Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 410,441	$ 347,734	$ 808,567	$ 682,911
Income before income taxes	88,185	83,868	179,147	161,114
Income taxes	32,295	30,102	66,671	58,714
Net income	55,890	53,766	112,476	102,400	210,457
Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	348	672	1,260	1,187
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	55,542	53,094	111,216	101,213
Depreciation and amortization	15,951	12,617	31,054	25,006
Regulated Waste Management Services | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	273,828	236,575	528,635	465,665
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	300,731	261,990	591,343	517,368
Net interest expense	10,848	7,407	20,533	15,020
Income before income taxes	72,987	69,601	145,288	134,361
Income taxes	26,943	25,806	56,093	49,749
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	46,044	43,795	89,195	84,612
Depreciation and amortization	10,183	8,690	19,632	17,386
United States | Regulated Returns and Recall Management Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	26,903	25,415	62,708	51,703
Regulated Waste Management Services | Foreign Countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	109,710	85,744	217,224	165,543
Foreign Countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	2,096	1,431	3,599	2,701
Income before income taxes	15,198	14,267	33,859	26,753
Income taxes	5,352	4,296	10,578	8,965
Net income	9,846	9,971	23,281	17,788
Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	348	672	1,260	1,187
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	9,498	9,299	22,021	16,601
Depreciation and amortization	$ 5,768	$ 3,927	$ 11,422	$ 7,620