v2.4.0.6

Other Liabilities (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Activity of self-insurance reserves |  |  |
Less: Current portion | $ (114.4) | $ (112.7) | $ (110.9)
Self Insurance [Member] |  |  |
Activity of self-insurance reserves |  |  |
Self-insurance reserves, beginning balance | 417.2 | 412.9 | 408.1
Additions charged to expense | 367.3 | 364.9 | 481.3
Payments | (372.1) | (368.9) | (489.7)
Accretion expense | 5.9 | 8.3 | 13.2
Self-insurance reserves, ending balance | 418.3 | 417.2 | 412.9
Long-term portion | $ 303.9 | $ 304.5 | $ 302.0

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- Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Self insurance reserve accretion expense. + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
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- Definition Self Insurance Reserves. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | rsg_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Self insurance reserved, additions charged to expense. + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
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- Definition Self-insurance reserves, current portion. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Self-insurance reserves, noncurrent portion. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Self insurance reserves payments. + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration