GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 640,822	$ 526,525	$ 1,210,777	$ 1,040,329
Income before income taxes	128,618	120,062	245,679	237,267
Income taxes	45,941	41,619	83,232	83,602
Net Income	82,677	78,443	162,447	153,665	313,084
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	741	399	1,362	1,004
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	81,936	78,044	161,085	152,661
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	454,380	370,215	846,434	733,850
Net interest expense	11,642	10,766	22,310	21,497
Income before income taxes	113,046	99,400	217,359	195,356
Income taxes	43,683	38,362	80,722	74,812
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	69,363	61,038	136,637	120,544
Depreciation and amortization	15,729	12,687	28,547	25,262
United States | Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	429,660	346,486	798,650	687,587
United States | Recall and Returns Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	24,720	23,729	47,784	46,263
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	4,726	2,147	8,956	4,795
Income before income taxes	15,572	20,662	28,320	41,911
Income taxes	2,258	3,257	2,510	8,790
Net Income	13,314	17,405	25,810	33,121
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	741	399	1,362	1,004
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	12,573	17,006	24,448	32,117
Depreciation and amortization	11,752	9,088	22,290	18,001
International | Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 186,442	$ 156,310	$ 364,343	$ 306,479