Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 420,924	$ 362,988	$ 1,229,491	$ 1,045,899
Income before income taxes	92,192	87,945	271,339	249,059
Income taxes	32,448	30,645	99,119	89,359
Net income	59,744	57,300	172,220	159,700	210,457
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	497	614	1,757	1,801
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	59,247	56,686	170,463	157,899
Depreciation and amortization	16,933	13,504	47,987	38,510
Regulated waste management services | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	278,748	241,724	807,383	707,389
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	303,854	273,619	895,197	790,987
Net interest expense	9,333	7,033	29,866	22,053
Income before income taxes	78,761	73,229	224,049	207,590
Income taxes	27,820	26,494	83,913	76,243
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	50,941	46,735	140,136	131,347
Depreciation and amortization	10,375	9,009	30,007	26,395
United States | Regulated returns and recall management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	25,106	31,895	87,814	83,598
Regulated waste management services | Foreign Countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	117,070	89,369	334,294	254,912
Foreign Countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	2,464	1,394	6,063	4,095
Income before income taxes	13,431	14,716	47,290	41,469
Income taxes	4,628	4,151	15,206	13,116
Net income	8,803	10,565	32,084	28,353
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	497	614	1,757	1,801
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	8,306	9,951	30,327	26,552
Depreciation and amortization	$ 6,558	$ 4,495	$ 17,980	$ 12,115