GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 718,596	$ 667,877	$ 2,097,604	$ 1,878,654
Income before income taxes	81,124	122,442	280,751	368,121
Income taxes	28,404	39,401	91,325	122,633
Net Income	52,720	83,041	189,426	245,488	$ 328,146
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	457	196	1,256	1,558
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	52,263	82,845	188,170	243,930
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	523,508	468,716	1,513,938	1,310,776
Net interest expense	11,110	11,538	32,254	33,804
Income before income taxes	78,200	108,575	261,005	326,215
Income taxes	27,924	34,243	96,395	114,902
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	50,276	74,332	164,610	211,313
Depreciation and amortization	16,905	16,822	49,400	45,354
United States | Regulated and Compliance Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	493,234	452,106	1,435,407	1,246,381
United States | Recall and Returns Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	30,274	16,610	78,531	64,395
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	6,268	5,079	20,112	14,079
Income before income taxes	2,924	13,867	19,746	41,906
Income taxes	480	5,158	(5,070)	7,731
Net Income	2,444	8,709	24,816	34,175
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	457	196	1,256	1,558
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	1,987	8,513	23,560	32,617
Depreciation and amortization	10,585	11,943	33,033	34,248
International | Regulated and Compliance Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 195,088	$ 199,161	$ 583,666	$ 567,878