Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (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
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 480,484	$ 420,924	$ 1,409,511	$ 1,229,491
Income before income taxes	101,128	92,192	309,716	271,339
Income taxes	35,382	32,448	110,283	99,119
Net income	65,746	59,744	199,433	172,220	237,343
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	269	497	1,506	1,757
Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	65,477	59,247	197,927	170,463
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	348,206	303,854	1,015,254	895,197
Net interest expense	10,221	9,333	30,807	29,866
Income before income taxes	92,590	78,761	269,046	224,049
Income taxes	31,566	27,820	98,450	83,913
Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	61,024	50,941	170,596	140,136
Depreciation and amortization	11,429	10,375	32,932	30,007
United States | Regulated waste management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	319,465	278,748	921,772	807,383
United States | Regulated returns and recall management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	28,741	25,106	93,482	87,814
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	2,710	2,464	7,457	6,063
Income before income taxes	8,538	13,431	40,670	47,290
Income taxes	3,816	4,628	11,833	15,206
Net income	4,722	8,803	28,837	32,084
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	269	497	1,506	1,757
Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	4,453	8,306	27,331	30,327
Depreciation and amortization	8,016	6,558	22,257	17,980
International | Regulated waste management services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 132,278	$ 117,070	$ 394,257	$ 334,294