XML 26 R33.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) | 8 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Estimated Useful Lives of Assets | Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. We provide for depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method by charges to operations in amounts that allocate the cost of the assets over their estimated useful lives as follows:
Asset Classification |  | Estimated Useful Life |
Buildings and improvements |  |  | 10-30 years |
Machinery and equipment |  |  | 5-10 years |
Rolling stock |  |  | 5-10 years |
Containers |  |  | 5-12 years |
Furniture and Fixtures |  |  | 3-8 years |
Schedule of Investments in Unconsolidated Entities | The following table summarizes our equity and cost method investments as of December 31, 2014, April 30, 2014 and April 30, 2013:
|  | December 31, 2014 |  |  | April 30, 2014 |  |  | April 30, 2013 |
Equity method investments |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 3,766 |
Cost method investments |  |  | 14,432 |  |  |  | 16,752 |  |  |  | 16,486 |
Investments in unconsolidated entities |  | $ | 14,432 |  |  | $ | 16,752 |  |  | $ | 20,252 |

X
- Definition Schedule of estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment by asset classification. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cwst_ScheduleOfEstimatedUsefulLivesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTableTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | cwst_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition A tabular presentation of the information summarizing investments in and advances to majority-owned subsidiaries, other controlled companies, and other affiliates, as prescribed by the SEC. It reflects specified information about ownership, financial results from, and financial position in such entities. Includes the tabular presentations that disaggregate investments in and advances to majority-owned subsidiaries, other controlled companies, and other affiliates. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesScheduleOfInvestmentsTableTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration