GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 874,181	$ 663,319
Income before income taxes	115,631	34,357
Income taxes	38,036	5,065
Net Income	77,595	29,292	$ 268,013
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	809	352
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	76,786	28,940
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	649,668	472,248
Net interest expense	19,883	10,845
Income before income taxes	108,313	29,390
Income taxes	38,814	10,898
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	69,499	18,492
Depreciation and amortization	31,570	16,140
United States | Regulated and Compliance Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	624,878	452,269
United States | Recall and Returns Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	24,790	19,979
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net interest expense	4,158	7,753
Income before income taxes	7,318	4,967
Income taxes	(778)	(5,833)
Net Income	8,096	10,800
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	809	352
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	7,287	10,448
Depreciation and amortization	16,844	11,423
International | Regulated and Compliance Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 224,513	$ 191,071