Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$ 55,542	$ 53,094	$ 111,216	$ 101,213
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share weighted average shares	85,936,036	84,890,285	85,698,985	84,828,844
Effect of diluted securities:
Employee stock options	1,999,274	1,803,954	2,039,653	1,817,265
Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed conversions	87,935,310	86,694,239	87,738,638	86,646,109
Earnings per share - Basic	$ 0.65	$ 0.63	$ 1.30	$ 1.19
Earnings per share - Diluted	$ 0.63	$ 0.61	$ 1.27	$ 1.17

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

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+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
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