GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 663,319	$ 569,955
Income before income taxes	107,857	117,061
Income taxes	32,047	37,291
Net Income	75,810	79,770	328,146
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	352	621
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	75,458	79,149
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	472,248	389,763
Net interest expense	10,845	10,646
Income before income taxes	102,890	104,492
Income taxes	37,880	37,039
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	65,010	67,453
Depreciation and amortization	16,140	12,697
United States | Regulated and Compliance Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	452,269	366,699
United States | Recall and Returns Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	19,979	23,064
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	7,753	4,252
Income before income taxes	4,967	12,569
Income taxes	(5,833)	252
Net Income	10,800	12,317
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	352	621
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	10,448	11,696
Depreciation and amortization	11,423	10,659
International | Regulated and Compliance Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 191,071	$ 180,192