EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

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,
	2012		2011		2010
Numerator:
Numerator for basic earnings per share net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	267,996	$	234,751	$	207,879
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares		85,401,365		85,467,421		85,057,775
Effect of diluted securities:
Employee stock options		1,617,108		1,900,291		1,904,876
Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed exercises		87,018,473		87,367,712		86,962,651
Earnings per share—Basic	$	3.14	$	2.75	$	2.44
Earnings per share—Diluted	$	3.08	$	2.69	$	2.39