GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 513,804	$ 460,077
Income before income taxes	117,205	103,030
Income taxes	(41,983)	(37,715)
Net Income	75,222	65,315	269,941
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	605	458
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	74,617	64,857
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	363,635	329,189
Net interest expense	10,731	10,334
Income before income taxes	95,956	87,057
Income taxes	(36,450)	(34,447)
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	59,506	52,610
Depreciation and amortization	12,575	10,556
United States | Regulated waste management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	341,101	293,425
United States | Regulated returns and recall management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	22,534	35,764
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	2,648	2,340
Income before income taxes	21,249	15,973
Income taxes	(5,533)	(3,268)
Net Income	15,716	12,705
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	605	458
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	15,111	12,247
Depreciation and amortization	8,913	7,162
International | Regulated waste management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 150,169	$ 130,888