Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2009 acre	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
HDSWF purchased undeveloped land		325
Minimum number of days of prior notice for future permit hearing			120 days
Term period of Solid Waste Franchise Agreement			40 months
Capitalized expenditures related to landfill development projects			$ 11,778
Capitalized expenditures company will be required to expense in future if new site permit approved			10,324
Capitalized expenditures the company will be required to expense in future if original site permit approved			1,454
Capitalized expenditures the company will be required to expense in future if site permits not approved			11,778
Expected pre-tax impairment charge related to PHLF if Measure E is ultimately ruled to be unenforceable			11,000
Amount of monetary damages County is seeking			2,962
Pre-judgment interest			10.00%
Term of unilateral option to extend contract			5 years
Period to cure the default	30 days
Current annual impact to pre-tax earnings resulting from termination of MDSI's contracts with Madera County			$ 2,300