Clean Harbors (CLH) 10-Q 7 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Aug. 04, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CLEAN HARBORS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000822818	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	60,640,103

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$278,644	$310,073
Marketable securities	0	12,435
Accounts receivable, net of allowances aggregating $21,446 and $18,106, respectively	575,187	579,394
Unbilled accounts receivable	35,529	26,568
Deferred costs	17,909	16,134
Inventories and supplies	161,792	152,096
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	48,991	41,962
Deferred tax assets	32,239	32,517
Total current assets	1,150,291	1,171,179
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,611,298	1,602,170
Other assets:	'	'
Deferred financing costs	19,284	20,860
Goodwill	578,974	570,960
Permits and other intangibles, net	553,658	569,973
Other	18,938	18,536
Total other assets	1,170,854	1,180,329
Total assets	3,932,443	3,953,678
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of capital lease obligations	709	1,329
Accounts payable	262,553	316,462
Deferred revenue	61,593	55,454
Accrued expenses	245,368	236,829
Current portion of closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities	36,043	29,471
Total current liabilities	606,266	639,545
Other liabilities:	'	'
Closure and post-closure liabilities, less current portion of $6,252 and $5,884, respectively	43,630	41,201
Remedial liabilities, less current portion of $29,791 and $23,587, respectively	138,036	148,911
Long-term obligations	1,395,000	1,400,000
Capital lease obligations, less current portion	827	1,435
Deferred taxes, unrecognized tax benefits and other long-term liabilities	249,968	246,947
Total other liabilities	1,827,461	1,838,494
Common stock, $.01 par value:	'	'
Authorized 80,000,000; shares issued and outstanding 60,579,425 and 60,672,180 shares, respectively	606	607
Shares held under employee participation plan	-469	-469
Additional paid-in capital	889,080	898,165
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-25,025	-19,556
Accumulated earnings	634,524	596,892
Total stockholders’ equity	1,498,716	1,475,639
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$3,932,443	$3,953,678

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, current portion	$21,446	$18,106
Closure and post-closure liabilities, current portion	6,252	5,884
Remedial liabilities, current portion	$29,791	$23,587
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in USD per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	60,579,425	60,672,180
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	60,579,425	60,672,180

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Service revenues	$665,275	$673,872	$1,325,370	$1,346,494
Product revenues	193,205	186,656	379,777	376,197
Total revenues	858,480	860,528	1,705,147	1,722,691
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)	'	'	'	'
Service revenues	445,757	455,603	912,556	923,975
Product revenues	161,193	158,723	320,113	326,375
Total cost of revenues	606,950	614,326	1,232,669	1,250,350
Selling, general and administrative expenses	115,731	122,612	234,693	251,082
Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,609	2,879	5,333	5,714
Depreciation and amortization	66,075	67,468	135,431	127,474
Income from operations	67,115	53,243	97,021	88,071
Other (expense) income	-655	1,655	3,523	2,180
Interest expense, net of interest income of $211, $155, $416 and $266, respectively	-19,382	-19,585	-38,936	-39,458
Income before provision for income taxes	47,078	35,313	61,608	50,793
Provision for income taxes	18,406	12,411	23,976	17,389
Net income	$28,672	$22,902	$37,632	$33,404
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in USD per share)	$0.47	$0.38	$0.62	$0.55
Diluted (in USD per share)	$0.47	$0.38	$0.62	$0.55
Shares used to compute earnings per share - Basic	60,665	60,550	60,695	60,507
Shares used to compute earnings per share - Diluted	60,778	60,687	60,822	60,658

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest income	$211	$155	$416	$266

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$28,672	$22,902	$37,632	$33,404
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes of $11, $22, $141 and $92 respectively)	-61	-166	799	-715
Reclassification adjustment for gains on available-for-sale securities included in net income (net of taxes of $8, $0, $504 and $0 respectively)	-45	0	-2,857	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	36,162	-35,340	-3,411	-58,652
Other comprehensive income (loss)	36,056	-35,506	-5,469	-59,367
Comprehensive income (loss)	$64,728	($12,604)	$32,163	($25,963)

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of available for sale securities, tax	$11	$22	($141)	$92
Reclassification adjustment for gains on available-for-sale securities included in net income, taxes	$8	$0	$504	$0

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$37,632	$33,404
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	135,431	127,474
Pre-tax, non-cash acquisition accounting inventory adjustments	0	13,559
Allowance for doubtful accounts	4,605	3,618
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount	1,576	1,692
Accretion of environmental liabilities	5,333	5,714
Changes in environmental liability estimates	-1,429	-393
Deferred income taxes	-1	-8
Stock-based compensation	4,340	3,924
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	-644	-1,326
Income tax benefit related to stock option exercises	644	1,316
Other expense (income)	-3,523	-2,180
Environmental expenditures	-7,443	-9,793
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions	'	'
Accounts receivable	-689	-20,783
Inventories and supplies	-9,556	1,128
Other current assets	-17,574	5,027
Accounts payable	-46,421	-33,426
Other current and long-term liabilities	12,663	8,665
Net cash from operating activities	114,944	137,612
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-138,186	-141,466
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	2,986	2,194
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	12,947	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-6,150	0
Additions to intangible assets, including costs to obtain or renew permits	-2,891	-2,169
Net cash used in investing activities	-131,294	-141,441
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Change in uncashed checks	3,162	40,356
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	399
Remittance of shares, net	-2,215	-169
Repurchases of common stock	-14,657	0
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	4,364	3,391
Deferred financing costs paid	0	-2,446
Repayment of long-term obligations	-5,000	0
Payments on capital leases	-1,190	-2,588
Issuance costs related to 2012 issuance of common stock	0	-250
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	644	1,326
Net cash from financing activities	-14,892	40,019
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	-187	-2,548
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-31,429	33,642
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	310,073	229,836
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	278,644	263,478
Cash payments for interest and income taxes:	'	'
Interest paid	37,070	36,841
Income taxes paid	14,304	7,275
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Payable for repurchased shares	1,562	0
Property, plant and equipment accrued	21,934	38,650
Transfer of inventory to property, plant and equipment	$0	$11,369

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME5

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Shares Held Under Employee Participation Plan	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Earnings
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,475,639	$607	($469)	$898,165	($19,556)	$596,892
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	60,672,000	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	37,632	'	'	'	'	37,632
Other comprehensive loss	-5,469	'	'	'	-5,469	'
Stock-based compensation	4,340	'	'	4,340	'	'
Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted	-2,215	1	'	-2,216	'	'
Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted (in shares)	'	89,000	'	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock	-16,219	-3	'	-16,216	'	'
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)	'	-273,000	'	'	'	'
Net tax benefit on exercise of stock-based awards	644	'	'	644	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan	4,364	1	'	4,363	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	'	91,000	'	'	'	'
Balance at Jun. 30, 2014	$1,498,716	$606	($469)	$889,080	($25,025)	$634,524
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2014	'	60,579,000	'	'	'	'

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements are unaudited and include the accounts of Clean Harbors, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Clean Harbors,” the “Company” or "we") and have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. Management has made estimates and assumptions affecting the amounts reported in the Company's consolidated interim financial statements and accompanying footnotes, actual results could differ from those estimates and judgments. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year or any other interim periods. The financial statements presented herein should be read in connection with the financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Reclassifications
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Company made changes to the manner in which it manages its business, makes operating decisions and assesses performance. These changes included the reassignment of certain departments among its operating segments consistent with management reporting changes as well as the identification of Lodging Services as an additional segment. Under the new structure, the Company's operations are managed in six reportable segments: Technical Services, Industrial and Field Services, Oil Re-refining and Recycling, SK Environmental Services, Lodging Services and Oil and Gas Field Services. The prior year segment information has been recast to conform to the current year presentation. See Note 17, “Segment Reporting.”

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	The Company's significant accounting policies are described in Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies," in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no material changes in these policies or their application.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Standards implemented
	On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2013-11 Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This standard provides guidance regarding when an unrecognized tax benefit should be classified as a reduction to a deferred tax asset or when it should be classified as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
	Standards to be implemented
	In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016.
	In April 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360). The amendments in ASU 2014-08 provide guidance for the recognition and disclosure of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014.
	The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the above standards to be implemented will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	'
	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
	Evergreen
	On September 13, 2013, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Evergreen Oil, Inc. (“Evergreen”) for a final purchase price of $56.3 million in cash, net of cash acquired. Evergreen, headquartered in Irvine, California, specializes in the recovery and re-refining of used oil. Evergreen owns and operates one of the only oil re-refining operations in the western United States and also offers other ancillary environmental services, including parts cleaning and containerized waste services, vacuum services and hazardous waste management services. The acquisition of Evergreen enables the Company to further penetrate the small quantity waste generator market and further expand its oil re-refining, oil recycling and waste treatment capabilities. Financial information and results of Evergreen have been recorded in our consolidated financial statements since acquisition and are primarily included in the Oil Re-refining and Recycling segment.
	Management determined the purchase price allocations based on estimates of the fair values of all tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company believes that such information provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. As of June 30, 2014, the Company has finalized the purchase accounting for the acquisition of Evergreen, except for environmental liabilities and taxes. The impact of the purchase price measurement period adjustments and related tax impacts recorded in the current period was not material to the consolidated financial statements and accordingly, the effects have not been retrospectively applied.
	The following table summarizes the recognized amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at September 13, 2013 (in thousands):
		At acquisition date as reported at			Measurement Period Adjustments			At acquisition date as reported at
		31-Dec-13						30-Jun-14
	Inventories and supplies	$	1,089		$	—		$	1,089
	Prepaid and other current assets	1,291			(273		)	1,018
	Property, plant and equipment	40,563			—			40,563
	Permits and other intangibles	17,100			—			17,100
	Deferred tax assets, less current portion	2,368			(2,368		)	—
	Other assets	3,607			(239		)	3,368
	Current liabilities	(6,198		)	218			(5,980		)
	Closure and post-closure liabilities	(659		)	—			(659		)
	Remedial liabilities, less current portion	(2,103		)	463			(1,640		)
	Deferred taxes, unrecognized tax benefits and other long-term liabilities	(1,139		)	(920		)	(2,059		)
	Total identifiable net assets	55,919			(3,119		)	52,800
	Goodwill	—			3,518			3,518
	Total	$	55,919		$	399		$	56,318
	2014 Acquisitions
	On May 30, 2014 the Company acquired certain assets of a privately owned U.S. company which provides carbon treatment systems and rental remediation equipment for approximately $6.2 million in cash. The purchase price is subject to customary post-closing adjustments based upon finalized working capital amounts. The acquired company has been integrated into the Technical Services segment.

MARKETABLE_SECURITIES

MARKETABLE SECURITIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities	'
	MARKETABLE SECURITIES
	The Company classifies its marketable securities as available-for-sale and, accordingly, carries such securities at fair value based upon readily available quoted market prices of the securities. Unrealized gains and losses are reported, net of tax, as a component of other comprehensive income. On June 30, 2014 the Company did not hold any marketable securities. On December 31, 2013, marketable securities held by the Company were recorded at $12.4 million. Marketable securities were classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
	During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 the Company sold marketable securities and recognized a gain of $0.1 million and $3.4 million, respectively, recorded as other income in the consolidated statement of income. There were no realized gains or losses from the sale of marketable securities in the three and six months ended June 30, 2013.

INVENTORIES_AND_SUPPLIES

INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES	'
	INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES
	Inventories and supplies consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Oil and oil products	$	62,563	$	59,639
	Supplies and drums	72,172		64,471
	Solvent and solutions	9,639		10,100
	Other	17,418		17,886
	Total inventories and supplies	$	161,792	$	152,096

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'
	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Land	$	100,194	$	99,794
	Asset retirement costs (non-landfill)	10,936		10,938
	Landfill assets	105,569		100,983
	Buildings and improvements	333,930		327,956
	Camp equipment	186,622		187,831
	Vehicles	459,594		425,296
	Equipment	1,272,036		1,201,296
	Furniture and fixtures	5,471		5,260
	Construction in progress	64,259		58,010
		2,538,611		2,417,364
	Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	927,313		815,194
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,611,298	$	1,602,170

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The changes to goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		2014
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	570,960
	Acquired from acquisitions	4,852
	Increase from adjustments during the measurement period related to Evergreen	3,518
	Foreign currency translation	(356		)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	578,974
	The Company assesses goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of December 31, or when events or changes in the business environment would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. The Company conducted the annual impairment test of goodwill for all reporting units as of December 31, 2013 and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill for any reporting unit was necessary because the fair values of the reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values.
	The fair value of the Oil Re-refining and Recycling reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by less than 10% at December 31, 2013. During the first six months of fiscal 2014 the reporting unit has experienced lower than anticipated financial results primarily due to lower sales mix between base oils and higher priced blended oils as well as higher utilities and shutdown related costs. The lower sales prices reflected general economic conditions in the oil industry during the period. The financial performance of this reporting unit, which had a goodwill balance of approximately $174.7 million at June 30, 2014, is affected by fluctuations in oil prices overall market supply of refined oil and sales mix.
	The fair value of the Oil and Gas Field Services reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by more than 10% at December 31, 2013. The financial performance of this reporting unit, which had a goodwill balance of approximately $36.4 million at June 30, 2014, was affected in the six months ended June 30, 2014 by pricing pressures and lower levels of overall activity in the markets and regions that the business serves.
	Significant judgments are inherent in the annual impairment tests performed and include assumptions about the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, growth rates, and the determination of appropriate discount rates. The Company believes that the assumptions used in its annual impairment analysis are reasonable, but variations in any of the assumptions may result in different calculations of fair values that could result in a material impairment charge. The annual impairment tests performed as of December 31, 2013 utilized future annual budgeted amounts and discount rate assumptions based on an assessment of the Company's weighted average cost of capital as well as other significant assumptions believed to be reasonable at that time.
	During the interim periods of fiscal year 2014 and with respect to the Oil Re-Refining and Recycling and Oil and Gas Field Services reporting units, the Company has considered whether (i) the lower than anticipated results (ii) general economic and industry conditions, and (iii) reporting unit specific factors would more likely than not reduce the estimated fair values of its reporting units below their carrying values. The Company has not performed an interim test for impairment of goodwill for any of its reporting units as it does not believe the factors impacting the performance of the reporting units through June 30, 2014 would more likely than not reduce the fair value below carrying value.
	The performance of the Oil Re-Refining and Recycling and Oil and Gas Field Services reporting units will continue to be monitored. If these reporting units do not achieve the financial performance that the Company expects, it is possible that a goodwill impairment charge may result. There can be no assurance that future events will not result in an impairment of goodwill.
	Below is a summary of amortizable other intangible assets (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Cost			Accumulated		Net		Weighted	Cost		Accumulated		Net		Weighted
					Amortization				Average			Amortization				Average
									Remaining Amortization							Remaining Amortization
									Period							Period
									(in years)							(in years)
	Permits	$	158,633		$	53,278	$	105,355	19.9	$	157,327	$	50,858	$	106,469	19.6
	Customer and supplier relationships	377,686			66,925		310,761		11.4	377,899		52,814		325,085		12.1
	Other intangible assets	30,787			17,842		12,945		3.1	29,299		15,518		13,781		3.3
	Total amortizable permits and other intangible assets	567,106			138,045		429,061		11.7	564,525		119,190		445,335		12.2
	Trademarks and trade names	124,597			—		124,597		Indefinite	124,638		—		124,638		Indefinite
	Total permits and other intangible assets	$	691,703		$	138,045	$	553,658		$	689,163	$	119,190	$	569,973
	Amortization expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 was $8.9 million and $18.4 million, respectively. Amortization expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 was $8.8 million and $17.1 million, respectively.
	Below is the expected future amortization of the net carrying amount of finite lived intangible assets at June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
	Years Ending December 31,	Expected Amortization
	2014 (six months)	$	17,932
	2015	35,607
	2016	34,789
	2017	32,743
	2018	30,038
	Thereafter	277,952
		$	429,061

ACCRUED_EXPENSES

ACCRUED EXPENSES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
ACCRUED EXPENSES	'
	ACCRUED EXPENSES
	Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Insurance	$	62,969	$	57,993
	Interest	20,666		20,731
	Accrued compensation and benefits	62,032		60,902
	Income, real estate, sales and other taxes	46,838		38,938
	Other	52,863		58,265
	Total accrued expenses	$	245,368	$	236,829

CLOSURE_AND_POSTCLOSURE_LIABIL

CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE LIABILITIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE LIABILITIES	'
	CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE LIABILITIES
	The changes to closure and post-closure liabilities (also referred to as “asset retirement obligations”) for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Landfill			Non-Landfill			Total
		Retirement			Retirement
		Liability			Liability
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	27,604		$	19,481		$	47,085
	New asset retirement obligations	1,914			—			1,914
	Accretion	1,278			921			2,199
	Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(142		)	238			96
	Changes in estimates recorded to balance sheet	363			—			363
	Expenditures	(1,322		)	(444		)	(1,766		)
	Currency translation and other	1			(10		)	(9		)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	29,696		$	20,186		$	49,882
	All of the landfill facilities included in the above were active as of June 30, 2014. New asset retirement obligations incurred during the first six months of 2014 were discounted at the credit-adjusted risk-free rate of 6.54%. There were no significant charges (benefits) in 2014 resulting from changes in estimates for closure and post-closure liabilities.

REMEDIAL_LIABILITIES

REMEDIAL LIABILITIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]	'
REMEDIAL LIABILITIES	'
	REMEDIAL LIABILITIES
	The changes to remedial liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Remedial			Remedial			Remedial			Total
		Liabilities for			Liabilities for			Liabilities
		Landfill Sites			Inactive Sites			(Including
								Superfund) for
								Non-Landfill
								Operations
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	5,624		$	74,262		$	92,612		$	172,498
	Adjustments during the measurement period related to Evergreen	—			—			(518		)	(518		)
	Accretion	133			1,534			1,467			3,134
	Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(126		)	(2,467		)	1,068			(1,525		)
	Expenditures	(57		)	(2,489		)	(3,131		)	(5,677		)
	Currency translation and other	(10		)	7			(82		)	(85		)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	5,564		$	70,847		$	91,416		$	167,827
	In the six months ended June 30, 2014, the reduction in changes in estimates recorded to the statement of income was $1.5 million and primarily related to estimated cost adjustments for remediation across various sites.

FINANCING_ARRANGEMENTS

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	'
	FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
	The following table is a summary of the Company’s financing arrangements (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Senior unsecured notes, at 5.25%, due August 1, 2020	$	800,000	$	800,000
	Senior unsecured notes, at 5.125%, due June 1, 2021	595,000		600,000
	Long-term obligations	$	1,395,000	$	1,400,000
	On July 30, 2012, the Company issued through a private placement $800.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2020 ("2020 Notes") with semi-annually fixed interest payments on February 1 and August 1 of each year, which commenced on February 1, 2013. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of the Company's 2020 Notes was $806.5 million and $804.2 million, respectively, based on quoted market prices for the instrument and accrued interest. The fair value of the 2020 Notes is considered a Level 2 measure according to the fair value hierarchy.
	On December 7, 2012, the Company issued through a private placement $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.125% senior unsecured notes due 2021 ("2021 Notes") with semi-annually fixed interest payments on June 1 and December 1 of each year, which commenced on June 1, 2013. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of the Company's 2021 Notes was $607.3 million and $601.6 million, respectively, based on quoted market prices for the instrument and accrued interest. The fair value of the 2021 Notes is considered a Level 2 measure according to the fair value hierarchy.
	The Company also maintains a revolving credit facility which as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 had no outstanding loan balances. At June 30, 2014, $287.8 million was available to borrow and outstanding letters of credit were $112.2 million. At December 31, 2013, $259.7 million was available to borrow and outstanding letters of credit were $140.3 million.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 was 39.1% and 38.9%, respectively, compared to 35.1% and 34.2% for the same period in 2013.
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded $1.3 million of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and $0.2 million of interest, respectively.
	Due to expiring statute of limitation periods, the Company believes that total unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $0.1 million within the next twelve months.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following are computations of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands except for per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		June 30,				June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Net income	$	28,672	$	22,902	$	37,632	$	33,404
	Denominator:
	Basic shares outstanding	60,665		60,550		60,695		60,507
	Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation awards	113		137		127		151
	Dilutive shares outstanding	60,778		60,687		60,822		60,658
	Basic earnings per share:	$	0.47	$	0.38	$	0.62	$	0.55
	Diluted earnings per share:	$	0.47	$	0.38	$	0.62	$	0.55
	For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the dilutive effect of all then outstanding options, restricted stock and performance awards is included in the EPS calculations above except for 228,000 of outstanding performance stock awards for which the performance criteria were not attained at that time and 5,270 restricted stock awards which were antidilutive at June 30, 2014. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, the EPS calculations above include the dilutive effects of all then outstanding options, restricted stock, and performance awards except for 171,000 of outstanding performance stock awards for which the performance criteria were not attained at that time.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component and related tax effects for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Translation			Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Available-For-Sale Securities			Unfunded Pension Liability			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(20,164	)	$	1,904		$	(1,296	)	$	(19,556	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	(3,411		)	940			—			(2,471		)
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(3,361		)	—			(3,361		)
	Tax effects	—			363			—			363
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(3,411	)	$	(2,058	)	$	—		$	(5,469	)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	(23,575	)	$	(154	)	$	(1,296	)	$	(25,025	)
	The amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into the consolidated statement of income, with presentation location during the six months ended June 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
			For the Three Months Ended			For the Six Months Ended
	Comprehensive Loss Components		June 30, 2014			June 30, 2014			Location
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments		$	53		$	3,361		Other (expense) income
	There were no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into the consolidated statement of income during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	Stock Option Awards
	The following table summarizes the total number and type of awards granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as well as the related weighted-average grant-date fair values:
		Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2014			June 30, 2014
		Shares	Weighted Average		Shares	Weighted Average
			Grant-Date			Grant-Date
			Fair Value			Fair Value
	Restricted stock awards	103,130	$	61.85	107,630	$	61.55
	Performance stock awards	130,107	$	62.2	130,107	$	62.2
	Total awards	233,237			237,737
	Restricted stock awards issued during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 carry terms which are consistent with historical grants. For the performance stock awards granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors established two-year performance targets which could potentially be achieved in either 2014 or 2015.
	Common Stock Repurchases
	On February 25, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150 million of the Company's common stock. As of June 30, 2014, we had repurchased and retired a total of approximately 273,000 shares of our common stock for approximately $16.2 million under this program. As of June 30, 2014, an additional $133.8 million remains available for repurchase of shares under the current authorized program.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Legal and Administrative Proceedings
	The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Actions filed against the Company arise from commercial and employment-related claims including alleged class actions related to sales practices and wage and hour claims. The plaintiffs in these actions may be seeking damages or injunctive relief or both. These actions are in various jurisdictions and stages of proceedings, and some are covered in part by insurance. In addition, the Company’s waste management services operations are regulated by federal, state, provincial and local laws enacted to regulate discharge of materials into the environment, remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater or otherwise protect the environment. This ongoing regulation results in the Company frequently becoming a party to legal or administrative proceedings involving all levels of governmental authorities and other interested parties. The issues involved in such proceedings generally relate to alleged violations of existing permits and licenses or alleged responsibility under federal or state Superfund laws to remediate contamination at properties owned either by the Company or by other parties (“third party sites”) to which either the Company or the prior owners of certain of the Company’s facilities shipped wastes.
	At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded reserves of $44.4 million and $41.7 million, respectively, in the Company's financial statements for actual or probable liabilities related to the legal and administrative proceedings in which the Company was then involved, the principal of which are described below. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company also believed that it was reasonably possible that the amount of these potential liabilities could be as much as $3.5 million more. The Company periodically adjusts the aggregate amount of these reserves when actual or probable liabilities are paid or otherwise discharged, new claims arise, or additional relevant information about existing or probable claims becomes available. As of June 30, 2014, the $44.4 million of reserves consisted of (i) $35.2 million related to pending legal or administrative proceedings, including Superfund liabilities, which were included in remedial liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, and (ii) $9.2 million primarily related to federal, state and provincial enforcement actions, which were included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets.
	As of June 30, 2014, the principal legal and administrative proceedings in which the Company was involved, or which had been terminated during 2014, were as follows:
	Ville Mercier.    In September 2002, the Company acquired the stock of a subsidiary (the "Mercier Subsidiary") which owns a hazardous waste incinerator in Ville Mercier, Quebec (the "Mercier Facility"). The property adjacent to the Mercier Facility, which is also owned by the Mercier Subsidiary, is now contaminated as a result of actions dating back to 1968, when the Government of Quebec issued to a company unrelated to the Mercier Subsidiary two permits to dump organic liquids into lagoons on the property. In 1999, Ville Mercier and three neighboring municipalities filed separate legal proceedings against the Mercier Subsidiary and the Government of Quebec. In 2012, the municipalities amended their existing statement of claim to seek $2.9 million (cdn) in general damages and $10.0 million (cdn) in punitive damages, plus interest and costs, as well as injunctive relief. Both the Government of Quebec and the Company have filed summary judgment motions against the municipalities that are scheduled to be heard in September of 2014. In September 2007, the Quebec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks issued a Notice pursuant to Section 115.1 of the Environment Quality Act, superseding Notices issued in 1992, which are the subject of the pending litigation. The more recent Notice notifies the Mercier Subsidiary that, if the Mercier Subsidiary does not take certain remedial measures at the site, the Minister intends to undertake those measures at the site and claim direct and indirect costs related to such measures.
	The Mercier Subsidiary continues to assert that it has no responsibility for the groundwater contamination in the region and will contest any action by the Ministry to impose costs for remedial measures on the Mercier Subsidiary. The Company also continues to pursue settlement options. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had accrued $13.9 million and $13.6 million, respectively, for remedial liabilities relating to the Ville Mercier legal proceedings.
	Safety-Kleen Legal Proceedings. On December 28, 2012, the Company acquired Safety-Kleen and thereby became subject to the legal proceedings in which Safety-Kleen was a party on that date. In addition to certain Superfund proceedings in which Safety-Kleen has been named as a potentially responsible party as described below under “Superfund Proceedings,” the principal such legal proceedings involving Safety-Kleen which were outstanding as of June 30, 2014 were as follows:
	Product Liability Cases. Safety-Kleen is named as a defendant in various lawsuits that are currently pending in various courts and jurisdictions throughout the United States, including approximately 64 proceedings (excluding cases which have been settled but not formally dismissed) as of June 30, 2014, wherein persons claim personal injury resulting from the use of Safety-Kleen's parts cleaning equipment or cleaning products. These proceedings typically involve allegations that the solvent used in Safety-Kleen's parts cleaning equipment contains contaminants and/or that Safety-Kleen's recycling process does not effectively remove the contaminants that become entrained in the solvent during their use. In addition, certain claimants assert that Safety-Kleen failed to warn adequately the product user of potential risks, including an historic failure to warn that solvent contains trace amounts of toxic or hazardous substances such as benzene. Safety-Kleen maintains insurance that it believes will provide coverage for these claims (over amounts accrued for self-insured retentions and deductibles in certain limited cases), except for punitive damages to the extent not insurable under state law or excluded from insurance coverage. Safety-Kleen believes that these claims lack merit and has historically vigorously defended, and intends to continue to vigorously defend, itself and the safety of its products against all of these claims. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. Consequently, Safety-Kleen is unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters as of June 30, 2014. From December 31, 2013 to June 30, 2014, eight product liability claims were settled or dismissed. Due to the nature of these claims and the related insurance, the Company did not incur any expense as Safety-Kleen's insurance provided coverage in full for all such claims. Safety-Kleen may be named in similar, additional lawsuits in the future, including claims for which insurance coverage may not be available.
	Fee Class Action Claims. In October 2010, two customers filed a complaint, individually and on behalf of all similarly situated customers in the State of Alabama, alleging that Safety-Kleen improperly assessed fuel surcharges and extended area service fees. In 2012, similar lawsuits were filed by the same law firm in California and Missouri. It is Safety-Kleen's position that it had the right to assess fuel surcharges, that the customers were contractually obligated or otherwise consented to the charges and that the surcharges were voluntarily paid by the customers when presented with an invoice. A class has not been certified in any of these cases, and no reserve has been recorded.
	Superfund Proceedings
	The Company has been notified that either the Company (which, since December 28, 2012, includes Safety-Kleen) or the prior owners of certain of the Company's facilities for which the Company may have certain indemnification obligations have been identified as potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") or potential PRPs in connection with 125 sites which are subject to or are proposed to become subject to proceedings under federal or state Superfund laws. Of the 125 sites, two (the Wichita Facility and the BR Facility described below) involve facilities that are now owned by the Company and 123 involve third party sites to which either the Company or the prior owners of certain of the Company’s facilities shipped wastes. Of the 123 third party sites, 29 are now settled, 20 are currently requiring expenditures on remediation and 74 are not currently requiring expenditures on remediation.
	In connection with each site, the Company has estimated the extent, if any, to which it may be subject, either directly or as a result of any indemnification obligations, for cleanup and remediation costs, related legal and consulting costs associated with PRP investigations, settlements, and related legal and administrative proceedings. The amount of such actual and potential liability is inherently difficult to estimate because of, among other relevant factors, uncertainties as to the legal liability (if any) of the Company or the prior owners of certain of the Company's facilities to contribute a portion of the cleanup costs, the assumptions that must be made in calculating the estimated cost and timing of remediation, the identification of other PRPs and their respective capability and obligation to contribute to remediation efforts, and the existence and legal standing of indemnification agreements (if any) with prior owners, which may either benefit the Company or subject the Company to potential indemnification obligations. In addition to the Wichita Property and the BR Facility, Clean Harbors believes its potential liability could exceed $100,000 at 15 of the 123 third party sites.
	Wichita Property.    The Company acquired in 2002 as part of the CSD assets a service center located in Wichita, Kansas (the "Wichita Property"). The Wichita Property is one of several properties located within the boundaries of a 1,400 acre state-designated Superfund site in an old industrial section of Wichita known as the North Industrial Corridor Site. Along with numerous other PRPs, the former owner executed a consent decree relating to such site with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA"), and the Company is continuing an ongoing remediation program for the Wichita Property in accordance with that consent decree. The Company also acquired rights under an indemnification agreement between the former owner and an earlier owner of the Wichita Property which the Company anticipates but cannot guarantee will be available to reimburse certain such cleanup costs.
	BR Facility.    The Company acquired in 2002 a former hazardous waste incinerator and landfill in Baton Rouge (the "BR Facility"), for which operations had been previously discontinued by the prior owner. In September 2007, the EPA issued a special notice letter to the Company related to the Devil's Swamp Lake Site ("Devil's Swamp") in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. Devil's Swamp includes a lake located downstream of an outfall ditch where wastewater and stormwater have been discharged, and Devil's Swamp is proposed to be included on the National Priorities List due to the presence of Contaminants of Concern ("COC") cited by the EPA. These COCs include substances of the kind found in wastewater and storm water discharged from the BR Facility in past operations. The EPA originally requested COC generators to submit a good faith offer to conduct a remedial investigation feasibility study directed towards the eventual remediation of the site. The Company is currently performing corrective actions at the BR Facility under an order issued by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (the "LDEQ"), and has begun conducting the remedial investigation and feasibility study under an order issued by the EPA. The Company cannot presently estimate the potential additional liability for the Devil's Swamp cleanup until a final remedy is selected by the EPA.
	Third Party Sites.    Of the 123 third party sites at which the Company has been notified it is a PRP or potential PRP or may have indemnification obligations, Clean Harbors has an indemnification agreement at 11 of these sites with ChemWaste, a former subsidiary of Waste Management, Inc., and at five additional of these third party sites, Safety-Kleen has a similar indemnification agreement with McKesson Corporation. These agreements indemnify the Company (which now includes Safety-Kleen) with respect to any liability at the 16 sites for waste disposed prior to the Company's (or Safety-Kleen's) acquisition of the former subsidiaries of Waste Management or McKesson which had shipped wastes to those sites. Accordingly, Waste Management or McKesson are paying all costs of defending those subsidiaries in those 16 cases, including legal fees and settlement costs. However, there can be no guarantee that the Company's ultimate liabilities for those sites will not exceed the amount recorded or that indemnities applicable to any of these sites will be available to pay all or a portion of related costs. Except for the indemnification agreements which the Company holds from ChemWaste and McKesson, the Company does not have an indemnity agreement with respect to any of the 123 third party sites discussed above.
	Federal, State and Provincial Enforcement Actions
	From time to time, the Company pays fines or penalties in regulatory proceedings relating primarily to waste treatment, storage or disposal facilities. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were three and five proceedings, respectively, for which the Company reasonably believed that the sanctions could equal or exceed $100,000. The Company believes that the fines or other penalties in these or any of the other regulatory proceedings will, individually or in the aggregate, not have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

SEGMENT_REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT REPORTING	'
	SEGMENT REPORTING
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Company made changes to the manner in which it manages its business, makes operating decisions and assesses performance. These changes included the reassignment of certain departments among its operating segments consistent with management reporting changes as well as the identification of Lodging Services as an additional segment. Under the new structure, the Company's operations are managed in six reportable segments based primarily upon the nature of the various operations and services provided: Technical Services, Industrial and Field Services which consists of the Industrial Services and Field Services operating segments, Oil Re-refining and Recycling, SK Environmental Services, Lodging Services and Oil and Gas Field Services. The prior year segment information has been recast to conform to the current year presentation.
	The following table reconciles third party revenues to direct revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014												For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
		Third party revenues			Intersegment revenues, net			Corporate Items, net			Direct revenues			Third party revenues			Intersegment revenues, net			Corporate Items, net			Direct revenues
	Technical Services	$	256,798		$	40,082		$	778		$	297,658		$	493,579		$	77,516		$	1,177		$	572,272
	Industrial and Field Services	185,154			(11,047		)	36			174,143			347,114			(22,805		)	191			324,500
	Oil Re-refining and Recycling	144,016			(54,861		)	(5		)	89,150			272,937			(102,977		)	(5		)	169,955
	SK Environmental Services	171,324			23,307			—			194,631			332,712			43,264			(58		)	375,918
	Lodging Services	42,872			900			25			43,797			99,566			1,294			26			100,886
	Oil and Gas Field Services	58,177			1,619			(22		)	59,774			158,949			3,708			(10		)	162,647
	Corporate Items	139			—			(812		)	(673		)	290			—			(1,321		)	(1,031		)
	Total	$	858,480		$	—		$	—		$	858,480		$	1,705,147		$	—		$	—		$	1,705,147
		For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2013												For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
		Third party revenues			Intersegment revenues, net			Corporate Items, net			Direct revenues			Third party revenues			Intersegment revenues, net			Corporate Items, net			Direct revenues
	Technical Services	$	256,262		$	25,789		$	1,339		$	283,390		$	490,201		$	50,208		$	2,191		$	542,600
	Industrial and Field Services	199,225			(12,680		)	(128		)	186,417			368,846			(26,440		)	(106		)	342,300
	Oil Re-refining and Recycling	123,008			(48,261		)	—			74,747			263,092			(98,287		)	—			164,805
	SK Environmental Services	166,523			32,207			—			198,730			326,325			67,077			84			393,486
	Lodging Services	46,685			1,207			101			47,993			100,015			1,809			217			102,041
	Oil and Gas Field Services	68,444			1,738			(49		)	70,133			183,607			5,633			(200		)	189,040
	Corporate Items	381			—			(1,263		)	(882		)	(9,395		)	—			(2,186		)	(11,581		)
	Total	$	860,528		$	—		$	—		$	860,528		$	1,722,691		$	—		$	—		$	1,722,691
	Third party revenue is revenue billed to outside customers by a particular segment. Direct revenue is revenue allocated to the segment performing the provided service. Intersegment revenues represent the sharing of third party revenues among the segments based on products and services provided by each segment as if the products and services were sold directly to the third party. The intersegment revenues are shown net. The negative intersegment revenues are due to more transfers out of customer revenues to other segments than transfers in of customer revenues from other segments. The operations not managed through the Company’s six reportable segments are recorded as “Corporate Items.” Corporate Items revenues consist of two different operations for which the revenues are insignificant. Corporate Items cost of revenues represents certain central services that are not allocated to the six segments for internal reporting purposes. Corporate Items selling, general and administrative expenses include typical corporate items such as legal, accounting and other items of a general corporate nature that are not allocated to the Company’s six reportable segments. Performance of the segments is evaluated on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is “Adjusted EBITDA,” which consists of net income plus accretion of environmental liabilities, depreciation and amortization, net interest expense, provision for income taxes and pre-tax, non-cash acquisition accounting adjustments. Also excluded is other income as it is not considered part of usual business operations. Transactions between the segments are accounted for at the Company’s estimate based on similar transactions with outside customers.
	The following table presents Adjusted EBITDA information used by management for each reportable segment (in thousands). The Company does not allocate interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, accretion of environmental liabilities, pre-tax, non-cash acquisition accounting inventory adjustment, and other expense (income) to its segments.
		For the Three Months Ended						For the Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Adjusted EBITDA:
	Technical Services	$	84,297		$	69,390		$	146,474		$	129,435
	Industrial and Field Services	30,716			34,760			47,088			48,572
	Oil Re-refining and Recycling	15,196			12,752			27,779			28,098
	SK Environmental Services	31,307			34,076			54,132			61,082
	Lodging Services	15,487			19,259			33,224			41,560
	Oil and Gas Field Services	1,812			4,144			18,143			31,928
	Corporate Items	(43,016		)	(50,791		)	(89,055		)	(105,857		)
	Total	$	135,799		$	123,590		$	237,785		$	234,818
	Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Income:
	Pre-tax, non-cash acquisition accounting inventory adjustment	—			—			—			13,559
	Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,609			2,879			5,333			5,714
	Depreciation and amortization	66,075			67,468			135,431			127,474
	Income from operations	67,115			53,243			97,021			88,071
	Other expense (income)	655			(1,655		)	(3,523		)	(2,180		)
	Interest expense, net of interest income	19,382			19,585			38,936			39,458
	Income before provision for income taxes	$	47,078		$	35,313		$	61,608		$	50,793
	The following table presents certain assets by reportable segment and in the aggregate (in thousands):
		30-Jun-14
		Technical			Industrial and Field			Oil Re-refining and Recycling			SK Environmental Services			Lodging Services			Oil and Gas Field			Corporate			Totals
		Services			Services												Services			Items
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	408,977		$	260,083		$	208,630		$	245,513		$	156,730		$	229,017		$	102,348		$	1,611,298
	Goodwill	50,432			109,785			174,739			172,223			35,395			36,400			—			578,974
	Permits and other intangible, net	78,669			19,747			156,882			259,691			12,936			25,733			—			553,658
	Total assets	$	751,444		$	416,912		$	670,797		$	742,795		$	237,671		$	390,314		$	722,510		$	3,932,443
		31-Dec-13
		Technical			Industrial and Field			Oil Re-refining and Recycling			SK Environmental Services			Lodging Services			Oil and Gas Field			Corporate			Totals
		Services			Services												Services			Items
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	400,544		$	251,826		$	211,458		$	239,650		$	166,252		$	224,585		$	107,855		$	1,602,170
	Goodwill	45,599			109,873			171,161			172,309			35,512			36,506			—			570,960
	Permits and other intangible, net	80,302			21,147			160,807			265,106			14,730			27,881			—			569,973
	Total assets	$	699,675		$	410,233		$	642,901		$	774,756		$	239,056		$	381,057		$	806,000		$	3,953,678
	The following table presents total assets by geographical area (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	United States	$	2,695,931		$	2,684,686
Canada	1,233,547			1,266,505
Other foreign	2,965			2,487
Total	$	3,932,443		$	3,953,678

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information [Abstract]	'
GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'
	GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	The 2020 Notes and 2021 Notes are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries organized in the United States. Each guarantor for the 2020 Notes and 2021 Notes is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company and its guarantee is both full and unconditional and joint and several.  The 2020 Notes and 2021 Notes are not guaranteed by the Company’s Canadian or other foreign subsidiaries. The following presents supplemental condensed consolidating financial information for the parent company, the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries, respectively.
	Following is the condensed consolidating balance sheet at June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,006		$	193,821		$	83,817		$	—		$	278,644
	Intercompany receivables	237,556			2,446			84,029			(324,031		)	—
	Accounts receivable, net	—			399,423			175,764						575,187
	Other current assets	24,087			194,211			78,162			—			296,460
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			961,240			650,058			—			1,611,298
	Investments in subsidiaries	2,762,237			760,718			—			(3,522,955		)	—
	Intercompany debt receivable	—			379,428			3,701			(383,129		)	—
	Goodwill				424,057			154,917						578,974
	Permits and other intangibles, net				447,638			106,020						553,658
	Other long-term assets	25,457			3,759			9,006			—			38,222
	Total assets	$	3,050,343		$	3,766,741		$	1,345,474		$	(4,230,115	)	$	3,932,443
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Current liabilities	$	61,029		$	429,490		$	115,747		$	—		$	606,266
	Intercompany payables	—			321,533			2,498			(324,031		)	—
	Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	—			150,250			31,416			—			181,666
	Long-term obligations	1,395,000			—			—			—			1,395,000
	Capital lease obligations, net	—			129			698			—			827
	Intercompany debt payable	3,701			—			379,428			(383,129		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	91,897			103,102			54,969			—			249,968
	Total liabilities	1,551,627			1,004,504			584,756			(707,160		)	2,433,727
	Stockholders’ equity	1,498,716			2,762,237			760,718			(3,522,955		)	1,498,716
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,050,343		$	3,766,741		$	1,345,474		$	(4,230,115	)	$	3,932,443
	Following is the condensed consolidating balance sheet at December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,006		$	235,445		$	73,622		$	—		$	310,073
	Intercompany receivables	269,580			2,448			230,224			(502,252		)	—
	Accounts receivables	—			387,006			192,388			—			579,394
	Other current assets	24,087			182,881			74,744			—			281,712
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			945,280			656,890			—			1,602,170
	Investments in subsidiaries	2,683,158			967,186			144,953			(3,795,297		)	—
	Intercompany debt receivable	—			493,402			3,701			(497,103		)	—
	Goodwill	—			415,541			155,419			—			570,960
	Permits and other intangibles, net	—			458,917			111,056			—			569,973
	Other long-term assets	23,770			7,018			8,608			—			39,396
	Total assets	$	3,001,601		$	4,095,124		$	1,651,605		$	(4,794,652	)	$	3,953,678
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Current liabilities	$	33,626		$	466,454		$	139,465		$	—		$	639,545
	Intercompany payables	—			499,749			2,503			(502,252		)	—
	Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	—			158,298			31,814			—			190,112
	Long-term obligations	1,400,000			—			—			—			1,400,000
	Capital lease obligations, net	—			191			1,244			—			1,435
	Intercompany debt payable	3,701			—			493,402			(497,103		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	88,635			103,125			55,187			—			246,947
	Total liabilities	1,525,962			1,227,817			723,615			(999,355		)	2,478,039
	Stockholders’ equity	1,475,639			2,867,307			927,990			(3,795,297		)	1,475,639
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,001,601		$	4,095,124		$	1,651,605		$	(4,794,652	)	$	3,953,678
	Following is the consolidating statement of income (loss) for the three months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Revenues
	Service revenues				$	476,268		$	194,579		$	(5,572	)	$	665,275
	Product revenues				151,667			43,136			(1,598		)	193,205
Total revenues	—			627,935			237,715			(7,170		)	858,480
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Service cost of revenues				317,861			133,468			(5,572		)	445,757
Product cost of revenues				118,560			44,231			(1,598		)	161,193
Total cost of revenues	—			436,421			177,699			(7,170		)	606,950
Selling, general and administrative expenses	25			82,513			33,193			—			115,731
Accretion of environmental liabilities	—			2,219			390			—			2,609
Depreciation and amortization	—			41,289			24,786			—			66,075
Income from operations	(25		)	65,493			1,647			—			67,115
Other income	—			(123		)	(532		)	—			(655		)
Interest (expense) income	(19,612		)	216			14			—			(19,382		)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	54,436			3,393			—			(57,829		)	—
Intercompany dividend income	—						3,138			(3,138		)	—
Intercompany interest income (expense)				9,497			(9,497		)				—
Income before provision for income taxes	34,799			78,476			(5,230		)	(60,967		)	47,078
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	6,127			13,586			(1,307		)				18,406
Net income (loss)	28,672			64,890			(3,923		)	(60,967		)	28,672
Other comprehensive income (loss)	36,056			36,056			(42,927		)	6,871			36,056
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	64,728		$	100,946		$	(46,850	)	$	(54,096	)	$	64,728
Following is the consolidating statement of (loss) income for the three months ended June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
	Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
							Subsidiaries
Revenues
Service revenues	$	—		$	497,731		$	171,019		$	5,122		$	673,872
Product revenues	—			89,740			95,465			1,451			186,656
Total revenues	—			587,471			266,484			6,573			860,528
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Service cost of revenues	—			341,768			108,713			5,122			455,603
Product cost of revenues	—			73,712			83,560			1,451			158,723
Total cost of revenues	—			415,480			192,273			6,573			614,326
Selling, general and administrative expenses	30			89,884			32,698			—			122,612
Accretion of environmental liabilities	—			2,437			442			—			2,879
Depreciation and amortization	—			44,220			23,248			—			67,468
Income from operations	(30		)	35,450			17,823			—			53,243
Other income (expense)	—			2,249			(594		)	—			1,655
Interest (expense) income	(19,764		)	—			179			—			(19,585		)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	45,106			14,563			—			(59,669		)	—
Intercompany dividend income	—			—			3,323			(3,323		)	—
Intercompany interest income (expense)	—			9,969			(9,969		)	—			—
Income before provision for income taxes	25,312			62,231			10,762			(62,992		)	35,313
Provision for income taxes	2,410			7,009			2,992			—			12,411
Net income	22,902			55,222			7,770			(62,992		)	22,902
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(35,506		)	(35,506		)	18,685			16,821			(35,506		)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(12,604	)	$	19,716		$	26,455		$	(46,171	)	$	(12,604	)
Following is the consolidating statement of income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
	Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
	Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
							Subsidiaries
Revenues
Service revenues				$	920,142		$	413,584		$	(8,356	)	$	1,325,370
Product revenues				286,542			95,629			(2,394		)	379,777
Total revenues	—			1,206,684			509,213			(10,750		)	1,705,147
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Service cost of revenues				622,502			298,410			(8,356		)	912,556
Product cost of revenues				233,488			89,019			(2,394		)	320,113
Total cost of revenues	—			855,990			387,429			(10,750		)	1,232,669
Selling, general and administrative expenses	56			170,066			64,571			—			234,693
Accretion of environmental liabilities				4,567			766						5,333
Depreciation and amortization				84,021			51,410			—			135,431
Income from operations	(56		)	92,040			5,037			—			97,021
Other income				786			2,737						3,523
Interest (expense) income	(39,346		)	446			(36		)				(38,936		)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	84,545			11,855						(96,400		)	—
Intercompany dividend income	—						6,238			(6,238		)	—
Intercompany interest income (expense)				18,881			(18,881		)				—
Income before provision for income taxes	45,143			124,008			(4,905		)	(102,638		)	61,608
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	7,511			17,691			(1,226		)				23,976
Net income (loss)	37,632			106,317			(3,679		)	(102,638		)	37,632
Other comprehensive loss	(5,469		)	(5,469		)	(23,245		)	28,714			(5,469		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	32,163		$	100,848		$	(26,924	)	$	(73,924	)	$	32,163
Following is the consolidating statement of (loss) income for the six months ended June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
	Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
							Subsidiaries
Revenues
Service revenues	$	—		$	896,966		$	452,438		$	(2,910	)	$	1,346,494
Product revenues	—			250,603			126,407			(813		)	376,197
Total revenues	—			1,147,569			578,845			(3,723		)	1,722,691
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Service cost of revenues	—			615,940			310,945			(2,910		)	923,975
Product cost of revenues	—			217,353			109,835			(813		)	326,375
Total cost of revenues	—			833,293			420,780			(3,723		)	1,250,350
Selling, general and administrative expenses	55			185,445			65,582			—			251,082
Accretion of environmental liabilities	—			4,837			877			—			5,714
Depreciation and amortization	—			81,509			45,965			—			127,474
Income from operations	(55		)	42,485			45,641			—			88,071
Other income (expense)	—			2,969			(789		)	—			2,180
Interest (expense) income	(39,564		)	—			106			—			(39,458		)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	75,327			35,976			—			(111,303		)	—
Intercompany dividend income	—			—			6,968			(6,968		)	—
Intercompany interest income (expense)	—			20,307			(20,307		)	—			—
Income before provision for income taxes	35,708			101,737			31,619			(118,271		)	50,793
Provision for income taxes	2,304			6,535			8,550			—			17,389
Net income	33,404			95,202			23,069			(118,271		)	33,404
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(59,367		)	(59,367		)	30,457			28,910			(59,367		)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(25,963	)	$	35,835		$	53,526		$	(89,361	)	$	(25,963	)
Following is the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
	Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Total
	Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Net cash from operating activities	$	16,864		$	35,046		$	63,034		$	114,944
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	—			(90,515		)	(47,671		)	(138,186		)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	—			1,015			1,971			2,986
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			(6,150		)	—			(6,150		)
Costs to obtain or renew permits	—			(477		)	(2,414		)	(2,891		)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	—			—			12,947			12,947
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(96,127		)	(35,167		)	(131,294		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in uncashed checks	—			4,595			(1,433		)	3,162
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	4,364			—			—			4,364
Remittance of shares, net	(2,215		)	—			—			(2,215		)
Repurchases of common stock	(14,657		)	—			—			(14,657		)
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	644			—			—			644
Payments on capital leases	—			(87		)	(1,103		)	(1,190		)
Repayment of long-term obligations	(5,000		)	—			—			(5,000		)
Dividends (paid) / received	—			(7,412		)	7,412			—
Interest received / (payments)	—			22,361			(22,361		)	—
Net cash from financing activities	(16,864		)	19,457			(17,485		)	(14,892		)
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	—			—			(187		)	(187		)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(41,624		)	10,195			(31,429		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,006			235,445			73,622			310,073
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,006		$	193,821		$	83,817		$	278,644
Following is the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Total
	Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Net cash from operating activities	$	(36,459	)	$	84,226		$	89,845		$	137,612
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	—			(62,818		)	(78,648		)	(141,466		)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	—			803			1,391			2,194
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			—			—
Costs to obtain or renew permits	—			(212		)	(1,957		)	(2,169		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(62,227		)	(79,214		)	(141,441		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in uncashed checks	—			37,118			3,238			40,356
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	399			—			—			399
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	3,391			—			—			3,391
Remittance of shares, net	(169		)	—			—			(169		)
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	1,326			—			—			1,326
Deferred financing costs paid	(2,446		)	—			—			(2,446		)
Payments of capital leases	—			(164		)	(2,424		)	(2,588		)
Issuance costs related to 2012 issuance of common stock	(250		)	—			—			(250		)
Dividends (paid) / received	—			(6,989		)	6,989			—
Interest received / (payments)	—			21,780			(21,780		)	—
Net cash from financing activities	2,251			51,745			(13,977		)	40,019
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	—			—			(2,548		)	(2,548		)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(34,208		)	73,744			(5,894		)	33,642
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	35,214			140,683			53,939			229,836
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,006		$	214,427		$	48,045		$	263,478

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE1

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Standards implemented
	On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2013-11 Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This standard provides guidance regarding when an unrecognized tax benefit should be classified as a reduction to a deferred tax asset or when it should be classified as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
	Standards to be implemented
	In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016.
	In April 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360). The amendments in ASU 2014-08 provide guidance for the recognition and disclosure of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014.
	The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the above standards to be implemented will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Tables

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Tables) (Evergreen Oil, Inc)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Evergreen Oil, Inc	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Summary of recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the recognized amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at September 13, 2013 (in thousands):
		At acquisition date as reported at			Measurement Period Adjustments			At acquisition date as reported at
		31-Dec-13						30-Jun-14
	Inventories and supplies	$	1,089		$	—		$	1,089
	Prepaid and other current assets	1,291			(273		)	1,018
	Property, plant and equipment	40,563			—			40,563
	Permits and other intangibles	17,100			—			17,100
	Deferred tax assets, less current portion	2,368			(2,368		)	—
	Other assets	3,607			(239		)	3,368
	Current liabilities	(6,198		)	218			(5,980		)
	Closure and post-closure liabilities	(659		)	—			(659		)
	Remedial liabilities, less current portion	(2,103		)	463			(1,640		)
	Deferred taxes, unrecognized tax benefits and other long-term liabilities	(1,139		)	(920		)	(2,059		)
	Total identifiable net assets	55,919			(3,119		)	52,800
	Goodwill	—			3,518			3,518
	Total	$	55,919		$	399		$	56,318

INVENTORIES_AND_SUPPLIES_Table

INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory	'
	Inventories and supplies consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Oil and oil products	$	62,563	$	59,639
	Supplies and drums	72,172		64,471
	Solvent and solutions	9,639		10,100
	Other	17,418		17,886
	Total inventories and supplies	$	161,792	$	152,096

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Land	$	100,194	$	99,794
	Asset retirement costs (non-landfill)	10,936		10,938
	Landfill assets	105,569		100,983
	Buildings and improvements	333,930		327,956
	Camp equipment	186,622		187,831
	Vehicles	459,594		425,296
	Equipment	1,272,036		1,201,296
	Furniture and fixtures	5,471		5,260
	Construction in progress	64,259		58,010
		2,538,611		2,417,364
	Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	927,313		815,194
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,611,298	$	1,602,170

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of changes to goodwill	'
	The changes to goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		2014
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	570,960
	Acquired from acquisitions	4,852
	Increase from adjustments during the measurement period related to Evergreen	3,518
	Foreign currency translation	(356		)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	578,974
Summary of amortizable other intangible assets (finite-lived)	'
	Below is a summary of amortizable other intangible assets (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Cost			Accumulated		Net		Weighted	Cost		Accumulated		Net		Weighted
					Amortization				Average			Amortization				Average
									Remaining Amortization							Remaining Amortization
									Period							Period
									(in years)							(in years)
	Permits	$	158,633		$	53,278	$	105,355	19.9	$	157,327	$	50,858	$	106,469	19.6
	Customer and supplier relationships	377,686			66,925		310,761		11.4	377,899		52,814		325,085		12.1
	Other intangible assets	30,787			17,842		12,945		3.1	29,299		15,518		13,781		3.3
	Total amortizable permits and other intangible assets	567,106			138,045		429,061		11.7	564,525		119,190		445,335		12.2
	Trademarks and trade names	124,597			—		124,597		Indefinite	124,638		—		124,638		Indefinite
	Total permits and other intangible assets	$	691,703		$	138,045	$	553,658		$	689,163	$	119,190	$	569,973
Summary of amortizable other intangible assets (indefinite-lived)	'
	Below is a summary of amortizable other intangible assets (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Cost			Accumulated		Net		Weighted	Cost		Accumulated		Net		Weighted
					Amortization				Average			Amortization				Average
									Remaining Amortization							Remaining Amortization
									Period							Period
									(in years)							(in years)
	Permits	$	158,633		$	53,278	$	105,355	19.9	$	157,327	$	50,858	$	106,469	19.6
	Customer and supplier relationships	377,686			66,925		310,761		11.4	377,899		52,814		325,085		12.1
	Other intangible assets	30,787			17,842		12,945		3.1	29,299		15,518		13,781		3.3
	Total amortizable permits and other intangible assets	567,106			138,045		429,061		11.7	564,525		119,190		445,335		12.2
	Trademarks and trade names	124,597			—		124,597		Indefinite	124,638		—		124,638		Indefinite
	Total permits and other intangible assets	$	691,703		$	138,045	$	553,658		$	689,163	$	119,190	$	569,973
Schedule of expected amortization for the net carrying amount of finite lived intangible assets	'
	Below is the expected future amortization of the net carrying amount of finite lived intangible assets at June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
	Years Ending December 31,	Expected Amortization
	2014 (six months)	$	17,932
	2015	35,607
	2016	34,789
	2017	32,743
	2018	30,038
	Thereafter	277,952
		$	429,061

ACCRUED_EXPENSES_Tables

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued expenses	'
	Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Insurance	$	62,969	$	57,993
	Interest	20,666		20,731
	Accrued compensation and benefits	62,032		60,902
	Income, real estate, sales and other taxes	46,838		38,938
	Other	52,863		58,265
	Total accrued expenses	$	245,368	$	236,829

CLOSURE_AND_POSTCLOSURE_LIABIL1

CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE LIABILITIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of closure and post-closure liabilities	'
	The changes to closure and post-closure liabilities (also referred to as “asset retirement obligations”) for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Landfill			Non-Landfill			Total
		Retirement			Retirement
		Liability			Liability
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	27,604		$	19,481		$	47,085
	New asset retirement obligations	1,914			—			1,914
	Accretion	1,278			921			2,199
	Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(142		)	238			96
	Changes in estimates recorded to balance sheet	363			—			363
	Expenditures	(1,322		)	(444		)	(1,766		)
	Currency translation and other	1			(10		)	(9		)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	29,696		$	20,186		$	49,882

REMEDIAL_LIABILITIES_Tables

REMEDIAL LIABILITIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]	'
Changes to remedial liabilities	'
	The changes to remedial liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Remedial			Remedial			Remedial			Total
		Liabilities for			Liabilities for			Liabilities
		Landfill Sites			Inactive Sites			(Including
								Superfund) for
								Non-Landfill
								Operations
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	5,624		$	74,262		$	92,612		$	172,498
	Adjustments during the measurement period related to Evergreen	—			—			(518		)	(518		)
	Accretion	133			1,534			1,467			3,134
	Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(126		)	(2,467		)	1,068			(1,525		)
	Expenditures	(57		)	(2,489		)	(3,131		)	(5,677		)
	Currency translation and other	(10		)	7			(82		)	(85		)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	5,564		$	70,847		$	91,416		$	167,827

FINANCING_ARRANGEMENTS_Tables

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of the entity's financial arrangements	'
	The following table is a summary of the Company’s financing arrangements (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Senior unsecured notes, at 5.25%, due August 1, 2020	$	800,000	$	800,000
	Senior unsecured notes, at 5.125%, due June 1, 2021	595,000		600,000
	Long-term obligations	$	1,395,000	$	1,400,000

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share computations	'
	The following are computations of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands except for per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		June 30,				June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Net income	$	28,672	$	22,902	$	37,632	$	33,404
	Denominator:
	Basic shares outstanding	60,665		60,550		60,695		60,507
	Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation awards	113		137		127		151
	Dilutive shares outstanding	60,778		60,687		60,822		60,658
	Basic earnings per share:	$	0.47	$	0.38	$	0.62	$	0.55
	Diluted earnings per share:	$	0.47	$	0.38	$	0.62	$	0.55

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component and related tax effects for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Translation			Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Available-For-Sale Securities			Unfunded Pension Liability			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(20,164	)	$	1,904		$	(1,296	)	$	(19,556	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	(3,411		)	940			—			(2,471		)
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(3,361		)	—			(3,361		)
	Tax effects	—			363			—			363
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(3,411	)	$	(2,058	)	$	—		$	(5,469	)
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	(23,575	)	$	(154	)	$	(1,296	)	$	(25,025	)
Summary of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	The amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into the consolidated statement of income, with presentation location during the six months ended June 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
			For the Three Months Ended			For the Six Months Ended
	Comprehensive Loss Components		June 30, 2014			June 30, 2014			Location
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments		$	53		$	3,361		Other (expense) income

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of total number, weighted-average grant-date fair value, and types of awards granted	'
	The following table summarizes the total number and type of awards granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as well as the related weighted-average grant-date fair values:
		Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2014			June 30, 2014
		Shares	Weighted Average		Shares	Weighted Average
			Grant-Date			Grant-Date
			Fair Value			Fair Value
	Restricted stock awards	103,130	$	61.85	107,630	$	61.55
	Performance stock awards	130,107	$	62.2	130,107	$	62.2
	Total awards	233,237			237,737

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Tables

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of third party revenues to direct revenues	'
	The following table reconciles third party revenues to direct revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014												For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
		Third party revenues			Intersegment revenues, net			Corporate Items, net			Direct revenues			Third party revenues			Intersegment revenues, net			Corporate Items, net			Direct revenues
	Technical Services	$	256,798		$	40,082		$	778		$	297,658		$	493,579		$	77,516		$	1,177		$	572,272
	Industrial and Field Services	185,154			(11,047		)	36			174,143			347,114			(22,805		)	191			324,500
	Oil Re-refining and Recycling	144,016			(54,861		)	(5		)	89,150			272,937			(102,977		)	(5		)	169,955
	SK Environmental Services	171,324			23,307			—			194,631			332,712			43,264			(58		)	375,918
	Lodging Services	42,872			900			25			43,797			99,566			1,294			26			100,886
	Oil and Gas Field Services	58,177			1,619			(22		)	59,774			158,949			3,708			(10		)	162,647
	Corporate Items	139			—			(812		)	(673		)	290			—			(1,321		)	(1,031		)
	Total	$	858,480		$	—		$	—		$	858,480		$	1,705,147		$	—		$	—		$	1,705,147
		For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2013												For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
		Third party revenues			Intersegment revenues, net			Corporate Items, net			Direct revenues			Third party revenues			Intersegment revenues, net			Corporate Items, net			Direct revenues
	Technical Services	$	256,262		$	25,789		$	1,339		$	283,390		$	490,201		$	50,208		$	2,191		$	542,600
	Industrial and Field Services	199,225			(12,680		)	(128		)	186,417			368,846			(26,440		)	(106		)	342,300
	Oil Re-refining and Recycling	123,008			(48,261		)	—			74,747			263,092			(98,287		)	—			164,805
	SK Environmental Services	166,523			32,207			—			198,730			326,325			67,077			84			393,486
	Lodging Services	46,685			1,207			101			47,993			100,015			1,809			217			102,041
	Oil and Gas Field Services	68,444			1,738			(49		)	70,133			183,607			5,633			(200		)	189,040
	Corporate Items	381			—			(1,263		)	(882		)	(9,395		)	—			(2,186		)	(11,581		)
	Total	$	860,528		$	—		$	—		$	860,528		$	1,722,691		$	—		$	—		$	1,722,691
Reconciliation to consolidated statements of income to adjusted EBITDA	'
	The following table presents Adjusted EBITDA information used by management for each reportable segment (in thousands). The Company does not allocate interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, accretion of environmental liabilities, pre-tax, non-cash acquisition accounting inventory adjustment, and other expense (income) to its segments.
		For the Three Months Ended						For the Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Adjusted EBITDA:
	Technical Services	$	84,297		$	69,390		$	146,474		$	129,435
	Industrial and Field Services	30,716			34,760			47,088			48,572
	Oil Re-refining and Recycling	15,196			12,752			27,779			28,098
	SK Environmental Services	31,307			34,076			54,132			61,082
	Lodging Services	15,487			19,259			33,224			41,560
	Oil and Gas Field Services	1,812			4,144			18,143			31,928
	Corporate Items	(43,016		)	(50,791		)	(89,055		)	(105,857		)
	Total	$	135,799		$	123,590		$	237,785		$	234,818
	Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Income:
	Pre-tax, non-cash acquisition accounting inventory adjustment	—			—			—			13,559
	Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,609			2,879			5,333			5,714
	Depreciation and amortization	66,075			67,468			135,431			127,474
	Income from operations	67,115			53,243			97,021			88,071
	Other expense (income)	655			(1,655		)	(3,523		)	(2,180		)
	Interest expense, net of interest income	19,382			19,585			38,936			39,458
	Income before provision for income taxes	$	47,078		$	35,313		$	61,608		$	50,793
PP&E, intangible assets and total assets by segment	'
	The following table presents certain assets by reportable segment and in the aggregate (in thousands):
		30-Jun-14
		Technical			Industrial and Field			Oil Re-refining and Recycling			SK Environmental Services			Lodging Services			Oil and Gas Field			Corporate			Totals
		Services			Services												Services			Items
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	408,977		$	260,083		$	208,630		$	245,513		$	156,730		$	229,017		$	102,348		$	1,611,298
	Goodwill	50,432			109,785			174,739			172,223			35,395			36,400			—			578,974
	Permits and other intangible, net	78,669			19,747			156,882			259,691			12,936			25,733			—			553,658
	Total assets	$	751,444		$	416,912		$	670,797		$	742,795		$	237,671		$	390,314		$	722,510		$	3,932,443
		31-Dec-13
		Technical			Industrial and Field			Oil Re-refining and Recycling			SK Environmental Services			Lodging Services			Oil and Gas Field			Corporate			Totals
		Services			Services												Services			Items
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	400,544		$	251,826		$	211,458		$	239,650		$	166,252		$	224,585		$	107,855		$	1,602,170
	Goodwill	45,599			109,873			171,161			172,309			35,512			36,506			—			570,960
	Permits and other intangible, net	80,302			21,147			160,807			265,106			14,730			27,881			—			569,973
	Total assets	$	699,675		$	410,233		$	642,901		$	774,756		$	239,056		$	381,057		$	806,000		$	3,953,678
Total assets by geographical area	'
	The following table presents total assets by geographical area (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	United States	$	2,695,931		$	2,684,686
	Canada	1,233,547			1,266,505
	Other foreign	2,965			2,487
	Total	$	3,932,443		$	3,953,678

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB1

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheet	'
	Following is the condensed consolidating balance sheet at June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,006		$	193,821		$	83,817		$	—		$	278,644
	Intercompany receivables	237,556			2,446			84,029			(324,031		)	—
	Accounts receivable, net	—			399,423			175,764						575,187
	Other current assets	24,087			194,211			78,162			—			296,460
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			961,240			650,058			—			1,611,298
	Investments in subsidiaries	2,762,237			760,718			—			(3,522,955		)	—
	Intercompany debt receivable	—			379,428			3,701			(383,129		)	—
	Goodwill				424,057			154,917						578,974
	Permits and other intangibles, net				447,638			106,020						553,658
	Other long-term assets	25,457			3,759			9,006			—			38,222
	Total assets	$	3,050,343		$	3,766,741		$	1,345,474		$	(4,230,115	)	$	3,932,443
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Current liabilities	$	61,029		$	429,490		$	115,747		$	—		$	606,266
	Intercompany payables	—			321,533			2,498			(324,031		)	—
	Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	—			150,250			31,416			—			181,666
	Long-term obligations	1,395,000			—			—			—			1,395,000
	Capital lease obligations, net	—			129			698			—			827
	Intercompany debt payable	3,701			—			379,428			(383,129		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	91,897			103,102			54,969			—			249,968
	Total liabilities	1,551,627			1,004,504			584,756			(707,160		)	2,433,727
	Stockholders’ equity	1,498,716			2,762,237			760,718			(3,522,955		)	1,498,716
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,050,343		$	3,766,741		$	1,345,474		$	(4,230,115	)	$	3,932,443
	Following is the condensed consolidating balance sheet at December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,006		$	235,445		$	73,622		$	—		$	310,073
	Intercompany receivables	269,580			2,448			230,224			(502,252		)	—
	Accounts receivables	—			387,006			192,388			—			579,394
	Other current assets	24,087			182,881			74,744			—			281,712
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			945,280			656,890			—			1,602,170
	Investments in subsidiaries	2,683,158			967,186			144,953			(3,795,297		)	—
	Intercompany debt receivable	—			493,402			3,701			(497,103		)	—
	Goodwill	—			415,541			155,419			—			570,960
	Permits and other intangibles, net	—			458,917			111,056			—			569,973
	Other long-term assets	23,770			7,018			8,608			—			39,396
	Total assets	$	3,001,601		$	4,095,124		$	1,651,605		$	(4,794,652	)	$	3,953,678
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Current liabilities	$	33,626		$	466,454		$	139,465		$	—		$	639,545
	Intercompany payables	—			499,749			2,503			(502,252		)	—
	Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	—			158,298			31,814			—			190,112
	Long-term obligations	1,400,000			—			—			—			1,400,000
	Capital lease obligations, net	—			191			1,244			—			1,435
	Intercompany debt payable	3,701			—			493,402			(497,103		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	88,635			103,125			55,187			—			246,947
	Total liabilities	1,525,962			1,227,817			723,615			(999,355		)	2,478,039
	Stockholders’ equity	1,475,639			2,867,307			927,990			(3,795,297		)	1,475,639
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,001,601		$	4,095,124		$	1,651,605		$	(4,794,652	)	$	3,953,678
Schedule of consolidating statement of income	'
	Following is the consolidating statement of income (loss) for the three months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Revenues
	Service revenues				$	476,268		$	194,579		$	(5,572	)	$	665,275
	Product revenues				151,667			43,136			(1,598		)	193,205
	Total revenues	—			627,935			237,715			(7,170		)	858,480
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
	Service cost of revenues				317,861			133,468			(5,572		)	445,757
	Product cost of revenues				118,560			44,231			(1,598		)	161,193
	Total cost of revenues	—			436,421			177,699			(7,170		)	606,950
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	25			82,513			33,193			—			115,731
	Accretion of environmental liabilities	—			2,219			390			—			2,609
	Depreciation and amortization	—			41,289			24,786			—			66,075
	Income from operations	(25		)	65,493			1,647			—			67,115
	Other income	—			(123		)	(532		)	—			(655		)
	Interest (expense) income	(19,612		)	216			14			—			(19,382		)
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	54,436			3,393			—			(57,829		)	—
	Intercompany dividend income	—						3,138			(3,138		)	—
	Intercompany interest income (expense)				9,497			(9,497		)				—
	Income before provision for income taxes	34,799			78,476			(5,230		)	(60,967		)	47,078
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	6,127			13,586			(1,307		)				18,406
	Net income (loss)	28,672			64,890			(3,923		)	(60,967		)	28,672
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	36,056			36,056			(42,927		)	6,871			36,056
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	64,728		$	100,946		$	(46,850	)	$	(54,096	)	$	64,728
	Following is the consolidating statement of (loss) income for the three months ended June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Revenues
	Service revenues	$	—		$	497,731		$	171,019		$	5,122		$	673,872
	Product revenues	—			89,740			95,465			1,451			186,656
	Total revenues	—			587,471			266,484			6,573			860,528
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
	Service cost of revenues	—			341,768			108,713			5,122			455,603
	Product cost of revenues	—			73,712			83,560			1,451			158,723
	Total cost of revenues	—			415,480			192,273			6,573			614,326
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	30			89,884			32,698			—			122,612
	Accretion of environmental liabilities	—			2,437			442			—			2,879
	Depreciation and amortization	—			44,220			23,248			—			67,468
	Income from operations	(30		)	35,450			17,823			—			53,243
	Other income (expense)	—			2,249			(594		)	—			1,655
	Interest (expense) income	(19,764		)	—			179			—			(19,585		)
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	45,106			14,563			—			(59,669		)	—
	Intercompany dividend income	—			—			3,323			(3,323		)	—
	Intercompany interest income (expense)	—			9,969			(9,969		)	—			—
	Income before provision for income taxes	25,312			62,231			10,762			(62,992		)	35,313
	Provision for income taxes	2,410			7,009			2,992			—			12,411
	Net income	22,902			55,222			7,770			(62,992		)	22,902
	Other comprehensive (loss) income	(35,506		)	(35,506		)	18,685			16,821			(35,506		)
	Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(12,604	)	$	19,716		$	26,455		$	(46,171	)	$	(12,604	)
	Following is the consolidating statement of income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Revenues
	Service revenues				$	920,142		$	413,584		$	(8,356	)	$	1,325,370
	Product revenues				286,542			95,629			(2,394		)	379,777
	Total revenues	—			1,206,684			509,213			(10,750		)	1,705,147
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
	Service cost of revenues				622,502			298,410			(8,356		)	912,556
	Product cost of revenues				233,488			89,019			(2,394		)	320,113
Total cost of revenues	—			855,990			387,429			(10,750		)	1,232,669
Selling, general and administrative expenses	56			170,066			64,571			—			234,693
Accretion of environmental liabilities				4,567			766						5,333
Depreciation and amortization				84,021			51,410			—			135,431
Income from operations	(56		)	92,040			5,037			—			97,021
Other income				786			2,737						3,523
Interest (expense) income	(39,346		)	446			(36		)				(38,936		)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	84,545			11,855						(96,400		)	—
Intercompany dividend income	—						6,238			(6,238		)	—
Intercompany interest income (expense)				18,881			(18,881		)				—
Income before provision for income taxes	45,143			124,008			(4,905		)	(102,638		)	61,608
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	7,511			17,691			(1,226		)				23,976
Net income (loss)	37,632			106,317			(3,679		)	(102,638		)	37,632
Other comprehensive loss	(5,469		)	(5,469		)	(23,245		)	28,714			(5,469		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	32,163		$	100,848		$	(26,924	)	$	(73,924	)	$	32,163
Following is the consolidating statement of (loss) income for the six months ended June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
	Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
							Subsidiaries
Revenues
Service revenues	$	—		$	896,966		$	452,438		$	(2,910	)	$	1,346,494
Product revenues	—			250,603			126,407			(813		)	376,197
Total revenues	—			1,147,569			578,845			(3,723		)	1,722,691
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Service cost of revenues	—			615,940			310,945			(2,910		)	923,975
Product cost of revenues	—			217,353			109,835			(813		)	326,375
Total cost of revenues	—			833,293			420,780			(3,723		)	1,250,350
Selling, general and administrative expenses	55			185,445			65,582			—			251,082
Accretion of environmental liabilities	—			4,837			877			—			5,714
Depreciation and amortization	—			81,509			45,965			—			127,474
Income from operations	(55		)	42,485			45,641			—			88,071
Other income (expense)	—			2,969			(789		)	—			2,180
Interest (expense) income	(39,564		)	—			106			—			(39,458		)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	75,327			35,976			—			(111,303		)	—
Intercompany dividend income	—			—			6,968			(6,968		)	—
Intercompany interest income (expense)	—			20,307			(20,307		)	—			—
Income before provision for income taxes	35,708			101,737			31,619			(118,271		)	50,793
Provision for income taxes	2,304			6,535			8,550			—			17,389
Net income	33,404			95,202			23,069			(118,271		)	33,404
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(59,367		)	(59,367		)	30,457			28,910			(59,367		)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(25,963	)	$	35,835		$	53,526		$	(89,361	)	$	(25,963	)
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of cash flows	'
	Following is the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Net cash from operating activities	$	16,864		$	35,046		$	63,034		$	114,944
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Additions to property, plant and equipment	—			(90,515		)	(47,671		)	(138,186		)
	Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	—			1,015			1,971			2,986
	Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			(6,150		)	—			(6,150		)
	Costs to obtain or renew permits	—			(477		)	(2,414		)	(2,891		)
	Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	—			—			12,947			12,947
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			(96,127		)	(35,167		)	(131,294		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Change in uncashed checks	—			4,595			(1,433		)	3,162
	Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	4,364			—			—			4,364
	Remittance of shares, net	(2,215		)	—			—			(2,215		)
	Repurchases of common stock	(14,657		)	—			—			(14,657		)
	Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	644			—			—			644
	Payments on capital leases	—			(87		)	(1,103		)	(1,190		)
	Repayment of long-term obligations	(5,000		)	—			—			(5,000		)
	Dividends (paid) / received	—			(7,412		)	7,412			—
	Interest received / (payments)	—			22,361			(22,361		)	—
	Net cash from financing activities	(16,864		)	19,457			(17,485		)	(14,892		)
	Effect of exchange rate change on cash	—			—			(187		)	(187		)
	(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(41,624		)	10,195			(31,429		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,006			235,445			73,622			310,073
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,006		$	193,821		$	83,817		$	278,644
	Following is the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Net cash from operating activities	$	(36,459	)	$	84,226		$	89,845		$	137,612
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Additions to property, plant and equipment	—			(62,818		)	(78,648		)	(141,466		)
	Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	—			803			1,391			2,194
	Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			—			—
	Costs to obtain or renew permits	—			(212		)	(1,957		)	(2,169		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			(62,227		)	(79,214		)	(141,441		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Change in uncashed checks	—			37,118			3,238			40,356
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options	399			—			—			399
	Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	3,391			—			—			3,391
	Remittance of shares, net	(169		)	—			—			(169		)
	Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	1,326			—			—			1,326
	Deferred financing costs paid	(2,446		)	—			—			(2,446		)
	Payments of capital leases	—			(164		)	(2,424		)	(2,588		)
	Issuance costs related to 2012 issuance of common stock	(250		)	—			—			(250		)
	Dividends (paid) / received	—			(6,989		)	6,989			—
	Interest received / (payments)	—			21,780			(21,780		)	—
	Net cash from financing activities	2,251			51,745			(13,977		)	40,019
	Effect of exchange rate change on cash	—			—			(2,548		)	(2,548		)
	(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(34,208		)	73,744			(5,894		)	33,642
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	35,214			140,683			53,939			229,836
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,006		$	214,427		$	48,045		$	263,478

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Evergree

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Evergreen Oil, Inc) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 13, 2013	30-May-14	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
			Evergreen Oil, Inc	Evergreen Oil, Inc	Privately Owned Domestic Company	Preliminary Allocations	Measurement Period Adjustments
						Evergreen Oil, Inc	Evergreen Oil, Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding common shares acquired (as a percent)	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'	'
Summary of recognized assets acquired and liabilities assumed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Inventories and supplies	'	'	$1,089,000	'	'	$1,089,000	$0
Prepaid and other current assets	'	'	1,018,000	'	'	1,291,000	-273,000
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	40,563,000	'	'	40,563,000	0
Permits and other intangibles	'	'	17,100,000	'	'	17,100,000	0
Deferred tax assets, less current portion	'	'	0	'	'	2,368,000	-2,368,000
Other assets	'	'	3,368,000	'	'	3,607,000	-239,000
Current liabilities	'	'	-5,980,000	'	'	-6,198,000	218,000
Closure and post-closure liabilities	'	'	-659,000	'	'	-659,000	0
Remedial liabilities, less current portion	'	'	-1,640,000	'	'	-2,103,000	463,000
Deferred taxes, unrecognized tax benefits and other long-term liabilities	'	'	-2,059,000	'	'	-1,139,000	-920,000
Total identifiable net assets	'	'	52,800,000	'	'	55,919,000	-3,119,000
Goodwill	578,974,000	570,960,000	3,518,000	'	'	0	3,518,000
Total	'	'	56,318,000	'	'	55,919,000	399,000
Purchase price of acquisition	'	'	'	'	$6,200,000	'	'

MARKETABLE_SECURITIES_Details

MARKETABLE SECURITIES (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
			Other Income	Other Income
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities	$0	$12,435,000	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain on marketable securities	'	'	$100,000	$3,400,000

INVENTORIES_AND_SUPPLIES_Detai

INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Oil and oil products	$62,563	$59,639
Supplies and drums	72,172	64,471
Solvent and solutions	9,639	10,100
Other	17,418	17,886
Total inventories and supplies	$161,792	$152,096

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_D

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$2,538,611	$2,417,364
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	927,313	815,194
Total property, plant and equipment, net	1,611,298	1,602,170
Land	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	100,194	99,794
Asset retirement costs (non-landfill)	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	10,936	10,938
Landfill assets	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	105,569	100,983
Buildings and improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	333,930	327,956
Camp equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	186,622	187,831
Vehicles	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	459,594	425,296
Equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,272,036	1,201,296
Furniture and fixtures	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	5,471	5,260
Construction in progress	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$64,259	$58,010

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Rollforward of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	$570,960
Acquired from acquisitions	4,852
Increase from adjustments during the measurement period related to Evergreen	3,518
Foreign currency translation	-356
Balance at June 30, 2014	$578,974

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$578,974	$570,960
Oil Re-refining and Recycling	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage Fair Value Exceeded Carrying Value	'	10.00%
Goodwill	174,739	171,161
Oil and Gas Field Services	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage Fair Value Exceeded Carrying Value	'	10.00%
Goodwill	$36,400	$36,506

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Amortizable Other Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	$567,106,000	'	$567,106,000	'	$564,525,000
Accumulated Amortization	138,045,000	'	138,045,000	'	119,190,000
Net	429,061,000	'	429,061,000	'	445,335,000
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (in years)	'	'	'11 years 248 days	'	'12 years 2 months 12 days
Total permits and other intangible assets, Cost	691,703,000	'	691,703,000	'	689,163,000
Total permits and other intangible assets, Net	553,658,000	'	553,658,000	'	569,973,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	8,900,000	8,800,000	18,400,000	17,100,000	'
Trademarks and trade names	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset, Cost	124,597,000	'	124,597,000	'	124,638,000
Permits	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	158,633,000	'	158,633,000	'	157,327,000
Accumulated Amortization	53,278,000	'	53,278,000	'	50,858,000
Net	105,355,000	'	105,355,000	'	106,469,000
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (in years)	'	'	'19 years 328 days	'	'19 years 7 months 6 days
Customer and supplier relationships	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	377,686,000	'	377,686,000	'	377,899,000
Accumulated Amortization	66,925,000	'	66,925,000	'	52,814,000
Net	310,761,000	'	310,761,000	'	325,085,000
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (in years)	'	'	'11 years 146 days	'	'12 years 1 month 6 days
Other intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	30,787,000	'	30,787,000	'	29,299,000
Accumulated Amortization	17,842,000	'	17,842,000	'	15,518,000
Net	$12,945,000	'	$12,945,000	'	$13,781,000
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (in years)	'	'	'3 years 36 days	'	'3 years 3 months 18 days

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_5

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Expected Future Amortization) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
2014 (six months)	$17,932	'
2015	35,607	'
2016	34,789	'
2017	32,743	'
2018	30,038	'
Thereafter	277,952	'
Net	$429,061	$445,335

ACCRUED_EXPENSES_Details

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Insurance	$62,969	$57,993
Interest	20,666	20,731
Accrued compensation and benefits	62,032	60,902
Income, real estate, sales and other taxes	46,838	38,938
Other	52,863	58,265
Total accrued expenses	$245,368	$236,829

CLOSURE_AND_POSTCLOSURE_LIABIL2

CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Changes to post-closure liabilities	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	$47,085
New asset retirement obligations	1,914
Accretion	2,199
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	96
Changes in estimates recorded to balance sheet	363
Expenditures	-1,766
Currency translation and other	-9
Balance at June 30, 2014	49,882
Credit-adjusted risk-free rate (as a percent)	6.54%
Landfill Retirement Liability	'
Changes to post-closure liabilities	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	27,604
New asset retirement obligations	1,914
Accretion	1,278
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	-142
Changes in estimates recorded to balance sheet	363
Expenditures	-1,322
Currency translation and other	1
Balance at June 30, 2014	29,696
Non-Landfill Retirement Liability	'
Changes to post-closure liabilities	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	19,481
New asset retirement obligations	0
Accretion	921
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	238
Changes in estimates recorded to balance sheet	0
Expenditures	-444
Currency translation and other	-10
Balance at June 30, 2014	$20,186

REMEDIAL_LIABILITIES_Details

REMEDIAL LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	$172,498
Adjustments during the measurement period related to Evergreen	-518
Accretion	3,134
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	-1,525
Expenditures	-5,677
Currency translation and other	-85
Balance at June 30, 2014	167,827
Remedial Liabilities for Landfill Sites	'
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	5,624
Adjustments during the measurement period related to Evergreen	0
Accretion	133
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	-126
Expenditures	-57
Currency translation and other	-10
Balance at June 30, 2014	5,564
Remedial Liabilities for Inactive Sites	'
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	74,262
Adjustments during the measurement period related to Evergreen	0
Accretion	1,534
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	-2,467
Expenditures	-2,489
Currency translation and other	7
Balance at June 30, 2014	70,847
Remedial Liabilities (Including Superfund) for Non-Landfill Operations	'
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at January 1, 2014	92,612
Adjustments during the measurement period related to Evergreen	-518
Accretion	1,467
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	1,068
Expenditures	-3,131
Currency translation and other	-82
Balance at June 30, 2014	$91,416

FINANCING_ARRANGEMENTS_Details

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 07, 2012
			Unsecured Debt	Unsecured Debt	Unsecured Debt	Unsecured Debt	Unsecured Debt	Unsecured Debt
			Unsecured Senior Notes 2020	Unsecured Senior Notes 2020	Unsecured Senior Notes 2020	Unsecured Senior Notes 2021	Unsecured Senior Notes 2021	Unsecured Senior Notes 2021
Financing arrangements	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior unsecured notes	'	'	$800,000,000	$800,000,000	'	$595,000,000	$600,000,000	'
Long-term obligations	1,395,000,000	1,400,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior unsecured notes principal amount	'	'	'	'	800,000,000	'	'	600,000,000
Stated interest rate	'	'	5.25%	5.25%	5.25%	5.13%	5.13%	5.13%
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	'	'	806,500,000	804,200,000	'	607,300,000	601,600,000	'
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	0	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility available borrowing capacity	287,800,000	259,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Letters of credit amount outstanding	$112,200,000	$140,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
The Company's effective tax rate (as a percent)	39.10%	35.10%	38.90%	34.20%	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$1.30	'	$1.30	'	$1.30
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest	0.2	'	0.2	'	0.2
Foreign and State	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of decrease in unrecognized tax benefits that, if realized, will impact the effective tax rate	$0.10	'	$0.10	'	'

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$28,672	$22,902	$37,632	$33,404
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Basic shares outstanding	60,665	60,550	60,695	60,507
Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation awards (in shares)	113	137	127	151
Dilutive shares outstanding	60,778	60,687	60,822	60,658
Basic earnings per share (in USD per share)	$0.47	$0.38	$0.62	$0.55
Diluted earnings per share (in USD per share)	$0.47	$0.38	$0.62	$0.55

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Text_Detail

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Text) (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Outstanding Stock Awards	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares excluded from computation of earning per share (in shares)	228,000	171,000	228,000	171,000
Restricted Stock Awards	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares excluded from computation of earning per share (in shares)	5,270	'	5,270	'

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Components of Other Accumulated Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	($19,556)	'
Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	'	'	-2,471	'
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	-3,361	'
Tax effects	'	'	363	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	36,056	-35,506	-5,469	-59,367
Ending balance	-25,025	'	-25,025	'
Foreign Currency Translation	'	'	'	'
Components of Other Accumulated Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	-20,164	'
Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	'	'	-3,411	'
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	0	'
Tax effects	'	'	0	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	-3,411	'
Ending balance	-23,575	'	-23,575	'
Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Available-For-Sale Securities	'	'	'	'
Components of Other Accumulated Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	1,904	'
Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	'	'	940	'
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	-53	'	-3,361	'
Tax effects	'	'	363	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	-2,058	'
Ending balance	-154	'	-154	'
Unfunded Pension Liability	'	'	'	'
Components of Other Accumulated Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	-1,296	'
Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	'	'	0	'
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	0	'
Tax effects	'	'	0	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	0	'
Ending balance	($1,296)	'	($1,296)	'

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Other (expense) income	'	$3,361
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Other (expense) income	$53	$3,361

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Shares	233,237	237,737
Restricted stock awards	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Shares	103,130	107,630
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	61.85	61.55
Performance stock awards	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Shares	130,107	130,107
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	62.2	62.2

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_STOCKB

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Feb. 25, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	'	$150,000,000
Repurchases of common stock	16,219,000	'
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	133,800,000	'
Common Stock	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)	273,000	'
Repurchases of common stock	3,000	'
Additional Paid-in Capital	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Repurchases of common stock	$16,216,000	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2010

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 1999

Dec. 31, 1968

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2002

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

customer

USD ($)

USD ($)

Legal and Administrative Proceedings

Legal and Administrative Proceedings

Ville Mercier

Ville Mercier

Ville Mercier

Ville Mercier

Ville Mercier

Superfund Proceedings

Wichita Property

Certain Other Third Party Sites

Safety-Kleen

Federal and State Enforcement Actions [Member]

Federal and State Enforcement Actions [Member]

claims

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

Municipalities

Permits

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

acre

sites

sites

USD ($)

USD ($)

Proceedings

sites

Proceedings

Proceedings

facilties

Contingencies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recorded reserves for actual or probable liabilities

'

$44,400,000

$41,700,000

$35,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$9,200,000

'

Possible increase in legal and administrative proceedings

'

'

'

3,500,000

3,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of permits issued by government, for dumping organic liquid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of neighboring municipalities filing separate legal proceedings against the Mercier Subsidiary and the Government of Quebec

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

General Damages Sought

'

'

'

'

'

2,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Punitive Damages Sought

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued remedial liabilities

'

167,827,000

172,498,000

'

'

'

'

'

13,900,000

13,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of pending personal injury claims allegedly resulting from the used of Safety-Kleen's products

'

64

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

5

Number of product liability claims settled or dismissed

'

8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of customers filing a complaint

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of sites owned by third party excluded from cleanup or related liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125

'

'

'

'

'

Number of sites owned by the entity subject to proceedings under federal or state superfund laws

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

Notices received from owners of third party sites seeking indemnification from the company

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

123

'

'

'

'

'

Number of sites for which environmental remediation expense is settled

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29

'

'

'

'

'

Third party sites requiring expenditure on remediation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

'

'

Number of sites not currently requiring expenditures on remediation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

74

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum potential liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000

'

'

'

$100,000

$100,000

Number of sites which potential liability could exceed $100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15

'

'

'

'

'

State-designated superfund site acquired, total acres

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,400

'

'

'

'

Indemnification agreement with third party sites

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11

'

'

'

Notices received from owners of third party sites seeking indemnification from the company

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

'

'

16

'

'

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Details

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$858,480	$860,528	$1,705,147	$1,722,691
Third party revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	858,480	860,528	1,705,147	1,722,691
Intersegment revenues, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Corporate Items, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Direct revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	858,480	860,528	1,705,147	1,722,691
Technical Services | Third party revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	256,798	256,262	493,579	490,201
Technical Services | Intersegment revenues, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	40,082	25,789	77,516	50,208
Technical Services | Corporate Items, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	778	1,339	1,177	2,191
Technical Services | Direct revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	297,658	283,390	572,272	542,600
Industrial and Field Services | Third party revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	185,154	199,225	347,114	368,846
Industrial and Field Services | Intersegment revenues, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	-11,047	-12,680	-22,805	-26,440
Industrial and Field Services | Corporate Items, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	36	-128	191	-106
Industrial and Field Services | Direct revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	174,143	186,417	324,500	342,300
Oil Re-refining and Recycling | Third party revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	144,016	123,008	272,937	263,092
Oil Re-refining and Recycling | Intersegment revenues, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	-54,861	-48,261	-102,977	-98,287
Oil Re-refining and Recycling | Corporate Items, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	-5	0	-5	0
Oil Re-refining and Recycling | Direct revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	89,150	74,747	169,955	164,805
SK Environmental Services | Third party revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	171,324	166,523	332,712	326,325
SK Environmental Services | Intersegment revenues, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	23,307	32,207	43,264	67,077
SK Environmental Services | Corporate Items, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	0	0	-58	84
SK Environmental Services | Direct revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	194,631	198,730	375,918	393,486
Lodging Services | Third party revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	42,872	46,685	99,566	100,015
Lodging Services | Intersegment revenues, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	900	1,207	1,294	1,809
Lodging Services | Corporate Items, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	25	101	26	217
Lodging Services | Direct revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	43,797	47,993	100,886	102,041
Oil and Gas Field Services | Third party revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	58,177	68,444	158,949	183,607
Oil and Gas Field Services | Intersegment revenues, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	1,619	1,738	3,708	5,633
Oil and Gas Field Services | Corporate Items, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	-22	-49	-10	-200
Oil and Gas Field Services | Direct revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	59,774	70,133	162,647	189,040
Corporate Items | Third party revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	139	381	290	-9,395
Corporate Items | Intersegment revenues, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Corporate Items | Corporate Items, net	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	-812	-1,263	-1,321	-2,186
Corporate Items | Direct revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	($673)	($882)	($1,031)	($11,581)

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Details_2

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
			segment
Segment reporting information	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	'	'	6	'
Number of operations for which the revenues are insignificant	'	'	2	'
Adjusted EBITDA, Total	$135,799	$123,590	$237,785	$234,818
Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Income:	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax, non-cash acquisition accounting inventory adjustment	0	0	0	13,559
Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,609	2,879	5,333	5,714
Depreciation and amortization	66,075	67,468	135,431	127,474
Income from operations	67,115	53,243	97,021	88,071
Other expense (income)	655	-1,655	-3,523	-2,180
Interest expense, net of interest income	19,382	19,585	38,936	39,458
Income before provision for income taxes	47,078	35,313	61,608	50,793
Technical Services	'	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'	'
Adjusted EBITDA, Total	84,297	69,390	146,474	129,435
Industrial and Field Services	'	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'	'
Adjusted EBITDA, Total	30,716	34,760	47,088	48,572
Oil Re-refining and Recycling	'	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'	'
Adjusted EBITDA, Total	15,196	12,752	27,779	28,098
SK Environmental Services	'	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'	'
Adjusted EBITDA, Total	31,307	34,076	54,132	61,082
Lodging Services	'	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'	'
Adjusted EBITDA, Total	15,487	19,259	33,224	41,560
Oil and Gas Field Services	'	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'	'
Adjusted EBITDA, Total	1,812	4,144	18,143	31,928
Corporate Items	'	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'	'
Adjusted EBITDA, Total	($43,016)	($50,791)	($89,055)	($105,857)

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Details_3

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details 3) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	$1,611,298	$1,602,170
Goodwill	578,974	570,960
Permits and other intangible, net	553,658	569,973
Total assets	3,932,443	3,953,678
Technical Services	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	408,977	400,544
Goodwill	50,432	45,599
Permits and other intangible, net	78,669	80,302
Total assets	751,444	699,675
Industrial and Field Services	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	260,083	251,826
Goodwill	109,785	109,873
Permits and other intangible, net	19,747	21,147
Total assets	416,912	410,233
Oil Re-refining and Recycling	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	208,630	211,458
Goodwill	174,739	171,161
Permits and other intangible, net	156,882	160,807
Total assets	670,797	642,901
SK Environmental Services	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	245,513	239,650
Goodwill	172,223	172,309
Permits and other intangible, net	259,691	265,106
Total assets	742,795	774,756
Lodging Services	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	156,730	166,252
Goodwill	35,395	35,512
Permits and other intangible, net	12,936	14,730
Total assets	237,671	239,056
Oil and Gas Field Services	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	229,017	224,585
Goodwill	36,400	36,506
Permits and other intangible, net	25,733	27,881
Total assets	390,314	381,057
Corporate Items	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	102,348	107,855
Goodwill	0	0
Permits and other intangible, net	0	0
Total assets	$722,510	$806,000

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Details_4

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details 4) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$3,932,443	$3,953,678
United States	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	2,695,931	2,684,686
Canada	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	1,233,547	1,266,505
Other foreign	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$2,965	$2,487

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB2

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$278,644	$310,073	$263,478	$229,836
Intercompany receivables	0	0	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	575,187	579,394	'	'
Other current assets	296,460	281,712	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,611,298	1,602,170	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Intercompany debt receivable	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	578,974	570,960	'	'
Permits and other intangibles, net	553,658	569,973	'	'
Other long-term assets	38,222	39,396	'	'
Total assets	3,932,443	3,953,678	'	'
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	606,266	639,545	'	'
Intercompany payables	0	0	'	'
Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	181,666	190,112	'	'
Long-term obligations	1,395,000	1,400,000	'	'
Capital lease obligations, net	827	1,435	'	'
Intercompany debt payable	0	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	249,968	246,947	'	'
Total liabilities	2,433,727	2,478,039	'	'
Stockholders’ equity	1,498,716	1,475,639	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,932,443	3,953,678	'	'
Clean Harbors, Inc.	'	'	'	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,006	1,006	1,006	35,214
Intercompany receivables	237,556	269,580	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	0	0	'	'
Other current assets	24,087	24,087	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	2,762,237	2,683,158	'	'
Intercompany debt receivable	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	'	0	'	'
Permits and other intangibles, net	'	0	'	'
Other long-term assets	25,457	23,770	'	'
Total assets	3,050,343	3,001,601	'	'
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	61,029	33,626	'	'
Intercompany payables	0	0	'	'
Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	0	0	'	'
Long-term obligations	1,395,000	1,400,000	'	'
Capital lease obligations, net	0	0	'	'
Intercompany debt payable	3,701	3,701	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	91,897	88,635	'	'
Total liabilities	1,551,627	1,525,962	'	'
Stockholders’ equity	1,498,716	1,475,639	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,050,343	3,001,601	'	'
U.S. Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	193,821	235,445	214,427	140,683
Intercompany receivables	2,446	2,448	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	399,423	387,006	'	'
Other current assets	194,211	182,881	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	961,240	945,280	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	760,718	967,186	'	'
Intercompany debt receivable	379,428	493,402	'	'
Goodwill	424,057	415,541	'	'
Permits and other intangibles, net	447,638	458,917	'	'
Other long-term assets	3,759	7,018	'	'
Total assets	3,766,741	4,095,124	'	'
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	429,490	466,454	'	'
Intercompany payables	321,533	499,749	'	'
Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	150,250	158,298	'	'
Long-term obligations	0	0	'	'
Capital lease obligations, net	129	191	'	'
Intercompany debt payable	0	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	103,102	103,125	'	'
Total liabilities	1,004,504	1,227,817	'	'
Stockholders’ equity	2,762,237	2,867,307	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,766,741	4,095,124	'	'
Foreign Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	83,817	73,622	48,045	53,939
Intercompany receivables	84,029	230,224	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	175,764	192,388	'	'
Other current assets	78,162	74,744	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	650,058	656,890	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	0	144,953	'	'
Intercompany debt receivable	3,701	3,701	'	'
Goodwill	154,917	155,419	'	'
Permits and other intangibles, net	106,020	111,056	'	'
Other long-term assets	9,006	8,608	'	'
Total assets	1,345,474	1,651,605	'	'
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	115,747	139,465	'	'
Intercompany payables	2,498	2,503	'	'
Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	31,416	31,814	'	'
Long-term obligations	0	0	'	'
Capital lease obligations, net	698	1,244	'	'
Intercompany debt payable	379,428	493,402	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	54,969	55,187	'	'
Total liabilities	584,756	723,615	'	'
Stockholders’ equity	760,718	927,990	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,345,474	1,651,605	'	'
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	'	'
Intercompany receivables	-324,031	-502,252	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	'	0	'	'
Other current assets	0	0	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	-3,522,955	-3,795,297	'	'
Intercompany debt receivable	-383,129	-497,103	'	'
Goodwill	'	0	'	'
Permits and other intangibles, net	'	0	'	'
Other long-term assets	0	0	'	'
Total assets	-4,230,115	-4,794,652	'	'
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	0	0	'	'
Intercompany payables	-324,031	-502,252	'	'
Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	0	0	'	'
Long-term obligations	0	0	'	'
Capital lease obligations, net	0	0	'	'
Intercompany debt payable	-383,129	-497,103	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities	-707,160	-999,355	'	'
Stockholders’ equity	-3,522,955	-3,795,297	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	($4,230,115)	($4,794,652)	'	'

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB3

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Condensed Consolidating Statements of (Loss) Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Service revenues	$665,275	$673,872	$1,325,370	$1,346,494
Product revenues	193,205	186,656	379,777	376,197
Total revenues	858,480	860,528	1,705,147	1,722,691
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)	'	'	'	'
Service cost of revenues	445,757	455,603	912,556	923,975
Product cost of revenues	161,193	158,723	320,113	326,375
Total cost of revenues	606,950	614,326	1,232,669	1,250,350
Selling, general and administrative expenses	115,731	122,612	234,693	251,082
Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,609	2,879	5,333	5,714
Depreciation and amortization	66,075	67,468	135,431	127,474
Income from operations	67,115	53,243	97,021	88,071
Other (expense) income	-655	1,655	3,523	2,180
Interest (expense) income	-19,382	-19,585	-38,936	-39,458
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Intercompany dividend income	0	0	0	0
Intercompany interest income (expense)	0	0	0	0
Income before provision for income taxes	47,078	35,313	61,608	50,793
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	18,406	12,411	23,976	17,389
Net income (loss)	28,672	22,902	37,632	33,404
Other comprehensive income (loss)	36,056	-35,506	-5,469	-59,367
Comprehensive income (loss)	64,728	-12,604	32,163	-25,963
Clean Harbors, Inc.	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Service revenues	'	0	'	0
Product revenues	'	0	'	0
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)	'	'	'	'
Service cost of revenues	'	0	'	0
Product cost of revenues	'	0	'	0
Total cost of revenues	0	0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	25	30	56	55
Accretion of environmental liabilities	0	0	'	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	'	0
Income from operations	-25	-30	-56	-55
Other (expense) income	0	0	'	0
Interest (expense) income	-19,612	-19,764	-39,346	-39,564
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	54,436	45,106	84,545	75,327
Intercompany dividend income	0	0	0	0
Intercompany interest income (expense)	'	0	'	0
Income before provision for income taxes	34,799	25,312	45,143	35,708
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	6,127	2,410	7,511	2,304
Net income (loss)	28,672	22,902	37,632	33,404
Other comprehensive income (loss)	36,056	-35,506	-5,469	-59,367
Comprehensive income (loss)	64,728	-12,604	32,163	-25,963
U.S. Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Service revenues	476,268	497,731	920,142	896,966
Product revenues	151,667	89,740	286,542	250,603
Total revenues	627,935	587,471	1,206,684	1,147,569
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)	'	'	'	'
Service cost of revenues	317,861	341,768	622,502	615,940
Product cost of revenues	118,560	73,712	233,488	217,353
Total cost of revenues	436,421	415,480	855,990	833,293
Selling, general and administrative expenses	82,513	89,884	170,066	185,445
Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,219	2,437	4,567	4,837
Depreciation and amortization	41,289	44,220	84,021	81,509
Income from operations	65,493	35,450	92,040	42,485
Other (expense) income	-123	2,249	786	2,969
Interest (expense) income	216	0	446	0
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	3,393	14,563	11,855	35,976
Intercompany dividend income	'	0	'	0
Intercompany interest income (expense)	9,497	9,969	18,881	20,307
Income before provision for income taxes	78,476	62,231	124,008	101,737
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	13,586	7,009	17,691	6,535
Net income (loss)	64,890	55,222	106,317	95,202
Other comprehensive income (loss)	36,056	-35,506	-5,469	-59,367
Comprehensive income (loss)	100,946	19,716	100,848	35,835
Foreign Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Service revenues	194,579	171,019	413,584	452,438
Product revenues	43,136	95,465	95,629	126,407
Total revenues	237,715	266,484	509,213	578,845
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)	'	'	'	'
Service cost of revenues	133,468	108,713	298,410	310,945
Product cost of revenues	44,231	83,560	89,019	109,835
Total cost of revenues	177,699	192,273	387,429	420,780
Selling, general and administrative expenses	33,193	32,698	64,571	65,582
Accretion of environmental liabilities	390	442	766	877
Depreciation and amortization	24,786	23,248	51,410	45,965
Income from operations	1,647	17,823	5,037	45,641
Other (expense) income	-532	-594	2,737	-789
Interest (expense) income	14	179	-36	106
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	0	0	'	0
Intercompany dividend income	3,138	3,323	6,238	6,968
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-9,497	-9,969	-18,881	-20,307
Income before provision for income taxes	-5,230	10,762	-4,905	31,619
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-1,307	2,992	-1,226	8,550
Net income (loss)	-3,923	7,770	-3,679	23,069
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-42,927	18,685	-23,245	30,457
Comprehensive income (loss)	-46,850	26,455	-26,924	53,526
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Service revenues	-5,572	5,122	-8,356	-2,910
Product revenues	-1,598	1,451	-2,394	-813
Total revenues	-7,170	6,573	-10,750	-3,723
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)	'	'	'	'
Service cost of revenues	-5,572	5,122	-8,356	-2,910
Product cost of revenues	-1,598	1,451	-2,394	-813
Total cost of revenues	-7,170	6,573	-10,750	-3,723
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0	0	0	0
Accretion of environmental liabilities	0	0	'	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Income from operations	0	0	0	0
Other (expense) income	0	0	'	0
Interest (expense) income	0	0	'	0
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	-57,829	-59,669	-96,400	-111,303
Intercompany dividend income	-3,138	-3,323	-6,238	-6,968
Intercompany interest income (expense)	'	0	'	0
Income before provision for income taxes	-60,967	-62,992	-102,638	-118,271
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	'	0	'	0
Net income (loss)	-60,967	-62,992	-102,638	-118,271
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,871	16,821	28,714	28,910
Comprehensive income (loss)	($54,096)	($46,171)	($73,924)	($89,361)

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB4

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	$114,944	$137,612
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-138,186	-141,466
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	2,986	2,194
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-6,150	0
Costs to obtain or renew permits	-2,891	-2,169
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	12,947	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-131,294	-141,441
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Change in uncashed checks	3,162	40,356
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	399
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	4,364	3,391
Remittance of shares, net	-2,215	-169
Repurchases of common stock	-14,657	0
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	644	1,326
Deferred financing costs paid	0	-2,446
Payments on capital leases	-1,190	-2,588
Repayment of long-term obligations	-5,000	0
Issuance costs related to 2012 issuance of common stock	0	-250
Dividends (paid) / received	0	0
Interest received / (payments)	0	0
Net cash from financing activities	-14,892	40,019
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	-187	-2,548
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-31,429	33,642
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	310,073	229,836
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	278,644	263,478
Clean Harbors, Inc.	'	'
Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	16,864	-36,459
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	0	0
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	0	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0
Costs to obtain or renew permits	0	0
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	0	'
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Change in uncashed checks	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	'	399
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	4,364	3,391
Remittance of shares, net	-2,215	-169
Repurchases of common stock	-14,657	'
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	644	1,326
Deferred financing costs paid	'	-2,446
Payments on capital leases	0	0
Repayment of long-term obligations	-5,000	'
Issuance costs related to 2012 issuance of common stock	'	-250
Dividends (paid) / received	0	0
Interest received / (payments)	0	0
Net cash from financing activities	-16,864	2,251
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	0	0
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	0	-34,208
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,006	35,214
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,006	1,006
U.S. Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	35,046	84,226
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-90,515	-62,818
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	1,015	803
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-6,150	0
Costs to obtain or renew permits	-477	-212
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	0	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-96,127	-62,227
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Change in uncashed checks	4,595	37,118
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	'	0
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	0	0
Remittance of shares, net	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	'
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	0	0
Deferred financing costs paid	'	0
Payments on capital leases	-87	-164
Repayment of long-term obligations	0	'
Issuance costs related to 2012 issuance of common stock	'	0
Dividends (paid) / received	-7,412	-6,989
Interest received / (payments)	22,361	21,780
Net cash from financing activities	19,457	51,745
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	0	0
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-41,624	73,744
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	235,445	140,683
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	193,821	214,427
Foreign Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows	'	'
Net cash from operating activities	63,034	89,845
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-47,671	-78,648
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	1,971	1,391
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0
Costs to obtain or renew permits	-2,414	-1,957
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	12,947	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-35,167	-79,214
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Change in uncashed checks	-1,433	3,238
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	'	0
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	0	0
Remittance of shares, net	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	'
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	0	0
Deferred financing costs paid	'	0
Payments on capital leases	-1,103	-2,424
Repayment of long-term obligations	0	'
Issuance costs related to 2012 issuance of common stock	'	0
Dividends (paid) / received	7,412	6,989
Interest received / (payments)	-22,361	-21,780
Net cash from financing activities	-17,485	-13,977
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	-187	-2,548
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	10,195	-5,894
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	73,622	53,939
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$83,817	$48,045