PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 2,451,719	$ 2,417,364
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	863,433	815,194
Total property, plant and equipment, net	1,588,286	1,602,170
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	99,338	99,794
Asset retirement costs (non-landfill)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	10,909	10,938
Landfill assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	101,540	100,983
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	331,969	327,956
Camp equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	180,874	187,831
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	432,849	425,296
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,220,857	1,201,296
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	5,260	5,260
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 68,123	$ 58,010