CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 268,013	$ 328,146	$ 313,084
Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(140,648)	(82,871)	(19,160)
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, net of tax ($452, $209 and $200) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	716	339	314
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax ($2,623, $813 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	(4,119)	(2,069)	0
Total Other Comprehensive Loss	(144,051)	(84,601)	(18,846)
Comprehensive Income	123,962	243,545	294,238
Less: comprehensive loss/ (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,128	(960)	270
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc. Common Shareholders	$ 122,834	$ 244,505	$ 293,968