EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Numerator for basic earnings per share Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$ 74,617	$ 64,857
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share weighted average shares	86,093,301	84,828,280
Effect of diluted securities:
Employee stock options	1,366,196	1,759,664
Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed conversions	87,459,497	86,587,944
Earnings per share – Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.87	$ 0.76
Earnings per share – Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.85	$ 0.75