards [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Restricted Equity Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights	The terms of the restricted stock awards include vesting provisions based solely on continued service. If the service criteria are satisfied, the restricted stock awards vest during March of 2014, 2015, and 2016.

Financial_Instruments_Addition

Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	$23	$27
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity Investments	32.00%	31.00%
Debt Instrument, Credit Rating	Our MBS holdings are issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or the Government National Mortgage Association all of which are rated bAAAb by Moodybs Investors Services.
Temporarily Impaired Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	$1	$1

Financial_Instruments_Fair_Val

Financial Instruments Fair Value Table (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]

Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]

US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]

Other Investments [Member]

Other Investments [Member]

Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mutual And Bond Funds [Member]

Mutual And Bond Funds [Member]

Other Government Securities [Member]

Other Government Securities [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Equity Securities [Member]

Equity Securities [Member]

Note Hedge

Note Hedge

Energy Hedges [Member]

Energy Hedges [Member]

Cash Conversion Option Derivative

Cash Conversion Option Derivative

Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures

Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures

Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]

Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]

US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]

Other Investments [Member]

Other Investments [Member]

Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mutual And Bond Funds [Member]

Mutual And Bond Funds [Member]

Other Government Securities [Member]

Other Government Securities [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Equity Securities [Member]

Equity Securities [Member]

Note Hedge

Note Hedge

Energy Hedges [Member]

Energy Hedges [Member]

Energy Hedges [Member]

Cash Conversion Option Derivative

Cash Conversion Option Derivative

Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures

Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Certificates of Deposit, at Carrying Value

$246

$240

$246

$240

Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value

6

6

6

6

Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value

252

246

262

252

246

252

246

Restricted Cash and Investments

194

214

2

2

63

64

15

17

112

119

2

12

194

214

2

2

63

64

15

17

112

119

2

12

Other Restricted Assets

9

14

1

[1],[2]

5

[1],[2]

7

[1]

8

[1]

1

[1]

1

[1]

9

14

1

5

7

8

1

1

Investments, Fair Value Disclosure

50

41

13

[2]

2

[2]

50

41

13

2

Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure

6

6

10

11

4

[3]

5

[3]

13

14

4

[1]

3

[1]

6

6

10

11

4

5

13

14

4

3

Derivative Assets

175

0

175

104

175

104

Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral

0

0

Assets, Fair Value Disclosure

680

619

680

619

Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure

176

105

0

0

176

105

0

0

Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net

0

1

0

1

Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure

$176

$106

$176

$106

[1]

Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

[2]

Included in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

[3]

Included in investments in fixed maturities at market in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Financial_Instruments_Recorded

Financial Instruments Recorded at Carrying Amount (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$2,192		$2,015
Project Debt	265		317
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure	291	[1]	283	[1]
Long-term Debt	2,192		2,015
Project Debt	265		317
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure	291	[1]	283	[1]
Long-term Debt	2,137		2,081
Project Debt	$277		$329
[1]	Includes $23 million and $27 million of noncurrent receivables in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of SeptemberB 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Financial_Instruments_Availabl

Financial Instruments Available for Sale Securities, Debt Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis	$4
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis	16
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis	13
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	33
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	4
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value	16
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value	13
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$33

Financial_Instruments_Temporar

Financial Instruments Temporarily Impaired Securities (Details) (Temporarily Impaired Securities [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$15	$12
Equity Securities [Member]
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	1
Number Of Securities	3	8
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	15	11
Fixed Maturities [Member] | US Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member]
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3	1
Number Of Securities	5	1
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	9	9
Number Of Securities	17	12
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Other Government Securities [Member]
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1	0
Number Of Securities	2	1
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	2	1
Number Of Securities	5	3
Maximum [Member]
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	$1	$1
Expiring One Year From Balance Sheet Date [Member]
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]
Number Of Securities	3
Expiring After One Year From Balance Sheet Date [Member]
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]
Number Of Securities	26

Summary_of_Fair_Value_of_Deriv

Summary of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Note Hedge | Note Hedge
Asset Derivatives:
Derivative asset	$175	$0
Note Hedge | Other noncurrent assets
Asset Derivatives:
Derivative asset	0	104
Cash Conversion Option | Long-Term Debt, Current Portion [Member]
Liability Derivatives:
Derivative liability	176	0
Cash Conversion Option | Long-term debt
Liability Derivatives:
Derivative liability	0	105
Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures | Other noncurrent liabilities
Liability Derivatives:
Derivative liability	$0	$0

Effect_of_Changes_in_Fair_Valu

Effect of Changes in Fair Value Related to Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income (Detail) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Effect on income of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	$0	$1	$0	$1
Note Hedge | Noncash convertible debt related expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Effect on income of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	35	-8	71	33
Cash Conversion Option | Noncash convertible debt related expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Effect on income of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	-35	9	-71	-32
Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures | Noncash convertible debt related expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Effect on income of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	$0	$0	$0	$0

Derivative_Instruments_Additio

Derivative Instruments Additional Information (Detail) (Energy Hedges [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Energy Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$1

Recovered_Sheet4

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2009

Aug. 31, 2004

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Letter of Credit [Member]

Surety Bonds [Member]

Expiring One Year From Balance Sheet Date [Member]

Expiring One Year From Balance Sheet Date [Member]

Expiring One Year From Balance Sheet Date [Member]

Expiring After One Year From Balance Sheet Date [Member]

Expiring After One Year From Balance Sheet Date [Member]

Expiring After One Year From Balance Sheet Date [Member]

Performance Guarantee [Member]

Closure Costs [Member]

Essex EFW Facility [Member]

Essex EFW Facility [Member]

NYC Waste Contract [Member]

Lower Passaic River Study Area [Member]

Lower Passaic River Study Area [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Surety Bonds [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Surety Bonds [Member]

Surety Bonds [Member]

Surety Bonds [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Essex EFW Facility [Member]

Essex EFW Facility [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Number Of Potentially Responsible Parties

67

Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants

300

Other commitments - net

$585

$281

$304

$6

$6

$0

$579

$275

$304

$291

$13

Estimated Capital Expenditures For Project

75

100

110

Estimated Capital Improvements

$30