REMEDIAL LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 167,220
Adjustments during the measurement period related to acquisitions	10,650
Accretion	1,679
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(100)
Expenditures	(4,287)
Currency translation and other	(594)
Balance at the end of the period	174,568
Remedial Liabilities for Landfill Sites
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	5,829
Adjustments during the measurement period related to acquisitions	0
Accretion	70
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(21)
Expenditures	(14)
Currency translation and other	(67)
Balance at the end of the period	5,797
Remedial Liabilities for Inactive Sites
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	71,079
Adjustments during the measurement period related to acquisitions	8,578
Accretion	826
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(165)
Expenditures	(1,843)
Currency translation and other	(33)
Balance at the end of the period	78,442
Remedial Liabilities (Including Superfund) for Non-Landfill Operations
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	90,312
Adjustments during the measurement period related to acquisitions	2,072
Accretion	783
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	86
Expenditures	(2,430)
Currency translation and other	(494)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 90,329