Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income (loss)	$ (94,694)	$ 233,327	$ 196,005
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(10,574)	(6,045)	6,949
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	3,996	2,321	(2,653)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(6,578)	(3,724)	4,296
Comprehensive income (loss)	(101,272)	229,603	200,301
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,070)	(802)	(350)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Waste Connections	(102,342)	228,801	199,951
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Amounts reclassified, gross	5,093	4,581	5,641
Changes in fair value, gross	(7,746)	(6,448)	296
Fuel [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Amounts reclassified, gross	3,217	(823)
Changes in fair value, gross	$ (11,138)	$ (3,355)	$ 1,012