Amount recognized as an operating expense or loss during the period to write-off the deferred costs associated with development projects no longer deemed viable. Abandoned Development Project Expense Development project charge Development project cost Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Accounts Receivable Net Current Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,213 and $740 Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts Accretion Expense Accretion expense Accretion Expense Including Asset Retirement Obligations Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities Accrual For Environmental Loss Contingencies Discount Rate Percentage of risk free interest rate Accrual For Environmental Loss Contingencies Net Environmental remediation liability Accrued Capping Closure Post Closure And Environmental Costs Current accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs Accrued Capping Closure Post Closure And Environmental Costs Noncurrent Accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs, less current portion Accumulated Deficit During Development Stage [Member] Accumulated Deficit [Member] Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] Acquired Intangible Assets Estimated Useful Life Acquired Intangible Assets Estimated Useful Life Acquired intangible assets, amortization period Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Additional shares of Class A Common Stock that could be issued if maximum attainment levels are met. Additional Shares Issued Maximum Attainment Level Common stock additional issue Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Other Other Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Sharebased Compensation Requisite Service Period Recognition Value Stock-based compensation Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities - Affiliates By Type [Axis] Affiliates By Type [Axis] Affiliates By Type [Axis] Affiliates By Type [Domain] Affiliates By Type [Domain] Affiliates By Type [Domain] AGreen [Member] A Green [Member] AGreen [Member] Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense Stock based compensation expenses Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Accounts receivable - trade, allowance for doubtful accounts Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization Of Debt Discount Premium Amortization of discount on second lien notes and senior subordinated notes Amortization Of Intangible Assets Intangible amortization expenses Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Shares of potential common stock related to restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units, and stock options excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares The amount of asserted tax liability sought by the counterparty. Asserted Tax Liability Taxation payable The amount of asserted penalties and interest liability sought by the counterparty. Asserted Tax Liability Penalties And Interest Penalties and interest payable The total amount of asserted liability, comprising of tax, penalties and interest, sought by the counterparty. Asserted Total Liability Aggregate finance asserting liability total Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CHARGE Asset Retirement Obligation Ending balance Beginning balance Asset Retirement Obligation Accretion Expense Accretion expense Asset Retirement Obligation Cash Paid To Settle Payments Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] ACCRUED CAPPING, CLOSURE AND POST CLOSURE Asset Retirement Obligation Liabilities Incurred Obligations incurred Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items] Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items] Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items] Asset Retirement Obligations [Table] Asset Retirement Obligations [Table] Asset Retirement Obligations [Table] Assets Total assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS: Assets Noncurrent Total non-current assets Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid Business acquisition, cash Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Liabilities Incurred Business acquisition, hold backs to sellers Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price Total consideration Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] The pro forma basic and diluted net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period. Business Acquisition Pro Forma Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to common stockholders Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information [Text Block] Schedule of Unaudited Proforma Combined Financial Information Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Assets Intangible assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Assets Acquired Liabilities Assumed Net Total Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Liabilities Current liabilities Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Equipment Equipment Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Goodwill Amount Goodwill Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Net Income Loss Net loss attributable to common stockholders The pro forma operating income for the period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of the period. Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Operating Income Operating income Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Revenue Revenue Business Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Table] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Capital Lease Obligations Capital leases for facilities and equipment, bearing interest rates of 4.50% - 4.72%, due in monthly installments varying to $78, expiring April 2013 through January 2015 Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash Flow Hedge Gain Loss Reclassified To Other Expense Net Other loss (income) Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Collaborative Arrangements Non collaborative Arrangements And Business Acquisitions Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements Non Collaborative Arrangements And Business Acquisitions Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements Non collaborative Arrangements And Business Acquisitions Transactions [Line Items] Collections [Member] Collections [Member] Collection [Member] Commitments And Contingencies COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments And Contingencies [Axis] Commitments And Contingencies [Axis] Commitments And Contingencies [Axis] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] CONTINGENCIES Commitments And Contingencies [Domain] Commitments And Contingencies [Domain] Commitments And Contingencies [Domain] The term of our commodities marketing agreement with the purchaser of the divested entity. Commodities Marketing Agreement Period Commodities marketing agreement period Common Class A [Member] Class A Common Stock [Member] Common Class B [Member] Class B Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Capital Shares Reserved For Future Issuance Stock equivalents available for future grant Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, Authorized shares Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, issued shares Common Stock Shares Outstanding Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Common stock, outstanding shares Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock Value Common stock This element represents the number of votes per share that the holders are entitled to on common stock. Common Stock Votes Per Share Common stock, votes (in votes per share) Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes: Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Amount of consent payment for each $1,000 in principal amount Second Lien Notes repurchased. Consent Payment Included In Consideration Under Tender Offer Consent payment Consolidation Eliminations [Member] Elimination [Member] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Table] Contingencies And Commitments [Table] Contingencies And Commitments [Table] Contributions From Noncontrolling Interests Contributions from noncontrolling interest holder Contributions from nonctonrolling interest holder Convertible Bonds [Member] Convertible Bonds [Member] Convertible Bonds [Member] Cost And Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES Cost Method Investments Cost method investments Cost Of Goods And Services Sold Cost of operations Costs And Expenses Total operating expenses Total operating expenses Costs And Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses: Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Customer Lists [Member] Client Lists [Member] Debt And Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES Maximum annual capital expenditures ratio based on our Senior Credit Facility. Debt Covenant Capital Expenditure To Depreciation Depletion And Landfill Amortization Expense Ratio Ratio of restricted capital expenditure Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate Interest at LIBOUR Debt Instrument Call Date Earliest Second Lien Notes callable date Debt Instrument Covenant Description Debt covenants, description Debt Instrument Face Amount Additional notes Debt Instrument Interest Rate At Period End One month LIBOUR Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Debt instrument, interest rate Revenue Bonds Series 2005R-2 bearing interest Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Rate Range Maximum Capital leases interest rate Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Rate Range Minimum Capital leases interest rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Maturity Date Maturity date Fixed rate debt, due date Letters of credit due Debt Instrument Maturity Date Range End 1 Capital Leases maturity date end Debt Instrument Maturity Date Range Start 1 Capital Leases maturity date start Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument Periodic Payment Capital leases installments Debt Instrument Repurchased Face Amount Proceeds from senior credit facility Amount tendered for each $1,000 in principal amount Second Lien Notes repurchased Debt Instrument Repurchase Tendered Amount Tendered amount received Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument Unamortized Discount Discount on notes issued Senior second lien notes, unamortized discount Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets Net Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred income taxes This element represents the noncash expense charged against earnings to recognize the depletion of landfill operating lease obligation. Depletion Of Landfill Operating Lease Obligations Depletion of landfill operating lease obligations Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Derivative By Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative Fixed Interest Rate Interest payable rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Liability At Fair Value Interest rate derivatives Derivative Liability Notional Amount Forward starting interest rate derivative agreements Derivative Maturity Dates Interest rate derivative maturity date Derivative Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Disclosure - Accrued Capping, Closure And Post Closure (Changes to Accrued Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities) [Abstract] Disclosure Accrued Capping Closure And Post Closure Changes To Accrued Capping Closure And Post Closure Liabilities [Abstract] Disclosure - Accrued Capping, Closure And Post Closure (Changes to Accrued Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities) [Abstract] Disclosure Business Acquisitions Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure Business Acquisitions Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure Business Acquisitions Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure - Business Acquisitions (Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation to Net Assets Acquired) [Abstract] Disclosure Business Acquisitions Schedule Of Purchase Price Allocation To Net Assets Acquired [Abstract] Disclosure - Business Acquisitions (Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation to Net Assets Acquired) [Abstract] Disclosure - Business Acquisitions (Schedule of Unaudited Proforma Combined Financial Information) [Abstract] Disclosure Business Acquisitions Schedule Of Unaudited Proforma Combined Financial Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Business Acquisitions (Schedule of Unaudited Proforma Combined Financial Information) [Abstract] Disclosure Contingencies Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure Contingencies Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure Contingencies Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure - Development Project Charge (Narrative) [Abstract] Disclosure Development Project Charge Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure - Development Project Charge (Narrative) [Abstract] Disclosure - Divestiture and Discontinued Operations (Narrative) [Abstract] Disclosure Divestiture And Discontinued Operations Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure - Divestiture and Discontinued Operations (Narrative) [Abstract] Disclosure Earnings Per Share Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure Earnings Per Share Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure Earnings Per Share Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Numerator and Denominator Used In Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) [Abstract] Disclosure Earnings Per Share Schedule Of Numerator And Denominator Used In Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Numerator and Denominator Used In Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Components of Intangible Assets) [Abstract] Disclosure Goodwill And Intangible Assets Components Of Intangible Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Components of Intangible Assets) [Abstract] Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Estimated of Amortization Expenses) [Abstract] Disclosure Goodwill And Intangible Assets Estimated Of Amortization Expenses [Abstract] Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Estimated of Amortization Expenses) [Abstract] Disclosure G O O D W I L L A N D I N T A N G I B L E A S S E T S Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure G O O D W I L L A N D I N T A N G I B L E A S S E T S Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure G O O D W I L L A N D I N T A N G I B L E A S S E T S Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule of Activity and Balances Related to Goodwill) [Abstract] Disclosure Goodwill And Intangible Assets Schedule Of Activity And Balances Related To Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule of Activity and Balances Related to Goodwill) [Abstract] Disclosure - Investments In Unconsolidated Entities (Narrative) [Abstract] Disclosure Investments In Unconsolidated Entities Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure - Investments In Unconsolidated Entities (Narrative) [Abstract] Disclosure - Investments In Unconsolidated Entities (Summarized Balance Sheet Financial Information of Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates) [Abstract] Disclosure Investments In Unconsolidated Entities Summarized Balance Sheet Financial Information Of Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates [Abstract] Disclosure - Investments In Unconsolidated Entities (Summarized Balance Sheet Financial Information of Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates) [Abstract] Disclosure - Investments In Unconsolidated Entities (Summarized Income Statement Financial Information of Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates) [Abstract] Disclosure Investments In Unconsolidated Entities Summarized Income Statement Financial Information Of Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates [Abstract] Disclosure - Investments In Unconsolidated Entities (Summarized Income Statement Financial Information of Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates) [Abstract] Disclosure - Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases (Long Term Debt and Capital Leases) [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt And Capital Leases Long Term Debt And Capital Leases [Abstract] Disclosure - Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases (Long Term Debt and Capital Leases) [Abstract] Disclosure - Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases (Narrative) [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt And Capital Leases Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure - Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases (Narrative) [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment) [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Reporting Summary Of Financial Information By Reportable Segment [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment) [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Summary of Revenue Attributable to Services Provided by Company) [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Reporting Summary Of Revenue Attributable To Services Provided By Company [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Summary of Revenue Attributable to Services Provided by Company) [Abstract] Disclosure - Severance and Reorganization (Narrative) [Abstract] Disclosure Severance And Reorganization Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure - Severance and Reorganization (Narrative) [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Fair Values of Stock Options Related to Shares Issued Under Employee Stock Purchase Plan) [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Schedule Of Fair Values Of Stock Options Related To Shares Issued Under Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Fair Values of Stock Options Related to Shares Issued Under Employee Stock Purchase Plan) [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholder's Equity (Summary of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Stock Unit Activity) [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Summary Of Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Unit And Performance Stock Unit Activity [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholder's Equity (Summary of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Stock Unit Activity) [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Summary of Stock Option Activity) [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Summary Of Stock Option Activity [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Summary of Stock Option Activity) [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsidiary Guarantors (Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) [Abstract] Disclosure Subsidiary Guarantors Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsidiary Guarantors (Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsidiary Guarantors (Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows) [Abstract] Disclosure Subsidiary Guarantors Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsidiary Guarantors (Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows) [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsidiary Guarantors (Schedule of Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Loss) [Abstract] Disclosure Subsidiary Guarantors Schedule Of Consolidating Statements Of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsidiary Guarantors (Schedule of Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Loss) [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsidiary Guarantors (Schedule of Consolidating Statements Of Operations) [Abstract] Disclosure Subsidiary Guarantors Schedule Of Consolidating Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Disclosure - Subsidiary Guarantors (Schedule of Consolidating Statements Of Operations) [Abstract] Discontinued Operation Amount Of Adjustment To Prior Period Gain Loss On Disposal Net Of Tax Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax (Loss) gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes Gain on disposal of discontinued operations (net of income tax provision of $0, $53, $0 and $489) Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net Discontinued Operation Tax Effect Of Adjustment To Prior Period Gain Loss On Disposal Income (loss) from discontinued operations, income tax benefit The number of divested facilities. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Number Of Disposed Units Number of material recovery facilities divested The number of facilities related to the divested entity that were retained. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Number Of Units Retained Number of material recovery facilities retained Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block] DIVESTITURE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Disposal [Member] Disposal [Member] Disposal [Member] Divestitures [Line Items] Divestitures [Line Items] Divestitures [Line Items] Divestitures [Table] Divestitures [Table] Divestitures [Table] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Net loss per common share Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Abstract] Basic and diluted earnings per share: Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Other Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding: Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] EARNINGS PER SHARE Eastern Region [Member] Eastern Region [Member] Eastern Region [Member] Elimination [Member] Elimination [Member] Elimination [Member] Employee Related Liabilities Current Accrued payroll and related expenses Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Environmental Remediation Expense Environmental remediation charge Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain]