Detailed Information for International Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Regulated waste management service revenues	$ 446,557	$ 420,924	$ 410,441	$ 398,126	$ 393,489	$ 362,988	$ 347,734	$ 335,177	$ 1,676,048	$ 1,439,388	$ 1,177,736
Income before income taxes									372,324	331,853	277,688
Income taxes									134,981	121,396	101,299
Net income									237,343	210,457	176,389
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									2,592	2,578	698
Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	64,288	59,247	55,542	55,674	49,980	56,686	53,094	48,119	234,751	207,879	175,691
International countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense									8,584	5,736	5,280
Income before income taxes									56,168	54,367	45,611
Income taxes									14,999	16,331	13,186
Net income									41,169	38,036	32,425
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									2,592	2,578	698
Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.									38,577	35,458	31,727
Depreciation and amortization									25,357	18,116	10,566
Capital expenditures									17,031	14,583	10,431
International countries | Regulated waste management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Regulated waste management service revenues									$ 463,937	$ 355,823	$ 265,142