CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (28)	$ 10	$ 152
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	22	(7)	1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, after Tax	0	0	0
Net unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $2, ($6) and ($2), respectively	(19)	4	21
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3	(3)	22
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Covanta Holding Corporation	$ (25)	$ 7	$ 174