Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment gross	$ 3,421,223	$ 2,265,940
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion	(963,617)	(815,471)
Property and equipment net	2,457,606	1,450,469
Landfill Site Costs
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment gross	1,974,994	1,066,282
Rolling Stock
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment gross	555,680	497,984
Land, Buildings and Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment gross	349,567	247,907
Containers
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment gross	247,440	217,401
Machinery and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment gross	266,196	216,749
Construction in Progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment gross	$ 27,346	$ 19,617

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

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Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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- Definition

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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