CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net income	$ 116	$ 227	$ 71
Foreign currency translation	1	0	2
Adjustment for pension plan settlement, net of tax expense of $5, $0, and $0, respectively	7	0	0
Pension and postretirement plan unrecognized benefits, net of tax benefit of $0, $5, and $1, respectively	0	(8)	(3)
Net unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax benefit of $1, tax expense of $1 and $0, respectively	(2)	2	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation	6	(6)	(1)
Comprehensive income	122	221	70
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	(2)	(8)	(9)
Foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	0	2	(1)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	(2)	(6)	(10)
Comprehensive income attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation	$ 120	$ 215	$ 60