GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 569,955	$ 513,804
Income before income taxes	117,061	117,205
Income taxes	37,291	41,983
Net Income	79,770	75,222	313,084
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	621	605
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	79,149	74,617
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	392,054	363,635
Net interest expense	10,668	10,731
Income before income taxes	104,313	95,956
Income taxes	37,039	36,450
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	67,274	59,506
Depreciation and amortization	12,818	12,575
United States | Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	368,990	341,101
United States | Recall and Returns Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	23,064	22,534
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	4,230	2,648
Income before income taxes	12,748	21,249
Income taxes	252	5,533
Net Income	12,496	15,716
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	621	605
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	11,875	15,111
Depreciation and amortization	10,538	8,913
International | Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 177,901	$ 150,169