Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 430	$ 412	$ 410	$ 392	$ 430	$ 432	$ 411	$ 377	$ 1,644	$ 1,650	$ 1,583
Operating Income (Loss)	112	81	56	3	80	87	53	(2)	252	218	155
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	83	27	19	(11)	29	51	18	(14)	118	84	35
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	0	(2)	0	(1)	(7)	2	149	(2)	143	36
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	83	27	17	(11)	28	44	20	135	116	227	71
Net income attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation	$ 82	$ 26	$ 18	$ (12)	$ 26	$ 42	$ 18	$ 133	$ 114	$ 219	$ 62
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share	$ 0.63	$ 0.20	$ 0.15	$ (0.09)	$ 0.20	$ 0.35	$ 0.12	$ (0.09)	$ 0.88	$ 0.56	$ 0.19
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ (0.01)	$ 0.00	$ (0.01)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.01	$ 1.00	$ (0.01)	$ 0.99	$ 0.21
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.63	$ 0.20	$ 0.14	$ (0.09)	$ 0.19	$ 0.30	$ 0.13	$ 0.91	$ 0.87	$ 1.55	$ 0.40
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	$ 0.62	$ 0.19	$ 0.15	$ (0.09)	$ 0.20	$ 0.35	$ 0.12	$ (0.09)	$ 0.87	$ 0.56	$ 0.19
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ (0.01)	$ 0.00	$ (0.01)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.01	$ 1.00	$ (0.01)	$ 0.98	$ 0.21
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.62	$ 0.19	$ 0.14	$ (0.09)	$ 0.19	$ 0.30	$ 0.13	$ 0.91	$ 0.86	$ 1.54	$ 0.40
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.075	$ 0.075	$ 0.075	$ 0.075	$ 0.60	$ 0.30	$ 1.50