Represents the number of primary sources of the entity for revenue recognition.

No definition available.

Name:	ecol_RevenueRecognitionNumberOfPrimarySources
Namespace Prefix:	ecol_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate costs of keeping the property in good condition but that do not appreciably prolong the life or increase the value of the property.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The estimated or actual value of the asset at the end of its useful life or when it is no longer serviceable (cannot be used for its original purpose).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentSalvageValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The noncurrent cash, cash equivalents and investments that is restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits classified as long-term; that is not expected to be released from such existing restrictions within one year of the balance sheet date or operating cycle, whichever is longer. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. Includes noncurrent cash equivalents and investments that are similarly restricted as to withdrawal, usage or disposal.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=ecol_DisposalFacilityAndEquipmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=ecol_VehiclesAndOtherEquipmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_RailroadTransportationEquipmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 item	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Cash and Investments
Restricted cash and investments	$ 5,729,000	$ 4,097,000
Revenue Recognition
Number of primary sources for revenue recognition	3
Property and Equipment
Repair and maintenance expenses	12,200,000	5,500,000	4,600,000
Salvage value for the depreciable fixed assets	$ 0
Vehicles and other equipment \| Minimum
Property and Equipment
Useful Lives	3 years
Vehicles and other equipment \| Maximum
Property and Equipment
Useful Lives	10 years
Disposal facility and equipment \| Minimum
Property and Equipment
Useful Lives	3 years
Disposal facility and equipment \| Maximum
Property and Equipment
Useful Lives	20 years
Buildings and improvements \| Minimum
Property and Equipment
Useful Lives	5 years
Buildings and improvements \| Maximum
Property and Equipment
Useful Lives	40 years
Railcars
Property and Equipment
Useful Lives	40 years