Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounts Payable Accounts payable Accounts Receivable, Net Receivables, net Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,307 and $2,442 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of all other intangibles Amortization of long term liabilities included in interest expense. Amortization of Long Term Liabilities Amortization of long-term liabilities Ancillary Items In Property Plant And Equipment [Member] Ancillary Items In Property Plant And Equipment [Member] Ancillary items in property, plant and equipment Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of dilutive EPS Common stock equivalents excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Asset Impairment Charges Asset impairment charge, net Impairment loss Impairment loss Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Impairment of North American Wood Mobile Offices Assets Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate Loans Building and Building Improvements [Member] Buildings and improvements Buildings and Improvements, Gross Buildings and improvements Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisition Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill [Abstract] Intangible assets: The amount of property, by major property class, subject to or available for lease recognized as of the acquisition date. Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease Rental fleet Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Total purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Net Assets Acquired: Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations [Abstract] Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Capital expenditures accrued or payable Capital Lease Obligations Obligations under capital leases Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net (decrease) increase in cash Net decrease in cash Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Cash dividends declared per share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Common stock $.01 par value, 95,000 shares authorized, 49,087 issued and 45,835 outstanding at March 31, 2015 and 49,015 issued and 46,157 outstanding at December 31, 2014 Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive (loss) income Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Comprehensive Income Table [Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Comprehensive Income Table [Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table] Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table] Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items] Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Eliminations Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Consolidation Containers [Member] Steel storage containers Contract Termination [Member] Lease Abandonment Costs Cost of Goods Sold Cost of sales Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and expenses: Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement [Member] $1.0 billion ABL Credit Agreement Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Customer Relationships [Member] Customer relationships Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Revolving credit facility, margin rate Debt Instrument, Face Amount Senior notes, face amount Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt instrument interest rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument, Term Credit Agreement, term Deferred Costs [Abstract] Deferred Costs [Abstract] Deferred Finance Costs, Net Debt financing costs, net of accumulated amortization Deferred finance costs net and other assets. Deferred Finance Costs Net And Other Assets Deferred financing costs, net and other assets Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred income taxes Depreciation Depreciation expense Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization DeWatering Boxes [Member] DeWatering Boxes [Member] De-watering boxes Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assets Impaired and Impairment Loss Recognized The entire disclosure for leased equipment, by major equipment class, net of accumulated depreciation, subject to or available for lease as of the balance sheet date. Disclosure of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Text Block] Rental Fleet Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Description and Timing of Disposal Expected timing of transaction Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense Divestiture-related expenses Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Dividend payable date Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Dividend payable Dividends Payable, Date Declared Dividend declared date Dividends Payable, Date of Record Stockholder of record date Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Due to Affiliate Intercompany payables Earnings Per Share [Abstract] (Loss) earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Table] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Table] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Table] Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] (Loss) Earnings Per Share Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted average recognition period (years) Employee Severance [Member] Severance and Benefits Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock options Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Percentage of ownership owned Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Carrying and Fair Value of Senior Notes Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Policy Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2015 (remaining) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangibles Net Carrying Amount Intangibles, net Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Estimated Useful Life Fixtures and Equipment, Gross Office fixtures and equipment Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Foreign currency exchange Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Foreign currency loss Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] Office fixtures and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Leased Assets, Net, Operating Leases Gain on sale of rental fleet units UNITED KINGDOM United Kingdom Goodwill Goodwill Ending Balance Goodwill Beginning Balance Goodwill Goodwill, Acquired During Period Acquisition Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangibles Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Adjustments Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Foreign currency Ground Level Offices [Member] Ground Level Offices [Member] Ground level offices Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantors Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest (Loss) income before income tax (benefit) provision Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Tax Examination, Description Tax year subject to tax examination for U.S. Federal return Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (benefit) provision Income Tax Uncertainties, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax Uncertainties, Policy Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities Net change in intercompany transactions from operating activities, which is eliminated upon consolidation. Increase Decrease In Intercompany Transactions From Operating Activities Intercompany Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired: Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other assets and intangibles Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Deposits and prepaid expenses Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested share awards during the period The intercompany asset balance, which is eliminated upon consolidation. Intercompany Assets Intercompany receivables Interest Expense, Debt Interest expense Interest Income (Expense), Net Interest expense, net of interest income Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Finished portable storage units Inventory, Net Inventories Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves Raw materials and supplies Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Investment Income, Interest Interest income Land Land Land [Member] Land Leases [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities: Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Long-term Line of Credit Lines of credit The disclosure for line of credit, which includes short-term or long-term contractual arrangements with lenders, including letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of draw downs on the line. Line of Credit Facilities [Text Block] Lines of Credit Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base Liquidation Percentage Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Base Liquidation Percentage Percentage of net orderly liquidation value of lease-fleet to be included in determination of borrowing base Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms Line of credit, covenant Line of Credit Facility, Excess Availability Line of Credit Facility, Excess Availability Line of credit, minimum borrowing availability for financial maintenance covenants to be applicable Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Credit Agreement, maturity date Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value, Basis for Measurement Senior notes fair value basis for measurement, description Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit Agreement, borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] LIBOR Loans Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items] Machinery and Equipment, Gross Vehicles and machinery Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Domain] Major Property Class [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum Minimum [Member] Minimum Minimum Tax Withholding Obligations [Member] Minimum Tax Withholding Obligations [Member] Minimum tax withholding obligations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net (loss) income Net (loss) income Net income Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Numerator: New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Amount of write-down of assets recognized in the income statement. Includes, but is not limited to, losses from tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill, excluding amounts recognized as cash charges. Non Cash Asset Impairment Charges Asset impairment charge Asset impairment charge, net Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Fixed Assets Acquired Equipment acquired through capital lease obligations Noncompete Agreements [Member] Non-compete agreements Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantors Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other expense: Other income (expense): Nonvested Share Awards [Member] Nonvested Share Awards [Member] Nonvested share-awards North America [Member] North America Number of Businesses Acquired Number of business acquired Number of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Open Tax Year U.S. Federal return, tax year subject to examination Operating Income (Loss) (Loss) income from operations (Loss) income from operations Operating Leases, Income Statement, Depreciation Expense on Property Subject to or Held-for-lease Depreciation expense Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Rental Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Mobile Mini, Organization and Description of Business Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Other Restructuring [Member] Other Costs Other Revenue, Net Other Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Treasury stock value Purchase of treasury stock Payments of Dividends Dividend payments Payments of Financing Costs Deferred financing costs Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Cash paid for businesses acquired, net of cash acquired Cash paid for businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Additions to rental fleet Additions to rental fleet, excluding acquisitions Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Additions to property, plant and equipment Additions to property, plant and equipment, excluding acquisitions Portable Storage [Member] Portable Storage [Member] Portable Storage Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock $.01 par value, 20,000 shares authorized, none issued Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Deposits and prepaid expenses Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Issuance of common stock Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Net borrowings (repayments) under lines of credit Net repayments under lines of credit Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from sale of rental fleet units Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Pro Forma Excess Borrowing, Availability Pro Forma Excess Borrowing, Availability Line of credit, pro forma excess borrowing availability for restricted payments and acquisitions to occur without financial covenants Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure Estimated fair market value Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member] Other Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant, and Equipment, Salvage Value Residual value Property, Plant and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage Residual Value as Percentage of Original Cost Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Estimated useful life in years Useful Life in Years Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated depreciation Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Axis] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Axis] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, by Major Property Class [Table] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, by Major Property Class [Table] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Domain] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Domain] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Gross Rental fleet, gross Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net Rental Fleet Total fleet, net Rental fleet, net Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for doubtful accounts Pumps And Filtration Equipment [Member] Pumps And Filtration Equipment [Member] Pumps and filtration equipment Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Rental Selling And General Expenses Rental Selling And General Expenses Rental, selling and general expenses Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Principal payments on capital lease obligations Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Costs Restructuring Charges Restructuring expense Restructuring expenses Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve Accrued obligations, ending balance Accrued obligations, beginning balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Revenue Recognition Leases, Operating [Policy Text Block] Rental Fleet, Policy Revenues Revenues Total revenues Total revenues Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Roll Off Boxes [Member] Roll Off Boxes [Member] Roll-off boxes Sale of assets agreement date Sale of Assets Agreement Date Definitive agreement date Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Sales Revenue, Net [Abstract] Revenues: Scenario, Plan [Member] Scenario Plan Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] 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 Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Income and Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding for Purposes of Calculating Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block] Assets Segments Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Future Amortization of Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Balances Related to Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Activity and Balances Relating to Goodwill Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Inventories Schedule of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table] Schedule of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table] Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Nonvested Share-Awards Activity Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Table Text Block] Rental Fleet Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Purchase Price and Net Assets Acquired Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Restructuring Expense Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Accrued Restructuring Obligations and Related Activity Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding [Table Text Block] Fully Vested Stock Options and Stock Options Expected to Vest Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Stock Option Activity Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Key Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Options Granted Nonvested share-awards not included in basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Nonvested share-awards not included in basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting, Policy Senior Notes Carrying value Senior Notes Senior Notes Fixed Due Date Senior Notes Fixed Due Date Debt instrument due year Senior Notes 7.875 Percent Maturing December 1st 2020 [Member] Senior Notes 7.875 Percent Maturing December 1st 2020 [Member] Senior Notes 7.875 Percent Due 2020 Settlement of obligations made as the result of exit or disposal activities. Excludes payments associated with a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation. Settlement Obligations Settlement of obligations Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Awarded Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Awarded Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Nonvested at end of period, shares Nonvested at beginning of period, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Nonvested Stock Awards, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at end of period Nonvested at beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Released Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Fair value of share-awards vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Released Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected dividend rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected life of the options (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected stock price volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share available for future grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Aggregate Intrinsic Values Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Canceled/Expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average fair value of stock options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options outstanding, end of period Options outstanding, beginning of period Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options outstanding, end of period Options outstanding, beginning of period Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding Stock options contractual terms Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In years) Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Canceled/Expired Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Member] Share Repurchase Program Specialty Containment [Member] Specialty Containment [Member] Specialty Containment Stainless Steel Tank Trailers [Member] Stainless Steel Tank Trailers [Member] Stainless steel tank trailers Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Steel Tanks [Member] Steel Tanks [Member] Steel tanks Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Common Stock Equivalents Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercised Equity Option [Member] Stock options Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Share repurchase program authorized amount Stock repurchase program, current amount Stock repurchase program increase in authorized amount. Stock Repurchase Program Increase In Authorized Amount Increased value of shares under stock repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Amount available for repurchase under stock repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Treasury stock shares available for repurchase Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Year 2011 [Member] Tax Year 2011 Tax Year 2012 [Member] Tax Year 2012 Tax Year 2013 [Member] Tax Year 2013 Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Threshold of more likely than not used to quantify uncertain tax position based on more than 50% likelihood of being realized. Threshold To Quantify Uncertain Tax Position Step two threshold to quantify uncertain tax position Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Trade names/trademarks Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury stock shares acquired Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost Treasury stock, at cost Treasury stock, at cost, 3,252 and 2,858 shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] UNITED STATES United States Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Vacuum Boxes [Member] Vacuum Boxes [Member] Vacuum Boxes Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Vehicles and Machinery [Member] Vehicles and Machinery [Member] Vehicles and machinery Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding, Before Additional Shares Issued. Represents beginning balance in number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding, Before Additional Shares Issued Common shares outstanding beginning of year Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted Total weighted average shares outstanding Weighted average number of shares issued repurchased during period basic. Weighted Average Number Of Shares Issued Repurchased During Period Basic Net weighted shares issued (repurchased) during the period Weighted shares issued (repurchased) during the period Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average number of common and common share equivalents outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic Total weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Basic EPS Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Diluted EPS Denominator: Wood Mobile Offices In Rental Fleet [Member] Wood Mobile Offices In Rental Fleet [Member] Wood mobile offices in rental fleet Wood Mobile Offices [Member] Wood Mobile Offices [Member] Wood mobile offices