CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 313,084	$ 269,941	$ 237,343
Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(19,160)	6,801	(32,893)
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, net of tax ($200, $216, and $218) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively)	314	339	341
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax ($0, $193, and $0) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively)	0	289	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(18,846)	7,429	(32,552)
Comprehensive Income	294,238	277,370	204,791
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	270	2,454	(845)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$ 293,968	$ 274,916	$ 205,636