GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 667,877	$ 534,579	$ 1,878,654	$ 1,574,908
Income before income taxes	122,442	120,738	368,121	358,005
Income taxes	39,401	39,906	122,633	123,508
Net Income	83,041	80,832	245,488	234,497	313,084
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	196	285	1,558	1,289
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	82,845	80,547	243,930	233,208
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	470,657	378,120	1,317,091	1,111,970
Net interest expense	11,559	10,786	33,869	32,283
Income before income taxes	108,318	103,925	325,447	299,281
Income taxes	34,242	34,687	114,902	109,499
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	74,076	69,238	210,545	189,782
Depreciation and amortization	16,948	12,041	45,726	37,303
United States | Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	454,046	353,049	1,252,696	1,040,636
United States | Recall and Returns Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	16,611	25,071	64,395	71,334
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	5,058	2,530	14,014	7,325
Income before income taxes	14,124	16,813	42,674	58,724
Income taxes	5,159	5,219	7,731	14,009
Net Income	8,965	11,594	34,943	44,715
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	196	285	1,558	1,289
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	8,769	11,309	33,385	43,426
Depreciation and amortization	11,817	9,809	33,876	27,810
International | Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 197,220	$ 156,459	$ 561,563	$ 462,938