CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 207,899	$ 268,013	$ 328,146
Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(86,575)	(140,648)	(82,871)
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, net of tax expense ($687, $452 and $209 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	1,070	716	339
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax expense/ (benefit) ($90, ($2,623) and ($813) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	258	(4,119)	(2,069)
Total Other Comprehensive Loss	(85,247)	(144,051)	(84,601)
Comprehensive Income	122,652	123,962	243,545
Less: comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,305	1,128	(960)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc. Common Shareholders	$ 121,347	$ 122,834	$ 244,505