PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 2,252,664	$ 2,144,682
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	697,692	612,919
Total property, plant and equipment, net	1,554,972	1,531,763
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	92,910	106,037
Asset retirement costs (non-landfill)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	10,077	10,450
Landfill assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	86,942	77,952
Building and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	315,298	329,617
Camp equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	131,939	135,827
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	397,789	385,172
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,099,151	1,061,090
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	5,050	6,757
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 113,508	$ 31,780