Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Time-Based Restricted Stock Units Time-Based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Time-Based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] New ABL Facility New Asset Based Liability Facility [Member] New Asset Based Liability Facility Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Changes to preliminary purchase price accounting Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Shares issued for share-based compensation (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-base Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture, Net of Shares Withheld for Taxes Shares Issued, Shares, Share-base Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture, Net of Awards Withheld for Taxes Proceeds from warrant exercises Proceeds from Warrant Exercises Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Intangible assets, net Net book value Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Receipts from borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Payment of debt issuance fees Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Performance Share Units Performance Shares [Member] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Nonvested awards weighted average grant date fair value (in USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Commitments and contingencies (see Note 15) Commitments and Contingencies Impact of elimination of non-controlling interest on accumulated other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Adjustment to Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Adjustment to Noncontrolling Interest Stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period and Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation Stock Issued During Period and Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation Assets Assets [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Number of awards vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Cover [Abstract] Cash paid for the amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Payments Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Effects of movements in foreign exchange rates Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Document Type Document Type Numbers of shares withheld for taxes (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures, Awards Withheld for Taxes Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures, Awards Withheld for Taxes Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Operating lease assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Loss on extinguishment of debt Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Revenue Concentration Risk Product Concentration Risk [Member] 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One Class B Common Stock Common Class B [Member] Purchases from affiliates Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four Adjusted EBITDA AdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortization Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll 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Sapphire Holding S.a. r.l. [Member] Sapphire Holding S.a. r.l. Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents VAPS Value-Added Product and Services [Member] Value-Added Product and Services Modular delivery and installation revenue Modular Delivery and Installation [Member] Modular Delivery and Installation Inventories Inventory, Net Leasing revenue from related parties Related Party Transaction, Operating Lease, Lease Income Related Party Transaction, Operating Lease, Lease Income Concentration risk percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Senior Secured Asset-Based Multicurrency Facility Senior Secured Asset-Based Multicurrency Facility [Member] Senior Secured Asset-Based Multicurrency Facility Entity File Number Entity File Number Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Shares issued for merger (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Loss on lease exit Gain (Loss) on Termination of Lease Forecast Forecast [Member] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Earnings (loss) per share attributable to WillScot Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Transaction costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Number of options vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares Other leasing-related revenue Other Leasing Related Products and Services [Member] Other Leasing Related Products and Services Statement [Table] Statement [Table] WS Holdings WS Holdings [Member] WS Holdings Write-offs Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Deferred income tax benefit (provision) Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Other long-term liabilities Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Other selected data: Other Costs and Disclosures [Abstract] Warrants exercise price (in USD per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Loss reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations [Abstract] Modular – Other North America ModularOtherNorthAmericaSegmentMember Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other income, net Other Operating Income (Expense), Net Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Receipts from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Amounts due to affiliates DuetoRelatedPartiesExcludingInterestPayableCurrent Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Number of business lines NumberOfBusinessLines Impairment charges and loss on lease exit Operating Lease, Impairment Loss and Loss (Gain) on Termination of Lease Operating Lease, Impairment Loss and Loss (Gain) on Termination of Lease Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Deferred revenue and customer deposits Deferred Revenue And Customer Deposits Noncurrent Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Current borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Unrealized losses on hedging activities Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Total related party liabilities, net Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Schedule of Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Senior Notes Notes Senior Notes [Member] Capital expenditures accrued or payable Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Reclassifications to consolidated statement of operations, tax expense (benefit) Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Local Phone Number Local Phone Number 2023 Senior Secured Notes, Tack-on Offering Senior Secured Notes Due 2023, Tack-On Offering [Member] Senior Secured Notes Due 2023, Tack-On Offering Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Unrecognized compensation expense for options Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] Majority Shareholder Majority Shareholder [Member] Mobile Mini, Inc. Mobile Mini, Inc. [Member] Mobile Mini, Inc. Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Trade receivables, net of allowance Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Selling, general and administrative Selling, general and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Notational amount Derivative, Notional Amount Amortization expense for intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Lease Activity Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Currency losses (gains), net OperatingCurrencyGainsLossesbeforeTax Impact of COVID-19 Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both, Policy [Policy Text Block] Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both, Policy Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three Lease impairment expense and other related charges Operating Lease, Impairment Loss and Other Operating Lease, Impairment Loss and Other Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Portable storage leasing revenue Portable Storage Leasing [Member] Portable Storage Leasing Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transaction, Due From (To) Related Party Schedule of Related Party Transaction, Due From (To) Related Party [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transaction, Due From (To) Related Party Total Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Total assets Assets Related Parties Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Accrued liabilities Derivative Liability, Current Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Nonvested awards outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Depreciation and amortization DepreciationAndAmortizationExcludingAmortizationOfDebtIssuanceCostsAndDiscounts Net book value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Cost of leasing and services Cost of Sales [Member] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Interest expense Interest Expense Foreign currency translation and other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation and Other Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Percentage ownership Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Total liabilities Liabilities Canadian Dollars Canada, Dollars Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Other Non-current Assets Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Unrecognized compensation expense, period for recognition Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Supplemental cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Less: interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Transaction costs Transaction Fees Transaction Fees Modular leasing Operating Lease, Initial Direct Cost Expense, over Term Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Previously deferred revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Loss recognized in OCI Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Weighted average interest rate for borrowings Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Banker's Acceptance Rate Banker's Acceptance Rate [Member] Banker's Acceptance Rate Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Additional Paid-in-Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Common stock issued in warrant exercises and redemptions (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Warrants Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Warrants Exercised 2022 Secured Notes 2022 Secured Notes SeniorSecuredNotesDueDecember2022Member Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Number of awards granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted 2020 Incentive Award Plan 2020 Incentive Award Plan [Member] 2020 Incentive Award Plan Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Modular space leasing revenue Modular Space Leasing [Member] Modular Space Leasing Common stock outstanding (in shares) Beginning balance (in shares) Ending balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Variable lease expense Variable Lease, Cost Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Income (loss) from operations before income tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Early redemption premium Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt, before Write off of Debt Issuance Cost Integration costs Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Letters of credit amount outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Common stock authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Total rental equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Provision for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Income Statement [Abstract] Gain on sale of rental equipment and other property, plant and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Operating lease liabilities - non-current Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Prepaid and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Interest paid Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities Debt issuance costs and debt discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Total AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to WillScot Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Shares issued for each share converted (in shares) Common Stock, Convertible, Conversion Basis, Shares Common Stock, Convertible, Conversion Basis, Shares Purchase of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Excluding Assets Leased to Others Property, Plant and Equipment, Excluding Assets Leased to Others Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Mexico MEXICO Director Director [Member] Authorized share repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Nonvested options weighted average grant date fair value (in USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Option, Nonvested, Weighted Average Exercise Price Net Income (loss) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Receivables due from affiliates Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current 2015 Warrants Private Placement Warrants [Member] Private Placement Warrants [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Reclassifications to consolidated statement of operations Reclassifications to the statements of operations Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Number of shares converted into WillScot Class A common stock (in shares) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Exchanged Per Share Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Exchanged Per Share Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Impairment on right of use assets Operating Lease, Impairment Loss New US ABL Facility New U.S. Asset Based Liability Facility [Member] New U.S. Asset Based Liability Facility Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Modular units and portable storage Modular Space and Portable Storage, Assets Leased to Others [Member] Modular Space and Portable Storage, Assets Leased to Others [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Accrued interest Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Rental Equipment, net Assets Leased to Others [Member] Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Term of agreement Related Party Transaction, Term of Agreement Related Party Transaction, Term of Agreement Restructuring costs, lease impairment expense and other related charges Restructuring Charges and Operating Lease, Impairment Loss and Other Restructuring Charges and Operating Lease, Impairment Loss and Other Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Less other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total other comprehensive income (loss) prior to reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Intangibles Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Proceeds from sale of rental equipment ProceedsfromSaleofEquipmentonLease Consulting expense to related party Related Party Transaction, Consulting Expense Related Party Transaction, Consulting Expense Operating lease assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Assets (Liabilities) Increase (Decrease) in Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Assets (Liabilities) Affiliates Affiliated Entity [Member] Long-term debt Long-term Debt Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Deferred revenue and customer deposits Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Service, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] 2023 Senior Unsecured Notes Senior Unsecured Notes Due November 2023 [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes Due November 2023 City Area Code City Area Code Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Restricted Stock Awards Restricted Stock [Member] Closed location rent expense Operating Lease, Termination of Lease, Rent Expense Operating Lease, Termination of Lease, Rent Expense Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Operating lease liabilities - current Operating Lease, Liability, Current Unrecognized compensation expense for awards Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Excluding Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Net Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest, net of tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Impact of Interest Rate Swap on Other Comprehensive Income, AOCI and Statement of Operations Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] US UNITED STATES Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Fair Value Measures Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments for the acquisition of rental equipment and property, plant and equipment Purchase Obligation Receivables Accounts Receivable [Member] Remaining life (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] British Pounds United Kingdom, Pounds Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Foreign currency translation Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Nonvested options outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Weighted-average discount rate Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Total long-term assets Assets, Noncurrent Goodwill and other impairments Asset Impairment Charges Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Debt issuance costs Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Gross carrying amount Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Accordion feature LineofCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureIncreaseLimit Sapphire Exchange - see Note 10 Shares issued for conversion Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Goodwill impairment loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Trade receivables, net of allowances for credit losses at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 of $19,183 and $15,828, respectively Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid Other depreciation and amortization Other depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Canadian 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Percentage Value of shares converted from acquiree's shares (in USD per share) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Price Per Share Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Price Per Share Debt, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Common stock issued in warrant exercises and redemptions Stock Issued During Period, Value, Warrants Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Warrants Exercised Schedule of goodwill activity Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Fixed rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Lease impairment expense and other related charges Operating Lease, Impairment Loss and Other [Member] Operating Lease, Impairment Loss and Other Deferred revenue and customer deposits Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted ABL Facility AssetBasedLendingFacilityDue2022Member Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Basic (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Number of awards forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Weighted-average remaining lease term Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Amortization of debt discounts and debt issuance costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Repayment of borrowings Repayment of borrowings Repayments of Long-term Debt Stock compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Consulting Firm, Professional Fees Consulting Firm, Professional Fees [Member] Consulting Firm, Professional Fees Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Weighted average shares: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued US ABL Facility US ABL Facility USAssetBasedLiabilityFacilityDue2022Member Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Restricted cash Restricted Cash, Current Compensation expense for awards, associated tax benefits Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit Less: Current 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Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Common stock issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Present value of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Investee [Table] Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Investee [Table] Total long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Segment Reporting [Abstract] Interest expense, net Interest Expense [Member] Trade receivables Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Number of shares converted from acquiree's shares (in shares) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Net losses on derivatives, tax benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, Tax Long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Depreciation of rental equipment Cost, Depreciation Purchase of rental equipment and refurbishments Payments to Acquire Equipment on Lease Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Fixed lease expense Operating Lease, Cost Total Shareholders' Equity Parent [Member] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update [Domain] Algeco Global AlgecoGlobalMember Short-term lease expense Short-term Lease, Cost Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Liabilities and equity Liabilities [Abstract] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Gross Profit Gross Profit Rental equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Rental equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Assets Leased to Others Property, Plant and Equipment, Assets Leased to Others Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Net Income (loss) attributable to WillScot Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Changes in operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Debt premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Trade name ModSpace trade name Trade Names [Member] Leases [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Total current assets Assets, Current Expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Restructuring costs Charges Restructuring Charges Number of shares pledged for collateral (in shares) Debt Instrument, Number of Shares Pledged for Collateral Debt Instrument, Number of Shares Pledged for Collateral Reclassification of liability to 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Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Sapphire Exchange - see Note 10 (in shares) Shares issued for conversion (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Net charges to bad debt expense and revenue Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Foreign currency translation adjustment, income tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Less: accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Class A Common Stock Common Class A [Member] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] Market-Based Restricted Stock Units Market-Based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Market-Based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Acquisitions and Related Financing Transactions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Stock Option Awards Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Modular delivery and installation ModularDeliverandInstallationMember Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Variable rate basis Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate US Dollars United States of America, Dollars Subsequent Events [Abstract] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] 2023 Secured Notes SeniorSecuredNotesDue2023Member Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense of $0 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Employee Costs Employee Severance [Member] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Number of shares which can be exchanged per warrant (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Value added products Value-added Products and Services, Assets Leased to Others [Member] Value-added Products and Services, Assets Leased to Others [Member] Total equity Beginning balance Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Additional paid-in-capital Additional Paid in Capital Debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Total revenues Total revenues Revenues Unrealized currency (gains) losses Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Income tax (benefit) expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income taxes (refunded) paid, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the period Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the beginning of the period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Diluted (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Value of shares converted from acquiree's shares Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Schedule of Intangible Assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Outstanding principal Long-term Debt, Gross Schedule of Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Shares issued during period (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares Deferred revenue Contract with Customer, Liability Prime Rate Prime Rate [Member] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Warrant redemption price (in USD per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Redemption Price of Warrants or Rights Class of Warrant or Right, Redemption Price of Warrants or Rights Indefinite-lived intangible assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Total leasing and services revenue Leasing and Services [Member] Leasing and Services Impairment losses on long-lived assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Maximum aggregate availability Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Weighted-Average Remaining Operating Lease Term and Weighted Average Discount Rate Lessee, Lease, Description [Table Text Block] Lessee, Lease, Description 2025 Senior Notes Senior Secured Notes Due 2025 [Member] Senior Secured Notes Due 2025 Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Non-Controlling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] 2018 Warrants Two Thousand Eighteen Warrants [Member] Two Thousand Eighteen Warrants Restricted cash Restricted Cash Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Net gain (loss) on derivatives, net of income tax benefit of $0, $1,190 for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively and $0, and $1,863 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, before Tax Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Balance at beginning of year Balance at end of period Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Interest expense Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Equity Award [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Purchases of rental equipment and refurbishments Property, Plant and Equipment, Capital Expenditures, Assets Leased to Others Property, Plant and Equipment, Capital Expenditures, Assets Leased to Others Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Summary of Activities in the Restructuring Accruals Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Weighted average interest rate for borrowings after interest rate swap agreements Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate After Derivative Effect Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate After Derivative Effect Public Warrants Public Warrants [Member] Public Warrants [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Rental Equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Costs: Cost of Goods and Services Sold [Abstract] Commitment fee Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Facility Exit Costs Facility Closing [Member] Income (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Number of directors Related Party Transaction, Number of Parties Involved Related Party Transaction, Number of Parties Involved Total related party expense, net RelatedPartyTransactionIncomeExpensesfromTransactionswithRelatedPartyNet Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndOtherAccruedLiabilities Schedule of Related Party Transaction, Income (Expenses) from Related Party Schedule of Related Party Transaction, Income (Expenses) from Related Party [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transaction, Income (Expenses) from Related Party Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]