CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Interest Expense On Project Debt		$ 9	$ 10
OPERATING REVENUES:
Waste and service revenue	$ 1,187	1,104	1,032
Electricity and steam sales	370	421	460
Recycled metals revenues	61	61	93
Other operating revenues	81	59	97
Total operating revenues	1,699	1,645	1,682
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Plant operating expenses	1,177	1,129	1,055
Other operating expenses	86	73	101
General and administrative expenses	100	93	97
Depreciation and amortization expense	207	198	211
Impairment charges	20	43	64
Total operating expense	1,590	1,536	1,528
Operating income	109	109	154
Other income (expense):
Investment income	1	0	1
Interest expense	(139)	(134)	(135)
Non-cash convertible debt related expense	0	0	(13)
Gain on asset sales	44	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	(2)	(2)
Other expense, net	(1)	(1)	(1)
Total other expenses	(95)	(137)	(150)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) and equity in net income from unconsolidated investments	14	(28)	4
Income tax expense	(22)	84	(15)
Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments	4	13	10
Net (loss) income	(4)	69	(1)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	0	1	1
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COVANTA HOLDING CORPORATION	$ (4)	$ 68	$ (2)
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding [Abstract]
Basic	129	132	130
Diluted	129	133	130
(Loss) Income Per Share Attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation Stockholders:
Basic	$ (0.03)	$ 0.52	$ (0.01)
Diluted	(0.03)	0.51	(0.01)
Cash Dividend Declared Per Share:	$ 1.00	$ 1.00	$ 0.86