SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Line items]
Litigation expenses	$ (645)	$ 16,444	$ 173	$ (75,623)	$ (3,331)	$ (1,342)	$ (396)	$ (1,505)	$ (59,651)	$ (6,574)
Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	80,827	69,449	87,830	28,940	$ 82,526	$ 82,845	$ 81,936	$ 79,149	267,046	326,456	$ 311,372
Income taxes									$ 142,894	$ 159,422	$ 164,662
Restatement Adjustment
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Line items]
Litigation expenses		28,500	45,000	(73,500)
Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.		17,200	$ 27,400	$ (46,500)
Income taxes	$ 2,000	$ (2,000)