Accounting Policies [Abstract] Advertising costs Advertising Expense Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Quarterly Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Data Unaudited [Table Text Block] QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Long-Lived Assets, by Name [Axis] Long-Lived Assets, by Name [Axis] Long-Lived Assets, by Name [Axis] Long-Lived Assets, by Name [Domain] Long-Lived Assets, by Name [Domain] Long-Lived Assets, by Name [Domain] Altair Altair [Member] Altair [Member] Buttonwillow Buttonwillow [Member] Buttonwillow [Member] Deer Park Deer Park [Member] Deer Park [Member] Deer Trail Deer Trail [Member] Deer Trail [Member] Grassy Mountain Grassy Mountain [Member] Grassy Mountain [Member] Kimball Kimball [Member] Kimball [Member] Lambton Lambton [Member] Lambton [Member] Lone Mountain Lone Mountain [Member] Lone Mountain [Member] Ryley Ryley [Member] Ryley [Member] Sawyer Sawyer [Member] Sawyer [Member] Westmorland Westmorland [Member] Westmorland [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Texas TEXAS California CALIFORNIA Colorado COLORADO Utah UTAH Nebraska NEBRASKA Ontario ONTARIO Oklahoma OKLAHOMA Alberta ALBERTA North Dakota NORTH DAKOTA Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Landfill assets Landfill [Member] Non-commercial landfills non-commercial landfills [Member] Non-Commercial Landfills [Member] Permitted Permitted [Member] Permitted [Member] Unpermitted Unpermitted [Member] Unpermitted [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Amortization Amortization Application approvals, acceptance period (in years) Approvals to Accept Waste, Maximum Approvals to Accept Waste, Maximum Number of unpermitted expansions Number of Expansions Number of Expansions Number of service locations Number of Service Locations With Unpermitted Expansion Number of Service Locations With Unpermitted Expansion Percentage of airspace remaining (as a percent) Percentage of Airspace Remaining Percentage of Airspace Remaining Landfill sites Landfill Sites Landfill Sites Remaining Lives (Years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Remaining highly probable airspace Remaining Highly Probable Airspace Remaining Highly Probable Airspace in cubic yards Permitted, but not highly probable airspace (cubic yards) Permitted, But Not Highly Probable Airspace Permitted, But Not Highly Probable Airspace Remaining Airspace Capacity [Roll Forward] Remaining Airspace Capacity [Roll Forward] Remaining Airspace Capacity [Roll Forward] Remaining capacity, beginning of period (cubic yards) Probable Airspace Remaining Highly Probable Airspace Changes in highly probable airspace, net (cubic yards) Changes In Highly Probable Airspace Changes In Highly Probable Airspace Consumed (cubic yards) Consumed Airspace Consumed Airspace Remaining capacity, end of period (cubic yards) Landfill final closure and post-closure liabilities Landfill Final Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities Landfill Final Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities Regulatory post-closure period for landfill (in years) Regulatory Post-Closure Period for Landfill Regulatory Post-Closure Period for Landfill Asset retirement obligations, inflation rate (as a percent) Inflation Rate The inflation rate that is applied to the amount of new asset retirement obligations, which are expected to arrive at the present value and that are recorded as of the balance sheet date. Asset retirement obligations, risk free rate (as a percent) Asset Retirement Obligations Discount Rate Asset Retirement Obligations Discount Rate Non-landfill closure and post-closure liabilities, period (in years) Non Landfill Closure And Post Closure Term In Years Non Landfill Closure And Post Closure Term In Years Non-landfill closure and post-closure liabilities Non-landfill Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities Non-landfill Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Quantifies and describes each contingency that exists as of the balance sheet date, by nature of the probable or possible estimates. Contingency Nature [Domain] Contingency Nature [Domain] An existing condition, situation, or a set of circumstances, which involve uncertainty as to the possible outcomes to an enterprise that will ultimately be resolved, when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Resolution of the uncertainty may confirm the incurrence of a loss or profit or the incurrence of a liability. Federal, State, and Provincial Enforcement Actions Federal and State Enforcement Actions [Member] The regulatory proceedings that are relating primarily to waste treatment, storage or disposal facilities. Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Federal and State Enforcement Actions Federal and State Enforcement Actions [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Number of proceedings Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Sanctions relating to waste treatment Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Land Land [Member] Asset retirement costs (non-landfill) Asset Retirement Obligation Costs [Member] Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Camp and lodging equipment Camp Equipment [Member] Represents the industrial lodging facilities that are utilized in the entity's Industrial Services segment to provide lodging services to companies in the refinery and petrochemical industries. Vehicles Vehicles [Member] Equipment Equipment [Member] Furniture and fixtures Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Total property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Interest capitalization Accumulated Capitalized Interest Costs Depreciation inclusive of landfill amortization Depreciation Inclusive of Amortization Depreciation Inclusive of Amortization Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Environmental Property Sale, Disposal or Abandonment Costs Environmental Property Sale, Disposal or Abandonment Costs [Abstract] 2019 Anticipated Payment for Asset Retirement Obligations year One Anticipated Payment for Asset Retirement Obligations year One 2020 Anticipated Payment for Asset Retirement Obligations year Two Anticipated Payment for Asset Retirement Obligations year Two 2021 Anticipated Payment for Asset Retirement Obligations year Three Anticipated Payment for Asset Retirement Obligations year Three 2022 Anticipated Payment for Asset Retirement Obligations year Four Anticipated Payment for Asset Retirement Obligations year Four 2023 Anticipated Payment for Asset Retirement Obligations year Five Anticipated Payment for Asset Retirement Obligations year Five Thereafter Anticipated Payment for Asset Retirement Obligations, After Year Five Anticipated Payment for Asset Retirement Obligations, After Year Five Undiscounted closure and post-closure liabilities Undiscounted Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities Undiscounted Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities Less: Discount at credit-adjusted risk-free rate Discount Reserves Discount Reserves Less: Undiscounted estimated closure and post-closure liabilities relating to airspace not yet consumed Reserves to be Provided Over Remaining Site Lives Reserves to be Provided Over Remaining Site Lives Present value of closure and post-closure liabilities Asset Retirement Obligation Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving credit facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest rate swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Secured Debt Secured Debt [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Revolving credit facility Line of Credit [Member] Letters of credit Letter of Credit [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] First Amendment First Amendment [Member] First Amendment [Member] Term Loan Agreement Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Senior unsecured notes, at 5.25%, due August 1, 2020 (2020 Notes) Unsecured Senior Notes 2020 [Member] Unsecured Senior Notes 2020 [Member] Senior unsecured notes, at 5.125%, due June 1, 2021 (2021 Notes) Unsecured Senior Notes 2021 [Member] Unsecured Senior Notes 2021 [Member] Term Loans with Interest Rate Swap Agreements Term Loans with Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member] Term Loans with Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Parent and Domestic Subsidiaries Parent and Domestic Subsidiaries [Member] Parent and Domestic Subsidiaries [Member] Canadian Subsidiaries Canadian Subsidiaries [Member] Canadian Subsidiaries [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Eurodollar Eurodollar [Member] LIBOR loans London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base rate loans Base Rate [Member] Financing arrangements Debt Instrument [Line Items] Reduction of applicable interest rate margin Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Decrease in Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Decrease in Stated Percentage Interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Increase in principal amount of initial term loans Line of Credit Facility, Increase in Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Increase in Maximum Borrowing Capacity Redemption of 2020 Notes Proceeds from Notes Payable Purchase price Long-term Debt, Purchase Price Long-term Debt, Purchase Price Accrued interest Long-term Debt, Purchase Price, Accrued Interest Long-term Debt, Purchase Price, Accrued Interest Debt redemption fees Debt Redemption Fees Debt Redemption Fees Fair value of notes Long-term Debt, Fair Value Face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Repurchased amount Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit available subject to percentage of accounts receivable (as a percent) Credit Available Subject to Percentage of Accounts Receivable Credit Available Subject to Percentage of Accounts Receivable Credit available subject to percentage of cash deposited (as a percent) Credit Available Subject to Percentage of Cash Deposited Credit Available Subject to Percentage of Cash Deposited Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Period for measurement of average liquidity (in days) Debt Instrument, Spread on Variable Rate, Period for Measurement of Average Liquidity Debt Instrument, Spread on Variable Rate, Period for Measurement of Average Liquidity Commitment fee (as a percent) Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Borrowing from revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Settlement of borrowing Repayments of Lines of Credit Revolving credit facility, available borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Debt outstanding Long-term Debt Notional amount of interest rate swap agreements Derivative, Notional Amount Effective interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Derivative liability Derivative Liability Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Transformer Services Transformer Services [Member] Transformer Services [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Proceeds from sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Proceeds from sale, net of transactional related costs Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Transition costs Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Transaction Costs Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Transaction Costs Gain on sale of businesses Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Equity [Abstract] STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Disclosure of the condensed consolidating balance sheet normally using the registrant (parent) as the sole domain member. Schedule of Consolidating Statement of Income Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Table Text Block] Disclosure of the condensed statement of operations normally using the registrant (parent) as the sole domain member. Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Disclosure of the condensed statement of cash flows normally using the registrant (parent) as the sole domain member. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Goodwill impairment charge Goodwill, Impairment Loss Allowance for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Accretion of environmental liabilities Accretion of Environmental Liabilities This element includes accretion expenditure that pertains to asset retirement obligations and environmental remediation. Changes in environmental liability estimates Other Increase (Decrease) in Environmental Liabilities Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Other expense (income), net Gain (Loss) on Sale of Fixed Assets and Assets Held for Sale The difference between the sale price or salvage price and the book value of a property, plant, and equipment and assets held for sale, that was sold or retired during the reporting period. This element refers to the gain (loss). Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Net tax benefit on stock-based awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit From Compensation Expense, Net Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit From Compensation Expense, Net Gain on sale of businesses Loss on early extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Environmental expenditures Payments for Environmental Liabilities Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable and unbilled accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories and supplies Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Other current and long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows used in investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Additions to property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale and disposal of fixed assets Proceeds from Sales of Fixed Assets and Assets Held for Sale Cash inflow from sale or disposal of property, plant, and equipment and assets held for sale, during the reporting period. This element refers to proceeds from such sale or disposal. Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Additions to intangible assets including costs to obtain or renew permits Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Purchases of available-for-sale securities Payments to Acquire Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transactional costs Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows (used in) from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Change in uncashed checks Increase (Decrease) in Outstanding Checks, Financing Activities Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Tax payments related to withholdings on vested restricted stock Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Repurchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Deferred financing costs paid Payments of Financing Costs Premiums paid on early extinguishment of debt Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Principal payments on debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Issuance of senior secured notes, net of discount Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Issuance of senior secured notes, net of discount Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payment on revolving credit facility Net cash (used in) from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate change on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of year Supplemental information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash payments for interest and income taxes: Cash Payments for Interest and Income Taxes [Abstract] Description and amounts of long lived assets and liabilities held for sale. Disclosure may include the description of the facts and circumstances leading to the expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the carrying value of the assets and liabilities held for sale, the gain or loss recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain or loss. Interest paid Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid, Net Non-cash investing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment accrued Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Assets Acquired Transfer of inventory to property, plant and equipment Transfer of Inventory to Property, Plant and Equipment Transfer of Inventory to Property, Plant and Equipment (Payable) receivable for estimated purchase price adjustment Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition, Receivable (Payable) For Estimated Purchase Price Adjustment Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition, Receivable (Payable) For Estimated Purchase Price Adjustment CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE LIABILITIES Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] ASU 2016-01 Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] ASU 2016-16 Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] ASU 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Other (expense) income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Operating liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Veolia Division Veolia Division [Member] Veolia Division [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquired receivables Business Combination, Acquired Receivable, Fair Value Acquired contract assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Accrued health insurance Accrued Health Insurance Accrued Health Insurance Accrual loss for workers' compensation, comprehensive general liability and vehicle liability self-insurance programs Accrual for Workers' Compensation, Comprehensive General Liability and Vehicle Liability Self-insurance Programs Accrual for Workers' Compensation, Comprehensive General Liability and Vehicle Liability Self-insurance Programs Accrued compensation and benefits increase Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Accrued legal matters Accrued Professional Fees Accrued severance charges Accrued Severance Costs Accrued Severance Costs Insurance Accrued Insurance, Current Interest Interest Payable, Current Accrued compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Income, real estate, sales and other taxes Taxes Payable, Current Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract] Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income (loss) Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Revision in Estimates Future remediation liability Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Possible increase in total remedial liabilities Possible Increase in Total Remedial Liabilities Possible Increase in Total Remedial Liabilities Accrual for environmental loss contingencies, threshold for disclosure (as a percent) Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Threshold For Disclosure Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Threshold For Disclosure Catalyst Services Catalyst Services [Member] Catalyst Services [Member] Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of or Held-for-sale, Excluding Discontinued Operations, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax Business Combinations [Abstract] 2016 Acquisitions 2016 Business Acquisitions [Member] 2016 Business Acquisitions [Member] Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Inventories and supplies Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Prepaid expenses and other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Permits and other intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Closure and post-closure liabilities, less current portion Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities Remedial liabilities, less current portion Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Remedial Liabilities, Excluding Current Portion Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Remedial Liabilities, Excluding Current Portion Deferred taxes, unrecognized tax benefits and other long-term liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Deferred Taxes, Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Other Long-term Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Deferred Taxes, Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Other Long-term Liabilities Total identifiable net assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Goodwill Goodwill Total purchase price, net of cash acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Schedule of Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Schedule of Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Asset Classification and Estimated Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Active Landfill Sites Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Landfill Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Landfill Assets [Table Text Block] Remaining Highly Probable Airspace Remaining Highly Probable Airspace [Table Text Block] Remaining Highly Probable Airspace [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Service revenues Service [Member] Product revenues Product [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Legal Entities Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Consolidating Adjustments Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Clean Harbors, Inc. Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidating statement of income Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Total revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below) Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Total cost of revenues Cost of Goods and Services Sold Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense (Loss) income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Loss on early extinguishment of debt Interest (expense) income, net Interest Expense, Net This element represents the amount of interest expense, net of investment interest income. Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax Income (Loss) from Affiliates Subsidiaries and Holding Company Represents the income (loss) from affiliates, subsidiaries and the holding company. Intercompany interest income (expense) Net Interest Income from Affiliates Subsidiaries and Holding Company Represents the net interest income from affiliates, subsidiaries and the holding company. (Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest (Benefit) provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income (loss) Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent DISPOSITION OF BUSINESS Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Unrealized loss on interest rate hedge Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Income Tax Contingencies Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Environmental Services Environmental Services [Member] Environmental Services [Member] Safety-Kleen Safety-Kleen [Member] Safety-Kleen [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, beginning of period Increase from current period acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Measurement period adjustments from prior period acquisitions Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Decrease from disposition of business Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Goodwill impairment charge Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Goodwill, end of period REVENUES Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Reconciliation of Third Party Revenues to Direct Revenues Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Income to Adjusted EBITDA Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Earnings before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization Consolidated [Table Text Block] This element may be used to capture the complete disclosure of the identification, description, and amounts of all significant reconciling items used in the reconciliation of net income to adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of continuing operations. Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] PP&E and Intangible Assets by Segment Schedule of Segment PPE and Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets for each reportable segment, including a reconciliation to consolidated amounts. Total Assets by Segment Schedule of Segment Total Assets [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of total assets for each reportable segment, including a reconciliation to consolidated amounts. Total Assets by Geographical Area Schedule of Total Assets by Geographical Area [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of total assets by geographical area, including a reconciliation to consolidated amounts. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Net of Discontinued Operations Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Net of Discontinued Operations Provision (benefit) for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Tax expense at US statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State income taxes, net of federal benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Foreign rate differential Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Uncertain tax position interest and penalties Uncertain tax position interest and penalties, net of benefit Uncertain tax position interest and penalties, net of benefit Goodwill impairment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Amount Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Adjustment for Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Direct revenues Operating Segments [Member] United States UNITED STATES Canada CANADA Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Percent of revenues Segment Reporting Information Revenue Percent Segment Reporting Information Revenue Percent Property, plant and equipment, net Percent of property, plant and equipment, net Property Plant And Equipment Net Percent Property Plant And Equipment Net Percent Permits and other intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Percent of permits and other intangibles, net Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Percent Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Percent Assets Assets Site Contingency [Table] Site Contingency [Table] Environmental Exit Cost by Property [Axis] Environmental Exit Cost by Property [Axis] Environmental Exit Costs, Name of Property [Domain] Environmental Exit Costs, Name of Property [Domain] Facilities now used in active conduct of the Company's business (41 facilities) Active Landfill Facilities [Member] Active Landfill Facilities [Member] Inactive facilities not now used in active conduct of the Company's business but most of which were acquired because the assumption of remedial liabilities for such facilities was part of the purchase price for the CSD assets (35 facilities) Inactive Landfill Facilities [Member] Inactive Landfill Facilities [Member] Superfund sites owned by third parties (17 sites) Superfund Landfill Sites Owned By Third Parties [Member] Superfund Landfill Sites Owned By Third Parties [Member] Closed incinerator and landfill Closed Incinerator And Landfill [Member] Closed Incinerator And Landfill [Member] Closed incinerator Closed Incinerator [Member] Closed Incinerator [Member] Idled incinerator and legal proceedings Idled Incinerator And Legal Proceedings [Member] Idled Incinerator And Legal Proceedings [Member] Operating solvent recycling center Operating Solvent Recycling Center [Member] Operating Solvent Recycling Center [Member] All other incinerators, landfills, wastewater treatment facilities and service centers (72 facilities) All Other Incinerators Landfills Wastwater Threatment Facilities And Service Centers [Member] All Other Incinerators Landfills Wastwater Threatment Facilities And Service Centers [Member] Baton Rouge LA Baton Rouge La [Member] Baton Rouge La [Member] Bridgeport, NJ Bridgeport NJ [Member] Bridgeport NJ [Member] Mercier Quebec Mercier Quebec [Member] Mercier Quebec [Member] Linden, NJ Linden, New Jersey [Member] Linden, New Jersey [Member] Various Various [Member] Various [Member] Legal and Administrative Proceedings Legal and Administrative Proceedings [Member] Represents the actual or potential liabilities that are related to the legal and administrative proceedings. Site Contingency [Line Items] Site Contingency [Line Items] Remedial Liability % of Total Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Percent of Total Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Percent of Total Reasonably possible additional liabilities Environmental Exit Costs, Reasonably Possible Additional Loss Number of facility by type Number Of Facility By Type Number Of Facility By Type Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Permits Permits [Member] The description that pertains to the permits. Other intangible assets Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Reclassification adjustment for gains on available-for-sale securities included in net income, taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Foreign current translation adjustments, tax benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Unfunded pension liability, taxes Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Disposition of Business Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] Revenue Allowance SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Revenue [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Revenue [Member] Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance Beginning of Period SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount Additions Charged to Operating Expense SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense Deductions from Reserves SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction Balance End of Period Intersegment revenues, net Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Corporate Items, net Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Safety-Kleen Corporate Corporate Items Corporate Segment [Member] Adjusted EBITDA Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization, Net This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to the economic entity. Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Operations: Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Other expense (income), net Interest expense, net of interest income Permits and other intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Environmental Remediation Site [Domain] Remedial Liabilities for Landfill Sites Remedial Liabilities for Landfill Sites [Member] This element represents the details that pertain to the remedial liability for landfill sites. Remedial Liabilities for Inactive Sites Remedial Liabilities for Inactive Sites [Member] This element represents the details that pertain to the remedial liabilities for inactive sites. Remedial Liabilities (Including Superfund) for Non-Landfill Operations Remedial Liabilities (Including Superfund) for Non-Landfill Operations [Member] This element represents the details that pertain to the remedial liabilities for non-landfill sites. Changes to remedial liabilities Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period Measurement period adjustments from prior period acquisitions Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Increase (Decrease) for Acquisitions and Divestitures, Measurement Period Adjustment from Prior Period Acquisition Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Increase (Decrease) for Acquisitions and Divestitures, Measurement Period Adjustment from Prior Period Acquisition Accretion Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Charges to Expense for New Losses Changes in estimates recorded to statement of operations Expenditures Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments Currency translation and other Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Increase (Decrease) for Currency Translation and Other The increase or decrease in the accrual for environmental loss contingencies, during the reporting period that is related to currency translations and other adjustments. Balance at the end of the period Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] OPERATIONS Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Expected amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance Stock Awards Performance Stock Awards [Member] Performance Stock Awards [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Performance evaluation stock-based compensation Performance Evaluation Stock-Based Compensation Performance Evaluation Stock-Based Compensation Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Unvested, beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Unvested, end of period (in shares) Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Unvested, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested, end of period (in dollars per share) Total unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Total fair value, vested in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Debt Instrument [Line Items] Current portion of long-term obligations Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term obligations, at par Long-term Debt, Gross Unamortized debt issuance costs and premium, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Long-term obligations, at carrying value Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Account receivable, allowances aggregating Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Closure and post-closure liabilities, current portion Accrued Capping, Closure, Post-closure and Environmental Costs Remedial liabilities, current portion Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, authorized shares (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, issued shares (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, outstanding shares (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Buildings Building [Member] Leasehold and building improvements Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] Camp and lodging equipment Vehicles Capitalized software and computer equipment Computer Equipment [Member] Containers and railcars Railroad Transportation Equipment [Member] All other equipment All Other Equipment [member] Represents the long-lived, depreciable assets used to produce goods and services. Furniture and fixtures Weighted average remaining useful life (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Proceeds from sale, net of cash divested Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Award vesting period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vested (in shares) Granted (in dollars per share) Forfeited (in dollars per share) Expected to be recognized over a weighted average period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Schedule of Regulatory Liabilities [Table] Schedule of Regulatory Liabilities [Table] Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] Period of time over which business acquisitions have been acquired (in years) Period of Time In Years Over Which Business Acquisitions Have Been Acquired Period of Time In Years Over Which Business Acquisitions Have Been Acquired Superfund sites Site Contingency, Number of Sites Owned by Entity The number of sites that are subject to proceedings under federal or state superfund laws that are owned by the entity. Remedial liabilities at acquisition, inflation rate (as a percent) Remedial Liabilities, Inflation Rate at Acquisition Remedial Liabilities, Inflation Rate at Acquisition Remedial liabilities at acquisition, risk-free interest rate (as a percent) Remedial Liabilities Discounted Risk Free Interest Rate Remedial Liabilities Discounted Risk Free Interest Rate BUSINESS COMBINATIONS Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Concentration Risk by Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable [Member] Total Revenues Sales [Member] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Concentration risk number of major customers over benchmark Concentration Risk Number of Major Customers Over Benchmark Concentration Risk Number of Major Customers Over Benchmark Concentration risk benchmark (as a percent) Concentration Risk Major Customers Over Benchmark Concentration Risk Major Customers Over Benchmark Numerator for basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share: Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Denominator: Denominator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Weighted basic shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation awards (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted dilutive shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash, Cash Equivalents and Uncashed Checks Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Securities Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Allowances For Doubtful Accounts [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for doubtful accounts Credit Concentration Credit Concentration [Policy Text Block] The policy for concentration of credit risks in accounts receivable Inventories and Supplies Inventory Supplies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment (excluding landfill assets) Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Permits and other intangibles Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leases Lessor, Leases [Policy Text Block] Landfill Accounting Land Fill accounting [Policy Text Block] Describes an entity's accounting policy for landfill accounting, including determination of the cost basis of the landfill and related asset retirement costs. Non-Landfill Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities Non-landfill Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities [Policy Text Block] Non-landfill Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities [Policy Text Block] Remedial Liabilities Regulatory Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Expense Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions to current year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Reductions to prior year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Additions to prior year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Expirations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Foreign currency translation Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Shares Held Under Employee Participation Plan Shares Held Under Employee Participation Plan [Member] Common stock held in a trust that has been set up specifically to accumulate stock for the sole purpose of distribution to participating employees but not yet earned. Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Beginning balance (in shares) Shares, Issued Other comprehensive income Stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Shares held under employee participation plan Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Shares held under employee participation plan (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Repurchases of common stock Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Repurchases of common stock (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Net tax benefit on stock-based awards Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Ending balance Ending balance (in shares) Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Vested in 2017 Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Vested in 2016 Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] Vested in 2015 Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2010 Equity Incentive Plan 2010 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] 2010 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Equity Award [Domain] Number of shares authorized (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Total income tax benefit from stock-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues: Cost of revenues: (exclusive of items shown separately below) Interest expense, net of interest income of $2,958, $1,897, and $784, respectively Earnings (loss) per share: Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Shares used to compute earnings (loss) per share — Basic (in shares) Shares used to compute earnings (loss) per share — Diluted (in shares) Customer and supplier relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trademarks and trade names Trademarks [Member] Finite-lived intangible assets Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Trademarks and trade names Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Total permits and other intangible assets, cost Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Total permits and other intangible assets, net (Loss) income from operations Basic (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share) Diluted (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share) Tax benefit due to reduction in net deferred tax liability Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Change in Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Liability, Income Tax (Expense) Benefit Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Change in Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Liability, Income Tax (Expense) Benefit Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Restricted Stock and Performance Stock Awards Restricted Stock and Performance Stock Awards [Member] Restricted Stock and Performance Stock Awards [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Other comprehensive (loss) income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes (benefits) of $105, $152, and ($214), respectively) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, after Tax Unrealized loss on interest rate hedge Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, after Tax Reclassification adjustment for losses on available-for-sale securities and interest rate hedge included in net income (loss) (net of taxes of $0, $79, and $0, respectively) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments (including tax benefits of $5.0 million and $16.8 million in 2018 and 2016, respectively) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Unfunded pension liability (net of taxes of $42, $38, and $57, respectively) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss) Oil and oil related products Energy Related Inventory, Crude Oil, Products and Merchandise Supplies and drums Energy Related Inventory Supplies and Drums Energy Related Inventory Supplies and Drums Solvent and solutions Energy Related Inventory, Chemicals Modular camp accommodations Energy Related Inventory Modular Camp Accommodations Energy Related Inventory Modular Camp Accommodations Other Energy Related Inventory Other Energy Related Inventory and Supplies Other Total inventories and supplies Prepaid Supplies Marketable Securities [Table] Marketable Securities [Table] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Commercial paper Commercial Paper [Member] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] U.S. Treasury securities US Treasury Securities [Member] Corporate notes and bonds Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Commercial paper Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Line Items] Marketable Securities [Line Items] Total cash equivalents Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Short-term marketable securities Marketable Securities, Current Total financial assets Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities, Current Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities, Current Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Hedge Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Unfunded Pension Liability Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Equity Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications OCI, before Reclassifications, before Tax, Attributable to Parent Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent Tax benefit (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent ACCRUED EXPENSES Accrued Expenses Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for accrued expenses at the end of the reporting period. Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net of allowances aggregating $44,315 and $27,799, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Unbilled accounts receivable Unbilled Accounts Receivable, Current The aggregate amount of unbilled receivables due for services rendered or to be rendered at the financial statement date, which are usually due within one year (or one business cycle). Deferred costs Debt Issuance Costs, Current, Net Inventories and supplies Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets, Current This element represents current portion of prepaid expenses and other assets. Total current assets Assets, Current Other assets: Other Assets [Abstract] Other Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Assets, Noncurrent, Excluding Property, Plant and Equipment Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets (excluding property, plant and equipment) that are expected to be realized in cash, sold or consumed after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Total assets Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Deferred revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Accrued expenses Current portion of closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities Accrued Capping, Closure, Post Closure and Remedial Liabilities, Current The amount of estimated costs accrued as of the balance sheet date to comply with regulatory requirements pertaining to the retirement of a waste management facility (such as a landfill or waste treatment facility) and to remediate one or more sites. Represents the portion that will be paid within one year. Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other liabilities: Other Liabilites [Abstract] Other Liabilites [Abstract] Closure and post-closure liabilities, less current portion of $9,592 and $6,444, respectively Accrued Capping, Closure, Post-closure and Environmental Costs, Noncurrent Remedial liabilities, less current portion of $13,442 and $13,338, respectively Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent Long-term obligations, less current portion Deferred taxes, unrecognized tax benefits and other long-term liabilities Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Other Long-term Liabilities, Noncurrent The noncurrent portion of the amount that is recognized for the unrecognized tax benefits and other long-term liabilities as of the balance sheet date. Total other liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingent liabilities (See Note 18) Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $.01 par value: Authorized 80,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 56,501,190 and 57,297,978 shares, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Computations Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Environmental Contingencies [Table] Environmental Contingencies [Table] Discloses the specific components (such as the nature, name, and date) of the environmental contingencies and gives the possible estimates, or states that a reasonable estimate cannot be made. Superfund Proceedings Superfund Proceedings [Member] Represents the indemnification obligations under federal or state Superfund laws. Certain other third party sites Certain Other Third Party Sites [member] Represents the details that pertain to Certain Other Third Party Sites. Contingencies Contingencies [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Superfund Proceedings Superfund Proceedings [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Number of sites subject to proceedings under federal or state superfund laws Site Contingency, Number of Sites The number of sites that are subject to proceedings under federal or state superfund laws brought against the company or against third parties for which the company may have certain indemnification obligations. Number of sites owned by the entity subject to proceedings under federal or state superfund laws Number of sites owned by third parties subject to proceedings under federal or state superfund laws Site Contingency, Number of Sites Owned by Third Party The number of sites owned by third parties subject to proceedings under federal or state Superfund laws for which the company or the prior owners shipped wastes. Number of sites for which environmental remediation expense is settled Site Contingency, Environmental Remediation Expense Settled Number of Sites Owned by Third Party The number of sites owned by the third party for which environmental remediation expense is settled. Third party sites requiring expenditure on remediation Site Contingency, Environmental Remediation Expense Number of Sites Owned by Third Party The number of sites for which environmental remediation expense is incurred subject to proceedings under federal or state superfund laws owned by third party. Number of sites for which environmental remediation expense is not required Site Contingency, Not Requiring Environmental Remediation Expense Number of Sites Owned by Third Party The number of sites owned by the third party for which environmental remediation expense is not required. Possible increase in legal and administrative proceedings Loss Contingency Accrual at Carrying Value Potential Additional Liability The amount as of the balance sheet date of potential needed increase in the loss contingency reserves. Number of sites which potential liability could exceed $100,000 Number of Sites, Potential Liability Exceeds Substantial Quota Number of Sites, Potential Liability Exceeds Substantial Quota Indemnification agreement with third party sites, sites Site Contingency, Indemnification Agreement Number of Sites Owned by Third Party The number of sites for which the company has an indemnification agreement from the third party seller. Notices received from owners of third party sites seeking indemnification from the company Site Contingency, Notice Received Number of Sites Owned by Third Party The number of notices received from owners of third party sites related to the CSD assets seeking indemnification from the company. Condensed consolidating balance sheet Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Assets: Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Intercompany receivables Receivables from Affiliates Subsidiaries and Holding Companies This element represents receivables from affiliates, subsidiaries and the holding company. Accounts receivable, net Other current assets Other Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Investments in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Intercompany debt receivable Debt Receivable from Affiliates Subsidiaries and Holding Companies This element represents debts receivable from the affiliates, subsidiaries and the holding company. Other long-term assets Deferred Financing Costs and Other Assets Deferred Financing Costs and Other Assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity: Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Intercompany payables Payables to Affiliates Subsidiaries and Holding Companies This element represents payables to affiliates, subsidiaries and the holding company. Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net Closure Post Closure and Remedial Liabilities, Net The net amount of closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities that is required as of the balance sheet date, which will be paid after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Intercompany debt payable Debt Payable to Affiliates Subsidiaries and Holding Companies This element represents the debts payable to the affiliates, subsidiaries and the holding company. Other long-term liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders' equity REMEDIAL LIABILITIES Environmental Loss Contingency Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Lodging Segment Lodging Segment [Member] Lodging Segment [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Accumulated goodwill impairment charges Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill impairment charge Intangible assets Amortization expense of permits and other intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Schedule of Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Payments Related to Asset Retirement Obligations Schedule of Expected Payments Related to Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Payments Related to Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block] SEGMENT REPORTING Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Restricted Stock Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Performance Stock Awards Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block] Accrued Expenses Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Number of businesses acquired Number of Businesses Acquired Purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Revenue from acquisition included in the company's result of operations Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Acquisition related costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Bank disbursement account balance Cash and Cash Equivalents, Bank Disbursement Account, Minimum Balance Allowed Cash and Cash Equivalents, Bank Disbursement Account, Minimum Balance Allowed Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Technical Services Technical Services [Member] This element represents the Technical Services segment of the entity. Field and Emergency Response Services Field and Emergency Response [Member] Field and Emergency Response [Member] Industrial Services Industrial Services [Member] Industrial Services [Member] Oil, Gas and Lodging Services and Other Oil, Gas and Lodging Services [Member] Oil, Gas and Lodging Services [Member] Safety-Kleen Environmental Services Safetly-Kleen Environmental Services [Member] Safetly-Kleen Environmental Services [Member] Kleen Performance Products Kleen Performance Products [Member] Kleen Performance Products Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Summary of Financing Arrangements Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Guarantor, ownership interest by Clean Harbors, Inc. Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Net cash from operating activities Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale of Long-term Investments Purchases of available-for-sale securities Intercompany Intercompany, Investing Intercompany, Investing Intercompany debt Intercompany Debt, Investing Intercompany Debt, Investing Investment in subsidiaries Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Deferred financing costs paid Intercompany Intercompany, Financing Intercompany, Financing Intercompany debt Intercompany Debt, Financing Intercompany Debt, Financing Schedule of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Closure and Post-closure Liabilities [Table] Closure and Post-closure Liabilities [Table] The schedule that reflects each closure and post-closure liabilities, during the period. Closure and Post-closure Liabilities [Axis] Closure and Post-closure Liabilities [Axis] The information about each closure and post-closure liabilities during the period. Closure and Post-closure Liabilities [Domain] Closure and Post-closure Liabilities [Domain] Closure and Post-closure Liabilities [Domain] Landfill Retirement Liability Landfill Retirement Liability [Member] Represents the asset retirement obligations for landfill liability. Non-Landfill Retirement Liability Non-Landfill Retirement Liability [Member] Represents the asset retirement obligations for non-landfill liability. CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE LIABILITIES Closure and Post Closure Liabilities [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Changes to post-closure liabilities Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period Liabilities assumed in acquisitions Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Assumed in Acquisition Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Assumed in Acquisition Measurement period adjustments from prior period acquisitions Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Assumed from Business Acquisitions, Measurement Period Adjustment Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Assumed from Business Acquisitions, Measurement Period Adjustment New asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Adjustment related to disposition of business Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Accretion Asset Retirement Obligation, Adjustment Related to Disposition of Business Asset Retirement Obligation, Adjustment Related to Disposition of Business Changes in estimates recorded to statement of operations Asset Retirement Obligation, Changes Recorded in Statement of Income The amount of change in the asset retirement obligation, during the current period, for changes in estimates recorded in the statement of income. Changes in estimates recorded to balance sheet Asset Retirement Obligation, Changes Recorded in Balance Sheet Represents the amount of change in the asset retirement obligation, during the current period for other changes in estimates recorded in the balance sheet. Expenditures Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Currency translation and other Asset Retirement Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance at the end of the period Increase in facility closure costs Costs Incurred, Asset Retirement Obligation Incurred Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Net [Abstract] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Gross, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, Next Twelve Months 2020 Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, Second Year 2021 Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, Third Year 2022 Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, Fourth Year 2023 Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, Fifth Year Thereafter Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, after Fifth Year Undiscounted remedial liabilities Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Gross Less: Discount Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Discount Total remedial liabilities Total current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent Total other assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets divested Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Total current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Total other liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities divested Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Net carrying value divested Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets (Liabilities), Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets (Liabilities), Net Receivables Contract Assets (Unbilled Receivables) Contract Liabilities (Deferred Revenue) Changes to Remedial Liabilities Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site [Table Text Block] Remedial Liabilities Anticipated Payments for Each of the Next Five Years Remedial Liabilities Anticipated Payments for Each of the Next Five Years [Table Text Block] Remedial Liabilities Anticipated Payments for Each of the Next Five Years [Table Text Block] Environmental Exit Costs by Cost Environmental Exit Costs by Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes to Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Amortization for the Net Carrying Amount of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred tax assets: Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Provision for doubtful accounts Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Closure Post-Closure and Remedial Liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Closure Post-Closure and Remedial Liabilities Accrued expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Accrued compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation Net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Uncertain tax positions accrued interest and federal benefit Deferred Tax Assets, Uncertain Tax Positions Accrued Interest and Federal Benefit Deferred Tax Assets, Uncertain Tax Positions Accrued Interest and Federal Benefit Stock-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Permits and other intangible assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Prepaids Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Total net deferred tax liability before valuation allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Before Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Before Valuation Allowance Less valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net State and local operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Federal operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic Foreign operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign Foreign tax credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Contract Balances Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS Debt Disclosure [Text Block] PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Repurchase of common stock (in shares) Repurchases of common stock Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Acquired Company Included in Safety-Kleen and Environmental Services Segments [Member] Acquired Company Included in Safety-Kleen and Environmental Services Segments [Member] Acquired Company Included in Safety-Kleen and Environmental Services Segments [Member] Goodwill amount Pre-tax income Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Depreciation Expense Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Depreciation Expense Amortization expense related to intangible assets Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Amortization of Intangible Assets Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Amortization of Intangible Assets Acquisition-related costs Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Cost Expensed Weighted average useful life (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Product Liability Contingency [Table] Product Liability Contingency [Table] Product Liability Contingency [Line Items] Product Liability Contingency [Line Items] Deductible health insurance policy Deductible Health Insurance Policy Deductible Health Insurance Policy Deductible per occurrence for workers compensation Deductible per Occurrence for Workers Compensation Deductible per Occurrence for Workers Compensation Deductible per occurrence for general liability Deductible per Occurrence for General Liability Deductible per Occurrence for General Liability Deductible per occurrence for vehicle liability Deductible per Occurrence for Vehicle Liability Deductible per Occurrence for Vehicle Liability Retention for environmental impairment Retention for Environmental Impairment Retention for Environmental Impairment Self-insurance liabilities Self-Insurance Liabilities Self-Insurance Liabilities Weighted average risk free discount rate for self insurance liabilities Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Claim Liability, Weighted Average Risk Free Discount Rate Self Insurance Losses Expected [Abstract] Self Insurance Losses Expected [Abstract] Self Insurance Losses Expected [Abstract] 2019 Anticipated Self-Insurance Payments Year One Anticipated Self-Insurance Payments Year One 2020 Anticipated Self-Insurance Payments Year Two Anticipated Self-Insurance Payments Year Two 2021 Anticipated Self-Insurance Payments Year Three Anticipated Self-Insurance Payments Year Three 2022 Anticipated Self-Insurance Payments Year Four Anticipated Self-Insurance Payments Year Four 2023 Anticipated Self-Insurance Payments Year Five Anticipated Self-Insurance Payments Year Five Thereafter Anticipated Self-Insurance Payments Thereafter Anticipated Self-Insurance Payments Thereafter Undiscounted self-insurance liabilities Undiscounted Self-Insurance Liabilities Undiscounted Self-Insurance Liabilities Less: Discount Self-Insurance Discount Rate Self-Insurance Discount Rate Total self-insurance liabilities (included in accrued expenses) Self Insurance Reserve Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases and Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases and Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Self-Insurance Liabilities Anticipated Payments Self-Insurance Liabilities Anticipated Payments [Table Text Block] Self-Insurance Liabilities Anticipated Payments [Table Text Block] Effective income tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Net benefit from enacted tax act Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Change in Tax Rate, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Change in Tax Rate, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax benefit for the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Liability, Provisional Income Tax (Expense) Benefit Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Liability, Provisional Income Tax (Expense) Benefit One-time tax expense on deemed repatriation Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense One-time deemed repatriation, adjusted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Income Tax Expense Adjustment from one-time deemed repatriation to tax expense Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred expense Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Deferred Tax Asset, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Deferred Tax Asset, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Benefit to income tax expense Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Additional income tax benefit upon amendments of 2014 through 2016 tax returns Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax effects Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Valuation allowance Valuation allowance, foreign tax credits Valuation Allowance, Amount Foreign Tax Credits Valuation Allowance, Amount Foreign Tax Credits Valuation allowance, federal net operating loss carryforwards Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Federal Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Federal Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Valuation allowance, state net operating loss carryforwards Valuation Allowance, Amount State Net Operating Loss Valuation Allowance, Amount State Net Operating Loss Valuation allowance, foreign net operating loss carryforwards Valuation Allowance, Amount Foreign Net Operating Loss Valuation Allowance, Amount Foreign Net Operating Loss Valuation allowance, deferred tax assets of Canadian subsidiary Valuation Allowance, Amount, Deferred Tax Assets of Subsidiary Valuation Allowance, Amount, Deferred Tax Assets of Subsidiary Valuation allowance, deferred tax assets of Canadian subsidiary, tax attributes Valuation Allowance, Amount, Deferred Tax Assets of Subsidiary, Tax Valuation Allowance, Amount, Deferred Tax Assets of Subsidiary, Tax Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Unrecognized tax benefits, penalties and interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Reduction in unrecognized tax benefit from the expiration of statue of limitations and the resolution of tax audits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors and Non Guarantors Disclosure [Text Block] This element represents the disclosure of the condensed financial statements (balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows), normally using the registrant (parent) as the sole domain member. If condensed consolidating financial statements are being presented, other domain members (in addition to parent) such as guarantor subsidiaries, non-guarantor subsidiaries, and the consolidation eliminations, will be included in order that the respective monetary amounts for each of the domains will aggregate to the respective amounts on the consolidated financial statements. The line items are the various captions used to compile the condensed financial statements. Using extensions, most, if not all, of the elements representing condensed financial statement captions will be the same as those used for the consolidated financial statements captions. Lonestar Lonestar [Member] Lonestar [Member] 2017 Acquisitions 2017 Acquisitions [Member] 2017 Acquisitions [Member] Payments to acquire businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Equity payout (in CAD per share) Payments to Acquire Business, Compensation per Share Payments to Acquire Business, Compensation per Share Debt assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Lease terms range minimum Lease Terms Range Minimum Lease Terms Range Minimum Lease terms range maximum Lease Terms Range Maximum Lease Terms Range Maximum Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total minimum lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Operating leases, rent expense, net Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Text Block] This element may be used to describe all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity, an entity's explanation that the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of management estimates and the impact of recently issued accounting standards. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Summary of Allocation of Purchase Price Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Interest expense, interest income Interest Income, Operating Ville Mercier Ville Mercier [Member] Represents the details that pertain to the Ville Mercier. Legal and Administrative Proceedings Legal and Administrative Proceedings [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Reserves Loss Contingency Accrual Reserves relating to legal and administrative proceedings Loss Contingency, Range of Loss The estimated minimum amount of possible loss from the federal and state enforcement actions. Number of permits issued by government, for dumping organic liquid Number of Permits Issued by Government to Dump Organic Liquid The number of permits that are granted by the government in relation to environmental liabilities. Number of neighboring municipalities filing separate legal proceedings against the Mercier subsidiary and the government of Quebec Number of Neighboring Municipalities Filing Separate Legal Proceedings This element represents the number of municipalities other than Ville Mercier that filed legal proceedings against the Mercier Subsidiary. General damages sought Loss Contingency, General Damages Sought, Value Loss Contingency, General Damages Sought, Value Punitive damages sought Loss Contingency, Punitive Damages Sought, Value Loss Contingency, Punitive Damages Sought, Value Loss contingency, claims settled and dismissed, claims Loss Contingency, Claims Settled and Dismissed, Number