COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (US Ecology and the thermal recycling operation owner-operator, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013
US Ecology and the thermal recycling operation owner-operator
Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings
Potential additional liability for potential violations	$ 0

Represents the potential liability, which is inestimable, for the violation of Clean Air Act of 1970.

No definition available.

Name:	ecol_LossContingencyInestimableLossPotentialAdditionalLiabilityForPotentialViolation
Namespace Prefix:	ecol_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant