| Cover | Mar. 02, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 2, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-37552 |
| Entity Registrant Name | WILLSCOT CORP |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001647088 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 82-3430194 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 901 S. Bond Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | #600 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Baltimore |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MD |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 21231 |
| City Area Code | 410 |
| Local Phone Number | 931-6000 |
| Written Communications | true |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | WSC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
