Waste Connections (WCN) 10-Q 1 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 20, 2017
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,318,220
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		175,755,237

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$ 268,469	$ 154,382
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,007 and $13,160 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	486,413	485,138
Current assets held for sale	14,585	6,339
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	107,876	97,533
Total current assets	877,343	743,392
Property and equipment, net	4,721,669	4,738,055
Goodwill	4,529,645	4,390,261
Intangible assets, net	1,097,962	1,067,158
Restricted assets	59,193	63,406
Long-term assets held for sale	119,002	33,989
Other assets, net	64,618	67,664
Total assets	11,469,432	11,103,925
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	247,676	251,253
Book overdraft	31,027	10,955
Accrued liabilities	260,603	269,402
Deferred revenue	139,017	134,081
Current portion of contingent consideration	27,562	21,453
Current liabilities held for sale	7,798	3,383
Current portion of long-term debt and notes payable	11,439	1,650
Total current liabilities	725,122	692,177
Long-term debt and notes payable	3,946,178	3,616,760
Long-term portion of contingent consideration	30,765	30,373
Long-term liabilities held for sale	449
Other long-term liabilities	301,038	331,074
Deferred income taxes	812,648	778,664
Total liabilities	5,816,200	5,449,048
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Equity:
Common shares: 175,753,513 shares issued and 175,556,828 shares outstanding at March 31, 2017; 175,426,824 shares issued and 175,201,895 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016	4,179,123	4,174,808
Additional paid-in capital	96,745	102,220
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(25,415)	(43,001)
Treasury shares: 196,685 and 224,929 shares at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
Retained earnings	1,395,271	1,413,488
Total Waste Connections' equity	5,645,724	5,647,515
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	7,508	7,362
Total equity	5,653,232	5,654,877
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 11,469,432	$ 11,103,925

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 12,007	$ 13,160
Common stock, shares issued	175,753,513	175,426,824
Common stock, shares outstanding	175,556,828	175,201,895
Treasury shares	196,685	224,929

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,091,266	$ 514,680
Operating expenses:
Cost of operations	643,380	287,192
Selling, general and administrative	129,051	67,682
Depreciation	125,240	60,897
Amortization of intangibles	25,510	7,694
Impairments and other operating charges	141,681	236
Operating income	26,404	90,979
Interest expense	(29,131)	(17,184)
Other income (expense), net	1,466	222
Foreign currency transaction gain	(590)
Income before income tax provision	(1,851)	74,017
Income tax provision	16,871	(29,000)
Net income	15,020	45,017
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(146)	(175)
Net income attributable to Waste Connections	$ 14,874	$ 44,842
Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Waste Connections' common stockholders:
Basic	$ 0.08	$ 0.37
Diluted	$ 0.08	$ 0.36
Shares used in the per share calculations:
Basic	175,374,630	122,778,290
Diluted	175,935,482	123,450,584
Cash dividends per common share	$ 0.180	$ 0.145

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net income	$ 15,020	$ 45,017
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	17,434
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	17,282	(4,482)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	304	1,706
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17,586	(2,776)
Comprehensive income	32,606	42,241
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(146)	(175)
Comprehensive income attributable to Waste Connections	32,460	42,066
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Amounts reclassified, gross	1,081	1,711
Changes in fair value, gross	1,027	(6,689)
Fuel [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Amounts reclassified, gross	964	1,801
Changes in fair value, gross	$ (3,224)	$ (1,305)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]	Common Stock [Member]Performance Shares [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2015			$ 1,224	$ 736,652	$ (12,171)		$ 1,259,495	$ 6,584	$ 1,991,784
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2015			122,375,955
Vesting of restricted share units (shares)	39,328	45,701	395,856
Restricted share units			$ 4	(4)
Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock units			$ (1)	(9,631)					(9,632)
Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock units, shares			(158,898)
Equity-based compensation				5,299					5,299
Exercise of warrants, shares			19,785
Excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation				4,434					$ 4,434
Repurchase of common stock (shares)									0
Cash dividends on common shares							(17,791)		$ (17,791)
Amounts reclassified into earnings, net of taxes					2,176				2,176
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of taxes					(4,952)				(4,952)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests								(4)	(4)
Net income							44,842	175	45,017
Ending Balances at Mar. 31, 2016			$ 1,227	736,750	(14,947)		1,286,546	6,755	2,016,331
Ending Balances, shares at Mar. 31, 2016			122,717,727
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2016			$ 4,174,808	102,220	(43,001)		1,413,488	7,362	$ 5,654,877
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2016			175,201,895						175,201,895
Beginning Balance, treasury shares at Dec. 31, 2016						224,929			224,929
Sale of common shares held in trust			$ 2,369						$ 2,369
Sale of common shares held in trust, shares			28,244			(28,244)
Vesting of restricted share units (shares)	22,692	81,864	351,786
Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of equity-based compensation				(13,030)					(13,030)
Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted share units, shares			(162,956)
Equity-based compensation				7,555					7,555
Exercise of stock options and warrants			$ 1,946						$ 1,946
Exercise of stock options and warrants, shares			33,303
Repurchase of common stock (shares)									0
Cash dividends on common shares							(31,707)		$ (31,707)
Amounts reclassified into earnings, net of taxes					1,391				1,391
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of taxes					(1,239)				(1,239)
Foreign currency translation adjustment					17,434				17,434
Net income							14,874	146	15,020
Ending Balances at Mar. 31, 2017			$ 4,179,123	$ 96,745	$ (25,415)		1,395,271	$ 7,508	$ 5,653,232
Ending Balances, shares at Mar. 31, 2017			175,556,828						175,556,828
Ending Balance, treasury shares at Mar. 31, 2017						196,685			196,685
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting pronouncement							$ (1,384)		$ (1,384)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 15,020	$ 45,017
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss on disposal of assets	129,887	231
Depreciation	125,240	60,897
Amortization of intangibles	25,510	7,694
Foreign currency transaction loss	590
Deferred income taxes, net of acquisitions	(26,528)	17,473
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,013	670
Share-based compensation	12,989	5,299
Interest income on restricted assets	(137)	(129)
Interest accretion	3,424	1,465
Excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation		(4,434)
Adjustments to contingent consideration	11,313	(75)
Payment of contingent consideration recorded in earnings		(33)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions	(10,844)	30,641
Net cash provided by operating activities	287,477	164,716
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(344,265)	(3,555)
Capital expenditures for property and equipment	(91,205)	(56,575)
Proceeds from disposal of assets	18,815	681
Change in restricted assets, net of interest income	4,446	260
Other	(650)	147
Net cash used in investing activities	(412,859)	(59,042)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	436,086	115,000
Principal payments on notes payable and long-term debt	(170,374)	(197,024)
Payment of contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date	(5,290)	(2,217)
Change in book overdraft	20,047	(151)
Proceeds from option and warrant exercises	1,946
Excess tax benefit associated with equity-based compensation		4,434
Payments for cash dividends	(31,707)	(17,791)
Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock units	(13,030)	(9,632)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(4)
Debt issuance costs	(633)
Proceeds from sale of common shares held in trust	2,369
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	239,414	(107,385)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	82
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	114,114	(1,711)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	154,382	10,974
Less: change in cash held for sale	(27)
Cash and equivalents at end of period	268,469	9,263
Non-cash financing activity:
Liabilities assumed and notes payable issued to sellers of businesses acquired	146,537	$ 766
Non-cash consideration received for asset sales	$ 8,132

Basis of Presentation and Summa

Basis of Presentation and Summary	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Basis of Presentation and Summary [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Summary	1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY On June 1, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January 18, 2016 (the “Merger Agreement”), Water Merger Sub LLC (“Merger Sub”), a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd., merged with and into Waste Connections US, Inc. (f/k/a Waste Connections, Inc.), a Delaware corporation (“Old Waste Connections”) with Old Waste Connections continuing as the surviving corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Waste Connections, Inc. (f/k/a Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd.), a corporation organized under the laws of Ontario, Canada (the “Progressive Waste acquisition”). Following the closing of the transaction, Old Waste Connections’ common stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and deregistered under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Old Waste Connections’ stockholders received common shares of Waste Connections, Inc. (f/k/a Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd.) in exchange for their shares of common stock of Old Waste Connections. As further discussed in Note 6 – “Acquisitions,” the Progressive Waste acquisition was accounted for as a reverse merger using the acquisition method of accounting. Old Waste Connections has been identified as the acquirer for accounting purposes and the acquisition method of accounting has been applied. The term “Progressive Waste” is used herein in the context of references to Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. and its shareholders prior to the completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition on June 1, 2016. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements relating to Waste Connections, Inc. (f/k/a Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd., and together with its subsidiaries, “New Waste Connections,” “WCI” or the “Company”) are the historical financial statements of Old Waste Connections for the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, with the inclusion on June 1, 2016 of the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired from Progressive Waste and the inclusion of the results of operations from the acquired Progressive Waste operations commencing on June 1, 2016. In the opinion of management, the accompanying balance sheets and related interim statements of net income, comprehensive income, cash flows and equity include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary for their fair statement in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Examples include accounting for landfills, self-insurance accruals, income taxes, allocation of acquisition purchase price, contingent consideration accruals and asset impairments. An additional area that involves estimation is when the Company estimates the amount of potential exposure it may have with respect to litigation, claims and assessments in accordance with the accounting guidance on contingencies. Actual results for all estimates could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that the Company uses in the preparation of its condensed consolidated financial statements. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

Reporting Currency

Reporting Currency	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Reporting Currency [Abstract]
Reporting Currency	2. REPORTING CURRENCY The functional currency of the Company, as the parent corporate entity, and its operating subsidiaries in the United States, is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of the Company’s Canadian operations is the Canadian dollar. The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The Company’s consolidated Canadian dollar financial position is translated to U.S. dollars by applying the foreign currency exchange rate in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date. The Company’s consolidated Canadian dollar results of operations and cash flows are translated to U.S. dollars by applying the average foreign currency exchange rate in effect during the reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income or loss. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in earnings for the period.

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
New Accounting Standards [Abstract]
New Accounting Standards	3. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS Revenue From Contracts With Customers . In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. The revenue guidance contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The standard will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017 for public entities, with early adoption permitted (but not earlier than the original effective date of the pronouncement). The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, but based on its evaluation to date, the Company does not expect the adoption of this accounting standard to have a material impact on its financial statements. Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes . In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance that requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. As a result, each jurisdiction will now only have one net noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability. The guidance does not change the existing requirement that only permits offsetting within a jurisdiction. The new standard is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those years. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2017, which resulted in the Company’s current deferred tax assets being recorded as noncurrent on a retrospective basis. The Company’s current deferred tax assets were $64,950 and $89,177 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Lease Accounting . In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct costs. For income statement purposes, the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense (similar to current operating leases) while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current capital leases). Classification will be based on criteria that are largely similar to those applied in current lease accounting, but without explicit bright lines. The new standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain practical expedients. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The Company has not yet assessed the potential impact of implementing this new accounting standard on its consolidated financial statements. Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance that identifies areas for simplification involving several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, an option to recognize gross share compensation expense with actual forfeitures recognized as they occur, certain classifications on the statement of cash flows and income tax consequences, including that all income tax effects of awards are to be recognized in the income statement when the awards are settled whereas previously the tax benefits in excess of compensation cost were recorded in equity. The new standard is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within that reporting period. As such, the Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2017 and classified the excess tax benefits associated with equity-based compensation arrangements, which were $6,719 during the three months ended March 31, 2017, as a discrete item within Income tax provision (benefit) on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income, rather than recognizing such excess income tax benefits in Additional Paid-In Capital on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity. This reclassification was made on a prospective basis and also impacted the related classification on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as excess tax benefits associated with equity-based compensation arrangements were previously reported in cash flows from operating activities and cash flows from financing activities. Under the new standard, excess tax benefits associated with equity-based compensation are only reported in cash flows from operating activities. Additionally, the Company now recognizes gross share compensation expense with actual forfeitures as they occur, which differs from the Company’s previous accounting policy to estimate forfeitures each period. Using the modified retrospective approach, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to Retained Earnings of $1,384 for the differential between the amount of compensation cost previously recorded and the amount that would have been recorded without assuming forfeitures.  Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) . In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies the implementation of the new revenue standard on principal versus agent considerations. The guidance includes indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to the customers. The amendments have the same effective date and transition requirements as the new revenue standard, which is described above. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, but based on its evaluation to date, the Company does not expect the adoption of this accounting standard to have a material impact on its financial statements. Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance that addresses eight targeted changes with respect to how cash receipts and cash payments are classified in the statements of cash flows, with the objective of reducing diversity in practice . The new standard is effective for public companies for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, provided that all of the amendments are adopted in the same period. The guidance requires application using a retrospective transition method. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s statement of cash flows. Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory . In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the exception for all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory. As a result, a reporting entity would recognize the tax expense from the sale of the asset in the seller’s tax jurisdiction when the transfer occurs, even though the pre-tax effects of that transaction are eliminated in consolidation. Any deferred tax asset that arises in the buyer’s jurisdiction would also be recognized at the time of the transfer. The modified retrospective approach will be required for transition to the new guidance, with a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded in retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The new guidance will be effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted; however, the guidance can only be adopted in the first interim period of a fiscal year. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash . In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Entities will also be required to reconcile such total to amounts on the balance sheet and disclose the nature of the restrictions. The new standard is effective for public companies for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s statement of cash flows. Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance will remain largely unchanged. The new standard will be applied prospectively, and is effective for public companies for their annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company early adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company did not record any impairment charges related to goodwill; however, the results of the Company’s annual impairment testing indicated that the carrying value of its E&P segment exceeded its fair value by more than $77,343 , which was the carrying value of goodwill at its E&P segment at December 31, 2016. Upon adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2017, the Company performed an updated impairment test for its E&P segment which showed its carrying value continued to exceed its fair value by an amount in excess of the carrying amount of goodwill, or $77,343 . Therefore, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $77,343 , consisting of the carrying amount of goodwill at its E&P segment at January 1, 2017, to Impairments and other operating charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income during the three months ended March 31, 2017. 

Reclassification

Reclassification	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Reclassification [Abstract]
Reclassification	4. RECLASSIFICATION As disclosed within other footnotes of the financial statements, segment information and deferred tax amounts reported in the Company’s prior year have been reclassified to conform with the 2017 presentation.

Landfill Accounting

Landfill Accounting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Landfill Accounting [Abstract]
Landfill Accounting	5. LANDFILL ACCOUNTING At March 31, 2017, the Company owned or operated 68 municipal solid waste (“MSW”) landfills, 11 exploration and production (“E&P”) waste landfills, which only accept E&P waste, and 14 non-MSW landfills, which only accept construction and demolition, industrial and other non-putrescible waste. At March 31, 2017, the Company’s landfills consisted of 79 owned landfills, eight landfills operated under life-of-site operating agreements and six landfills operated under limited-term operating agreements. The Company’s landfills had site costs with a net book value of $2,717,100 at March 31, 2017. For the Company’s landfills operated under limited-term operating agreements and life-of-site operating agreements, the owner of the property (generally a municipality) usually owns the permit and the Company operates the landfill for a contracted term. Where the contracted term is not the life of the landfill, the property owner is generally responsible for final capping, closure and post-closure obligations. The Company is responsible for all final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities at the landfills it operates under life-of-site operating agreements. The Company’s internal and third-party engineers perform surveys at least annually to estimate the remaining disposal capacity at its landfills. Many of the Company’s existing landfills have the potential for expanded disposal capacity beyond the amount currently permitted. The Company’s landfill depletion rates are based on the remaining disposal capacity, considering both permitted and probable expansion airspace, at the landfills it owns and landfills it operates, but does not own, under life-of-site agreements. The Company’s landfill depletion rate is based on the term of the operating agreement at its operated landfill that has capitalized expenditures. Expansion airspace consists of additional disposal capacity being pursued through means of an expansion that has not yet been permitted. Expansion airspace that meets certain criteria is included in the estimate of total landfill airspace. Based on remaining permitted capacity as of March 31, 2017, and projected annual disposal volumes, the average remaining landfill life for the Company’s owned landfills and landfills operated under life-of-site operating agreements is estimated to be approximately 26 years. As of March 31, 2017, the Company is seeking to expand permitted capacity at 16 of its owned landfills and two landfills that it operates under life-of-site operating agreements, and considers the achievement of these expansions to be probable. Although the Company cannot be certain that all future expansions will be permitted as designed, the average remaining life, when considering remaining permitted capacity, probable expansion capacity and projected annual disposal volume, of the Company’s owned landfills and landfills operated under life-of-site operating agreements is approximately 32 years, with lives ranging from approximately 1 to 196 years. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company expensed $42,988 and $18,926 , respectively, or an average of $4.55 and $3.65 per ton consumed, respectively, related to landfill depletion at owned landfills and landfills operated under life-of-site agreements. The Company reserves for estimated final capping, closure and post-closure maintenance obligations at the landfills it owns and landfills it operates under life-of-site operating agreements. The Company calculates the net present value of its final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities by estimating the total obligation in current dollars, inflating the obligation based upon the expected date of the expenditure and discounting the inflated total to its present value using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate. Any changes in expectations that result in an upward revision to the estimated undiscounted cash flows are treated as a new liability and are inflated and discounted at rates reflecting current market conditions. Any changes in expectations that result in a downward revision (or no revision) to the estimated undiscounted cash flows result in a liability that is inflated and discounted at rates reflecting the market conditions at the time the cash flows were originally estimated. This policy results in the Company’s final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities being recorded in “layers.” The Company’s discount rate assumption for purposes of computing 2017 and 2016 “layers” for final capping, closure and post-closure obligations was 4.75% for both years, which reflects the Company’s long-term credit adjusted risk free rate as of the end of both 2016 and 2015. The Company’s inflation rate assumption is 2.5% for the years ending December 31, 2017 and 2016. The resulting final capping, closure and post-closure obligations are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet along with an offsetting addition to site costs which is amortized to depletion expense as the remaining landfill airspace is consumed. Interest is accreted on the recorded liability using the corresponding discount rate. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company expensed $2,866 and $1,061 respectively, or an average of $0.30 and $0.20 per ton consumed, respectively, related to final capping, closure and post-closure accretion expense. The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s final capping, closure and post-closure liability balance from December 31, 2016 to March 31, 2017:   Final capping, closure and post-closure liability at December 31, 2016 $ 244,909  Adjustments to final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (26,569)  Liabilities incurred 3,639  Accretion expense associated with landfill obligations 2,866  Closure payments (1,057)  Foreign currency translation adjustment 233  Final capping, closure and post-closure liability at March 31, 2017 $ 224,021  The Adjustments to final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities primarily consisted of decreases in estimated closure and post closure costs at several of our landfills, most notably our landfill at Seneca Meadows, and changes in engineering estimates related to timing of closure events and total site capacity. The Company performs its annual review of its cost and capacity estimates in the first quarter of each year. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $56,063 and $55,388 of the Company’s restricted assets balance was for purposes of securing its performance of future final capping, closure and post-closure obligations. 

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	6. ACQUISITIONS Progressive Waste Acquisition As described in Note 1, on June 1, 2016, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into Old Waste Connections in an all-stock business combination with Old Waste Connections continuing as the surviving corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of New Waste Connections. The term “Progressive Waste” is used herein in the context of references to Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. and its shareholders prior to the completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition on June 1, 2016. The financial statements presented herein are the historical financial statements of Old Waste Connections with the inclusion on June 1, 2016 of the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired from Progressive Waste and the inclusion of the results of operations from the acquired Progressive Waste operations commencing on June 1, 2016. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Old Waste Connections’ stockholders received 2.076843 New Waste Connections shares for each Old Waste Connections share they owned. Immediately following the completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition, New Waste Connections also completed (i) a consolidation whereby every 2.076843 common shares outstanding were converted into one common share (the “Consolidation”) and (ii) an amalgamation with a wholly-owned subsidiary whereby its legal name was changed from Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. to Waste Connections, Inc. (the “Amalgamation”). Upon completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition, Old Waste Connections’ former stockholders owned approximately 70% of the Company, and Progressive Waste’s former shareholders owned approximately 30% . All share amounts stated herein reflect shares on a post-Consolidation basis. Following the completion of the Progressive Waste acquisition, the Consolidation and the Amalgamation, on June 1, 2016, the post-Consolidation common shares of New Waste Connections (the “Common Shares”) commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) and on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “WCN.” The common stock of Old Waste Connections, which traded previously under the symbol “WCN,” ceased trading on, and has been delisted from, the NYSE. The transaction was accounted for as a reverse merger using the acquisition method of accounting. Old Waste Connections has been identified as the acquirer for accounting purposes and the acquisition method of accounting has been applied. Identifying the acquirer requires various considerations including the relative voting rights post-closing, the size of minority voting interests and the composition of the board of directors and senior management. Based on these considerations, Old Waste Connections’ former stockholders hold a majority of the post-closing voting rights of the combined company and both the post-closing composition of the board of directors and senior management are most closely aligned with Old Waste Connections. The Progressive Waste acquisition provided the Company with significant strategic and financial benefits including enhanced size and revenue diversification, increased earnings and cash flows and better access to capital markets. The results of operations from the acquired Progressive Waste operations have been included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from June 1, 2016, the acquisition date. Total revenues during the period from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017, generated from the operations acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition and included within consolidated revenues, were $490,275 . Total pre-tax earnings during the period from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017, generated from the operations acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition and included within consolidated income before income taxes, were $15,422, and includes $64,350 of expenses recorded in Impairments and other operating items. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded $11,313 to Impairments and other operating charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income to increase the fair value of an amount payable under a liability-classified contingent consideration arrangement from an acquisition closed in 2015 by Progressive Waste. Other Acquisitions In January 2017, the Company acquired Groot Industries, Inc. (“Groot”). Groot is the largest privately-owned solid waste services company in Illinois with total annual revenue of approximately $200,000 . Groot serves approximately 300,000 customers primarily in northern Illinois from a network of seven collection operations, six transfer stations and one recycling facilit y . In addition to the acquisition of Groot, the Company acquired four individually immaterial non-hazardous solid waste collection businesses during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The Company acquired four individually immaterial non-hazardous solid waste collection businesses during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The results of operations of these acquired businesses have been included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from their respective acquisition dates. The Company expects these acquired businesses to contribute towards the achievement of the Company’s strategy to expand through acquisitions. Goodwill acquired is attributable to the synergies and ancillary growth opportunities expected to arise after the Company’s acquisition of these businesses. The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the preliminary amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates for the acquisitions consummated in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:   2017 Acquisitions 2016 Acquisitions Fair value of consideration transferred:  Cash $ 344,265 $ 3,555  Debt assumed 56,957 -  Notes issued to sellers 13,460 -  414,682 3,555  Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with businesses acquired:  Accounts receivable 12,998 -  Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,305 -  Property and equipment 138,831 1,079  Long-term franchise agreements and contracts 31,700 -  Customer lists 15,794 1,476  Other intangibles 27,261 -  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (13,345) -  Deferred revenue (3,176) (383)  Contingent consideration (15) (220)  Other long-term liabilities - (163)  Deferred income taxes (59,584) -  Total identifiable net assets 152,769 1,789  Goodwill $ 261,913 $ 1,766   The acquisitions of five non-hazardous solid waste collection, transfer and recycling businesses resulted in goodwill acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2017, totaling $10,297 , which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2016, totaling $1,766 , is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The fair value of acquired working capital related to four individually immaterial acquisitions completed during the three months ended March 31, 2017, is provisional pending receipt of information from the acquirees to support the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Any adjustments recorded relating to finalizing the working capital for these four acquisitions are not expected to be material to the Company’s financial position. The gross amount of trade receivables due under contracts acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2017, is $13,739 , of which $741 is expected to be uncollectible. The Company did not acquire any other class of receivable as a result of the acquisitions of these businesses. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred $1,744 and $ 8,815 , respectively, of acquisition-related costs. These expenses are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income.

Assets Held for Sale

Assets Held for Sale	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Assets Held for Sale [Abstract]
Assets Held for Sale	7. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Certain operating markets acquired in the Progressive Waste acquisition have characteristics that are not consistent with the Company’s operating strategy and meet the held for sale criteria as of December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company completed the sale of all assets and liabilities in the Washington, D.C. market in its Eastern segment for cash and non-monetary consideration totaling $25,532 . As of March 31, 2017, the remaining assets classified as held for sale consist of certain operating markets in the Company’s Southern segment. The assets held for sale as of March 31, 2017 have been recognized at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell, which resulted in recording an estimated loss on disposal of $53,471 during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The expected consideration will include cash and non-monetary assets – consisting of other solid waste collection businesses and long-term contracts to deliver disposal volumes to the Company’s landfills. Our assets and liabilities held for sale as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were comprised of the following:   March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Current assets held for sale:  Cash and equivalents $ 69 $ 42  Accounts receivable 13,236 5,726  Other current assets 1,280 571  $ 14,585 $ 6,339 Long-term assets held for sale:  Property and equipment $ 89,643 $ 33,624  Goodwill 29,295 244  Other assets 64 121  $ 119,002 $ 33,989 Current liabilities held for sale:  Accounts payable $ 4,045 $ 1,320  Accrued liabilities 1,412 1,811  Deferred revenue 2,341 252  $ 7,798 $ 3,383 Long-term liabilities held for sale:  Other liabilities $ 449 $ - 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets,

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	8 . GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET The Company elected to early adopt the guidance issued by the FASB “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” on January 1, 2017. As discussed in Note 3, the new guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which required a hypothetical purchase price allocation. As such, the impairment analysis is only one step. In this step, the Company estimates the fair value of each of its reporting unit s , which consisted of five geographic operating segments and its E&P segment at March 31, 2017 , and compares the fair value with the carrying value of the net assets assigned to each reporting unit. If the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than the carrying value of the net assets, including goodwill, assigned to the reporting unit, then no impairment results. If the fair value is less than its carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company did not record any impairment charges related to goodwill; however, the results of the Company’s annual impairment testing indicated that the carrying value of its E&P segment exceeded its fair value by more than $77,343 , which was the carrying value of goodwill at its E&P segment at December 31, 2016. Upon adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2017, the Company performed an updated impairment test for its E&P segment. The impairment test involved measuring the recoverability of goodwill by comparing the E&P segment’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value was estimated using an income approach employing a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model. The DCF model incorporated projected cash flows over a forecast period based on the remaining estimated lives of the operating locations comprising the E&P segment. This was based on a number of key assumptions, including, but not limited to, a discount rate of 11.7% , annual revenue projections based on E&P waste resulting from projected levels of oil and natural gas exploration and production activity during the forecast period, gross margins based on estimated operating expense requirements during the forecast period and estimated capital expenditures over the forecast period, all of which were classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The impairment test showed the carrying value of the E&P segment continued to exceed its fair value by an amount in excess of the carrying amount of goodwill, or $77,343 . Therefore, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $77,343 , consisting of the carrying amount of goodwill at its E&P segment at January 1, 2017, to Impairments and other operating charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income during the three months ended March 31, 2017 .  Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill, consisted of the following at March 31, 2017:   Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Impairment Loss Net Carrying Amount Finite-lived intangible assets:  Long-term franchise agreements and contracts $ 448,728 $ (94,931) $ - $ 353,797  Customer lists 381,763 (142,909) - 238,854  Permits and other 314,161 (25,242) - 288,919  1,144,652 (263,082) - 881,570  Indefinite-lived intangible assets:  Solid waste collection and transportation permits 152,761 - - 152,761  Material recycling facility permits 42,283 - - 42,283  E&P facility permits 59,855 - (38,507) 21,348  254,899 - (38,507) 216,392  Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill $ 1,399,551 $ (263,082) $ (38,507) $ 1,097,962   The weighted-average amortization period of long-term franchise agreements and contracts acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 19.2 years. The weighted-average amortization period of customer lists acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 10.0 years. The weighted-average amortization period of finite-lived permits and other acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 40.0 years. Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill, consisted of the following at December 31, 2016:   Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Impairment Loss Net Carrying Amount Finite-lived intangible assets:  Long-term franchise agreements and contracts $ 428,783 $ (86,552) $ - $ 342,231  Customer lists 371,203 (131,525) - 239,678  Permits and other 290,823 (21,966) - 268,857  1,090,809 (240,043) - 850,766 Indefinite-lived intangible assets:  Solid waste collection and transportation permits 152,761 - - 152,761  Material recycling facility permits 42,283 - - 42,283  E&P facility permits 59,855 - (38,507) 21,348  254,899 - (38,507) 216,392  Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill $ 1,345,708 $ (240,043) $ (38,507) $ 1,067,158   Estimated future amortization expense for the next five years relating to finite-lived intangible assets is as follows:   For the year ending December 31, 2017 $ 99,752  For the year ending December 31, 2018 $ 93,111  For the year ending December 31, 2019 $ 83,477  For the year ending December 31, 2020 $ 75,562  For the year ending December 31, 2021 $ 66,741 

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	9. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consists of the following:   March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  Revolver under Credit Agreement, bearing interest ranging from 2.02 % to 4.25 % (a) $ 636,915 $ 310,582  Term loan under Credit Agreement, bearing interest at 2.18 % (a) 1,637,500 1,637,500  2018 Notes, bearing interest at 4.00% 50,000 50,000  2019 Notes, bearing interest at 5.25 % 175,000 175,000  2021 Notes, bearing interest at 4.64% 100,000 100,000  New 2021 Notes, bearing interest at 2.39% 150,000 150,000  2022 Notes, bearing interest at 3.09% 125,000 125,000  2023 Notes, bearing interest at 2.75% 200,000 200,000  2025 Notes, bearing interest at 3.41% 375,000 375,000  2026 Notes, bearing interest at 3.03% 400,000 400,000  Tax-exempt bonds, bearing interest ranging from 0.90 % to 0.96 % (a) 95,430 95,430  Notes payable to sellers and other third parties, bearing interest at 2.00 % to 24.81 % (a) 27,045 14,180  3,971,890 3,632,692  Less – current portion (11,439) (1,650)  Less – debt issuance costs (14,273) (14,282)  $ 3,946,178 $ 3,616,760 ____________________ (a) Interest rates represent the interest rates incurred at March 31, 2017 .  Details of the Credit Agreement are as follows:    March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Revolver under Credit Agreement  Available $ 698,568 $ 1,004,451  Letters of credit outstanding $ 227,017 $ 247,467  Total amount drawn, as follows: $ 636,915 $ 310,582  Amount drawn – U.S. LIBOR rate loan $ 350,600 $ -  Interest rate applicable – U.S. LIBOR rate loan 2.02% Not applicable  Amount drawn – U.S. base rate loan $ 3,000 $ -  Interest rate applicable – U.S. base rate loan 4.25% Not applicable  Amount drawn – Canadian prime rate loan $ 11,345 $ 7,448  Interest rate applicable - Canadian prime rate loan 2.95% 2.95%  Amount drawn – Canadian BA loan $ 271,970 $ 303,134  Interest rate applicable – Canadian BA loan 2.11% 2.13%  Commitment – rate applicable 0.15% 0.15%  Term loan under Credit Agreement  Amount drawn – U.S. based LIBOR loan $ 1,637,500 $ 1,637,500  Interest rate applicable – U.S. based LIBOR loan 2.18% 1.97%   

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	10. SEGMENT REPORTING The Company’s revenues are generated from the collection, transfer, recycling and disposal of non-hazardous solid waste and the treatment, recovery and disposal of non-hazardous E&P waste. No single contract or customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total revenues at the consolidated or reportable segment level during the periods presented. The Company manages its operations through five geographic operating segments and its E&P segment , which includes the majority of the Company’s E&P waste treatment and disposal operations. The Company’s five geographic operating segments and its E&P segment comprise the Company’s reportable segments. Each operating segment is responsible for managing several vertically integrated operations, which are comprised of districts. In June 2016, as a result of the Progressive Waste acquisition, described in Note 6, the Company formed two new geographic operating segments, Canada and Southern, and realigned its reporting structure at its existing Central and Eastern segments. The Company’s segment realignment consisted of the transfer of certain operations in Texas and Louisiana from its Central segment to its Southern segment and the transfer of certain operations in Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama from its Eastern segment to its Southern segment. The Progressive Waste acquisition did not impact the Company’s Western or E&P segments. The segment information presented herein reflects the realignment of these districts. Under the current orientation, the Company’s Southern segment services customers located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Oklahoma, western Tennessee and Texas; the Company’s Western segment services customers located in Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and western Wyoming; the Company’s Eastern segment services customers located in Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin; the Company’s Canada segment services customers located in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Québec; and the Company’s Central segment services customers located in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, western Texas, Utah and eastern Wyoming. The E&P segment services E&P customers located in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming and along the Gulf of Mexico. The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) evaluates operating segment profitability and determines resource allocations based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is segment EBITDA. The Company defines segment EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairments and other operating items, other income (expense) and foreign currency transaction gain (loss). Segment EBITDA is not a measure of operating income, operating performance or liquidity under GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company’s management uses segment EBITDA in the evaluation of segment operating performance as it is a profit measure that is generally within the control of the operating segments. A reconciliation of segment EBITDA to Income before income tax provision is included at the end of this Note 10. Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, is shown in the following tables:  Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Revenue Intercompany Revenue (b) Reported Revenue Segment EBITDA (c)  Southern $ 317,339 $ (37,216) $ 280,123 $ 68,940  Western 264,001 (28,411) 235,590 75,569  Eastern 273,297 (41,810) 231,487 65,450  Canada 185,331 (22,296) 163,035 57,300  Central 163,812 (19,503) 144,309 52,652  E&P 39,066 (2,344) 36,722 14,545  Corporate (a) - - - (15,621)  $ 1,242,846 $ (151,580) $ 1,091,266 $ 318,835   Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Revenue Intercompany Revenue (b) Reported Revenue Segment EBITDA (c)  Southern $ 42,967 $ (6,048) $ 36,919 $ 9,489  Western 246,864 (27,630) 219,234 73,789  Eastern 128,216 (20,421) 107,795 34,614  Central 133,898 (13,961) 119,937 43,853  E&P 33,095 (2,300) 30,795 6,549  Corporate (a) - - - (8,488)  $ 585,040 $ (70,360) $ 514,680 $ 159,806 ____________________ (a) Corporate functions include accounting, legal, tax, treasury, information technology, risk management, human resources, training and other administrative functions. Amounts reflected are net of allocations to the six operating segments. (b) Intercompany revenues reflect each segment’s total intercompany sales, including intercompany sales within a segment and between segments. Transactions within and between segments are generally made on a basis intended to reflect the market value of the service. (c) For those items included in the determination of segment EBITDA, the accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Total assets for each of the Company’s reportable segments at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were as follows:    March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  Southern $ 2,813,993 $ 2,869,841  Western 1,502,583 1,516,870  Eastern 1,941,755 1,541,854  Canada 2,533,253 2,532,046  Central 1,296,480 1,302,900  E&P 985,634 1,068,086  Corporate 395,734 272,328  Total Assets $ 11,469,432 $ 11,103,925  The following tables show changes in goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, by reportable segment:      Southern Western Eastern Canada Central E&P Total  Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 1,470,023 $ 376,537 $ 533,160 $ 1,465,274 $ 467,924 $ 77,343 $ 4,390,261  Goodwill acquired 11,736 - 246,491 3,316 370 - 261,913  Impairment loss - - - - - (77,343) (77,343)  Goodwill adjustment for assets sold - - 321 - - - 321  Impairment loss related to assets held for sale (29,000) - - - - - (29,000)  Goodwill reclassified as assets held for sale (29,295) - - - - - (29,295)  Impact of changes in foreign currency - - - 12,788 - - 12,788  Balance as of March 31, 2017 $ 1,423,464 $ 376,537 $ 779,972 $ 1,481,378 $ 468,294 $ - $ 4,529,645       Southern Western Eastern Central E&P Total  Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 95,710 $ 373,820 $ 459,532 $ 416,420 $ 77,343 $ 1,422,825  Goodwill acquired 190 1,421 7 148 - 1,766  Balance as of March 31, 2016 $ 95,900 $ 375,241 $ 459,539 $ 416,568 $ 77,343 $ 1,424,591 A reconciliation of the Company’s primary measure of segment profitability (segment EBITDA) to Income before income tax provision in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income is as follows:   Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016  Southern segment EBITDA $ 68,940 $ 9,489  Western segment EBITDA 75,569 73,789  Eastern segment EBITDA 65,450 34,614  Canada segment EBITDA 57,300 -  Central segment EBITDA 52,652 43,853  E&P segment EBITDA 14,545 6,549  Subtotal reportable segments 334,456 168,294  Unallocated corporate overhead (15,621) (8,488)  Depreciation (125,240) (60,897)  Amortization of intangibles (25,510) (7,694)  Impairments and other operating items (141,681) (236)  Interest expense (29,131) (17,184)  Other income, net 1,466 222  Foreign currency transaction loss (590) -  Income (loss) before income tax provision $ (1,851) $ 74,017  The following tables reflect a breakdown of the Company’s revenue and inter-company eliminations for the periods indicated:   Three months ended March 31, 2017  Revenue Intercompany Revenue Reported Revenue % of Reported Revenue  Solid waste collection $ 768,346 $ (2,200) $ 766,146 70.2%  Solid waste disposal and transfer 357,025 (143,441) 213,584 19.6  Solid waste recycling 43,889 (2,584) 41,305 3.8  E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal 39,821 (2,968) 36,853 3.4  Intermodal and other 33,765 (387) 33,378 3.0  Total $ 1,242,846 $ (151,580) $ 1,091,266 100.0%    Three months ended March 31, 2016  Revenue Intercompany Revenue Reported Revenue % of Reported Revenue  Solid waste collection $ 356,598 $ (1,321) $ 355,277 69.0%  Solid waste disposal and transfer 170,083 (66,034) 104,049 20.2  Solid waste recycling 10,619 (639) 9,980 2.0  E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal 32,851 (2,366) 30,485 5.9  Intermodal and other 14,889 - 14,889 2.9  Total $ 585,040 $ (70,360) $ 514,680 100.0% 

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	11. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company recognizes all derivatives on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value. All of the Company’s derivatives have been designated as cash flow hedges; therefore, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of derivatives will be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of the changes in the fair value of derivatives will be immediately recognized in earnings. The Company classifies cash inflows and outflows from derivatives within operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. One of the Company’s objectives for utilizing derivative instruments is to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in cash flows due to changes in the variable interest rates of certain borrowings issued under its Credit Agreement. The Company’s strategy to achieve that objective involves entering into interest rate swaps. The interest rate swaps outstanding at March 31, 2017 were specifically designated to the Credit Agreement and accounted for as cash flow hedges. At March 31, 2017, the Company’s derivative instruments included 11 interest rate swap agreements as follows:   Date Entered Notional Amount Fixed Interest Rate Paid* Variable Interest Rate Received Effective Date Expiration Date  April 2014 $ 100,000 1.800% 1-month LIBOR July 2014 July 2019  May 2014 $ 50,000 2.344% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020  May 2014 $ 25,000 2.326% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020  May 2014 $ 50,000 2.350% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020  May 2014 $ 50,000 2.350% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020  April 2016 $ 100,000 1.000% 1-month LIBOR February 2017 February 2020  June 2016 $ 75,000 0.850% 1-month LIBOR February 2017 February 2020  June 2016 $ 150,000 0.950% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021  June 2016 $ 150,000 0.950% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021  July 2016 $ 50,000 0.900% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021  July 2016 $ 50,000 0.890% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021 ____________________ * Plus applicable margin. Another of the Company’s objectives for utilizing derivative instruments is to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in cash flows due to changes in the price of diesel fuel. The Company’s strategy to achieve that objective involves periodically entering into fuel hedges that are specifically designated to certain forecasted diesel fuel purchases and accounted for as cash flow hedges. At March 31, 2017, the Company’s derivative instruments included four fuel hedge agreements as follows:  Date Entered Notional Amount (in gallons per month) Diesel Rate Paid Fixed (per gallon) Diesel Rate Received Variable Effective Date Expiration Date  May 2015 300,000 $3.2800 DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2016 December 2017  May 2015 200,000 $3.2750 DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2016 December 2017  July 2016 500,000 $2.4988 DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2017 December 2017  July 2016 1,000,000 $2.6345 DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2018 December 2018 ____________________ * If the national U.S. on-highway average price for a gallon of diesel fuel (“average price”), as published by the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”), exceeds the contract price per gallon, the Company receives the difference between the average price and the contract price (multiplied by the notional number of gallons) from the counterparty. If the average price is less than the contract price per gallon, the Company pays the difference to the counterparty.  The fair values of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2017, were as follows:   Derivatives Designated as Cash Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Flow Hedges Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value  Interest rate swaps Prepaid expenses and other current assets (a) $ 1,091 Accrued liabilities (a) $ (2,449)  Other assets, net 13,458 Other long-term liabilities (1,652)   Fuel hedges Prepaid expenses and other current assets (b) 466 Accrued liabilities (b) (3,015)  Other assets, net 25  Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges $ 15,040 $ (7,116) ____________________ (a) Represents the estimated amount of the existing unrealized gains and losses, respectively, on interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2017 (based on the interest rate yield curve at that date), included in AOCL expected to be reclassified into pre-tax earnings within the next 12 months. The actual amounts reclassified into earnings are dependent on future movements in interest rates. (b) Represents the estimated amount of the existing unrealized gains and losses, respectively, on fuel hedges as of March 31, 2017 (based on the forward DOE diesel fuel index curve at that date), included in AOCL expected to be reclassified into pre-tax earnings within the next 12 months. The actual amounts reclassified into earnings are dependent on future movements in diesel fuel prices.  The fair values of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2016, were as follows:  Derivatives Designated as Cash Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Flow Hedges Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value  Interest rate swaps Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 127 Accrued liabilities $ (3,260)  Other assets, net 13,822 Other long-term liabilities (2,350)   Fuel hedges Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,343 Accrued liabilities (3,258)  Other assets, net 1,651  Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges $ 16,943 $ (8,868)   The following table summarizes the impact of the Company’s cash flow hedges on the results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and AOCL for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:  Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized as AOCL on Derivatives, Net of Tax (Effective Portion) (a) Statement of Net Income Classification Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings, Net of Tax (Effective Portion) (b),(c)  Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016 2017 2016  Interest rate swaps $ 755 $ (4,144) Interest expense $ 795 $ 1,060  Fuel hedges (1,994) (808) Cost of operations 596 1,116  Total $ (1,239) $ (4,952) $ 1,391 $ 2,176 ___________________ (a) In accordance with the derivatives and hedging guidance, the effective portions of the changes in fair values of interest rate swaps and fuel hedges have been recorded in equity as a component of AOCL. As the critical terms of the interest rate swaps match the underlying debt being hedged, no ineffectiveness is recognized on these swaps and, therefore, all unrealized changes in fair value are recorded in AOCL. Because changes in the actual price of diesel fuel and changes in the DOE index price do not offset exactly each reporting period, the Company assesses whether the fuel hedges are highly effective using the cumulative dollar offset approach. (b) Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings related to realized gains and losses on interest rate swaps are recognized when interest payments or receipts occur related to the swap contracts, which correspond to when interest payments are made on the Company’s hedged debt. (c) Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings related to realized gains and losses on the fuel hedges are recognized when settlement payments or receipts occur related to the hedge contracts, which correspond to when the underlying fuel is consumed. The Company measures and records ineffectiveness on the fuel hedges in Cost of operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income on a monthly basis based on the difference between the DOE index price and the actual price of diesel fuel purchased, multiplied by the notional number of gallons on the contracts. There was no significant ineffectiveness recognized on the fuel hedges during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. See Note 15 for further discussion on the impact of the Company’s hedge accounting to its consolidated comprehensive income (loss) and AOCL. 

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and equivalents, trade receivables, restricted assets, trade payables, debt instruments, contingent consideration obligations, interest rate swaps and fuel hedges. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying values of cash and equivalents, trade receivables, restricted assets, trade payables and contingent consideration are considered to be representative of their respective fair values. The carrying values of the Company’s debt instruments, excluding certain notes as listed in the table below, approximate their fair values as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, based on current borrowing rates, current remaining average life to maturity and borrower credit quality for similar types of borrowing arrangements, and are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The carrying values and fair values of the Company’s debt instruments where the carrying values do not approximate their fair values as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, are as follows:   Carrying Value at Fair Value* at  March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  4.00% Senior Notes due 2018 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 51,028 $ 51,226  5.25% Senior Notes due 2019 $ 175,000 $ 175,000 $ 187,775 $ 187,671  4.64% Senior Notes due 2021 $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 107,440 $ 106,618  2.39% Senior Notes due 2021 $ 150,000 $ 150,000 $ 148,163 $ 146,168  3.09% Senior Notes due 2022 $ 125,000 $ 125,000 $ 126,024 $ 123,974  2.75% Senior Notes due 2023 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ 196,267 $ 192,238  3.41% Senior Notes due 2025 $ 375,000 $ 375,000 $ 378,202 $ 368,968  3.03% Senior Notes due 2026 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 $ 390,132 $ 379,438 ______________________ * Senior Notes are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Fair value is based on quotes of bonds with similar ratings in similar industries. For details on the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps, fuel hedges, restricted assets and contingent consideration, refer to Note 14. 

Net Income Per Share Informatio

Net Income Per Share Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Net Income Per Share Information [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share Information	13. NET INCOME PER SHARE INFORMATION The following table sets forth the calculation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share attributable to the Company’s shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:   Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016 Numerator:  Net income attributable to Waste Connections for basic and diluted earnings per share $ 14,874 $ 44,842  Denominator:  Basic shares outstanding 175,374,630 122,778,290  Dilutive effect of warrants 42,218 27,383  Dilutive effect of restricted share units 518,634 644,911  Diluted shares outstanding 175,935,482 123,450,584  

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy to classify and disclose all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to their initial measurement. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. The Company’s financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis include derivative instruments and restricted assets. The Company’s derivative instruments are pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swaps and pay-fixed, receive-variable diesel fuel hedges. The Company’s interest rate swaps are recorded at their estimated fair values based on quotes received from financial institutions that trade these contracts. The Company verifies the reasonableness of these quotes using similar quotes from another financial institution as of each date for which financial statements are prepared. The Company uses a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to determine the estimated fair value of the diesel fuel hedges. The assumptions used in preparing the DCF model include: (i) estimates for the forward DOE index curve; and (ii) the discount rate based on risk-free interest rates over the term of the hedge contracts. The DOE index curve used in the DCF model was obtained from financial institutions that trade these contracts and ranged from $2.57 to $2.65 at March 31, 2017 and from $2.61 to $2.78 at December 31, 2016. The weighted average DOE index curve used in the DCF model was $2.62 and $2.75 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Significant increases (decreases) in the forward DOE index curve would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. For the Company’s interest rate swaps and fuel hedges, the Company also considers the Company’s creditworthiness in its determination of the fair value measurement of these instruments in a net liability position and the counterparties’ creditworthiness in its determination of the fair value measurement of these instruments in a net asset position. The Company’s restricted assets are valued at quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets, which the Company receives from the financial institutions that hold such investments on its behalf. The Company’s restricted assets measured at fair value are invested primarily in U.S. government and agency securities and Canadian bankers’ acceptance notes. The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were as follows:   Fair Value Measurement at March 31, 2017 Using  Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  Interest rate swap derivative instruments – net asset position $ 10,448 $ - $ 10,448 $ -  Fuel hedge derivative instruments – net liability position $ (2,524) $ - $ - $ (2,524)  Restricted assets $ 57,882 $ - $ 57,882 $ -  Contingent consideration $ (58,327) $ - $ - $ (58,327)    Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2016 Using  Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  Interest rate swap derivative instruments – net asset position $ 8,339 $ - $ 8,339 $ -  Fuel hedge derivative instrument – net liability position $ (264) $ - $ - $ (264)  Restricted assets $ 57,166 $ - $ 57,166 $ -  Contingent consideration $ (51,826) $ - $ - $ (51,826)  The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value for Level 3 derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:    Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Beginning balance $ (264) $ (9,900)  Realized losses included in earnings 964 1,801  Unrealized losses included in AOCL (3,224) (1,305)  Ending balance $ (2,524) $ (9,404)   The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value for Level 3 liabilities related to contingent consideration for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:   Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Beginning balance $ 51,826 $ 49,394  Contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date 15 220  Payment of contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date (5,290) (2,217)  Payment of contingent consideration recorded in earnings - (33)  Adjustments to contingent consideration 11,313 (75)  Interest accretion expense 463 349  Ending balance $ 58,327 $ 47,638   

Other Comprehensive Income (Los

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	15. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) O ther comprehensive income (loss) includes changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps and fuel hedges that qualify for hedge accounting. The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects for the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:   Three months ended March 31, 2017  Gross Tax effect Net of tax  Interest rate swap amounts reclassified into interest expense $ 1,081 $ (286) $ 795  Fuel hedge amounts reclassified into cost of operations 964 (368) 596  Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps 1,027 (272) 755  Changes in fair value of fuel hedges (3,224) 1,230 (1,994)  Foreign currency translation adjustment 17,434 - 17,434  $ 17,282 $ 304 $ 17,586     Three months ended March 31, 2016  Gross Tax effect Net of tax  Interest rate swap amounts reclassified into interest expense $ 1,711 $ (651) $ 1,060  Fuel hedge amounts reclassified into cost of operations 1,801 (685) 1,116  Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps (6,689) 2,545 (4,144)  Changes in fair value of fuel hedges (1,305) 497 (808)  $ (4,482) $ 1,706 $ (2,776)   A rollforward of the amounts included in AOCL, net of taxes, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:   Fuel Hedges Interest Rate Swaps Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss  Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (164) $ 8,094 $ (50,931) $ (43,001)  Amounts reclassified into earnings 596 795 - 1,391  Changes in fair value (1,994) 755 - (1,239)  Foreign currency translation adjustment - - 17,434 17,434  Balance at March 31, 2017 $ (1,562) $ 9,644 $ (33,497) $ (25,415)    Fuel Hedges Interest Rate Swaps Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss  Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (6,134) $ (6,037) $ (12,171)  Amounts reclassified into earnings 1,116 1,060 2,176  Changes in fair value (808) (4,144) (4,952)  Balance at March 31, 2016 $ (5,826) $ (9,121) $ (14,947)  See Note 11 for further discussion on the Company’s derivative instruments.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	16. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Share-Based Compensation Restricted Share Units – New Waste Connections A summary of activity related to restricted share units (“RSUs”) during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Unvested Shares  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 834,634  Granted 274,697  Forfeited (4,345)  Vested and Issued (351,786)  Vested and Deferred (22,692)  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 730,508   The weighted average grant-date fair value per share for the common shares underlying the RSUs granted during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 was $85.51 . Recipients of the Company’s RSUs who participate in the Company’s Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan may have elected in years prior to 2015 to defer some or all of their RSUs as they vest until a specified date or dates they choose. At the end of the deferral periods, the Company issues to recipients who deferred their RSUs common shares of the Company underlying the deferred RSUs. At March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had 237,141 and 244,225 vested deferred RSUs outstanding, respectively. Performance-Based Restricted Share Units – New Waste Connections A summary of activity related to performance-based restricted share units (“PSUs”) during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Unvested Shares  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 284,762  Granted 140,077  Vested and Issued (81,864)  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 342,975   During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Compensation Committee granted PSUs with three -year performance-based metrics that the Company must meet before those awards may be earned, and the performance period for those grants ends on December 31, 2019 . During the same period, the Compensation Committee also granted PSUs with a one -year performance-based metric that the Company must meet before those awards may be earned, with the awards then subject to time-based vesting for the remaining three years of their four -year vesting period. The Compensation Committee will determine the achievement of performance results and corresponding vesting of PSUs for each performance period. The weighted average grant-date fair value per share for the common shares underlying all PSUs granted during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 was $86.23 . Deferred Share Units – New Waste Connections and Progressive Waste Plans A summary of activity related to deferred share units (“DSUs”) during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Vested Shares  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 45,964  Granted 3,150  Cash settled (2,400)  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 46,714   Restricted Share Units - Progressive Waste Plans The Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans were continued by the Company following the Progressive Waste acquisition and allow for the issuance of shares or cash settlement to employees upon vesting of restricted share units (“RSUs”). A summary of activity related to Progressive Waste RSUs during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Outstanding at December 31, 2016 179,489  Cash settled (17,342)  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 162,147  A summary of vesting activity related to Progressive Waste RSUs during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Vested at December 31, 2016 148,348  Vested over remaining service period 2,179  Cash settled (17,342)  Vested at March 31, 2017 133,185  No RSUs under the Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans were granted subsequent to June 1, 2016. Performance-Based Restricted Share Units - Progressive Waste Plans The Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans were continued by the Company following the Progressive Waste acquisition and allow for cash settlement only to employees upon vesting of performance-based restricted share units (“PSUs”) based on achieving target results. A summary of activity related to Progressive Waste PSUs during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Outstanding at December 31, 2016 61,994  Cash settled, net of notional dividend (5,304)  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 56,690  A summary of vesting activity related to Progressive Waste PSUs during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Vested at December 31, 2016 23,818  Vested over remaining service period 2,522  Cash settled, net of notional dividend (5,304)  Vested at March 31, 2017 21,036  No PSUs under the Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans were granted or forfeited subsequent to June 1, 2016. Share Based Options – Progressive Waste Plans The Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans were continued by the Company following the Progressive Waste acquisition and allow for the issuance of shares or cash settlement to employees upon vesting of share based options. A summary of activity related to Progressive Waste share based options during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Outstanding at December 31, 2016 448,678  Share settled (22,528)  Cash settled (205,688)  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 220,462  A summary of vesting activity related to Progressive Waste share based options during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Vested at December 31, 2016 400,932  Vested over remaining service period 47,746  Share settled (22,528)  Cash settled (205,688)  Vested at March 31, 2017 220,462  No share based options under the Progressive Waste share-based compensation plans were granted or forfeited subsequent to June 1, 2016. Normal Course Issuer Bid On July 19, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, undertaking a normal course issuer bid (the “NCIB”) to purchase up to 8,770,732 of the Company’s common shares for a one -year period that expires on August 7, 2017 . The Company received TSX approval of the NCIB on August 3, 2016. Under the NCIB, the Company may make share repurchases only in the open market, including on the NYSE, the TSX, and alternative Canadian trading systems, at the prevailing market price at the time of the transaction. In accordance with TSX rules, any daily repurchases made through the TSX and alternative Canadian trading systems would be limited to a maximum of 60,150 common shares, which represents 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX of 240,601 common shares for the period from June 1, 2016 to July 31, 2016, being the whole calendar month periods that the Company's shares traded on the TSX from the June 1, 2016 closing of the Progressive Waste acquisition to the date the Company filed its NCIB application with the TSX. The TSX rules also allow the Company to purchase, once a week, a block of common shares not owned by any insiders, which may exceed such daily limit. The maximum number of shares that can be purchased per day on the NYSE will be 25% of the average daily trading volume for the four calendar weeks preceding the date of purchase, subject to certain exceptions for block purchases. The timing and amounts of any repurchases pursuant to the NCIB will depend on many factors, including the Company’s capital structure, the market price of the common shares and overall market conditions. All common shares purchased under the NCIB shall be immediately cancelled following their repurchase. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company did not repurchase any common shares pursuant to the NCIB. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, Old Waste Connections did not repurchase any common shares pursuant to its share repurchase program. Cash Dividend In October 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors increased its regular quarterly cash dividend by $0.035 , from $0.145 to $0.18 per share. Cash dividends of $31,707 and $17,791 were paid during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES In the normal course of its business and as a result of the extensive governmental regulation of the solid waste and E&P waste industries, the Company is subject to various judicial and administrative proceedings involving Canadian regulatory authorities as well as U.S. federal, state and local agencies. In these proceedings, an agency may seek to impose fines on the Company or to revoke or deny renewal of an authorization held by the Company, including an operating permit. From time to time, the Company may also be subject to actions brought by special interest or other groups, adjacent landowners or residents in connection with the permitting and licensing of landfills, transfer stations, and E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal operations, or alleging environmental damage or violations of the permits and licenses pursuant to which the Company operates. In addition, the Company is a party to various claims and suits pending for alleged damages to persons and property, alleged violations of certain laws and alleged liabilities arising out of matters occurring during the normal operation of the waste management business. Except as noted in the matters described below, as of March 31, 2017, there is no current proceeding or litigation involving the Company or its property that the Company believes could have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site Allocation Process The Company’s subsidiary, Northwest Container Services, Inc. (“NWCS”), has been named by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 (the “EPA”) as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”), along with more than 100 others, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ( “ CERCLA ” or the “Superfund” law) with respect to the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site (the “LDW Site”). Listed on the National Priorities List in 2001, the LDW Site is a five-mile stretch of the Duwamish River flowing into Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. A group of PRPs known as the Lower Duwamish Working Group ( “LDWG” ) and consisting of the City of Seattle, King County, the Port of Seattle, and Boeing Company conducted a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study for the LDW Site. On December 2, 2014, the EPA issued its Record of Decision (the “ROD”) describing the selected clean-up remedy, and therein estimated that clean-up costs (in present value dollars as of November 2014) should total about $342,000 . However, it is possible that additional costs could be incurred based upon various factors. The EPA estimates that it will take seven years to implement the clean-up. The ROD also requires ten years of monitoring following the clean-up, and provides that if clean-up goals have not been met by the end of this period, then additional clean-up activities, at additional cost, may be required at that time. Implementation of the clean-up will not begin until after the ongoing Early Action Area (“EAA”) clean-ups have been completed. Typically, costs for monitoring may be in addition to those expended for the clean-up. While three of the EAA clean-ups have been completed to date, some work remains to be done on three other EAAs. Implementation of the clean-up also must await additional baseline sampling throughout the LDW Site and the preparation of a remedial design for performing the clean-up. On April 27, 2016, the LDWG entered into a third amendment of its Administrative Order on Consent with the EPA (the “AOC 3”) in which it agreed to perform the additional baseline sediment sampling and certain technical studies needed to prepare the actual remedial design. On November 9, 2016, the EPA and the Washington State Department of Ecology (“Ecology”) conducted a public stakeholder meeting regarding the LDW Site. During the public stakeholder meeting, the EPA provided an overview of the AOC 3 pre-remedial design work and the progress of the on-going work on the EAA cleanups. At the meeting, both the EPA and Ecology estimated that the pre-design studies being performed pursuant to the AOC 3 would not be completed until the end of 2019. The next EPA stakeholder meeting is scheduled for June 14, 2017, at which time it is anticipated that more current information on the status of the cleanups will be available. In August 2014, NWCS entered into an Alternative Dispute Resolution Memorandum of Agreement with several dozen other PRPs and a neutral allocator to conduct a confidential and non-binding allocation of certain past response costs allegedly incurred at the LDW Site as well as the anticipated future response costs associated with the clean-up. The allocation process is designed to develop evidence relating to each PRP’s nexus, if any, to the LDW Site (regardless of whether that PRP is participating in the allocation process), and to determine each PRP’s share of the past and future response costs. The goal of the allocation process is to reach agreement on a division of responsibility between and amongst the PRPs so that the PRPs then will be in a position to negotiate a global settlement with the EPA. On August 16, 2016, the EPA sent individual letters to each of the PRPs at the LDW Site, including NWCS, stating that it expects to initiate negotiations with all PRPs in early 2018 relating to a Remedial Design/Remedial Action (“RD/RA”) Consent Decree. An RD/RA Consent Decree provides for the cleanup of the entire site and is often referred to as a “global settlement.” In the letter the EPA explained this schedule, noting that it expected the pre-remedial design work under the AOC 3 to be completed by the beginning of 2018, and also that it understood that several PRPs are participating in a neutral allocation which the EPA is hopeful will be completed by early 2018. The EPA encouraged the PRPs to complete the allocation on a schedule consistent with the EPA’s intended negotiation schedule, adding that it expects to initiate the RD/RA negotiations on schedule regardless of the status of the allocation. The pre-remedial design work under the AOC 3 is now not expected to conclude until the end of 2019, and in March 2017, the PRPs provided the EPA with notice that the allocation is not scheduled to conclude until mid-2019. The Company cannot provide assurance that the EPA’s schedule can be met or will be adjusted. NWCS is defending itself vigorously in this confidential allocation process. At this point, the Company is not able to determine the likelihood of the allocation process being completed as intended by the participating PRPs, its specific allocation, or the likelihood of the parties then negotiating a global settlement with the EPA. Thus, NWCS cannot reasonably determine the likelihood of any outcome in this matter, including its potential liability. Under CERCLA, certain Federal, State and Indian Tribe officials are designated as natural resource trustees and have responsibility for ensuring the restoration of injured natural resources. On February 11, 2016, NWCS received a letter (the “Letter”) from the United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”), describing certain investigatory activities conducted by the Elliott Bay Trustee Council (the “Council”). The Council consists of all of the natural resources trustees for the LDW Site as well as two nearby Superfund sites, the Harbor Island site and the Lockheed West site. The members of the Council include the United States, on behalf of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Washington State Department of Ecology, and the Suquamish and Muckleshoot Indian Tribes (together, the “Trustees”). The Letter appears to allege that NWCS may be a potentially liable party that allegedly contributed to the release of hazardous substances that have injured natural resources at the LDW Site. Damages to natural resources are in addition to clean-up costs. The Letter, versions of which NWCS believes were sent to all or a group of the PRPs at the LDW Site, also notified its recipients of their opportunity to participate in the Trustees’ development of an Assessment Plan and the performance of a Natural Resources Damages Assessment (“NRDA”) in accordance with the Assessment Plan for both the LDW Site and the east and west waterways of the Harbor Island site. NWCS timely responded with correspondence to the NOAA Office of General Counsel, dated March 9, 2016, in which it declined the invitation at that time. NWCS does not know how other PRPs responded to the Letter, and has not received any further communication from NOAA or the Trustees. The Trustees have not responded to NWCS’ letter and NWCS is not aware of any further action by the Trustees with respect to the Assessment Plan and NRDA. At this point, the Company is not able to determine the likelihood or amount of an assessment of natural resource damages against NWCS in connection with this matter. Some work is being done with respect to natural resource damages (“NRD”) at the LDW Site. On September 22, 2016, a proposed consent decree settlement was announced between the City of Seattle (the “City”) and NOAA and the other natural resource trustees for the LDW Site. The proposed NRD settlement that the City has entered into at the LDW Site, if approved, will generally provide that the City will fund the development of restoration projects by purchasing restoration credits from Bluefield Holdings, a company that develops such projects. At this time, NWCS has not been approached by either the Council or the trustees for the LDW Site regarding participation in any similar NRD settlements . In December 2016, the Lower Duwamish Fishers Study Data Report was released, which was the first step towards developing institutional controls specific to resident fish and shellfish consumption in the area. Chiquita Canyon Landfill Conditional Use Permit Decision and Appeal On October 12, 2004, the Company’s subsidiary, Chiquita Canyon, LLC (“CCL”), filed an application with the County of Los Angeles (the “County”) Department of Regional Planning (the “Department”) for a conditional use permit to authorize the continued operation and expansion of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill. The site has been in use as a landfill since 1972, and as a regional landfill, accepted approximately three million tons of waste in 2016. The application requests expansion of the existing waste footprint from 257 acres to 400 acres on CCL’s contiguous property, increased maximum elevation from 1,430 feet to 1,573 feet, new entrance and support facilities, a facility for the County or other third-party operator to operate household hazardous waste collection events, mixed organics/composting, a land set-aside for a potential future conversion technology facility, and additional project elements. Over the ensuing 12 and-a-half years, the County conducted a lengthy permitting and environmental impact review of the application. A draft environmental impact report was released in 2014, and several chapters of that report were revised and recirculated in 2016. As required by the County, this permitting and impact review was funded by the Company at substantial expense. In advance of a public hearing held on April 19, 2017 before the County’s Regional Planning Commission (the “Commission”), the Department published recommended conditions of approval for the conditional use permit. Those conditions recommended approval by the Commission of a smaller project, which would be a reduction from the current landfill operations. In addition, the Department recommended a dramatic increase in per-ton taxes and other fees, as well as currently unquantifiable future costs that the landfill would be forced to expend at the County’s direction and discretion. CCL submitted written objections to the proposed taxes and fees and operational restrictions in the proposed permit conditions, and similarly objected at the hearing. The recommended conditions of approval raised taxes and fees the landfill must pay to the County by up to 587% compared to fees under the landfill’s existing permit. At the public hearing on April 19, 2017, CCL requested that the recommended fees be reduced, so that the increase over current fees paid to the County would be in the range of 50% to 100% . The recommended conditions of approval reduced the proposed annual limit on overall tonnage the landfill can accept from approximately three million tons to approximately two million tons. At the public hearing on April 19, 2017, CCL requested that the recommended annual limit on overall tonnage be increased to the levels at which the landfill operated in 2016, or to approximately three million tons. Lastly, CCL requested that recommended new restrictions on operating hours be eliminated, so trucks could continue accessing the landfill at off-peak traffic hours, as is the current practice. Despite these requests, at the public hearing on April 19, 2017 , the Commission approved CCL’s application for an expansion of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill and a 30 -year extension of its conditional use permit, but without any modifications to the Department’s recommended taxes and fees or annual tonnage limits, and with only minor revisions to the Department’s recommended operating hours. CCL intends to appeal the Commission’s decision to the County Board of Supervisors. To be timely, the appeal must be filed by May 3, 2017. The filing of an appeal vacates the Commission’s decision, which is only reinstated if the Board of Supervisors fails to act, or affirms the decision in its action. The Department has informed CCL that it expects a public hearing on the appeal at the Board of Supervisors to be held in two to three months. At that time the Board of Supervisors can approve the permit (with or without revised conditions), deny the permit, or continue the public hearing to a later date. If the Board of Supervisors approves the conditional use permit without modifications from the Commission’s approval, the Company believes the proposed tax and fee increases and operational restrictions would likely render continued operation of the site economically unviable. In addition, if the Board of Supervisors does not approve a new conditional use permit by July 31, 2017, it is possible that the landfill could be forced to close, at least temporarily, until the Board of Supervisors approves a new permit or other operational waiver. The Company is currently considering all its options concerning the conditional use permit. Depending on the outcome of the appeal, the Company may file one or more legal challenges against the County if it believes any final permit conditions approved by the County Board of Supervisors violate state or federal law. Due to the fluid nature of the permitting process at this time, the Company cannot reasonably determine the likelihood of any outcome in this matter. 

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On April 20, 2017, the Company issued and sold to investors $400,000 of its senior unsecured notes at fixed interest rates with interest payable in arrears semi-annually on October 20 and April 20 beginning on October 20, 2017 (the 2017A Notes) in a private placement in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Regulation D promulgated thereunder. On April 26, 2017 , the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per Company common share. The dividend will be paid on May 24, 2017 , to shareholders of record on the close of business on May 10, 2017 . On April 26, 2017, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a split of its common shares on a three -for-two basis, pending approval by its shareholders at the Company’s Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders of Waste Connections to be held on May 23, 2017. Following shareholder approval of the share split, the Company expects that shareholders of record on June 7, 2017, will receive from the Company’s transfer agent on June 16, 2017, one additional common share for every two common shares held. 

Landfill Accounting (Tables)

Landfill Accounting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Landfill Accounting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Liability Balance	The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s final capping, closure and post-closure liability balance from December 31, 2016 to March 31, 2017:   Final capping, closure and post-closure liability at December 31, 2016 $ 244,909  Adjustments to final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities (26,569)  Liabilities incurred 3,639  Accretion expense associated with landfill obligations 2,866  Closure payments (1,057)  Foreign currency translation adjustment 233  Final capping, closure and post-closure liability at March 31, 2017 $ 224,021  

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Acquisition [Member]
Summary of Consideration Transferred to Acquire Businesses and Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired, Liabilities Assumed and Noncontrolling Interests	The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the preliminary amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates for the acquisitions consummated in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:   2017 Acquisitions 2016 Acquisitions Fair value of consideration transferred:  Cash $ 344,265 $ 3,555  Debt assumed 56,957 -  Notes issued to sellers 13,460 -  414,682 3,555  Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with businesses acquired:  Accounts receivable 12,998 -  Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,305 -  Property and equipment 138,831 1,079  Long-term franchise agreements and contracts 31,700 -  Customer lists 15,794 1,476  Other intangibles 27,261 -  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (13,345) -  Deferred revenue (3,176) (383)  Contingent consideration (15) (220)  Other long-term liabilities - (163)  Deferred income taxes (59,584) -  Total identifiable net assets 152,769 1,789  Goodwill $ 261,913 $ 1,766  

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Assets Held for Sale [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale	Our assets and liabilities held for sale as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were comprised of the following:   March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Current assets held for sale:  Cash and equivalents $ 69 $ 42  Accounts receivable 13,236 5,726  Other current assets 1,280 571  $ 14,585 $ 6,339 Long-term assets held for sale:  Property and equipment $ 89,643 $ 33,624  Goodwill 29,295 244  Other assets 64 121  $ 119,002 $ 33,989 Current liabilities held for sale:  Accounts payable $ 4,045 $ 1,320  Accrued liabilities 1,412 1,811  Deferred revenue 2,341 252  $ 7,798 $ 3,383 Long-term liabilities held for sale:  Other liabilities $ 449 $ - 

Goodwill and Intangible Asset29

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Exclusive of Goodwill	Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill, consisted of the following at March 31, 2017:   Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Impairment Loss Net Carrying Amount Finite-lived intangible assets: Long-term franchise agreements and contracts $ 448,728 $ (94,931) $ - $ 353,797 Customer lists 381,763 (142,909) - 238,854 Permits and other 314,161 (25,242) - 288,919  1,144,652 (263,082) - 881,570 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Solid waste collection and transportation permits 152,761 - - 152,761 Material recycling facility permits 42,283 - - 42,283 E&P facility permits 59,855 - (38,507) 21,348  254,899 - (38,507) 216,392 Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill $ 1,399,551 $ (263,082) $ (38,507) $ 1,097,962  Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill, consisted of the following at December 31, 2016:   Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Impairment Loss Net Carrying Amount Finite-lived intangible assets: Long-term franchise agreements and contracts $ 428,783 $ (86,552) $ - $ 342,231 Customer lists 371,203 (131,525) - 239,678 Permits and other 290,823 (21,966) - 268,857  1,090,809 (240,043) - 850,766 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Solid waste collection and transportation permits 152,761 - - 152,761 Material recycling facility permits 42,283 - - 42,283 E&P facility permits 59,855 - (38,507) 21,348  254,899 - (38,507) 216,392 Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill $ 1,345,708 $ (240,043) $ (38,507) $ 1,067,158  
Estimated Future Amortization Expense of Amortizable Intangible Assets	Estimated future amortization expense for the next five years relating to finite-lived intangible assets is as follows:   For the year ending December 31, 2017 $ 99,752  For the year ending December 31, 2018 $ 93,111  For the year ending December 31, 2019 $ 83,477  For the year ending December 31, 2020 $ 75,562  For the year ending December 31, 2021 $ 66,741 

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following:   March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  Revolver under Credit Agreement, bearing interest ranging from 2.02 % to 4.25 % (a) $ 636,915 $ 310,582  Term loan under Credit Agreement, bearing interest at 2.18 % (a) 1,637,500 1,637,500  2018 Notes, bearing interest at 4.00% 50,000 50,000  2019 Notes, bearing interest at 5.25 % 175,000 175,000  2021 Notes, bearing interest at 4.64% 100,000 100,000  New 2021 Notes, bearing interest at 2.39% 150,000 150,000  2022 Notes, bearing interest at 3.09% 125,000 125,000  2023 Notes, bearing interest at 2.75% 200,000 200,000  2025 Notes, bearing interest at 3.41% 375,000 375,000  2026 Notes, bearing interest at 3.03% 400,000 400,000  Tax-exempt bonds, bearing interest ranging from 0.90 % to 0.96 % (a) 95,430 95,430  Notes payable to sellers and other third parties, bearing interest at 2.00 % to 24.81 % (a) 27,045 14,180  3,971,890 3,632,692  Less – current portion (11,439) (1,650)  Less – debt issuance costs (14,273) (14,282)  $ 3,946,178 $ 3,616,760 ____________________ (a) Interest rates represent the interest rates incurred at March 31, 2017 .
Details of the Company's Credit Agreement	Details of the Credit Agreement are as follows:    March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Revolver under Credit Agreement  Available $ 698,568 $ 1,004,451  Letters of credit outstanding $ 227,017 $ 247,467  Total amount drawn, as follows: $ 636,915 $ 310,582  Amount drawn – U.S. LIBOR rate loan $ 350,600 $ -  Interest rate applicable – U.S. LIBOR rate loan 2.02% Not applicable  Amount drawn – U.S. base rate loan $ 3,000 $ -  Interest rate applicable – U.S. base rate loan 4.25% Not applicable  Amount drawn – Canadian prime rate loan $ 11,345 $ 7,448  Interest rate applicable - Canadian prime rate loan 2.95% 2.95%  Amount drawn – Canadian BA loan $ 271,970 $ 303,134  Interest rate applicable – Canadian BA loan 2.11% 2.13%  Commitment – rate applicable 0.15% 0.15%  Term loan under Credit Agreement  Amount drawn – U.S. based LIBOR loan $ 1,637,500 $ 1,637,500  Interest rate applicable – U.S. based LIBOR loan 2.18% 1.97% 

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Information Concerning Company's Reportable Segments	Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, is shown in the following tables:  Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Revenue Intercompany Revenue (b) Reported Revenue Segment EBITDA (c)  Southern $ 317,339 $ (37,216) $ 280,123 $ 68,940  Western 264,001 (28,411) 235,590 75,569  Eastern 273,297 (41,810) 231,487 65,450  Canada 185,331 (22,296) 163,035 57,300  Central 163,812 (19,503) 144,309 52,652  E&P 39,066 (2,344) 36,722 14,545  Corporate (a) - - - (15,621)  $ 1,242,846 $ (151,580) $ 1,091,266 $ 318,835   Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Revenue Intercompany Revenue (b) Reported Revenue Segment EBITDA (c)  Southern $ 42,967 $ (6,048) $ 36,919 $ 9,489  Western 246,864 (27,630) 219,234 73,789  Eastern 128,216 (20,421) 107,795 34,614  Central 133,898 (13,961) 119,937 43,853  E&P 33,095 (2,300) 30,795 6,549  Corporate (a) - - - (8,488)  $ 585,040 $ (70,360) $ 514,680 $ 159,806 ____________________ (a) Corporate functions include accounting, legal, tax, treasury, information technology, risk management, human resources, training and other administrative functions. Amounts reflected are net of allocations to the six operating segments. (b) Intercompany revenues reflect each segment’s total intercompany sales, including intercompany sales within a segment and between segments. Transactions within and between segments are generally made on a basis intended to reflect the market value of the service. (c) For those items included in the determination of segment EBITDA, the accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Total Assets for Reportable Segments	Total assets for each of the Company’s reportable segments at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were as follows:    March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  Southern $ 2,813,993 $ 2,869,841  Western 1,502,583 1,516,870  Eastern 1,941,755 1,541,854  Canada 2,533,253 2,532,046  Central 1,296,480 1,302,900  E&P 985,634 1,068,086  Corporate 395,734 272,328  Total Assets $ 11,469,432 $ 11,103,925 
Changes in Goodwill by Reportable Segment	The following tables show changes in goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, by reportable segment:      Southern Western Eastern Canada Central E&P Total  Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 1,470,023 $ 376,537 $ 533,160 $ 1,465,274 $ 467,924 $ 77,343 $ 4,390,261  Goodwill acquired 11,736 - 246,491 3,316 370 - 261,913  Impairment loss - - - - - (77,343) (77,343)  Goodwill adjustment for assets sold - - 321 - - - 321  Impairment loss related to assets held for sale (29,000) - - - - - (29,000)  Goodwill reclassified as assets held for sale (29,295) - - - - - (29,295)  Impact of changes in foreign currency - - - 12,788 - - 12,788  Balance as of March 31, 2017 $ 1,423,464 $ 376,537 $ 779,972 $ 1,481,378 $ 468,294 $ - $ 4,529,645       Southern Western Eastern Central E&P Total  Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 95,710 $ 373,820 $ 459,532 $ 416,420 $ 77,343 $ 1,422,825  Goodwill acquired 190 1,421 7 148 - 1,766  Balance as of March 31, 2016 $ 95,900 $ 375,241 $ 459,539 $ 416,568 $ 77,343 $ 1,424,591 
Reconciliation of Primary Measure of Segment Profitability to Income Before Income Tax Provision	A reconciliation of the Company’s primary measure of segment profitability (segment EBITDA) to Income before income tax provision in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income is as follows:   Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016  Southern segment EBITDA $ 68,940 $ 9,489  Western segment EBITDA 75,569 73,789  Eastern segment EBITDA 65,450 34,614  Canada segment EBITDA 57,300 -  Central segment EBITDA 52,652 43,853  E&P segment EBITDA 14,545 6,549  Subtotal reportable segments 334,456 168,294  Unallocated corporate overhead (15,621) (8,488)  Depreciation (125,240) (60,897)  Amortization of intangibles (25,510) (7,694)  Impairments and other operating items (141,681) (236)  Interest expense (29,131) (17,184)  Other income, net 1,466 222  Foreign currency transaction loss (590) -  Income (loss) before income tax provision $ (1,851) $ 74,017  
Total Reported Revenues by Service Line	The following tables reflect a breakdown of the Company’s revenue and inter-company eliminations for the periods indicated:   Three months ended March 31, 2017  Revenue Intercompany Revenue Reported Revenue % of Reported Revenue  Solid waste collection $ 768,346 $ (2,200) $ 766,146 70.2%  Solid waste disposal and transfer 357,025 (143,441) 213,584 19.6  Solid waste recycling 43,889 (2,584) 41,305 3.8  E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal 39,821 (2,968) 36,853 3.4  Intermodal and other 33,765 (387) 33,378 3.0  Total $ 1,242,846 $ (151,580) $ 1,091,266 100.0%    Three months ended March 31, 2016  Revenue Intercompany Revenue Reported Revenue % of Reported Revenue  Solid waste collection $ 356,598 $ (1,321) $ 355,277 69.0%  Solid waste disposal and transfer 170,083 (66,034) 104,049 20.2  Solid waste recycling 10,619 (639) 9,980 2.0  E&P waste treatment, recovery and disposal 32,851 (2,366) 30,485 5.9  Intermodal and other 14,889 - 14,889 2.9  Total $ 585,040 $ (70,360) $ 514,680 100.0% 

Derivative Financial Instrume32

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value of Derivative Instrument Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	 The fair values of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2017, were as follows:   Derivatives Designated as Cash Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Flow Hedges Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value  Interest rate swaps Prepaid expenses and other current assets (a) $ 1,091 Accrued liabilities (a) $ (2,449)  Other assets, net 13,458 Other long-term liabilities (1,652)   Fuel hedges Prepaid expenses and other current assets (b) 466 Accrued liabilities (b) (3,015)  Other assets, net 25  Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges $ 15,040 $ (7,116) ____________________ (a) Represents the estimated amount of the existing unrealized gains and losses, respectively, on interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2017 (based on the interest rate yield curve at that date), included in AOCL expected to be reclassified into pre-tax earnings within the next 12 months. The actual amounts reclassified into earnings are dependent on future movements in interest rates. (b) Represents the estimated amount of the existing unrealized gains and losses, respectively, on fuel hedges as of March 31, 2017 (based on the forward DOE diesel fuel index curve at that date), included in AOCL expected to be reclassified into pre-tax earnings within the next 12 months. The actual amounts reclassified into earnings are dependent on future movements in diesel fuel prices.  The fair values of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2016, were as follows:  Derivatives Designated as Cash Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Flow Hedges Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value  Interest rate swaps Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 127 Accrued liabilities $ (3,260)  Other assets, net 13,822 Other long-term liabilities (2,350)   Fuel hedges Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,343 Accrued liabilities (3,258)  Other assets, net 1,651  Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges $ 16,943 $ (8,868)  
Impact of Cash Flow Hedges on Results of Operations, Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table summarizes the impact of the Company’s cash flow hedges on the results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and AOCL for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:  Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized as AOCL on Derivatives, Net of Tax (Effective Portion) (a) Statement of Net Income Classification Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings, Net of Tax (Effective Portion) (b),(c)  Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016 2017 2016  Interest rate swaps $ 755 $ (4,144) Interest expense $ 795 $ 1,060  Fuel hedges (1,994) (808) Cost of operations 596 1,116  Total $ (1,239) $ (4,952) $ 1,391 $ 2,176 ___________________ (a) In accordance with the derivatives and hedging guidance, the effective portions of the changes in fair values of interest rate swaps and fuel hedges have been recorded in equity as a component of AOCL. As the critical terms of the interest rate swaps match the underlying debt being hedged, no ineffectiveness is recognized on these swaps and, therefore, all unrealized changes in fair value are recorded in AOCL. Because changes in the actual price of diesel fuel and changes in the DOE index price do not offset exactly each reporting period, the Company assesses whether the fuel hedges are highly effective using the cumulative dollar offset approach. (b) Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings related to realized gains and losses on interest rate swaps are recognized when interest payments or receipts occur related to the swap contracts, which correspond to when interest payments are made on the Company’s hedged debt. (c) Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings related to realized gains and losses on the fuel hedges are recognized when settlement payments or receipts occur related to the hedge contracts, which correspond to when the underlying fuel is consumed.
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Company's Derivative Instruments	At March 31, 2017, the Company’s derivative instruments included 11 interest rate swap agreements as follows:   Date Entered Notional Amount Fixed Interest Rate Paid* Variable Interest Rate Received Effective Date Expiration Date  April 2014 $ 100,000 1.800% 1-month LIBOR July 2014 July 2019  May 2014 $ 50,000 2.344% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020  May 2014 $ 25,000 2.326% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020  May 2014 $ 50,000 2.350% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020  May 2014 $ 50,000 2.350% 1-month LIBOR October 2015 October 2020  April 2016 $ 100,000 1.000% 1-month LIBOR February 2017 February 2020  June 2016 $ 75,000 0.850% 1-month LIBOR February 2017 February 2020  June 2016 $ 150,000 0.950% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021  June 2016 $ 150,000 0.950% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021  July 2016 $ 50,000 0.900% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021  July 2016 $ 50,000 0.890% 1-month LIBOR January 2018 January 2021 ____________________ * Plus applicable margin.
Fuel [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Company's Derivative Instruments	At March 31, 2017, the Company’s derivative instruments included four fuel hedge agreements as follows:  Date Entered Notional Amount (in gallons per month) Diesel Rate Paid Fixed (per gallon) Diesel Rate Received Variable Effective Date Expiration Date  May 2015 300,000 $3.2800 DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2016 December 2017  May 2015 200,000 $3.2750 DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2016 December 2017  July 2016 500,000 $2.4988 DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2017 December 2017  July 2016 1,000,000 $2.6345 DOE Diesel Fuel Index* January 2018 December 2018 ____________________ * If the national U.S. on-highway average price for a gallon of diesel fuel (“average price”), as published by the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”), exceeds the contract price per gallon, the Company receives the difference between the average price and the contract price (multiplied by the notional number of gallons) from the counterparty. If the average price is less than the contract price per gallon, the Company pays the difference to the counterparty. 

Fair Value of Financial Instr33

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Carrying Values and Fair Values of Debt Instruments	The carrying values and fair values of the Company’s debt instruments where the carrying values do not approximate their fair values as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, are as follows:   Carrying Value at Fair Value* at  March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  4.00% Senior Notes due 2018 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 51,028 $ 51,226  5.25% Senior Notes due 2019 $ 175,000 $ 175,000 $ 187,775 $ 187,671  4.64% Senior Notes due 2021 $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 107,440 $ 106,618  2.39% Senior Notes due 2021 $ 150,000 $ 150,000 $ 148,163 $ 146,168  3.09% Senior Notes due 2022 $ 125,000 $ 125,000 $ 126,024 $ 123,974  2.75% Senior Notes due 2023 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ 196,267 $ 192,238  3.41% Senior Notes due 2025 $ 375,000 $ 375,000 $ 378,202 $ 368,968  3.03% Senior Notes due 2026 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 $ 390,132 $ 379,438 ______________________ * Senior Notes are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Fair value is based on quotes of bonds with similar ratings in similar industries.

Net Income Per Share Informat34

Net Income Per Share Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Net Income Per Share Information [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share	The following table sets forth the calculation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share attributable to the Company’s shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:   Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016 Numerator:  Net income attributable to Waste Connections for basic and diluted earnings per share $ 14,874 $ 44,842  Denominator:  Basic shares outstanding 175,374,630 122,778,290  Dilutive effect of warrants 42,218 27,383  Dilutive effect of restricted share units 518,634 644,911  Diluted shares outstanding 175,935,482 123,450,584  

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured At Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were as follows:   Fair Value Measurement at March 31, 2017 Using  Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  Interest rate swap derivative instruments – net asset position $ 10,448 $ - $ 10,448 $ -  Fuel hedge derivative instruments – net liability position $ (2,524) $ - $ - $ (2,524)  Restricted assets $ 57,882 $ - $ 57,882 $ -  Contingent consideration $ (58,327) $ - $ - $ (58,327)    Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2016 Using  Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  Interest rate swap derivative instruments – net asset position $ 8,339 $ - $ 8,339 $ -  Fuel hedge derivative instrument – net liability position $ (264) $ - $ - $ (264)  Restricted assets $ 57,166 $ - $ 57,166 $ -  Contingent consideration $ (51,826) $ - $ - $ (51,826) 
Change in Fair Value for Level 3 Derivatives	The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value for Level 3 derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:    Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Beginning balance $ (264) $ (9,900)  Realized losses included in earnings 964 1,801  Unrealized losses included in AOCL (3,224) (1,305)  Ending balance $ (2,524) $ (9,404)  
Fair Value for Level 3 Liabilities	The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value for Level 3 liabilities related to contingent consideration for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:   Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Beginning balance $ 51,826 $ 49,394  Contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date 15 220  Payment of contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date (5,290) (2,217)  Payment of contingent consideration recorded in earnings - (33)  Adjustments to contingent consideration 11,313 (75)  Interest accretion expense 463 349  Ending balance $ 58,327 $ 47,638  

Other Comprehensive Income (L36

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects for the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:   Three months ended March 31, 2017  Gross Tax effect Net of tax  Interest rate swap amounts reclassified into interest expense $ 1,081 $ (286) $ 795  Fuel hedge amounts reclassified into cost of operations 964 (368) 596  Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps 1,027 (272) 755  Changes in fair value of fuel hedges (3,224) 1,230 (1,994)  Foreign currency translation adjustment 17,434 - 17,434  $ 17,282 $ 304 $ 17,586     Three months ended March 31, 2016  Gross Tax effect Net of tax  Interest rate swap amounts reclassified into interest expense $ 1,711 $ (651) $ 1,060  Fuel hedge amounts reclassified into cost of operations 1,801 (685) 1,116  Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps (6,689) 2,545 (4,144)  Changes in fair value of fuel hedges (1,305) 497 (808)  $ (4,482) $ 1,706 $ (2,776)  
Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	A rollforward of the amounts included in AOCL, net of taxes, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:   Fuel Hedges Interest Rate Swaps Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss  Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (164) $ 8,094 $ (50,931) $ (43,001)  Amounts reclassified into earnings 596 795 - 1,391  Changes in fair value (1,994) 755 - (1,239)  Foreign currency translation adjustment - - 17,434 17,434  Balance at March 31, 2017 $ (1,562) $ 9,644 $ (33,497) $ (25,415)    Fuel Hedges Interest Rate Swaps Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss  Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (6,134) $ (6,037) $ (12,171)  Amounts reclassified into earnings 1,116 1,060 2,176  Changes in fair value (808) (4,144) (4,952)  Balance at March 31, 2016 $ (5,826) $ (9,121) $ (14,947) 

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of Activity Related to Restricted Stock Units	A summary of activity related to restricted share units (“RSUs”) during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Unvested Shares  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 834,634  Granted 274,697  Forfeited (4,345)  Vested and Issued (351,786)  Vested and Deferred (22,692)  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 730,508  
Performance Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units Activity and Related Information	A summary of activity related to performance-based restricted share units (“PSUs”) during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Unvested Shares  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 284,762  Granted 140,077  Vested and Issued (81,864)  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 342,975  
Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of Stock Option Activity and Related Information	A summary of activity related to Progressive Waste share based options during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Outstanding at December 31, 2016 448,678  Share settled (22,528)  Cash settled (205,688)  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 220,462 
Summary of Vesting Activity Related to Share Based Options	A summary of vesting activity related to Progressive Waste share based options during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Vested at December 31, 2016 400,932  Vested over remaining service period 47,746  Share settled (22,528)  Cash settled (205,688)  Vested at March 31, 2017 220,462 
Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of Activity Related to Restricted Stock Units	A summary of activity related to Progressive Waste RSUs during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Outstanding at December 31, 2016 179,489  Cash settled (17,342)  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 162,147 
Summary of Vesting Activity Related to RSUs	A summary of vesting activity related to Progressive Waste RSUs during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Vested at December 31, 2016 148,348  Vested over remaining service period 2,179  Cash settled (17,342)  Vested at March 31, 2017 133,185 
Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units Activity and Related Information	A summary of activity related to Progressive Waste PSUs during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Outstanding at December 31, 2016 61,994  Cash settled, net of notional dividend (5,304)  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 56,690 
Summary of Vesting Activity Related to PSUs	A summary of vesting activity related to Progressive Waste PSUs during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Vested at December 31, 2016 23,818  Vested over remaining service period 2,522  Cash settled, net of notional dividend (5,304)  Vested at March 31, 2017 21,036 
Deferred Compensation, Share-based Payments [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of Activity Related to Restricted Stock Units	A summary of activity related to deferred share units (“DSUs”) during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, is presented below:   Vested Shares  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 45,964  Granted 3,150  Cash settled (2,400)  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 46,714  

New Accounting Standards (Narra

New Accounting Standards (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax asset, current	$ 64,950	$ 89,177
Goodwill impairment charge	77,343
Goodwill	4,529,645	4,390,261	$ 1,424,591	$ 1,422,825
Accounting Standards Update 2016 09 [Member]
Excess tax benefits associated with equity-based compensation	6,719
Cumulative effect adjustment to Retained Earnings	1,384
Exploration and Production [Member]
Goodwill impairment charge	77,343	0
Goodwill	77,343	$ 77,343	$ 77,343	$ 77,343
Exploration and Production [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2017 04 [Member]
Goodwill impairment charge	$ 77,343

Landfill Accounting (Narrative)

Landfill Accounting (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)site$ / T	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / T	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Landfill Accounting [Line Items]
Number of municipal solid waste landfills owned or operated by company	68
Number of owned landfills that only accept exploration and production waste	11
Number of owned landfills that only accept construction and demolition, industrial and other non-putrescible waste	14
Number of landfills owned and operated by company	79
Number of landfills operated, not owned, under life-of-site operating agreements	8
Number of landfills operated under limited-term operating agreements	6
Property and equipment, net | $	$ 4,721,669		$ 4,738,055
Average remaining landfill life based on permitted capacity and projected annual disposal volumes	26 years
Number of owned landfills the company is seeking to expand	16
Number of landfills operated under life-of-site operating agreements that the company is seeking to expand	2
Average remaining landfill life based on permitted capacity, projected annual disposal volumes and probable expansion capacity	32 years
Life of Company's owned landfills and landfills operated under life-of-site operating agreements min range	1 year
Life of Company's owned landfills and landfills operated under life of site operating agreements max range	196 years
Landfill depletion expense | $	$ 42,988	$ 18,926
Average rate per ton consumed related to landfill depletion at owned landfills and landfills operated under life-of-site agreements | $ / T	4.55	3.65
Discount rate for purposes of computing layers for final capping, closure and post-closure obligations	4.75%		4.75%
Inflation rate for purposes of computing layers for final capping, closure and post-closure obligations	2.50%		2.50%
Accretion expense associated with landfill obligations | $	$ 2,866	$ 1,061
Average rate per ton consumed related to final capping, closure and post-closure landfill accretion expense | $ / T	0.30	0.20
Restricted asset balance for purposes of securing our performance of future final capping, closure and post-closure obligations | $	$ 56,063		$ 55,388
Landfill [Member]
Landfill Accounting [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net | $	$ 2,717,100

Landfill Accounting (Reconcilia

Landfill Accounting (Reconciliation of Final Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Liability Balance) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Landfill Accounting [Abstract]
Final capping, closure and post-closure liability at the beginning of the period	$ 244,909
Adjustments to final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities	(26,569)
Liabilities incurred	3,639
Accretion expense associated with landfill obligations	2,866	$ 1,061
Closure payments	(1,057)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	233
Final capping, closure and post-closure liability at the end of the period	$ 224,021

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Detai

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Detail) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017territorycustomer	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)entity	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)entity	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash consideration, net of cash acquired			$ 344,265	$ 3,555
Acquisition-related costs			$ 1,744	8,815
Number of individual businesses acquired that are not specifically described | entity			4
Impairments and other operating charges			$ 141,681	236
Change in liability-classified contingent consideration			11,313	(75)
Revenues			1,091,266	514,680
Income before income tax provision			(1,851)	74,017
Goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes			10,297	1,766
Goodwill acquired			261,913	$ 1,766
Trade receivables acquired in business combination gross contractual amount			13,739
Trade receivables acquired In business combination expected to be uncollectible amount			$ 741
Fair value of acquired working capital is provisional | entity			4
Groot Industries, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues					$ 200,000
Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Impairments and other operating charges			$ 64,350
Change in liability-classified contingent consideration			11,313
Revenues			490,275
Income before income tax provision			$ 15,422
Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member] | Waste Connections, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Stockholders equity stock conversion ratio		2.076843
Percentage of combined company owned		70.00%
Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member] | Progressive Waste [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of combined company owned		30.00%
Groot Industries, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of customers served by company acquired | customer	300,000
Number of collection operations acquired | territory	7
Number of transfer stations acquired | territory	6
Number of recycling facilities acquired | territory	1
Other Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of immaterial businesses acquired in period | entity				4
Goodwill acquired				$ 1,766

Acquisitions (Summary of Consid

Acquisitions (Summary of Consideration Transferred to Acquire Businesses and Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired, Liabilities Assumed and Noncontrolling Interests) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair value of consideration transferred:
Cash	$ 344,265
Notes issued to sellers	13,460
Consideration transferred	414,682
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with businesses acquired:
Accounts receivable	12,998
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,305
Property and equipment	138,831
Deferred revenue	(3,176)
Deferred income taxes	(59,584)
Total identifiable net assets	152,769
Goodwill	261,913	$ 1,766
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with businesses acquired:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(13,345)
Debt [Member]
Fair value of consideration transferred:
Liabilities incurred	56,957
Contingent Consideration [Member]
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with businesses acquired:
Other long-term liabilities	(15)
Other Acquisition [Member]
Fair value of consideration transferred:
Cash		3,555
Consideration transferred		3,555
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with businesses acquired:
Property and equipment		1,079
Deferred revenue		(383)
Other long-term liabilities		(163)
Total identifiable net assets		1,789
Goodwill		1,766
Other Acquisition [Member] | Contingent Consideration [Member]
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with businesses acquired:
Other long-term liabilities		(220)
Contracts [Member]
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with businesses acquired:
Intangibles	31,700
Customer Lists [Member]
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with businesses acquired:
Intangibles	15,794
Customer Lists [Member] | Other Acquisition [Member]
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with businesses acquired:
Intangibles		$ 1,476
Other Intangibles
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed associated with businesses acquired:
Intangibles	$ 27,261

Assets Held for Sale (Narrative

Assets Held for Sale (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Assets Held for Sale [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale of assets	$ 25,532
Loss recognized on assets held for sale	$ 53,471

Assets Held for Sale (Assets an

Assets Held for Sale (Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets held for sale:
Cash and equivalents	$ 69	$ 42
Accounts receivable	13,236	5,726
Other current assets	1,280	571
Current assets held for sale	14,585	6,339
Long-term assets held for sale:
Property and equipment	89,643	33,624
Goodwill	29,295	244
Other assets	64	121
Long-term assets held for sale	119,002	33,989
Current liabilities held for sale:
Accounts payable	4,045	1,320
Accrued liabilities	1,412	1,811
Deferred revenue	2,341	252
Current liabilities held for sale	7,798	$ 3,383
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Other liabilities	$ 449

Goodwill and Intangible Asset45

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Narrative) (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment	6
Goodwill impairment charge	$ 77,343
Goodwill	4,529,645	$ 4,390,261	$ 1,424,591	$ 1,422,825
Property and equipment, net	4,721,669	4,738,055
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 216,392	216,392
Long-term Franchise Agreements and Contracts [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of acquired intangible assets	19 years 2 months 12 days
Customer Lists [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of acquired intangible assets	10 years
Permits and Other [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of acquired intangible assets	40 years
Exploration and Production [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value discount rate	11.70%
Goodwill impairment charge	$ 77,343	0
Goodwill	77,343	77,343	$ 77,343	$ 77,343
Exploration and Production Facility Permits [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 21,348	$ 21,348

Goodwill and Intangible Asset46

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Intangible Assets Exclusive of Goodwill) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	$ 1,144,652	$ 1,090,809
Intangible assets, exclusive of goodwill, gross	1,399,551	1,345,708
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	254,899	254,899
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(263,082)	(240,043)
Intangible assets, accumulated impairment loss	(38,507)	(38,507)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	881,570	850,766
Intangible assets, net, exclusive of goodwill	1,097,962	1,067,158
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	216,392	216,392
Solid Waste Collection and Transportation Permits [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	152,761	152,761
Intangible assets, accumulated impairment loss
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	152,761	152,761
Material Recycling Facility Permits [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	42,283	42,283
Intangible assets, accumulated impairment loss
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	42,283	42,283
Exploration and Production Facility Permits [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	59,855	59,855
Intangible assets, accumulated impairment loss	(38,507)	(38,507)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	21,348	21,348
Long-term Franchise Agreements and Contracts [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	448,728	428,783
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(94,931)	(86,552)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	353,797	342,231
Customer Lists [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	381,763	371,203
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(142,909)	(131,525)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	238,854	239,678
Permits and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	314,161	290,823
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(25,242)	(21,966)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net carrying amount	$ 288,919	$ 268,857

Goodwill and Intangible Asset47

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Estimated Future Amortization Expense of Amortizable Intangible Assets) (Detail) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
For the year ending December 31, 2017	$ 99,752
For the year ending December 31, 2018	93,111
For the year ending December 31, 2019	83,477
For the year ending December 31, 2020	75,562
For the year ending December 31, 2021	$ 66,741

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Detail) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 20, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		$ 3,971,890,000		$ 3,632,692,000
Debt issuance costs		633,000
Cash and cash equivalents		268,469,000		154,382,000	$ 9,263,000	$ 10,974,000
Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	[1]	$ 636,915,000		310,582,000
Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	2.02%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	4.25%
Tax-exempt Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	[1]	$ 95,430,000		95,430,000
Tax-exempt Bonds [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	0.90%
Tax-exempt Bonds [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	0.96%
Notes Payable to Sellers and Other Third Parties [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	[1]	$ 27,045,000		14,180,000
Notes Payable to Sellers and Other Third Parties [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	2.00%
Notes Payable to Sellers and Other Third Parties [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	24.81%
Senior Notes [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount			$ 400,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		$ 50,000,000		$ 50,000,000
Interest rate		4.00%		4.00%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		$ 175,000,000		$ 175,000,000
Interest rate		5.25%		5.25%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		$ 100,000,000		$ 100,000,000
Interest rate		4.64%		4.64%
Senior Notes [Member] | New Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		$ 150,000,000		$ 150,000,000
Interest rate		2.39%		2.39%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		$ 125,000,000		$ 125,000,000
Interest rate		3.09%		3.09%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		$ 200,000,000		$ 200,000,000
Interest rate		2.75%		2.75%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		$ 375,000,000		$ 375,000,000
Interest rate		3.41%		3.41%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000
Interest rate		3.03%		3.03%
Term Loan Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	[1]	$ 1,637,500,000		$ 1,637,500,000
Interest rate	[1]	2.18%
Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Liabilities incurred		$ 56,957,000
Base Rate [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility outstanding		$ 3,000,000
Interest rate applicable		4.25%
LIBOR [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility outstanding		$ 350,600,000
Interest rate applicable		2.02%
LIBOR [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Term Loan Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt		$ 1,637,500,000		$ 1,637,500,000
Interest rate		2.18%		1.97%
Canadian Prime Rate [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility outstanding		$ 11,345,000		$ 7,448,000
Interest rate applicable		2.95%		2.95%
Canadian Bankers Acceptance Loan [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility outstanding		$ 271,970,000		$ 303,134,000
Interest rate applicable		2.11%		2.13%
[1]	Interest rates represent the interest rates incurred at March 31, 2017

Long-Term Debt (Long-Term Debt)

Long-Term Debt (Long-Term Debt) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 3,971,890	$ 3,632,692
Less - current portion		(11,439)	(1,650)
Less - debt issuance costs		(14,273)	(14,282)
Long-term debt and notes payable		3,946,178	3,616,760
Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	[1]	$ 636,915	310,582
Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	2.02%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	4.25%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Term Loan Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	[1]	$ 1,637,500	1,637,500
Interest rate	[1]	2.18%
Senior Notes due 2018 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 50,000	$ 50,000
Interest rate		4.00%	4.00%
Debt instrument maturity date year		2,018
Senior Notes due 2019 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 175,000	$ 175,000
Interest rate		5.25%	5.25%
Debt instrument maturity date year		2,019
Senior Notes due 2021 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Interest rate		4.64%	4.64%
Debt instrument maturity date year		2,021
New Senior Notes due 2021 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 150,000	$ 150,000
Interest rate		2.39%	2.39%
Debt instrument maturity date year		2,021
Senior Notes due 2022 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 125,000	$ 125,000
Interest rate		3.09%	3.09%
Debt instrument maturity date year		2,022
Senior Notes due 2023 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 200,000	$ 200,000
Interest rate		2.75%	2.75%
Debt instrument maturity date year		2,023
Senior Notes due 2025 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 375,000	$ 375,000
Interest rate		3.41%	3.41%
Debt instrument maturity date year		2,025
Senior Notes due 2026 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Interest rate		3.03%	3.03%
Debt instrument maturity date year		2,026
Tax-exempt Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	[1]	$ 95,430	$ 95,430
Tax-exempt Bonds [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	0.90%
Tax-exempt Bonds [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	0.96%
Notes Payable to Sellers and Other Third Parties [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	[1]	$ 27,045	$ 14,180
Notes Payable to Sellers and Other Third Parties [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	2.00%
Notes Payable to Sellers and Other Third Parties [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	[1]	24.81%
[1]	Interest rates represent the interest rates incurred at March 31, 2017

Long-Term Debt (Details of the

Long-Term Debt (Details of the Company's Credit Agreement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount drawn		$ 3,971,890	$ 3,632,692
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Available		$ 698,568	$ 1,004,451
Commitment - rate applicable		0.15%	0.15%
Amount drawn	[1]	$ 636,915	$ 310,582
Letter of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letter of credit		227,017	247,467
Base Rate [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount drawn		$ 3,000
Interest rate applicable		4.25%
LIBOR [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount drawn		$ 350,600
Interest rate applicable		2.02%
LIBOR [Member] | Term Loan Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount drawn		$ 1,637,500	$ 1,637,500
Interest rate applicable		2.18%	1.97%
Canadian Prime Rate [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount drawn		$ 11,345	$ 7,448
Interest rate applicable		2.95%	2.95%
Canadian Bankers Acceptance Loan [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount drawn		$ 271,970	$ 303,134
Interest rate applicable		2.11%	2.13%
[1]	Interest rates represent the interest rates incurred at March 31, 2017

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017customersegment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of contracts or customers accounted for more than 10% of the Company's total revenues at the consolidated or reportable segment level | customer	0
Number of operating segments	6
Number of reportable segments	6

Segment Reporting (Summary of F

Segment Reporting (Summary of Financial Information Concerning Company's Reportable Segments) (Detail) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)segment		Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 1,091,266		$ 514,680
Segment EBITDA	[1]	$ 318,835		159,806
Number of operating segments | segment		6
Intercompany Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	[2]	$ (151,580)		(70,360)
Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		1,242,846		585,040
Segment EBITDA		334,456		168,294
Southern [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		280,123		36,919
Segment EBITDA	[1]	68,940		9,489
Southern [Member] | Intercompany Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	[2]	(37,216)		(6,048)
Southern [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		317,339		42,967
Western [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		235,590		219,234
Segment EBITDA	[1]	75,569		73,789
Western [Member] | Intercompany Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	[2]	(28,411)		(27,630)
Western [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		264,001		246,864
Eastern [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		231,487		107,795
Segment EBITDA	[1]	65,450		34,614
Eastern [Member] | Intercompany Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	[2]	(41,810)		(20,421)
Eastern [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		273,297		128,216
Canada [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		163,035
Segment EBITDA	[1]	57,300
Canada [Member] | Intercompany Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	[2]	(22,296)
Canada [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		185,331
Central [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		144,309	[3]	119,937
Segment EBITDA	[1]	52,652	[3]	43,853
Central [Member] | Intercompany Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	[2]	(19,503)	[3]	(13,961)
Central [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		163,812	[3]	133,898
Exploration and Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		36,722		30,795	[3]
Segment EBITDA	[1]	14,545		6,549	[3]
Exploration and Production [Member] | Intercompany Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	[2]	(2,344)		(2,300)	[3]
Exploration and Production [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		39,066		33,095	[3]
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	[3]
Segment EBITDA	[1],[3]	$ (15,621)		(8,488)
Corporate [Member] | Intercompany Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	[2],[3]
Corporate [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	[3]
[1]	For those items included in the determination of segment EBITDA, the accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
[2]	Intercompany revenues reflect each segment's total intercompany sales, including intercompany sales within a segment and between segments. Transactions within and between segments are generally made on a basis intended to reflect the market value of the service.
[3]	Corporate functions include accounting, legal, tax, treasury, information technology, risk management, human resources, training and other administrative functions. Amounts reflected are net of allocations to the six operating segments.

Segment Reporting (Total Assets

Segment Reporting (Total Assets for Reportable Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 11,469,432	$ 11,103,925
Southern [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	2,813,993	2,869,841
Western [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,502,583	1,516,870
Eastern [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,941,755	1,541,854
Canada [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	2,533,253	2,532,046
Central [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,296,480	1,302,900
Exploration and Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	985,634	1,068,086
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 395,734	$ 272,328

Segment Reporting (Changes in G

Segment Reporting (Changes in Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 4,390,261	$ 1,422,825	$ 1,422,825
Goodwill acquired	261,913	1,766
Impairment loss	(77,343)
Goodwill adjustment for assets sold	321
Impairment loss related to assets held for sale	(29,000)
Goodwill reclassified as assets held for sale	(29,295)
Impact of changes in foreign currency	12,788
Goodwill, Ending Balance	4,529,645	1,424,591	4,390,261
Southern [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1,470,023	95,710	95,710
Goodwill acquired	11,736	190
Impairment loss related to assets held for sale	(29,000)
Goodwill reclassified as assets held for sale	(29,295)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,423,464	95,900	1,470,023
Western [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	376,537	373,820	373,820
Goodwill acquired		1,421
Goodwill, Ending Balance	376,537	375,241	376,537
Eastern [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	533,160	459,532	459,532
Goodwill acquired	246,491	7
Goodwill adjustment for assets sold	321
Goodwill, Ending Balance	779,972	459,539	533,160
Canada [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1,465,274
Goodwill acquired	3,316
Impact of changes in foreign currency	12,788
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,481,378		1,465,274
Central [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	467,924	416,420	416,420
Goodwill acquired	370	148
Goodwill, Ending Balance	468,294	416,568	467,924
Exploration and Production [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	77,343	77,343	77,343
Impairment loss	(77,343)		0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 77,343	$ 77,343	$ 77,343

Segment Reporting (Reconciliati

Segment Reporting (Reconciliation of Primary Measure of Segment Profitability to Income Before Income Tax Provision) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017		Mar. 31, 2016
Segment EBITDA	[1]	$ 318,835		$ 159,806
Depreciation		(125,240)		(60,897)
Amortization of intangibles		(25,510)		(7,694)
Impairments and other operating items		(141,681)		(236)
Interest expense		(29,131)		(17,184)
Other income (expense), net		1,466		222
Foreign currency transaction gain		(590)
Income before income tax provision		(1,851)		74,017
Southern [Member]
Segment EBITDA	[1]	68,940		9,489
Western [Member]
Segment EBITDA	[1]	75,569		73,789
Eastern [Member]
Segment EBITDA	[1]	65,450		34,614
Canada [Member]
Segment EBITDA	[1]	57,300
Central [Member]
Segment EBITDA	[1]	52,652	[2]	43,853
Exploration and Production [Member]
Segment EBITDA	[1]	14,545		6,549	[2]
Corporate [Member]
Segment EBITDA	[1],[2]	(15,621)		(8,488)
Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment EBITDA		$ 334,456		$ 168,294
[1]	For those items included in the determination of segment EBITDA, the accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
[2]	Corporate functions include accounting, legal, tax, treasury, information technology, risk management, human resources, training and other administrative functions. Amounts reflected are net of allocations to the six operating segments.

Segment Reporting (Total Report

Segment Reporting (Total Reported Revenues by Service Line) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 1,091,266	$ 514,680
Percentage of reported revenue		100.00%	100.00%
Solid Waste Collection [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 766,146	$ 355,277
Percentage of reported revenue		70.20%	69.00%
Solid Waste Disposal and Transfer [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 213,584	$ 104,049
Percentage of reported revenue		19.60%	20.20%
Solid Waste Recycling [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 41,305	$ 9,980
Percentage of reported revenue		3.80%	2.00%
E&P Waste Treatment, Recovery and Disposal [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 36,853	$ 30,485
Percentage of reported revenue		3.40%	5.90%
Intermodal and Other [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 33,378	$ 14,889
Percentage of reported revenue		3.00%	2.90%
Intercompany Revenues [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	$ (151,580)	$ (70,360)
Intercompany Revenues [Member] | Solid Waste Collection [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		(2,200)	(1,321)
Intercompany Revenues [Member] | Solid Waste Disposal and Transfer [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		(143,441)	(66,034)
Intercompany Revenues [Member] | Solid Waste Recycling [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		(2,584)	(639)
Intercompany Revenues [Member] | E&P Waste Treatment, Recovery and Disposal [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		(2,968)	(2,366)
Intercompany Revenues [Member] | Intermodal and Other [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		(387)
Reportable Segments [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		1,242,846	585,040
Reportable Segments [Member] | Solid Waste Collection [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		768,346	356,598
Reportable Segments [Member] | Solid Waste Disposal and Transfer [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		357,025	170,083
Reportable Segments [Member] | Solid Waste Recycling [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		43,889	10,619
Reportable Segments [Member] | E&P Waste Treatment, Recovery and Disposal [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		39,821	32,851
Reportable Segments [Member] | Intermodal and Other [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 33,765	$ 14,889
[1]	Intercompany revenues reflect each segment's total intercompany sales, including intercompany sales within a segment and between segments. Transactions within and between segments are generally made on a basis intended to reflect the market value of the service.

Derivative Financial Instrume57

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)agreement	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Number of interest rate swap agreements	11
Number of fuel hedge agreements	4
Ineffectiveness recognized on the fuel hedges | $	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume58

Derivative Financial Instruments (Company's Derivative Instruments of Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) - LIBOR [Member] $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Interest Rate Swap One [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2014-04
Notional amount	$ 100,000
Fixed interest rate paid	1.80%	[1]
Variable interest rate received	1-month LIBOR
Effective date	2014-07
Expiration date	2019-07
Interest Rate Swap Two [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2014-05
Notional amount	$ 50,000
Fixed interest rate paid	2.344%	[1]
Variable interest rate received	1-month LIBOR
Effective date	2015-10
Expiration date	2020-10
Interest Rate Swap Three [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2014-05
Notional amount	$ 25,000
Fixed interest rate paid	2.326%	[1]
Variable interest rate received	1-month LIBOR
Effective date	2015-10
Expiration date	2020-10
Interest Rate Swap Four [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2014-05
Notional amount	$ 50,000
Fixed interest rate paid	2.35%	[1]
Variable interest rate received	1-month LIBOR
Effective date	2015-10
Expiration date	2020-10
Interest Rate Swap Five [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2014-05
Notional amount	$ 50,000
Fixed interest rate paid	2.35%	[1]
Variable interest rate received	1-month LIBOR
Effective date	2015-10
Expiration date	2020-10
Interest Rate Swap Six [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2016-04
Notional amount	$ 100,000
Fixed interest rate paid	1.00%	[1]
Variable interest rate received	1-month LIBOR
Effective date	2017-02
Expiration date	2020-02
Interest Rate Swap Seven [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2016-06
Notional amount	$ 75,000
Fixed interest rate paid	0.85%	[1]
Variable interest rate received	1-month LIBOR
Effective date	2017-02
Expiration date	2020-02
Interest Rate Swap Eight [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2016-06
Notional amount	$ 150,000
Fixed interest rate paid	0.95%	[1]
Variable interest rate received	1-month LIBOR
Effective date	2018-01
Expiration date	2021-01
Interest Rate Swap Nine [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2016-06
Notional amount	$ 150,000
Fixed interest rate paid	0.95%	[1]
Variable interest rate received	1-month LIBOR
Effective date	2018-01
Expiration date	2021-01
Interest Rate Swap Ten [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2016-07
Notional amount	$ 50,000
Fixed interest rate paid	0.90%	[1]
Variable interest rate received	1-month LIBOR
Effective date	2018-01
Expiration date	2021-01
Interest Rate Swap Eleven [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2016-07
Notional amount	$ 50,000
Fixed interest rate paid	0.89%	[1]
Variable interest rate received	1-month LIBOR
Effective date	2018-01
Expiration date	2021-01
[1]	Plus applicable margin.

Derivative Financial Instrume59

Derivative Financial Instruments (Company's Derivative Instruments of Fuel Hedge Agreements) (Details) - Fuel [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017gal / M$ / gal
Fuel Hedge Agreement One [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2015-05
Notional amount (in gallons per month) | gal / M	300,000
Diesel rate paid fixed (per gallon) | $ / gal	3.2800
Diesel rate received variable	DOE Diesel Fuel Index*	[1]
Effective date	2016-01
Expiration date	2017-12
Fuel Hedge Agreement Two [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2015-05
Notional amount (in gallons per month) | gal / M	200,000
Diesel rate paid fixed (per gallon) | $ / gal	3.2750
Diesel rate received variable	DOE Diesel Fuel Index*	[1]
Effective date	2016-01
Expiration date	2017-12
Fuel Hedge Agreement Three [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2016-07
Notional amount (in gallons per month) | gal / M	500,000
Diesel rate paid fixed (per gallon) | $ / gal	2.4988
Diesel rate received variable	DOE Diesel Fuel Index*	[1]
Effective date	2017-01
Expiration date	2017-12
Fuel Hedge Agreement Four [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Date entered	2016-07
Notional amount (in gallons per month) | gal / M	1,000,000
Diesel rate paid fixed (per gallon) | $ / gal	2.6345
Diesel rate received variable	DOE Diesel Fuel Index*	[1]
Effective date	2018-01
Expiration date	2018-12
[1]	If the national U.S. on-highway average price for a gallon of diesel fuel ("average price"), as published by the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE"), exceeds the contract price per gallon, the Company receives the difference between the average price and the contract price (multiplied by the notional number of gallons) from the counterparty. If the average price is less than the contract price per gallon, the Company pays the difference to the counterparty.

Derivative Financial Instrume60

Derivative Financial Instruments (Fair Values of Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, asset derivatives	$ 15,040		$ 16,943
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, liability derivatives	(7,116)		(8,868)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, liability derivatives	(2,449)	[1]	(3,260)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Long-term Liabilities [Member}
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, liability derivatives	(1,652)		(2,350)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, asset derivatives	1,091	[1]	127
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, asset derivatives	13,458		13,822
Fuel [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, liability derivatives	(3,015)	[2]	(3,258)
Fuel [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, asset derivatives	466	[2]	1,343
Fuel [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, asset derivatives	$ 25		$ 1,651
[1]	Represents the estimated amount of the existing unrealized gains and losses, respectively, on interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2017 (based on the interest rate yield curve at that date), included in AOCL expected to be reclassified into pre-tax earnings within the next 12 months. The actual amounts reclassified into earnings are dependent on future movements in interest rates.
[2]	Represents the estimated amount of the existing unrealized gains and losses, respectively, on fuel hedges as of March 31, 2017 (based on the forward DOE diesel fuel index curve at that date), included in AOCL expected to be reclassified into pre-tax earnings within the next 12 months. The actual amounts reclassified into earnings are dependent on future movements in diesel fuel prices.

Derivative Financial Instrume61

Derivative Financial Instruments (Impact of Cash Flow Hedges on Results of Operations, Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized as AOCL on derivatives, net of tax (effective portion)	[1]	$ (1,239)	$ (4,952)
Amount of (gain) or loss reclassified from AOCL into earnings, net of tax (effective portion)	[2],[3]	1,391	2,176
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (gain) or loss reclassified from AOCL into earnings, net of tax (effective portion)	[2],[3]	795	1,060
Cost Of Operations [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (gain) or loss reclassified from AOCL into earnings, net of tax (effective portion)	[2],[3]	596	1,116
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized as AOCL on derivatives, net of tax (effective portion)	[1]	755	(4,144)
Fuel [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized as AOCL on derivatives, net of tax (effective portion)	[1]	$ (1,994)	$ (808)
[1]	In accordance with the derivatives and hedging guidance, the effective portions of the changes in fair values of interest rate swaps and fuel hedges have been recorded in equity as a component of AOCL. As the critical terms of the interest rate swaps match the underlying debt being hedged, no ineffectiveness is recognized on these swaps and, therefore, all unrealized changes in fair value are recorded in AOCL. Because changes in the actual price of diesel fuel and changes in the DOE index price do not offset exactly each reporting period, the Company assesses whether the fuel hedges are highly effective using the cumulative dollar offset approach.
[2]	Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings related to realized gains and losses on interest rate swaps are recognized when interest payments or receipts occur related to the swap contracts, which correspond to when interest payments are made on the Company's hedged debt.
[3]	Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings related to realized gains and losses on the fuel hedges are recognized when settlement payments or receipts occur related to the hedge contracts, which correspond to when the underlying fuel is consumed.

Fair Value of Financial Instr62

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Carrying Values and Fair Values of Debt Instruments) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes		$ 3,971,890	$ 3,632,692
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.00% Senior Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes		50,000	50,000
Fair value of senior notes	[1]	$ 51,028	$ 51,226
Interest rate of senior notes		4.00%	4.00%
Senior note year due		2,018
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.25% Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes		$ 175,000	$ 175,000
Fair value of senior notes	[1]	$ 187,775	$ 187,671
Interest rate of senior notes		5.25%	5.25%
Senior note year due		2,019
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.64% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes		$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Fair value of senior notes	[1]	$ 107,440	$ 106,618
Interest rate of senior notes		4.64%	4.64%
Senior note year due		2,021
Senior Notes [Member] | 2.39% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes		$ 150,000	$ 150,000
Fair value of senior notes	[1]	$ 148,163	$ 146,168
Interest rate of senior notes		2.39%	2.39%
Senior note year due		2,021
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.09% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes		$ 125,000	$ 125,000
Fair value of senior notes	[1]	$ 126,024	$ 123,974
Interest rate of senior notes		3.09%	3.09%
Senior note year due		2,022
Senior Notes [Member] | 2.75% Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes		$ 200,000	$ 200,000
Fair value of senior notes	[1]	$ 196,267	$ 192,238
Interest rate of senior notes		2.75%	2.75%
Senior note year due		2,023
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.41% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes		$ 375,000	$ 375,000
Fair value of senior notes	[1]	$ 378,202	$ 368,968
Interest rate of senior notes		3.41%	3.41%
Senior note year due		2,025
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.03% Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes		$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Fair value of senior notes	[1]	$ 390,132	$ 379,438
Interest rate of senior notes		3.03%	3.03%
Senior note year due		2,026
[1]	Senior Notes are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Fair value is based on quotes of bonds with similar ratings in similar industries.

Net Income Per Share Informat63

Net Income Per Share Information (Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Waste Connections for basic and diluted earnings per share	$ 14,874	$ 44,842
Denominator:
Basic shares outstanding	175,374,630	122,778,290
Dilutive effect of warrants	42,218	27,383
Dilutive effect of restricted share units	518,634	644,911
Diluted shares outstanding	175,935,482	123,450,584

Fair Value Measurements (Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Detail) - $ / gal	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value [Abstract]
Minimum range of DOE index curve used in DCF model	2.57	2.61
Maximum range of DOE index curve used in DCF model	2.65	2.78
Weighted average DOE index curve used in DCF model	2.62	2.75

Fair Value Measurements (Assets

Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Restricted assets	$ 57,882	$ 57,166
Contingent consideration	(58,327)	(51,826)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instrument - net	10,448	8,339
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Restricted assets	57,882	57,166
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instrument - net	10,448	8,339
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	(58,327)	(51,826)
Fuel [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instrument - net	(2,524)	(264)
Fuel [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instrument - net	$ (2,524)	$ (264)

Fair Value Measurements (Change

Fair Value Measurements (Change in Fair Value for Level 3 Derivatives) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ (264)	$ (9,900)
Realized losses included in earnings	964	1,801
Unrealized losses included in AOCL	(3,224)	(1,305)
Ending balance	$ (2,524)	$ (9,404)

Fair Value Measurements (Fair V

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value for Level 3 Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 51,826	$ 49,394
Contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date	15	220
Payment of contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date	(5,290)	(2,217)
Payment of contingent consideration recorded in earnings		(33)
Adjustments to contingent consideration	11,313	(75)
Interest accretion expense	463	349
Ending balance	$ 58,327	$ 47,638

Other Comprehensive Income (L68

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, gross	$ 17,434
Other comprehensive income (loss), gross total	17,282	$ (4,482)
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	304	1,706
Amounts reclassified, net of tax	1,391	2,176
Changes in fair value, net of tax	(1,239)	(4,952)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net	17,434
Other comprehensive income (loss), total, net of tax	17,586	(2,776)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified, gross	1,081	1,711
Changes in fair value, gross	1,027	(6,689)
Amounts reclassified, tax effect	(286)	(651)
Changes in fair value, tax effect	(272)	2,545
Amounts reclassified, net of tax	795	1,060
Changes in fair value, net of tax	755	(4,144)
Fuel [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified, gross	964	1,801
Changes in fair value, gross	(3,224)	(1,305)
Amounts reclassified, tax effect	(368)	(685)
Changes in fair value, tax effect	1,230	497
Amounts reclassified, net of tax	596	1,116
Changes in fair value, net of tax	$ (1,994)	$ (808)

Other Comprehensive Income (L69

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ (43,001)	$ (12,171)
Amounts reclassified into earnings	1,391	2,176
Changes in fair value	(1,239)	(4,952)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	17,434
Ending balance	(25,415)	(14,947)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(50,931)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	17,434
Ending balance	(33,497)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	8,094	(6,037)
Amounts reclassified into earnings	795	1,060
Changes in fair value	755	(4,144)
Ending balance	9,644	(9,121)
Fuel [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(164)	(6,134)
Amounts reclassified into earnings	596	1,116
Changes in fair value	(1,994)	(808)
Ending balance	$ (1,562)	$ (5,826)

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jul. 19, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued					175,753,513		175,753,513	175,426,824
Maximum number of shares authorized for repurchase	8,770,732
Period for share repurchase program	1 year
Share repurchase plan expiration date	Aug. 7, 2017
Daily repurchase of shares, maximum				60,150
Average daily trading volume during period				240,601
Repurchase of common stock (shares)					0	0
Cash dividend per share		$ 0.18	$ 0.145		$ 0.180	$ 0.145
Cash dividend per common share, increase		$ 0.035
Cash dividends on common stock					$ 31,707	$ 17,791
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant-date fair value of award					$ 85.51
Vested and unissued					22,692
Shares outstanding					730,508		730,508	834,634
Units granted in period					274,697
Units forfeited in period					4,345
Vested deferred RSUs outstanding					237,141	244,225	237,141
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units granted in period							0
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant-date fair value of award					$ 86.23
Vesting period of award					3 years
Performance period end date					Dec. 31, 2019
Shares outstanding					342,975		342,975	284,762
Units granted in period					140,077
Performance Shares [Member] | Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of award					4 years
Performance Shares [Member] | Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units granted in period							0
Units forfeited in period							0
Performance Shares [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of award					1 year
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted in period							0
Options forfeited in period							0

Shareholders' Equity (Summary o

Shareholders' Equity (Summary of Activity Related to Restricted Stock Units) (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Unvested shares
Outstanding, shares at December 31, 2016	834,634
Granted	274,697
Forfeited	(4,345)
Vested and issued	(351,786)
Vested and unissued	(22,692)
Outstanding at March 31, 2017	237,141
Outstanding, shares at March 31, 2017	730,508
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Granted | $ / shares	$ 85.51
Performance Shares [Member]
Unvested shares
Outstanding, shares at December 31, 2016	284,762
Granted	140,077
Vested and issued	(81,864)
Outstanding, shares at March 31, 2017	342,975
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Granted | $ / shares	$ 86.23
Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Unvested shares
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	179,489
Cash settled	(17,342)
Outstanding at March 31, 2017	162,147
Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Unvested shares
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	61,994
Cash settled	(5,304)
Outstanding at March 31, 2017	56,690
Deferred Compensation, Share-based Payments [Member]
Unvested shares
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	45,964
Granted	3,150
Cash settled	(2,400)
Outstanding at March 31, 2017	46,714

Shareholders' Equity (Summary72

Shareholders' Equity (Summary of Vesting Activity Related to Restricted Share Units) (Details) - Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017shares
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested at December 31, 2016	148,348
Vested over remaining service period	2,179
Cash settled	(17,342)
Vested at March 31, 2017	133,185
Performance Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested at December 31, 2016	23,818
Vested over remaining service period	2,522
Cash settled	(5,304)
Vested at March 31, 2017	21,036

Shareholders' Equity (Summary73

Shareholders' Equity (Summary of Stock Option Activity and Related Information) (Detail) - Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017shares
Number of Shares (Options)
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	448,678
Share settled	(22,528)
Cash settled	(205,688)
Outstanding at March 31, 2017	220,462

Shareholders' Equity (Summary74

Shareholders' Equity (Summary of Vesting Activity Related to Share Based Options) (Details) - Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017shares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share settled	(22,528)
Cash settled	(205,688)
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested at December 31, 2016	400,932
Share based options vested in period	47,746
Share settled	(22,528)
Cash settled	(205,688)
Vested at March 31, 2017	220,462

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Detail) $ in Thousands, T in Millions	Apr. 19, 2017T	Mar. 31, 2017aftT	Dec. 31, 2016T	Mar. 31, 2017aft	Dec. 02, 2014USD ($)
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Estimated clean up costs | $					$ 342,000
Chiquita Canyon, LLC [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Annual tons of waste accepted at landfill			3
Existing waste footprint of landfill | a		257		257
Requested footprint in landfill expansion application | a		400		400
Existing maximum elevation of landfill | ft		1,430		1,430
Requested maximum elevation in landfill expansion application | ft		1,573		1,573
Duration of permitting and environmental impact review for conditional use permit to authorize continued operation and expansion of landfill				12 years 6 months
Recommended condition for approval of conditional use permit, increase in taxes and fees percentage		587.00%
Environmental Remediation Expense [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Estimated period to implement cleanup remedy		7 years
Required period of monitoring following the clean-up		10 years
Maximum [Member] | Chiquita Canyon, LLC [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Recommended condition for approval of conditional use permit, annual limit on tonnage the landfill can accept		2
Current annual limit of overall tonnage at landfill		3
Subsequent Event [Member] | Chiquita Canyon, LLC [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Date application for expansion of landfill and extension of conditional use permit was accepted	Apr. 19, 2017
Duration of extension of conditional use permit extension	30 years
Subsequent Event [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Chiquita Canyon, LLC [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Company requested increase in fees paid for approval of conditional use permit	50.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Chiquita Canyon, LLC [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Company requested increase in fees paid for approval of conditional use permit	100.00%
Company requested annual limit on tonnage the landfill can accept	3

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details)	Apr. 26, 2017$ / shares	Jul. 19, 2016	Apr. 20, 2017USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Period for share repurchase program		1 year
Share repurchase plan expiration date		Aug. 7, 2017
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends, declared date	Apr. 26, 2017
Dividends per share amount | $ / shares	$ 0.18
Dividends, date to be paid	May 24, 2017
Dividends, date of record	May 10, 2017
Subsequent Event [Member] | Scenario, Plan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock split description	On April 26, 2017, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a split of its common shares on a three-for-two basis, pending approval by its shareholders at the Company's Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders of Waste Connections to be held on May 23, 2017. Following shareholder approval of the share split, the Company expects that shareholders of record on June 7, 2017, will receive from the Company's transfer agent on June 16, 2017, one additional common share for every two common shares held.
Stockholders equity stock conversion ratio	1.5
Senior Notes [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt principal amount | $			$ 400,000,000