GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 534,579	$ 480,484	$ 1,574,908	$ 1,409,511
Income before income taxes	120,738	101,128	358,005	309,716
Income taxes	39,906	35,382	123,508	110,283
Net Income	80,832	65,746	234,497	199,433	269,941
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	285	269	1,289	1,506
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	80,547	65,477	233,208	197,927
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	378,120	348,206	1,111,970	1,015,254
Net interest expense	10,786	10,221	32,283	30,807
Income before income taxes	103,925	92,590	299,281	269,046
Income taxes	34,687	31,566	109,499	98,450
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	69,238	61,024	189,782	170,596
Depreciation and amortization	12,041	11,429	37,303	32,932
United States | Regulated Waste Management Service [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	353,049	319,465	1,040,636	921,772
United States | Regulated Recall And Returns Management Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	25,071	28,741	71,334	93,482
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	2,530	2,710	7,325	7,457
Income before income taxes	16,813	8,538	58,724	40,670
Income taxes	5,219	3,816	14,009	11,833
Net Income	11,594	4,722	44,715	28,837
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	285	269	1,289	1,506
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	11,309	4,453	43,426	27,331
Depreciation and amortization	9,809	8,016	27,810	22,257
International | Regulated Waste Management Service [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 156,459	$ 132,278	$ 462,938	$ 394,257