Stockholders' Equity and Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Basic earnings per share:
Net income attributable to Republic Services, Inc.	$ 185,800	$ 171,400	$ 497,300	$ 352,300
Weighted average common shares outstanding	356,252	361,672	357,432	362,418
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.52	$ 0.47	$ 1.39	$ 0.97
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income attributable to Republic Services, Inc.	$ 185,800	$ 171,400	$ 497,300	$ 352,300
Weighted average common shares outstanding	356,252	361,672	357,432	362,418
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options to purchase common stock (in shares)	1,377	1,288	1,313	1,354
Unvested restricted stock awards (in shares)	111	42	72	32
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	357,740	363,002	358,817	363,804
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.47	$ 1.39	$ 0.97
Options to purchase common stock [Member]
Antidilutive securities not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations:
Options to purchase common stock (in shares)	28	1,793	369	2,157