Client Community Revenue Bonds Collateralized By Property Plant And Equipment

No definition available.

Name:	cva_ClientCommunityRevenueBondsCollateralizedByPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix:	cva_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Client Community Revenue Bonds Collateralized By Restricted Funds Held In Trust

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cva_ClientCommunityRevenueBondsCollateralizedByRestrictedFundsHeldInTrust
Namespace Prefix:	cva_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Premium, current

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cva_DebtPremiumcurrent
Namespace Prefix:	cva_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Expected Accretion of Debt Discount

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cva_ExpectedAccretionOfDebtDiscount
Namespace Prefix:	cva_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Expected Accretion Of Debt Discount, noncurrent

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cva_ExpectedAccretionOfDebtDiscountNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	cva_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total project debt.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cva_ProjectDebt
Namespace Prefix:	cva_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Project debt current.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cva_ProjectDebtCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	cva_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Project debt noncurrent.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cva_ProjectDebtNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	cva_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Repayments of Debt, noncurrent

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cva_RepaymentsOfDebtNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	cva_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Repayments of project debt.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cva_RepaymentsOfProjectDebt
Namespace Prefix:	cva_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Minimum contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of debt discount (net of debt premium) that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28567-108399

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28555-108399

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of debt premium that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedPremium
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, the amount as of the balance sheet date of capitalized costs associated with the issuance of debt instruments (for example, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs) that will be charged against earnings over the life of the debt instruments to which such costs pertain. Such amount is before the consideration of accumulated amortization.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28555-108399

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash inflow from the issuance of long-term tax exempt debt that is not secured by collateral.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredTaxExemptDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The noncurrent cash, cash equivalents and investments that is restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits classified as long-term; that is not expected to be released from such existing restrictions within one year of the balance sheet date or operating cycle, whichever is longer. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. Includes noncurrent cash equivalents and investments that are similarly restricted as to withdrawal, usage or disposal.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=cva_ProjectDebtTypeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	cva_PeriodAxis=cva_FiscalYear2017Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	cva_PeriodAxis=cva_FiscalYear2018Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	cva_PeriodAxis=cva_FiscalYear2019Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	cva_PeriodAxis=cva_FiscalYear2020Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	cva_PeriodAxis=cva_FiscalYear2021MemberMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	cva_PeriodAxis=cva_FiscalYearAfter2021Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	cva_SubsidiaryAxis=cva_OnondagaMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Project Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Project Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current portion of project debt	$ (22)	$ (16)
Project Debt	383	198
Project Debt Noncurrent	361	182
Client Community Revenue Bonds Collateralized By Property Plant And Equipment	669
Client Community Revenue Bonds Collateralized By Restricted Funds Held In Trust	84
Repayments Of Project Debt	51	85	$ 52
Restricted funds held in trust, noncurrent	$ 54	83
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	3.48%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	4.52%
Project Debt Type [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayment Terms	$ (22)
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	31
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	26
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	17
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	144
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	166
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 406
Debt, Noncurrent	384
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	$ (23)
Debt Discount, current	$ (1)
Expected Accretion Of Debt Discount, noncurrent	-23
Current portion of project debt	$ (22)
Project Debt Noncurrent	361
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	4
Fiscal Year 2017 [Member] \| Project Debt Type [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of the accretion of debt discount expected	(5)
Current portion of project debt	(17)
Fiscal Year 2018 [Member] \| Project Debt Type [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of the accretion of debt discount expected	(5)
Project Debt	26
Fiscal Year 2019 [Member] \| Project Debt Type [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of the accretion of debt discount expected	(5)
Project Debt	21
Fiscal Year 2020 [Member] \| Project Debt Type [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of the accretion of debt discount expected	(5)
Project Debt	12
Fiscal Year 2021 [Member] [Member] \| Project Debt Type [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of the accretion of debt discount expected	(4)
Project Debt	140
Fiscal Year After 2021 [Member] \| Project Debt Type [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of the accretion of debt discount expected	1
Project Debt	$ 167
Onondaga [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restricted funds held in trust, noncurrent		15
Deferred Finance Costs, Gross		2
Onondaga [Member] \| Project Debt Type [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments Of Project Debt		42
Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Tax Exempt Debt		54
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium		$ 5
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	4.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	5.00%