Components of Net (Gains) Write-Offs (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2008
Net Write-Offs [Line Items]
Write-Off of Renewable Fuels Project	$ 16	[1]	$ 0	[1]	$ 0	[1]
Write-off of other assets	0	[2]	0	[2]	4	[2]
Capitalized Development Costs Expense	11	[3]	5	[3]	0	[3]
Net (gains) write-offs	(46)		5		34
Covanta Delaware Valley L P [Member]
Net Write-Offs [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination	(44)	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]
Essex EFW Facility [Member]
Net Write-Offs [Line Items]
Write Off of Intangible Liability	(29)	[5]	0	[5]	0	[5]
Harrisburg EFW Facility [Member]
Net Write-Offs [Line Items]
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	0	[6]	0	[6]	7	[6]
Loans Issued For Facility Improvements Total Available							26
Loans Issued For Facility Improvements							22
Loans Issued For Facility Improvements Outstanding					20
Dublin Joint Venture [Member]
Net Write-Offs [Line Items]
Capitalized Development Costs Expense	0	[7]	0	[7]	23	[7]
Capacity Per Day					1,700
Estimated Construction Cost					350
Contract Term					25 years
Annual Capacity Of Plant					320,000
Capitalized Preproduction And Construction Recoverable Costs	$ 4				$ 8

[1] During 2012, we suspended construction of a facility that transformed waste materials into renewable liquid fuels. We recorded a non-cash write-off of $16 million representing the capitalized costs related to this project.

[2] (5)During 2010, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $4 million which is comprised primarily of the write-down of real estate for our corporate office and certain project assets to estimated fair value.

[3] (6)During 2012, we recorded a non-cash write-off of $11 million of capitalized development costs related to a development project which we ceased to pursue in the United Kingdom. During 2011, we recorded a non-cash write-off of $5 million of capitalized development costs and land related to a development project which we ceased to pursue in the United Kingdom.

[4] (3)During 2012, we recorded a net gain related to the termination of the pre-existing lease in connection with the Delaware Valley EfW acquisition. For additional information, see Note 3. Business Development and Acquisitions.

[5] During 2012, our service contract for the Essex EfW facility was amended and we recorded a non-cash write-off of an intangible liability of $29 million related to the below-market service contract which was recorded at fair value upon acquisition of the facility. For additional information, see Note 3. Business Development and Acquisitions.

[6] (4)See Harrisburg Energy-from-Waste Facility discussion below.

[7] (7)See Dublin Joint Venture discussion below.