Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Change in the fair value for Level 3 derivatives
Beginning balance	$ 3,506	$ 4,730
Realized gains included in earnings	(2,234)	(2,088)
Unrealized gains included in AOCIL	673	3,924
Ending balance	$ 1,945	$ 6,566

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