GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 526,525	$ 468,950	$ 1,040,329	$ 929,027
Income before income taxes	120,062	105,558	237,267	208,588
Income taxes	41,619	37,186	83,602	74,901
Net Income	78,443	68,372	153,665	133,687	269,941
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	399	779	1,004	1,237
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	78,044	67,593	152,661	132,450
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	370,215	337,859	733,850	667,048
Net interest expense	10,766	10,252	21,497	20,586
Income before income taxes	99,400	89,399	195,356	176,456
Income taxes	38,362	32,437	74,812	66,884
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	61,038	56,962	120,544	109,572
Depreciation and amortization	12,687	10,947	25,262	21,503
United States | Regulated waste management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	346,486	308,882	687,587	602,307
United States | Regulated recall and returns management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	23,729	28,977	46,263	64,741
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	2,147	2,407	4,795	4,747
Income before income taxes	20,662	16,159	41,911	32,132
Income taxes	3,257	4,749	8,790	8,017
Net Income	17,405	11,410	33,121	24,115
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	399	779	1,004	1,237
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	17,006	10,631	32,117	22,878
Depreciation and amortization	9,088	7,079	18,001	14,241
International | Regulated waste management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 156,310	$ 131,091	$ 306,479	$ 261,979