CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net income	$ 49,620	$ 46,584	$ 123,574	$ 127,983
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Other comprehensive loss before tax	(346)	(3,038)	(4,194)	(350)
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	131	1,154	1,594	133
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(215)	(1,884)	(2,600)	(217)
Comprehensive income	49,405	44,700	120,974	127,766
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(235)	(255)	(470)	(702)
Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Connections	49,170	44,445	120,504	127,064
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Amounts reclassified, gross	1,380	1,186	3,886	4,641
Changes in fair value, gross	(2,415)	(2,081)	(7,208)	(4,684)
Fuel Hedges [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Amounts reclassified, gross	(1,093)	(1,101)	(3,327)	(3,189)
Changes in fair value, gross	$ 1,782	$ (1,042)	$ 2,455	$ 2,882