Covanta Holding (CVA) 10-Q/A 11 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report (amended) Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'CVA	'
Entity Registrant Name	'COVANTA HOLDING CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000225648	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	130,930,910

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'	'
Waste and service revenues	$267	$257	$508	$487
Recycled metals revenues	25	17	46	33
Energy revenues	110	103	230	205
Other operating revenues	30	34	49	58
Total operating revenues	432	411	833	783
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'	'
Plant operating expenses	268	250	550	530
Other operating expenses	29	25	47	42
General and administrative expenses	26	21	47	42
Depreciation and amortization expense	53	52	106	105
Net interest expense on project debt	2	4	5	7
Net write-offs	7	4	16	4
Total operating expenses	385	356	771	730
Operating income (loss)	47	55	62	53
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-33	-29	-62	-58
Non-cash convertible debt related expense	-5	-7	-13	-14
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	-2	-1
Total other expenses	-38	-36	-77	-73
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit) and equity in net income from unconsolidated investments	9	19	-15	-20
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-10	-7	4	9
Equity in net income (loss) from unconsolidated investments	2	1	3	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1	13	-8	-11
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	-51	0	-53
NET INCOME (LOSS)	1	-38	-8	-64
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	0	0	1
Continuing Operations	1	13	-8	-10
Discontinued Operations	0	-51	0	-53
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION	$1	($38)	($8)	($63)
Basic	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0	$0.09	($0.07)	($0.08)
Discontinued operations	$0	($0.39)	$0	($0.41)
Basic	$0	($0.30)	($0.07)	($0.49)
Weighted Average Shares	130	129	129	129
Diluted	'	'	'	'
Continuing Operations	$0	$0.09	($0.07)	($0.08)
Discontinued operations	$0	($0.39)	$0	($0.41)
Diluted	$0	($0.30)	($0.07)	($0.49)
Weighted Average Shares	131	130	129	129
Cash Dividend Declared Per Share:	$0.18	$0.17	$0.36	$0.33

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	$0	$0	$0	($1)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$1	($38)	($8)	($64)
Foreign currency translation	1	0	-2	-5
Adjustment for defined benefit pension plan termination settlement, net of tax	0	0	0	-4
Pension and postretirement plan unrecognized benefits, net of tax benefit	0	0	0	3
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax	-1	2	-5	0
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	1	-1	1	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation	1	1	-6	-6
Comprehensive income (loss)	2	-37	-14	-70
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries	0	0	0	1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	0	0	0	1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation	2	-37	-14	-69
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	0	-51	0	-53
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$0	($51)	$0	($53)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (PARENTHETICAL) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income, Finalization of Pension [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	$0	$0	$0	($2)
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	0	0	0	1
Derivative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	-1	-1	-3	0
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 $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$172	$198
Restricted funds held in trust	50	41
Receivables (less allowances)	284	265
Unbilled service receivables	8	16
Deferred income taxes	39	25
Note Hedge	0	78
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	103	110
Assets Held-for-sale, Current	4	7
Total Current Assets	660	740
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,656	2,636
Investments in fixed maturities at market	31	32
Restricted funds held in trust	114	126
Unbilled service receivables	10	13
Waste, service and energy contracts, net	333	364
Other intangible assets, net	20	20
Goodwill	296	249
Investments in investees and joint ventures	41	47
Other assets	160	151
Total Assets	4,321	4,378
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	2	528
Current portion of project debt	48	55
Accounts payable	49	24
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	241	250
Liabilities held for sale	1	2
Total Current Liabilities	341	859
Long-term debt	2,034	1,557
Project debt	171	181
Deferred income taxes	784	722
Waste and service contracts	24	30
Other liabilities	116	118
Total Liabilities	3,470	3,467
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	14
Additional paid-in capital	799	790
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-8	-2
Accumulated earnings	51	106
Treasury stock, at par	-1	-1
Total Covanta Holding Corporation stockholders' equity	855	907
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	-4	4
Total Equity	851	911
Total Liabilities and Equity	$4,321	$4,378

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Receivables, allowances	$6	$4
Investments in fixed maturities at cost	$31	$32
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	136
Common stock, shares outstanding	131	130

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$1	($8)	($64)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	0	0	53
Income (loss) from continuing operations	1	-8	-11
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	53	106	105
Amortization of long-term debt deferred financing costs	'	4	4
Amortization of debt premium and discount	'	0	-1
Net write-offs	7	16	4
Defined benefit pension plan settlement gain	'	0	-6
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	2	1
Non-cash convertible debt related expense	5	13	14
Stock-based compensation expense	4	8	9
Equity in net income (loss) from unconsolidated investments	-2	-3	0
Dividends from unconsolidated investments	'	10	6
Deferred income taxes	'	1	-6
Other, net	'	1	-6
Change in restricted funds held in trust	'	1	8
Change in working capital	'	-8	-17
Total adjustments for continuing operations	'	151	115
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	'	143	104
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations	'	0	-7
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	143	97
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Proceeds from the sale of investment securities	'	4	4
Purchase of investment securities	'	-2	-15
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	'	-115	-97
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	'	0	-14
Other, net	'	-1	-3
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	'	-114	-125
Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations	'	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	'	-114	-125
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt	'	400	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	'	-10	-1
Principal payments on long-term debt	'	-556	-2
Payments related to Cash Conversion Option	'	-83	0
Proceeds from settlement of Note Hedge	'	83	0
Principal payments on project debt	'	-18	-29
Payments of borrowings on revolving credit facility	'	-221	-206
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility	'	391	292
Change in restricted funds held in trust	'	1	-3
Cash dividends paid to stockholders	'	-45	-22
Common stock repurchased	'	0	-34
Other, net	'	5	-18
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations	'	-53	-23
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities from discontinued operations	'	-2	10
Net cash used in financing activities	'	-55	-13
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	'	-1	0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	'	-27	-41
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	'	200	246
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	173	173	'
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at end of period	1	1	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$172	$172	'

ORGANIZATION_AND_BASIS_OF_PRES

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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”), and also owns and operates related waste transport and disposal and other renewable energy production businesses. EfW 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 and/or steam, generally under contracts, as well as from the sale of metal recovered during the EfW 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 11 other energy generation facilities, primarily consisting of 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 have one reportable segment, North America, which is comprised of waste and energy services operations located primarily in the United States and Canada. For additional information, see Note 6. Financial Information by Business Segments.
	We hold equity interests in EfW 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.
	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 ending December 31, 2014. 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, 2013 (“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.
	Reclassification
	During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, certain amounts have been reclassified in our prior period condensed consolidated statement of operations to conform to current year presentation and such amounts were not material to current and prior periods.

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMEN

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance for accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. The standard states that a performance target in a share-based payment that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period should be accounted for as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. We are required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and early adoption is permitted. This standard will not have an impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance for recognizing revenue which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of this update is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. Further, the guidance requires disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. We are required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The amended guidance permits the initial application to be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment made at the date of initial application. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an update modifying the criteria under which asset disposal activities qualify for presentation as a discontinued operation. The amendment restricts presentation as a discontinued operation to disposals that represent a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The amendments in this update are to be applied prospectively to all disposals or classifications as held for sale of components of an entity. We are required to adopt this standard for the first quarter of 2015. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals or classifications as held for sale that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. Future asset disposals will be evaluated based on this new criterion.
	In January 2014, the FASB issued an update concerning accounting for service concession arrangements. The amendments apply to an operating entity of a service concession arrangement entered into with a public-sector entity grantor when the arrangement meets both of the following conditions: (i) the grantor controls or has the ability to modify or approve the services that the operating entity must provide with the infrastructure, to whom it must provide them, and at what price; and (ii) the grantor controls, through ownership, beneficial entitlement, or otherwise, any residual interest in the infrastructure at the end of the term of the arrangement. The amendments in this update are to be applied on a modified retrospective basis to service concession arrangements that exist at the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year of adoption. We are required to adopt this standard for the first quarter of 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Since many of our agreements are with public-sector entities, we are currently evaluating the requirements of this update to determine the effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

BUSINESS_DEVELOPMENT_AND_ORGAN

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANIC GROWTH (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Acquisitions, Business Developtment and Dispositions [Abstract]	'
Business Development and Organic Growth	'
	NOTE 3. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANIC GROWTH
	New York City Waste Transport and Disposal Contract
	In 2013, New York City awarded us a contract to handle waste transport and disposal from two marine transfer stations located in Queens and Manhattan. We plan to utilize capacity at existing facilities for the disposal of approximately 800,000 tons per year of New York City's municipal solid waste relating to this contract. 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 pending notice to proceed to be issued by New York City. The contract is for 20 years, effective from the date operations commence, with options for New York City to extend the term for two additional five-year periods, and requires waste to be transported using a multi-modal approach. We have begun to purchase equipment, including barges, railcars, containers, and intermodal equipment to support this contract. We expect that our total initial investment will be approximately $140 million, including the cost to acquire equipment of approximately $110 million and $30 million of enhancements to existing facilities that will be part of the network of assets supporting this contract. These investments commenced in 2013 and will be made over several years. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, we invested $38 million and $23 million, respectively, in property, plant and equipment relating to this contract.
	Fairfax Energy-from-Waste Facility
	In April 2014, we entered into a waste disposal agreement with our client at the Fairfax EfW facility, extending our relationship under a tip fee arrangement effective at the end of the current service agreement in February 2016. The initial term of the new agreement will end in 2021 with two additional five year renewal periods upon mutual agreement of the parties. Beginning in 2016, the client will provide approximately 60% of the facility's waste capacity under the new agreement.
	Niagara Energy-from-waste facility
	At our Niagara EfW facility, we installed a new natural gas package boiler to augment the steam generation from our EfW boilers, as well as a steam line connection to new customers. The improvements, which began in 2012, were essentially complete by the second quarter of 2014. The boiler is expected to be operational in the third quarter of 2014. Capital expenditures related to these improvements were $3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and $13 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
	York Energy-from-waste facility
	In May 2014, we extended the service agreement for the York EfW facility from 2015 to 2020 on substantially the same terms as the existing agreement.
	Organic Growth Investments
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we invested approximately $16 million in organic growth investments, primarily for the Niagara natural gas package boiler ($3 million), Essex particulate emissions control system ($6 million) and various metals recovery systems ($4 million).

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_DISCON

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, assets related to our development activities in the United Kingdom met the criteria for classification as Discontinued Operations. The assets and liabilities associated with these businesses are presented in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as Current "Assets Held for Sale” and Current "Liabilities Held for Sale”. The results of operations of these businesses are included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as “Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax.” The cash flows of these businesses are also presented separately in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. All corresponding prior year periods presented in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been reclassified to reflect the discontinued operations presentation. The following table summarizes the operating results of the discontinued operations for the periods indicated (in millions):
		Three Months Ended					For the Six Months Ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Revenues	$	—	$	2		$	1	$	3
	Operating expenses	$	—	$	53		$	1	$	57
	Loss before income tax expense and equity in net income from unconsolidated investments	$	—	$	(51	)	$	—	$	(54	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of $0, $0, $0 and $1, respectively	$	—	$	(51	)	$	—	$	(53	)
	Write-off of capitalized development costs included in Operating expenses	$	—	$	47		$	—	$	47
	The following table sets forth the assets and liabilities of the assets held for sale included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of the dates indicated (in millions):
		As of
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1	$	2
	Accounts receivable	—		2
	Other noncurrent assets	3		3
	Assets held for sale	$	4	$	7
	Accrued expenses and other	$	1	$	2
	Liabilities held for sale	$	1	$	2

EQUITY_AND_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_

EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 5. EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”) AND EQUITY
	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 of the periods presented does not include securities if their effect was anti-dilutive (in millions, except per share amounts).
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$	1			$	13			$	(8	)	$	(10	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations	—				(51		)		—			(53		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation	$	1			$	(38	)		$	(8	)	$	(63	)
	Basic income (loss) per share:
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	130				129				129			129
	Continuing operations	$	—			$	0.09			$	(0.07	)	$	(0.08	)
	Discontinued operations	—				(0.39		)		—			(0.41		)
	Basic income (loss) per share	$	—			$	(0.30	)		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.49	)
	Diluted income (loss) per share:
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	130				129				129			129
	Dilutive effect of stock options	—				—				—			—
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock	1				1				—			—
	Dilutive effect of convertible securities	—								—			—
	Dilutive effect of warrants	—				—				—			—
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	131				130				129			129
	Continuing operations	$	—			$	0.09			$	(0.07	)	$	(0.08	)
	Discontinued operations	—				(0.39		)		—			(0.41		)
	Diluted income (loss) per share	$	—			$	(0.30	)		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.49	)
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Securities excluded from the weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
	Stock options	2			2			2			2
	Restricted stock	—			—			1			1
	Restricted stock units	—			—			—			—
	Warrants	30			29			30			29
	In 2009, we issued warrants in connection with the issuance of 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes which matured on June 1, 2014. The warrants are exercisable only at expiration in equal tranches over a 60 day period beginning on September 2, 2014 and ending on November 26, 2014. These warrants could have a dilutive effect to the extent that the price of our common stock exceeds the applicable strike price of $21.05. As of June 30, 2014, 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.
Equity and Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	Equity
	In May 2014, the stockholders of the Company approved the Covanta Holding Corporation 2014 Equity Award Plan (the “Plan”), to provide incentive compensation to non-employee directors, officers and employees, and to consolidate the two previously existing equity compensation plans into a single plan: the Company’s Equity Award Plan for Employees and Officers (the “Former Employee Plan”) and the Company’s Equity Award Plan for Directors (the “Former Director Plan,” and together with the Former Employee Plan, the “Former Plans”). Shares that were available for issuance under the Former Plans will be available for issuance under the Plan. The stockholders of the Company also approved the authorization of 6 million new shares of our common stock for issuance under the Plan.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we granted awards of 720,217 shares of restricted stock and 246,825 restricted stock units. For information related to stock-based award plans, see Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we withheld 216,477 shares of our common stock in connection with tax withholdings for vested stock awards.
	Dividends declared to stockholders were as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Cash dividend
	Declared	$	24			$	22			$	48		$	44
	Per Share	$	0.18			$	0.165			$	0.36		$	0.33
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries were as follows (in millions):
			As of June 30,
			2014				2013
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, balance as of beginning of period		$	4			$	7
	Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries		(8		)		(2		)
	Net loss		—				(1		)
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, balance as of end of period		$	(4	)		$	4
	In June 2014, we exercised our option to acquire a nominal general partner interest held by a third party in our subsidiary which owns and operates the Southeastern Massachusetts ("Semass") Energy-from-Waste facility.

FINANCIAL_INFORMATION_BY_BUSIN

FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS	'
	NOTE 6. FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS
	We have one reportable segment, North America, which is comprised of waste and energy services operations located primarily in the United States and Canada. The results of our reportable segment are as follows (in millions):
		North America		All Other  (1)			Total
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
	Operating revenues	$	420	$	12		$	432
	Depreciation and amortization expense	52		1			53
	Net write-offs	7		—			7
	Operating income (loss)	51		(4		)	47
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Operating revenues	$	402	$	9		$	411
	Depreciation and amortization expense	52		—			52
	Net write-offs	4		—			4
	Operating income (loss)	57		(2		)	55
		North America		All Other  (1)			Total
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
	Operating revenues	$	811	$	22		$	833
	Depreciation and amortization expense	104		2			106
	Net write-offs	16		—			16
	Operating income (loss)	66		(4		)	62
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Operating revenues	$	765	$	18		$	783
	Depreciation and amortization expense	104		1			105
	Net write-offs	4		—			4
	Operating income (loss)	57		(4		)	53
	-1	All other is comprised of the financial results of our insurance subsidiaries’ operations and our international assets.

CONSOLIDATED_DEBT_Notes

CONSOLIDATED DEBT (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 7. CONSOLIDATED DEBT
	Consolidated debt is as follows (in millions):
		As of
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	LONG-TERM DEBT:
	Revolving credit facility	$	280		$	110
	Term loan	199			294
	Debt discount related to Term loan	—			(1		)
	Term loan, net	199			293
	Credit Facilities Sub-total	$	479		$	403
	7.25% Senior Notes due 2020	$	400		$	400
	6.375% Senior Notes due 2022	400			400
	5.875% Senior Notes due 2024	400			—
	3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014	—			460
	Debt discount related to 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes	—			(13		)
	Cash conversion option derivative at fair value	—			78
	3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes, net	—			525
	Notes Sub-total	$	1,200		$	1,325
	4.00% - 5.25% Tax-Exempt Bonds due from 2024 to 2042	$	335		$	335
	Variable Rate Tax-Exempt Bonds due 2043	22			22
	Tax-Exempt Bonds Sub-total	$	357		$	357
	Total long-term debt	$	2,036		$	2,085
	Less: current portion (includes $0 and $13 of unamortized discount, respectively, and $0 and $78 of cash conversion option derivative at fair value, respectively)	(2		)	(528		)
	Noncurrent long-term debt	$	2,034		$	1,557
	PROJECT DEBT:
	North America project debt
	4.00% - 7.00% project debt related to Service Fee structures due 2014 through 2022	$	152		$	167
	5.248% - 8.375% project debt related to Tip Fee structures due 2014 through 2020	44			45
	Unamortized debt premium, net	1			1
	Total North America project debt	197			213
	Other project debt	22			23
	Total project debt	219			236
	Less: Current project debt (includes $1 and $1 of unamortized premium, respectively)	(48		)	(55		)
	Noncurrent project debt	$	171		$	181
	TOTAL CONSOLIDATED DEBT	$	2,255		$	2,321
	Less: Current debt	(50		)	(583		)
	TOTAL NONCURRENT CONSOLIDATED DEBT	$	2,205		$	1,738
	In July 2014, we refinanced a portion of our project debt related to the Delaware Valley EfW facility with tax-exempt corporate variable-rate demand bonds. For more information see Note 14. Subsequent Events.
	Credit Facilities
	Our subsidiary, Covanta Energy, has senior secured credit facilities consisting of a $1.0 billion revolving credit facility expiring in 2019 (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and a $199 million term loan due 2019 (the “Term Loan”) (collectively referred to as the "Credit Facilities").
	On March 21, 2014, we amended the Credit Facilities to:
	•	extend the termination date of the Revolving Credit Facility by two years from March 28, 2017 to March 21, 2019;
	•	increase the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Facility by $100 million to $1.0 billion; and
	•	reduce the applicable margin payable on the Term Loan by 25 basis points, as noted below under Interest and Fees.
	We incurred approximately $3 million in costs related to this amendment which will be deferred and amortized over the remaining term of the Credit Facilities.
	On March 20, 2014, we made a voluntary prepayment on the Term Loan of $95 million, reducing the outstanding principal to $200 million.
	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.
	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 June 30, 2014, we had availability under the Revolving Credit Facility as follows (in millions):
		Total			Expiring		Direct Borrowings as of		Outstanding Letters of Credit as of		Availability as of
		Available					30-Jun-14		30-Jun-14		30-Jun-14
		Under  Credit Facility
	Revolving Credit Facility	$	1,000		2019		$	280	$	265	$	455
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we borrowed $391 million under the Revolving Credit Facility, and subsequently repaid $221 million.
	Repayment Terms
	As of June 30, 2014, the Term Loan has mandatory amortization payments of $1 million for the remainder of 2014, $2 million in each of the years 2015 to 2018 and $190 million in 2019. The Credit Facilities 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 a pricing grid, in the case of the Revolving Credit Facility, which is 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 London Interbank Offered Rate, commonly referred to as “LIBOR”, or a comparable or successor rate, 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. Effective March 21, 2014 the Term Loan bears interest, at our option, at either (i) the base rate plus an applicable margin of 1.50% , or (ii) LIBOR plus an applicable margin of to 2.50%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.75%.
	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 June 30, 2014.
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.
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 (the "5.875% Notes")
In March 2014, we sold $400 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% Senior Notes due March 2024. Interest on the 5.875% Notes is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing on September 1, 2014, and the 5.875% Notes will mature on March 1, 2024 unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. Net proceeds from the sale of the 5.875% Notes were approximately $393 million, consisting of gross proceeds of $400 million net of approximately $7 million in offering expenses. We used the net proceeds of the 5.875% Notes offering for the repayment of the 3.25% Cash Convertible Notes at maturity on June 1, 2014.
The 5.875% Notes are senior unsecured obligations, ranking equally in right of payment with any of the current and future senior unsecured indebtedness of Covanta Holding Corporation. The 5.875% Notes are effectively junior to our existing and future secured indebtedness, including any guarantee of indebtedness under the Credit Facilities. The 5.875% Notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.
The 5.875% Notes are subject to redemption at our option, at any time on or after March 1, 2019, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices set forth in the prospectus supplement, plus accrued and unpaid interest. At any time prior to March 1, 2017, we may redeem up to 35% of the original principal amount of the 5.875% Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 105.875% of the principal amount of the 5.875% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. At any time prior to March 1, 2019, we may also redeem the 5.875% Notes, in whole but not in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.875% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and a “make-whole premium.” The occurrence of specific kinds of changes in control will be a triggering event requiring us to offer to purchase from the holders all or a portion of the 5.875% Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, certain asset dispositions will be triggering events that may require us to use the proceeds from those asset dispositions to make an offer to purchase the 5.875% Notes at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase if such proceeds are not otherwise used within 365 days to repay indebtedness or to invest or commit to invest such proceeds in additional assets related to our business or capital stock of a restricted subsidiary.
3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 (the “3.25% Notes”)
On June 1, 2014, we repaid the $460 million of 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes utilizing net proceeds from the March 2014 5.875% Notes issuance.
During the period from March 1, 2014 to May 30, 2014, and under certain additional limited circumstances, the 3.25% Notes were cash convertible by holders thereof (the "Cash Conversion Option"). The conversion rate was 64.6669 shares of our common stock (which represented a conversion price of approximately $15.46 per share) for the period from March 17, 2014 through March 21, 2014, and 65.3501 shares of our common stock (which represented a conversion price of approximately $15.30 per share), as adjusted for the dividend paid on April 2, 2014, for the period from March 24, 2014 to May 30, 2014. We did not deliver common stock (or any other securities) upon conversion. Upon maturity, we were required to pay $83 million to satisfy the obligation under the Cash Conversion Option in addition to the principal amount of the 3.25% Notes.
In connection with the issuance of 3.25% Notes offering, we entered into privately negotiated cash convertible note hedge transactions (the “Note Hedge”) with affiliates of certain of the initial purchasers of the 3.25% Notes (the “Option Counterparties”) which we cash-settled for $83 million upon maturity of the 3.25% Notes and effectively offset our liability under the Cash Conversion Option. The income recognized as a result of changes in the credit valuation adjustment related to the note hedge was not material.
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 approximately $21.05 and settle on a net share basis. The Warrants are exercisable only at expiration in equal tranches over a 60 day period beginning on September 2, 2014 and ending on November 26, 2014. For additional information, see Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in this Quarterly report on Form 10-Q and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in our Form 10-K.
For specific criteria related to the 3.25% Notes and details related to the Cash Conversion Option, 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.
Variable Rate Tax-Exempt Demand Bonds due 2043 ("Variable Rate Bonds")
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 June 30, 2014, the weekly interest rate was 0.10%.
For specific criteria related to redemption features of the Variable Rate Bonds, refer to Note 11. Consolidated Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, we incurred approximately $2 million and $1 million, pre-tax, respectively, of loss on extinguishment of debt expense comprised of the write-off of unamortized discounts and deferred financing costs resulting from amendments to the Credit Facilities completed during the respective periods.

INCOME_TAXES_Notes

INCOME TAXES (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	NOTE 8. 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.
	We currently estimate that our ETR for the year ending December 31, 2014 will be approximately 54%. We review the annual effective tax rate on a quarterly basis as projections are revised and laws are enacted. The ETR was approximately 25% and 41% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. This decrease primarily resulted from the impact of the error correction discussed below, reductions in the tax rate from changes to the entity structure, and the decrease in the state tax rate from tax law changes.
	During the second quarter of 2014, we increased goodwill and net non-current deferred income tax liabilities by $47 million to correct the purchase price allocation associated with the ARC Holdings acquisition in June 2005. This correction related to the deferred tax impact associated with partnership entities that were owned by ARC Holdings at the time of the acquisition and is immaterial to prior periods and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.  The correction of this error increased income tax expense by $4 million and decreased earnings per share by $0.03 per share for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.
	Uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest and penalties, were $128 million as of both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2014 are potential benefits of $128 million that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. For both the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, we recognized a net tax expense for uncertain tax positions of less than $1 million, including interest and penalties. We have accrued interest and penalties associated with liabilities for uncertain tax positions of $1 million for both periods ended June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. 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 or all 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 $343 million for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2013, based on the income tax returns filed and projected to be filed. The federal NOLs will expire in various amounts from December 31, 2028 through December 31, 2032, if not used. In addition to the consolidated federal NOLs, as of December 31, 2013, we had state NOL carryforwards of approximately $466 million, which expire between 2014 and 2033, net foreign NOL carryforwards of approximately $30 million expiring between 2014 and 2032, federal tax credit carryforwards, including production tax credits of $53 million expiring between 2024 and 2033, and minimum tax credits of $7 million with no expiration. These deferred tax assets are offset by a valuation allowance of approximately $42 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION	'
	NOTE 9. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
	Operating Revenues
	The components of waste and service revenues are as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
	Waste and service revenue unrelated to project debt	$	261		$	248			$	496		$	469
	Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt - principal	5			8				10			16
	Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt - interest	1			1				2			2
	Total waste and service revenue	$	267		$	257			$	508		$	487
	Under some of our service agreements, we bill fees to municipalities 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
	Renewable Energy Credits
	Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”) are environmental commodities that can be sold and traded in certain states, and represent the renewable energy attributes created when electricity is produced from an eligible renewable energy source. The RECs are recognized at fair value as a reduction to plant operating expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as an intangible asset within other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets on the date the renewable energy is generated. The fair value amount recognized is reduced by a valuation allowance for those RECs which management believes will ultimately be sold at below market or depressed market prices. As the RECs are delivered, the intangible asset is relieved. Fair values for the RECs are based on prices established by executed contracts, pending contracts or management estimates of current market prices. The total RECs amount recognized as a reduction to plant operating expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations were $5 million and $3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $11 million and $5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	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 $15 million and $18 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $30 million and $35 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Other operating expenses
	The components of other operating expenses are as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
	Construction costs	$	28		$	32			$	45		$	54
	Insurance subsidiary operating expenses	1			1				2			3
	Defined benefit pension plan settlement gain (1)	—			—				—			(6		)
	Other (2)	—			(8		)		—			(9		)
	Total other operating expenses	$	29		$	25			$	47		$	42
	-1	During the first quarter of 2013, we recorded a gain related to the final settlement of our defined benefit pension plan. For additional information, refer to Note 16. Employee Benefit Plans of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
	-2	During the three months ended June 30, 2013, we recognized operating income of $8 million related to early termination of a power purchase agreement.
	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 June 30, 2014 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)
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014	$	15		$	(6	)
	Remainder of 2014	$	14		$	(5	)
	2015	25			(6		)
	2016	22			(6		)
	2017	15			(4		)
	2018	13			(2		)
	Thereafter	244			(1		)
	Total	$	333		$	(24	)
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we recorded non-cash impairment write-offs totaling $16 million related to service contract intangibles that were recorded upon acquisition in 2009. See Net Write-offs discussion below for additional information.
	Net write-offs
	The components of net write-offs are as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
	Americas segment:
	Write-off of intangible asset - Hudson Valley EfW facility (1)	$	—		$	—			$	9		$	—
	Write-off of intangible asset - Abington Transfer Station (2)	7			—				7			—
	Write-off of loan issued for the Harrisburg EfW facility to fund certain facility improvements (3)	—			4				—			4
	Total net write-offs	$	7		$	4			$	16		$	4
	-1	See Hudson Valley Energy-from-Waste Facility discussion below.
	-2	See Abington Transfer Station discussion below.
	-3	See Harrisburg Energy-from-Waste Facility discussion below.
	Hudson Valley Energy-from-Waste Facility
	On June 30, 2014, our service agreement with the Dutchess County Resource Recovery Agency under which we operated the Hudson Valley EfW facility expired. We were notified in April 2014 that we will not receive an extension of this contract, therefore, during the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recorded a $9 million non-cash impairment write-off of the intangible asset, based on the expected cash flows over the remaining life of the contract, that was recorded upon acquisition in 2009.
	Abington Transfer Station
	On April 3, 2014, the Montgomery County (PA) Commissioners (the “County”) unanimously voted to dissolve the Waste System Authority of Eastern Montgomery County (the “WSA”). The Abington transfer station was constructed by the County and subsequently deeded to the WSA, which was responsible for its operation. We expect to operate the transfer station through the end of the current contract, which expires on December 31, 2014. However, due to the dissolution of the WSA, it is not able to renew our current contract to operate the Abington transfer station. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, we recorded a non-cash impairment write-off of $7 million of the service contract intangible, based on the expected cash flows over the remaining life of the contract, that was recorded upon acquisition in 2009.
	Harrisburg Energy-from-Waste Facility
	During the three months ended June 30, 2013, we recorded a non-cash write-off of $4 million associated with funds advanced related to the Harrisburg EfW facility. For additional details, refer to Note 14. Supplementary Information of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
Non-Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense
The components of non-cash convertible debt related expense are as follows (in millions):
	Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	June 30,							June 30,
	2014			2013				2014			2013
Debt discount accretion related to the 3.25% Notes	$	5		$	7			$	13		$	14
Fair value changes related to the cash convertible note hedge	(4		)	—				(5		)	(36		)
Fair value changes related to the cash conversion option derivative	4			—				5			36
Total non-cash convertible debt related expense	$	5		$	7			$	13		$	14
Goodwill
The following table details the changes in carrying value of goodwill (in millions):
	Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	249
Purchase price allocation correction associated with the ARC Holdings acquisition in June 2005 (See Note 8)	47
Balance as of June 30, 2014	$	296
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 Loss on Derivatives			Net Unrealized Gain on Securities			Total
Balance December 31, 2012	$	4		$	2			$	—		$	1		$	7
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(5		)	3				—			—			(2		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(4		)		—			—			(4		)
Net current period comprehensive (loss)	(5		)	(1		)		—			—			(6		)
Balance June 30, 2013	$	(1	)	$	1			$	—		$	1		$	1
Balance December 31, 2013	$	—		$	2			$	(5	)	$	1		$	(2	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(2		)	—				(5		)	1			(6		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—				—			—			—
Net current period comprehensive (loss) income	(2		)	—				(5		)	1			(6		)
Balance June 30, 2014	$	(2	)	$	2			$	(10	)	$	2		$	(8	)
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 Six Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Component		June 30, 2013							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_Notes

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	NOTE 10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	In May 2014, the stockholders of the Company approved the Covanta Holding Corporation 2014 Equity Award Plan. For additional information, see Note 5. Earnings Per Share and Equity.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we awarded certain employees grants of 664,844 shares of restricted stock and 39,592 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 2015, 2016, and 2017.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we awarded an additional 207,233 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 8, 2014, we awarded 55,373 shares of restricted stock for annual director compensation. We determined 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 $4 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 and $8 million and $9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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 June 30, 2014
		Unrecognized stock-	Weighted-average years
		based compensation	to be recognized
	Restricted Stock Awards	$12	1.6
	Restricted Stock Units	$4	2

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Notes

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 June 30, 2014. Such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since June 30, 2014, 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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
					As of
	Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:		Fair Value Measurement Level		30-Jun-14				31-Dec-13
					(In millions)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Bank deposits and certificates of deposit		1		$	164			$	195
	Money market funds		1		8				3
	Total cash and cash equivalents:				172				198
	Restricted funds held in trust:
	Bank deposits and certificates of deposit		1		3				4
	Money market funds		1		50				52
	U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations (1)		1		1				2
	State and municipal obligations		1		95				97
	Commercial paper/Guaranteed investment contracts/Repurchase agreements		1		15				12
	Total restricted funds held in trust:				164				167
	Restricted funds — other:
	Bank deposits and certificates of deposit (2)(3)		1		1				1
	Money market funds (3)		1		3				5
	Residential mortgage-backed securities (3)		1		1				1
	Total restricted funds other:				5				7
	Investments:
	Mutual and bond funds (2)(3)		1		14				13
	Investments available for sale:
	U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations (4)		1		7				6
	Residential mortgage-backed securities (4)		1		9				10
	Other government obligations (4)		1		5				4
	Corporate investments (4)		1		10				12
	Equity securities (3)		1		3				4
	Total investments:				48				49
	Derivative Asset — Note Hedge		2		—				78
	Total assets:				$	389			$	499
	Liabilities:
	Derivative Liability — Cash Conversion Option		2		$	—			$	78
	Derivative Liabilities — Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures		2		—				0
	Derivative Liability — Energy Hedges		2		15				8
	Total liabilities:				$	15			$	86
	The following financial instruments are recorded at their carrying amount (in millions).
			As of June 30, 2014								As of December 31, 2013
	Financial Instruments Recorded at Carrying Amount:		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying			Estimated
			Amount				Fair Value				Amount			Fair Value
	Assets:
	Accounts receivable (5)		$	308			$	308			$	289		$	289
	Liabilities:
	Long-term debt		$	2,036			$	2,134			$	2,085		$	2,092
	Project debt		$	219			$	232			$	236		$	248
	-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 $24 million of noncurrent receivables in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income was not material for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
	The expected maturities of fixed maturity securities, by amortized cost and fair value are shown below (in millions):
		As of June 30, 2014
	Amortized Cost				Fair Value
Available-for-sale:
One year or less	$	6			$	6
Over one year to five years	11				11
Over five years to ten years	14				14
More than ten years	—				—
Total fixed maturities	$	31			$	31
Our fixed maturities held by our insurance subsidiary include mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, collectively (“MBS”) representing 28% and 31% of the total fixed maturities as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Our MBS holdings were 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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the aggregate losses from temporarily impaired investments were less than $1 million. As of June 30, 2014, two of the temporarily impaired fixed maturity investments had maturities less than 12 months and 27 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 June 30, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
Description of Investments		Fair				Number of Investments		Fair				Number of Investments
		Value						Value
U.S. Treasury and other direct U.S. Government obligations		$	3			4		$	6			8
Residential mortgage-backed securities		7				15		8				18
Other government obligations		2				6		1				3
Corporate bonds		2				4		2				3
Total fixed maturities		14						17
Equity securities		—				3		—				3
Total temporarily impaired investments		$	14					$	17

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Notes

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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	June 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Asset Derivatives:
	Note Hedge	Note Hedge	$	—		$	78
	Liability Derivatives:
	Cash Conversion Option	Current portion of long-term debt	$	—		$	78
	Contingent interest features of the Debentures and 3.25% Notes		$	—		$	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 Six Months Ended
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated	Recognized in Income on	June 30,					June 30,
	As Hedging Instruments	Derivatives
			2014			2013		2014			2013
	Note Hedge	Non-cash convertible debt related expense	$	4		$	—	$	5		$	36
	Cash Conversion Option	Non-cash convertible debt related expense	(4		)	—		(5		)	(36		)
	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		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—
	Cash Conversion Option, Note Hedge and Contingent Interest features related to the 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes
	The cash conversion option was a derivative instrument which was recorded at fair value quarterly with any change in fair value recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as non-cash convertible debt related expense. The note hedge was accounted for as a derivative instrument and, as such, was recorded at fair value quarterly with any change in fair value recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as non-cash convertible debt related expense.
	The 3.25% Notes matured on June 1, 2014. Upon maturity, we were required to pay $83 million to satisfy the obligation under the cash conversion option in addition to the principal amount of the 3.25% Notes.  The note hedge settled for $83 million and effectively offset our exposure to the cash payments in excess of the principal amount made under the cash conversion option. The income recognized as a result of changes in the credit valuation adjustment related to the note hedge was not material.
	For specific details related to the cash conversion option, note hedge and contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes, refer to Note 7. Consolidated Debt and 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 short-term 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. We have entered into agreements with various financial institutions to hedge approximately 1.4 million MWh, 1.0 million MWh and 0.4 million MWh of energy production from exposure to market risk for fiscal years 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. As of June 30, 2014, the fair value of the energy derivatives of $15 million, pre-tax, was recorded as a current liability and as a component of AOCI. As of June 30, 2014, the amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not material.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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. On April 11, 2014, EPA released for public comment a Focused Feasibility Study (“FFS”) proposing a capping/dredging plan for the lower 8 miles of the 17 mile LPRSA. EPA has indicated it expects the FFS public comment and response period to take approximately one year. The Essex facility started operating in 1990 and Essex does not believe there have been any releases to the LPRSA, but in any event believes any releases would have been de minimis considering the history of the LPRSA; however, it is not possible at this time to predict that outcome or to estimate the range of possible loss relating to Essex’s liability in the matter, including for LPRSA remedial costs and/or natural resource damages.
	California Matter. In March 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 therefrom will have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	North Carolina Transformer Site Matter. In December 2012, our subsidiary, Covanta Dade Power Corp. (“Dade”) received a letter from the EPA indicating 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; and subject to indemnity by Veolia Environmental Services North America, LLC, from which we acquired Dade in 2010; 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 June 30, 2014 were as follows (in millions):
			Commitments Expiring by Period
			Total		Less Than		More Than
					One Year		One Year
	Letters of credit		$	265	$	17	$	248
	Surety bonds		312		—		312
	Total other commitments — net		$	577	$	17	$	560
	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 ($296 million) and support for closure obligations of various energy projects when such projects cease operating ($16 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, 5.875% Notes and Tax-Exempt Bonds. These arise as follows:
	•	holders may require us to repurchase their 7.25% Notes, 6.375% Notes, 5.875% Notes and Tax-Exempt Bonds 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 redemption features of the 5.875% Notes, see Note 7. Consolidated Debt. For specific criteria related to contingent interest, conversion or redemption features of the 7.25% Notes or 6.375% Notes, see Item 8. Financial Statements And Supplementary Data — Note 11. Consolidated Debt 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.
	Benefit Obligations - 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 June 30, 2014 and 2013 and $8 million for both the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Essex Energy-from-Waste Facility
	We are implementing significant operational improvements at our Essex EfW facility, including a state-of-the-art particulate emissions control system, at a total estimated cost of $90 million. Construction on the system commenced in 2014 and is expected to be completed by 2016. Capital expenditures related to these improvements totaled approximately $6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The facility's environmental performance is currently compliant with all environmental permits and will be further improved with the installation of this equipment.
	New York City Waste Transport and Disposal Contract
	In August 2013, New York City awarded us a contract to handle waste transport and disposal from two marine transfer stations located in Queens and Manhattan. We expect that our total initial investment will be approximately $140 million including the cost to acquire equipment of approximately $110 million and approximately $30 million of enhancements to existing facilities that will be part of the network of assets supporting this contract. These investments commenced in 2013 and will be made over several years. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, we invested $38 million and $23 million, respectively, in property, plant and equipment relating to this contract. For additional information, see Note 3. Business Development and Organic Growth.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT_SUBSEQUENT_EV

SUBSEQUENT EVENT SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Tax-Exempt Corporate Bonds
	On July 1, 2014, we issued $12 million of 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 $12 million of project debt at our Delaware Valley facility due on July 1, 2014.

ORGANIZATION_AND_BASIS_OF_PRES1

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	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.
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.
Reclassifications [Text Block]	'
	Reclassification
	During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, certain amounts have been reclassified in our prior period condensed consolidated statement of operations to conform to current year presentation and such amounts were not material to current and prior periods.
Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, assets related to our development activities in the United Kingdom met the criteria for classification as Discontinued Operations. The assets and liabilities associated with these businesses are presented in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as Current "Assets Held for Sale” and Current "Liabilities Held for Sale”. The results of operations of these businesses are included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as “Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax.” The cash flows of these businesses are also presented separately in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. All corresponding prior year periods presented in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been reclassified to reflect the discontinued operations presentation.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	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 of the periods presented does not include securities if their effect was anti-dilutive (in millions, except per share amounts).
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 fees to municipalities 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.
Renewable Energy Credits Policy [Text Block]	'
	Renewable Energy Credits
	Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”) are environmental commodities that can be sold and traded in certain states, and represent the renewable energy attributes created when electricity is produced from an eligible renewable energy source. The RECs are recognized at fair value as a reduction to plant operating expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as an intangible asset within other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets on the date the renewable energy is generated. The fair value amount recognized is reduced by a valuation allowance for those RECs which management believes will ultimately be sold at below market or depressed market prices. As the RECs are delivered, the intangible asset is relieved. Fair values for the RECs are based on prices established by executed contracts, pending contracts or management estimates of current market prices.
Pass Through Costs Policy [Text Block]	'
	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.
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	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
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 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	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 June 30, 2014. Such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since June 30, 2014, and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	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.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Cash Conversion Option, Note Hedge and Contingent Interest features related to the 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes
	The cash conversion option was a derivative instrument which was recorded at fair value quarterly with any change in fair value recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as non-cash convertible debt related expense. The note hedge was accounted for as a derivative instrument and, as such, was recorded at fair value quarterly with any change in fair value recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as non-cash convertible debt related expense.
	The 3.25% Notes matured on June 1, 2014. Upon maturity, we were required to pay $83 million to satisfy the obligation under the cash conversion option in addition to the principal amount of the 3.25% Notes.  The note hedge settled for $83 million and effectively offset our exposure to the cash payments in excess of the principal amount made under the cash conversion option. The income recognized as a result of changes in the credit valuation adjustment related to the note hedge was not material.
Derivatives Price Risk Derivatives Risk Management Policy [Text Block]	'
	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 short-term 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.
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	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.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_DISCON1

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statement Disclosures [Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended					For the Six Months Ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Revenues	$	—	$	2		$	1	$	3
	Operating expenses	$	—	$	53		$	1	$	57
	Loss before income tax expense and equity in net income from unconsolidated investments	$	—	$	(51	)	$	—	$	(54	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of $0, $0, $0 and $1, respectively	$	—	$	(51	)	$	—	$	(53	)
	Write-off of capitalized development costs included in Operating expenses	$	—	$	47		$	—	$	47
Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block]	'
		As of
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1	$	2
	Accounts receivable	—		2
	Other noncurrent assets	3		3
	Assets held for sale	$	4	$	7
	Accrued expenses and other	$	1	$	2
	Liabilities held for sale	$	1	$	2

EQUITY_AND_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_1

EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$	1			$	13			$	(8	)	$	(10	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations	—				(51		)		—			(53		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation	$	1			$	(38	)		$	(8	)	$	(63	)
	Basic income (loss) per share:
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	130				129				129			129
	Continuing operations	$	—			$	0.09			$	(0.07	)	$	(0.08	)
	Discontinued operations	—				(0.39		)		—			(0.41		)
	Basic income (loss) per share	$	—			$	(0.30	)		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.49	)
	Diluted income (loss) per share:
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	130				129				129			129
	Dilutive effect of stock options	—				—				—			—
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock	1				1				—			—
	Dilutive effect of convertible securities	—								—			—
	Dilutive effect of warrants	—				—				—			—
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	131				130				129			129
	Continuing operations	$	—			$	0.09			$	(0.07	)	$	(0.08	)
	Discontinued operations	—				(0.39		)		—			(0.41		)
	Diluted income (loss) per share	$	—			$	(0.30	)		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.49	)
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Securities excluded from the weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
	Stock options	2			2			2			2
	Restricted stock	—			—			1			1
	Restricted stock units	—			—			—			—
	Warrants	30			29			30			29
Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block]	'
	Dividends declared to stockholders were as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Cash dividend
	Declared	$	24			$	22			$	48		$	44
	Per Share	$	0.18			$	0.165			$	0.36		$	0.33
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'
Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]	'
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries were as follows (in millions):
			As of June 30,
			2014				2013
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, balance as of beginning of period		$	4			$	7
	Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries		(8		)		(2		)
	Net loss		—				(1		)
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, balance as of end of period		$	(4	)		$	4

FINANCIAL_INFORMATION_BY_BUSIN1

FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Results of Reportable Segment	'
	The results of our reportable segment are as follows (in millions):
		North America		All Other  (1)			Total
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
	Operating revenues	$	420	$	12		$	432
	Depreciation and amortization expense	52		1			53
	Net write-offs	7		—			7
	Operating income (loss)	51		(4		)	47
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Operating revenues	$	402	$	9		$	411
	Depreciation and amortization expense	52		—			52
	Net write-offs	4		—			4
	Operating income (loss)	57		(2		)	55
		North America		All Other  (1)			Total
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
	Operating revenues	$	811	$	22		$	833
	Depreciation and amortization expense	104		2			106
	Net write-offs	16		—			16
	Operating income (loss)	66		(4		)	62
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Operating revenues	$	765	$	18		$	783
	Depreciation and amortization expense	104		1			105
	Net write-offs	4		—			4
	Operating income (loss)	57		(4		)	53
	-1	All other is comprised of the financial results of our insurance subsidiaries’ operations and our international assets.

CONSOLIDATED_DEBT_Tables

CONSOLIDATED DEBT (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Consolidated debt is as follows (in millions):
		As of
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	LONG-TERM DEBT:
	Revolving credit facility	$	280		$	110
	Term loan	199			294
	Debt discount related to Term loan	—			(1		)
	Term loan, net	199			293
	Credit Facilities Sub-total	$	479		$	403
	7.25% Senior Notes due 2020	$	400		$	400
	6.375% Senior Notes due 2022	400			400
	5.875% Senior Notes due 2024	400			—
	3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014	—			460
	Debt discount related to 3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes	—			(13		)
	Cash conversion option derivative at fair value	—			78
	3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes, net	—			525
	Notes Sub-total	$	1,200		$	1,325
	4.00% - 5.25% Tax-Exempt Bonds due from 2024 to 2042	$	335		$	335
	Variable Rate Tax-Exempt Bonds due 2043	22			22
	Tax-Exempt Bonds Sub-total	$	357		$	357
	Total long-term debt	$	2,036		$	2,085
	Less: current portion (includes $0 and $13 of unamortized discount, respectively, and $0 and $78 of cash conversion option derivative at fair value, respectively)	(2		)	(528		)
	Noncurrent long-term debt	$	2,034		$	1,557
	PROJECT DEBT:
	North America project debt
	4.00% - 7.00% project debt related to Service Fee structures due 2014 through 2022	$	152		$	167
	5.248% - 8.375% project debt related to Tip Fee structures due 2014 through 2020	44			45
	Unamortized debt premium, net	1			1
	Total North America project debt	197			213
	Other project debt	22			23
	Total project debt	219			236
	Less: Current project debt (includes $1 and $1 of unamortized premium, respectively)	(48		)	(55		)
	Noncurrent project debt	$	171		$	181
	TOTAL CONSOLIDATED DEBT	$	2,255		$	2,321
	Less: Current debt	(50		)	(583		)
	TOTAL NONCURRENT CONSOLIDATED DEBT	$	2,205		$	1,738
Revolving Credit Facility Table [Text Block]	'
	As of June 30, 2014, we had availability under the Revolving Credit Facility as follows (in millions):
		Total			Expiring		Direct Borrowings as of		Outstanding Letters of Credit as of		Availability as of
		Available					30-Jun-14		30-Jun-14		30-Jun-14
		Under  Credit Facility
	Revolving Credit Facility	$	1,000		2019		$	280	$	265	$	455

SUPPLEMENTARY_INFORMATION_Tabl

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
	Waste and service revenue unrelated to project debt	$	261		$	248			$	496		$	469
	Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt - principal	5			8				10			16
	Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt - interest	1			1				2			2
	Total waste and service revenue	$	267		$	257			$	508		$	487
Components of Other Operating Expenses	'
	The components of other operating expenses are as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
	Construction costs	$	28		$	32			$	45		$	54
	Insurance subsidiary operating expenses	1			1				2			3
	Defined benefit pension plan settlement gain (1)	—			—				—			(6		)
	Other (2)	—			(8		)		—			(9		)
	Total other operating expenses	$	29		$	25			$	47		$	42
	-1	During the first quarter of 2013, we recorded a gain related to the final settlement of our defined benefit pension plan. For additional information, refer to Note 16. Employee Benefit Plans of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K.
	-2	During the three months ended June 30, 2013, we recognized operating income of $8 million related to early termination of a power purchase agreement.
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 June 30, 2014 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)
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014	$	15		$	(6	)
	Remainder of 2014	$	14		$	(5	)
	2015	25			(6		)
	2016	22			(6		)
	2017	15			(4		)
	2018	13			(2		)
	Thereafter	244			(1		)
	Total	$	333		$	(24	)
Schedule Of Net Write-Offs [Table Text Block]	'
	Net write-offs
	The components of net write-offs are as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
	Americas segment:
	Write-off of intangible asset - Hudson Valley EfW facility (1)	$	—		$	—			$	9		$	—
	Write-off of intangible asset - Abington Transfer Station (2)	7			—				7			—
	Write-off of loan issued for the Harrisburg EfW facility to fund certain facility improvements (3)	—			4				—			4
	Total net write-offs	$	7		$	4			$	16		$	4
	-1	See Hudson Valley Energy-from-Waste Facility discussion below.
	-2	See Abington Transfer Station discussion below.
	-3	See Harrisburg Energy-from-Waste Facility 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							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
	Debt discount accretion related to the 3.25% Notes	$	5		$	7			$	13		$	14
	Fair value changes related to the cash convertible note hedge	(4		)	—				(5		)	(36		)
	Fair value changes related to the cash conversion option derivative	4			—				5			36
	Total non-cash convertible debt related expense	$	5		$	7			$	13		$	14
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table details the changes in carrying value of goodwill (in millions):
		Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	249
	Purchase price allocation correction associated with the ARC Holdings acquisition in June 2005 (See Note 8)	47
	Balance as of June 30, 2014	$	296
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 Loss on Derivatives			Net Unrealized Gain on Securities			Total
	Balance December 31, 2012	$	4		$	2			$	—		$	1		$	7
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(5		)	3				—			—			(2		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(4		)		—			—			(4		)
	Net current period comprehensive (loss)	(5		)	(1		)		—			—			(6		)
	Balance June 30, 2013	$	(1	)	$	1			$	—		$	1		$	1
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	—		$	2			$	(5	)	$	1		$	(2	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(2		)	—				(5		)	1			(6		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—				—			—			—
	Net current period comprehensive (loss) income	(2		)	—				(5		)	1			(6		)
	Balance June 30, 2014	$	(2	)	$	2			$	(10	)	$	2		$	(8	)
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 Six Months Ended
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Component		June 30, 2013							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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 June 30, 2014
		Unrecognized stock-	Weighted-average years
		based compensation	to be recognized
	Restricted Stock Awards	$12	1.6
	Restricted Stock Units	$4	2

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Tables

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
					As of
	Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:		Fair Value Measurement Level		30-Jun-14				31-Dec-13
					(In millions)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Bank deposits and certificates of deposit		1		$	164			$	195
	Money market funds		1		8				3
	Total cash and cash equivalents:				172				198
	Restricted funds held in trust:
	Bank deposits and certificates of deposit		1		3				4
	Money market funds		1		50				52
	U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations (1)		1		1				2
	State and municipal obligations		1		95				97
	Commercial paper/Guaranteed investment contracts/Repurchase agreements		1		15				12
	Total restricted funds held in trust:				164				167
	Restricted funds — other:
	Bank deposits and certificates of deposit (2)(3)		1		1				1
	Money market funds (3)		1		3				5
	Residential mortgage-backed securities (3)		1		1				1
	Total restricted funds other:				5				7
	Investments:
	Mutual and bond funds (2)(3)		1		14				13
	Investments available for sale:
	U.S. Treasury/Agency obligations (4)		1		7				6
	Residential mortgage-backed securities (4)		1		9				10
	Other government obligations (4)		1		5				4
	Corporate investments (4)		1		10				12
	Equity securities (3)		1		3				4
	Total investments:				48				49
	Derivative Asset — Note Hedge		2		—				78
	Total assets:				$	389			$	499
	Liabilities:
	Derivative Liability — Cash Conversion Option		2		$	—			$	78
	Derivative Liabilities — Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures		2		—				0
	Derivative Liability — Energy Hedges		2		15				8
	Total liabilities:				$	15			$	86
	The following financial instruments are recorded at their carrying amount (in millions).
			As of June 30, 2014								As of December 31, 2013
	Financial Instruments Recorded at Carrying Amount:		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying			Estimated
			Amount				Fair Value				Amount			Fair Value
	Assets:
	Accounts receivable (5)		$	308			$	308			$	289		$	289
	Liabilities:
	Long-term debt		$	2,036			$	2,134			$	2,085		$	2,092
	Project debt		$	219			$	232			$	236		$	248
	-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 $24 million of noncurrent receivables in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
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 June 30, 2014
		Amortized Cost				Fair Value
	Available-for-sale:
	One year or less	$	6			$	6
	Over one year to five years	11				11
	Over five years to ten years	14				14
	More than ten years	—				—
	Total fixed maturities	$	31			$	31
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 June 30, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
	Description of Investments		Fair				Number of Investments		Fair				Number of Investments
			Value						Value
	U.S. Treasury and other direct U.S. Government obligations		$	3			4		$	6			8
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		7				15		8				18
	Other government obligations		2				6		1				3
	Corporate bonds		2				4		2				3
	Total fixed maturities		14						17
	Equity securities		—				3		—				3
	Total temporarily impaired investments		$	14					$	17

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Tables

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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	June 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Asset Derivatives:
	Note Hedge	Note Hedge	$	—		$	78
	Liability Derivatives:
	Cash Conversion Option	Current portion of long-term debt	$	—		$	78
	Contingent interest features of the Debentures and 3.25% Notes		$	—		$	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 Six Months Ended
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated	Recognized in Income on	June 30,					June 30,
	As Hedging Instruments	Derivatives
			2014			2013		2014			2013
	Note Hedge	Non-cash convertible debt related expense	$	4		$	—	$	5		$	36
	Cash Conversion Option	Non-cash convertible debt related expense	(4		)	—		(5		)	(36		)
	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		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Other Commitments	'
		Commitments Expiring by Period
		Total		Less Than		More Than
				One Year		One Year
	Letters of credit	$	265	$	17	$	248
	Surety bonds	312		—		312
	Total other commitments — net	$	577	$	17	$	560

Recovered_Sheet1

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Number Of Reportable Business Segments	1
Segment Reporting, Additional Information about Entity's Reportable Segments	'North America, which is comprised of waste and energy services operations located primarily in the United States and Canada.
Energy From Waste Process [Member]	'
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Total Annual Waste Processed	20,000,000
Annual Output	10,000,000
Energy From Waste Facilities [Member]	'
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Number Of Energy From Waste Facilities	45
Other Energy Generation Facilities [Member]	'
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Number Of Facilities	11
Investments in Majority-owned Subsidiaries [Member]	'
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Insurance Percentage Of Total Revenue	1.00%

Business_Development_Details

Business Development (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	ton
Organic Growth Investments [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Capital Invested In Project	$16	'
Metals Project [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Capital Invested In Project	4	'
NYC Waste Contract [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Total Annual Waste	800,000	'
Contract Duration	'20 years	'
Estimated Investment For Project	140	'
Estimated Capital Expenditures For Project	110	'
Estimated Capital Improvements	30	'
Capital Invested In Project	38	23
Fairfax EfW Facility [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage Of Production Capacity	60.00%	'
Niagara [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Capital Invested In Project	3	13
Essex EFW Facility [Member] | Organic Growth Investments [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Capital Invested In Project	6	'
Niagara [Member] | Organic Growth Investments [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Capital Invested In Project	$3	'

Recovered_Sheet2

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	$0	$2	$1	$3	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense	0	53	1	57	'
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	0	-51	0	-54	'
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	-51	0	-53	'
Capitalized Development Costs Expense	0	47	0	47	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents	1	'	1	'	2
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net	0	'	0	'	2
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Noncurrent Assets	3	'	3	'	3
Assets Held-for-sale, Current	4	'	4	'	7
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Accrued And Other Liabilities Current	1	'	1	'	2
Liabilities held for sale	1	'	1	'	2
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	$0	$0	$0	($1)	'

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Per

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Computations and Antidilutive Securities Excluded (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
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	$1	$13	($8)	($10)	'
Discontinued Operations	0	-51	0	-53	'
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION	$1	($38)	($8)	($63)	'
Basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	130	129	129	129	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share	$0	$0.09	($0.07)	($0.08)	'
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	$0	($0.39)	$0	($0.41)	'
Basic	$0	($0.30)	($0.07)	($0.49)	'
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	130	129	129	129	'
Dilutive effect of restricted stock	1	1	0	0	'
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities	0	'	0	0	'
Dilutive effect of warrants	0	0	0	0	'
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	131	130	129	129	'
Continuing Operations	$0	$0.09	($0.07)	($0.08)	'
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	$0	($0.39)	$0	($0.41)	'
Diluted	$0	($0.30)	($0.07)	($0.49)	'
Warrants [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'	'
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Strike Price	'	'	21.05	'	'
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:	2	2	2	2	'
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	1	'
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:	30	29	30	29	'
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

Equity And Earnings Per Share ("EPS") - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	6,000,000	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Repurchased In Period	'	216,477
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	'	720,217
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	'	246,825

Dividend_Information_Details

Dividend Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Dividend Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	$24	$22	$48	$44
Cash Dividend Declared Per Share:	$0.18	$0.17	$0.36	$0.33

Noncontrolling_Interests_in_Su

Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Rollforward of Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	($4)	$4	($4)	$4	$4	$7
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation	'	'	-8	-2	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$0	$0	$0	($1)	'	'

Recovered_Sheet4

Financial Information By Business Segments - Additional Information (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS Additional Information [Abstract]	'
Number Of Reportable Business Segments	1
Segment Reporting, Additional Information about Entity's Reportable Segments	'North America, which is comprised of waste and energy services operations located primarily in the United States and Canada.

Results_of_Reportable_Segment_

Results of Reportable Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	$432		$411		$833		$783
Depreciation and amortization expense	53		52		106		105
Net write-offs	7		4		16		4
Operating income (loss)	47		55		62		53
North America [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	420		402		811		765
Depreciation and amortization expense	52		52		104		104
Net write-offs	7		4		16		4
Operating income (loss)	51		57		66		57
All Other [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	12	[1]	9	[1]	22	[1]	18	[1]
Depreciation and amortization expense	1	[1]	0	[1]	2	[1]	1	[1]
Net write-offs	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Operating income (loss)	($4)	[1]	($2)	[1]	($4)	[1]	($4)	[1]
[1]	All other is comprised of the financial results of our insurance subsidiariesb operations and our international assets.

Consolidated_Debt_Details

Consolidated Debt (Details) (USD $)

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

North America [Member]

North America [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Term Loan [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]

Senior Notes 5.875 Percent Due 2024 [Member]

Senior Notes 5.875 Percent Due 2024 [Member]

Cash Convertible Senior Notes 3.25 Percent Due 2014 [Member] [Member]

Cash Convertible Senior Notes 3.25 Percent Due 2014 [Member] [Member]

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]

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

$479

$403

'

'

$280

$110

$199

$200

$294

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

-1

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

199

'

293

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

78

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

2,036

2,085

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400

400

400

400

400

0

0

525

335

335

'

'

'

'

'

'

22

22

'

Total Long Term Debt, Tax Exempt Bonds

357

357

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

460

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Long Term Debt, Senior Notes

1,200

1,325

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current portion of long-term debt

-2

-528

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-12

Long-term debt, Noncurrent

2,034

1,557

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Project Debt

219

236

197

213

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

152

167

44

45

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

1

'

'

'

Other Project Debt

22

23

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current portion of project debt

-48

-55

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Project Debt Noncurrent

171

181

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt, Total

2,255

2,321

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt, Current

-50

-583

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt, Noncurrent

2,205

1,738

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Discount, current

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

13

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

1

'

'

'

Derivative Liabilities, Current

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$78

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit_Facilities_Details

Credit Facilities (Details) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Incremental Credit Facility [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Swingline Loans [Member]

Federal Funds Rate [Member]

One Month L I B O R [Member]

L I B O R [Member]

Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Fiscal Year 2014 [Member]

Fiscal Year 2015 [Member]

Fiscal Year 2016 [Member]

Fiscal Year 2017 [Member]

Fiscal Year 2018 [Member]

Fiscal Year 2019 [Member]

Debt Offering Costs Deferred [Member] [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

L I B O R [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

L I B O R [Member]

L I B O R [Member]

Domestic Line of Credit [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Base Rate Loans [Member]

Euro Dollar Rate [Member]

Base Rate Loans [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Euro Dollar Rate [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

$1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Reduction of Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of Financing Costs

10

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

Repayments of Long-term Debt

556

2

'

'

'

'

'

95

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings

391

292

'

'

'

'

500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage Ratio Maximum

2.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Availability under Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

'

'

'

21-Mar-19

28-Mar-17

'

'

1-Jan-19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

479

'

403

280

110

'

'

199

200

294

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount

'

'

'

265

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

455

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings

391

292

'

'

'

'

500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of Lines of Credit

221

206

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Facilities Repayment Terms [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual Remaining Amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1

$2

$2

$2

$2

$190

'

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, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

1.00%

'

'

'

1.50%

1.25%

2.00%

'

1.75%

2.50%

2.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage Of Fronting Fee

'

'

'

'

'

0.13%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.38%

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

L I B O R Interest Rate Floor

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantee Percent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Covenant Total Leverage Ratio Maximum

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Covenant Permitted Interest Ratio Minimum

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

CONSOLIDATED_DEBT_5875_Senior_

CONSOLIDATED DEBT 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$2,036	$2,085
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Description	'The 5.875% Notes are subject to redemption at our option, at any time on or after MarchB 1, 2019, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices set forth in the prospectus supplement, plus accrued and unpaid interest. At any time prior to MarchB 1, 2017, we may redeem up to 35% of the original principal amount of the 5.875% Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 105.875% of the principal amount of the 5.875% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. At any time prior to MarchB 1, 2019, we may also redeem the 5.875% Notes, in whole but not in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.875% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and a bmake-whole premium.b The occurrence of specific kinds of changes in control will be a triggering event requiring us to offer to purchase from the holders all or a portion of the 5.875% Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, certain asset dispositions will be triggering events that may require us to use the proceeds from those asset dispositions to make an offer to purchase the 5.875% Notes at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase if such proceeds are not otherwise used within 365 days to repay indebtedness or to invest or commit to invest such proceeds in additional assets related to our business or capital stock of a restricted subsidiary.	'
Senior Notes 5.875 Percent Due 2024 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	400	0
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Mar-24	'
Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs	393	'
Offering Expense	7	'
Cash Convertible Senior Notes 3.25 Percent Due 2014 [Member] [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$0	$525
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Jun-14	'

325_Cash_Convertible_Senior_No

3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
			3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014	Warrants [Member]	Note Hedge [Member]	Cash Conversion Option
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	'	'	1-Jun-14	'	'	'
Repayments of Debt	'	'	$460	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Terms of Conversion Feature	'During the period from MarchB 1, 2014 to MayB 30, 2014, and under certain additional limited circumstances, the 3.25%B Notes were cash convertible by holders thereof (the "Cash Conversion Option"). The conversion rate was 64.6669 shares of our common stock (which represented a conversion price of approximately $15.46 per share) for the period from MarchB 17, 2014 through MarchB 21, 2014, and 65.3501 shares of our common stock (which represented a conversion price of approximately $15.30 per share), as adjusted for the dividend paid on AprilB 2, 2014, for the period from MarchB 24, 2014 to MayB 30, 2014. We did not deliver common stock (or any other securities) upon conversion.	'	'	'	'	'
Payments related to Cash Conversion Option	83	0	'	'	'	83
Derivative, Cash Received on Hedge	'	'	'	'	$83	'
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Strike Price	'	'	'	21.05	'	'

Variable_Rate_TaxExempt_Bonds_

Variable Rate Tax-Exempt Bonds due 2042 (Details) (Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member], Variable Rate Tax Exempt Bond due 2042 [Member] [Member])	Jun. 30, 2014
Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member] | Variable Rate Tax Exempt Bond due 2042 [Member] [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	0.00%

CONSOLIDATED_DEBT_Loss_on_Exti

CONSOLIDATED DEBT Loss on Extinguishment of Debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$0	$0	$2	$1

INCOME_TAXES_Additional_Inform

INCOME TAXES - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Federal Jurisdiction

Federal Jurisdiction

State and Local Jurisdiction

Foreign Tax Authority [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

ARC Holdings [Member]

ARC Holdings [Member]

ARC Holdings [Member]

ARC Holdings [Member]

Federal Jurisdiction

State and Local Jurisdiction

Foreign Tax Authority [Member]

Federal Jurisdiction

State and Local Jurisdiction

Foreign Tax Authority [Member]

Purchase Price Allocation Adjustments [Member]

Purchase Price Allocation Adjustments [Member]

Purchase Price Allocation Adjustments [Member]

Income Taxes [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated annual effective tax rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

54.00%

'

'

'

'

Effective income tax rate

'

'

25.00%

41.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$47

'

'

Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'This correction related to the deferred tax impact associated with partnership entities that were owned by ARC Holdings at the time of the acquisition and is immaterial to prior periods and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.B The correction of this error increased income tax expense by $4 million and decreased earnings per share by $0.03 per share for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.

'

'

'

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

128

'

128

'

128

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate

128

'

128

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expense (benefit) of interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued interest and penalties associated with liabilities for unrecognized tax positions

1

'

1

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

IRS Audit Period

'

'

'

'

'

'The IRS is currently auditing our tax returns for the years 2004 through 2009

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consolidated net operating loss carryforwards

'

'

'

'

'

'

343

466

30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Date Range

'

'

'

'

'

'

'in various amounts from DecemberB 31, 2028 through DecemberB 31, 2032

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Operating Loss carryforwards expirations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jan-14

1-Jan-14

'

31-Dec-33

31-Dec-32

'

'

'

'

'

Tax credit carryforwards

'

'

'

'

'

'

53

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax credit carryforwards expirations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jan-24

'

'

31-Dec-33

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum tax credits with no expiration

'

'

'

'

'

'

7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Valuation allowance

'

'

'

'

'

'

42

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

$10

$7

($4)

($9)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3

$3

Earnings Per Share, Diluted

$0

($0.30)

($0.07)

($0.49)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.00)

($0.00)

Components_of_Waste_and_Servic

Components of Waste and Service Revenues (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Components of Waste and Service Revenue [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Waste and service revenues	$267	$257	$508	$487
Waste and Services Revenue [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Waste and Service Revenue [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Waste and service revenues unrelated to project debt	261	248	496	469
Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt - principal	5	8	10	16
Revenue earned explicitly to service project debt - interest	$1	$1	$2	$2

SUPPLEMENTARY_INFORMATION_Rene

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Renewable Energy Credits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Renewable Energy Credits	$5	$3	$11	$5

Pass_Through_Costs_Details

Pass Through Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Pass Thru Costs [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cost of Reimbursable Expense	$15	$18	$30	$35

Components_of_Other_Operating_

Components of Other Operating Expenses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Construction Expense	$28		$32		$45		$54
Affiliate Costs	1		1		2		3
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements	'		'		0		6
Other Operating Income (Expense), Net	0	[1]	8	[1]	0	[1]	9	[1]
Other Cost and Expense, Operating	29		25		47		42
Other Operating Income (Expense), Net	'		8		'		'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'		'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements	$0	[2]	$0	[2]	$0	[2]	$6	[2]
[1]	During the three months ended June 30, 2013, we recognized operating income of $8 million related to early termination of a power purchase agreement.
[2]	During the first quarter of 2013, we recorded a gain related to the final settlement of our defined benefit pension plan. For additional information, refer to Note 16. Employee Benefit Plans of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our FormB 10-K.

Amortization_of_Waste_Service_

Amortization of Waste, Service and Energy Contracts (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Schedule of Amortization [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Net write-offs	$7	$4	$16		$4
Waste And Service Contracts Intangible Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'		'
Schedule of Amortization [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Cost Of Services Accretion	'	'	-6		'
Future Accretion Expense Remaining for Fiscal year	-5	'	-5		'
Future Accretion Expense Year Two	-6	'	-6		'
Future Accretion Expense Year Three	-6	'	-6		'
Future Accretion Expense Year Four	-4	'	-4		'
Future Accretion Expense Year Five	-2	'	-2		'
Future Accretion Expense After Year Five	-1	'	-1		'
Accretion Expense	'	'	-24		'
Waste Service And Energy Contracts Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'		'
Schedule of Amortization [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Cost of Services, Amortization	'	'	15		'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year	14	'	14		'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	25	'	25		'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	22	'	22		'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	15	'	15		'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	13	'	13		'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	244	'	244		'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	333	'	333		'
Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'		'
Schedule of Amortization [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Net write-offs	'	'	$16	[1]	'
[1]	See Abington Transfer Station discussion below.

SUPPLEMENTARY_INFORMATION_Net_

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Net Write Offs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Components of Net Write-offs [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net write-offs	$7		$4		$16		$4
Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member]	'		'		'		'
Components of Net Write-offs [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net write-offs	'		'		16	[1]	'
Hudson Valley [Member] | Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member]	'		'		'		'
Components of Net Write-offs [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net write-offs	0	[2]	0	[2]	9	[2]	0	[2]
Abington Transfer Station [Member] | Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member]	'		'		'		'
Components of Net Write-offs [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net write-offs	7	[1]	0	[1]	7	[1]	0	[1]
Harrisburg EFW Facility [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]	'		'		'		'
Components of Net Write-offs [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net write-offs	$0	[3]	$4	[3]	$0	[3]	$4	[3]
[1]	See Abington Transfer Station discussion below.
[2]	See Hudson Valley Energy-from-Waste Facility discussion below.
[3]	See Harrisburg Energy-from-Waste Facility discussion below.

Components_of_NonCash_Converti

Components of Non-Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Non Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total non-cash convertible debt related expense	$5	$7	$13	$14
Convertible Note Hedge	'	'	'	'
Non Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fair value changes related to the derivative	-4	0	-5	-36
Cash Conversion Option Derivative	'	'	'	'
Non Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fair value changes related to the derivative	4	0	5	36
3.25% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2014	'	'	'	'
Non Cash Convertible Debt Related Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accretion Expense	$5	$7	$13	$14

SUPPLEMENTARY_INFORMATION_Good

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Purchase Price Allocation Adjustments [Member]
			ARC Holdings [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$296	$249	'
Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset	'	'	$47

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	($2)	($1)	($2)	($1)	$0	$4
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	2	1	2	1	2	2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Cumulative Changes In Derivatives Arising During Period Net Of Tax	-10	0	-10	0	-5	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	2	1	2	1	1	1
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-8	1	-8	1	-2	7
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification Adjustments	'	'	-6	-2	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0	0	0	3	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Reclassified from AOCI	'	'	0	-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	0	0	-4	'	'
Foreign currency translation	1	0	-2	-5	'	'
Adjustment for defined benefit pension plan termination settlement, net of tax	'	'	0	1	'	'
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax	-1	2	-5	0	'	'
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	1	-1	1	0	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	1	1	-6	-6	'	'
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification Adjustments	'	'	-2	-5	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Reclassified from AOCI	'	'	0	0	'	'
Unrealized Gain Loss on Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification Adjustments	'	'	-5	0	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Reclassified from AOCI	'	'	0	0	'	'
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification Adjustments	'	'	1	0	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Reclassified from AOCI	'	'	$0	$0	'	'

AOCI_Reclasses_Details

AOCI Reclasses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Schedule of AOCI Reclasses [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($10)	($7)	$4	$9
Adjustment for defined benefit pension plan termination settlement, net of tax	0	0	0	-4
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]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	'	0	'	-9
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)	'	$0	'	$3

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$4	$4	$8	$9
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	12	'	12	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'	'	'1 year 7 months 13 days	'
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	$4	'	$4	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'	'	'2 years 0 months 15 days	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	'	'	246,825	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Employees 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	'	'	39,592	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Total Stock Return (TSR) [Domain]	'	'	'	'
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	'	'	207,233	'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_StockB

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Stock-Based Compensation Grants (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	664,844
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Forfeitures	12.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	246,825
Director Restricted Equity Awards [Domain]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	55,373
Employees Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	39,592
Total Stock Return (TSR) [Domain] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	207,233

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_StockB1

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Stock-Based Compensation Parenthetical (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation	$4	$4	$8	$9
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_Fair_Val

Financial Instruments Fair Value Table (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$172		$198		$200
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	389		499		'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	172		198		'
Restricted Cash and Investments	164		167		'
Other Restricted Assets	5		7		'
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	48		49		'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	15		86		'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Certificates of Deposit, at Carrying Value	164		195		'
Restricted Cash and Investments	3		4		'
Other Restricted Assets	1	[1],[2]	1	[1],[2]	'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value	8		3		'
Restricted Cash and Investments	50		52		'
Other Restricted Assets	3	[2]	5	[2]	'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Restricted Cash and Investments	1	[3]	2	[3]	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	7	[4]	6	[4]	'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Restricted Cash and Investments	95		97		'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Other Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Restricted Cash and Investments	15		12		'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other Restricted Assets	1	[2]	1	[2]	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9	[4]	10	[4]	'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Mutual And Bond Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	14	[1],[2]	13	[1],[2]	'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Other Government Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	5	[4]	4	[4]	'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	10	[4]	12	[4]	'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3	[2]	4	[2]	'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Note Hedge | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Assets	0		78		'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Energy Hedges [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	15		8		'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Cash Conversion Option Derivative | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		78		'
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	172		198		'
Restricted Cash and Investments	164		167		'
Other Restricted Assets	5		7		'
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	48		49		'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	389		499		'
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	15		86		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Certificates of Deposit, at Carrying Value	164		195		'
Restricted Cash and Investments	3		4		'
Other Restricted Assets	1		1		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value	8		3		'
Restricted Cash and Investments	50		52		'
Other Restricted Assets	3		5		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | US Treasury and Government [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Restricted Cash and Investments	1		2		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	7		6		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Restricted Cash and Investments	95		97		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Other Investments [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Restricted Cash and Investments	15		12		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other Restricted Assets	1		1		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9		10		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Mutual And Bond Funds [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	14		13		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Other Government Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	5		4		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	10		12		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3		4		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Note Hedge	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Assets	0		78		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Energy Hedges [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	15		8		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Cash Conversion Option Derivative	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		78		'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Contingent interest features of the 3.25% Notes and Debentures	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$0		$0		'
[1]	Included in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
[2]	Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
[3]	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.
[4]	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 $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term Debt	$2,036		$2,085
Project Debt	219		236
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	308	[1]	289	[1]
Long-term Debt	2,036		2,085
Project Debt	219		236
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	308	[1]	289	[1]
Long-term Debt	2,134		2,092
Project Debt	$232		$248
[1]	Includes $24 million of noncurrent receivables in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of both JuneB 30, 2014 and DecemberB 31, 2013.

Financial_Instruments_Availabl

Financial Instruments Available for Sale Securities, Debt Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014
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	$6
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis	11
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis	14
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	31
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	6
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value	11
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value	14
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$31

Financial_Instruments_Addition

Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	$24	'
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity Investments	28.00%	31.00%
Debt Instrument, Credit Rating	'Our MBS holdings were 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_Temporar

Financial Instruments Temporarily Impaired Securities (Details) (Temporarily Impaired Securities [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	$14	$17
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Number Of Securities	3	3
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'	'
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	14	17
Fixed Maturities [Member] | US Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member]	'	'
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	3	6
Number Of Securities	4	8
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member]	'	'
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	7	8
Number Of Securities	15	18
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Other Government Securities [Member]	'	'
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2	1
Number Of Securities	6	3
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate Bond Securities [Member]	'	'
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2	2
Number Of Securities	4	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	2	'
Expiring After One Year From Balance Sheet Date [Member]	'	'
Insurance Subsidiary Temporarily Impaired Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Number Of Securities	27	'

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 $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Note Hedge | Note Hedge	'	'
Asset Derivatives:	'	'
Derivative asset	$0	$78
Cash Conversion Option | Long-Term Debt, Current Portion [Member]	'	'
Liability Derivatives:	'	'
Derivative liability	0	78
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		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effect on income of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	$0	$0	$0	$0
Note Hedge | Noncash convertible debt related expense	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effect on income of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	4	0	5	36
Cash Conversion Option | Noncash convertible debt related expense	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effect on income of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	-4	0	-5	-36
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) (USD $)	6 Months Ended						3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
			Energy Hedges [Member]	Fiscal Year 2014 [Member]	Fiscal Year 2015 [Member]	Fiscal Year 2016 [Member]	Cash Conversion Option	Note Hedge [Member]
				MW	MW	MW
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payments related to Cash Conversion Option	$83	$0	'	'	'	'	$83	'
Derivative, Cash Received on Hedge	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	83
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	'	'	'	1,400,000	1,000,000	400,000	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	'	'	$15	'	'	'	'	'

Recovered_Sheet5

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2004

Essex EFW Facility [Member]

NYC Waste Contract [Member]

NYC Waste Contract [Member]

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]

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]

Essex EFW Facility [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Potentially Responsible Parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

67

Other commitments - net

$577

'

$577

'

'

'

'

$265

$312

$17

$17

$0

$560

$248

$312

$296

$16

'

Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized

4

4

8

8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Capital Expenditures For Project

'

'

'

'

90

110

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital Invested In Project

'

'

'

'

6

38

23

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Capital Improvements

'

'

'

'

'

30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Investment For Project

'

'

'

'

'

$140

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recovered_Sheet6

SUBSEQUENT EVENT Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Variable Rate Tax Exempt Bond due 2043 [Member] [Member] [Member]	Project Debt Type [Member]
			Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]	Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term Debt, new issue	'	'	$12	'
Current portion of long-term debt	$2	$528	'	$12
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	'	'	1-Jul-43	1-Jul-14