Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Net income	$ 42,515	$ 44,605	$ 73,953	$ 81,398
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(4,329)	(3,083)	(3,848)	2,688
Income tax (benefit) expense related to items of other comprehensive income	1,645	1,172	1,462	(1,021)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2,684)	(1,911)	(2,386)	1,667
Comprehensive income	39,831	42,694	71,567	83,065
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(100)	(192)	(234)	(446)
Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Connections	39,731	42,502	71,333	82,619
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Amounts reclassified, gross	1,366	1,589	2,506	3,455
Changes in fair value, gross	(3,791)	(2,670)	(4,793)	(2,603)
Fuel Hedges [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Amounts reclassified, gross	(1,105)	(1,278)	(2,234)	(2,088)
Changes in fair value, gross	$ (799)	$ (724)	$ 673	$ 3,924