Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jul. 29, 2019
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	STERICYCLE INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000861878
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	SRCL
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		91,120,794
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	1-37556
Entity Tax Identification Number	363640402
Entity Address, Address Line One	28161 North Keith Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Lake Forest
Entity Address, State or Province	Illinois
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	60045
City Area Code	847
Local Phone Number	367-5910