REMEDIAL LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 135,320
Accretion	2,979
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(3,393)
Expenditures	(2,925)
Currency translation and other	(24)
Balance at the end of the period	131,957
Remedial Liabilities for Landfill Sites
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	5,600
Accretion	136
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(49)
Expenditures	(42)
Currency translation and other	(5)
Balance at the end of the period	5,640
Remedial Liabilities for Inactive Sites
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	78,449
Accretion	1,726
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(1,172)
Expenditures	(1,750)
Currency translation and other	1
Balance at the end of the period	77,254
Remedial Liabilities (Including Superfund) for Non-Landfill Operations
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	51,271
Accretion	1,117
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(2,172)
Expenditures	(1,133)
Currency translation and other	(20)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 49,063