EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

In thousands, except share and per share data
	Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Numerator:
Numerator for basic earnings per share net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	234,751	$	207,879	$	175,691
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares		85,467,421		85,057,775		84,769,912
Effect of diluted securities:
Employee stock options		1,900,291		1,904,876		1,974,091
Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed exercises		87,367,712		86,962,651		86,744,003
Earnings per share—Basic	$	2.75	$	2.44	$	2.07
Earnings per share—Diluted	$	2.69	$	2.39	$	2.03