CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ 39,069	$ 65,173	$ (46,566)	$ 188,998
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	30,146	(17,032)	80,772	(32,814)
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, net of tax expense ($171 and $170, and $513 and $515 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively).	264	266	796	804
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax expense (benefit) ($27 and $(25), and $101 and $115 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively)	64	(54)	265	318
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	30,474	(16,820)	81,833	(31,692)
Comprehensive Income	69,543	48,353	35,267	157,306
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	461	500	1,132	1,560
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc. Common Shareholders	$ 69,082	$ 47,853	$ 34,135	$ 155,746