Accounting Policies [Abstract] 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. Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net of allowances aggregating $26,358 and $25,661, 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 Deferred Finance Costs, Current, Net Inventories and supplies Prepaid Supplies Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets, Current This element represents current portion of prepaid expenses and other assets. Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other assets: Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Deferred financing costs Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Goodwill Goodwill Permits and other intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) 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 Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue and Credits, Current Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current 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 Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Closure and post-closure liabilities, less current portion of $8,272 and $4,999, respectively Accrued Capping, Closure, Post-closure and Environmental Costs, Noncurrent Remedial liabilities, less current portion of $16,852 and $17,092, respectively Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent Long-term obligations Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities 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 15) Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock, $.01 par value: Authorized 80,000,000; shares issued and outstanding 58,661,384 and 58,903,482 shares, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Shares held under employee participation plan Common Stock Issued, Employee Trust, Deferred 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 Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Oil and oil 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 Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] 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. 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. Legal and Administrative Proceedings Legal and Administrative Proceedings [Member] Represents the actual or potential liabilities that are related to the legal and administrative proceedings. Ville Mercier Ville Mercier [Member] Represents the details that pertain to the Ville Mercier. Superfund Proceedings Superfund Proceedings [Member] Represents the indemnification obligations under federal or state Superfund laws. Wichita Property Wichita Property [Member] Represents the details that pertain to Wichita Property. Certain Other Third Party Sites Certain Other Third Party Sites [member] Represents the details that pertain to Certain Other Third Party Sites. Safety-Kleen Safety-Kleen [Member] Safety-Kleen [Member] Federal and State Enforcement Actions Federal and State Enforcement Actions [Member] The regulatory proceedings that are relating primarily to waste treatment, storage or disposal facilities. Contingencies [Line Items] Contingencies [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Recorded reserves for actual or probable liabilities Loss Contingency Accrual 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 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 Accrued remedial liabilities Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Number of pending personal injury claims allegedly resulting from the used of Safety-Kleen's products Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Number of product liability claims settled or dismissed Loss Contingency, Claims Settled and Dismissed, Number Number of customers filing a complaint Loss Contingency, Number of Customers Filing Complaint Loss Contingency, Number of Customers Filing Complaint. Number of sites owned by third party excluded from cleanup or related liabilities 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 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. Notices received from owners of third party sites seeking indemnification from the company 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 not currently requiring expenditures on remediation 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. Minimum potential liability Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum 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 State-designated superfund site acquired, total acres Site Contingency, Area Acquired by Entity The total acres of the state-designated superfund site acquired by the entity. Indemnification agreement with third party 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. Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] 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] Equity Award [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] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Unvested beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Number of shares, vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Number of shares, forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Unvested ending balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Fair value beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair value, vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair value, forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Fair value end of period Unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Fair value restricted stock Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Segment Reporting [Abstract] SEGMENT REPORTING Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Summary of the entity's financial arrangements Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Restricted stock awards Restricted Stock [Member] Number of shares, granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Number of shares, forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Fair value, granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair value, forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Period recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Service revenues Sales Revenue, Services, Net Product revenues Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Total revenues Revenues Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below) Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Service revenues Cost of Services Product revenues Cost of Goods Sold Total cost of revenues Cost of Revenue Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Accretion of environmental liabilities Accretion of Environmental Liabilities This element includes accretion expenditure that pertains to asset retirement obligations and environmental remediation. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Other income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest expense, net of interest income of $151 and $205, respectively Interest Expense, Net This element represents the amount of interest expense, net of investment interest income. (Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest (Benefit) provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net (loss) income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Loss) earnings per share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Shares used to compute (loss) earnings per share - Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Shares used to compute (loss) earnings per share - Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Technical Services Technical Services [Member] This element represents the Technical Services segment of the entity. Industrial and Field Services Industrial and Field Services [Member] This element represents the Industrial and Field Services segment of the entity. Oil Re-refining and Recycling Oil Refining and Recycling Segment [Member] Oil Refining and Recycling Segment [Member] SK Environmental Services Environmental Services [Member] This element represents the Environmental Services segment of the entity. Lodging Services Lodging Segment [Member] Lodging Segment [Member] Oil and Gas Field Services Oil and Gas Field Services [Member] This element represents the Oil and Gas Field Services segment of the entity. Corporate Items Corporate Segment [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Third party revenues Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Intersegment revenues, net Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Corporate Items, net Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Direct revenues Operating Segments [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total revenues Equity [Abstract] ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Consolidating Adjustments Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Clean Harbors, Inc. Parent Company [Member] U.S. Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Foreign Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net cash (used in) from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from 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 sales 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. Costs to obtain or renew permits Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Proceeds from sale of long term investments Proceeds from Sale of Long-term Investments Intercompany Intercompany, Investing Intercompany, Investing Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows 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 employee stock purchase plan Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Excluding Stock Options Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted 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 Payments on capital leases Repayment of Capital Lease Obligation The cash outflow for a borrowing that was recorded for a lease meeting the criteria for capitalization (with maturities within one year or more). It includes both short-term and long-term capital lease obligations. Dividends (paid) / received Dividends Paid The cash outflow (inflow) from the entity's earnings to the shareholders. This includes dividends paid to noncontrolling interests holders. Intercompany Intercompany, Financing Intercompany, Financing Net cash 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 in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract] REMEDIAL LIABILITIES Environmental Loss Contingency Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] BUSINESS COMBINATIONS Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Number of operations not managed by reportable segments Number of Operations Not Managed by Reportable Segments This element represents the number of operations not managed by reportable segments. Schedule of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] 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] Accumulated Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Balance beginning of period (in shares) Shares, Issued Net (loss) income Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 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 Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Repurchases of common stock Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Repurchases of common stock Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Net tax benefit on stock-based awards Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Balance at end of period Balance ending of period (in shares) Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, plant and equipment, net Permits and other intangible, net Total assets Changes to remedial liabilities Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site [Table Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] 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 beginning of year Asset Retirement Obligation New asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Accretion Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income 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 Other 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 Balance at end of year Credit-adjusted risk-free rate (as a percent) Credit Adjusted Risk Free Rate The rate applied to the undiscounted amount of new asset retirement obligations that are expected to arrive at the present value and that are recorded as of the balance sheet date. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS Debt Disclosure [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 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 GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION 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. Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Reclassification adjustment for gains on available-for-sale securities included in net (loss) income (net of taxes of $0, $496) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] 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] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Shares excluded from computation of earning per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign Currency Translation Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to 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] Components of Other Accumulated Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other comprehensive loss Ending balance Reconciliation of third party revenues to direct revenues Schedule of Segment Revenues [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the direct revenues for each reportable segment, including a reconciliation to consolidated third party revenues. 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. PP&E, intangible assets and total assets by segment Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment, Intangible Assets And Total Assets By Segment [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and 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. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] 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. -- Basic shares outstanding Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation awards Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive shares outstanding Basic earnings per share (in USD per share) Diluted earnings per share (in USD per share) Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES Canada CANADA Other foreign Other Foreign [Member] This element represents the other foreign segment of the entity. Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Schedule of closure and post-closure liabilities Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE LIABILITIES Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of changes to goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Summary of amortizable other intangible assets (indefinite-lived) 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] Interest income Investment Income, Interest COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] 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 Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Other income Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-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. Customer and supplier relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Other intangible assets Other Intangible Assets [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] Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Table] Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Indefinite-lived intangible asset, cost 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 Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Employee Stock Purchase Plan 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan 2005 [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan 2005 [Member] Stock-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Income tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Share repurchase program shares authorized Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Repurchases of common stock (in shares) Repurchases of common stock Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Allowance for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Changes in environmental liability estimates Other Increase (Decrease) in Environmental Liabilities Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 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 Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised Other income 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 Proceeds from sales of fixed assets Proceeds from sales of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Additions to intangible assets, including costs to obtain or renew permits Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted Decrease in cash and cash equivalents 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, Net Income taxes (received) paid Income Taxes Paid, Net Non-cash investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Accrual for repurchased shares Accrual for Repurchased Shares Accrual for Repurchased Shares Property, plant and equipment accrued Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Assets Acquired BASIS OF PRESENTATION Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Site Contingency [Table] Site Contingency [Table] 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. Remedial liabilities Site Contingency [Line Items] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Accretion Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Provision for New Losses Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Increase (Decrease) for Revision in Estimates 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 end of year Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Privately owned domestic company Privately Owned Domestic Company [Member] Privately Owned Domestic Company [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Number of Companies Number of Companies Number of Companies Purchase price of acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Other comprehensive loss: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes of $0, $152) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for gains on available-for-sale securities included in net (loss) income (net of taxes of $0, $496) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Parent and domestic subsidiaries Parent and Domestic Subsidiaries [Member] Parent and Domestic Subsidiaries [Member] Canadian subsidiaries Canadian Subsidiaries [Member] Canadian Subsidiaries [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Unsecured debt Unsecured Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Unsecured senior notes 2020 Unsecured Senior Notes 2020 [Member] Unsecured Senior Notes 2020 [Member] Unsecured senior notes 2021 Unsecured Senior Notes 2021 [Member] Unsecured Senior Notes 2021 [Member] Financing arrangements Debt Instrument [Line Items] Senior unsecured notes Long-term Debt, Gross Senior unsecured notes principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Long-term Line of Credit Line of credit facility available borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit amount outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Credit available subject to percentage of accounts receivable Credit Available Subject to Percentage of Accounts Receivable Credit Available Subject to Percentage of Accounts Receivable Credit available subject to percentage of cash deposited Credit Available Subject to Percentage of Cash Deposited Credit Available Subject to Percentage of Cash Deposited 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. 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 Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, authorized shares Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, issued shares Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, outstanding shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Consolidating statement of income Service cost of revenues Product cost of revenues Interest (expense) income Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes Income (Loss) from Affiliates Subsidiaries and Holding Company Represents the income (loss) from affiliates, subsidiaries and the holding company. Intercompany dividend income Net Dividend Income from Affiliates Subsidiaries and Holding Company Represents the net dividend income 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. (Benefit) provision for income taxes Net (loss) income Other comprehensive loss Accrued expenses Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2015 (nine months) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land Land [Member] Asset retirement costs (non-landfill) Asset Retirement Obligation Costs [Member] Landfill assets Landfill [Member] Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Camp 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 [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 Interest capitalized to fixed assets Accumulated Capitalized Interest Costs Depreciation inclusive of amortization Depreciation Inclusive of Amortization Depreciation Inclusive of Amortization PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Income (loss) from continuing operations 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. Other income Interest expense, net of interest income Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign and State Foreign and State [Member] Foreign and State [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] The Company's effective tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate A ratio calculated by dividing the reported amount of income tax expense attributable to continuing and discontinued operations for the period by GAAP-basis pretax income from continuing and discontinued operations. Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits, interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Amount of decrease in unrecognized tax benefits that, if realized, will impact the effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share computations Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] (LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Increase from adjustments during the measurement period related to recent acquisitions Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Balance at end of year Condensed consolidating balance sheet 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 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 Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent 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 ACCRUED EXPENSES Accrued Expenses Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for accrued expenses at the end of the reporting period. Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Summary of total number, weighted-average grant-date fair value, and types of awards granted Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Summary of performance stock awards Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]