PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 2,383,056	$ 2,144,682
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	767,629	612,919
Total property, plant and equipment, net	1,615,427	1,531,763
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	100,133	106,037
Asset retirement costs (non-landfill)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	10,748	10,450
Landfill assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	93,104	77,952
Building and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	324,646	329,617
Camp equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	135,377	135,827
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	419,581	385,172
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,164,838	1,061,090
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	5,244	6,757
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 129,385	$ 31,780