CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Parenthetical (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, tax	$ 50	$ 54

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax

No definition available.

Name:	srcl_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAociOnDerivativesTax
Namespace Prefix:	srcl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration