CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (Loss) Income	$ (144,192)	$ 46,230	$ (85,635)	$ 123,825
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	24,101	(32,946)	50,626	(15,782)
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, net of tax expense ($171 and $173, and $342 and $345 for the three - and six - months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively).	266	269	532	538
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax expense ($66 and $43, and $74 and $132 for the three - and six - months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively)	180	130	201	372
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	24,547	(32,547)	51,359	(14,872)
Comprehensive (Loss) Income	(119,645)	13,683	(34,276)	108,953
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	15	189	671	1,060
Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc. Common Shareholders	$ (119,660)	$ 13,494	$ (34,947)	$ 107,893