CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 58,557	$ 77,595
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	26,525	17,164
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, net of tax expense ($171 and $172 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)	266	269
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax expense ($8 and $89 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)	21	242
Total Other Comprehensive Income	26,812	17,675
Comprehensive Income	85,369	95,270
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	656	871
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc. Common Shareholders	$ 84,713	$ 94,399