Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income (loss)	$ 247,321	$ (94,694)	$ 233,327
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(50,931)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(23,210)	(10,574)	(6,045)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,620)	3,996	2,321
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(30,830)	(6,578)	(3,724)
Comprehensive income (loss)	216,491	(101,272)	229,603
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(781)	(1,070)	(802)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Waste Connections	215,710	(102,342)	228,801
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Amounts reclassified, gross	6,654	5,093	4,581
Changes in fair value, gross	11,431	(7,746)	(6,448)
Fuel [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Amounts reclassified, gross	5,832	3,217	(823)
Changes in fair value, gross	$ 3,804	$ (11,138)	$ (3,355)