Mobile Mini (MINI) 10-K 27 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 20, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	MINI
Entity Registrant Name	MOBILE MINI INC
Entity Central Index Key	911109
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		45,848,123
Entity Public Float			$2.20

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,739		$1,256
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,093 and $2,442 at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, respectively	81,031		53,104
Inventories	16,736		18,744
Lease fleet, net	1,087,056		979,276
Property, plant and equipment, net	113,175		85,153
Assets held for sale			980
Deposits and prepaid expenses	8,586		6,116
Deferred financing costs, net and other assets	8,858		10,977
Intangibles, net	78,385		2,546
Goodwill	705,608	[1]	519,222	[1]
Total assets	2,103,174		1,677,374
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	22,933		18,862
Accrued liabilities	63,727		65,308
Lines of credit	705,518		319,314
Obligations under capital leases	24,918		8,781
Senior Notes	200,000		200,000
Deferred income taxes	231,547		209,565
Total liabilities	1,248,643		821,830
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock $.01 par value, 20,000 shares authorized, none issued
Common stock: $.01 par value, 95,000 shares authorized 48,810 issued and 46,626 outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 49,015 issued and 46,157 outstanding at December 31, 2014	490		488
Additional paid-in capital	569,083		550,387
Retained earnings	380,504		359,778
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-29,870		-15,440
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,184 and 2,858 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively	-65,676		-39,669
Total stockholders' equity	854,531		855,544
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$2,103,174		$1,677,374
[1]	Includes accumulated amortization of $2.0 million and accumulated impairment of $12.5 million.

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$2,442	$2,093
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000	20,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	95,000	95,000
Common stock, issued	49,015	48,810
Common stock, outstanding	46,157	46,626
Treasury stock, shares	2,858	2,184

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Leasing	$410,362	[1]	$366,286	[1]	$339,975	[1]
Sales	31,585	[1]	38,051	[1]	37,759	[1]
Other	3,527	[1]	2,149	[1]	2,162	[1]
Total revenues	445,474	[1]	406,486	[1]	379,896	[1]
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	21,944	[1]	25,413	[1]	23,178	[1]
Leasing, selling and general expenses	280,948	[1]	237,567	[1]	218,709	[1]
Restructuring expenses	3,542	[1]	2,402	[1]	7,123	[1]
Asset impairment charge, net	557	[1]	38,705	[1]	0
Depreciation and amortization	39,334	[1]	35,432	[1]	35,982	[1]
Total costs and expenses	346,325	[1]	339,519	[1]	284,992	[1]
Income from operations	99,149	[1]	66,967	[1]	94,904	[1]
Other income (expense):
Interest income			1		1
Interest expense	-28,729	[1]	-29,467	[1]	-37,268	[1]
Debt restructuring/extinguishment expense					-2,812
Deferred financing costs write-off					-1,889
Foreign currency exchange	-1		-2		-4
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision	70,419		37,499		52,932
Income tax provision	26,033	[1]	12,275	[1]	18,509	[1]
Income from continuing operations	44,386		25,224		34,423
Loss from discontinued operation, net of tax			-1,302		-245
Net income	$44,386		$23,922		$34,178
Basic
Income from continuing operations	$0.96		$0.55		$0.77
Loss from discontinued operation			($0.02)
Net income	$0.96		$0.53		$0.77
Diluted
Income from continuing operations	$0.95		$0.55		$0.76
Loss from discontinued operation			($0.03)
Net income	$0.95		$0.52		$0.76
Weighted average number of common and common share equivalents outstanding:
Basic	46,026		45,481		44,657
Diluted	46,725		46,096		45,102
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.68
[1]	Includes revenues in the U.S. of $307.1 million, $324.9 million and $353.2 million for the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$12,863	$14,820	$9,263	$7,440	$11,958	$14,303	($14,381)	$12,042	$44,386	$23,922	$34,178
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $64, ($194) and ($213) in 2012, 2013, 2014, respectively									-14,430	2,377	7,987
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-14,430	2,377	7,987
Comprehensive income									$29,956	$26,299	$42,165

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, income tax expense (benefit)	($213)	($194)	$64

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$753,914	$478	$508,936	$309,604	($25,804)	($39,300)
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		45,612,000				2,175,000
Net income	34,178			34,178
Other comprehensive income	7,987				7,987
Exercise of stock options	3,645	3	3,642
Exercise of stock options (Shares)	309,000	309,000
Tax shortfall on equity award transactions	-3		-3
Restricted stock grants, net		1	-1
Restricted stock grants (Shares)		115,000
Share-based compensation	9,798		9,798
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	809,519	482	522,372	343,782	-17,817	-39,300
Ending Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		46,036,000				2,175,000
Net income	23,922			23,922
Common stock dividends declared	-7,926			-7,926
Other comprehensive income	2,377				2,377
Exercise of stock options	13,818	6	13,812
Exercise of stock options (Shares)	647,000	647,000
Tax shortfall on equity award transactions	-837		-837
Purchase of treasury stock	-369					-369
Purchase of treasury stock (Shares)		-9,000				9,000
Restricted stock grants, net
Restricted stock grants (Shares)		-48,000
Share-based compensation	15,040		15,040
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	855,544	488	550,387	359,778	-15,440	-39,669
Ending Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		46,626,000				2,184,000
Net income	44,386			44,386
Common stock dividends declared	-23,660			-23,660
Other comprehensive income	-14,430				-14,430
Exercise of stock options	3,642	2	3,640
Exercise of stock options (Shares)	164,000	164,000
Tax shortfall on equity award transactions	-15		-15
Purchase of treasury stock	-26,007					-26,007
Purchase of treasury stock (Shares)		-674,000				674,000
Restricted stock grants, net
Restricted stock grants (Shares)		41,000
Share-based compensation	15,071		15,071
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$854,531	$490	$569,083	$380,504	($29,870)	($65,676)
Ending Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		46,157,000				2,858,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$44,386,000	$23,922,000	$34,178,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Debt restructuring expense			2,812,000
Deferred financing costs write-off			1,889,000
Asset impairment charge, net	557,000	38,217,000
Provision for doubtful accounts	2,778,000	2,160,000	2,179,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,829,000	2,811,000	3,217,000
Amortization of debt issuance discount			49,000
Amortization of long-term liabilities	88,000	169,000	167,000
Share-based compensation expense	15,071,000	14,714,000	9,575,000
Depreciation and amortization	39,334,000	35,626,000	36,187,000
Loss on disposal of discontinued operation		1,948,000
Gain on sale of lease fleet units	-5,732,000	-9,682,000	-11,781,000
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	348,000	247,000	-130,000
Deferred income taxes	25,424,000	11,012,000	18,107,000
Tax shortfall on equity award transactions	-15,000	-837,000	-3,000
Foreign currency loss	1,000	1,000	5,000
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
Receivables	-7,197,000	-3,640,000	-5,078,000
Inventories	2,680,000	-393,000	1,352,000
Deposits and prepaid expenses	-1,416,000	653,000	537,000
Other assets and intangibles	17,000	10,000	-161,000
Accounts payable	-723,000	337,000	-1,884,000
Accrued liabilities	2,195,000	-1,164,000	-268,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	120,625,000	116,111,000	90,949,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operation		677,000
Cash paid for businesses acquired, net of cash acquired	-430,946,000		-3,563,000
Additions to lease fleet, excluding acquisitions	-27,279,000	-28,826,000	-43,934,000
Proceeds from sale of lease fleet units	23,053,000	35,951,000	29,358,000
Additions to property, plant and equipment, excluding acquisitions	-15,779,000	-15,792,000	-12,741,000
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	4,199,000	1,970,000	1,497,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-446,752,000	-6,020,000	-29,383,000
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) under lines of credit	386,204,000	-123,076,000	97,242,000
Deferred financing costs	-719,000		-8,075,000
Proceeds from issuance of note payable			398,000
Principal payments on notes payable		-310,000	-403,000
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-1,956,000	-408,000	-947,000
Issuance of common stock	3,642,000	13,818,000	3,645,000
Dividend payments	-31,384,000
Purchase of treasury stock	-26,007,000	-369,000
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	329,780,000	-110,345,000	-60,719,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-1,170,000	-427,000	-1,770,000
Net (decrease) increase in cash	2,483,000	-681,000	-923,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,256,000	1,937,000	2,860,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	3,739,000	1,256,000	1,937,000
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the year for interest	24,559,000	25,947,000	35,145,000
Cash paid during the year for income and franchise taxes	1,103,000	1,114,000	831,000
Equipment acquired through capital lease obligations	16,508,000	8,547,000	300,000
Senior Notes 6.875 Percent Due 2015
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Redemption of senior notes			-150,000,000
Redemption premiums of senior notes			($2,579,000)

Mobile_Mini_Organization_and_D

Mobile Mini, Organization and Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Mobile Mini, Organization and Description of Business	-1	Mobile Mini, Organization and Description of Business
	Mobile Mini, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a leading provider of portable storage and specialty containment solutions. In these notes, the terms “Mobile Mini” and the “Company” refer to Mobile Mini, Inc. In November 2014, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement to acquire Gulf Tanks Holdings (“GTH”), Inc., the parent company of Houston, Texas-based Evergreen Tank Solutions (“ETS”). The transaction, referred to as the “ETS Acquisition,” closed on December 10, 2014. See additional information regarding the acquisition in Note 3.
	At December 31, 2014, Mobile Mini has a fleet of portable storage and office units operating throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K. The Company has a diversified customer base for the portable storage and office products, including large and small retailers, construction companies, medical centers, schools, utilities, distributors, the military, hotels, restaurants, entertainment complexes and households. These customers use the products for a wide variety of applications, including the storage of retail and manufacturing inventory, construction materials and equipment, documents and records and other goods. The ETS Acquisition resulted in a fleet of specialty containment products, including liquid and solid containment units, serving a specialty sector in the industry. Specialty products are leased primarily to chemical, refinery, oil and natural gas drilling, mining and environmental service customers.
	Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mobile Mini and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company does not have any subsidiaries in which it does not own 100% of the outstanding stock. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates included within the financial statements are the allowance for doubtful accounts, the estimated useful lives and residual values on the lease fleet, rental equipment and property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other asset impairments and certain accrued liabilities.
	Discontinued Operation
	In December 2013, the Company sold the subsidiary comprising its Netherlands operation. The Netherlands operation is reflected as discontinued operation for all periods presented. See Note 17.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	-2	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with insignificant interest rate risk and with maturities of three months or less at purchase to be cash equivalents.
	Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Receivables are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is reviewed monthly for adequacy. The Company estimates the amount of customer receivables that are uncollectible and records an estimated provision for bad debts through a charge to operations. The provision is based on historical collection experience and evaluation of past-due accounts. Specific accounts are written off against the allowance when management determines the account is uncollectible. The Company requires a security deposit on most leased office units to cover the cost of damages or unpaid balances, if any.
	The information presented in the table below reflects the continuing operations of the Company for the periods presented.
			For the Years Ended December 31,
			2012			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	Balance at beginning of year		$	2,509		$	2,666		$	2,093
	Provision charged to expense			2,193			2,151			2,778
	Write-offs			(2,036	)		(2,724	)		(2,429	)
	Balance at end of year		$	2,666		$	2,093		$	2,442
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments which potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of receivables. Concentration of credit risk with respect to receivables is limited due to the Company’s large number of customers spread over a broad geographic area in many industry sectors. No single customer accounts for more than 10.0% of our receivables at December 31, 2013 and 2014. Receivables related to sold units are generally secured by the product sold to the customer. The Company typically has the right to repossess leased portable storage units, including any customer goods contained in the unit, following non-payment of rent.
	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (principally on a standard cost basis which approximates the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method) or market. Market is the lower of replacement cost or net realizable value.
	Raw materials principally consist of raw steel, wood, glass, paint, vinyl and other assembly components used in manufacturing and remanufacturing processes, and to a lesser extent, parts used for internal maintenance and ancillary items held for sale in our specialty containment segment. Work-in-process primarily represents partially assembled units pre-sold or for use as fleet. Finished portable storage units primarily represent purchased or assembled containers held in inventory until the container is either sold as is, remanufactured and sold, or remanufactured and deployed as lease fleet.
	Inventories at December 31 consisted of the following:
			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Raw materials and supplies		$	16,586		$	14,241
	Work-in-process			197			201
	Finished portable storage units			1,961			2,294
	Inventories		$	18,744		$	16,736
	Lease fleet
	Lease fleet is capitalized at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the unit using the straight-line method. Lease fleet is depreciated whether or not it is out on rent. Capitalized cost of lease fleet includes the price paid to acquire the unit and freight charges to the location when the unit is first placed in service, and when applicable, the cost of manufacturing or remanufacturing, which includes the cost of customizing units. Ordinary repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred.
	Management periodically reviews depreciable lives and residual values against various factors, including the results of its lenders’ independent appraisal of lease fleet, practices of the competitors in comparable industries, profit margins achieved on sales of depreciated units and lease rates obtained on older units.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. The Company’s depreciation expense related to property, plant and equipment for 2012, 2013 and 2014 was $12.2 million, $12.7 million and $15.1 million, respectively. Normal repairs and maintenance to property, plant and equipment are expensed as incurred. When property or equipment is retired or sold, the net book value of the asset, reduced by any proceeds, is charged to gain or loss on the disposal of property, plant and equipment and is included in leasing, selling and general expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Property, plant and equipment at December 31 consisted of the following:
			Residual Value			Useful Life			2013			2014
			as Percentage of			in Years
			Original Cost
									(In thousands)
	Land								$	11,124		$	10,920
	Vehicles and machinery			0 - 55	%		5 to 30			88,686			114,150
	Buildings and improvements(1)			0 - 25			3 - 30			18,477			19,365
	Office fixtures and equipment			0			3 to 5			33,017			33,942
	Property, plant and equipment									151,304			178,377
	Accumulated depreciation									(66,151	)		(65,202	)
	Property, plant and equipment, net								$	85,153		$	113,175
	-1	Improvements made to leased properties are depreciated over the lesser of the estimated useful life or the remaining term of the respective lease.
	Capitalized Software Development Costs
	The Company capitalizes qualifying computer software costs incurred during the application development state for internally developed software. Additionally, the Company capitalizes qualifying costs incurred for upgrades and enhancements to existing software that result in additional functionality. Costs related to preliminary project planning activities, post-implementation activities, maintenance and minor modifications are expensed as incurred. Internal-use software is amortized on a straight line basis over its estimated useful life. Capitalized software development costs are included in property, plant and equipment. In 2013 and 2014 the Company capitalized $0.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
	Deferred Financing Costs
	Deferred financing costs consists of the costs of obtaining long-term financing, including the Company’s credit agreement (See Note 5). These costs are amortized over the term of the related debt, using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. Amortization expense for deferred financing costs was approximately $3.2 million, $2.8 million and $2.8 million in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. In addition, in 2012, the Company wrote off $1.9 million of deferred financing costs related to the redemption of our 6.875% senior notes due 2015 and a portion of deferred financing costs related to our prior credit agreement. As of December 31, 2014, $5.7 million of the total $8.7 million unamortized deferred financing costs, related to the Company’s credit agreement. The annual amortization of remaining deferred financing costs is expected to be as follows:
	2015		$	3,134
	2016			3,134
	2017			937
	2018			498
	2019			498
	Thereafter			456
	Total		$	8,657
	Goodwill
	For acquired businesses, the Company records assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values on the respective acquisition dates. Based on these values, the excess purchase prices over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Immediately prior to December 10, 2014, all of the Company’s goodwill was allocated between two reporting units, portable storage operations in North America and the U.K. In conjunction with the ETS Acquisition on December 10, 2014 the Company recorded $182.0 million of goodwill. Of the $705.6 million total goodwill at December 31, 2014, $459.2 million relates to the portable storage North America segment, $64.4 million relates to the portable storage U.K. segment and $182.0 million relates to the specialty containment segment.
	Management assesses the impairment of goodwill on an annual basis at December 31, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
	Some factors management considers important which could indicate an impairment review include the following:
		•		significant under-performance relative to historical, expected or projected future operating results;
		•		significant changes in the manner of the Company’s use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business;
		•		market capitalization relative to net book value; and
		•		significant negative industry or general economic trends.
	In assessing the fair value of the reporting units, management considers both the market approach and the income approach. Under the market approach, the fair value of the reporting unit is based on quoted market prices of companies comparable to the reporting unit being valued. Under the income approach, the fair value of the reporting unit is based on the present value of estimated cash flows. The income approach is dependent on a number of significant management assumptions, including estimated future revenue growth rates, gross margins on sales, operating margins, capital expenditures, tax payments and discount rates. Each approach is given equal weight in arriving at the fair value of the reporting unit. As of December 31, 2014, management assessed qualitative factors and determined it is more likely than not each of the reporting units assigned goodwill had estimated fair values greater than the respective reporting unit’s individual net asset carrying values; therefore, the two step impairment test was not required.
If the two step impairment test is necessary, management is required to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill and compare it to the carrying value of the goodwill. The fair value of the reporting units would be assigned to the respective assets and liabilities of each reporting unit as if the reporting units had been acquired in separate and individual business combinations and the fair value of the reporting units was the price paid to acquire the reporting units. The excess of the fair value of the reporting units over the amounts assigned to their respective assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill.
The following table shows the activity and balances related to goodwill from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014:
		(In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2013(1)		$	518,308
Foreign currency(2)			921
Adjustments			(7	)
Balance at December 31, 2013(1)			519,222
ETS Acquisition			181,972
Other acquisitions			8,840
Foreign currency(2)			(4,426	)
Balance at December 31, 2014(1)		$	705,608
-1	Includes accumulated amortization of $2.0 million and accumulated impairment of $12.5 million.
-2	Represents foreign currency translation adjustments related to the U.K. reporting unit.
Intangibles
Intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset utilizing a method which reflects the estimated pattern in which the economic benefits will be consumed. Customer relationships, trade names and trademarks are amortized using an accelerated method while other intangibles are amortized using the straight-line method.
The following table reflects balances related to intangible assets for the years ended December 31:
					2013									2014
		Estimated			Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Useful			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Life			Amount						Amount			Amount					Amount
					(In thousands)
Customer relationships			11 - 20		$	21,988		$	(19,530	)	$	2,458		$	91,990	$	(20,484	)	$	71,506
Trade names/trademarks			1 - 5			917			(917	)		—			6,065		(919	)		5,146
Non-compete agreements			2 - 5			97			(53	)		44			1,772		(78	)		1,694
Other			1 - 19			61			(17	)		44			61		(22	)		39
Total					$	23,063		$	(20,517	)	$	2,546		$	99,888	$	(21,503	)	$	78,385
Amortization expense for amortizable intangibles was approximately $2.2 million, $1.6 million and $1.6 million in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. See information regarding intangibles acquired in conjunction with company acquisitions in Note 3. Based on the carrying value at December 31, 2014, future amortization of intangible assets is expected to be as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
2015		$	5,876
2016			5,940
2017			5,911
2018			5,961
2019			6,001
Thereafter			48,696
Total		$	78,385
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)
Mobile Mini reviews long-lived assets such as lease fleet, property, plant and equipment, and intangibles, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may be impaired. (See potential impairment indicators under “Goodwill” above). If this review indicates the carrying value of these assets will not be recoverable, as measured based on estimated undiscounted cash flows over their remaining life, the carrying amount would be adjusted to fair value. The cash flow estimates contain management’s best estimates, using appropriate and customary assumptions and projections at the time of evaluation.
In the second quarter of 2013, management conducted an assessment of the lease fleet and determined that certain of these units were either non-core to their leasing strategy or were uneconomic to repair. In connection with this evaluation, management determined to place the assets for sale, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge on long-lived assets of $37.6 million in the second quarter of 2013. As these assets have been sold or otherwise disposed of, additional adjustments have been made to the impairment charge resulting in total asset impairment charges of $38.7 million in 2013 and $0.6 million in 2014. There were no indicators of further impairment at December 31, 2013 or at December 31, 2014. No impairment charges were recognized in 2012. (See Note 16).
Purchase Accounting
Mobile Mini accounts for acquisitions under the acquisition method. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the price paid by the Company is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon the estimated fair values at the closing date. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets. Estimated fair values of acquired assets and liabilities is provisional and could change as additional information is received. The Company finalizes valuations as soon as practicable, but not later than one-year from the acquisition date. Any subsequent changes to purchase price allocations results in a corresponding adjustment to goodwill.
The determination of the fair value of intangible assets requires the use of significant judgment with regard to (i) the fair value; and (ii) whether such intangibles are amortizable or non-amortizable and, if amortizable, the period and the method by which the intangible asset will be amortized. Fair values are estimated for acquisition-related intangible assets principally based on projections of cash flows that will arise from identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses. The projected cash flows are discounted to determine the present value of the assets at the dates of acquisition.
Revenue Recognition
Leasing revenue is generated from the direct lease of the Company’s fleet to its customers, including ancillary revenue such as fleet delivery and pickup. The Company enters into contracts with its customers to lease equipment based on a monthly rate for our portable storage fleet and a daily, weekly or monthly rate for our specialty containment fleet. Revenues from leasing are recognized ratably over the leased period. When a customer keeps the leased unit beyond the original intended term, the lease continues until cancelled by the customer or the Company. Customers may utilize the Company’s equipment delivery and pick-up services in conjunction with the leasing of equipment, but it is not required. Transportation revenue pursuant to the pick up or delivery of a leased unit is recognized in leasing revenue upon completion of the service. When leases are billed in advance, recognition of revenue is deferred and unearned leasing revenue is recorded at the end of reporting period. If equipment is returned prior to the contractually obligated period, the excess, if any, between the amount the customer is contractually required to pay over the cumulative amount of revenue recognized to date, is recognized as incremental revenue upon return.
Sales revenue is primarily generated by the sale of new and used units. Sales revenue is recognized upon delivery when the risk of loss passes, the price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The majority of our units are sold pursuant to sales contracts stating the fixed sales price.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales in the Company’s consolidated statements of income includes the costs for units it sells, and to a lesser extent the costs of parts and supplies sold to specialty containment customers. Similar costs associated with units that the Company leases are capitalized in the balance sheet under “Lease fleet”.
Advertising Costs
All non-direct-response advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Yellow page advertising is capitalized when paid and amortized over the period in which the benefit is derived. At December 31, 2013 and 2014, prepaid advertising costs were approximately $0.2 million and less than $50,000, respectively. The amortization period of the prepaid balance never exceeds 12 months. Advertising expense was $12.3 million, $5.8 million and $5.2 million in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. For each jurisdiction, management estimates the actual amount of taxes currently payable or receivable as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
A valuation allowance is provided for those deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that the related benefits will not be realized. In determining the amount of the valuation allowance, management considers estimated future taxable income as well as feasible tax planning strategies in each jurisdiction. If it is determined that the Company will not realize all or a portion of its deferred tax assets, the valuation allowance is increased with a charge to income tax expense. Conversely, if it is determined that the Company will ultimately be able to realize all or a portion of the related benefits for which a valuation allowance has been provided, all or a portion of the related valuation allowance will be reduced with a credit to income tax expense.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated under the treasury stock method. Potential common shares included restricted common stock, which is subject to risk of forfeiture, incremental shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of nonvested share-awards.
The following table is a reconciliation of net income and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31:
		Twelve Months Ending
		2012			2013			2014
		(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations		$	34,423		$	25,224		$	44,386
Loss on discontinued operation, net of tax			(245	)		(1,302	)		—
Net income		$	34,178		$	23,922		$	44,386
Basic EPS Denominator:
Common shares outstanding beginning of year			44,432			45,194			46,084
Weighted shares issued (repurchased) during the period			225			287			(58	)
Total weighted average shares outstanding			44,657			45,481			46,026
Diluted EPS Denominator:
Common shares outstanding beginning of year			44,432			45,194			46,084
Weighted shares issued (repurchased) during the period			225			287			(58	)
Dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested share awards during the period			445			615			699
Total weighted average shares outstanding			45,102			46,096			46,725
Earnings per share:
Basic:
Income from continuing operations		$	0.77		$	0.55		$	0.96
Loss from discontinued operation			—			(0.02	)		—
Net income		$	0.77		$	0.53		$	0.96
Diluted:
Income from continuing operations		$	0.76		$	0.55		$	0.95
Loss from discontinued operation			—			(0.03	)		—
Net income		$	0.76		$	0.52		$	0.95
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding does not include nonvested share-awards that had not vested of 0.8 million, 0.5 million and 0.3 million shares in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
The following table represents the number of stock options and nonvested share-awards that were issued or outstanding but excluded in calculating diluted EPS because their effect would have been anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31:
		Twelve Months Ending
		2012			2013			2014
		(In thousands)
Stock options			1,006			1,741			751
Nonvested share-awards			228			1			465
Total			1,234			1,742			1,216
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the Company adopted the suggested accounting guidance for the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 — Observable input such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 — Observable inputs, other than Level 1 inputs in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
The carrying amounts of cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair values based on their short-term nature. The fair values of the Company’s revolving credit facility and capital leases are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of the Company’s revolving credit facility debt and capital leases at December 31, 2013 and 2014 approximated their respective book values and are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of the Company’s $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.875% senior notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes” or the “Senior Notes”) is based on their latest sales price at the end of each period obtained from a third-party institution and is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy described in Note 2, as there is not an active market for these notes.
The carrying value and the fair value of the Company’s Senior Notes are as follows:
		2013			2014
		(In thousands)
Carrying value		$	200,000		$	200,000
Fair value			217,300			206,000
At December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company did not have any financial instruments required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Derivatives
In the normal course of business, the Company’s operations are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates. The Company has in the past, and may again in the future, addressed a portion of these risks through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. The objective of controlling these risks is to limit the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on earnings. At December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company did not have any derivative agreements.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company calculates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing valuation model, which incorporates various assumptions including volatility, expected life and risk-free interest rates. The fair value of nonvested share-awards is estimated as the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Compensation related to service-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation expense related to performance-based awards is recognized over the implicit service period of the award based on management’s estimate of the probability of the performance criteria being satisfied, adjusted at each balance sheet date. Expense related to performance-based awards that have multiple vesting dates, is recognized using the accelerated attribution approach, whereby each vesting tranche is treated as a separate award for purposes of determining the implicit service period. Share based compensation expense is reduced for estimated forfeitures which are estimated at the time of grant based on historical experience, and revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from estimates.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
For Mobile Mini’s non-U.S. operations, the local currency is the functional currency. All assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates and all income statement amounts are translated at the average exchange rate for each month within the year.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.    In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, with an option for early adoption. The Company adopted this guidance in January 2014. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.    In April 2014, the FASB issued the accounting guidance on reporting discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity. The new guidance raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The Company does not expect the adoption of the guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers.    In May 2014, FASB issued the accounting standard on revenue from contracts with customers. The standard provides a single model for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance. The standard requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of goods or services. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The revenue recognition standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the impact, if any, of the adoption of the standard to its financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	-3	Acquisitions
	On December 10, 2014, Mobile Mini acquired all of the outstanding equity interests of GTH, the parent company of ETS, referred to as the ETS Acquisition. The acquisition results in significant growth opportunities for all product lines by leveraging Mobile Mini’s national presence and infrastructure, and ETS’ customer relationships. Further, the combination diversifies the Company’s end market exposure and is expected to result in modest cost synergies. As a result of the ETS Acquisition, included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 is $6.4 million of revenues and $1.1 million of income from continuing operations before income tax provision. Direct expenses of $5.0 million related to the ETS Acquisition were recognized in the fourth quarter of 2014.
	Mobile Mini, GTH and GTH’s stockholders have each made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Stock Purchase Agreement. The parties have also agreed to provide customary indemnities, and Mobile Mini has paid a portion of the purchase price into escrow to secure the indemnification obligations of GTH’s stockholders, which are subject to customary limitations.
	Also in 2014, Mobile Mini completed eight other acquisitions of portable storage businesses through both asset purchase and stock purchase agreements. The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Five of these acquisitions expanded the Company’s existing operations in North Dakota, North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Florida and South Carolina markets. The other three acquisitions created new locations for the Company in the Danbury, Connecticut, Fort Wayne, Indiana and Buffalo, New York metropolitan areas. The Company did not acquire any businesses in 2013.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the operations of the acquired businesses from the date of acquisition. The aggregate purchase price for the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed were recorded based on their estimated fair values at the date of each acquisition. For the purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information, valuations were performed based on available information. At this time the fair values of assets purchased and liabilities assumed are still subject to uncertainty, as substantial amounts of ETS data must be thoroughly analyzed before more precise valuations can be determined. In addition, lease fleet and property, plant and equipment were valued based on assumed fleet condition. If our assumptions prove to be inaccurate, preliminary valuations may change.
	The components of the purchase price and net assets acquired for 2014 acquisitions, are as follows:
			2014
			ETS			Other			Total
			Acquisition			Acquisitions
			(In thousands)
	Purchase Price, net of cash acquired:
	Cash		$	410,345		$	23,299		$	433,644
	Cash acquired			(2,698	)		—			(2,698	)
	Total		$	407,647		$	23,299		$	430,946
	Net Assets Acquired:
	Lease fleet		$	121,620		$	12,713		$	134,333
	Property, plant and equipment			14,814			338			15,152
	Intangible assets(1):
	Customer relationships			69,200			1,350			70,550
	Trade names/trademarks			5,200			—			5,200
	Non-compete agreements			1,500			204			1,704
	Goodwill(2)			181,972			8,840			190,812
	Deferred tax asset, net			2,217			—			2,217
	Other assets(3)			26,054			538			26,592
	Other liabilities			(14,930	)		(684	)		(15,614	)
	Total		$	407,647		$	23,299		$	430,946
	-1	The following table reflects the estimated fair values and useful lives of intangible assets related to the ETS Acquisition identified based on our preliminary purchase accounting assessments:
			Estimated
			Life
			(Years)
	Customer relationships		15 - 20
	Trade names/trademarks		5 - 10
	Non-compete agreements		5
	-2	All of the goodwill related to the ETS Acquisition was assigned to our specialty containment solutions segment. The goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of ETS’ going-concern value, the value of ETS’ assembled workforce, new customer relationships expected to arise from the acquisition, and operational synergies and economies of scale that we expect to realize from the acquisition. Goodwill from other acquisitions relates to the North America portable storage segment. None of the goodwill assigned to ETS will be amortizable for tax purposes, while all of the goodwill from the other acquisitions will be deductible for tax purposes.
	-3	Included in other assets for the ETS Acquisition are accounts receivables with contractual amounts totaling $24.9 million. The Company estimates that $0.6 million will be uncollectible, and has valued acquired accounts receivable at $24.3 million.
	Supplemental Pro Forma Information
	The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative, and should not be relied on as being indicative, of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had actually taken place at the beginning of each of the periods presented. The pro forma financial information reflects only the ETS Acquisition, as the remaining acquisitions would not have a material effect on reported results of operations. The following table summarizes the Company’s unaudited consolidated statements of income as if the ETS Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2013:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Mobile Mini’s historic revenues		$	406,486		$	445,474
	ETS’ historic revenues(1)			92,057			101,603
	Pro forma revenues		$	498,543		$	547,077
	Net income
	Mobile Mini’s historic net income		$	23,922		$	44,386
	ETS’ historic net income (loss)(1)			(10,332	)		(25,862	)
	Pro forma adjustments(2)			6,956			22,601
	Pro forma net income		$	20,546		$	41,125
	Average diluted weighted shares outstanding			46,096			46,725
	Pro forma diluted earnings per share		$	0.45		$	0.88
	-1	ETS historic information for the year ended December 31, 2014, consists of revenues and net loss prior to the acquisition date of December 10, 2014. Revenues and net income (loss) after the acquisition date are included in Mobile Mini’s historic information for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	-2	Pro forma adjustments consist of the following:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions:
	Record the net impact to depreciation resulting from fair value mark-ups, offset by changes to the estimated remaining lives, for acquired lease fleet and property, plant and equipment		$	3,799		$	3,953
	Remove historic gains recognized on the sale of used lease fleet and property, plant and equipment			(1,707	)		(2,195	)
	Eliminate historic ETS amortization of intangible assets			3,233			3,387
	Recognize amortization for intangible assets acquired			(4,818	)		(5,027	)
	Recognize increased interest expense on amounts borrowed to fund the acquisition, including acquisition costs			(9,078	)		(8,531	)
	Eliminate historic ETS interest expense on debt instruments retired upon acquisition			19,882			22,655
	Eliminate acquisition costs			—			15,295
Total			11,311			29,537
Increase in income tax provision related to pro forma adjustments			4,355			6,936
Total pro forma adjustments		$	6,956		$	22,601

Lease_Fleet

Lease Fleet	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Lease Fleet	-4	Lease Fleet
	The Company’s depreciation expense related to its lease fleet for 2012, 2013 and 2014 was $21.6 million, $21.2 million and $22.7 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2014, all of the Company’s lease fleet units were pledged as collateral under the Credit Agreement.
	Lease fleet at December 31 consisted of the following:
			Residual Value			Useful Life	2013			2014
			as Percentage of			in Years
			Original Cost(1)
							(In thousands)
	Portable Storage:
	Steel storage containers			55	%	30	$	600,475		$	604,547
	Steel security and combinations offices			55	%	30		328,849			329,565
	Wood mobile offices			50	%	20		210,057			208,529
	Other							5,928			5,633
	Total							1,145,309			1,148,274
	Accumulated depreciation							(166,033	)		(182,437	)
	Total portable storage fleet, net						$	979,276		$	965,837
	Specialty Containment:
	Steel tanks					25				$	50,843
	Roll-off boxes					15 - 20					19,820
	Stainless steel tank trailers					25					7,667
	Vacuum boxes					20					23,283
	De-watering boxes					20					3,898
	Pumps and filtration equipment					7					11,510
	Other										5,468
	Total										122,489
	Accumulated depreciation										(1,270	)
	Total specialty containment fleet, net									$	121,219
	Total lease fleet, net									$	1,087,056
	-1	Specialty containment fleet has been assigned zero residual value.

Lines_of_Credit

Lines of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Lines of Credit	-5	Lines of Credit
	On February 22, 2012, the Company entered into a $900.0 million ABL Credit Agreement with Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch and other lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”). In December 2014, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement to increase the facility to $1.0 billion. All other material terms of the Credit Agreement remained substantially the same. The Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, revolving credit facility and all amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement are due on February 22, 2017. The obligations of Mobile Mini and its subsidiary guarantors under the Credit Agreement are secured by a blanket lien on substantially all of its assets.
	Amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement and repaid or prepaid during the term may be reborrowed. Outstanding amounts under the Credit Agreement bear interest at the Company’s option at either: (i) LIBOR plus a defined margin, or (ii) the Agent bank’s prime rate plus a margin. The applicable margin for each type of loan is based on an availability-based pricing grid and ranges from 1.75% to 2.25% for LIBOR loans and 0.75% to 1.25% for base rate loans at each measurement date. As of December 31, 2014, the applicable margins are 2.00% for LIBOR loans and 1.00% for base rate loans and will be remeasured at the end of the next measurement date, which is within 10 days following the end of each fiscal quarter.
	Availability of borrowings under the Credit Agreement is subject to a borrowing base calculation based upon a valuation of the Company’s eligible accounts receivable, eligible container fleet (including containers held for sale, work-in-process and raw materials) and machinery and equipment, each multiplied by an applicable advance rate or limit. The lease fleet is appraised at least once annually by a third-party appraisal firm and up to 90% of the net orderly liquidation value, as defined in the Credit Agreement, is included in the borrowing base to determine how much the Company may borrow under the Credit Agreement.
	The Credit Agreement provides for U.K. borrowings, which are, at the Company’s option, denominated in either Pounds Sterling or Euros, by its U.K. subsidiary based upon a U.K. borrowing base; Canadian borrowings, which are denominated in Canadian dollars, by its Canadian subsidiary based upon a Canadian borrowing base; and U.S. borrowings, which are denominated in U.S. dollars, by the Company based upon a U.S. borrowing base along with any Canadian assets not included in the Canadian subsidiary.
	The Credit Agreement also contains customary negative covenants, including covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to, among other things: (i) allow certain liens to attach to the Company or its subsidiary assets; (ii) repurchase or pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments on capital stock and certain other securities, prepay certain indebtedness or make acquisitions or other investments subject to Payment Conditions (as defined in the Credit Agreement); and (iii) incur additional indebtedness or engage in certain other types of financing transactions. Payment Conditions allow restricted payments and acquisitions to occur without financial covenants as long as the Company has $250.0 million of pro forma excess borrowing availability under the Credit Agreement. The Company must also comply with specified financial maintenance covenants and affirmative covenants only if the Company falls below $100.0 million of borrowing availability levels with set permitted values for the Debt Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). The Company was in compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2014 and was above the minimum borrowing availability threshold and therefore not subject to any financial maintenance covenants.
	The weighted average interest rate under the lines of credit was approximately 2.2% in both 2013 and 2014. The average outstanding balance was approximately $386.6 million and $323.6 million during 2013 and 2014, respectively. During December 2014, the Company borrowed approximately $410 million under the Credit Agreement to fund the ETS Acquisition and associated expenses. At December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $705.5 million of borrowings outstanding and $286.9 million of additional borrowing availability under the Credit Agreement, based upon borrowing base calculations as of such date.

Obligations_Under_Capital_Leas

Obligations Under Capital Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Obligations Under Capital Leases	-6	Obligations Under Capital Leases
	At December 31, 2013 and 2014, obligations under capital leases for certain transportation, technology and office related equipment were $8.8 million and $24.9 million, respectively. Certain of the lease agreements provide the Company with a purchase option at the end of the lease term. The leases have been capitalized using interest rates primarily ranging from approximately 1.8% to 12.7%. The leases are secured by the equipment under lease. Assets recorded under capital lease obligations totaled approximately $10.2 million as of December 31, 2013 and $24.6 million as of December 31, 2014. Related accumulated amortization totaled approximately $1.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2014. The assets acquired under capital leases and related accumulated amortization is included in property, plant and equipment, net, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The related amortization is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Future minimum capital lease payments at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	2015		$	4,144
	2016			4,118
	2017			3,852
	2018			3,380
	2019			3,450
	Thereafter			8,486
	Total			27,430
	Amount representing interest			(2,512	)
	Present value of minimum lease payments		$	24,918

Debt_Issuances

Debt Issuances	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Issuances	-7	Debt Issuances
	On November 23, 2010, the Company issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes. The 2020 Notes were issued by the Company at an initial offering price of 100% of their face value. The 2020 Notes have a ten-year term and mature on December 1, 2020 and bear interest at a rate of 7.875% per year. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The 2020 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our domestic subsidiaries.
	Future Debt Obligations
	The scheduled maturity for debt obligations under Mobile Mini’s Credit Agreement, obligations under capital leases and Senior Notes for balances outstanding at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	2015		$	3,465
	2016			3,563
	2017			708,932
	2018			3,041
	2019			3,194
	Thereafter			208,241
	Total		$	930,436

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	-8	Income Taxes
	Income before taxes from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following:
			For the Years Ended December 31,
			2012			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	U.S.		$	44,157		$	30,528		$	52,944
	Foreign			8,775			6,971			17,475
	Total		$	52,932		$	37,499		$	70,419
	The provision for income taxes from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following:
			For the Years Ended December 31,
			2012			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Current:
	U.S. Federal		$	—		$	—		$	—
	State			388			934			827
	Foreign			—			—			—
	Total current			388			934			827
	Deferred
	U.S. Federal			15,419			11,483			21,510
	State			1,553			1,100			2,019
	Foreign			1,149			(1,242	)		1,677
	Total deferred			18,121			11,341			25,206
	Total provision for income taxes		$	18,509		$	12,275		$	26,033
	The components of the net deferred tax liability at December 31 are approximately as follows:
			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards		$	94,346		$	122,041
	Deferred revenue and expenses			11,280			13,310
	Accrued compensation and other benefits			1,411			1,438
	Allowance for doubtful accounts			615			1,034
	Other			4,745			4,812
	Total deferred tax assets			112,397			142,635
	Valuation allowance			(1,126	)		(1,126	)
	Net deferred tax assets			111,271			141,509
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Accelerated tax depreciation			(302,597	)		(333,042	)
	Accelerated tax amortization			(13,474	)		(36,150	)
	Other			(4,765	)		(3,864	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities			(320,836	)		(373,056	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities		$	(209,565	)	$	(231,547	)
	A deferred U.S. tax liability has not been provided on the undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries because it is Mobile Mini’s intent to permanently reinvest such earnings. Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, which have been or are intended to be permanently invested, aggregated approximately $25.5 million and $37.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively. A net deferred tax liability of approximately $14.4 million and $16.2 million related to the Company’s U.K. operations has been combined with the net deferred tax liabilities of its U.S. operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively. In connection with the ETS Acquisition, the Company acquired $2.2 million of net deferred tax assets. This primarily consisted of deferred tax liabilities of $53.0 million related to accelerated tax depreciation and amortization along with deferred tax asset for federal and state net operating losses of $55.2 million. A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to Mobile Mini’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
			For the Years Ended December 31,
			2012			2013			2014
	U.S. federal statutory rate			35	%		35	%		35	%
	State taxes, net of federal benefit			3.5			3.5			3.9
	Nondeductible expenses and other			1.4			1.4			1.2
	Adjustment of net deferred tax liability for enacted tax rate change			(2.1	)		(4.9	)		—
	Foreign rate differential			(2.8	)		(2.3	)		(3.1	)
	Effective tax rate			35	%		32.7	%		37	%
	At December 31, 2014, Mobile Mini had U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards on its federal tax return of approximately $356.5 million, which expire if unused from 2025 to 2034. At December 31, 2014, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards on the various states’ tax returns in which it operates totaling $172.3 million, which expire if unused from 2015 to 2034. At December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company’s net operating losses carrying forward for tax return purposes include $14.2 million and $16.6 million of excess tax benefits from employee stock awards. Additional paid in capital will be increased by an equivalent amount if and when such excess tax benefits are realized. In connection with the ETS Acquisition, Mobile Mini acquired U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $151.3 million and various state net operating loss carryforwards of $47.5 million.
	For income tax purposes, deductible compensation related to share-based awards is based on the value of the award when realized, which may be different than the compensation expense recognized by us in our financial statements, which is based on the award value on the date of grant. The difference between the value of the award upon grant, and the value of the award when ultimately realized, creates either additional tax benefits or a tax shortfall.
	Tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for share-based awards (“excess tax benefits”) are recognized as increases to additional paid in capital and as financing cash flows, only if an incremental income tax benefit would be realized after considering all other tax attributes presently available to us. We have not recognized excess tax benefits in 2012, 2013 or 2014, because we have not paid U.S. federal income taxes in those years.
	Tax shortfalls, which occur when the tax deduction for share-based awards is less than the compensation cost recognized, are recorded as a reduction to additional paid in capital to the extent that, cumulatively, the shortfalls do not exceed the cumulative excess tax benefits recognized (including excess tax benefits not yet recognized in additional paid in capital). Should cumulative tax shortfalls exceed cumulative excess tax benefits, the difference would be reflected as additional tax expense in our financial statements.
	Because we have not paid U.S. taxes in 2012, 2013 and 2014 we have recognized tax shortfalls as a reduction to our net deferred tax liability and presented these shortfalls as a reduction to operating cash flows. When we are in a position to remit taxes, the shortfalls will offset excess tax benefits, and the net difference will be recognized as a financing cash flow.
	Management evaluates the ability to realize its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and adjusts the amount of its valuation allowance if necessary. Over the past three years, Mobile Mini has generated $118.1 million of federal taxable income. Management currently believes that adequate future taxable income will be generated through future operations, or through available tax planning strategies to recover the unreserved portion of these deferred tax assets.
	Mobile Mini adopted a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation process, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
	The Company files U.S. federal tax returns, U.S. state tax returns, and foreign tax returns. The Company has identified its U.S. Federal tax return as its “major” tax jurisdiction. For the U.S. Federal return, the Company’s tax years for 2011, 2012 and 2013 are subject to tax examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service through September 15, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. No reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded. The Company does not anticipate that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit related to any particular tax position will change significantly within the next 12 months.
	In July 2013, the U.K.’s government authorized a reduction in the corporate income tax rate to 20% from the statutory rate of 23% authorized in 2012. This rate reduction only affected the Company’s U.K. operations and reduced the Company’s deferred tax liability in the U.K. by approximately $1.9 million in 2013. The tax reduction is reflected at the enacted rate in effect at the estimated date such amounts will be payable.
	The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties associated with audits is to record such items as a component of income before taxes. Penalties and associated interest costs, if any, are recorded in leasing, selling and general expenses in its Consolidated Statements of Income.
	As a result of stock ownership changes during the years presented, it is possible that the Company has undergone a change in ownership for federal income tax purposes, which can limit the amount of net operating loss currently available as a deduction. Management has determined that even if such an ownership change has occurred, it would not impair the realization of the deferred tax asset resulting from the federal net operating loss carryover.
	Mobile Mini paid income taxes of approximately $0.8 million in 2012, $1.1 million in 2013 and $1.1 million in 2014. These amounts are lower than the recorded expense in the years due to net operating loss carryforwards and general business credit utilization.

Transactions_with_Related_Pers

Transactions with Related Persons	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Transactions with Related Persons	-9	Transactions with Related Persons
	With the ETS Acquisition, the Company acquired its subsidiary, Water Movers, which has two real property leases with an entity partly owned by Michael Watts, a member of our Board. These leases began in 2013, prior to the ETS Acquisition, and expire in 2023. Rental payments under these leases are currently $17,660 per month. Any future renewals of these leases will be approved by the Board as related party transactions. It is Mobile Mini’s intention not to enter into any additional related person transactions.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	-10	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company has historically awarded stock options and nonvested share-awards for employees and non-employee directors as a means of attracting and retaining quality personnel and to align employee performance with stockholder value. Stock option plans are approved by the Company’s stockholders and administered by the stock compensation committee of the board of directors (“Board”). The current plan allows for a variety of equity programs designed to provide flexibility in implementing equity and cash awards, including incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, nonvested share-awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance stock, performance units and other stock-based awards. Participants may be granted any one of the equity awards or any combination. The Company does not award stock options with an exercise price below the market price of the underlying securities on the date of award. As of December 31, 2014, 2.9 million shares remain available for future grants. Generally stock options have contractual terms of ten years.
	Service-based awards.    The Company grants share-based compensation awards that vest over time subject to the employee rendering service to the Company over the vesting period. The majority of the service–based awards vest in equal annual installments over a period of three to five years. The expense for service-based awards is expensed ratably over the full service period of the grant.
	Performance-based awards.    Certain executive officers have been granted stock options and nonvested share-awards with vesting contingent upon the achievement of certain performance criteria related to operating performance of the Company, in addition to the fulfillment of service requirements. Performance-based awards generally vest over a three to four year period. Expense related to performance-based awards that have multiple vesting dates, is recognized using the accelerated attribution approach, whereby each vesting tranche is treated as a separate award for purposes of determining the implicit service period. The accelerated attribution approach generally results in a higher expense during the earlier years of vesting.
	Generally, performance-based share awards vest annually contingent on annual operating performance criteria, however, there is also a cumulative performance objective. Performance shares that do not vest in any given year due to failure to achieve an annual performance target may nevertheless vest at the end of the cumulative year grant period if certain cumulative targets are met. In the past three years, the Company has recognized the full expense for all awards. However, should cumulative targets not be achieved in the future, awards may be forfeited resulting in a reduction to future expense. As of December 31, 2014 approximately 793,000 performance-based stock options and 26,000 performance-based non-vested share awards remain unvested. No performance-based awards were issued in 2014.
	Non-employee director awards.    Each non-employee director serving on the Company’s Board receives an automatic award of shares of Mobile Mini’s common stock annually. These awards vest 100% when granted. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of expense was recognized related to these grants.
	Share-based compensation expense.    Share-based compensation related to the vesting of options and nonvested share-awards was approximately $9.6 million, $14.7 million and $15.1 million for 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s share-based compensation for the years ended December 31:
			For the Years Ended December 31,
			2012			2013		2014
			(In thousands)
	Share-based compensation expense included:
	Leasing, selling and general expenses		$	7,151		$	13,956	$	14,490
	Restructuring expenses			2,424			758		581
	Share-based compensation expense			9,575			14,714		15,071
	Amount capitalized			223			326		—
	Total share-based compensation		$	9,798		$	15,040	$	15,071
	As of December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option awards was approximately $9.4 million and the related weighted-average period over which it is expected to be recognized is approximately 1.2 years. As of December 31, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-awards was approximately $8.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.5 years.
	Stock options.    The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model which requires the input of assumptions. Management estimates the risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury security rate in effect at the time of the grant. The expected life of the options, volatility and dividend rates are estimated based on the Company’s historical data. The following are the key assumptions used for the period noted:
			2013		2014
	Risk-free interest rate		0.7% - 1.5%		1.5% - 1.7%
	Expected life of the options (years)		6.0 - 7.0		5
	Expected stock price volatility		41.1% - 46.3%		35.4% - 38.4%
	Expected dividend rate		0.0% - 1.8%		1.5% - 1.8%
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the years ended December 31 (share amounts in thousands):
			2012					2013					2014
			Number			Weighted		Number			Weighted		Number			Weighted
			of			Average		of			Average		of			Average
			Shares			Exercise		Shares			Exercise		Shares			Exercise
						Price					Price					Price
	Options outstanding, beginning of year			1,394		$	18.39		1,099		$	20.02		2,519		$	29.8
	Granted			65			21.13		2,214			31.26		365			46.83
	Canceled/Expired			(51	)		26.61		(147	)		15.9		(71	)		40.63
	Exercised			(309	)		11.81		(647	)		21.35		(164	)		22.18
	Options outstanding, end of year			1,099			20.02		2,519			29.8		2,649			32.33
	Options exercisable, end of year			755			20.42		193			21.51		854			29.32
	Options and awards available for grant, end of year			1,361					3,239					2,902
	A summary of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2014, is as follows:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted			Aggregate
			Shares			Average		Average			Intrinsic
						Exercise		Remaining			Value
						Price		Contractual
								Terms
			(In thousands)					(In years)			(In thousands)
	Outstanding			2,649		$	32.33		8.12		$	23,653
	Vested and expected to vest			2,571			32.15		8.1			23,958
	Exercisable			854			29.32		7.56			9,594
	The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the period ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was $2.7 million, $9.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
	The weighted average fair value of stock options granted was $8.56, $10.59 and $10.46 for the period ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	Nonvested share-awards.    The fair value of nonvested share-awards is estimated as the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. A summary of nonvested share-awards activity is as follows (share amounts in thousands):
			Shares			Weighted
						Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2012			1,180		$	16.2
	Awarded			261			19.67
	Released			(453	)		16.05
	Forfeited			(145	)		16.77
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012			843			17.27
	Awarded			153			30.21
	Released			(252	)		19.15
	Forfeited			(202	)		15.64
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013			542			20.65
	Awarded			143			39.77
Released			(240	)		20.93
Forfeited			(102	)		22.09
Nonvested at December 31, 2014			343			27.99
The total fair value of nonvested share-awards that vested in 2013 and 2014 were $4.8 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

Benefit_Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	(11)  Benefit	Plans
	In 1995, the Company established a contributory retirement plan in the U.S., the 401(k) Plan, covering eligible employees. The 401(k) Plan is designed to provide tax-deferred retirement benefits to employees in accordance with the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.
	The 401(k) Plan provides that each participant may annually contribute a fixed amount or a percentage of his or her salary, not to exceed the statutory limit. Mobile Mini may make a qualified non-elective contribution in an amount it determines. Under the terms of the 401(k) Plan, Mobile Mini may also make discretionary profit sharing contributions. Profit sharing contributions are allocated among participants based on their annual compensation. Each participant has the right to direct the investment of their funds among certain named plans. Mobile Mini contributes 25% of its employees’ contributions up to an annual maximum of $1 thousand per employee. The Company has a Registered Retirement Savings Plan regulated by Canadian law, where the Company makes matching contributions to its Canadian employees.
	In the U.K., the Company’s employees are covered by one of two separate defined contribution programs. The employees become eligible to participate in the programs once any initial employment probationary period is completed. The plans are designed as retirement benefit programs into that which the Company pays a contribution of either 5% or 7% of the employees’ annual salary into the plan. Depending on the plan, employees contribute either 0% or 2.5% of their annual salary into the plan and have the right to make further contributions if they so elect. The participants have the right to direct the investment of their funds among certain named plans. Annual charges are deducted from each employee’s fund to cover the administrative costs of these programs.
	Mobile Mini made contributions to the U.S., Canadian and U.K. plans of approximately $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.7 million in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Company incurred approximately $34,000 in each of the three years ending December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, for administrative costs for these programs.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	(12)  Commitments	and Contingencies
	Leases
	The Company leases its corporate offices and other properties and operating equipment from third parties under noncancelable operating leases. Rent expense under these agreements was approximately $20.7 million, $21.2 million and $21.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, contractual commitments associated with lease obligations are as follows:
			Operating		Restructuring		Sub-lease			Total
			Lease		Related Lease		Income
			Commitments		Commitments
			(In thousands)
	2015		$	19,011	$	522	$	(243	)	$	19,290
	2016			14,583		454		(150	)		14,887
	2017			10,187		394		(77	)		10,504
	2018			5,886		272		—			6,158
	2019			3,117		23		—			3,140
	Thereafter			9,773		—		—			9,773
	Total		$	62,557	$	1,665	$	(470	)	$	63,752
	Future minimum lease payments under restructured non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014, are included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 14 for a further discussion on restructuring related commitments.
	Insurance
	The Company maintains insurance coverage for its operations and employees with appropriate aggregate, per occurrence and deductible limits as the Company reasonably determines is necessary or prudent with current operations and historical experience. The majority of these coverages have large deductible programs which allow for potential improved cash flow benefits based on its loss control efforts.
	The Company’s employee group health insurance program is a self-insured program with individual and aggregate stop loss limits. The insurance provider is responsible for funding all claims in excess of the calculated monthly maximum liability. This calculation is based on a variety of factors including the number of employees enrolled in the plan. This plan allows for some cash flow benefits while guarantying a maximum premium liability. Actual results may vary from estimates based on the Company’s actual experience at the end of the plan policy periods based on the carrier’s loss predictions and its historical claims data.
	The Company’s worker’s compensation, auto and general liability insurance are purchased under large deductible programs. The Company’s current per incident deductibles are: worker’s compensation $250,000, auto $500,000 and general liability $100,000. The Company expenses the deductible portion of the individual claims. However, the Company generally does not know the full amount of its exposure to a deductible in connection with any particular claim during the fiscal period in which the claim is incurred and for which it must make an accrual for the deductible expense. The Company makes these accruals based on a combination of the claims development experience of its staff and its insurance companies, and, at year end, the accrual is reviewed and adjusted, in part, based on an independent actuarial review of historical loss data and using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry. A high degree of judgment is required in developing these estimates of amounts to be accrued, as well as in connection with the underlying assumptions. In addition, the Company’s assumptions will change as its loss experience is developed. All of these factors have the potential for significantly impacting the amounts the Company has previously reserved in respect of anticipated deductible expenses and the Company may be required in the future to increase or decrease amounts previously accrued. Under the Company’s various insurance programs, it has collective reserves recorded in accrued liabilities of $3.8 million and $3.3 million at December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, in connection with the issuance of our insurance policies, Mobile Mini has provided its various insurance carriers approximately $7.5 million in letters of credit.
	In 2014 ETS maintained its own insurance for employee group health, workers’ compensation, auto and general liability. There were no outstanding claims related to ETS that required a reserve at December 31, 2014.
	General Litigation
	The Company is a party to various claims and litigation in the normal course of business. Management’s current estimated range of liability related to various claims and pending litigation is based on claims for which our management can determine that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Because of the uncertainties related to both the probability of incurred and possible range of loss on pending claims and litigation, management must use considerable judgment in making reasonable determination of the liability that could result from an unfavorable outcome. As additional information becomes available, management will assess the potential liability related to our pending litigation and revise our estimates. Such revisions in the Company’s estimates of the potential liability could materially impact our results of operation. Management does not anticipate the resolution of such matters known at this time will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or consolidated financial position.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	(13)  Stockholders’	Equity
	Dividends
	On November 6, 2013, the Company’s Board authorized the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend to all the Company’s common stockholders and declared the first quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share of common stock, payable on March 20, 2014. During fiscal 2014, the Company paid cash dividends of $.68 per share for a total of $31.4 million. Each future quarterly dividend payment is subject to review and approval by the Board. In addition, the Company’s Credit Agreement contains restrictions on the declaration and payment of dividends.
	Treasury stock
	On November 6, 2013, the Board approved a share repurchase program authorizing up to $125.0 million of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock to be repurchased. The shares may be repurchased from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The share repurchases are subject to prevailing market conditions and other considerations. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or terminated at any time by the Board. All shares repurchased are held in treasury.
	During fiscal 2014, the Company purchased approximately 649,000 shares of its common stock at a cost of $25 million under the authorized share repurchase program and approximately $100 million is available for repurchase as of December 31, 2014. In addition, the Company withheld approximately 25,000 shares of stock from employees, for an approximate value of $1.0 million, upon vesting of share awards to satisfy minimum tax withholding obligations. These shares were not acquired pursuant to the share repurchase program.

Restructuring_Costs

Restructuring Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Costs	(14)  Restructuring	Costs
	The Company has undergone restructuring actions to align its business operations, including the termination of its consumer initiative program in August 2012 and the transition of key leadership positions in 2012 and 2013. The Company’s U.K. operations restructured one of their locations at the end of 2013 and additionally sold the Belfast, North Ireland location in the second quarter of 2014. In addition, the Company’s field management and sales force structures in North America were realigned in 2014 along with other organizational changes. The majority of accrued restructuring obligations were related to the Company’s operations in North America.
	The following table details accrued restructuring obligations (included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets) and related activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014:
			Severance and			Lease			Other			Total
			Benefits			Abandonment			Costs
						Costs
			(In thousands)
	Accrued obligations as of January 1, 2012		$	—		$	2,129		$	—		$	2,129
	Restructuring expense			5,976			1,007			140			7,123
	Settlement of obligations			(3,433	)		(1,566	)		(140	)		(5,139	)
	Accrued obligations as of December 31, 2012			2,543			1,570			—			4,113
	Restructuring expense			1,787			475			140			2,402
	Settlement of obligations			(3,717	)		(982	)		(140	)		(4,839	)
	Accrued obligations as of December 31, 2013			613			1,063			—			1,676
	Restructuring expense			1,826			318			1,398			3,542
	Settlement of obligations			(1,998	)		(705	)		(1,398	)		(4,101	)
	Accrued obligations as of December 31, 2014		$	441		$	676		$	—		$	1,117
	The majority of accrued obligations are expected to be paid out through the year 2015, with the exception of a lease that will continue into the first quarter of 2019.
	The following amounts are included in restructuring expense for the years ended December 31:
			2012			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Severance and benefits		$	5,976		$	1,787		$	1,826
	Lease abandonment costs			1,007			475			318
	Other costs(1)			140			140			1,398
	Restructuring expenses		$	7,123		$	2,402		$	3,542
	-1	Other costs for 2014 include the sale of the Company’s Belfast, Northern Ireland location.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	(15)  Segment	Reporting
	Prior to the ETS Acquisition, the Company’s operations were comprised of two reportable segments: North America and the U.K., both of which offer portable storage solutions. Discrete financial data on each of the Company’s products is not available and it would be impractical to collect and maintain financial data in such a manner. As a result of the ETS Acquisition, the Company established a new specialty containment reporting segment. The assets and liabilities of ETS are included in Mobile Mini’s December 31, 2014 consolidated balance sheet and operations related to ETS are included in Mobile Mini’s consolidated results from the acquisition date of December 10, 2014 through the end of the year.
	The results for each segment are reviewed discretely by senior management. Within their segment, locations generally have similar economic characteristics covering all products leased or sold, including customer base, sales personnel, advertising, yard facilities, general and administrative costs and field operations management.
	All of the Company’s locations operate in their local currency and, although the Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuation in other foreign markets where the Company leases and sells its products, the Company does not believe such exposure will have a significant impact on its results of operations.
	The following tables set forth certain information regarding each of the Company’s segments for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 (1).
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
			Portable Storage
			North		United		Total		Specialty		Consolidated
			America		Kingdom				Containment
			(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Leasing		$	278,330	$	61,645	$	339,975	$	—	$	339,975
	Sales			33,845		3,914		37,759		—		37,759
	Other			1,901		261		2,162		—		2,162
	Total revenues			314,076		65,820		379,896		—		379,896
	Costs and expenses:
	Cost of sales			20,631		2,547		23,178		—		23,178
	Leasing, selling and general expenses			175,506		43,203		218,709		—		218,709
	Restructuring expenses			6,755		368		7,123		—		7,123
	Asset impairment charge, net			—		—		—		—		—
	Depreciation and amortization			28,359		7,623		35,982		—		35,982
	Total costs and expenses			231,251		53,741		284,992		—		284,992
	Income from operations		$	82,825	$	12,079	$	94,904	$	—	$	94,904
	Interest expense		$	35,423	$	1,845	$	37,268	$	—	$	37,268
	Income tax provision			17,234		1,275		18,509		—		18,509
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Portable Storage
			North		United		Total		Specialty		Consolidated
			America		Kingdom				Containment
			(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Leasing		$	299,676	$	66,610	$	366,286	$	—	$	366,286
	Sales			29,809		8,242		38,051		—		38,051
	Other			1,767		382		2,149		—		2,149
	Total revenues			331,252		75,234		406,486		—		406,486
	Costs and expenses:
	Cost of sales			19,128		6,285		25,413		—		25,413
	Leasing, selling and general expenses			190,337		47,230		237,567		—		237,567
	Restructuring expenses			2,141		261		2,402		—		2,402
	Asset impairment charge, net			32,157		6,548		38,705		—		38,705
	Depreciation and amortization			28,614		6,818		35,432		—		35,432
	Total costs and expenses			272,377		67,142		339,519		—		339,519
	Income from operations		$	58,875	$	8,092	$	66,967	$	—	$	66,967
	Interest expense		$	28,348	$	1,119	$	29,467	$	—	$	29,467
	Income tax provision			12,258		17		12,275		—		12,275
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
			Portable Storage
			North		United		Total		Specialty		Consolidated
			America		Kingdom				Containment
			(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Leasing		$	323,236	$	81,703	$	404,939	$	5,423	$	410,362
	Sales			26,834		4,588		31,422		163		31,585
	Other			2,274		407		2,681		846		3,527
	Total revenues			352,344		86,698		439,042		6,432		445,474
	Costs and expenses:
	Cost of sales			18,251		3,587		21,838		106		21,944
	Leasing, selling and general expenses			221,405		56,189		277,594		3,354		280,948
	Restructuring expenses			1,915		1,627		3,542		—		3,542
	Asset impairment charge, net			433		124		557		—		557
	Depreciation and amortization			30,670		6,790		37,460		1,874		39,334
	Total costs and expenses			272,674		68,317		340,991		5,334		346,325
	Income from operations		$	79,670	$	18,381	$	98,051	$	1,098	$	99,149
	Interest expense		$	27,816	$	905	$	28,721	$	8	$	28,729
Income tax provision			21,580		4,042		25,622		411		26,033
-1	Includes revenues in the U.S. of $307.1 million, $324.9 million and $353.2 million for the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
The tables below represent the Company’s long-lived assets which consist of lease fleet and property, plant and equipment (1).
		Portable Storage
		North		United		Total		Specialty		Consolidated
		America		Kingdom				Containment
		(In thousands)
As of December 31:
2013		$	902,183	$	162,246	$	1,064,429	$	—	$	1,064,429
2014			907,672		157,167		1,064,839		135,392		1,200,231
-1	Includes long-lived assets of $884.3 million and $1,029.9 million in the U.S. for the fiscal years 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Assets_Held_for_Sale

Assets Held for Sale	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Assets Held for Sale	(16)  Assets	Held for Sale
	In the second quarter of 2013, the Company conducted field inspections of lease fleet units and other assets. A review was performed to determine the economic feasibility to repair certain assets. The analysis included the determination of fair market value of those assets using a cash flow analysis, less the cost of liquidation, and the current net carrying value. The Company’s senior management reviewed the analysis, the fair value of the assets, the current economy, along with present and projected utilization levels, and determined to place the assets for sale that were deemed to be either non-core to the Company’s leasing strategy or uneconomic to repair. In connection with this action, the Company recorded an asset impairment charge of $40.2 million in the second quarter of 2013, of which $39.6 million was non-cash. Realized gains and losses resulting from the subsequent sale of these assets are recorded as a decrease or an increase to the original impairment charge in the statements of income and the proceeds associated with the disposal of these assets, excluding inventories, is recorded as investing activities in statements of cash flows. All of the assets were sold as of June 30, 2014.
	The following table sets forth the information on the assets classified as held for sale in 2013 and the subsequent changes to the assets’ fair value as of December 31, 2014:
			North			U.K.			Total
			America
			(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	904		$	76		$	980
	Sale proceeds			(310	)		(183	)		(493	)
	Additional net loss upon sale			(433	)		(124	)		(557	)
	Other changes, net			(161	)		230			69
	Effect of exchange rate changes			—			1			1
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	—		$	—		$	—

Discontinued_Operation

Discontinued Operation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operation	(17)  Discontinued	Operation
	In December 2013, the Company entered into a share sale and purchase agreement with Caru Group B.V. to sell Mobile Mini Holding B.V., comprising the Company’s Netherlands operation. In connection with this transaction, the Company recorded a $1.2 million after-tax loss on the sale in 2013. The transaction closed on December 31, 2013, and the Company received proceeds of $0.7 million. The results of operations of our Netherlands business are reported within discontinued operation in the consolidated financial statements. Summarized results of the Company’s Netherlands operation are as follows:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2012			2013
			(In thousands)
	Revenues		$	1,363		$	1,895
	Loss from operations, including loss on disposition of $1.9 million		$	(216	)	$	(2,101	)
	Other expenses			(72	)		(64	)
	Income tax benefit			43			863
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	(245	)	$	(1,302	)
	Summarized results of the Netherlands cash flow activities are as follows:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2012			2013
			(In thousands)
	Net cash used in operating activities		$	(466	)	$	(861	)
	Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities			(95	)		896

Selected_Consolidated_Quarterl

Selected Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data	(18)  Selected	Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
	The following table sets forth certain unaudited selected consolidated financial information for each of the four quarters in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014. In management’s opinion, this unaudited consolidated quarterly selected information has been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and includes all necessary adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which management considers necessary for a fair presentation when read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes. The Company believes these comparisons of consolidated quarterly selected financial data are not necessarily indicative of future performance. The Company sold its Netherlands operation on December 31, 2013, and as a result, this operation is reflected as a discontinued operation in the 2013 quarterly tables below.
	Quarterly EPS may not total to the fiscal year EPS due to the weighted average number of shares outstanding at the end of each period reported and rounding.
			First		Second			Third		Fourth
			Quarter		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter
			(In thousands)
	2013
	Leasing revenue		$	84,875	$	88,032		$	95,559	$	97,820
	Total revenues			97,512		97,135			105,040		106,799
	Gross profit on sales			3,745		3,142			2,977		2,774
	Income (loss) from operations			27,012		(15,006	)		27,001		27,960
	Income (loss) from continuing operations			12,119		(14,319	)		14,332		13,092
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic			0.27		(0.32	)		0.31		0.29
	Diluted			0.26		(0.31	)		0.31		0.28
	Net income (loss)			12,042		(14,381	)		14,303		11,958
			First		Second			Third		Fourth
			Quarter		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter
			(In thousands)
	2014
	Leasing revenue		$	94,080	$	98,041		$	104,798	$	113,443
	Total revenues			102,404		106,533			113,322		123,215
	Gross profit on sales			2,313		2,603			2,714		2,011
	Income from operations			18,482		21,695			30,171		28,801
	Net income			7,440		9,263			14,820		12,863
	Earnings per share:
	Basic			0.16		0.2			0.32		0.28
	Diluted			0.16		0.2			0.32		0.28

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for Guarantors	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for Guarantors	(19)  Condensed	Consolidating Financial Information for Guarantors
	The following tables reflect the condensed consolidating financial information of the Company’s subsidiary guarantors of the Senior Notes and its non-guarantor subsidiaries. Separate financial statements of the subsidiary guarantors are not presented because the guarantee by each 100% owned subsidiary guarantor is full and unconditional, joint and several, subject to customer exceptions, and management has determined that such information is not material to investors.
	MOBILE MINI, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	As of December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
						Guarantors
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	(190	)	$	1,446		$	—		$	1,256
	Receivables, net			35,378			17,726			—			53,104
	Inventories			16,855			1,889			—			18,744
	Lease fleet, net			817,945			161,331			—			979,276
	Property, plant and equipment, net			66,376			18,777			—			85,153
	Assets held for sale			800			180			—			980
	Deposits and prepaid expenses			4,711			1,405			—			6,116
	Deferred financing costs, net and other assets			10,976			1			—			10,977
	Intangibles, net			1,260			1,286			—			2,546
	Goodwill			445,131			74,091			—			519,222
	Intercompany receivables			153,885			32,560			(186,445	)		—
	Total assets		$	1,553,127		$	310,692		$	(186,445	)	$	1,677,374
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	10,334		$	8,528		$	—		$	18,862
	Accrued liabilities			58,595			6,713			—			65,308
	Lines of credit			307,008			12,306			—			319,314
	Obligations under capital leases			8,781			—			—			8,781
	Senior Notes			200,000			—			—			200,000
	Deferred income taxes			196,164			14,390			(989	)		209,565
	Intercompany payables			—			134			(134	)		—
	Total liabilities			780,882			42,071			(1,123	)		821,830
	Commitments and contingencies
	Stockholders’ equity:
	Common stock			488			18,436			(18,436	)		488
	Additional paid-in capital			550,387			167,730			(167,730	)		550,387
	Retained earnings			261,039			97,895			844			359,778
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss			—			(15,440	)		—			(15,440	)
	Treasury stock, at cost			(39,669	)		—			—			(39,669	)
	Total stockholders’ equity			772,245			268,621			(185,322	)		855,544
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	1,553,127		$	310,692		$	(186,445	)	$	1,677,374
	MOBILE MINI, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	As of December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
						Guarantors
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,977		$	762		$	—		$	3,739
	Receivables, net			62,033			18,998			—			81,031
	Inventories			15,371			1,365			—			16,736
	Lease fleet, net			934,433			152,623			—			1,087,056
	Property, plant and equipment, net			95,509			17,666			—			113,175
	Deposits and prepaid expenses			7,375			1,211			—			8,586
	Deferred financing costs, net and other assets			8,858			—			—			8,858
	Intangibles, net			77,629			756			—			78,385
	Goodwill			635,943			69,665			—			705,608
	Intercompany receivables			145,018			33,971			(178,989	)		—
	Total assets		$	1,985,146		$	297,017		$	(178,989	)	$	2,103,174
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	14,803		$	8,130		$	—		$	22,933
	Accrued liabilities			56,104			7,623			—			63,727
	Lines of credit			702,135			3,383			—			705,518
	Obligations under capital leases			24,760			158			—			24,918
Senior Notes			200,000			—			—			200,000
Deferred income taxes			215,184			17,367			(1,004	)		231,547
Intercompany payables			—			94			(94	)		—
Total liabilities			1,212,986			36,755			(1,098	)		1,248,643
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock			490			18,388			(18,388	)		490
Additional paid-in capital			569,083			160,347			(160,347	)		569,083
Retained earnings			268,263			111,397			844			380,504
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			—			(29,870	)		—			(29,870	)
Treasury stock, at cost			(65,676	)		—			—			(65,676	)
Total stockholders’ equity			772,160			260,262			(177,891	)		854,531
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	1,985,146		$	297,017		$	(178,989	)	$	2,103,174
MOBILE MINI, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
Revenues:		$	272,530		$	67,445		$	—		$	339,975
Leasing			32,794			4,965			—			37,759
Sales			1,871			291			—			2,162
Other			307,195			72,701			—			379,896
Total revenues
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales			19,836			3,342			—			23,178
Leasing, selling and general expenses			170,240			48,469			—			218,709
Restructuring expenses			6,755			368			—			7,123
Depreciation and amortization			27,784			8,198			—			35,982
Total costs and expenses			224,615			60,377			—			284,992
Income from operations			82,580			12,324			—			94,904
Other income (expense):
Interest income			591			—			(590	)		1
Interest expense			(34,624	)		(3,234	)		590			(37,268	)
Dividend income			865			—			(865	)		—
Debt restructuring expense			(2,812	)		—			—			(2,812	)
Deferred financing costs write-off			(1,889	)		—			—			(1,889	)
Foreign currency exchange			—			(4	)		—			(4	)
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision			44,711			9,086			(865	)		52,932
Income tax provision			17,448			1,153			(92	)		18,509
Income from continuing operations			27,263			7,933			(773	)		34,423
Loss from discontinued operation, net of tax			—			(245	)		—			(245	)
Net income		$	27,263		$	7,688		$	(773	)	$	34,178
MOBILE MINI, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
Net income		$	27,263		$	7,688		$	(773	)	$	34,178
Other comprehensive income :
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense of $64			—			7,987			—			7,987
Other comprehensive income			—			7,987			—			7,987
Comprehensive income		$	27,263		$	15,675		$	(773	)	$	42,165
MOBILE MINI, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
Revenues:		$	293,878		$	72,408		$	—		$	366,286
Leasing			29,310			8,741			—			38,051
Sales			1,751			398			—			2,149
Other			324,939			81,547			—			406,486
Total revenues
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales			18,784			6,629			—			25,413
Leasing, selling and general expenses			185,834			51,733			—			237,567
Restructuring expenses			2,140			262			—			2,402
Asset impairment charge, net			32,156			6,549			—			38,705
Depreciation and amortization			28,084			7,348			—			35,432
Total costs and expenses			266,998			72,521			—			339,519
Income from operations			57,941			9,026			—			66,967
Other income (expense):
Interest income			250			—			(249	)		1
Interest expense			(27,726	)		(1,990	)		249			(29,467	)
Dividend income			274			—			(274	)		—
Foreign currency exchange			—			(2	)		—			(2	)
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision			30,739			7,034			(274	)		37,499
Income tax provision			12,355			(35	)		(45	)		12,275
Income from continuing operations			18,384			7,069			(229	)		25,224
Loss from discontinued operation, net of tax			(1,229	)		(73	)		—			(1,302	)
Net income		$	17,155		$	6,996		$	(229	)	$	23,922
MOBILE MINI, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
Net income		$	17,155		$	6,996		$	(229	)	$	23,922
Other comprehensive income :
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax benefit of $194			—			2,377			—			2,377
Other comprehensive income			—			2,377			—			2,377
Comprehensive income		$	17,155		$	9,373		$	(229	)	$	26,299
MOBILE MINI, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
Revenues:
Leasing		$	323,563		$	86,799		$	—		$	410,362
Sales			26,524			5,061			—			31,585
Other			3,112			415			—			3,527
Total revenues			353,199			92,275			—			445,474
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales			17,887			4,057			—			21,944
Leasing, selling and general expenses			220,951			59,997			—			280,948
Restructuring expenses			1,915			1,627			—			3,542
Asset impairment charge, net			416			141			—			557
Depreciation and amortization			32,007			7,327			—			39,334
Total costs and expenses			273,176			73,149			—			346,325
Income from operations			80,023			19,126			—			99,149
Other income (expense):
Interest income			81			—			(81	)		—
Interest expense			(27,229	)		(1,581	)		81			(28,729	)
Dividend income			—			—			—			—
Foreign currency exchange			—			(1	)		—			(1	)
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision			52,875			17,544			—			70,419
Income tax provision			21,991			4,042			—			26,033
Net income		$	30,884		$	13,502		$	—		$	44,386
MOBILE MINI, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
Net income		$	30,884		$	13,502		$	—		$	44,386
Other comprehensive income :
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax benefit of $213			—			(14,430	)		—			(14,430	)
Other comprehensive loss			—			(14,430	)		—			(14,430	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	30,884		$	(928	)	$	—		$	29,956
MOBILE MINI, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income		$	27,263		$	7,688		$	(773	)	$	34,178
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Debt restructuring expense			2,812			—			—			2,812
Deferred financing costs			1,889			—			—			1,889
Provision for doubtful accounts			1,618			561			—			2,179
Amortization of deferred financing costs			3,144			73			—			3,217
Amortization of debt issuance discount			49			—			—			49
Amortization of long-term liabilities			156			11			—			167
Share-based compensation expense			9,003			572			—			9,575
Depreciation and amortization			27,784			8,403			—			36,187
Gain on sale of lease fleet units			(10,430	)		(1,351	)		—			(11,781	)
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment			(87	)		(43	)		—			(130	)
Deferred income taxes			17,074			1,111			(78	)		18,107
Tax shortfall on equity award transactions			(3	)		—			—			(3	)
Foreign currency loss			—			5			—			5
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
Receivables			(2,369	)		(2,709	)		—			(5,078	)
Inventories			1,787			(435	)		—			1,352
Deposits and prepaid expenses			807			(270	)		—			537
Other assets and intangibles			(10,125	)		9,964			—			(161	)
Accounts payable			338			(2,222	)		—			(1,884	)
Accrued liabilities			(980	)		712			—			(268	)
Intercompany			9,806			(9,765	)		(41	)		—
Net cash provided by operating activities			79,536			12,305			(892	)		90,949
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Cash paid for businesses, net of cash acquired			(3,563	)		—			—			(3,563	)
Additions to lease fleet			(24,967	)		(18,967	)		—			(43,934	)
Proceeds from sale of lease fleet units			25,310			4,048			—			29,358
Additions to property, plant and equipment			(8,229	)		(4,512	)		—			(12,741	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			1,025			472			—			1,497
Net cash used in investing activities			(10,424	)		(18,959	)		—			(29,383	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings under lines of credit			88,414			8,828			—			97,242
Redemption of 6.875% senior notes due 2015			(150,000	)		—			—			(150,000	)
Redemption premiums of 6.875% senior notes due 2015			(2,579	)		—			—			(2,579	)
Deferred financing costs			(8,075	)		—			—			(8,075	)
Proceeds from issuance of note payable			398			—			—			398
Principal payments on notes payable			(403	)		—			—			(403	)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations			(947	)		—			—			(947	)
Issuance of common stock			3,645			—			—			3,645
Intercompany			—			(869	)		869			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities			(69,547	)		7,959			869			(60,719	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			—			(1,793	)		23			(1,770	)
Net decrease in cash			(435	)		(488	)		—			(923	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			1,444			1,416			—			2,860
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	1,009		$	928		$	—		$	1,937
MOBILE MINI, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income		$	17,155		$	6,996		$	(229	)	$	23,922
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Asset impairment charge, net			31,310			6,907			—			38,217
Provision for doubtful accounts			1,256			904			—			2,160
Amortization of deferred financing costs			2,749			62			—			2,811
Amortization of long-term liabilities			162			7			—			169
Share-based compensation expense			13,991			723			—			14,714
Depreciation and amortization			28,084			7,542			—			35,626
Loss (gain) on disposal of discontinued operation			2,042			(94	)		—			1,948
Gain on sale of lease fleet units			(8,035	)		(1,647	)		—			(9,682	)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment			237			10			—			247
Deferred income taxes			11,918			(440	)		(466	)		11,012
Tax shortfall on equity award transactions			(837	)		—			—			(837	)
Foreign currency loss			—			1			—			1
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
Receivables			(1,996	)		(3,592	)		1,948			(3,640	)
Inventories			(358	)		(35	)		—			(393	)
Deposits and prepaid expenses			572			81			—			653
Other assets and intangibles			(364	)		374			—			10
Accounts payable			(212	)		549			—			337
Accrued liabilities			(2,321	)		1,157			—			(1,164	)
Intercompany			(21,506	)		22,440			(934	)		—
Net cash provided by operating activities			73,847			41,945			319			116,111
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operation			—			677			—			677
Additions to lease fleet			(15,623	)		(13,203	)		—			(28,826	)
Proceeds from sale of lease fleet units			27,437			8,514			—			35,951
Additions to property, plant and equipment			(12,887	)		(2,905	)		—			(15,792	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			1,900			70			—			1,970
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			827			(6,847	)		—			(6,020	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net repayments under lines of credit			(88,604	)		(34,472	)		—			(123,076	)
Principal payments on notes payable			(310	)		—			—			(310	)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations			(408	)		—			—			(408	)
Issuance of common stock			13,818			—			—			13,818
Purchase of treasury stock			(369	)		—			—			(369	)
Intercompany			—			(279	)		279			—
Net cash used in financing activities			(75,873	)		(34,751	)		279			(110,345	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			—			171			(598	)		(427	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash			(1,199	)		518			—			(681	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			1,009			928			—			1,937
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	(190	)	$	1,446		$	—		$	1,256
MOBILE MINI, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income		$	30,884		$	13,502		$	—		$	44,386
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Asset impairment charge, net			416			141			—			557
Provision for doubtful accounts			2,157			621			—			2,778
Amortization of deferred financing costs			2,769			60			—			2,829
Amortization of long-term liabilities			86			2			—			88
Share-based compensation expense			14,369			702			—			15,071
Depreciation and amortization			32,007			7,327			—			39,334
(Gain) loss on sale of lease fleet units			(6,436	)		704			—			(5,732	)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment			28			320			—			348
Deferred income taxes			21,398			4,026			—			25,424
Tax shortfall on equity award transactions			(15	)		—			—			(15	)
Foreign currency loss			—			1			—			1
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
Receivables			(4,113	)		(3,084	)		—			(7,197	)
Inventories			2,258			422			—			2,680
Deposits and prepaid expenses			(1,533	)		117			—			(1,416	)
Investment in subsidiaries			4,823			—			(4,823	)		—
Other assets and intangibles			66			(49	)		—			17
Accounts payable			(926	)		203			—			(723	)
Accrued liabilities			850			1,345			—			2,195
Intercompany			1,711			(1,711	)		—			—
Net cash provided by operating activities			100,799			24,649			(4,823	)		120,625
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Cash paid for businesses, net of cash acquired			(430,946	)		—			—			(430,946	)
Additions to lease fleet			(16,525	)		(10,754	)		—			(27,279	)
Proceeds from sale of lease fleet units			19,214			3,839			—			23,053
Additions to property, plant and equipment			(11,793	)		(3,986	)		—			(15,779	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			3,688			511			—			4,199
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities			(436,362	)		(10,390	)		—			(446,752	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) under lines of credit			395,127			(8,923	)		—			386,204
Deferred financing costs			(719	)		—			—			(719	)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations			(1,929	)		(27	)		—			(1,956	)
Issuance of common stock			3,642			—			—			3,642
Dividend payments			(31,384	)		—			—			(31,384	)
Purchase of treasury stock			(26,007	)		—			—			(26,007	)
Repayment of investment			—			(4,823	)		4,823			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			338,730			(13,773	)		4,823			329,780
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			—			(1,170	)		—			(1,170	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash			3,167			(684	)		—			2,483
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			(190	)		1,446			—			1,256
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	2,977		$	762		$	—		$	3,739

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	-20	Subsequent Events
	In January 2015 the Company purchased $15.0 million of its outstanding stock under the current stock purchase program authorized by the Company’s board of directors. Additionally, on January 21, 2015, the board of directors authorized and declared a cash dividend to all the Company’s common stockholders of $0.187 per share of common stock, payable on March 19, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business March 5, 2015. Each future quarterly dividend payment is subject to review and approval by the Board.

Mobile_Mini_Organization_and_D1

Mobile Mini, Organization and Description of Business (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mobile Mini and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company does not have any subsidiaries in which it does not own 100% of the outstanding stock. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates included within the financial statements are the allowance for doubtful accounts, the estimated useful lives and residual values on the lease fleet, rental equipment and property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other asset impairments and certain accrued liabilities.
Discontinued Operation	Discontinued Operation
	In December 2013, the Company sold the subsidiary comprising its Netherlands operation. The Netherlands operation is reflected as discontinued operation for all periods presented. See Note 17.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with insignificant interest rate risk and with maturities of three months or less at purchase to be cash equivalents.
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Receivables are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is reviewed monthly for adequacy. The Company estimates the amount of customer receivables that are uncollectible and records an estimated provision for bad debts through a charge to operations. The provision is based on historical collection experience and evaluation of past-due accounts. Specific accounts are written off against the allowance when management determines the account is uncollectible. The Company requires a security deposit on most leased office units to cover the cost of damages or unpaid balances, if any.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments which potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of receivables. Concentration of credit risk with respect to receivables is limited due to the Company’s large number of customers spread over a broad geographic area in many industry sectors. No single customer accounts for more than 10.0% of our receivables at December 31, 2013 and 2014. Receivables related to sold units are generally secured by the product sold to the customer. The Company typically has the right to repossess leased portable storage units, including any customer goods contained in the unit, following non-payment of rent.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (principally on a standard cost basis which approximates the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method) or market. Market is the lower of replacement cost or net realizable value.
	Raw materials principally consist of raw steel, wood, glass, paint, vinyl and other assembly components used in manufacturing and remanufacturing processes, and to a lesser extent, parts used for internal maintenance and ancillary items held for sale in our specialty containment segment. Work-in-process primarily represents partially assembled units pre-sold or for use as fleet. Finished portable storage units primarily represent purchased or assembled containers held in inventory until the container is either sold as is, remanufactured and sold, or remanufactured and deployed as lease fleet.
Lease fleet	Lease fleet
	Lease fleet is capitalized at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the unit using the straight-line method. Lease fleet is depreciated whether or not it is out on rent. Capitalized cost of lease fleet includes the price paid to acquire the unit and freight charges to the location when the unit is first placed in service, and when applicable, the cost of manufacturing or remanufacturing, which includes the cost of customizing units. Ordinary repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred.
	Management periodically reviews depreciable lives and residual values against various factors, including the results of its lenders’ independent appraisal of lease fleet, practices of the competitors in comparable industries, profit margins achieved on sales of depreciated units and lease rates obtained on older units.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. The Company’s depreciation expense related to property, plant and equipment for 2012, 2013 and 2014 was $12.2 million, $12.7 million and $15.1 million, respectively. Normal repairs and maintenance to property, plant and equipment are expensed as incurred. When property or equipment is retired or sold, the net book value of the asset, reduced by any proceeds, is charged to gain or loss on the disposal of property, plant and equipment and is included in leasing, selling and general expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Capitalized Software Development Costs	Capitalized Software Development Costs
	The Company capitalizes qualifying computer software costs incurred during the application development state for internally developed software. Additionally, the Company capitalizes qualifying costs incurred for upgrades and enhancements to existing software that result in additional functionality. Costs related to preliminary project planning activities, post-implementation activities, maintenance and minor modifications are expensed as incurred. Internal-use software is amortized on a straight line basis over its estimated useful life. Capitalized software development costs are included in property, plant and equipment. In 2013 and 2014 the Company capitalized $0.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
Deferred Financing Costs	Deferred Financing Costs
	Deferred financing costs consists of the costs of obtaining long-term financing, including the Company’s credit agreement (See Note 5). These costs are amortized over the term of the related debt, using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. Amortization expense for deferred financing costs was approximately $3.2 million, $2.8 million and $2.8 million in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. In addition, in 2012, the Company wrote off $1.9 million of deferred financing costs related to the redemption of our 6.875% senior notes due 2015 and a portion of deferred financing costs related to our prior credit agreement. As of December 31, 2014, $5.7 million of the total $8.7 million unamortized deferred financing costs, related to the Company’s credit agreement.
Goodwill	Goodwill
	For acquired businesses, the Company records assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values on the respective acquisition dates. Based on these values, the excess purchase prices over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Immediately prior to December 10, 2014, all of the Company’s goodwill was allocated between two reporting units, portable storage operations in North America and the U.K. In conjunction with the ETS Acquisition on December 10, 2014 the Company recorded $182.0 million of goodwill. Of the $705.6 million total goodwill at December 31, 2014, $459.2 million relates to the portable storage North America segment, $64.4 million relates to the portable storage U.K. segment and $182.0 million relates to the specialty containment segment.
	Management assesses the impairment of goodwill on an annual basis at December 31, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
	Some factors management considers important which could indicate an impairment review include the following:
		•	significant under-performance relative to historical, expected or projected future operating results;
		•	significant changes in the manner of the Company’s use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business;
		•	market capitalization relative to net book value; and
		•	significant negative industry or general economic trends.
	In assessing the fair value of the reporting units, management considers both the market approach and the income approach. Under the market approach, the fair value of the reporting unit is based on quoted market prices of companies comparable to the reporting unit being valued. Under the income approach, the fair value of the reporting unit is based on the present value of estimated cash flows. The income approach is dependent on a number of significant management assumptions, including estimated future revenue growth rates, gross margins on sales, operating margins, capital expenditures, tax payments and discount rates. Each approach is given equal weight in arriving at the fair value of the reporting unit. As of December 31, 2014, management assessed qualitative factors and determined it is more likely than not each of the reporting units assigned goodwill had estimated fair values greater than the respective reporting unit’s individual net asset carrying values; therefore, the two step impairment test was not required.
	If the two step impairment test is necessary, management is required to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill and compare it to the carrying value of the goodwill. The fair value of the reporting units would be assigned to the respective assets and liabilities of each reporting unit as if the reporting units had been acquired in separate and individual business combinations and the fair value of the reporting units was the price paid to acquire the reporting units. The excess of the fair value of the reporting units over the amounts assigned to their respective assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill.
Intangibles	Intangibles
	Intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset utilizing a method which reflects the estimated pattern in which the economic benefits will be consumed.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)
	Mobile Mini reviews long-lived assets such as lease fleet, property, plant and equipment, and intangibles, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may be impaired. (See potential impairment indicators under “Goodwill” above). If this review indicates the carrying value of these assets will not be recoverable, as measured based on estimated undiscounted cash flows over their remaining life, the carrying amount would be adjusted to fair value. The cash flow estimates contain management’s best estimates, using appropriate and customary assumptions and projections at the time of evaluation.
	In the second quarter of 2013, management conducted an assessment of the lease fleet and determined that certain of these units were either non-core to their leasing strategy or were uneconomic to repair. In connection with this evaluation, management determined to place the assets for sale, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge on long-lived assets of $37.6 million in the second quarter of 2013. As these assets have been sold or otherwise disposed of, additional adjustments have been made to the impairment charge resulting in total asset impairment charges of $38.7 million in 2013 and $0.6 million in 2014. There were no indicators of further impairment at December 31, 2013 or at December 31, 2014. No impairment charges were recognized in 2012. (See Note 16).
Purchase Accounting	Purchase Accounting
	Mobile Mini accounts for acquisitions under the acquisition method. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the price paid by the Company is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon the estimated fair values at the closing date. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets. Estimated fair values of acquired assets and liabilities is provisional and could change as additional information is received. The Company finalizes valuations as soon as practicable, but not later than one-year from the acquisition date. Any subsequent changes to purchase price allocations results in a corresponding adjustment to goodwill.
	The determination of the fair value of intangible assets requires the use of significant judgment with regard to (i) the fair value; and (ii) whether such intangibles are amortizable or non-amortizable and, if amortizable, the period and the method by which the intangible asset will be amortized. Fair values are estimated for acquisition-related intangible assets principally based on projections of cash flows that will arise from identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses. The projected cash flows are discounted to determine the present value of the assets at the dates of acquisition.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Leasing revenue is generated from the direct lease of the Company’s fleet to its customers, including ancillary revenue such as fleet delivery and pickup. The Company enters into contracts with its customers to lease equipment based on a monthly rate for our portable storage fleet and a daily, weekly or monthly rate for our specialty containment fleet. Revenues from leasing are recognized ratably over the leased period. When a customer keeps the leased unit beyond the original intended term, the lease continues until cancelled by the customer or the Company. Customers may utilize the Company’s equipment delivery and pick-up services in conjunction with the leasing of equipment, but it is not required. Transportation revenue pursuant to the pick up or delivery of a leased unit is recognized in leasing revenue upon completion of the service. When leases are billed in advance, recognition of revenue is deferred and unearned leasing revenue is recorded at the end of reporting period. If equipment is returned prior to the contractually obligated period, the excess, if any, between the amount the customer is contractually required to pay over the cumulative amount of revenue recognized to date, is recognized as incremental revenue upon return.
	Sales revenue is primarily generated by the sale of new and used units. Sales revenue is recognized upon delivery when the risk of loss passes, the price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The majority of our units are sold pursuant to sales contracts stating the fixed sales price.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales
	Cost of sales in the Company’s consolidated statements of income includes the costs for units it sells, and to a lesser extent the costs of parts and supplies sold to specialty containment customers. Similar costs associated with units that the Company leases are capitalized in the balance sheet under “Lease fleet”.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
	All non-direct-response advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Yellow page advertising is capitalized when paid and amortized over the period in which the benefit is derived. At December 31, 2013 and 2014, prepaid advertising costs were approximately $0.2 million and less than $50,000, respectively. The amortization period of the prepaid balance never exceeds 12 months. Advertising expense was $12.3 million, $5.8 million and $5.2 million in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company recognizes income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. For each jurisdiction, management estimates the actual amount of taxes currently payable or receivable as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	A valuation allowance is provided for those deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that the related benefits will not be realized. In determining the amount of the valuation allowance, management considers estimated future taxable income as well as feasible tax planning strategies in each jurisdiction. If it is determined that the Company will not realize all or a portion of its deferred tax assets, the valuation allowance is increased with a charge to income tax expense. Conversely, if it is determined that the Company will ultimately be able to realize all or a portion of the related benefits for which a valuation allowance has been provided, all or a portion of the related valuation allowance will be reduced with a credit to income tax expense.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated under the treasury stock method. Potential common shares included restricted common stock, which is subject to risk of forfeiture, incremental shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of nonvested share-awards.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the Company adopted the suggested accounting guidance for the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1 — Observable input such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
	Level 2 — Observable inputs, other than Level 1 inputs in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	The carrying amounts of cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair values based on their short-term nature. The fair values of the Company’s revolving credit facility and capital leases are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of the Company’s revolving credit facility debt and capital leases at December 31, 2013 and 2014 approximated their respective book values and are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
	The fair value of the Company’s $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.875% senior notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes” or the “Senior Notes”) is based on their latest sales price at the end of each period obtained from a third-party institution and is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy described in Note 2, as there is not an active market for these notes.
Derivatives	Derivatives
	In the normal course of business, the Company’s operations are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates. The Company has in the past, and may again in the future, addressed a portion of these risks through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. The objective of controlling these risks is to limit the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on earnings. At December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company did not have any derivative agreements.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company calculates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing valuation model, which incorporates various assumptions including volatility, expected life and risk-free interest rates. The fair value of nonvested share-awards is estimated as the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Compensation related to service-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation expense related to performance-based awards is recognized over the implicit service period of the award based on management’s estimate of the probability of the performance criteria being satisfied, adjusted at each balance sheet date. Expense related to performance-based awards that have multiple vesting dates, is recognized using the accelerated attribution approach, whereby each vesting tranche is treated as a separate award for purposes of determining the implicit service period. Share based compensation expense is reduced for estimated forfeitures which are estimated at the time of grant based on historical experience, and revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from estimates.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
	For Mobile Mini’s non-U.S. operations, the local currency is the functional currency. All assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates and all income statement amounts are translated at the average exchange rate for each month within the year.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.    In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, with an option for early adoption. The Company adopted this guidance in January 2014. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
	Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.    In April 2014, the FASB issued the accounting guidance on reporting discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity. The new guidance raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The Company does not expect the adoption of the guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
	Revenue from Contracts with Customers.    In May 2014, FASB issued the accounting standard on revenue from contracts with customers. The standard provides a single model for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance. The standard requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of goods or services. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The revenue recognition standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the impact, if any, of the adoption of the standard to its financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
Income Tax Uncertainties, Policy	Mobile Mini adopted a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation process, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Segment Reporting, Policy	Prior to the ETS Acquisition, the Company’s operations were comprised of two reportable segments: North America and the U.K., both of which offer portable storage solutions. Discrete financial data on each of the Company’s products is not available and it would be impractical to collect and maintain financial data in such a manner. As a result of the ETS Acquisition, the Company established a new specialty containment reporting segment. The assets and liabilities of ETS are included in Mobile Mini’s December 31, 2014 consolidated balance sheet and operations related to ETS are included in Mobile Mini’s consolidated results from the acquisition date of December 10, 2014 through the end of the year.
	The results for each segment are reviewed discretely by senior management. Within their segment, locations generally have similar economic characteristics covering all products leased or sold, including customer base, sales personnel, advertising, yard facilities, general and administrative costs and field operations management.
	All of the Company’s locations operate in their local currency and, although the Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuation in other foreign markets where the Company leases and sells its products, the Company does not believe such exposure will have a significant impact on its results of operations.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	The information presented in the table below reflects the continuing operations of the Company for the periods presented.
			For the Years Ended December 31,
			2012			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	Balance at beginning of year		$	2,509		$	2,666		$	2,093
	Provision charged to expense			2,193			2,151			2,778
	Write-offs			(2,036	)		(2,724	)		(2,429	)
	Balance at end of year		$	2,666		$	2,093		$	2,442
Inventories	Inventories at December 31 consisted of the following:
			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Raw materials and supplies		$	16,586		$	14,241
	Work-in-process			197			201
	Finished portable storage units			1,961			2,294
	Inventories		$	18,744		$	16,736
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment at December 31 consisted of the following:
			Residual Value			Useful Life			2013			2014
			as Percentage of			in Years
			Original Cost
									(In thousands)
	Land								$	11,124		$	10,920
	Vehicles and machinery			0 - 55	%		5 to 30			88,686			114,150
	Buildings and improvements(1)			0 - 25			3 - 30			18,477			19,365
	Office fixtures and equipment			0			3 to 5			33,017			33,942
	Property, plant and equipment									151,304			178,377
	Accumulated depreciation									(66,151	)		(65,202	)
	Property, plant and equipment, net								$	85,153		$	113,175
	-1	Improvements made to leased properties are depreciated over the lesser of the estimated useful life or the remaining term of the respective lease.
Schedule of Expected Annual Amortization of Deferred Financing Cost	The annual amortization of remaining deferred financing costs is expected to be as follows:
	2015		$	3,134
	2016			3,134
	2017			937
	2018			498
	2019			498
	Thereafter			456
	Total		$	8,657
Activity and Balances Relating to Goodwill	The following table shows the activity and balances related to goodwill from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014:
			(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2013(1)		$	518,308
	Foreign currency(2)			921
	Adjustments			(7	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013(1)			519,222
	ETS Acquisition			181,972
	Other acquisitions			8,840
	Foreign currency(2)			(4,426	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014(1)		$	705,608
	-1	Includes accumulated amortization of $2.0 million and accumulated impairment of $12.5 million.
	-2	Represents foreign currency translation adjustments related to the U.K. reporting unit.
Balances Related to Intangible Assets	The following table reflects balances related to intangible assets for the years ended December 31:
						2013									2014
			Estimated			Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross		Accumulated			Net
			Useful			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
			Life			Amount						Amount			Amount					Amount
						(In thousands)
	Customer relationships			11 - 20		$	21,988		$	(19,530	)	$	2,458		$	91,990	$	(20,484	)	$	71,506
	Trade names/trademarks			1 - 5			917			(917	)		—			6,065		(919	)		5,146
	Non-compete agreements			2 - 5			97			(53	)		44			1,772		(78	)		1,694
	Other			1 - 19			61			(17	)		44			61		(22	)		39
	Total					$	23,063		$	(20,517	)	$	2,546		$	99,888	$	(21,503	)	$	78,385
Schedule of Expected Future Amortization of Intangible Assets	Based on the carrying value at December 31, 2014, future amortization of intangible assets is expected to be as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
	2015		$	5,876
	2016			5,940
	2017			5,911
	2018			5,961
	2019			6,001
	Thereafter			48,696
	Total		$	78,385
Reconciliation of Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding for Purposes of Calculating Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table is a reconciliation of net income and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31:
			Twelve Months Ending
			2012			2013			2014
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations		$	34,423		$	25,224		$	44,386
	Loss on discontinued operation, net of tax			(245	)		(1,302	)		—
	Net income		$	34,178		$	23,922		$	44,386
	Basic EPS Denominator:
	Common shares outstanding beginning of year			44,432			45,194			46,084
	Weighted shares issued (repurchased) during the period			225			287			(58	)
	Total weighted average shares outstanding			44,657			45,481			46,026
	Diluted EPS Denominator:
	Common shares outstanding beginning of year			44,432			45,194			46,084
	Weighted shares issued (repurchased) during the period			225			287			(58	)
	Dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested share awards during the period			445			615			699
	Total weighted average shares outstanding			45,102			46,096			46,725
	Earnings per share:
	Basic:
	Income from continuing operations		$	0.77		$	0.55		$	0.96
	Loss from discontinued operation			—			(0.02	)		—
	Net income		$	0.77		$	0.53		$	0.96
	Diluted:
	Income from continuing operations		$	0.76		$	0.55		$	0.95
	Loss from discontinued operation			—			(0.03	)		—
	Net income		$	0.76		$	0.52		$	0.95
Number of Stock Options and Nonvested Share-Awards that were Issued or Outstanding but were Excluded in Calculating Diluted Earnings Per Share Because their Effect would have been Anti-Dilutive	The following table represents the number of stock options and nonvested share-awards that were issued or outstanding but excluded in calculating diluted EPS because their effect would have been anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31:
			Twelve Months Ending
			2012			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Stock options			1,006			1,741			751
	Nonvested share-awards			228			1			465
	Total			1,234			1,742			1,216
Carrying and Fair Value of Senior Notes	The carrying value and the fair value of the Company’s Senior Notes are as follows:
			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Carrying value		$	200,000		$	200,000
	Fair value			217,300			206,000

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Purchase Price and Net Assets Acquired	The components of the purchase price and net assets acquired for 2014 acquisitions, are as follows:
			2014
			ETS			Other			Total
			Acquisition			Acquisitions
			(In thousands)
	Purchase Price, net of cash acquired:
	Cash		$	410,345		$	23,299		$	433,644
	Cash acquired			(2,698	)		—			(2,698	)
	Total		$	407,647		$	23,299		$	430,946
	Net Assets Acquired:
	Lease fleet		$	121,620		$	12,713		$	134,333
	Property, plant and equipment			14,814			338			15,152
	Intangible assets(1):
	Customer relationships			69,200			1,350			70,550
	Trade names/trademarks			5,200			—			5,200
	Non-compete agreements			1,500			204			1,704
	Goodwill(2)			181,972			8,840			190,812
	Deferred tax asset, net			2,217			—			2,217
	Other assets(3)			26,054			538			26,592
	Other liabilities			(14,930	)		(684	)		(15,614	)
	Total		$	407,647		$	23,299		$	430,946
	-1	The following table reflects the estimated fair values and useful lives of intangible assets related to the ETS Acquisition identified based on our preliminary purchase accounting assessments:
			Estimated
			Life
			(Years)
	Customer relationships		15 - 20
	Trade names/trademarks		5 - 10
	Non-compete agreements		5
	-2	All of the goodwill related to the ETS Acquisition was assigned to our specialty containment solutions segment. The goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of ETS’ going-concern value, the value of ETS’ assembled workforce, new customer relationships expected to arise from the acquisition, and operational synergies and economies of scale that we expect to realize from the acquisition. Goodwill from other acquisitions relates to the North America portable storage segment. None of the goodwill assigned to ETS will be amortizable for tax purposes, while all of the goodwill from the other acquisitions will be deductible for tax purposes.
	-3	Included in other assets for the ETS Acquisition are accounts receivables with contractual amounts totaling $24.9 million. The Company estimates that $0.6 million will be uncollectible, and has valued acquired accounts receivable at $24.3 million.
Schedule of Components of Supplemental Pro Forma Information	The following table summarizes the Company’s unaudited consolidated statements of income as if the ETS Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2013:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Mobile Mini’s historic revenues		$	406,486		$	445,474
	ETS’ historic revenues(1)			92,057			101,603
	Pro forma revenues		$	498,543		$	547,077
	Net income
	Mobile Mini’s historic net income		$	23,922		$	44,386
	ETS’ historic net income (loss)(1)			(10,332	)		(25,862	)
	Pro forma adjustments(2)			6,956			22,601
	Pro forma net income		$	20,546		$	41,125
	Average diluted weighted shares outstanding			46,096			46,725
	Pro forma diluted earnings per share		$	0.45		$	0.88
	-1	ETS historic information for the year ended December 31, 2014, consists of revenues and net loss prior to the acquisition date of December 10, 2014. Revenues and net income (loss) after the acquisition date are included in Mobile Mini’s historic information for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	-2	Pro forma adjustments consist of the following:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions:
	Record the net impact to depreciation resulting from fair value mark-ups, offset by changes to the estimated remaining lives, for acquired lease fleet and property, plant and equipment		$	3,799		$	3,953
	Remove historic gains recognized on the sale of used lease fleet and property, plant and equipment			(1,707	)		(2,195	)
	Eliminate historic ETS amortization of intangible assets			3,233			3,387
	Recognize amortization for intangible assets acquired			(4,818	)		(5,027	)
	Recognize increased interest expense on amounts borrowed to fund the acquisition, including acquisition costs			(9,078	)		(8,531	)
	Eliminate historic ETS interest expense on debt instruments retired upon acquisition			19,882			22,655
	Eliminate acquisition costs			—			15,295
	Total			11,311			29,537
	Increase in income tax provision related to pro forma adjustments			4,355			6,936
	Total pro forma adjustments		$	6,956		$	22,601

Lease_Fleet_Tables

Lease Fleet (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Lease Fleet	Lease fleet at December 31 consisted of the following:
			Residual Value			Useful Life	2013			2014
			as Percentage of			in Years
			Original Cost(1)
							(In thousands)
	Portable Storage:
	Steel storage containers			55	%	30	$	600,475		$	604,547
	Steel security and combinations offices			55	%	30		328,849			329,565
	Wood mobile offices			50	%	20		210,057			208,529
	Other							5,928			5,633
	Total							1,145,309			1,148,274
	Accumulated depreciation							(166,033	)		(182,437	)
	Total portable storage fleet, net						$	979,276		$	965,837
	Specialty Containment:
	Steel tanks					25				$	50,843
	Roll-off boxes					15 - 20					19,820
	Stainless steel tank trailers					25					7,667
	Vacuum boxes					20					23,283
	De-watering boxes					20					3,898
	Pumps and filtration equipment					7					11,510
	Other										5,468
	Total										122,489
	Accumulated depreciation										(1,270	)
	Total specialty containment fleet, net									$	121,219
	Total lease fleet, net									$	1,087,056
	-1	Specialty containment fleet has been assigned zero residual value.

Obligations_Under_Capital_Leas1

Obligations Under Capital Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Capital Lease Payments	Future minimum capital lease payments at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	4,144
	2016		4,118
	2017		3,852
	2018		3,380
	2019		3,450
	Thereafter		8,486
	Total		27,430
	Amount representing interest		(2,512	)
	Present value of minimum lease payments	$	24,918

Debt_Issuances_Tables

Debt Issuances (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Scheduled Maturity for Debt Obligations Under Credit Agreement, Obligations Under Capital Leases and Senior Notes	The scheduled maturity for debt obligations under Mobile Mini’s Credit Agreement, obligations under capital leases and Senior Notes for balances outstanding at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	3,465
	2016		3,563
	2017		708,932
	2018		3,041
	2019		3,194
	Thereafter		208,241
	Total	$	930,436

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Before Taxes from Continuing Operations	Income before taxes from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following:
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2012			2013			2014
		(In thousands)
	U.S.	$	44,157		$	30,528		$	52,944
	Foreign		8,775			6,971			17,475
	Total	$	52,932		$	37,499		$	70,419
Provision for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations	The provision for income taxes from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following:
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2012			2013			2014
		(In thousands)
	Current:
	U.S. Federal	$	—		$	—		$	—
	State		388			934			827
	Foreign		—			—			—
	Total current		388			934			827
	Deferred
	U.S. Federal		15,419			11,483			21,510
	State		1,553			1,100			2,019
	Foreign		1,149			(1,242	)		1,677
	Total deferred		18,121			11,341			25,206
	Total provision for income taxes	$	18,509		$	12,275		$	26,033
Net Deferred Tax Liability	The components of the net deferred tax liability at December 31 are approximately as follows:
		2013			2014
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	94,346		$	122,041
	Deferred revenue and expenses		11,280			13,310
	Accrued compensation and other benefits		1,411			1,438
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		615			1,034
	Other		4,745			4,812
	Total deferred tax assets		112,397			142,635
	Valuation allowance		(1,126	)		(1,126	)
	Net deferred tax assets		111,271			141,509
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Accelerated tax depreciation		(302,597	)		(333,042	)
	Accelerated tax amortization		(13,474	)		(36,150	)
	Other		(4,765	)		(3,864	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(320,836	)		(373,056	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(209,565	)	$	(231,547	)
Reconciliation of U.S. Federal Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to Mobile Mini’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2012			2013			2014
	U.S. federal statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		3.5			3.5			3.9
	Nondeductible expenses and other		1.4			1.4			1.2
	Adjustment of net deferred tax liability for enacted tax rate change		(2.1	)		(4.9	)		—
	Foreign rate differential		(2.8	)		(2.3	)		(3.1	)
	Effective tax rate		35	%		32.7	%		37	%

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense	The following table summarizes the Company’s share-based compensation for the years ended December 31:
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2012			2013		2014
		(In thousands)
	Share-based compensation expense included:
	Leasing, selling and general expenses	$	7,151		$	13,956	$	14,490
	Restructuring expenses		2,424			758		581
	Share-based compensation expense		9,575			14,714		15,071
	Amount capitalized		223			326		—
	Total share-based compensation	$	9,798		$	15,040	$	15,071
Key Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Options Award	The following are the key assumptions used for the period noted:
		2013		2014
	Risk-free interest rate	0.7% - 1.5%		1.5% - 1.7%
	Expected life of the options (years)	6.0 - 7.0		5
	Expected stock price volatility	41.1% - 46.3%		35.4% - 38.4%
	Expected dividend rate	0.0% - 1.8%		1.5% - 1.8%
Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the years ended December 31 (share amounts in thousands):
		2012					2013					2014
		Number			Weighted		Number			Weighted		Number			Weighted
		of			Average		of			Average		of			Average
		Shares			Exercise		Shares			Exercise		Shares			Exercise
					Price					Price					Price
	Options outstanding, beginning of year		1,394		$	18.39		1,099		$	20.02		2,519		$	29.8
	Granted		65			21.13		2,214			31.26		365			46.83
	Canceled/Expired		(51	)		26.61		(147	)		15.9		(71	)		40.63
	Exercised		(309	)		11.81		(647	)		21.35		(164	)		22.18
	Options outstanding, end of year		1,099			20.02		2,519			29.8		2,649			32.33
	Options exercisable, end of year		755			20.42		193			21.51		854			29.32
	Options and awards available for grant, end of year		1,361					3,239					2,902
Fully Vested Stock Options and Stock Options Expected to Vest	A summary of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2014, is as follows:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted			Aggregate
		Shares			Average		Average			Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining			Value
					Price		Contractual
							Terms
		(In thousands)					(In years)			(In thousands)
	Outstanding		2,649		$	32.33		8.12		$	23,653
	Vested and expected to vest		2,571			32.15		8.1			23,958
	Exercisable		854			29.32		7.56			9,594
Nonvested Share-Awards Activity	A summary of nonvested share-awards activity is as follows (share amounts in thousands):
		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2012		1,180		$	16.2
	Awarded		261			19.67
	Released		(453	)		16.05
	Forfeited		(145	)		16.77
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012		843			17.27
	Awarded		153			30.21
	Released		(252	)		19.15
	Forfeited		(202	)		15.64
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		542			20.65
	Awarded		143			39.77
	Released		(240	)		20.93
	Forfeited		(102	)		22.09
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014		343			27.99

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual Commitments Associated with Lease Obligations	As of December 31, 2014, contractual commitments associated with lease obligations are as follows:
		Operating		Restructuring		Sub-lease			Total
		Lease		Related Lease		Income
		Commitments		Commitments
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	19,011	$	522	$	(243	)	$	19,290
	2016		14,583		454		(150	)		14,887
	2017		10,187		394		(77	)		10,504
	2018		5,886		272		—			6,158
	2019		3,117		23		—			3,140
	Thereafter		9,773		—		—			9,773
	Total	$	62,557	$	1,665	$	(470	)	$	63,752

Restructuring_Costs_Tables

Restructuring Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Accrued Restructuring Obligations and Related Activity	The following table details accrued restructuring obligations (included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets) and related activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014:
			Severance and			Lease			Other			Total
			Benefits			Abandonment			Costs
						Costs
			(In thousands)
	Accrued obligations as of January 1, 2012		$	—		$	2,129		$	—		$	2,129
	Restructuring expense			5,976			1,007			140			7,123
	Settlement of obligations			(3,433	)		(1,566	)		(140	)		(5,139	)
	Accrued obligations as of December 31, 2012			2,543			1,570			—			4,113
	Restructuring expense			1,787			475			140			2,402
	Settlement of obligations			(3,717	)		(982	)		(140	)		(4,839	)
	Accrued obligations as of December 31, 2013			613			1,063			—			1,676
	Restructuring expense			1,826			318			1,398			3,542
	Settlement of obligations			(1,998	)		(705	)		(1,398	)		(4,101	)
	Accrued obligations as of December 31, 2014		$	441		$	676		$	—		$	1,117
Restructuring Expense	The following amounts are included in restructuring expense for the years ended December 31:
			2012			2013			2014
			(In thousands)
	Severance and benefits		$	5,976		$	1,787		$	1,826
	Lease abandonment costs			1,007			475			318
	Other costs(1)			140			140			1,398
	Restructuring expenses		$	7,123		$	2,402		$	3,542
	-1	Other costs for 2014 include the sale of the Company’s Belfast, Northern Ireland location.

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	The following tables set forth certain information regarding each of the Company’s segments for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 (1).
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
			Portable Storage
			North		United		Total		Specialty		Consolidated
			America		Kingdom				Containment
			(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Leasing		$	278,330	$	61,645	$	339,975	$	—	$	339,975
	Sales			33,845		3,914		37,759		—		37,759
	Other			1,901		261		2,162		—		2,162
	Total revenues			314,076		65,820		379,896		—		379,896
	Costs and expenses:
	Cost of sales			20,631		2,547		23,178		—		23,178
	Leasing, selling and general expenses			175,506		43,203		218,709		—		218,709
	Restructuring expenses			6,755		368		7,123		—		7,123
	Asset impairment charge, net			—		—		—		—		—
	Depreciation and amortization			28,359		7,623		35,982		—		35,982
	Total costs and expenses			231,251		53,741		284,992		—		284,992
	Income from operations		$	82,825	$	12,079	$	94,904	$	—	$	94,904
	Interest expense		$	35,423	$	1,845	$	37,268	$	—	$	37,268
	Income tax provision			17,234		1,275		18,509		—		18,509
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Portable Storage
			North		United		Total		Specialty		Consolidated
			America		Kingdom				Containment
			(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Leasing		$	299,676	$	66,610	$	366,286	$	—	$	366,286
	Sales			29,809		8,242		38,051		—		38,051
	Other			1,767		382		2,149		—		2,149
	Total revenues			331,252		75,234		406,486		—		406,486
	Costs and expenses:
	Cost of sales			19,128		6,285		25,413		—		25,413
	Leasing, selling and general expenses			190,337		47,230		237,567		—		237,567
	Restructuring expenses			2,141		261		2,402		—		2,402
	Asset impairment charge, net			32,157		6,548		38,705		—		38,705
	Depreciation and amortization			28,614		6,818		35,432		—		35,432
	Total costs and expenses			272,377		67,142		339,519		—		339,519
	Income from operations		$	58,875	$	8,092	$	66,967	$	—	$	66,967
	Interest expense		$	28,348	$	1,119	$	29,467	$	—	$	29,467
	Income tax provision			12,258		17		12,275		—		12,275
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
			Portable Storage
			North		United		Total		Specialty		Consolidated
			America		Kingdom				Containment
			(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Leasing		$	323,236	$	81,703	$	404,939	$	5,423	$	410,362
	Sales			26,834		4,588		31,422		163		31,585
	Other			2,274		407		2,681		846		3,527
	Total revenues			352,344		86,698		439,042		6,432		445,474
	Costs and expenses:
	Cost of sales			18,251		3,587		21,838		106		21,944
	Leasing, selling and general expenses			221,405		56,189		277,594		3,354		280,948
	Restructuring expenses			1,915		1,627		3,542		—		3,542
	Asset impairment charge, net			433		124		557		—		557
	Depreciation and amortization			30,670		6,790		37,460		1,874		39,334
	Total costs and expenses			272,674		68,317		340,991		5,334		346,325
	Income from operations		$	79,670	$	18,381	$	98,051	$	1,098	$	99,149
	Interest expense		$	27,816	$	905	$	28,721	$	8	$	28,729
	Income tax provision			21,580		4,042		25,622		411		26,033
	-1	Includes revenues in the U.S. of $307.1 million, $324.9 million and $353.2 million for the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Long-lived Assets	The tables below represent the Company’s long-lived assets which consist of lease fleet and property, plant and equipment (1).
			Portable Storage
			North		United		Total		Specialty		Consolidated
			America		Kingdom				Containment
			(In thousands)
	As of December 31:
	2013		$	902,183	$	162,246	$	1,064,429	$	—	$	1,064,429
	2014			907,672		157,167		1,064,839		135,392		1,200,231
	-1	Includes long-lived assets of $884.3 million and $1,029.9 million in the U.S. for the fiscal years 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Assets_Held_for_Sale_Tables

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Summary of Assets Held for Sale	The following table sets forth the information on the assets classified as held for sale in 2013 and the subsequent changes to the assets’ fair value as of December 31, 2014:
		North			U.K.			Total
		America
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	904		$	76		$	980
	Sale proceeds		(310	)		(183	)		(493	)
	Additional net loss upon sale		(433	)		(124	)		(557	)
	Other changes, net		(161	)		230			69
	Effect of exchange rate changes		—			1			1
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	—

Discontinued_Operation_Tables

Discontinued Operation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of Discontinued Operation, Results of Operations	Summarized results of the Company’s Netherlands operation are as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2012			2013
		(In thousands)
	Revenues	$	1,363		$	1,895
	Loss from operations, including loss on disposition of $1.9 million	$	(216	)	$	(2,101	)
	Other expenses		(72	)		(64	)
	Income tax benefit		43			863
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(245	)	$	(1,302	)
Summary of Discontinued Operation, Cash Flow Activities	Summarized results of the Netherlands cash flow activities are as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2012			2013
		(In thousands)
	Net cash used in operating activities	$	(466	)	$	(861	)
	Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(95	)		896

Selected_Consolidated_Quarterl1

Selected Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Selected Consolidated Financial Information	Quarterly EPS may not total to the fiscal year EPS due to the weighted average number of shares outstanding at the end of each period reported and rounding.
		First		Second			Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter
		(In thousands)
	2013
	Leasing revenue	$	84,875	$	88,032		$	95,559	$	97,820
	Total revenues		97,512		97,135			105,040		106,799
	Gross profit on sales		3,745		3,142			2,977		2,774
	Income (loss) from operations		27,012		(15,006	)		27,001		27,960
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		12,119		(14,319	)		14,332		13,092
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic		0.27		(0.32	)		0.31		0.29
	Diluted		0.26		(0.31	)		0.31		0.28
	Net income (loss)		12,042		(14,381	)		14,303		11,958
		First		Second			Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter
		(In thousands)
	2014
	Leasing revenue	$	94,080	$	98,041		$	104,798	$	113,443
	Total revenues		102,404		106,533			113,322		123,215
	Gross profit on sales		2,313		2,603			2,714		2,011
	Income from operations		18,482		21,695			30,171		28,801
	Net income		7,440		9,263			14,820		12,863
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		0.16		0.2			0.32		0.28
	Diluted		0.16		0.2			0.32		0.28

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for Guarantors (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	The following tables reflect the condensed consolidating financial information of the Company’s subsidiary guarantors of the Senior Notes and its non-guarantor subsidiaries. Separate financial statements of the subsidiary guarantors are not presented because the guarantee by each 100% owned subsidiary guarantor is full and unconditional, joint and several, subject to customer exceptions, and management has determined that such information is not material to investors.
	MOBILE MINI, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	As of December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	(190	)	$	1,446		$	—		$	1,256
	Receivables, net		35,378			17,726			—			53,104
	Inventories		16,855			1,889			—			18,744
	Lease fleet, net		817,945			161,331			—			979,276
	Property, plant and equipment, net		66,376			18,777			—			85,153
	Assets held for sale		800			180			—			980
	Deposits and prepaid expenses		4,711			1,405			—			6,116
	Deferred financing costs, net and other assets		10,976			1			—			10,977
	Intangibles, net		1,260			1,286			—			2,546
	Goodwill		445,131			74,091			—			519,222
	Intercompany receivables		153,885			32,560			(186,445	)		—
	Total assets	$	1,553,127		$	310,692		$	(186,445	)	$	1,677,374
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	10,334		$	8,528		$	—		$	18,862
	Accrued liabilities		58,595			6,713			—			65,308
	Lines of credit		307,008			12,306			—			319,314
	Obligations under capital leases		8,781			—			—			8,781
	Senior Notes		200,000			—			—			200,000
	Deferred income taxes		196,164			14,390			(989	)		209,565
	Intercompany payables		—			134			(134	)		—
	Total liabilities		780,882			42,071			(1,123	)		821,830
	Commitments and contingencies
	Stockholders’ equity:
	Common stock		488			18,436			(18,436	)		488
	Additional paid-in capital		550,387			167,730			(167,730	)		550,387
	Retained earnings		261,039			97,895			844			359,778
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		—			(15,440	)		—			(15,440	)
	Treasury stock, at cost		(39,669	)		—			—			(39,669	)
	Total stockholders’ equity		772,245			268,621			(185,322	)		855,544
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,553,127		$	310,692		$	(186,445	)	$	1,677,374
	MOBILE MINI, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	As of December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,977		$	762		$	—		$	3,739
	Receivables, net		62,033			18,998			—			81,031
	Inventories		15,371			1,365			—			16,736
	Lease fleet, net		934,433			152,623			—			1,087,056
	Property, plant and equipment, net		95,509			17,666			—			113,175
	Deposits and prepaid expenses		7,375			1,211			—			8,586
	Deferred financing costs, net and other assets		8,858			—			—			8,858
	Intangibles, net		77,629			756			—			78,385
	Goodwill		635,943			69,665			—			705,608
	Intercompany receivables		145,018			33,971			(178,989	)		—
	Total assets	$	1,985,146		$	297,017		$	(178,989	)	$	2,103,174
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	14,803		$	8,130		$	—		$	22,933
	Accrued liabilities		56,104			7,623			—			63,727
	Lines of credit		702,135			3,383			—			705,518
	Obligations under capital leases		24,760			158			—			24,918
	Senior Notes		200,000			—			—			200,000
Deferred income taxes		215,184			17,367			(1,004	)		231,547
Intercompany payables		—			94			(94	)		—
Total liabilities		1,212,986			36,755			(1,098	)		1,248,643
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock		490			18,388			(18,388	)		490
Additional paid-in capital		569,083			160,347			(160,347	)		569,083
Retained earnings		268,263			111,397			844			380,504
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		—			(29,870	)		—			(29,870	)
Treasury stock, at cost		(65,676	)		—			—			(65,676	)
Total stockholders’ equity		772,160			260,262			(177,891	)		854,531
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,985,146		$	297,017		$	(178,989	)	$	2,103,174
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income	MOBILE MINI, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
	Revenues:	$	272,530		$	67,445		$	—		$	339,975
	Leasing		32,794			4,965			—			37,759
	Sales		1,871			291			—			2,162
	Other		307,195			72,701			—			379,896
	Total revenues
	Costs and expenses:
	Cost of sales		19,836			3,342			—			23,178
	Leasing, selling and general expenses		170,240			48,469			—			218,709
	Restructuring expenses		6,755			368			—			7,123
	Depreciation and amortization		27,784			8,198			—			35,982
	Total costs and expenses		224,615			60,377			—			284,992
	Income from operations		82,580			12,324			—			94,904
	Other income (expense):
	Interest income		591			—			(590	)		1
	Interest expense		(34,624	)		(3,234	)		590			(37,268	)
	Dividend income		865			—			(865	)		—
	Debt restructuring expense		(2,812	)		—			—			(2,812	)
	Deferred financing costs write-off		(1,889	)		—			—			(1,889	)
	Foreign currency exchange		—			(4	)		—			(4	)
	Income from continuing operations before income tax provision		44,711			9,086			(865	)		52,932
	Income tax provision		17,448			1,153			(92	)		18,509
	Income from continuing operations		27,263			7,933			(773	)		34,423
	Loss from discontinued operation, net of tax		—			(245	)		—			(245	)
	Net income	$	27,263		$	7,688		$	(773	)	$	34,178
	MOBILE MINI, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
	Revenues:	$	293,878		$	72,408		$	—		$	366,286
	Leasing		29,310			8,741			—			38,051
	Sales		1,751			398			—			2,149
	Other		324,939			81,547			—			406,486
	Total revenues
	Costs and expenses:
	Cost of sales		18,784			6,629			—			25,413
	Leasing, selling and general expenses		185,834			51,733			—			237,567
	Restructuring expenses		2,140			262			—			2,402
	Asset impairment charge, net		32,156			6,549			—			38,705
	Depreciation and amortization		28,084			7,348			—			35,432
	Total costs and expenses		266,998			72,521			—			339,519
	Income from operations		57,941			9,026			—			66,967
	Other income (expense):
	Interest income		250			—			(249	)		1
	Interest expense		(27,726	)		(1,990	)		249			(29,467	)
	Dividend income		274			—			(274	)		—
	Foreign currency exchange		—			(2	)		—			(2	)
	Income from continuing operations before income tax provision		30,739			7,034			(274	)		37,499
	Income tax provision		12,355			(35	)		(45	)		12,275
	Income from continuing operations		18,384			7,069			(229	)		25,224
	Loss from discontinued operation, net of tax		(1,229	)		(73	)		—			(1,302	)
	Net income	$	17,155		$	6,996		$	(229	)	$	23,922
	MOBILE MINI, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
Guarantors
Revenues:
Leasing	$	323,563		$	86,799		$	—		$	410,362
Sales		26,524			5,061			—			31,585
Other		3,112			415			—			3,527
Total revenues		353,199			92,275			—			445,474
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales		17,887			4,057			—			21,944
Leasing, selling and general expenses		220,951			59,997			—			280,948
Restructuring expenses		1,915			1,627			—			3,542
Asset impairment charge, net		416			141			—			557
Depreciation and amortization		32,007			7,327			—			39,334
Total costs and expenses		273,176			73,149			—			346,325
Income from operations		80,023			19,126			—			99,149
Other income (expense):
Interest income		81			—			(81	)		—
Interest expense		(27,229	)		(1,581	)		81			(28,729	)
Dividend income		—			—			—			—
Foreign currency exchange		—			(1	)		—			(1	)
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision		52,875			17,544			—			70,419
Income tax provision		21,991			4,042			—			26,033
Net income	$	30,884		$	13,502		$	—		$	44,386
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income	MOBILE MINI, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
	Net income	$	27,263		$	7,688		$	(773	)	$	34,178
	Other comprehensive income :
	Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense of $64		—			7,987			—			7,987
	Other comprehensive income		—			7,987			—			7,987
	Comprehensive income	$	27,263		$	15,675		$	(773	)	$	42,165
	MOBILE MINI, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
	Net income	$	17,155		$	6,996		$	(229	)	$	23,922
	Other comprehensive income :
	Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax benefit of $194		—			2,377			—			2,377
	Other comprehensive income		—			2,377			—			2,377
	Comprehensive income	$	17,155		$	9,373		$	(229	)	$	26,299
	MOBILE MINI, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
	Net income	$	30,884		$	13,502		$	—		$	44,386
	Other comprehensive income :
	Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax benefit of $213		—			(14,430	)		—			(14,430	)
	Other comprehensive loss		—			(14,430	)		—			(14,430	)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	30,884		$	(928	)	$	—		$	29,956
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	MOBILE MINI, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
	Net income	$	27,263		$	7,688		$	(773	)	$	34,178
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Debt restructuring expense		2,812			—			—			2,812
	Deferred financing costs		1,889			—			—			1,889
	Provision for doubtful accounts		1,618			561			—			2,179
	Amortization of deferred financing costs		3,144			73			—			3,217
	Amortization of debt issuance discount		49			—			—			49
	Amortization of long-term liabilities		156			11			—			167
	Share-based compensation expense		9,003			572			—			9,575
	Depreciation and amortization		27,784			8,403			—			36,187
	Gain on sale of lease fleet units		(10,430	)		(1,351	)		—			(11,781	)
	Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment		(87	)		(43	)		—			(130	)
	Deferred income taxes		17,074			1,111			(78	)		18,107
	Tax shortfall on equity award transactions		(3	)		—			—			(3	)
	Foreign currency loss		—			5			—			5
	Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
	Receivables		(2,369	)		(2,709	)		—			(5,078	)
	Inventories		1,787			(435	)		—			1,352
	Deposits and prepaid expenses		807			(270	)		—			537
	Other assets and intangibles		(10,125	)		9,964			—			(161	)
	Accounts payable		338			(2,222	)		—			(1,884	)
	Accrued liabilities		(980	)		712			—			(268	)
	Intercompany		9,806			(9,765	)		(41	)		—
	Net cash provided by operating activities		79,536			12,305			(892	)		90,949
	Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
	Cash paid for businesses, net of cash acquired		(3,563	)		—			—			(3,563	)
	Additions to lease fleet		(24,967	)		(18,967	)		—			(43,934	)
	Proceeds from sale of lease fleet units		25,310			4,048			—			29,358
	Additions to property, plant and equipment		(8,229	)		(4,512	)		—			(12,741	)
	Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		1,025			472			—			1,497
	Net cash used in investing activities		(10,424	)		(18,959	)		—			(29,383	)
	Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
	Net borrowings under lines of credit		88,414			8,828			—			97,242
	Redemption of 6.875% senior notes due 2015		(150,000	)		—			—			(150,000	)
	Redemption premiums of 6.875% senior notes due 2015		(2,579	)		—			—			(2,579	)
	Deferred financing costs		(8,075	)		—			—			(8,075	)
	Proceeds from issuance of note payable		398			—			—			398
	Principal payments on notes payable		(403	)		—			—			(403	)
	Principal payments on capital lease obligations		(947	)		—			—			(947	)
	Issuance of common stock		3,645			—			—			3,645
	Intercompany		—			(869	)		869			—
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(69,547	)		7,959			869			(60,719	)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		—			(1,793	)		23			(1,770	)
	Net decrease in cash		(435	)		(488	)		—			(923	)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		1,444			1,416			—			2,860
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	1,009		$	928		$	—		$	1,937
	MOBILE MINI, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantors
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
	Net income	$	17,155		$	6,996		$	(229	)	$	23,922
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Asset impairment charge, net		31,310			6,907			—			38,217
	Provision for doubtful accounts		1,256			904			—			2,160
Amortization of deferred financing costs		2,749			62			—			2,811
Amortization of long-term liabilities		162			7			—			169
Share-based compensation expense		13,991			723			—			14,714
Depreciation and amortization		28,084			7,542			—			35,626
Loss (gain) on disposal of discontinued operation		2,042			(94	)		—			1,948
Gain on sale of lease fleet units		(8,035	)		(1,647	)		—			(9,682	)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment		237			10			—			247
Deferred income taxes		11,918			(440	)		(466	)		11,012
Tax shortfall on equity award transactions		(837	)		—			—			(837	)
Foreign currency loss		—			1			—			1
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
Receivables		(1,996	)		(3,592	)		1,948			(3,640	)
Inventories		(358	)		(35	)		—			(393	)
Deposits and prepaid expenses		572			81			—			653
Other assets and intangibles		(364	)		374			—			10
Accounts payable		(212	)		549			—			337
Accrued liabilities		(2,321	)		1,157			—			(1,164	)
Intercompany		(21,506	)		22,440			(934	)		—
Net cash provided by operating activities		73,847			41,945			319			116,111
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operation		—			677			—			677
Additions to lease fleet		(15,623	)		(13,203	)		—			(28,826	)
Proceeds from sale of lease fleet units		27,437			8,514			—			35,951
Additions to property, plant and equipment		(12,887	)		(2,905	)		—			(15,792	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		1,900			70			—			1,970
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		827			(6,847	)		—			(6,020	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net repayments under lines of credit		(88,604	)		(34,472	)		—			(123,076	)
Principal payments on notes payable		(310	)		—			—			(310	)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations		(408	)		—			—			(408	)
Issuance of common stock		13,818			—			—			13,818
Purchase of treasury stock		(369	)		—			—			(369	)
Intercompany		—			(279	)		279			—
Net cash used in financing activities		(75,873	)		(34,751	)		279			(110,345	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		—			171			(598	)		(427	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash		(1,199	)		518			—			(681	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		1,009			928			—			1,937
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	(190	)	$	1,446		$	—		$	1,256
MOBILE MINI, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
	Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantors
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$	30,884		$	13,502		$	—		$	44,386
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Asset impairment charge, net		416			141			—			557
Provision for doubtful accounts		2,157			621			—			2,778
Amortization of deferred financing costs		2,769			60			—			2,829
Amortization of long-term liabilities		86			2			—			88
Share-based compensation expense		14,369			702			—			15,071
Depreciation and amortization		32,007			7,327			—			39,334
(Gain) loss on sale of lease fleet units		(6,436	)		704			—			(5,732	)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment		28			320			—			348
Deferred income taxes		21,398			4,026			—			25,424
Tax shortfall on equity award transactions		(15	)		—			—			(15	)
Foreign currency loss		—			1			—			1
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
Receivables		(4,113	)		(3,084	)		—			(7,197	)
Inventories		2,258			422			—			2,680
Deposits and prepaid expenses		(1,533	)		117			—			(1,416	)
Investment in subsidiaries		4,823			—			(4,823	)		—
Other assets and intangibles		66			(49	)		—			17
Accounts payable		(926	)		203			—			(723	)
Accrued liabilities		850			1,345			—			2,195
Intercompany		1,711			(1,711	)		—			—
Net cash provided by operating activities		100,799			24,649			(4,823	)		120,625
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Cash paid for businesses, net of cash acquired		(430,946	)		—			—			(430,946	)
Additions to lease fleet		(16,525	)		(10,754	)		—			(27,279	)
Proceeds from sale of lease fleet units		19,214			3,839			—			23,053
Additions to property, plant and equipment		(11,793	)		(3,986	)		—			(15,779	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		3,688			511			—			4,199
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(436,362	)		(10,390	)		—			(446,752	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) under lines of credit		395,127			(8,923	)		—			386,204
Deferred financing costs		(719	)		—			—			(719	)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations		(1,929	)		(27	)		—			(1,956	)
Issuance of common stock		3,642			—			—			3,642
Dividend payments		(31,384	)		—			—			(31,384	)
Purchase of treasury stock		(26,007	)		—			—			(26,007	)
Repayment of investment		—			(4,823	)		4,823			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		338,730			(13,773	)		4,823			329,780
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		—			(1,170	)		—			(1,170	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash		3,167			(684	)		—			2,483
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		(190	)		1,446			—			1,256
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	2,977		$	762		$	—		$	3,739

Mobile_Mini_Organization_and_D2

Mobile Mini, Organization and Description of Business - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Percentage of ownership owned	100.00%

Schedule_of_Allowance_for_Doub

Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance at beginning of year	$2,093	$2,666	$2,509
Provision charged to expense	2,778	2,151	2,193
Write-offs	-2,429	-2,724	-2,036
Balance at end of year	$2,442	$2,093	$2,666

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 10, 2014
Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Customer accounts percentage description		No single customer accounts for more than 10.0% of our receivables at December 31, 2013 and 2014.
Depreciation expense		$15,100,000		$12,700,000		$12,200,000
Capitalized software development costs		2,200,000		900,000
Debt instrument interest rate		7.88%
Debt instrument due year		2020
Unamortized deferred financing cost		5,700,000
Goodwill		705,608,000	[1]	519,222,000	[1]	518,308,000	[1]
Amortization of all other intangibles		1,600,000		1,600,000		2,200,000
Non-cash impairment charge on long-lived assets	37,600,000
Asset impairment charges	40,200,000	557,000	[2]	38,705,000	[2]	0
Prepaid advertising costs		50,000		200,000
Advertising expense		5,200,000		5,800,000		12,300,000
Nonvested share-awards not included in basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding		0.3		0.5		0.8
Senior notes, face amount		200,000,000
Senior Notes 7.875 Percent Due 2020
Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate		7.88%
Senior notes fair value basis for measurement, description		The fair value of the Company's $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.875% senior notes due 2020 (the "2020 Notes" or the "Senior Notes") is based on their latest sales price at the end of each period obtained from a third-party institution and is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy described in Note 2, as there is not an active market for these notes.
United Kingdom
Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill		64,400,000
North America
Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill		459,200,000
Specialty Containment Segment
Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill		182,000,000
ETS Acquisition
Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill								182,000,000
Deferred financing costs
Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization of deferred financing costs		2,800,000		2,800,000		3,200,000
Write off of deferred financing costs						1,900,000
Debt instrument interest rate		6.88%
Debt instrument due year		2015
$1.0 billion ABL Credit Agreement
Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Unamortized deferred financing cost		$8,700,000
[1]	Includes accumulated amortization of $2.0 million and accumulated impairment of $12.5 million.
[2]	Includes revenues in the U.S. of $307.1 million, $324.9 million and $353.2 million for the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Inventories_Detail

Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies	$14,241	$16,586
Work-in-process	201	197
Finished portable storage units	2,294	1,961
Inventories	$16,736	$18,744

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land	10,920		$11,124
Vehicles and machinery	114,150		88,686
Buildings and improvements	19,365	[1]	18,477	[1]
Office fixtures and equipment	33,942		33,017
Property, plant and equipment	178,377		151,304
Accumulated depreciation	-65,202		-66,151
Property, plant and equipment, net	113,175		$85,153
Vehicles and machinery | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual Value as Percentage of Original Cost	0.00%
Estimated useful life in years	5 years
Vehicles and machinery | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual Value as Percentage of Original Cost	55.00%
Estimated useful life in years	30 years
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual Value as Percentage of Original Cost	0.00%	[1]
Estimated useful life in years	3 years	[1]
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual Value as Percentage of Original Cost	25.00%	[1]
Estimated useful life in years	30 years	[1]
Office fixtures and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual Value as Percentage of Original Cost	0.00%
Office fixtures and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life in years	3 years
Office fixtures and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life in years	5 years
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual Value as Percentage of Original Cost	0.00%
[1]	Improvements made to leased properties are depreciated over the lesser of the estimated useful life or the remaining term of the respective lease.

Schedule_of_Expected_Annual_Am

Schedule of Expected Annual Amortization of Deferred Financing Cost (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
2015	$3,134
2016	3,134
2017	937
2018	498
2019	498
Thereafter	456
Total	$8,657

Activity_and_Balances_Relating

Activity and Balances Relating to Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 10, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Beginning Balance	$519,222	[1]	$518,308	[1]
Acquisitions	190,812	[2]
Foreign currency	-4,426	[3]	921	[3]
Adjustments			-7
Goodwill Ending Balance	705,608	[1]	519,222	[1]
ETS Acquisition
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Beginning Balance					182,000
Acquisitions	181,972	[2]
Goodwill Ending Balance					182,000
Other Acquisitions
Goodwill [Line Items]
Acquisitions	$8,840	[2]
[1]	Includes accumulated amortization of $2.0 million and accumulated impairment of $12.5 million.
[2]	All of the goodwill related to the ETS Acquisition was assigned to our specialty containment solutions segment. The goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of ETS' going-concern value, the value of ETS' assembled workforce, new customer relationships expected to arise from the acquisition, and operational synergies and economies of scale that we expect to realize from the acquisition. Goodwill from other acquisitions relates to the North America portable storage segment. None of the goodwill assigned to ETS will be amortizable for tax purposes, while all of the goodwill from the other acquisitions will be deductible for tax purposes.
[3]	Represents foreign currency translation adjustments related to the U.K. reporting unit.

Activity_and_Balances_Relating1

Activity and Balances Relating to Goodwill (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, accumulated amortization	$2
Goodwill, accumulated impairment	$12.50

Balances_Related_to_Intangible

Balances Related to Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	99,888	$23,063
Accumulated Amortization	-21,503	-20,517
Net Carrying Amount	78,385	2,546
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	91,990	21,988
Accumulated Amortization	-20,484	-19,530
Net Carrying Amount	71,506	2,458
Customer relationships | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	11 years
Customer relationships | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	20 years
Trade names/trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	6,065	917
Accumulated Amortization	-919	-917
Net Carrying Amount	5,146
Trade names/trademarks | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	1 year
Trade names/trademarks | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	5 years
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,772	97
Accumulated Amortization	-78	-53
Net Carrying Amount	1,694	44
Non-compete agreements | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	2 years
Non-compete agreements | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	5 years
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	61	61
Accumulated Amortization	-22	-17
Net Carrying Amount	39	$44
Other | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	1 year
Other | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	19 years

Schedule_of_Expected_Future_Am

Schedule of Expected Future Amortization of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$5,876
2016	5,940
2017	5,911
2018	5,961
2019	6,001
Thereafter	48,696
Net Carrying Amount	$78,385	$2,546

Reconciliation_of_WeightedAver

Reconciliation of Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding for Purposes of Calculating Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations					$13,092	$14,332	($14,319)	$12,119	$44,386	$25,224	$34,423
Loss on discontinued operation, net of tax										-1,302	-245
Net income	$12,863	$14,820	$9,263	$7,440	$11,958	$14,303	($14,381)	$12,042	$44,386	$23,922	$34,178
Basic EPS Denominator:
Common shares outstanding beginning of year									46,084	45,194	44,432
Weighted shares issued (repurchased) during the period									-58	287	225
Total weighted average shares outstanding									46,026	45,481	44,657
Diluted EPS Denominator:
Common shares outstanding beginning of year									46,084	45,194	44,432
Weighted shares issued (repurchased) during the period									-58	287	225
Dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested share awards during the period									699	615	445
Total weighted average shares outstanding									46,725	46,096	45,102
Basic:
Income from continuing operations									$0.96	$0.55	$0.77
Loss from discontinued operation										($0.02)
Net income	$0.28	$0.32	$0.20	$0.16	$0.29	$0.31	($0.32)	$0.27	$0.96	$0.53	$0.77
Diluted:
Income from continuing operations									$0.95	$0.55	$0.76
Loss from discontinued operation										($0.03)
Net income	$0.28	$0.32	$0.20	$0.16	$0.28	$0.31	($0.31)	$0.26	$0.95	$0.52	$0.76

Number_of_Stock_Options_and_No

Number of Stock Options and Nonvested Share-Awards that were Issued or Outstanding but were Excluded in Calculating Diluted Earnings Per Share Because their Effect would have been Anti-Dilutive (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of dilutive EPS	1,216	1,742	1,234
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of dilutive EPS	751	1,741	1,006
Nonvested share-awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of dilutive EPS	465	1	228

Carrying_and_Fair_Value_of_Sen

Carrying and Fair Value of Senior Notes (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value	$200,000	$200,000
Senior Notes 7.875 Percent Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value	200,000	200,000
Fair value	$206,000	$217,300

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	Entity	Entity
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of business acquired	0
Assets Purchase Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of business acquired		8
ETS Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition date		10-Dec-14
Business acquisition revenues		6.4
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision		1.1
Direct expenses related to acquisition			$5

Schedule_of_Components_of_Purc

Schedule of Components of Purchase Price and Net Assets Acquired (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Purchase Price, net of cash acquired:
Cash	$433,644
Cash acquired	-2,698
Total	430,946
Net Assets Acquired:
Lease fleet	134,333
Property, plant and equipment	15,152
Intangible assets:
Goodwill	190,812	[1]
Deferred tax asset, net	2,217
Other assets	26,592	[2]
Other liabilities	-15,614
Total	430,946
Customer relationships
Intangible assets:
Intangible assets	70,550	[3]
Trade names/trademarks
Intangible assets:
Intangible assets	5,200	[3]
Non-compete agreements
Intangible assets:
Intangible assets	1,704	[3]
ETS Acquisition
Purchase Price, net of cash acquired:
Cash	410,345
Cash acquired	-2,698
Total	407,647
Net Assets Acquired:
Lease fleet	121,620
Property, plant and equipment	14,814
Intangible assets:
Goodwill	181,972	[1]
Deferred tax asset, net	2,217
Other assets	26,054	[2]
Other liabilities	-14,930
Total	407,647
ETS Acquisition | Customer relationships
Intangible assets:
Intangible assets	69,200	[3]
ETS Acquisition | Trade names/trademarks
Intangible assets:
Intangible assets	5,200	[3]
ETS Acquisition | Non-compete agreements
Intangible assets:
Intangible assets	1,500	[3]
Other Acquisitions
Purchase Price, net of cash acquired:
Cash	23,299
Total	23,299
Net Assets Acquired:
Lease fleet	12,713
Property, plant and equipment	338
Intangible assets:
Goodwill	8,840	[1]
Other assets	538	[2]
Other liabilities	-684
Total	23,299
Other Acquisitions | Customer relationships
Intangible assets:
Intangible assets	1,350	[3]
Other Acquisitions | Non-compete agreements
Intangible assets:
Intangible assets	$204	[3]
[1]	All of the goodwill related to the ETS Acquisition was assigned to our specialty containment solutions segment. The goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of ETS' going-concern value, the value of ETS' assembled workforce, new customer relationships expected to arise from the acquisition, and operational synergies and economies of scale that we expect to realize from the acquisition. Goodwill from other acquisitions relates to the North America portable storage segment. None of the goodwill assigned to ETS will be amortizable for tax purposes, while all of the goodwill from the other acquisitions will be deductible for tax purposes.
[2]	Included in other assets for the ETS Acquisition are accounts receivables with contractual amounts totaling $24.9 million. The Company estimates that $0.6 million will be uncollectible, and has valued acquired accounts receivable at $24.3 million. Supplemental Pro Forma Information The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative, and should not be relied on as being indicative, of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had actually taken place at the beginning of each of the periods presented. The pro forma financial information reflects only the ETS Acquisition, as the remaining acquisitions would not have a material effect on reported results of operations. The following table summarizes the Company's unaudited consolidated statements of income as if the ETS Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2013: Years Ended December 31, 2013 2014 (In thousands) Revenues: Mobile Mini's historic revenues $ 406,486 $ 445,474 ETS' historic revenues(1) 92,057 101,603 Pro forma revenues $ 498,543 $ 547,077 Net income Mobile Mini's historic net income $ 23,922 $ 44,386 ETS' historic net income (loss)(1) (10,332 ) (25,862 ) Pro forma adjustments(2) 6,956 22,601 Pro forma net income $ 20,546 $ 41,125 Average diluted weighted shares outstanding 46,096 46,725 Pro forma diluted earnings per share $ 0.45 $ 0.88 (1) ETS historic information for the year ended December 31, 2014, consists of revenues and net loss prior to the acquisition date of December 10, 2014. Revenues and net income (loss) after the acquisition date are included in Mobile Mini's historic information for the year ended December 31, 2014. (2) Pro forma adjustments consist of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2013 2014 (In thousands) Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions: Record the net impact to depreciation resulting from fair value mark-ups, offset by changes to the estimated remaining lives, for acquired lease fleet and property, plant and equipment $ 3,799 $ 3,953 Remove historic gains recognized on the sale of used lease fleet and property, plant and equipment (1,707 ) (2,195 ) Eliminate historic ETS amortization of intangible assets 3,233 3,387 Recognize amortization for intangible assets acquired (4,818 ) (5,027 ) Recognize increased interest expense on amounts borrowed to fund the acquisition, including acquisition costs (9,078 ) (8,531 ) Eliminate historic ETS interest expense on debt instruments retired upon acquisition 19,882 22,655 Eliminate acquisition costs - 15,295 Total 11,311 29,537 Increase in income tax provision related to pro forma adjustments 4,355 6,936 Total pro forma adjustments $ 6,956 $ 22,601
[3]	The following table reflects the estimated fair values and useful lives of intangible assets related to the ETS Acquisition identified based on our preliminary purchase accounting assessments: Estimated Life (Years) Customer relationships 15 - 20 Trade names/trademarks 5 - 10 Non-compete agreements 5

Schedule_of_Components_of_Purc1

Schedule of Components of Purchase Price and Net Assets Acquired (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 10, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
ETS Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivables, contractual amounts	24.9
Accounts receivables, estimates uncollectible	0.6
Accounts receivables acquired value	24.3
ETS Acquisition | Non-compete agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Life (Years)	5 years
Minimum | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Life (Years)		11 years
Minimum | Trade names/trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Life (Years)		1 year
Minimum | Non-compete agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Life (Years)		2 years
Minimum | ETS Acquisition | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Life (Years)	15 years
Minimum | ETS Acquisition | Trade names/trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Life (Years)	5 years
Maximum | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Life (Years)		20 years
Maximum | Trade names/trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Life (Years)		5 years
Maximum | Non-compete agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Life (Years)		5 years
Maximum | ETS Acquisition | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Life (Years)	20 years
Maximum | ETS Acquisition | Trade names/trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Life (Years)	10 years

Schedule_of_Components_of_Supp

Schedule of Components of Supplemental Pro Forma Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Pro forma revenues	$547,077		$498,543
Net income
Pro forma adjustments	22,601	[1]	6,956	[1]
Pro forma net income (loss)	41,125		20,546
Average diluted weighted shares outstanding	46,725		46,096
Pro forma diluted earnings per share	$0.88		$0.45
ETS Acquisition
Revenues:
Pro forma revenues	101,603	[2]	92,057	[2]
Net income
Pro forma net income (loss)	-25,862	[2]	-10,332	[2]
Mobile Mini Inc
Revenues:
Pro forma revenues	445,474		406,486
Net income
Pro forma net income (loss)	$44,386		$23,922
[1]	Pro forma adjustments consist of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2013 2014 (In thousands) Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions: Record the net impact to depreciation resulting from fair value mark-ups, offset by changes to the estimated remaining lives, for acquired lease fleet and property, plant and equipment $ 3,799 $ 3,953 Remove historic gains recognized on the sale of used lease fleet and property, plant and equipment (1,707 ) (2,195 ) Eliminate historic ETS amortization of intangible assets 3,233 3,387 Recognize amortization for intangible assets acquired (4,818 ) (5,027 ) Recognize increased interest expense on amounts borrowed to fund the acquisition, including acquisition costs (9,078 ) (8,531 ) Eliminate historic ETS interest expense on debt instruments retired upon acquisition 19,882 22,655 Eliminate acquisition costs - 15,295 Total 11,311 29,537 Increase in income tax provision related to pro forma adjustments 4,355 6,936 Total pro forma adjustments $ 6,956 $ 22,601
[2]	ETS historic information for the year ended December 31, 2014, consists of revenues and net loss prior to the acquisition date of December 10, 2014. Revenues and net income (loss) after the acquisition date are included in Mobile Mini's historic information for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Schedule_of_Components_of_Supp1

Schedule of Components of Supplemental Pro Forma Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions:
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions	$29,537		$11,311
Increase in income tax provision related to pro forma adjustments	6,936		4,355
Total pro forma adjustments	22,601	[1]	6,956	[1]
Record the net impact to depreciation resulting from fair value mark-ups, offset by changes to the estimated remaining lives, for acquired lease fleet and property, plant and equipment
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions:
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions	3,953		3,799
Remove historic gains recognized on the sale of used lease fleet and property, plant and equipment
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions:
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions	-2,195		-1,707
Eliminate historic ETS amortization of intangible assets
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions:
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions	3,387		3,233
Recognize amortization for intangible assets acquired
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions:
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions	-5,027		-4,818
Recognize increased interest expense on amounts borrowed to fund the acquisition, including acquisition costs
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions:
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions	-8,531		-9,078
Eliminate historic ETS interest expense on debt instruments retired upon acquisition
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions:
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions	22,655		19,882
Eliminate acquisition costs
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions:
Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions	$15,295
[1]	Pro forma adjustments consist of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2013 2014 (In thousands) Pro forma increases (decreases) to income from continuing operations before income tax provisions: Record the net impact to depreciation resulting from fair value mark-ups, offset by changes to the estimated remaining lives, for acquired lease fleet and property, plant and equipment $ 3,799 $ 3,953 Remove historic gains recognized on the sale of used lease fleet and property, plant and equipment (1,707 ) (2,195 ) Eliminate historic ETS amortization of intangible assets 3,233 3,387 Recognize amortization for intangible assets acquired (4,818 ) (5,027 ) Recognize increased interest expense on amounts borrowed to fund the acquisition, including acquisition costs (9,078 ) (8,531 ) Eliminate historic ETS interest expense on debt instruments retired upon acquisition 19,882 22,655 Eliminate acquisition costs - 15,295 Total 11,311 29,537 Increase in income tax provision related to pro forma adjustments 4,355 6,936 Total pro forma adjustments $ 6,956 $ 22,601

Lease_Fleet_Additional_Informa

Lease Fleet - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$22.70	$21.20	$21.60

Lease_Fleet_Detail

Lease Fleet (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Total fleet, net	$1,087,056		$979,276
Portable Storage
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease fleet, gross	1,148,274		1,145,309
Accumulated depreciation	-182,437		-166,033
Total fleet, net	965,837		979,276
Portable Storage | Steel storage containers
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Residual Value as Percentage of Original Cost	55.00%	[1]
Useful Life in Years	30 years
Lease fleet, gross	604,547		600,475
Portable Storage | Steel security and combination offices
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Residual Value as Percentage of Original Cost	55.00%	[1]
Useful Life in Years	30 years
Lease fleet, gross	329,565		328,849
Portable Storage | Wood mobile offices
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Residual Value as Percentage of Original Cost	50.00%	[1]
Useful Life in Years	20 years
Lease fleet, gross	208,529		210,057
Portable Storage | Other
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease fleet, gross	5,633		5,928
Specialty Containment
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease fleet, gross	122,489
Accumulated depreciation	-1,270
Total fleet, net	121,219
Specialty Containment | Other
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease fleet, gross	5,468
Specialty Containment | Steel tanks
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Useful Life in Years	25 years
Lease fleet, gross	50,843
Specialty Containment | Roll-off boxes
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease fleet, gross	19,820
Specialty Containment | Roll-off boxes | Minimum
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Useful Life in Years	15 years
Specialty Containment | Roll-off boxes | Maximum
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Useful Life in Years	20 years
Specialty Containment | Stainless steel tank trailers
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Useful Life in Years	25 years
Lease fleet, gross	7,667
Specialty Containment | Vacuum Boxes
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Useful Life in Years	20 years
Lease fleet, gross	23,283
Specialty Containment | De-watering boxes
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Useful Life in Years	20 years
Lease fleet, gross	3,898
Specialty Containment | Pumps and filtration equipment
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Useful Life in Years	7 years
Lease fleet, gross	$11,510
[1]	Specialty containment fleet has been assigned zero residual value.

Lease_Fleet_Parenthetical_Deta

Lease Fleet (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Specialty Containment, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Specialty Containment
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Residual value	$0

Lines_of_Credit_Additional_Inf

Lines of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 22, 2012
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, pro forma excess borrowing availability for restricted payments and acquisitions to occur without financial covenants	$250,000,000
Line of credit, minimum borrowing availability for financial maintenance covenants to be applicable	100,000,000
Line of credit, covenant	Payment Conditions allow restricted payments and acquisitions to occur without financial covenants as long as the Company has $250.0 million of pro forma excess borrowing availability under the Credit Agreement.
Lines of credit, weighted average interest rate	2.20%	2.20%
Lines of credit, average balance outstanding	323,600,000	386,600,000
Borrowing outstanding under credit agreement	705,518,000	319,314,000
Additional borrowing available under credit agreement	286,900,000
ETS Acquisition
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowing outstanding under credit agreement	410,000,000
Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of net orderly liquidation value of lease-fleet to be included in determination of borrowing base	90.00%
LIBOR Loans
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, margin rate	2.00%
LIBOR Loans | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, margin rate	2.25%
LIBOR Loans | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, margin rate	1.75%
Base Rate Loans
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, margin rate	1.00%
Base Rate Loans | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, margin rate	1.25%
Base Rate Loans | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, margin rate	0.75%
$1.0 billion ABL Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit Agreement, borrowing capacity	$1,000,000,000		$900,000,000
Credit Agreement, term	5 years
Credit Agreement, maturity date	22-Feb-17

Obligations_Under_Capital_Leas2

Obligations Under Capital Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]
Obligations under capital leases	$24,918,000	$8,781,000
Assets recorded under capital lease obligations	24,600,000	10,200,000
Assets recorded under capital lease obligations, accumulated amortization	$2,100,000	$1,100,000
Minimum
Schedule of Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]
Capitalized leases, interest rates	1.80%
Maximum
Schedule of Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]
Capitalized leases, interest rates	12.70%

Future_Minimum_Capital_Lease_P

Future Minimum Capital Lease Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]
2015	$4,144
2016	4,118
2017	3,852
2018	3,380
2019	3,450
Thereafter	8,486
Total	27,430
Amount representing interest	-2,512
Present value of minimum lease payments	$24,918	$8,781

Debt_Issuances_Additional_Info

Debt Issuances - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2010	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of 7.875% senior notes due 2020	$200
Senior Notes, interest rate		7.88%
Senior Notes 7.875 Percent Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Offer price of notes issued as percentage of face value	100.00%
Senior Notes, interest rate		7.88%
Senior Notes, maturity term		10 years
Senior Notes, maturity date		1-Dec-20
Senior Notes, interest payment term		Interest is payable semiannually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year.

Scheduled_Maturity_for_Debt_Ob

Scheduled Maturity for Debt Obligations Under Credit Agreement, Obligations Under Capital Leases and Senior Notes (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$3,465
2016	3,563
2017	708,932
2018	3,041
2019	3,194
Thereafter	208,241
Total	$930,436

Income_Before_Taxes_from_Conti

Income Before Taxes from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$70,419	$37,499	$52,932
U.S.
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	52,944	30,528	44,157
Foreign
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$17,475	$6,971	$8,775

Provision_for_Income_Taxes_fro

Provision for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
U.S. Federal	$0		$0		$0
State	827		934		388
Foreign	0		0		0
Total current	827		934		388
Deferred
U.S. Federal	21,510		11,483		15,419
State	2,019		1,100		1,553
Foreign	1,677		-1,242		1,149
Total deferred	25,206		11,341		18,121
Total provision for income taxes	$26,033	[1]	$12,275	[1]	$18,509	[1]
[1]	Includes revenues in the U.S. of $307.1 million, $324.9 million and $353.2 million for the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Net_Deferred_Tax_Liability_Det

Net Deferred Tax Liability (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$122,041	$94,346
Deferred revenue and expenses	13,310	11,280
Accrued compensation and other benefits	1,438	1,411
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,034	615
Other	4,812	4,745
Total deferred tax assets	142,635	112,397
Valuation allowance	-1,126	-1,126
Net deferred tax assets	141,509	111,271
Deferred tax liabilities
Accelerated tax depreciation	-333,042	-302,597
Accelerated tax amortization	-36,150	-13,474
Other	-3,864	-4,765
Total deferred tax liabilities	-373,056	-320,836
Net deferred tax liabilities	($231,547)	($209,565)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	36 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries intended to be permanently invested	$37,000,000	$25,500,000			$37,000,000
Net deferred tax assets	2,217,000				2,217,000
Deferred tax asset for federal and state, net operating losses	122,041,000	94,346,000			122,041,000
Total unrecognized excess tax benefits	16,600,000	14,200,000			16,600,000
Income tax paid	1,103,000	1,114,000	831,000
Tax year subject to tax examination for U.S. Federal return	For the U.S. Federal return, the Company's tax years for 2011, 2012 and 2013 are subject to tax examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service through September 15, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. No reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded. The Company does not anticipate that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit related to any particular tax position will change significantly within the next 12 months.
Statutory corporate income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
ETS Acquisition
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net deferred tax assets	2,217,000				2,217,000
Deferred tax liabilities related to accelerated tax depreciation and amortization	53,000,000				53,000,000
Deferred tax asset for federal and state, net operating losses	55,200,000				55,200,000
United Kingdom
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutory corporate income tax rate			23.00%	20.00%
Reduction of tax liability		1,900,000
United Kingdom and the Netherlands
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liability	16,200,000	14,400,000			16,200,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Tax Year 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]
U.S. Federal return, tax year subject to examination	2011
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Tax Year 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]
U.S. Federal return, tax year subject to examination	2012
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Tax Year 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
U.S. Federal return, tax year subject to examination	2013
Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Step two threshold to quantify uncertain tax position	50.00%
Federal
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	356,500,000				356,500,000
Federal | ETS Acquisition
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	151,300,000				151,300,000
Federal | Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration year	2025
Federal | Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration year	2034
State
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	172,300,000				172,300,000
State | ETS Acquisition
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	47,500,000				47,500,000
State | Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration year	2015
State | Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration year	2034
U.S.
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized excess tax benefits	0	0	0		0
Income tax paid	0	0	0
Federal taxable income					$118,100,000

Reconciliation_of_US_Federal_S

Reconciliation of U.S. Federal Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes, net of federal benefit	3.90%	3.50%	3.50%
Nondeductible expenses and other	1.20%	1.40%	1.40%
Adjustment of net deferred tax liability for enacted tax rate change		-4.90%	-2.10%
Foreign rate differential	-3.10%	-2.30%	-2.80%
Effective tax rate	37.00%	32.70%	35.00%

Transactions_with_Related_Pers1

Transactions with Related Persons - Additional Information (Detail) (Water Mover, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Property
Water Mover
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Monthly rental payment under leases	$17,660
Number of properties	2
Lease expiration year	2023

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share available for future grants	2,902,000	3,239,000	1,361,000
Stock options contractual terms	8 years 1 month 13 days
Performance based share awards non-vested	343,000	542,000	843,000	1,180,000
Share-based compensation expense	$15,071,000	$15,040,000	$9,798,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	2,900,000	9,000,000	2,700,000
Weighted average fair value of stock options granted	$10.46	$10.59	$8.56
Fair value of share-awards vested	5,000,000	4,800,000
Performance Based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance based awards stock options unvested	793,000
Performance based share awards non-vested	26,000
Number of performance based awards issued	0
Non Employee Director Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of awards vested	100.00%
Share-based compensation expense	900,000	600,000	600,000
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payment expense related to vesting of options and share-awards	15,100,000	14,700,000	9,600,000
Unrecognized compensation cost	9,400,000
Weighted average recognition period (years)	1 year 2 months 12 days
Nonvested share-awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$8,200,000
Weighted average recognition period (years)	2 years 6 months
Minimum | Nonvested share-awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-awards vesting period	3 years
Minimum | Executive Officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-awards vesting period	3 years
Maximum | Nonvested share-awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-awards vesting period	5 years
Maximum | Executive Officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-awards vesting period	4 years

Summary_of_ShareBased_Compensa

Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$15,071	$14,714	$9,575
Amount capitalized		326	223
Total share-based compensation	15,071	15,040	9,798
Included in Leasing, selling and general expenses
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	14,490	13,956	7,151
Included in Restructuring expenses
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$581	$758	$2,424

Key_Assumptions_Used_to_Estima

Key Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Options Award (Detail) (Stock options)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life of the options (years)	5 years
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%	0.70%
Expected life of the options (years)		6 years
Expected stock price volatility	35.40%	41.10%
Expected dividend rate	1.50%	0.00%
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.70%	1.50%
Expected life of the options (years)		7 years
Expected stock price volatility	38.40%	46.30%
Expected dividend rate	1.80%	1.80%

Stock_Option_Activity_Detail

Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Number of Shares
Options outstanding, beginning of year	2,519	1,099	1,394
Granted	365	2,214	65
Canceled/Expired	-71	-147	-51
Exercised	-164	-647	-309
Options outstanding, end of year	2,649	2,519	1,099
Options exercisable, end of year	854	193	755
Options and awards available for grant, end of year	2,902	3,239	1,361
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding, beginning of year	$29.80	$20.02	$18.39
Granted	$46.83	$31.26	$21.13
Canceled/Expired	$40.63	$15.90	$26.61
Exercised	$22.18	$21.35	$11.81
Options outstanding, end of year	$32.33	$29.80	$20.02
Options exercisable, end of year	$29.32	$21.51	$20.42

Fully_Vested_Stock_Options_and

Fully Vested Stock Options and Stock Options Expected to Vest (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Number of Shares
Outstanding	2,649	2,519	1,099	1,394
Vested and expected to vest	2,571
Exercisable	854	193	755
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding	$32.33	$29.80	$20.02	$18.39
Vested and expected to vest	$32.15
Exercisable	$29.32	$21.51	$20.42
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In years)
Outstanding	8 years 1 month 13 days
Vested and expected to vest	8 years 1 month 6 days
Exercisable	7 years 6 months 22 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Values
Outstanding	$23,653
Vested and expected to vest	23,958
Exercisable	$9,594

Nonvested_ShareAwards_Activity

Nonvested Share-Awards Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Nonvested Stock Awards, shares
Nonvested at beginning of period, shares	542	843	1,180
Awarded	143	153	261
Released	-240	-252	-453
Forfeited	-102	-202	-145
Nonvested at end of period, shares	343	542	843
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at beginning of period	$20.65	$17.27	$16.20
Awarded	$39.77	$30.21	$19.67
Released	$20.93	$19.15	$16.05
Forfeited	$22.09	$15.64	$16.77
Nonvested at end of period	$27.99	$20.65	$17.27

Benefit_Plans_Additional_Infor

Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
401(k) Plan, employer contribution for first 4% of employees' contribution	25.00%
Defined contribution program, percentage of annual employees' salary contributed by employer	$700,000	$500,000	$400,000
Defined contribution program, annual charge on employees' fund to cover administrative costs of program, percentage	34,000	34,000	34,000
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
401(k) Plan, employer contribution per employee	$1,000
United Kingdom | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined contribution program, percentage of annual employees' salary contributed by employer	7.00%
Defined contribution program, annual charge on employees' fund to cover administrative costs of program, percentage	2.50%
United Kingdom | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined contribution program, percentage of annual employees' salary contributed by employer	5.00%
Defined contribution program, annual charge on employees' fund to cover administrative costs of program, percentage	0.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating lease rental expense	$21,300,000	$21,200,000	$20,700,000
Accrued liabilities, reserves	3,300,000	3,800,000
Letters of credit provided for various insurance carriers	7,500,000
ETS Acquisition
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities, reserves	0
General Liability
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance deductible amount, per incident	100,000
Workers' Compensation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance deductible amount, per incident	250,000
Auto
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance deductible amount, per incident	$500,000

Contractual_Commitments_Associ

Contractual Commitments Associated with Lease Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2015	$19,290
2016	14,887
2017	10,504
2018	6,158
2019	3,140
Thereafter	9,773
Total	63,752
Operating Lease Commitments
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2015	19,011
2016	14,583
2017	10,187
2018	5,886
2019	3,117
Thereafter	9,773
Total	62,557
Restructuring Related Lease Commitments
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2015	522
2016	454
2017	394
2018	272
2019	23
Total	1,665
Sub-lease Income
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2015	-243
2016	-150
2017	-77
Total	($470)

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 06, 2013
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Dividend payable	$0.17			$0.17
Dividend payable date	20-Mar-14
Cash dividend paid, per share		$0.68
Cash dividend paid		$31,400,000
Share repurchase program authorized amount	125,000,000			125,000,000
Treasury stock value		26,007,000	369,000
Share Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Treasury stock shares acquired		649,000
Treasury stock value		25,000,000
Treasury stock shares available for repurchase		100,000,000
Minimum tax withholding obligations
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Treasury stock shares acquired		25,000
Treasury stock value		$1,000,000

Accrued_Restructuring_Obligati

Accrued Restructuring Obligations and Related Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accrued obligations, beginning balance	$1,676		$4,113		$2,129
Restructuring expense	3,542	[1]	2,402	[1]	7,123	[1]
Settlement of obligations	-4,101		-4,839		-5,139
Accrued obligations, ending balance	1,117		1,676		4,113
Severance and Benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accrued obligations, beginning balance	613		2,543
Restructuring expense	1,826		1,787		5,976
Settlement of obligations	-1,998		-3,717		-3,433
Accrued obligations, ending balance	441		613		2,543
Lease Abandonment Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accrued obligations, beginning balance	1,063		1,570		2,129
Restructuring expense	318		475		1,007
Settlement of obligations	-705		-982		-1,566
Accrued obligations, ending balance	676		1,063		1,570
Other Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accrued obligations, beginning balance
Restructuring expense	1,398	[2]	140	[2]	140	[2]
Settlement of obligations	($1,398)		($140)		($140)
[1]	Includes revenues in the U.S. of $307.1 million, $324.9 million and $353.2 million for the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
[2]	Other costs for 2014 include the sale of the Company's Belfast, Northern Ireland location.

Restructuring_Expenses_Detail

Restructuring Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	$3,542	[1]	$2,402	[1]	$7,123	[1]
Severance and Benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	1,826		1,787		5,976
Lease Abandonment Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	318		475		1,007
Other Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	$1,398	[2]	$140	[2]	$140	[2]
[1]	Includes revenues in the U.S. of $307.1 million, $324.9 million and $353.2 million for the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
[2]	Other costs for 2014 include the sale of the Company's Belfast, Northern Ireland location.

Segment_Reporting_Additional_I

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

Segment_Reporting_Detail

Segment Reporting (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Leasing	$113,443	$104,798	$98,041	$94,080	$97,820	$95,559	$88,032	$84,875	$410,362	[1]	$366,286	[1]	$339,975	[1]
Sales									31,585	[1]	38,051	[1]	37,759	[1]
Other									3,527	[1]	2,149	[1]	2,162	[1]
Total revenues	123,215	113,322	106,533	102,404	106,799	105,040	97,135	97,512	445,474	[1]	406,486	[1]	379,896	[1]
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales									21,944	[1]	25,413	[1]	23,178	[1]
Leasing, selling and general expenses									280,948	[1]	237,567	[1]	218,709	[1]
Restructuring expenses									3,542	[1]	2,402	[1]	7,123	[1]
Asset impairment charge, net							40,200		557	[1]	38,705	[1]	0
Depreciation and amortization									39,334	[1]	35,432	[1]	35,982	[1]
Total costs and expenses									346,325	[1]	339,519	[1]	284,992	[1]
Income from operations	28,801	30,171	21,695	18,482	27,960	27,001	-15,006	27,012	99,149	[1]	66,967	[1]	94,904	[1]
Interest expense									28,729	[1]	29,467	[1]	37,268	[1]
Income tax provision									26,033	[1]	12,275	[1]	18,509	[1]
Portable Storage
Revenues:
Leasing									404,939	[1]	366,286	[1]	339,975	[1]
Sales									31,422	[1]	38,051	[1]	37,759	[1]
Other									2,681	[1]	2,149	[1]	2,162	[1]
Total revenues									439,042	[1]	406,486	[1]	379,896	[1]
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales									21,838	[1]	25,413	[1]	23,178	[1]
Leasing, selling and general expenses									277,594	[1]	237,567	[1]	218,709	[1]
Restructuring expenses									3,542	[1]	2,402	[1]	7,123	[1]
Asset impairment charge, net									557	[1]	38,705	[1]
Depreciation and amortization									37,460	[1]	35,432	[1]	35,982	[1]
Total costs and expenses									340,991	[1]	339,519	[1]	284,992	[1]
Income from operations									98,051	[1]	66,967	[1]	94,904	[1]
Interest expense									28,721	[1]	29,467	[1]	37,268	[1]
Income tax provision									25,622	[1]	12,275	[1]	18,509	[1]
Portable Storage | North America
Revenues:
Leasing									323,236	[1]	299,676	[1]	278,330	[1]
Sales									26,834	[1]	29,809	[1]	33,845	[1]
Other									2,274	[1]	1,767	[1]	1,901	[1]
Total revenues									352,344	[1]	331,252	[1]	314,076	[1]
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales									18,251	[1]	19,128	[1]	20,631	[1]
Leasing, selling and general expenses									221,405	[1]	190,337	[1]	175,506	[1]
Restructuring expenses									1,915	[1]	2,141	[1]	6,755	[1]
Asset impairment charge, net									433	[1]	32,157	[1]
Depreciation and amortization									30,670	[1]	28,614	[1]	28,359	[1]
Total costs and expenses									272,674	[1]	272,377	[1]	231,251	[1]
Income from operations									79,670	[1]	58,875	[1]	82,825	[1]
Interest expense									27,816	[1]	28,348	[1]	35,423	[1]
Income tax provision									21,580	[1]	12,258	[1]	17,234	[1]
Portable Storage | United Kingdom
Revenues:
Leasing									81,703	[1]	66,610	[1]	61,645	[1]
Sales									4,588	[1]	8,242	[1]	3,914	[1]
Other									407	[1]	382	[1]	261	[1]
Total revenues									86,698	[1]	75,234	[1]	65,820	[1]
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales									3,587	[1]	6,285	[1]	2,547	[1]
Leasing, selling and general expenses									56,189	[1]	47,230	[1]	43,203	[1]
Restructuring expenses									1,627	[1]	261	[1]	368	[1]
Asset impairment charge, net									124	[1]	6,548	[1]
Depreciation and amortization									6,790	[1]	6,818	[1]	7,623	[1]
Total costs and expenses									68,317	[1]	67,142	[1]	53,741	[1]
Income from operations									18,381	[1]	8,092	[1]	12,079	[1]
Interest expense									905	[1]	1,119	[1]	1,845	[1]
Income tax provision									4,042	[1]	17	[1]	1,275	[1]
Specialty Containment
Revenues:
Leasing									5,423	[1]
Sales									163	[1]
Other									846	[1]
Total revenues									6,432	[1]
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales									106	[1]
Leasing, selling and general expenses									3,354	[1]
Depreciation and amortization									1,874	[1]
Total costs and expenses									5,334	[1]
Income from operations									1,098	[1]
Interest expense									8	[1]
Income tax provision									$411	[1]
[1]	Includes revenues in the U.S. of $307.1 million, $324.9 million and $353.2 million for the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Segment_Reporting_Parenthetica

Segment Reporting (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

$123,215

$113,322

$106,533

$102,404

$106,799

$105,040

$97,135

$97,512

$445,474

[1]

$406,486

[1]

$379,896

[1]

United States

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

$353,200

$324,900

$307,100

[1]

Includes revenues in the U.S. of $307.1 million, $324.9 million and $353.2 million for the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Longlived_Assets_Detail

Long-lived Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$1,200,231	[1]	$1,064,429	[1]
Portable Storage
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	1,064,839	[1]	1,064,429	[1]
Portable Storage | North America
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	907,672	[1]	902,183	[1]
Portable Storage | United Kingdom
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	157,167	[1]	162,246	[1]
Specialty Containment
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$135,392	[1]
[1]	Includes long-lived assets of $884.3 million and $1,029.9 million in the U.S. for the fiscal years 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Longlived_Assets_Parenthetical

Long-lived Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$1,200,231	[1]	$1,064,429	[1]
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$1,029,900		$884,300
[1]	Includes long-lived assets of $884.3 million and $1,029.9 million in the U.S. for the fiscal years 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Assets_Held_for_Sale_Additiona

Assets Held for Sale - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Assets Held For Sale [Abstract]
Asset impairment charges	$40,200	$557	[1]	$38,705	[1]	$0
Non-cash asset impairment charge	$39,600	$557		$38,217
[1]	Includes revenues in the U.S. of $307.1 million, $324.9 million and $353.2 million for the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Summary_of_Assets_Held_for_Sal

Summary of Assets Held for Sale (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Asset fair value, Beginning of period	$980
Sale proceeds	-493
Additional net loss upon sale	-557
Other changes, net	69
Effect of exchange rate changes	1
North America
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Asset fair value, Beginning of period	904
Sale proceeds	-310
Additional net loss upon sale	-433
Other changes, net	-161
United Kingdom
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Asset fair value, Beginning of period	76
Sale proceeds	-183
Additional net loss upon sale	-124
Other changes, net	230
Effect of exchange rate changes	$1

Discontinued_Operation_Additio

Discontinued Operation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Loss on sale of operations, after tax	$1.20
Proceeds from sale of Netherlands operations	$0.70

Discontinued_Operation_Summary

Discontinued Operation - Summary of Discontinued Operation, Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Revenues	$1,895	$1,363
Loss from operations, including loss on disposition of $1.9 million	-2,101	-216
Other expenses	-64	-72
Income tax benefit	863	43
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	($1,302)	($245)

Discontinued_Operation_Summary1

Discontinued Operation - Summary of Discontinued Operation, Results of Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Loss (gain) on disposal of discontinued operation	$1,948

Discontinued_Operation_Summary2

Discontinued Operation - Summary of Discontinued Operation, Cash Flow Activities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Net cash used in operating activities	($861)	($466)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	$896	($95)

Unaudited_Selected_Consolidate

Unaudited Selected Consolidated Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Leasing revenue	$113,443	$104,798	$98,041	$94,080	$97,820	$95,559	$88,032	$84,875	$410,362	[1]	$366,286	[1]	$339,975	[1]
Total revenues	123,215	113,322	106,533	102,404	106,799	105,040	97,135	97,512	445,474	[1]	406,486	[1]	379,896	[1]
Gross profit on sales	2,011	2,714	2,603	2,313	2,774	2,977	3,142	3,745
Income (loss) from operations	28,801	30,171	21,695	18,482	27,960	27,001	-15,006	27,012	99,149	[1]	66,967	[1]	94,904	[1]
Income (loss) from continuing operations					13,092	14,332	-14,319	12,119	44,386		25,224		34,423
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$0.28	$0.32	$0.20	$0.16	$0.29	$0.31	($0.32)	$0.27	$0.96		$0.53		$0.77
Diluted	$0.28	$0.32	$0.20	$0.16	$0.28	$0.31	($0.31)	$0.26	$0.95		$0.52		$0.76
Net income (loss)	$12,863	$14,820	$9,263	$7,440	$11,958	$14,303	($14,381)	$12,042	$44,386		$23,922		$34,178
[1]	Includes revenues in the U.S. of $307.1 million, $324.9 million and $353.2 million for the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Percentage of ownership owned	100.00%

Condensed_Consolidating_Balanc

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,739		$1,256
Receivables, net	81,031		53,104
Inventories	16,736		18,744
Lease fleet, net	1,087,056		979,276
Property, plant and equipment, net	113,175		85,153
Assets held for sale			980
Deposits and prepaid expenses	8,586		6,116
Deferred financing costs, net and other assets	8,858		10,977
Intangibles, net	78,385		2,546
Goodwill	705,608	[1]	519,222	[1]	518,308	[1]
Total assets	2,103,174		1,677,374
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	22,933		18,862
Accrued liabilities	63,727		65,308
Lines of credit	705,518		319,314
Obligations under capital leases	24,918		8,781
Senior Notes	200,000		200,000
Deferred income taxes	231,547		209,565
Total liabilities	1,248,643		821,830
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	490		488
Additional paid-in capital	569,083		550,387
Retained earnings	380,504		359,778
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-29,870		-15,440
Treasury stock, at cost	-65,676		-39,669
Total stockholders' equity	854,531		855,544		809,519		753,914
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,103,174		1,677,374
Eliminations
ASSETS
Intercompany receivables	-178,989		-186,445
Total assets	-178,989		-186,445
Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes	-1,004		-989
Intercompany payables	-94		-134
Total liabilities	-1,098		-1,123
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	-18,388		-18,436
Additional paid-in capital	-160,347		-167,730
Retained earnings	844		844
Total stockholders' equity	-177,891		-185,322
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	-178,989		-186,445
Guarantors
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	2,977		-190
Receivables, net	62,033		35,378
Inventories	15,371		16,855
Lease fleet, net	934,433		817,945
Property, plant and equipment, net	95,509		66,376
Assets held for sale			800
Deposits and prepaid expenses	7,375		4,711
Deferred financing costs, net and other assets	8,858		10,976
Intangibles, net	77,629		1,260
Goodwill	635,943		445,131
Intercompany receivables	145,018		153,885
Total assets	1,985,146		1,553,127
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	14,803		10,334
Accrued liabilities	56,104		58,595
Lines of credit	702,135		307,008
Obligations under capital leases	24,760		8,781
Senior Notes	200,000		200,000
Deferred income taxes	215,184		196,164
Total liabilities	1,212,986		780,882
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	490		488
Additional paid-in capital	569,083		550,387
Retained earnings	268,263		261,039
Treasury stock, at cost	-65,676		-39,669
Total stockholders' equity	772,160		772,245
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,985,146		1,553,127
Non-Guarantors
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	762		1,446
Receivables, net	18,998		17,726
Inventories	1,365		1,889
Lease fleet, net	152,623		161,331
Property, plant and equipment, net	17,666		18,777
Assets held for sale			180
Deposits and prepaid expenses	1,211		1,405
Deferred financing costs, net and other assets			1
Intangibles, net	756		1,286
Goodwill	69,665		74,091
Intercompany receivables	33,971		32,560
Total assets	297,017		310,692
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	8,130		8,528
Accrued liabilities	7,623		6,713
Lines of credit	3,383		12,306
Obligations under capital leases	158
Deferred income taxes	17,367		14,390
Intercompany payables	94		134
Total liabilities	36,755		42,071
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	18,388		18,436
Additional paid-in capital	160,347		167,730
Retained earnings	111,397		97,895
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-29,870		-15,440
Total stockholders' equity	260,262		268,621
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$297,017		$310,692
[1]	Includes accumulated amortization of $2.0 million and accumulated impairment of $12.5 million.

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Leasing	$113,443	$104,798	$98,041	$94,080	$97,820	$95,559	$88,032	$84,875	$410,362	[1]	$366,286	[1]	$339,975	[1]
Sales									31,585	[1]	38,051	[1]	37,759	[1]
Other									3,527	[1]	2,149	[1]	2,162	[1]
Total revenues	123,215	113,322	106,533	102,404	106,799	105,040	97,135	97,512	445,474	[1]	406,486	[1]	379,896	[1]
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales									21,944	[1]	25,413	[1]	23,178	[1]
Leasing, selling and general expenses									280,948	[1]	237,567	[1]	218,709	[1]
Restructuring expenses									3,542	[1]	2,402	[1]	7,123	[1]
Asset impairment charge, net							40,200		557	[1]	38,705	[1]	0
Depreciation and amortization									39,334	[1]	35,432	[1]	35,982	[1]
Total costs and expenses									346,325	[1]	339,519	[1]	284,992	[1]
Income from operations	28,801	30,171	21,695	18,482	27,960	27,001	-15,006	27,012	99,149	[1]	66,967	[1]	94,904	[1]
Other income (expense):
Interest income											1		1
Interest expense									-28,729	[1]	-29,467	[1]	-37,268	[1]
Debt restructuring expense													-2,812
Deferred financing costs write-off													-1,889
Foreign currency exchange									-1		-2		-4
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision									70,419		37,499		52,932
Income tax provision									26,033	[1]	12,275	[1]	18,509	[1]
Income from continuing operations					13,092	14,332	-14,319	12,119	44,386		25,224		34,423
Loss from discontinued operation, net of tax											-1,302		-245
Net income	12,863	14,820	9,263	7,440	11,958	14,303	-14,381	12,042	44,386		23,922		34,178
Eliminations
Other income (expense):
Interest income									-81		-249		-590
Interest expense									81		249		590
Dividend income											-274		-865
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision											-274		-865
Income tax provision											-45		-92
Income from continuing operations											-229		-773
Net income											-229		-773
Guarantors
Revenues:
Leasing									323,563		293,878		272,530
Sales									26,524		29,310		32,794
Other									3,112		1,751		1,871
Total revenues									353,199		324,939		307,195
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales									17,887		18,784		19,836
Leasing, selling and general expenses									220,951		185,834		170,240
Restructuring expenses									1,915		2,140		6,755
Asset impairment charge, net									416		32,156
Depreciation and amortization									32,007		28,084		27,784
Total costs and expenses									273,176		266,998		224,615
Income from operations									80,023		57,941		82,580
Other income (expense):
Interest income									81		250		591
Interest expense									-27,229		-27,726		-34,624
Dividend income											274		865
Debt restructuring expense													-2,812
Deferred financing costs write-off													-1,889
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision									52,875		30,739		44,711
Income tax provision									21,991		12,355		17,448
Income from continuing operations											18,384		27,263
Loss from discontinued operation, net of tax											-1,229
Net income									30,884		17,155		27,263
Non-Guarantors
Revenues:
Leasing									86,799		72,408		67,445
Sales									5,061		8,741		4,965
Other									415		398		291
Total revenues									92,275		81,547		72,701
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales									4,057		6,629		3,342
Leasing, selling and general expenses									59,997		51,733		48,469
Restructuring expenses									1,627		262		368
Asset impairment charge, net									141		6,549
Depreciation and amortization									7,327		7,348		8,198
Total costs and expenses									73,149		72,521		60,377
Income from operations									19,126		9,026		12,324
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									-1,581		-1,990		-3,234
Foreign currency exchange									-1		-2		-4
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision									17,544		7,034		9,086
Income tax provision									4,042		-35		1,153
Income from continuing operations											7,069		7,933
Loss from discontinued operation, net of tax											-73		-245
Net income									$13,502		$6,996		$7,688
[1]	Includes revenues in the U.S. of $307.1 million, $324.9 million and $353.2 million for the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem1

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$12,863	$14,820	$9,263	$7,440	$11,958	$14,303	($14,381)	$12,042	$44,386	$23,922	$34,178
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $64, ($194) and ($213) in 2012, 2013, 2014, respectively									-14,430	2,377	7,987
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-14,430	2,377	7,987
Comprehensive income (loss)									29,956	26,299	42,165
Eliminations
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income										-229	-773
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Comprehensive income (loss)										-229	-773
Guarantors
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income									30,884	17,155	27,263
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Comprehensive income (loss)									30,884	17,155	27,263
Non-Guarantors
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income									13,502	6,996	7,688
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $64, ($194) and ($213) in 2012, 2013, 2014, respectively									-14,430	2,377	7,987
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-14,430	2,377	7,987
Comprehensive income (loss)									($928)	$9,373	$15,675

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem2

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, income tax expense (benefit)	($213)	($194)	$64

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem3

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$44,386	$23,922	$34,178
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Debt restructuring expense			2,812
Asset impairment charge, net	557	38,217
Deferred financing costs			1,889
Provision for doubtful accounts	2,778	2,160	2,179
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,829	2,811	3,217
Amortization of debt issuance discount			49
Amortization of long-term liabilities	88	169	167
Share-based compensation expense	15,071	14,714	9,575
Depreciation and amortization	39,334	35,626	36,187
Loss (gain) on disposal of discontinued operation		1,948
(Gain) loss on sale of lease fleet units	-5,732	-9,682	-11,781
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	348	247	-130
Deferred income taxes	25,424	11,012	18,107
Tax shortfall on equity award transactions	-15	-837	-3
Foreign currency loss	1	1	5
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
Receivables	-7,197	-3,640	-5,078
Inventories	2,680	-393	1,352
Deposits and prepaid expenses	-1,416	653	537
Other assets and intangibles	17	10	-161
Accounts payable	-723	337	-1,884
Accrued liabilities	2,195	-1,164	-268
Net cash provided by operating activities	120,625	116,111	90,949
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Cash paid for businesses, net of cash acquired	-430,946		-3,563
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operation		677
Additions to lease fleet	-27,279	-28,826	-43,934
Proceeds from sale of lease fleet units	23,053	35,951	29,358
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-15,779	-15,792	-12,741
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	4,199	1,970	1,497
Net cash used in investing activities	-446,752	-6,020	-29,383
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) under lines of credit	386,204	-123,076	97,242
Deferred financing costs	-719		-8,075
Proceeds from issuance of note payable			398
Principal payments on notes payable		-310	-403
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-1,956	-408	-947
Issuance of common stock	3,642	13,818	3,645
Dividend payments	-31,384
Purchase of treasury stock	-26,007	-369
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	329,780	-110,345	-60,719
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-1,170	-427	-1,770
Net (decrease) increase in cash	2,483	-681	-923
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,256	1,937	2,860
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	3,739	1,256	1,937
Senior Notes 6.875 Percent Due 2015
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Redemption of senior notes			-150,000
Redemption premiums of senior notes			-2,579
Eliminations
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income		-229	-773
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes		-466	-78
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
Receivables		1,948
Investment in subsidiaries	-4,823
Intercompany		-934	-41
Net cash provided by operating activities	-4,823	319	-892
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Intercompany		279	869
Repayment of investment	4,823
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	4,823	279	869
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		-598	23
Guarantors
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	30,884	17,155	27,263
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Debt restructuring expense			2,812
Asset impairment charge, net	416	31,310
Deferred financing costs			1,889
Provision for doubtful accounts	2,157	1,256	1,618
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,769	2,749	3,144
Amortization of debt issuance discount			49
Amortization of long-term liabilities	86	162	156
Share-based compensation expense	14,369	13,991	9,003
Depreciation and amortization	32,007	28,084	27,784
Loss (gain) on disposal of discontinued operation		2,042
(Gain) loss on sale of lease fleet units	-6,436	-8,035	-10,430
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	28	237	-87
Deferred income taxes	21,398	11,918	17,074
Tax shortfall on equity award transactions	-15	-837	-3
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
Receivables	-4,113	-1,996	-2,369
Inventories	2,258	-358	1,787
Deposits and prepaid expenses	-1,533	572	807
Investment in subsidiaries	4,823
Other assets and intangibles	66	-364	-10,125
Accounts payable	-926	-212	338
Accrued liabilities	850	-2,321	-980
Intercompany	1,711	-21,506	9,806
Net cash provided by operating activities	100,799	73,847	79,536
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Cash paid for businesses, net of cash acquired	-430,946		-3,563
Additions to lease fleet	-16,525	-15,623	-24,967
Proceeds from sale of lease fleet units	19,214	27,437	25,310
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-11,793	-12,887	-8,229
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	3,688	1,900	1,025
Net cash used in investing activities	-436,362	827	-10,424
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) under lines of credit	395,127	-88,604	88,414
Deferred financing costs	-719		-8,075
Proceeds from issuance of note payable			398
Principal payments on notes payable		-310	-403
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-1,929	-408	-947
Issuance of common stock	3,642	13,818	3,645
Dividend payments	-31,384
Purchase of treasury stock	-26,007	-369
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	338,730	-75,873	-69,547
Net (decrease) increase in cash	3,167	-1,199	-435
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	-190	1,009	1,444
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	2,977	-190	1,009
Guarantors | Senior Notes 6.875 Percent Due 2015
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Redemption of senior notes			-150,000
Redemption premiums of senior notes			-2,579
Non-Guarantors
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	13,502	6,996	7,688
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Asset impairment charge, net	141	6,907
Provision for doubtful accounts	621	904	561
Amortization of deferred financing costs	60	62	73
Amortization of long-term liabilities	2	7	11
Share-based compensation expense	702	723	572
Depreciation and amortization	7,327	7,542	8,403
Loss (gain) on disposal of discontinued operation		-94
(Gain) loss on sale of lease fleet units	704	-1,647	-1,351
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	320	10	-43
Deferred income taxes	4,026	-440	1,111
Foreign currency loss	1	1	5
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
Receivables	-3,084	-3,592	-2,709
Inventories	422	-35	-435
Deposits and prepaid expenses	117	81	-270
Other assets and intangibles	-49	374	9,964
Accounts payable	203	549	-2,222
Accrued liabilities	1,345	1,157	712
Intercompany	-1,711	22,440	-9,765
Net cash provided by operating activities	24,649	41,945	12,305
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operation		677
Additions to lease fleet	-10,754	-13,203	-18,967
Proceeds from sale of lease fleet units	3,839	8,514	4,048
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-3,986	-2,905	-4,512
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	511	70	472
Net cash used in investing activities	-10,390	-6,847	-18,959
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) under lines of credit	-8,923	-34,472	8,828
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-27
Intercompany		-279	-869
Repayment of investment	-4,823
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-13,773	-34,751	7,959
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-1,170	171	-1,793
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-684	518	-488
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,446	928	1,416
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$762	$1,446	$928

Subsequent_Event_Additional_In

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 21, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared	$0.17
Dividend payable date	20-Mar-14
Share Repurchase Program
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Treasury stock shares acquired		649,000
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared			$0.19
Dividend payable date			19-Mar-15
Closing date of stockholders on record for dividend entitlement			5-Mar-15
Subsequent Event | Share Repurchase Program
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Treasury stock shares acquired				15,000,000