| Cover Document | Oct. 24, 2019 |
| Cover Page, [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 24, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-06732 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-6021257 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 445 South Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Morristown |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NJ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 07960 |
| City Area Code | 862 |
| Local Phone Number | 345-5000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000225648 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
