REMEDIAL LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 135,320
Accretion	1,489
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(647)
Expenditures	(1,640)
Currency translation and other	478
Balance at the end of the period	135,000
Remedial Liabilities for Landfill Sites
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	5,600
Accretion	68
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(2)
Expenditures	(19)
Currency translation and other	52
Balance at the end of the period	5,699
Remedial Liabilities for Inactive Sites
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	78,449
Accretion	860
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(309)
Expenditures	(948)
Currency translation and other	3
Balance at the end of the period	78,055
Remedial Liabilities (Including Superfund) for Non-Landfill Operations
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	51,271
Accretion	561
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(336)
Expenditures	(673)
Currency translation and other	423
Balance at the end of the period	$ 51,246