GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 715,689	$ 640,822	$ 1,379,008	$ 1,210,777
Income before income taxes	91,770	128,618	199,627	245,679
Income taxes	30,874	45,941	62,921	83,232
Net Income	60,896	82,677	136,706	162,447	$ 328,146
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	447	741	799	1,362
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	60,449	81,936	135,907	161,085
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	518,182	452,297	990,430	842,060
Net interest expense	10,299	11,620	21,144	22,266
Income before income taxes	79,915	113,148	182,805	217,640
Income taxes	30,591	43,620	68,471	80,659
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	49,324	69,528	114,334	136,981
Depreciation and amortization	16,355	15,835	32,495	28,532
United States | Regulated and Compliance Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	489,904	427,576	942,173	794,275
United States | Recall and Returns Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	28,278	24,721	48,257	47,785
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	6,091	4,748	13,844	9,000
Income before income taxes	11,855	15,470	16,822	28,039
Income taxes	283	2,321	(5,550)	2,573
Net Income	11,572	13,149	22,372	25,466
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	447	741	799	1,362
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	11,125	12,408	21,573	24,104
Depreciation and amortization	11,025	11,646	22,448	22,305
International | Regulated and Compliance Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 197,507	$ 188,525	$ 388,578	$ 368,717