Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Change in the fair value for Level 3 derivatives
Beginning balance	$ 3,506	$ 4,730
Realized gains included in earnings	(1,129)	(811)
Unrealized gains included in AOCIL	1,473	4,649
Ending balance	$ 3,850	$ 8,568

This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity.

No definition available.

Name:	wcn_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetsAndLiabilitiesGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix:	wcn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration