PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 2,203,949	$ 2,144,682
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	654,143	612,919
Total property, plant and equipment, net	1,549,806	1,531,763
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	93,387	106,037
Asset retirement costs (non-landfill)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	10,097	10,450
Landfill assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	82,580	77,952
Building and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	344,498	329,617
Camp equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	132,900	135,827
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	392,113	385,172
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,061,968	1,061,090
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	6,817	6,757
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 79,589	$ 31,780