Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 460,077	$ 398,126
Income before income taxes	103,030	90,962
Income taxes	37,715	34,376
Net income	65,315	56,586	237,343
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	458	912
Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	64,857	55,674
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	329,189	290,612
Net interest expense	10,334	9,685
Income before income taxes	87,057	72,301
Income taxes	34,447	29,150
Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	52,610	43,151
Depreciation and amortization	10,556	9,449
United States | Regulated waste management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	293,425	254,807
United States | Regulated returns and recall management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	35,764	35,805
International countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	2,340	1,503
Income before income taxes	15,973	18,661
Income taxes	3,268	5,226
Net income	12,705	13,435
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	458	912
Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	12,247	12,523
Depreciation and amortization	7,162	5,654
International countries | Regulated waste management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 130,888	$ 107,514