CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 77,595	$ 29,292
Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	17,164	(64,501)
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, net of tax (($172) and ($54), for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively)	269	90
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax (($89) and $2,381 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively)	242	(4,424)
Total Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss)	17,675	(68,835)
Comprehensive Income/ (Loss)	95,270	(39,543)
Less: comprehensive income/ (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	871	(468)
Comprehensive Income/ (Loss) Attributable to Stericycle, Inc. Common Shareholders	$ 94,399	$ (39,075)