Components of Total Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net income	$ 65,746	$ 59,744	$ 199,433	$ 172,220	$ 237,343
Other comprehensive income/ (loss):
Currency translation adjustments	16,332	(35,634)	4,437	(17,841)	(32,893)
Amortization of treasury lock into income, net of tax $162	85	85	256	256	341
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax $193	289	0	289	0
Other comprehensive income/ (loss)	16,706	(35,549)	4,982	(17,585)
Comprehensive income	82,452	24,195	204,415	154,635	204,791
Less: comprehensive income/ (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	841	(2,469)	2,106	173
Comprehensive income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$ 81,611	$ 26,664	$ 202,309	$ 154,462

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The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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