Clean Harbors (CLH) 10-Q 7 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	1-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CLEAN HARBORS INC
Entity Central Index Key	822818
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		58,666,636

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$233,739	$246,879
Accounts receivable, net of allowances aggregating $26,358 and $25,661, respectively	521,563	557,131
Unbilled accounts receivable	33,333	40,775
Deferred costs	18,880	19,018
Inventories and supplies	143,052	168,663
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	56,263	57,435
Deferred tax assets	36,355	36,532
Total current assets	1,043,185	1,126,433
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,502,497	1,558,834
Other assets:
Deferred financing costs	16,761	17,580
Goodwill	445,412	452,669
Permits and other intangibles, net	520,045	530,080
Other	18,142	18,682
Total other assets	1,000,360	1,019,011
Total assets	3,546,042	3,704,278
Current liabilities:
Current portion of capital lease obligations	116	536
Accounts payable	244,216	267,329
Deferred revenue	62,677	62,966
Accrued expenses	187,728	219,549
Current portion of closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities	25,124	22,091
Total current liabilities	519,861	572,471
Other liabilities:
Closure and post-closure liabilities, less current portion of $8,272 and $4,999, respectively	42,848	45,702
Remedial liabilities, less current portion of $16,852 and $17,092, respectively	132,893	138,029
Long-term obligations	1,395,000	1,395,000
Deferred taxes, unrecognized tax benefits and other long-term liabilities	292,591	290,205
Total other liabilities	1,863,332	1,868,936
Commitments and contingent liabilities (See Note 15)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value: Authorized 80,000,000; shares issued and outstanding 58,661,384 and 58,903,482 shares, respectively	587	589
Shares held under employee participation plan	-469	-469
Additional paid-in capital	789,501	805,029
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-188,245	-110,842
Accumulated earnings	561,475	568,564
Total stockholders’ equity	1,162,849	1,262,871
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$3,546,042	$3,704,278

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Account Receivable, allowances aggregating	$26,358	$25,661
Closure and post-closure liabilities, current portion	8,272	4,999
Remedial liabilities, current portion	$16,852	$17,092
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, authorized shares	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	58,661,384	58,903,482
Common stock, outstanding shares	58,661,384	58,903,482

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Service revenues	$596,330	$660,095
Product revenues	136,169	186,572
Total revenues	732,499	846,667
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Service revenues	416,390	466,799
Product revenues	130,117	158,920
Total cost of revenues	546,507	625,719
Selling, general and administrative expenses	107,715	118,962
Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,619	2,724
Depreciation and amortization	68,356	69,356
Income from operations	7,302	29,906
Other income	409	4,178
Interest expense, net of interest income of $151 and $205, respectively	-19,438	-19,554
(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes	-11,727	14,530
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	-4,638	5,570
Net (loss) income	($7,089)	$8,960
(Loss) earnings per share:
Basic (in USD per share)	($0.12)	$0.15
Diluted (in USD per share)	($0.12)	$0.15
Shares used to compute (loss) earnings per share - Basic	58,875	60,720
Shares used to compute (loss) earnings per share - Diluted	58,875	60,861

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Interest income	$151	$205

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	($7,089)	$8,960
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes of $0, $152)	0	860
Reclassification adjustment for gains on available-for-sale securities included in net (loss) income (net of taxes of $0, $496)	0	-2,812
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-77,403	-39,573
Other comprehensive loss	-77,403	-41,525
Comprehensive loss	($84,492)	($32,565)

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, taxes	$0	($152)
Reclassification adjustment for gains on available-for-sale securities included in net (loss) income (net of taxes of $0, $496)	$0	$496

UNAUDITED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	($7,089)	$8,960
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	68,356	69,356
Allowance for doubtful accounts	2,204	2,086
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount	819	824
Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,619	2,724
Changes in environmental liability estimates	385	-821
Deferred income taxes	-903	0
Stock-based compensation	1,850	2,278
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	-5	-117
Net tax benefit on stock based awards	-111	117
Other income	-409	-4,178
Environmental expenditures	-5,604	-4,186
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
Accounts receivable and unbilled accounts receivable	27,065	-11,069
Inventories and supplies	22,131	-1,709
Other current assets	374	-15,722
Accounts payable	2,623	-23,374
Other current and long-term liabilities	-29,528	-20,573
Net cash from operating activities	84,777	4,596
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-52,949	-75,005
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	760	876
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	0	12,870
Additions to intangible assets, including costs to obtain or renew permits	-1,171	-1,075
Net cash used in investing activities	-53,360	-62,334
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in uncashed checks	-20,268	21
Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted	-1,154	-750
Repurchases of common stock	-15,379	-1,225
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	0	2,141
Payments on capital leases	-398	-638
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	5	117
Net cash from financing activities	-37,194	-334
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	-7,363	-2,994
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-13,140	-61,066
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	246,879	310,073
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	233,739	249,007
Cash payments for interest and income taxes:
Interest paid	21,667	21,436
Income taxes (received) paid	-3,790	5,389
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accrual for repurchased shares	736	0
Property, plant and equipment accrued	$22,832	$26,715

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, unless otherwise specified
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$1,262,871	$589	($469)	$805,029	($110,842)	$568,564
Balance beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		58,903
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net (loss) income	-7,089					-7,089
Other comprehensive loss	-77,403				-77,403
Stock-based compensation	1,850			1,850
Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted	-1,154	1		-1,155
Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted		44
Repurchases of common stock	-16,115	-3		-16,112
Repurchases of common stock		-286
Net tax benefit on stock-based awards	-111			-111
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2015	$1,162,849	$587	($469)	$789,501	($188,245)	$561,475
Balance ending of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015		58,661

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014.
	Reclassifications
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Company made changes to the manner in which it manages the business, makes operating decisions and assesses performance. These changes included the reassignment of certain departments among the Company's operating segments in line 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 amounts presented for all periods herein have been recast to reflect the impact of such changes. These reclassifications and adjustments had no effect on consolidated net income, comprehensive income, cash flows or stockholders' equity for any of the periods presented.
	During the third quarter of 2014, the Company aggregated the cash flow effects of the change in unbilled receivables with the change from accounts receivable in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Previously the cash flow effect of the change in unbilled receivables was aggregated with changes in other current assets. Prior year amounts have been recast to conform to the current year presentation.

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014. There have been no material changes in these policies or their application.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Standards implemented
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“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. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	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 currently effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810). The amendment provides guidance regarding amendments to the consolidation analysis. The amendments in this update are currently effective for annual reporting periods(including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2015.
	In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30). The amendment provides guidance regarding the simplification of the presentation of debt issuance costs. The amendments in this update are currently effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2015.
	The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the above standard to be implemented will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
	2015 Acquisitions
	On April 11, 2015, the Company acquired Thermo Fluids Inc. for a preliminary purchase price of $85.0 million in cash, subject to customary post-closing adjustments based upon finalized working capital amounts.
	2014 Acquisitions
	In 2014, the Company acquired the assets of two privately owned companies for approximately $16.1 million in cash, net of cash acquired. The purchase prices are subject to customary post-closing adjustments based upon finalized working capital amounts. The acquired companies have been integrated into the Technical Services and Lodging Services segments.

INVENTORIES_AND_SUPPLIES

INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES	INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES
	Inventories and supplies consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Oil and oil products	$	37,785	$	62,111
	Supplies and drums	66,487		68,547
	Solvent and solutions	9,627		9,355
	Modular camp accommodations	15,441		15,776
	Other	13,712		12,874
	Total inventories and supplies	$	143,052	$	168,663
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, other inventories consist primarily of cleaning fluids, such as absorbents and wipers, and automotive fluids, such as windshield washer fluid and antifreeze.

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Land	$	97,742	$	98,507
	Asset retirement costs (non-landfill)	10,812		10,871
	Landfill assets	116,889		110,984
	Buildings and improvements	334,282		338,242
	Camp equipment	163,434		180,575
	Vehicles	468,862		471,615
	Equipment	1,283,502		1,302,424
	Furniture and fixtures	5,379		5,517
	Construction in progress	53,086		45,605
		2,533,988		2,564,340
	Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,031,491		1,005,506
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,502,497	$	1,558,834
	Interest in the amount of $0.2 million and $22.0 thousand was capitalized to fixed assets during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, respectively. Depreciation expense, inclusive of landfill amortization was $57.4 million and $59.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, respectively.

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The changes to goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
		2015
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	452,669
	Increase from adjustments during the measurement period related to recent acquisitions	3,841
	Foreign currency translation	(11,098		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	445,412
	The Company assesses goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of December 31, or at an interim date 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, 2014 and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill for any reporting unit was necessary because the fair value of each of the reporting units exceeded that reporting unit's respective carrying value.
	As disclosed in the Company's annual report for the year ended December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Oil and Gas Field Services reporting unit did not significantly exceed its carrying amount. As a result of continued lower operating results caused by the depressed economic conditions and lower levels of activity in the Oil and Gas industry primarily in Western Canada, the Company continues to monitor the goodwill in this reporting unit for impairment. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company evaluated the reporting unit’s performance along with other business specific, and macroeconomic and industry factors. The Company concluded that as of March 31, 2015, no events or changes in circumstances have arisen which would indicate that the fair value of this reporting unit has more likely than not been reduced below its carrying amount. If the Oil & Gas Field Services reporting unit does not achieve the financial performance that the Company expects, it is reasonably possible that an impairment of goodwill may result.
	Below is a summary of amortizable other intangible assets (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
		Cost			Accumulated		Net		Weighted	Cost		Accumulated		Net		Weighted
					Amortization				Average			Amortization				Average
									Remaining Amortization							Remaining Amortization
									Period							Period
									(in years)							(in years)
	Permits	$	161,941		$	58,028	$	103,913	18.8	$	156,692	$	55,318	$	101,374	19
	Customer and supplier relationships	363,681			81,563		282,118		10.9	370,373		77,697		292,676		11
	Other intangible assets	30,477			19,081		11,396		2.8	31,540		19,074		12,466		3.2
	Total amortizable permits and other intangible assets	556,099			158,672		397,427		11.2	558,605		152,089		406,516		11.4
	Trademarks and trade names	122,618			—		122,618		Indefinite	123,564		—		123,564		Indefinite
	Total permits and other intangible assets	$	678,717		$	158,672	$	520,045		$	682,169	$	152,089	$	530,080
	Amortization expense of permits and other intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 was $11.0 million and $9.5 million, respectively.
	Below is the expected future amortization of the net carrying amount of finite-lived intangible assets at March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
	Years Ending December 31,	Expected Amortization
	2015 (nine months)	$	26,237
	2016	34,583
	2017	32,437
	2018	29,739
	2019	26,426
	Thereafter	248,005
		$	397,427

ACCRUED_EXPENSES

ACCRUED EXPENSES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
ACCRUED EXPENSES	ACCRUED EXPENSES
	Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Insurance	$	56,992	$	58,931
	Interest	17,630		20,527
	Accrued compensation and benefits	39,346		59,006
	Income, real estate, sales and other taxes	29,872		38,297
	Other	43,888		42,788
	Total accrued expenses	$	187,728	$	219,549

CLOSURE_AND_POSTCLOSURE_LIABIL

CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
		Landfill			Non-Landfill			Total
		Retirement			Retirement
		Liability			Liability
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	29,932		$	20,769		$	50,701
	New asset retirement obligations	753			—			753
	Accretion	682			496			1,178
	Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	—			(24		)	(24		)
	Changes in estimates recorded to balance sheet	(932		)	—			(932		)
	Expenditures	(246		)	(19		)	(265		)
	Currency translation and other	(196		)	(95		)	(291		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	29,993		$	21,127		$	51,120
	All of the landfill facilities included in the above were active as of March 31, 2015. New asset retirement obligations incurred during the first three months of 2015 were discounted at the credit-adjusted risk-free rate of 5.99%. There were no significant charges (benefits) in 2015 resulting from changes in estimates for closure and post-closure liabilities.

REMEDIAL_LIABILITIES

REMEDIAL LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]
REMEDIAL LIABILITIES	REMEDIAL LIABILITIES
	The changes to remedial liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 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, 2015	$	5,420		$	68,528		$	81,173		$	155,121
	Accretion	63			718			660			1,441
	Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(124		)	27			506			409
	Expenditures	(16		)	(1,045		)	(4,278		)	(5,339		)
	Currency translation and other	(220		)	(92		)	(1,575		)	(1,887		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	5,123		$	68,136		$	76,486		$	149,745
	In the three months ended March 31, 2015 there were no significant charges (benefits) resulting from changes in estimates for remedial liabilities.

FINANCING_ARRANGEMENTS

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
	The following table is a summary of the Company’s financing arrangements (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	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		595,000
	Long-term obligations	$	1,395,000	$	1,395,000
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Company's 2020 Notes was $818.0 million and $804.0 million, respectively, based on quoted market prices for the instrument. 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Company's 2021 Notes was $606.9 million and $595.0 million, respectively, based on quoted market prices for the instrument. 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 had no outstanding loan balances. At March 31, 2015, $209.6 million was available to borrow and outstanding letters of credit were $140.7 million. At December 31, 2014, $238.4 million was available to borrow and outstanding letters of credit were $134.5 million.
	Available credit for Clean Harbors, Inc. and its domestic subsidiaries is subject to 85% of their eligible accounts receivable and 100% of their cash deposited in a controlled account with the agent. The revolving credit facility is guaranteed by all of Parent’s domestic subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of Parent’s and its domestic subsidiaries’ assets. Available credit for Parent’s Canadian subsidiaries is subject to 85% of their eligible accounts receivable and 100% of their cash deposited in a controlled account with the agent’s Canadian affiliate. The obligations of the Canadian subsidiaries under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by all of Parent’s Canadian subsidiaries and secured by the accounts receivable of the Canadian subsidiaries, but the Canadian subsidiaries do not guarantee and are not otherwise responsible for the obligations of Parent or its domestic subsidiaries.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 39.5% compared to 38.3% for the same period in 2014. The increase in the effective rates for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is primarily due to the benefit realized from the release of an uncertain tax position that was recorded in the first quarter of 2015.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had recorded $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively, of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and $0.4 million of interest, respectively.
	Due to expiring statute of limitation periods, the Company believes that total unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $0.6 million within the next 12 months. This is the result of an audit settlement for one of our foreign entities.

LOSS_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE	(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following are computations of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share (in thousands except for per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator for basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share:
	Net (loss) income	$	(7,089	)	$	8,960
	Denominator:
	Basic shares outstanding	58,875			60,720
	Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation awards	—			141
	Dilutive shares outstanding	58,875			60,861
	Basic (loss) earnings per share:	$	(0.12	)	$	0.15
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share:	$	(0.12	)	$	0.15
	As a result of the net loss reported for the three months ended March 31, 2015, all outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards and performance awards totaling 539,983 were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the dilutive effect of all then outstanding options, restricted stock and performance awards is included in the EPS calculations above except for 101,059 of outstanding performance stock awards for which the performance criteria were not attained at that time.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Translation			Unfunded Pension Liability				Total
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	(108,889	)	$	(1,953	)		$	(110,842	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(77,403		)	—				(77,403		)
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(77,403	)	$	—			$	(77,403	)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(186,292	)	$	(1,953	)		$	(188,245	)
	The amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into the consolidated statement of income, with presentation location during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
			For the Three Months Ended
	Comprehensive Loss Components		March 31, 2015			March 31, 2014				Location
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments		$	—		$	(3,308	)		Other income

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	Total stock-based compensation cost charged to selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 was $1.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of income from stock-based compensation was $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	The following information relates to restricted stock awards that have been granted to employees and directors under the Company's Plans. The restricted stock awards are not transferable until vested and the restrictions generally lapse upon the achievement of continued employment over a three-to-five-year period or service as a director until the following annual meeting of shareholders. The fair value of each restricted stock grant is based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant and is amortized to expense over its vesting period.
	The following table summarizes information about restricted stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	Restricted Stock	Number of Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested January 1, 2015	383,021		$	56.51
	Granted	58,125		$	53.72
	Vested	(59,266	)	$	59.25
	Forfeited	(12,349	)	$	56.64
	Unvested March 31, 2015	369,531		$	55.63
	As of March 31, 2015, there was $14.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost arising from restricted stock awards under the Company's Plans. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.1 years. The total fair value of restricted stock vested during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 was $3.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
	Performance Stock Awards
	The following information relates to performance stock awards that have been granted to employees under the Company's Plans. Performance stock awards are subject to performance criteria established by the compensation committee of the Company's board of directors prior to or at the date of grant. The vesting of the performance stock awards is based on achieving such targets typically based on revenue, Adjusted EBITDA margin, ROIC percentage and Total Recordable Incident Rate. In addition performance stock awards include continued service conditions. The fair value of each performance stock award is based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant and is amortized to expense over the service period if achievement of performance measures is considered probable.
	The following table summarizes information about performance stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	Performance Stock	Number of Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested January 1, 2015	143,875		$	60.94
	Vested	(6,129	)	$	54.28
	Forfeited	(3,294	)	$	61.04
	Unvested March 31, 2015	134,452		$	61.25
	As of March 31, 2015, there was $0.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost arising from non-vested performance stock awards deemed probable of vesting under the Company's Plans. The total fair value of performance awards vested during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $0.3 million. No performance awards vested during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Common Stock Repurchases
	On March 13, 2015, the Company's board of directors increased the size of the Company’s current share repurchase program from $150 million to $300 million. As of March 31, 2015, we had repurchased and retired a total of approximately 2.3 million shares of our common stock for approximately $120.5 million under this program. As of March 31, 2015, an additional $179.5 million remains available for repurchase of shares under the current authorized program.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had recorded reserves of $29.8 million and $33.6 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company also believed that it was reasonably possible that the amount of these potential liabilities could be as much as $2.5 million and $2.9 million more, respectively. 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the $29.8 million and $33.6 million, respectively, of reserves consisted of (i) $24.1 million and $27.7 million related to pending legal or administrative proceedings, including Superfund liabilities, which were included in remedial liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, and (ii) $5.7 million and $5.9 million, respectively, primarily related to federal, state and provincial enforcement actions, which were included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets.
	As of March 31, 2015, the principal legal and administrative proceedings in which the Company was involved, or which had been terminated during 2015, 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. The parties are currently attempting to negotiate a resolution and hearings on the motions have been delayed. 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had accrued $11.6 million and $12.7 million, respectively, for remedial liabilities relating to the Ville Mercier legal proceedings. The decrease was primarily due to a weakening of the Canadian dollar.
	Refinery Incident. In September 2014, a customer filed suit against the Company and two other contractors and their respective insurers seeking to be named as an additional insured on the Company’s and the other contractors’ liability policies for an April 2013 industrial fire that occurred at the customer’s refining facility. The Company and its insurers have resolved the dispute relating to the customer’s additional insured status and the customer has agreed to indemnify the Company from any additional losses relating to the matter.  The Company does not believe that this matter will have a material effect on its financial position or the results of operations.
	Safety-Kleen Legal Proceedings. On December 28, 2012, the Company acquired Safety-Kleen, Inc. and thereby became subject to the legal proceedings in which Safety-Kleen and its subsidiaries (collectively "Safety-Kleen") were 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 March 31, 2015 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 54 proceedings (excluding cases which have been settled but not formally dismissed) as of March 31, 2015, 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 March 31, 2015. From January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2015, 11 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. On January 15, 2015, the Company reached a tentative settlement of the pending class action lawsuits, which were broadened to include similar claims on behalf of customers in Florida, West Virginia and Arkansas. The settlement must be approved by the court in a fairness hearing, which is anticipated to occur in June 2015. The exact settlement cost is not yet determinable, but it is not expected to be material.
	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 127 sites which are subject to or are proposed to become subject to proceedings under federal or state Superfund laws. Of the 127 sites, two (the Wichita Facility and the BR Facility described below) involve facilities that are now owned by the Company and 125 involve third party sites to which either the Company or the prior owners of certain of the Company’s facilities shipped wastes. Of the 125 third party sites, 29 are now settled, 22 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 12 of the 125 third party sites.
	Wichita Property.    The Company acquired in 2002 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, 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 125 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 125 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were three and four 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT REPORTING	SEGMENT REPORTING
	Segment reporting is prepared on the same basis that the Company's chief executive officer, who is the Company's chief operating decision maker, manages the business, makes operating decisions and assesses performance. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company reassigned 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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015												For the Three Months Ended March 31, 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	$	240,325		$	34,904		$	1,297		$	276,526		$	236,781	$	37,434		$	399		$	274,614
	Industrial and Field Services	146,868			(6,561		)	78			140,385			161,960		(11,758		)	155			150,357
	Oil Re-refining and Recycling	96,807			(18,257		)	(1		)	78,549			128,921		(48,116		)	—			80,805
	SK Environmental Services	160,684			(11,582		)	—			149,102			161,388		19,957			(58		)	181,287
	Lodging Services	34,104			164			17			34,285			56,694		394			1			57,089
	Oil and Gas Field Services	53,587			1,332			9			54,928			100,772		2,089			12			102,873
	Corporate Items	124			—			(1,400		)	(1,276		)	151		—			(509		)	(358		)
	Total	$	732,499		$	—		$	—		$	732,499		$	846,667	$	—		$	—		$	846,667
	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 (loss) income plus accretion of environmental liabilities, depreciation and amortization, net interest expense, (benefit) provision for income taxes, other non-cash charges not deemed representative of fundamental segment results and excludes other income. Transactions between the segments are accounted for at the Company’s best 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, other non-cash charges not deemed representative of fundamental segment results, and other (income) expense to its segments.
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Adjusted EBITDA:
	Technical Services	$	63,401		$	62,177
	Industrial and Field Services	10,309			16,372
	Oil Re-refining and Recycling	(4,476		)	12,583
	SK Environmental Services	27,249			22,825
	Lodging Services	6,910			17,737
	Oil and Gas Field Services	1,403			16,331
	Corporate Items	(26,519		)	(46,039		)
	Total	$	78,277		$	101,986
	Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income:
	Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,619			2,724
	Depreciation and amortization	68,356			69,356
	Income from operations	7,302			29,906
	Other income	(409		)	(4,178		)
	Interest expense, net of interest income	19,438			19,554
	(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes	$	(11,727	)	$	14,530
	The following table presents certain assets by reportable segment and in the aggregate (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15
		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	$	423,520		$	247,136		$	194,767		$	232,072		$	125,281	$	190,301		$	89,420		$	1,502,497
	Goodwill	49,667			107,193			50,303			171,906			35,030		31,313			—			445,412
	Permits and other intangible, net	77,280			16,814			147,598			249,003			9,389		19,961			—			520,045
	Total assets	$	764,557		$	394,345		$	503,987		$	711,062		$	206,871	$	323,265		$	641,955		$	3,546,042
		31-Dec-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	$	412,323		$	245,115		$	201,451		$	240,078		$	141,965	$	215,574		$	102,328		$	1,558,834
	Goodwill	50,092			109,214			50,883			173,873			34,863		33,744			—			452,669
	Permits and other intangible, net	74,870			17,801			151,041			252,897			10,744		22,727			—			530,080
	Total assets	$	756,169		$	392,652		$	538,921		$	731,072		$	231,782	$	361,223		$	692,459		$	3,704,278
	The following table presents total assets by geographical area (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	United States	$	2,528,087		$	2,572,494
	Canada	1,014,805			1,128,458
	Other foreign	3,150			3,326
	Total	$	3,546,042		$	3,704,278

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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.
	Revision of Previously Reported Condensed Consolidating Information - As discussed further in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, during preparation of the December 31, 2014 financial statements, management determined that certain amounts in the Company’s condensed consolidating financial information as previously presented in this Guarantor And Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries footnote for the period ended March 31, 2014 was not presented in accordance with the requirements of Rule 3-10 of SEC Regulation S-X (“Rule 3-10”). The accompanying financial information related to the period ended March 31, 2014 has therefore been revised to correct the historical presentation. The revisions primarily relate to the following items:
	•	(Benefit) provision for income taxes - Excess provision for income taxes was allocated to Clean Harbors, Inc. and under allocated to U.S. Guarantor Subsidiaries.
	•	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax - interest expense resulting from transactions between the U.S. Guarantor Subsidiaries and Foreign Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries was incorrectly excluded in the application of the equity method of accounting required by Rule 3-10 resulting in an overstatement of equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax, as reflected in the financial information for the U.S. Guarantor Subsidiaries.
	These revisions impacted the condensed consolidating information for the period ended March 31, 2014 as presented in this footnote only and did not affect any of the Company's consolidated financial statements or ratios based thereon. There was no impact to the Company's loan covenants as a result of these corrections.
	Following is the condensed consolidating balance sheet at March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	84,881		$	78,608		$	70,250		$	—		$	233,739
	Intercompany receivables	141,084			255,080			42,134			(438,298		)	—
	Accounts receivable, net	—			388,652			132,911			—			521,563
	Other current assets	33			214,784			73,066			—			287,883
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			973,825			528,672			—			1,502,497
	Investments in subsidiaries	2,602,744			605,528			—			(3,208,272		)	—
	Intercompany debt receivable	—			300,706			3,701			(304,407		)	—
	Goodwill	—			324,930			120,482			—			445,412
	Permits and other intangibles, net	—			435,343			84,702			—			520,045
	Other long-term assets	15,982			13,005			5,916			—			34,903
	Total assets	$	2,844,724		$	3,590,461		$	1,061,834		$	(3,950,977	)	$	3,546,042
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Current liabilities	$	18,620		$	416,437		$	84,804		$	—		$	519,861
	Intercompany payables	264,554			171,792			1,952			(438,298		)	—
	Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	—			153,029			22,712			—			175,741
	Long-term obligations	1,395,000			—			—			—			1,395,000
	Intercompany debt payable	3,701			—			300,706			(304,407		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	—			246,459			46,132			—			292,591
	Total liabilities	1,681,875			987,717			456,306			(742,705		)	2,383,193
	Stockholders’ equity	1,162,849			2,602,744			605,528			(3,208,272		)	1,162,849
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,844,724		$	3,590,461		$	1,061,834		$	(3,950,977	)	$	3,546,042
	Following is the condensed consolidating balance sheet at December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,006		$	154,147		$	91,726		$	—		$	246,879
	Intercompany receivables	133,219			156,920			39,724			(329,863		)	—
	Accounts receivables	—			414,205			142,926			—			557,131
	Other current assets	—			241,232			81,191			—			322,423
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			970,757			588,077			—			1,558,834
	Investments in subsidiaries	2,694,727			663,191			—			(3,357,918		)	—
	Intercompany debt receivable	—			327,634			3,701			(331,335		)	—
	Goodwill	—			324,930			127,739			—			452,669
	Permits and other intangibles, net	—			435,906			94,174			—			530,080
	Other long-term assets	16,801			12,959			6,502			—			36,262
	Total assets	$	2,845,753		$	3,701,881		$	1,175,760		$	(4,019,116	)	$	3,704,278
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Current liabilities	$	20,820		$	444,059		$	107,592		$	—		$	572,471
	Intercompany payables	163,361			164,231			2,271			(329,863		)	—
	Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	—			158,622			25,109			—			183,731
	Long-term obligations	1,395,000			—			—			—			1,395,000
	Intercompany debt payable	3,701			—			327,634			(331,335		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	—			240,242			49,963			—			290,205
	Total liabilities	1,582,882			1,007,154			512,569			(661,198		)	2,441,407
	Stockholders’ equity	1,262,871			2,694,727			663,191			(3,357,918		)	1,262,871
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,845,753		$	3,701,881		$	1,175,760		$	(4,019,116	)	$	3,704,278
	Following is the consolidating statement of (loss) income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Revenues
	Service revenues	$	—		$	418,517		$	193,453		$	(15,640	)	$	596,330
Product revenues	—			116,536			23,204			(3,571		)	136,169
Total revenues	—			535,053			216,657			(19,211		)	732,499
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Service cost of revenues	—			277,602			154,428			(15,640		)	416,390
Product cost of revenues	—			115,286			18,402			(3,571		)	130,117
Total cost of revenues	—			392,888			172,830			(19,211		)	546,507
Selling, general and administrative expenses	25			80,984			26,706			—			107,715
Accretion of environmental liabilities	—			2,306			313			—			2,619
Depreciation and amortization	—			45,801			22,555			—			68,356
(Loss) income from operations	(25		)	13,074			(5,747		)	—			7,302
Other income	—			111			298			—			409
Interest (expense) income	(19,639		)	178			23			—			(19,438		)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	4,709			(7,029		)	—			2,320			—
Intercompany interest income (expense)	—			5,977			(5,977		)	—			—
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes	(14,955		)	12,311			(11,403		)	2,320			(11,727		)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	(7,866		)	7,602			(4,374		)	—			(4,638		)
Net (loss) income	(7,089		)	4,709			(7,029		)	2,320			(7,089		)
Other comprehensive loss	(77,403		)	(77,403		)	(50,635		)	128,038			(77,403		)
Comprehensive loss	$	(84,492	)	$	(72,694	)	$	(57,664	)	$	130,358		$	(84,492	)
Following is the consolidating statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
	Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
							Subsidiaries
Revenues
Service revenues	$	—		$	445,903		$	218,171		$	(3,979	)	$	660,095
Product revenues	—			135,203			52,494			(1,125		)	186,572
Total revenues	—			581,106			270,665			(5,104		)	846,667
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Service cost of revenues	—			306,290			164,488			(3,979		)	466,799
Product cost of revenues	—			115,257			44,788			(1,125		)	158,920
Total cost of revenues	—			421,547			209,276			(5,104		)	625,719
Selling, general and administrative expenses	31			87,575			31,356			—			118,962
Accretion of environmental liabilities	—			2,381			343			—			2,724
Depreciation and amortization	—			42,808			26,548			—			69,356
(Loss) income from operations	(31		)	26,795			3,142			—			29,906
Other income	—			582			3,596			—			4,178
Interest (expense) income	(19,734		)	234			(54		)	—			(19,554		)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	20,819			(519		)	—			(20,300		)	—
Intercompany dividend income	—			—			3,100			(3,100		)	—
Intercompany interest income (expense)	—			9,057			(9,057		)	—			—
Income before (benefit) provision for income taxes	1,054			36,149			727			(23,400		)	14,530
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	(7,906		)	15,330			(1,854		)	—			5,570
Net income	8,960			20,819			2,581			(23,400		)	8,960
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(41,525		)	(41,525		)	19,682			21,843			(41,525		)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(32,565	)	$	(20,706	)	$	22,263		$	(1,557	)	$	(32,565	)
Following is the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
	Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
	Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Net cash (used in) from operating activities	$	(8,032	)	$	85,311		$	7,498		$	—		$	84,777
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	—			(37,670		)	(15,279		)	—			(52,949		)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	—			113			647			—			760
Costs to obtain or renew permits	—			—			(1,171		)	—			(1,171		)
Intercompany	—			(108,435		)	—			108,435			—
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(145,992		)	(15,803		)	108,435			(53,360		)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:
Change in uncashed checks	—			(14,694		)	(5,574		)	—			(20,268		)
Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted	(1,154		)	—			—			—			(1,154		)
Repurchases of common stock	(15,379		)	—			—			—			(15,379		)
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	5			—			—			—			5
Payments on capital leases	—			(164		)	(234		)	—			(398		)
Intercompany	108,435			—			—			(108,435		)	—
Net cash from (used in) financing activities	91,907			(14,858		)	(5,808		)	(108,435		)	(37,194		)
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	—			—			(7,363		)	—			(7,363		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	83,875			(75,539		)	(21,476		)	—			(13,140		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,006			154,147			91,726			—			246,879
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	84,881		$	78,608		$	70,250		$	—		$	233,739
Following is the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
	Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Net cash (used in) from operating activities	$	(49,377	)	$	72,813		$	(6,519	)	$	(12,321	)	$	4,596
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	—			(46,287		)	(28,718		)	—			(75,005		)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	—			228			648			—			876
Costs to obtain or renew permits	—			(111		)	(964		)	—			(1,075		)
Proceeds from sale of long term investments	—			—			12,870			—			12,870
Intercompany	—			(49,094		)	—			49,094			—
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(95,264		)	(16,164		)	49,094			(62,334		)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:
Change in uncashed checks	—			60			(39		)	—			21
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	2,141			—			—			—			2,141
Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted	(750		)	—			—			—			(750		)
Repurchases of common stock	(1,225		)	—			—			—			(1,225		)
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	117			—			—			—			117
Payments of capital leases	—			(42		)	(596		)	—			(638		)
Dividends (paid) / received	—			(12,321		)	—			12,321			—
Intercompany	49,094			—			—			(49,094		)	—
Net cash from (used in) financing activities	49,377			(12,303		)	(635		)	(36,773		)	(334		)
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	—			—			(2,994		)	—			(2,994		)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	—			(34,754		)	(26,312		)	—			(61,066		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,006			235,505			73,562			—			310,073
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,006		$	200,751		$	47,250		$	—		$	249,007

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On May 6, 2015, the Company announced that it has expanded its planned carve-out to include the entire Lodging Services segment. The Company previously announced that it intended to include only the drilling-related mobile assets as part of the expected standalone public entity, along with the Oil and Gas Field Services segment. Timing could take more than 12 months and completion of the carve-out is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, market conditions, determination of the most advantageous structure from a financial and tax standpoint, overall costs to our Company, receipt of regulatory approvals, compliance with our debt covenants, the effectiveness of securities laws filings and final approval by our board of directors. There can be no assurance regarding the ultimate structure and timing of the proposed transaction or whether the transaction will be completed.

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE1

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Standards implemented
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“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. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	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 currently effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810). The amendment provides guidance regarding amendments to the consolidation analysis. The amendments in this update are currently effective for annual reporting periods(including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2015.
	In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30). The amendment provides guidance regarding the simplification of the presentation of debt issuance costs. The amendments in this update are currently effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2015.
	The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the above standard to be implemented will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

INVENTORIES_AND_SUPPLIES_Table

INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	Inventories and supplies consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Oil and oil products	$	37,785	$	62,111
	Supplies and drums	66,487		68,547
	Solvent and solutions	9,627		9,355
	Modular camp accommodations	15,441		15,776
	Other	13,712		12,874
	Total inventories and supplies	$	143,052	$	168,663

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Land	$	97,742	$	98,507
	Asset retirement costs (non-landfill)	10,812		10,871
	Landfill assets	116,889		110,984
	Buildings and improvements	334,282		338,242
	Camp equipment	163,434		180,575
	Vehicles	468,862		471,615
	Equipment	1,283,502		1,302,424
	Furniture and fixtures	5,379		5,517
	Construction in progress	53,086		45,605
		2,533,988		2,564,340
	Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,031,491		1,005,506
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,502,497	$	1,558,834

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of changes to goodwill	The changes to goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
		2015
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	452,669
	Increase from adjustments during the measurement period related to recent acquisitions	3,841
	Foreign currency translation	(11,098		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	445,412
Summary of amortizable other intangible assets (indefinite-lived)	Below is a summary of amortizable other intangible assets (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
		Cost			Accumulated		Net		Weighted	Cost		Accumulated		Net		Weighted
					Amortization				Average			Amortization				Average
									Remaining Amortization							Remaining Amortization
									Period							Period
									(in years)							(in years)
	Permits	$	161,941		$	58,028	$	103,913	18.8	$	156,692	$	55,318	$	101,374	19
	Customer and supplier relationships	363,681			81,563		282,118		10.9	370,373		77,697		292,676		11
	Other intangible assets	30,477			19,081		11,396		2.8	31,540		19,074		12,466		3.2
	Total amortizable permits and other intangible assets	556,099			158,672		397,427		11.2	558,605		152,089		406,516		11.4
	Trademarks and trade names	122,618			—		122,618		Indefinite	123,564		—		123,564		Indefinite
	Total permits and other intangible assets	$	678,717		$	158,672	$	520,045		$	682,169	$	152,089	$	530,080
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 March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
	Years Ending December 31,	Expected Amortization
	2015 (nine months)	$	26,237
	2016	34,583
	2017	32,437
	2018	29,739
	2019	26,426
	Thereafter	248,005
		$	397,427

ACCRUED_EXPENSES_Tables

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Insurance	$	56,992	$	58,931
	Interest	17,630		20,527
	Accrued compensation and benefits	39,346		59,006
	Income, real estate, sales and other taxes	29,872		38,297
	Other	43,888		42,788
	Total accrued expenses	$	187,728	$	219,549

CLOSURE_AND_POSTCLOSURE_LIABIL1

CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE LIABILITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
		Landfill			Non-Landfill			Total
		Retirement			Retirement
		Liability			Liability
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	29,932		$	20,769		$	50,701
	New asset retirement obligations	753			—			753
	Accretion	682			496			1,178
	Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	—			(24		)	(24		)
	Changes in estimates recorded to balance sheet	(932		)	—			(932		)
	Expenditures	(246		)	(19		)	(265		)
	Currency translation and other	(196		)	(95		)	(291		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	29,993		$	21,127		$	51,120

REMEDIAL_LIABILITIES_Tables

REMEDIAL LIABILITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]
Changes to remedial liabilities	The changes to remedial liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 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, 2015	$	5,420		$	68,528		$	81,173		$	155,121
	Accretion	63			718			660			1,441
	Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	(124		)	27			506			409
	Expenditures	(16		)	(1,045		)	(4,278		)	(5,339		)
	Currency translation and other	(220		)	(92		)	(1,575		)	(1,887		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	5,123		$	68,136		$	76,486		$	149,745

FINANCING_ARRANGEMENTS_Tables

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of the entity's financial arrangements	The following table is a summary of the Company’s financing arrangements (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	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		595,000
	Long-term obligations	$	1,395,000	$	1,395,000

LOSS_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share computations	The following are computations of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share (in thousands except for per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator for basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share:
	Net (loss) income	$	(7,089	)	$	8,960
	Denominator:
	Basic shares outstanding	58,875			60,720
	Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation awards	—			141
	Dilutive shares outstanding	58,875			60,861
	Basic (loss) earnings per share:	$	(0.12	)	$	0.15
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share:	$	(0.12	)	$	0.15

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive loss	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component and related tax effects for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Translation			Unfunded Pension Liability				Total
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	(108,889	)	$	(1,953	)		$	(110,842	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(77,403		)	—				(77,403		)
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(77,403	)	$	—			$	(77,403	)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(186,292	)	$	(1,953	)		$	(188,245	)
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
			For the Three Months Ended
	Comprehensive Loss Components		March 31, 2015			March 31, 2014				Location
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments		$	—		$	(3,308	)		Other income

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 information about restricted stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	Restricted Stock	Number of Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested January 1, 2015	383,021		$	56.51
	Granted	58,125		$	53.72
	Vested	(59,266	)	$	59.25
	Forfeited	(12,349	)	$	56.64
	Unvested March 31, 2015	369,531		$	55.63
Summary of performance stock awards	The following table summarizes information about performance stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	Performance Stock	Number of Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested January 1, 2015	143,875		$	60.94
	Vested	(6,129	)	$	54.28
	Forfeited	(3,294	)	$	61.04
	Unvested March 31, 2015	134,452		$	61.25

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Tables

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of third party revenues to direct revenues	The following table reconciles third party revenues to direct revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015												For the Three Months Ended March 31, 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	$	240,325		$	34,904		$	1,297		$	276,526		$	236,781	$	37,434		$	399		$	274,614
	Industrial and Field Services	146,868			(6,561		)	78			140,385			161,960		(11,758		)	155			150,357
	Oil Re-refining and Recycling	96,807			(18,257		)	(1		)	78,549			128,921		(48,116		)	—			80,805
	SK Environmental Services	160,684			(11,582		)	—			149,102			161,388		19,957			(58		)	181,287
	Lodging Services	34,104			164			17			34,285			56,694		394			1			57,089
	Oil and Gas Field Services	53,587			1,332			9			54,928			100,772		2,089			12			102,873
	Corporate Items	124			—			(1,400		)	(1,276		)	151		—			(509		)	(358		)
	Total	$	732,499		$	—		$	—		$	732,499		$	846,667	$	—		$	—		$	846,667
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, other non-cash charges not deemed representative of fundamental segment results, and other (income) expense to its segments.
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Adjusted EBITDA:
	Technical Services	$	63,401		$	62,177
	Industrial and Field Services	10,309			16,372
	Oil Re-refining and Recycling	(4,476		)	12,583
	SK Environmental Services	27,249			22,825
	Lodging Services	6,910			17,737
	Oil and Gas Field Services	1,403			16,331
	Corporate Items	(26,519		)	(46,039		)
	Total	$	78,277		$	101,986
	Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income:
	Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,619			2,724
	Depreciation and amortization	68,356			69,356
	Income from operations	7,302			29,906
	Other income	(409		)	(4,178		)
	Interest expense, net of interest income	19,438			19,554
	(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes	$	(11,727	)	$	14,530
PP&E, intangible assets and total assets by segment	The following table presents certain assets by reportable segment and in the aggregate (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15
		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	$	423,520		$	247,136		$	194,767		$	232,072		$	125,281	$	190,301		$	89,420		$	1,502,497
	Goodwill	49,667			107,193			50,303			171,906			35,030		31,313			—			445,412
	Permits and other intangible, net	77,280			16,814			147,598			249,003			9,389		19,961			—			520,045
	Total assets	$	764,557		$	394,345		$	503,987		$	711,062		$	206,871	$	323,265		$	641,955		$	3,546,042
		31-Dec-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	$	412,323		$	245,115		$	201,451		$	240,078		$	141,965	$	215,574		$	102,328		$	1,558,834
	Goodwill	50,092			109,214			50,883			173,873			34,863		33,744			—			452,669
	Permits and other intangible, net	74,870			17,801			151,041			252,897			10,744		22,727			—			530,080
	Total assets	$	756,169		$	392,652		$	538,921		$	731,072		$	231,782	$	361,223		$	692,459		$	3,704,278
Total assets by geographical area	The following table presents total assets by geographical area (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	United States	$	2,528,087		$	2,572,494
	Canada	1,014,805			1,128,458
	Other foreign	3,150			3,326
	Total	$	3,546,042		$	3,704,278

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB1

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheet	Following is the condensed consolidating balance sheet at March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	84,881		$	78,608		$	70,250		$	—		$	233,739
	Intercompany receivables	141,084			255,080			42,134			(438,298		)	—
	Accounts receivable, net	—			388,652			132,911			—			521,563
	Other current assets	33			214,784			73,066			—			287,883
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			973,825			528,672			—			1,502,497
	Investments in subsidiaries	2,602,744			605,528			—			(3,208,272		)	—
	Intercompany debt receivable	—			300,706			3,701			(304,407		)	—
	Goodwill	—			324,930			120,482			—			445,412
	Permits and other intangibles, net	—			435,343			84,702			—			520,045
	Other long-term assets	15,982			13,005			5,916			—			34,903
	Total assets	$	2,844,724		$	3,590,461		$	1,061,834		$	(3,950,977	)	$	3,546,042
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Current liabilities	$	18,620		$	416,437		$	84,804		$	—		$	519,861
	Intercompany payables	264,554			171,792			1,952			(438,298		)	—
	Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	—			153,029			22,712			—			175,741
	Long-term obligations	1,395,000			—			—			—			1,395,000
	Intercompany debt payable	3,701			—			300,706			(304,407		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	—			246,459			46,132			—			292,591
	Total liabilities	1,681,875			987,717			456,306			(742,705		)	2,383,193
	Stockholders’ equity	1,162,849			2,602,744			605,528			(3,208,272		)	1,162,849
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,844,724		$	3,590,461		$	1,061,834		$	(3,950,977	)	$	3,546,042
	Following is the condensed consolidating balance sheet at December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,006		$	154,147		$	91,726		$	—		$	246,879
	Intercompany receivables	133,219			156,920			39,724			(329,863		)	—
	Accounts receivables	—			414,205			142,926			—			557,131
	Other current assets	—			241,232			81,191			—			322,423
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			970,757			588,077			—			1,558,834
	Investments in subsidiaries	2,694,727			663,191			—			(3,357,918		)	—
	Intercompany debt receivable	—			327,634			3,701			(331,335		)	—
	Goodwill	—			324,930			127,739			—			452,669
	Permits and other intangibles, net	—			435,906			94,174			—			530,080
	Other long-term assets	16,801			12,959			6,502			—			36,262
	Total assets	$	2,845,753		$	3,701,881		$	1,175,760		$	(4,019,116	)	$	3,704,278
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Current liabilities	$	20,820		$	444,059		$	107,592		$	—		$	572,471
	Intercompany payables	163,361			164,231			2,271			(329,863		)	—
	Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	—			158,622			25,109			—			183,731
	Long-term obligations	1,395,000			—			—			—			1,395,000
	Intercompany debt payable	3,701			—			327,634			(331,335		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	—			240,242			49,963			—			290,205
	Total liabilities	1,582,882			1,007,154			512,569			(661,198		)	2,441,407
	Stockholders’ equity	1,262,871			2,694,727			663,191			(3,357,918		)	1,262,871
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,845,753		$	3,701,881		$	1,175,760		$	(4,019,116	)	$	3,704,278
Schedule of consolidating statement of income	Following is the consolidating statement of (loss) income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Revenues
	Service revenues	$	—		$	418,517		$	193,453		$	(15,640	)	$	596,330
	Product revenues	—			116,536			23,204			(3,571		)	136,169
	Total revenues	—			535,053			216,657			(19,211		)	732,499
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
	Service cost of revenues	—			277,602			154,428			(15,640		)	416,390
	Product cost of revenues	—			115,286			18,402			(3,571		)	130,117
	Total cost of revenues	—			392,888			172,830			(19,211		)	546,507
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	25			80,984			26,706			—			107,715
	Accretion of environmental liabilities	—			2,306			313			—			2,619
	Depreciation and amortization	—			45,801			22,555			—			68,356
	(Loss) income from operations	(25		)	13,074			(5,747		)	—			7,302
	Other income	—			111			298			—			409
	Interest (expense) income	(19,639		)	178			23			—			(19,438		)
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	4,709			(7,029		)	—			2,320			—
	Intercompany interest income (expense)	—			5,977			(5,977		)	—			—
	(Loss) income before provision for income taxes	(14,955		)	12,311			(11,403		)	2,320			(11,727		)
	(Benefit) provision for income taxes	(7,866		)	7,602			(4,374		)	—			(4,638		)
	Net (loss) income	(7,089		)	4,709			(7,029		)	2,320			(7,089		)
	Other comprehensive loss	(77,403		)	(77,403		)	(50,635		)	128,038			(77,403		)
	Comprehensive loss	$	(84,492	)	$	(72,694	)	$	(57,664	)	$	130,358		$	(84,492	)
	Following is the consolidating statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor			Adjustments
								Subsidiaries
	Revenues
	Service revenues	$	—		$	445,903		$	218,171		$	(3,979	)	$	660,095
	Product revenues	—			135,203			52,494			(1,125		)	186,572
	Total revenues	—			581,106			270,665			(5,104		)	846,667
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
	Service cost of revenues	—			306,290			164,488			(3,979		)	466,799
	Product cost of revenues	—			115,257			44,788			(1,125		)	158,920
	Total cost of revenues	—			421,547			209,276			(5,104		)	625,719
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	31			87,575			31,356			—			118,962
	Accretion of environmental liabilities	—			2,381			343			—			2,724
	Depreciation and amortization	—			42,808			26,548			—			69,356
	(Loss) income from operations	(31		)	26,795			3,142			—			29,906
	Other income	—			582			3,596			—			4,178
	Interest (expense) income	(19,734		)	234			(54		)	—			(19,554		)
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	20,819			(519		)	—			(20,300		)	—
	Intercompany dividend income	—			—			3,100			(3,100		)	—
	Intercompany interest income (expense)	—			9,057			(9,057		)	—			—
	Income before (benefit) provision for income taxes	1,054			36,149			727			(23,400		)	14,530
	(Benefit) provision for income taxes	(7,906		)	15,330			(1,854		)	—			5,570
	Net income	8,960			20,819			2,581			(23,400		)	8,960
	Other comprehensive (loss) income	(41,525		)	(41,525		)	19,682			21,843			(41,525		)
	Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(32,565	)	$	(20,706	)	$	22,263		$	(1,557	)	$	(32,565	)
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of cash flows	Following is the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Net cash (used in) from operating activities	$	(8,032	)	$	85,311		$	7,498		$	—		$	84,777
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Additions to property, plant and equipment	—			(37,670		)	(15,279		)	—			(52,949		)
	Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	—			113			647			—			760
	Costs to obtain or renew permits	—			—			(1,171		)	—			(1,171		)
	Intercompany	—			(108,435		)	—			108,435			—
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			(145,992		)	(15,803		)	108,435			(53,360		)
	Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:
	Change in uncashed checks	—			(14,694		)	(5,574		)	—			(20,268		)
	Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted	(1,154		)	—			—			—			(1,154		)
	Repurchases of common stock	(15,379		)	—			—			—			(15,379		)
	Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	5			—			—			—			5
	Payments on capital leases	—			(164		)	(234		)	—			(398		)
	Intercompany	108,435			—			—			(108,435		)	—
	Net cash from (used in) financing activities	91,907			(14,858		)	(5,808		)	(108,435		)	(37,194		)
	Effect of exchange rate change on cash	—			—			(7,363		)	—			(7,363		)
	Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	83,875			(75,539		)	(21,476		)	—			(13,140		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,006			154,147			91,726			—			246,879
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	84,881		$	78,608		$	70,250		$	—		$	233,739
	Following is the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Clean			U.S. Guarantor			Foreign			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
		Harbors, Inc.			Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Net cash (used in) from operating activities	$	(49,377	)	$	72,813		$	(6,519	)	$	(12,321	)	$	4,596
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Additions to property, plant and equipment	—			(46,287		)	(28,718		)	—			(75,005		)
	Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	—			228			648			—			876
	Costs to obtain or renew permits	—			(111		)	(964		)	—			(1,075		)
	Proceeds from sale of long term investments	—			—			12,870			—			12,870
	Intercompany	—			(49,094		)	—			49,094			—
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			(95,264		)	(16,164		)	49,094			(62,334		)
	Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:
	Change in uncashed checks	—			60			(39		)	—			21
	Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	2,141			—			—			—			2,141
	Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted	(750		)	—			—			—			(750		)
	Repurchases of common stock	(1,225		)	—			—			—			(1,225		)
	Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	117			—			—			—			117
	Payments of capital leases	—			(42		)	(596		)	—			(638		)
	Dividends (paid) / received	—			(12,321		)	—			12,321			—
	Intercompany	49,094			—			—			(49,094		)	—
	Net cash from (used in) financing activities	49,377			(12,303		)	(635		)	(36,773		)	(334		)
	Effect of exchange rate change on cash	—			—			(2,994		)	—			(2,994		)
	Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	—			(34,754		)	(26,312		)	—			(61,066		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,006			235,505			73,562			—			310,073
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,006		$	200,751		$	47,250		$	—		$	249,007

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Narrativ

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	6

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Evergree

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Evergreen Oil, Inc) (Details) (Privately owned domestic company, USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 14, 2015
	number_of_companies
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Companies	2
Purchase price of acquisition	$16.10
Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		$85

INVENTORIES_AND_SUPPLIES_Detai

INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Oil and oil products	$37,785	$62,111
Supplies and drums	66,487	68,547
Solvent and solutions	9,627	9,355
Modular camp accommodations	15,441	15,776
Other	13,712	12,874
Total inventories and supplies	$143,052	$168,663

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_D

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$2,533,988,000		$2,564,340,000
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,031,491,000		1,005,506,000
Total property, plant and equipment, net	1,502,497,000		1,558,834,000
Interest capitalized to fixed assets	200,000	0
Depreciation inclusive of amortization	57,400,000	59,900,000
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	97,742,000		98,507,000
Asset retirement costs (non-landfill)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	10,812,000		10,871,000
Landfill assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	116,889,000		110,984,000
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	334,282,000		338,242,000
Camp equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	163,434,000		180,575,000
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	468,862,000		471,615,000
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,283,502,000		1,302,424,000
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	5,379,000		5,517,000
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$53,086,000		$45,605,000

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Rollforward of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$452,669
Increase from adjustments during the measurement period related to recent acquisitions	3,841
Foreign currency translation	-11,098
Balance at end of year	$445,412

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Amortizable Other Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$556,099,000		$558,605,000
Accumulated Amortization	158,672,000		152,089,000
Net	397,427,000		406,516,000
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (in years)	11 years 2 months 12 days		11 years 4 months 18 days
Total permits and other intangible assets, Cost	678,717,000		682,169,000
Total permits and other intangible assets, Net	520,045,000		530,080,000
Amortization of intangible assets	11,000,000	9,500,000
Trademarks and trade names
Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible asset, cost	122,618,000		123,564,000
Permits
Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	161,941,000		156,692,000
Accumulated Amortization	58,028,000		55,318,000
Net	103,913,000		101,374,000
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (in years)	18 years 9 months 18 days		19 years 0 months 0 days
Customer and supplier relationships
Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	363,681,000		370,373,000
Accumulated Amortization	81,563,000		77,697,000
Net	282,118,000		292,676,000
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (in years)	10 years 10 months 24 days		11 years 0 months 0 days
Other intangible assets
Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	30,477,000		31,540,000
Accumulated Amortization	19,081,000		19,074,000
Net	$11,396,000		$12,466,000
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (in years)	2 years 9 months 18 days		3 years 2 months 0 days

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Expected Future Amortization) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015 (nine months)	$26,237
2016	34,583
2017	32,437
2018	29,739
2019	26,426
Thereafter	248,005
Net	$397,427	$406,516

ACCRUED_EXPENSES_Details

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Insurance	$56,992	$58,931
Interest	17,630	20,527
Accrued compensation and benefits	39,346	59,006
Income, real estate, sales and other taxes	29,872	38,297
Other	43,888	42,788
Total accrued expenses	$187,728	$219,549

CLOSURE_AND_POSTCLOSURE_LIABIL2

CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes to post-closure liabilities
Balance at beginning of year	$50,701
New asset retirement obligations	753
Accretion	1,178
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	-24
Changes in estimates recorded to balance sheet	-932
Expenditures	-265
Currency translation and other	-291
Balance at end of year	51,120
Credit-adjusted risk-free rate (as a percent)	5.99%
Landfill Retirement Liability
Changes to post-closure liabilities
Balance at beginning of year	29,932
New asset retirement obligations	753
Accretion	682
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	0
Changes in estimates recorded to balance sheet	-932
Expenditures	-246
Currency translation and other	-196
Balance at end of year	29,993
Non-Landfill Retirement Liability
Changes to post-closure liabilities
Balance at beginning of year	20,769
New asset retirement obligations	0
Accretion	496
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	-24
Changes in estimates recorded to balance sheet	0
Expenditures	-19
Currency translation and other	-95
Balance at end of year	$21,127

REMEDIAL_LIABILITIES_Details

REMEDIAL LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$155,121
Accretion	1,441
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	409
Expenditures	-5,339
Currency translation and other	-1,887
Balance at end of year	149,745
Remedial Liabilities for Landfill Sites
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	5,420
Accretion	63
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	-124
Expenditures	-16
Currency translation and other	-220
Balance at end of year	5,123
Remedial Liabilities for Inactive Sites
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	68,528
Accretion	718
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	27
Expenditures	-1,045
Currency translation and other	-92
Balance at end of year	68,136
Remedial Liabilities (Including Superfund) for Non-Landfill Operations
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	81,173
Accretion	660
Changes in estimates recorded to statement of income	506
Expenditures	-4,278
Currency translation and other	-1,575
Balance at end of year	$76,486

FINANCING_ARRANGEMENTS_Details

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 30, 2012	Dec. 07, 2012
Financing arrangements
Long-term obligations	1,395,000,000	$1,395,000,000
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	0	0
Line of credit facility available borrowing capacity	209,600,000	238,400,000
Letters of credit amount outstanding	140,700,000	134,500,000
Unsecured debt | Unsecured senior notes 2020
Financing arrangements
Senior unsecured notes	800,000,000	800,000,000
Senior unsecured notes principal amount			800,000,000
Stated interest rate	5.25%	5.25%	5.25%
Fair value	818,000,000	804,000,000
Unsecured debt | Unsecured senior notes 2021
Financing arrangements
Senior unsecured notes	595,000,000	595,000,000
Senior unsecured notes principal amount				600,000,000
Stated interest rate	5.13%	5.13%		5.13%
Fair value	606,900,000	$595,000,000
Parent and domestic subsidiaries
Financing arrangements
Credit available subject to percentage of accounts receivable	85.00%
Credit available subject to percentage of cash deposited	100.00%
Canadian subsidiaries
Financing arrangements
Credit available subject to percentage of accounts receivable	85.00%
Credit available subject to percentage of cash deposited	100.00%

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
The Company's effective tax rate (as a percent)	39.50%	38.30%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$2.30		$2.50
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest			0.4
Foreign and State
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Amount of decrease in unrecognized tax benefits that, if realized, will impact the effective tax rate	$0.60

LOSS_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Narrat

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE (Narrative) (Details) (Restricted stock awards)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted stock awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from computation of earning per share (in shares)	539,983	101,059

LOSS_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Comput

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE (Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share)(Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator for basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share:
Net (loss) income	($7,089)	$8,960
Denominator:
Basic shares outstanding	58,875	60,720
Dilutive effect of equity-based compensation awards	0	141
Dilutive shares outstanding	58,875	60,861
Basic earnings per share (in USD per share)	($0.12)	$0.15
Diluted earnings per share (in USD per share)	($0.12)	$0.15

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Components of Other Accumulated Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	($110,842)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-77,403
Other comprehensive loss	-77,403	-41,525
Ending balance	-188,245
Foreign Currency Translation
Components of Other Accumulated Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-108,889
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-77,403
Other comprehensive loss	-77,403
Ending balance	-186,292
Unfunded Pension Liability
Components of Other Accumulated Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-1,953
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0
Other comprehensive loss	0
Ending balance	($1,953)

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Amount Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) (Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments, USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other income	$0	($3,308)

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Narrat

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 13, 2015	Mar. 12, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$1,800,000	$2,300,000
Income tax benefit	500,000	400,000
Repurchases of common stock	16,115,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 2005
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share repurchase program shares authorized			300,000,000	150,000,000
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)	2,300
Repurchases of common stock	120,500,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	179,500,000
Restricted stock awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	14,000,000
Fair value restricted stock	3,200,000	2,300,000
Performance stock awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	300,000
Fair value restricted stock	$300,000	$0

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Restri

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Restricted Stock) (Details) (Restricted stock awards, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted stock awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested beginning balance	383,021
Number of shares, granted	58,125
Number of shares, vested	-59,266
Number of shares, forfeited	-12,349
Unvested ending balance	369,531
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair value beginning of period	$56.51
Fair value, granted	$53.72
Fair value, vested	$59.25
Fair value, forfeited	$56.64
Fair value end of period	$55.63
Unrecognized compensation cost	$14
Period recognized	3 years 1 month
Fair value restricted stock	$3.20	$2.30

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Perfor

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Performance Stock Awards (Details) (Performance stock awards, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Performance stock awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested beginning balance	143,875
Number of shares, vested	-6,129
Number of shares, forfeited	-3,294
Unvested ending balance	134,452
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair value beginning of period	$60.94
Fair value, vested	$54.28
Fair value, forfeited	$61.04
Fair value end of period	$61.25
Unrecognized compensation cost	$0.30
Fair value restricted stock	$0.30	$0

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2010

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 1999

Dec. 31, 1968

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2002

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

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

Federal and State Enforcement Actions

claims

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

Municipalities

Permits

USD ($)

USD ($)

sites

acre

sites

sites

USD ($)

USD ($)

Proceedings

facilties

Proceedings

Proceedings

Contingencies [Line Items]

Recorded reserves for actual or probable liabilities

$29,800,000

$33,600,000

$24,100,000

$27,700,000

$5,700,000

$5,900,000

Possible increase in legal and administrative proceedings

2,500,000

2,900,000

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

149,745,000

155,121,000

11,600,000

12,700,000

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

54

3

4

Number of product liability claims settled or dismissed

11

Number of customers filing a complaint

2

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

127

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

125

Number of sites for which environmental remediation expense is settled

29

Third party sites requiring expenditure on remediation

22

Number of sites not currently requiring expenditures on remediation

74

Minimum potential liability

$100,000

$100,000

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

12

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_Narrative_De

SEGMENT REPORTING (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	6
Number of operations not managed by reportable segments	2

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Third_Party_

SEGMENT REPORTING (Third Party Reveunes to Direct Revenues) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$732,499	$846,667
Third party revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	732,499	846,667
Intersegment revenues, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0
Corporate Items, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0
Direct revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	732,499	846,667
Technical Services | Third party revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	240,325	236,781
Technical Services | Intersegment revenues, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	34,904	37,434
Technical Services | Corporate Items, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,297	399
Technical Services | Direct revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	276,526	274,614
Industrial and Field Services | Third party revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	146,868	161,960
Industrial and Field Services | Intersegment revenues, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	-6,561	-11,758
Industrial and Field Services | Corporate Items, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	78	155
Industrial and Field Services | Direct revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	140,385	150,357
Oil Re-refining and Recycling | Third party revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	96,807	128,921
Oil Re-refining and Recycling | Intersegment revenues, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	-18,257	-48,116
Oil Re-refining and Recycling | Corporate Items, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	-1	0
Oil Re-refining and Recycling | Direct revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	78,549	80,805
SK Environmental Services | Third party revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	160,684	161,388
SK Environmental Services | Intersegment revenues, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	-11,582	19,957
SK Environmental Services | Corporate Items, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	-58
SK Environmental Services | Direct revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	149,102	181,287
Lodging Services | Third party revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	34,104	56,694
Lodging Services | Intersegment revenues, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	164	394
Lodging Services | Corporate Items, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	17	1
Lodging Services | Direct revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	34,285	57,089
Oil and Gas Field Services | Third party revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	53,587	100,772
Oil and Gas Field Services | Intersegment revenues, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,332	2,089
Oil and Gas Field Services | Corporate Items, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	9	12
Oil and Gas Field Services | Direct revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	54,928	102,873
Corporate Items | Third party revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	124	151
Corporate Items | Intersegment revenues, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0
Corporate Items | Corporate Items, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	-1,400	-509
Corporate Items | Direct revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	($1,276)	($358)

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Adjusted_EBI

SEGMENT REPORTING (Adjusted EBITDA Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$78,277	$101,986
Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,619	2,724
Depreciation and amortization	68,356	69,356
Income from operations	7,302	29,906
Other income	-409	-4,178
Interest expense, net of interest income	19,438	19,554
(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes	-11,727	14,530
Technical Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	63,401	62,177
Industrial and Field Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	10,309	16,372
Oil Re-refining and Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-4,476	12,583
SK Environmental Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	27,249	22,825
Lodging Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	6,910	17,737
Oil and Gas Field Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	1,403	16,331
Corporate Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	($26,519)	($46,039)

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Assets_by_Re

SEGMENT REPORTING (Assets by Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$1,502,497	$1,558,834
Goodwill	445,412	452,669
Permits and other intangible, net	520,045	530,080
Total assets	3,546,042	3,704,278
Technical Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	423,520	412,323
Goodwill	49,667	50,092
Permits and other intangible, net	77,280	74,870
Total assets	764,557	756,169
Industrial and Field Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	247,136	245,115
Goodwill	107,193	109,214
Permits and other intangible, net	16,814	17,801
Total assets	394,345	392,652
Oil Re-refining and Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	194,767	201,451
Goodwill	50,303	50,883
Permits and other intangible, net	147,598	151,041
Total assets	503,987	538,921
SK Environmental Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	232,072	240,078
Goodwill	171,906	173,873
Permits and other intangible, net	249,003	252,897
Total assets	711,062	731,072
Lodging Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	125,281	141,965
Goodwill	35,030	34,863
Permits and other intangible, net	9,389	10,744
Total assets	206,871	231,782
Oil and Gas Field Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	190,301	215,574
Goodwill	31,313	33,744
Permits and other intangible, net	19,961	22,727
Total assets	323,265	361,223
Corporate Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	89,420	102,328
Goodwill	0	0
Permits and other intangible, net	0	0
Total assets	$641,955	$692,459

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Total_Assets

SEGMENT REPORTING (Total Assets by Geographical Area) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total assets	$3,546,042	$3,704,278
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total assets	2,528,087	2,572,494
Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total assets	1,014,805	1,128,458
Other foreign
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total assets	$3,150	$3,326

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB2

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$233,739	$246,879	$249,007	$310,073
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	521,563	557,131
Other current assets	287,883	322,423
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,502,497	1,558,834
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany debt receivable	0	0
Goodwill	445,412	452,669
Permits and other intangibles, net	520,045	530,080
Other long-term assets	34,903	36,262
Total assets	3,546,042	3,704,278
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities	519,861	572,471
Intercompany payables	0	0
Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	175,741	183,731
Long-term obligations	1,395,000	1,395,000
Intercompany debt payable	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	292,591	290,205
Total liabilities	2,383,193	2,441,407
Stockholders’ equity	1,162,849	1,262,871
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,546,042	3,704,278
Clean Harbors, Inc.
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	84,881	1,006	1,006	1,006
Intercompany receivables	141,084	133,219
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Other current assets	33	0
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0
Investments in subsidiaries	2,602,744	2,694,727
Intercompany debt receivable	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Permits and other intangibles, net	0	0
Other long-term assets	15,982	16,801
Total assets	2,844,724	2,845,753
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities	18,620	20,820
Intercompany payables	264,554	163,361
Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	0	0
Long-term obligations	1,395,000	1,395,000
Intercompany debt payable	3,701	3,701
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	1,681,875	1,582,882
Stockholders’ equity	1,162,849	1,262,871
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,844,724	2,845,753
U.S. Guarantor Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	78,608	154,147	200,751	235,505
Intercompany receivables	255,080	156,920
Accounts receivable, net	388,652	414,205
Other current assets	214,784	241,232
Property, plant and equipment, net	973,825	970,757
Investments in subsidiaries	605,528	663,191
Intercompany debt receivable	300,706	327,634
Goodwill	324,930	324,930
Permits and other intangibles, net	435,343	435,906
Other long-term assets	13,005	12,959
Total assets	3,590,461	3,701,881
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities	416,437	444,059
Intercompany payables	171,792	164,231
Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	153,029	158,622
Long-term obligations	0	0
Intercompany debt payable	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	246,459	240,242
Total liabilities	987,717	1,007,154
Stockholders’ equity	2,602,744	2,694,727
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,590,461	3,701,881
Foreign Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	70,250	91,726	47,250	73,562
Intercompany receivables	42,134	39,724
Accounts receivable, net	132,911	142,926
Other current assets	73,066	81,191
Property, plant and equipment, net	528,672	588,077
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany debt receivable	3,701	3,701
Goodwill	120,482	127,739
Permits and other intangibles, net	84,702	94,174
Other long-term assets	5,916	6,502
Total assets	1,061,834	1,175,760
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities	84,804	107,592
Intercompany payables	1,952	2,271
Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	22,712	25,109
Long-term obligations	0	0
Intercompany debt payable	300,706	327,634
Other long-term liabilities	46,132	49,963
Total liabilities	456,306	512,569
Stockholders’ equity	605,528	663,191
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,061,834	1,175,760
Consolidating Adjustments
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Intercompany receivables	-438,298	-329,863
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0
Investments in subsidiaries	-3,208,272	-3,357,918
Intercompany debt receivable	-304,407	-331,335
Goodwill	0	0
Permits and other intangibles, net	0	0
Other long-term assets	0	0
Total assets	-3,950,977	-4,019,116
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities	0	0
Intercompany payables	-438,298	-329,863
Closure, post-closure and remedial liabilities, net	0	0
Long-term obligations	0	0
Intercompany debt payable	-304,407	-331,335
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	-742,705	-661,198
Stockholders’ equity	-3,208,272	-3,357,918
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	($3,950,977)	($4,019,116)

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB3

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Condensed Consolidating Statements of (Loss) Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Service revenues	$596,330	$660,095
Product revenues	136,169	186,572
Total revenues	732,499	846,667
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Service cost of revenues	416,390	466,799
Product cost of revenues	130,117	158,920
Total cost of revenues	546,507	625,719
Selling, general and administrative expenses	107,715	118,962
Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,619	2,724
Depreciation and amortization	68,356	69,356
Income from operations	7,302	29,906
Other income	409	4,178
Interest (expense) income	-19,438	-19,554
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	0	0
Intercompany dividend income		0
Intercompany interest income (expense)	0	0
(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes	-11,727	14,530
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	-4,638	5,570
Net (loss) income	-7,089	8,960
Other comprehensive loss	-77,403	-41,525
Comprehensive loss	-84,492	-32,565
Clean Harbors, Inc.
Revenues:
Service revenues	0	0
Product revenues	0	0
Total revenues	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
Selling, general and administrative expenses	25	31
Accretion of environmental liabilities	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Income from operations	-25	-31
Other income	0	0
Interest (expense) income	-19,639	-19,734
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	4,709	20,819
Intercompany dividend income		0
Intercompany interest income (expense)	0	0
(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes	-14,955	1,054
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	-7,866	-7,906
Net (loss) income	-7,089	8,960
Other comprehensive loss	-77,403	-41,525
Comprehensive loss	-84,492	-32,565
U.S. Guarantor Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Service revenues	418,517	445,903
Product revenues	116,536	135,203
Total revenues	535,053	581,106
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Service cost of revenues	277,602	306,290
Product cost of revenues	115,286	115,257
Total cost of revenues	392,888	421,547
Selling, general and administrative expenses	80,984	87,575
Accretion of environmental liabilities	2,306	2,381
Depreciation and amortization	45,801	42,808
Income from operations	13,074	26,795
Other income	111	582
Interest (expense) income	178	234
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	-7,029	-519
Intercompany dividend income		0
Intercompany interest income (expense)	5,977	9,057
(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes	12,311	36,149
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	7,602	15,330
Net (loss) income	4,709	20,819
Other comprehensive loss	-77,403	-41,525
Comprehensive loss	-72,694	-20,706
Foreign Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Service revenues	193,453	218,171
Product revenues	23,204	52,494
Total revenues	216,657	270,665
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Service cost of revenues	154,428	164,488
Product cost of revenues	18,402	44,788
Total cost of revenues	172,830	209,276
Selling, general and administrative expenses	26,706	31,356
Accretion of environmental liabilities	313	343
Depreciation and amortization	22,555	26,548
Income from operations	-5,747	3,142
Other income	298	3,596
Interest (expense) income	23	-54
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	0	0
Intercompany dividend income		3,100
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-5,977	-9,057
(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes	-11,403	727
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	-4,374	-1,854
Net (loss) income	-7,029	2,581
Other comprehensive loss	-50,635	19,682
Comprehensive loss	-57,664	22,263
Consolidating Adjustments
Revenues:
Service revenues	-15,640	-3,979
Product revenues	-3,571	-1,125
Total revenues	-19,211	-5,104
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Service cost of revenues	-15,640	-3,979
Product cost of revenues	-3,571	-1,125
Total cost of revenues	-19,211	-5,104
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0	0
Accretion of environmental liabilities	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Income from operations	0	0
Other income	0	0
Interest (expense) income	0	0
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of taxes	2,320	-20,300
Intercompany dividend income		-3,100
Intercompany interest income (expense)	0	0
(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes	2,320	-23,400
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	0	0
Net (loss) income	2,320	-23,400
Other comprehensive loss	128,038	21,843
Comprehensive loss	$130,358	($1,557)

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB4

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows
Net cash (used in) from operating activities	$84,777	$4,596
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-52,949	-75,005
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	760	876
Costs to obtain or renew permits	-1,171	-1,075
Proceeds from sale of long term investments		12,870
Intercompany	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-53,360	-62,334
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in uncashed checks	-20,268	21
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	0	2,141
Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted	-1,154	-750
Repurchases of common stock	-15,379	-1,225
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	5	117
Payments on capital leases	-398	-638
Dividends (paid) / received		0
Intercompany	0	0
Net cash from financing activities	-37,194	-334
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	-7,363	-2,994
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-13,140	-61,066
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	246,879	310,073
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	233,739	249,007
Clean Harbors, Inc.
Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows
Net cash (used in) from operating activities	-8,032	-49,377
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	0	0
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	0	0
Costs to obtain or renew permits	0	0
Proceeds from sale of long term investments		0
Intercompany	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in uncashed checks	0	0
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		2,141
Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted	-1,154	-750
Repurchases of common stock	-15,379	-1,225
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	5	117
Payments on capital leases	0	0
Dividends (paid) / received		0
Intercompany	108,435	49,094
Net cash from financing activities	91,907	49,377
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	0	0
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	83,875	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,006	1,006
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	84,881	1,006
U.S. Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows
Net cash (used in) from operating activities	85,311	72,813
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-37,670	-46,287
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	113	228
Costs to obtain or renew permits	0	-111
Proceeds from sale of long term investments		0
Intercompany	-108,435	-49,094
Net cash used in investing activities	-145,992	-95,264
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in uncashed checks	-14,694	60
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		0
Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	0	0
Payments on capital leases	-164	-42
Dividends (paid) / received		-12,321
Intercompany	0	0
Net cash from financing activities	-14,858	-12,303
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	0	0
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-75,539	-34,754
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	154,147	235,505
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	78,608	200,751
Foreign Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows
Net cash (used in) from operating activities	7,498	-6,519
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-15,279	-28,718
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	647	648
Costs to obtain or renew permits	-1,171	-964
Proceeds from sale of long term investments		12,870
Intercompany	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-15,803	-16,164
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in uncashed checks	-5,574	-39
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		0
Issuance of restricted shares, net of shares remitted	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	0	0
Payments on capital leases	-234	-596
Dividends (paid) / received		0
Intercompany	0	0
Net cash from financing activities	-5,808	-635
Effect of exchange rate change on cash	-7,363	-2,994
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-21,476	-26,312
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	91,726	73,562
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	70,250	47,250
Consolidating Adjustments
Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows
Net cash (used in) from operating activities		-12,321
Cash flows from investing activities:
Intercompany	-108,435	49,094
Net cash used in investing activities	108,435	49,094
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends (paid) / received		12,321
Intercompany	-108,435	-49,094
Net cash from financing activities	($108,435)	($36,773)