CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes to reported closure and post-closure obligations
Closure and post-closure obligations, beginning of period	$ 17,827	$ 17,338
Accretion expense	348	1,018	970
Payments	(358)	(544)
Adjustments	956	956
Currency translation	34	39
Closure and post-closure obligations, end of period	18,807	18,807
Less current portion	(3,167)	(3,167)		(2,890)
Long-term portion	$ 15,640	$ 15,640		$ 14,448