REMEDIAL LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 135,320
Accretion	4,454
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(4,489)
Expenditures	(5,273)
Currency translation and other	600
Balance at the end of the period	130,612
Remedial Liabilities for Landfill Sites
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	5,600
Accretion	206
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(50)
Expenditures	(65)
Currency translation and other	99
Balance at the end of the period	5,790
Remedial Liabilities for Inactive Sites
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	78,449
Accretion	2,585
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(846)
Expenditures	(3,488)
Currency translation and other	4
Balance at the end of the period	76,704
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	1,663
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(3,593)
Expenditures	(1,720)
Currency translation and other	497
Balance at the end of the period	$ 48,118