Stericycle (SRCL) 10-Q 8 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	2-May-14
Document Documentand 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	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Trading Symbol	'SRCL	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	84,690,834

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$43,058	$61,991
Short-term investments	353	413
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $18,687 in 2014 and $19,134 in 2013	383,304	388,996
Deferred income taxes	14,401	18,031
Prepaid expenses	25,807	28,379
Other current assets	35,963	37,279
Total Current Assets	502,886	535,089
Property, plant and equipment, net	359,329	358,967
Goodwill	2,240,597	2,231,582
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $95,451 in 2014 and $88,098 in 2013	724,978	720,035
Other assets	37,789	37,124
Total Assets	3,865,579	3,882,797
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	124,307	150,380
Accounts payable	94,118	89,146
Accrued liabilities	118,606	107,445
Deferred revenues	21,998	18,826
Other current liabilities	44,152	45,211
Total Current Liabilities	403,181	411,008
Long-term debt, net of current portion	1,246,071	1,280,663
Deferred income taxes	398,909	396,119
Other liabilities	31,871	27,469
Equity:	'	'
Common stock (par value $.01 per share, 120,000,000 shares authorized, 85,008,833 issued and outstanding in 2014 and 85,500,037 issued and outstanding in 2013)	850	855
Additional paid-in capital	212,847	195,110
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-57,128	-56,468
Retained earnings	1,611,780	1,610,964
Total Stericycle, Inc.’s Equity	1,768,349	1,750,461
Noncontrolling interest	17,198	17,077
Total Equity	1,785,547	1,767,538
Total Liabilities and Equity	$3,865,579	$3,882,797

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$18,687	$19,134
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$95,451	$88,098
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, issued	85,008,833	85,500,037
Common stock, outstanding	85,008,833	85,500,037

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	$569,955	$513,804
Costs and Expenses:	'	'
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation shown below)	301,760	269,673
Depreciation - cost of revenues	12,726	12,037
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)	112,180	91,046
Depreciation – selling, general and administrative expenses	3,315	2,809
Amortization	7,315	6,642
Total Costs and Expenses	437,296	382,207
Income from Operations	132,659	131,597
Other Income (Expense):	'	'
Interest income	20	167
Interest expense	-14,918	-13,546
Other expense, net	-700	-1,013
Total Other Expense	-15,598	-14,392
Income Before Income Taxes	117,061	117,205
Income Tax Expense	37,291	41,983
Net Income	79,770	75,222
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	621	605
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$79,149	$74,617
Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Stericycle, Inc. Common Shareholders:	'	'
Basic	$0.93	$0.87
Diluted	$0.91	$0.85
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:	'	'
Basic	85,270,046	86,093,301
Diluted	86,613,843	87,459,497

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$79,770	$75,222
Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss):	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-1,109	-22,955
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, net of tax ($50 and $50) for the three-months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	79	79
Total Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss)	-1,030	-22,876
Comprehensive Income	78,740	52,346
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	251	734
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$78,489	$51,612

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, tax	$50	$50

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$79,770	$75,222
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Stock compensation expense	4,672	4,047
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised	-3,734	-4,203
Depreciation	16,041	14,846
Amortization	7,315	6,642
Deferred income taxes	6,175	10,407
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	4,789	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions and divestitures:	'	'
Accounts receivable	4,529	-19,769
Accounts payable	5,279	1,169
Accrued liabilities	14,189	7,412
Deferred revenues	2,642	-1,345
Other assets and liabilities	2,808	3,742
Net cash provided by operating activities	144,475	98,170
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-12,262	-18,899
Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments	-1,947	20
Capital expenditures	-16,420	-16,480
Net cash used in investing activities	-30,629	-35,359
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt and other obligations	-12,430	-9,996
Borrowings on foreign bank debt	36,640	27,651
Repayments on foreign bank debt	-37,157	-62,027
Borrowings on senior credit facility	149,000	291,132
Repayments on senior credit facility	-203,377	-337,683
Payments on capital lease obligations	-876	-837
Purchases and cancellations of treasury stock	-76,914	-7,160
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	8,655	13,915
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised	3,734	4,203
Payments to noncontrolling interests	-97	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-132,822	-80,802
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	43	-611
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-18,933	-18,602
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	61,991	31,324
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	43,058	12,722
NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Issuances of obligations for acquisitions	$13,095	$10,454

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$1,557,323	$860	$116,720	$1,463,277	($39,064)	$15,530
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	85,988,000	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	313,084	'	'	311,372	'	1,712
Currency translation adjustment	-19,160	'	'	'	-17,718	-1,442
Change in qualifying cash flow hedge, net of tax	314	'	'	'	314	'
Issuance of common stock for exercise of options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases (in shares)	'	973,000	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for exercise of options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases	48,001	10	47,991	'	'	'
Purchase/ cancellation of treasury stock (in shares)	'	-1,461,000	'	'	'	'
Purchase/ cancellation of treasury stock	-163,700	-15	0	-163,685	'	'
Stock compensation expense	17,457	'	17,457	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised	17,153	'	17,153	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interests attributable to acquisitions	4,211	'	'	'	'	4,211
Reduction to noncontrolling interests due to additional ownership	-7,137	'	-4,211	'	'	-2,926
Payments to noncontrolling interests	-8	'	'	'	'	-8
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,767,538	855	195,110	1,610,964	-56,468	17,077
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	85,500,037	85,500,000	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	79,770	'	'	79,149	'	621
Currency translation adjustment	-1,109	'	'	'	-739	-370
Change in qualifying cash flow hedge, net of tax	79	'	'	'	79	'
Issuance of common stock for exercise of options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases (in shares)	'	195,000	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for exercise of options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases	9,333	2	9,331	'	'	'
Purchase/ cancellation of treasury stock (in shares)	-685,990	-686,000	'	'	'	'
Purchase/ cancellation of treasury stock	-78,340	-7	0	-78,333	'	'
Stock compensation expense	4,672	'	4,672	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised	3,734	'	3,734	'	'	'
Reduction to noncontrolling interests due to additional ownership	-130	'	'	'	'	-130
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$1,785,547	$850	$212,847	$1,611,780	($57,128)	$17,198
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	85,008,833	85,009,000	'	'	'	'

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Company believes the disclosures included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In our opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation for the periods presented have been reflected and are of a normal recurring nature. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Stericycle, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the entire year ending December 31, 2014.
	There were no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies since the filing of its 2013 Form 10-K. As discussed in the 2013 Form 10-K, the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of reported assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
	We have evaluated subsequent events through the date of filing this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. No events have occurred that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	'
	ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
	The following table summarizes the locations of our acquisitions for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	Acquisition Locations		2014
	United States		2
	Portugal		3
	Total		5
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, we completed five acquisitions. Domestically, we acquired selected assets of one regulated waste business and selected assets of one communication solutions business. Internationally, in Portugal, we acquired 100% of the stock of three regulated waste businesses.
	The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase price paid for acquisitions and other adjustments of consideration to be paid for acquisitions during the three months ended March 31:
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended March 31
		2014				2013
	Cash	$	12,262			$	18,899
	Promissory notes	12,654				7,310
	Deferred consideration	441				2,189
	Contingent consideration	—				955
	Total purchase price	$	25,357			$	29,353
	For financial reporting purposes, our 2014 and 2013 acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. These acquisitions resulted in recognition of goodwill in our financial statements reflecting the premium paid to acquire businesses that we believe are complementary to our existing operations and fit our growth strategy. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recognized a net increase in goodwill of $10.8 million excluding the effect of foreign currency translation (see Note 9 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). A net increase of $12.3 million was assigned to our United States reportable segment, and a net decrease of $1.5 million was assigned to our International reportable segment. Approximately $9.0 million of the goodwill recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2014 will be deductible for income taxes.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recognized a net increase in intangible assets from acquisitions of $14.3 million, excluding the effect of foreign currency translation. The changes include $8.9 million in the estimated fair value of acquired customer relationships with amortizable lives of 10 to 40 years, and $5.4 million in permits with indefinite lives.
	The purchase prices for these acquisitions in excess of acquired tangible assets have been primarily allocated to goodwill and other intangibles and are preliminary, pending completion of certain intangible asset valuations and completion accounts. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation for current period acquisitions and other adjustments to purchase price allocations during the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	In thousands
	Fixed assets		$	1,184
	Intangibles		14,277
	Goodwill		10,850
	Net other assets/ (liabilities)		(460		)
	Debt		321
	Net deferred tax liabilities		(815		)
	Total purchase price allocation		$	25,357
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company incurred $3.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of acquisition related expenses. These expenses are included with "Selling, general and administrative expenses" ("SG&A") on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

NEW_ACCOUNTING_STANDARDS

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	'
	NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
	Accounting Standards Recently Adopted
	Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists
	On January 1, 2014, we adopted guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. An unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except in certain circumstances. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The assessment of whether a deferred tax asset is available is based on the unrecognized tax benefit and deferred tax asset that exist at the reporting date and should be made presuming disallowance of the tax position at the reporting date. For example, an entity should not evaluate whether the deferred tax asset expires before the statute of limitations on the tax position or whether the deferred tax asset may be used prior to the unrecognized tax benefit being settled. We are applying this guidance on a prospective basis. The implementation of this guidance did not affect our results of operations or financial liquidity.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
	Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	Level 3 – Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The impact of our creditworthiness has been considered in the fair value measurements noted below. In addition, the fair value measurement of a liability must reflect the nonperformance risk of an entity.
	In thousands
						Fair Value Measurements Using
		Total as of				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		March 31, 2014				Inputs		Inputs		Inputs
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	43,058			$	43,058	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments	353				353		—		—
	Total assets	$	43,411			$	43,411	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration	$	17,482			$	—	$	—	$	17,482
	Total liabilities	$	17,482			$	—	$	—	$	17,482
	In thousands
						Fair Value Measurements Using
		Total as of				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		December 31, 2013				Inputs		Inputs		Inputs
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	61,991			$	61,991	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments	413				413		—		—
	Total assets	$	62,404			$	62,404	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration	$	12,527			$	—	$	—	$	12,527
	Total liabilities	$	12,527			$	—	$	—	$	12,527
	We had contingent consideration liabilities recorded using Level 3 inputs in the amount of $17.5 million, of which $14.2 million is classified as current liabilities at March 31, 2014. Contingent consideration liabilities were $12.5 million at December 31, 2013. Contingent consideration represents amounts to be paid as part of acquisition consideration only if certain future events occur. These events are usually targets for revenues or earnings related to the business acquired. We arrive at the fair value of contingent consideration by applying a weighted probability of potential outcomes to the maximum possible payout. The calculation of these potential outcomes is dependent on both past financial performance and management assumptions about future performance. If the financial performance measures were all fully met, our maximum liability would be $25.8 million at March 31, 2014. Contingent consideration liabilities are reassessed each quarter and are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as part of “Other current liabilities” or “Other liabilities”. Changes to contingent consideration are reflected in the table below:
	In thousands
	Contingent consideration at December 31, 2013		$	12,527
	Decrease due to payments		(17		)
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		183
	Changes in fair value reflected in Selling, general, and administrative expenses		4,789
	Contingent consideration at March 31, 2014		$	17,482
	Fair Value of Debt: At March 31, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations was estimated, using Level 2 inputs, at $1.37 billion compared to a carrying amount of $1.37 billion. At December 31, 2013, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations was estimated, using Level 2 inputs, at $1.41 billion compared to a carrying amount of $1.43 billion. The fair values were estimated using an income approach by applying market interest rates for comparable instruments. The Company has no current plans to retire a significant amount of its debt prior to maturity.
	There were no movements of items between fair value hierarchies.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	We file U.S. federal income tax returns and income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions.
	The Company has recorded accruals to cover uncertain tax positions taken on previously filed tax returns. Such liabilities relate to additional taxes, interest and penalties the Company may be required to pay in various tax jurisdictions. During the course of examinations by various taxing authorities, proposed adjustments may be asserted. The Company evaluates such items on a case-by-case basis and adjusts the accrual for uncertain tax positions. During the quarter ended March 31, 2014 we had immaterial net increases to our accruals related to a reassessment of previous and current uncertain tax positions. The effective tax rates for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were approximately 31.9% and 35.8%, respectively. The decrease in the current quarter tax rate as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year and the statutory tax rate is primarily related to a benefit from the recognition of tax deductible goodwill associated with entity mergers in Brazil.

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION	'
	STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
	At March 31, 2014, we had the following stock option and stock purchase plans:
	•	the 2011 Incentive Stock Plan, which our stockholders approved in May 2011;
	•	the 2008 Incentive Stock Plan, which our stockholders approved in May 2008;
	•	the 2005 Incentive Stock Plan, which our stockholders approved in April 2005;
	•	the 2000 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan, which expired in February 2010;
	•	the 1997 Stock Option Plan, which expired in January 2007;
	•	the 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan, which expired in May 2006; and
	•	the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), which our stockholders approved in May 2001.
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense:
	The following table presents the total stock-based compensation expense resulting from stock option awards, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and the ESPP included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
	In thousands
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014				2013
	Cost of revenues – stock option plan		$	7			$	40
	Selling, general and administrative – stock option plan		4,041				3,530
	Selling, general and administrative – RSUs		315				195
	Selling, general and administrative – ESPP		309				282
	Total pre-tax expense		$	4,672			$	4,047
	The following table sets forth the tax benefits related to stock compensation:
	In thousands
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014				2013
	Tax benefit recognized in Statement of Income		$	909			$	1,130
	Excess tax benefit realized		3,734				4,203
	Stock Options:
	Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014, is summarized as follows:
			Number of			Weighted				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Total Aggregate Intrinsic Value
			Options			Average
						Exercise
						Price per
						Share
										(in years)		(in thousands)
	Outstanding at beginning of year		5,540,482			$	70.29
	Granted		854,778			115.7
	Exercised		(182,867	)		51.61
	Forfeited		(28,088	)		84.58
	Canceled or expired		(1,049	)		65.11
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014		6,183,256			$	77.06			6.59		$	227,883
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014		3,417,439			$	62.02			5.54		$	176,414
	Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014		5,884,031			$	75.89
	As of March 31, 2014, there was $42.0 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested option awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.46 years.
	The total exercise intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax value (the difference between the sales price on that trading day in the quarter ended March 31, and the exercise price associated with the respective option).
	In thousands
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014				2013
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised		$	11,796			$	14,562
	The Company uses historical data to estimate expected life and volatility. The estimated fair value of stock options at the time of the grant using the Black-Scholes model option pricing model was as follows:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014				2013
	Stock options granted (shares)		854,778				977,090
	Weighted average fair value at grant date		$	21.28			$	21.57
	Assumptions:
	Expected term (in years)		4.78				6
	Expected volatility		17.68		%		27.1		%
	Expected dividend yield		—		%		—		%
	Risk free interest rate		1.45		%		0.99		%
	Restricted Stock Units:
	Restricted stock units ("RSUs") vest at the end of three or five years. Our 2008 and 2011 Plans include a share reserve related to RSUs granted at a 2-1 ratio.
	A summary of the status of our non-vested RSUs and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2014, are as follows:
			Number of			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				Total Aggregate Intrinsic Value
			Units
										(in thousands)
Non-vested at beginning of year		70,457			$	88.32
Granted		16,084			115.69
Vested and released		(17,288	)		85
Forfeited		(5,383	)		88.1
Non-vested at March 31, 2014		63,870			$	96.13			$	7,257
As of March 31, 2014, there was $5.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.62 years.

COMMON_STOCK

COMMON STOCK	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
COMMON STOCK	'
	COMMON STOCK
	The following table provides information about our repurchase of shares of our common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Number of	Amount Paid		Average
		Shares	for		Price Paid
		Repurchased	Repurchases		per Share
		and
		Canceled
			(in thousands)
	Three months ended March 31, 2014	685,990	$	78,340	$	114.2
	Three months ended March 31, 2013	74,820	$	7,160	$	95.7
	Of the 685,990 shares repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2014, 12,730 shares in the amount of approximately $1.4 million were not settled. This amount is recognized as part of other accrued liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2014.

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	'
	EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive securities had been issued. Potentially dilutive securities include outstanding stock options, shares to be purchased under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan and RSUs. The dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, an increase in the fair market value of the Company’s common stock can result in a greater dilutive effect from potentially dilutive securities.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
	In thousands, except share and per share data
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	79,149	$	74,617
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares	85,270,046		86,093,301
	Effect of diluted securities:
	Employee stock options	1,343,797		1,366,196
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed exercises	86,613,843		87,459,497
	Earnings per share – Basic	$	0.93	$	0.87
	Earnings per share – Diluted	$	0.91	$	0.85

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Goodwill and other identifiable indefinite lived intangibles are not amortized, but are subject to an annual impairment test, or more frequent testing if circumstances indicate that they may be impaired.
	Goodwill:
	We have two geographical reportable segments, “United States” and “International”, both of which have goodwill. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill since January 1, 2013, by reportable segment, were as follows:
	In thousands
			United States				International				Total
	Balance as of January 1, 2013		$	1,616,286			$	448,817			$	2,065,103
	Goodwill acquired during year		57,250				116,534				173,784
	Goodwill allocation adjustments		4,541				1,470				6,011
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		—				(13,316		)		(13,316		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		1,678,077				553,505				2,231,582
	Goodwill acquired during year		12,600				4,125				16,725
	Goodwill allocation adjustments		(273		)		(5,602		)		(5,875		)
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		—				(1,835		)		(1,835		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014		$	1,690,404			$	550,193			$	2,240,597
	Current year adjustments to goodwill for certain 2013 acquisitions are primarily due to the finalization of intangible asset valuations.
	Other Intangible Assets:
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the values of other intangible assets were as follows:
	In thousands
		31-Mar-14												December 31, 2013
		Gross				Accumulated				Net				Gross		Accumulated		Net
		Carrying				Amortization				Value				Carrying		Amortization		Value
		Amount												Amount
	Amortizable intangibles:
	Covenants not-to-compete	$	9,406			$	5,693			$	3,713			$	9,405	$	5,366	$	4,039
	Customer relationships	677,856				88,192				589,664				670,889		81,271		589,618
	Tradenames	5,286				1,108				4,178				5,283		1,031		4,252
	License agreements	611				442				169				611		416		195
	Other	334				16				318				91		14		77
	Indefinite lived intangibles:
	Operating permits	121,136				—				121,136				116,054		—		116,054
	Tradenames	5,800				—				5,800				5,800		—		5,800
	Total	$	820,429			$	95,451			$	724,978			$	808,133	$	88,098	$	720,035
	Our finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. We have determined that our customer relationships have useful lives from 10 to 40 years based upon the type of customer, with a weighted average remaining useful life of 25.3 years. We have covenants not-to-compete intangibles with useful lives from 3 to 14 years, with a weighted average remaining useful life of 3.7 years. We have tradename intangibles with useful lives from 10 to 40 years, with a weighted average remaining useful life of 15.4 years. We have license agreements with useful life of 5 years, with a weighted average remaining useful life of 1.5 years. We have determined that our permits have indefinite lives due to our ability to renew these permits with minimal additional cost, and therefore these are not amortized.
	During the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate amortization expense was $7.3 million and $6.6 million, respectively.
	The estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years, assuming no additional amortizable intangible assets, is as follows for the years ended December 31:
	In thousands
	2014		$	29,744
	2015		29,445
	2016		29,223
	2017		29,038
	2018		28,619
	Future amortization expense may fluctuate depending on changes in foreign currency rates, future acquisitions, or changes to the estimated amortizable life of the intangibles. The estimates for amortization expense noted above are based upon foreign exchange rates as of March 31, 2014.

DEBT

DEBT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DEBT	'
	DEBT
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
	In thousands
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Obligations under capital leases	$	6,324	$	7,343
	$1 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.82%, due in 2016	218,301		272,358
	$100 million private placement notes 5.64%, due in 2015	100,000		100,000
	$175 million private placement notes 3.89%, due in 2017	175,000		175,000
	$125 million private placement notes 2.68%, due in 2019	125,000		125,000
	$225 million private placement notes 4.47%, due in 2020	225,000		225,000
	$125 million private placement notes 3.26%, due in 2022	125,000		125,000
	Acquisition notes weighted average rate of 2.28% and weighted average maturity of 3.6 years	251,196		252,195
	Foreign bank debt weighted average rate 8.48% and weighted average maturity of 1.8 years	144,557		149,147
	Total debt	1,370,378		1,431,043
	Less: current portion of total debt	124,307		150,380
	Long-term portion of total debt	$	1,246,071	$	1,280,663
	Our $1.0 billion senior credit facility maturing in September 2016, our $100.0 million private placement notes maturing April 2015, our $175.0 million private placement notes maturing in October 2017, our $125.0 million private placement notes maturing in December 2019, our $225.0 million private placement notes maturing in October 2020, and our $125.0 million private placement notes maturing in December 2022, all require us to comply with various financial, reporting and other covenants and restrictions, including a restriction on dividend payments. The financial debt covenants are the same for the senior credit facility and the private placement notes. At March 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our financial debt covenants.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 we had $151.2 million and $155.0 million, respectively, committed to outstanding letters of credit under our senior credit facility. The unused portion of the revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $630.5 million and $572.6 million, respectively.
	Guarantees
	Shiraishi-Sogyo Co. Ltd. (“Shiraishi”) is an unrelated party in Japan that is expanding its medical waste management business. We have guaranteed Shiriashi’s loan of $4.8 million borrowed from JPMorganChase Bank N.A. which is currently due on May 31, 2014. Based on information currently available, we have concluded the guarantee is not probable of being called and, therefore, we have not recorded any contingent liability relating to this guarantee. We have also extended non-interest bearing loans to Shiraishi for approximately $15.5 million due April 18, 2018, which are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as part of long term "Other assets" at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. There is a collateral agreement in place on the assets of Shiraishi and related companies in support of amounts owed to the Company.

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION	'
	GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
	Management has determined that we have two reportable segments: United States (which includes Puerto Rico) and International. Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of customers. The same accounting principles and critical accounting policies are used in the preparation of the financial statements for both reportable segments.
	Detailed information for our United States reportable segment is as follows:
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Regulated and compliance solutions	$	368,990	$	341,101
	Recall and returns solutions	23,064		22,534
	Total revenues	392,054		363,635
	Net interest expense	10,668		10,731
	Income before income taxes	104,313		95,956
	Income taxes	37,039		36,450
	Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	67,274	$	59,506
	Depreciation and amortization	$	12,818	$	12,575
	Detailed information for our International reportable segment is as follows:
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Regulated and compliance solutions	$	177,901	$	150,169
	Net interest expense	4,230		2,648
	Income before income taxes	12,748		21,249
	Income taxes	252		5,533
	Net income	12,496		15,716
	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	621		605
	Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	11,875	$	15,111
	Depreciation and amortization	$	10,538	$	8,913

LEGAL_PROCEEDINGS

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	'
	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
	We operate in a highly regulated industry and must deal with regulatory inquiries or investigations from time to time that may be instituted for a variety of reasons. We are also involved in a variety of civil litigation from time to time.
	As we have previously disclosed, we were served on March 12, 2013 with a class action complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania by an individual plaintiff for itself and on behalf of all other “similarly situated” customers of ours. The complaint alleges, among other things, that we imposed unauthorized or excessive price increases and other charges on our customers in breach of our contracts and in violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. The complaint sought certification of the lawsuit as a class action and the award to class members of appropriate damages and injunctive relief.
	The Pennsylvania class action complaint was filed in the wake of a settlement with the State of New York of an investigation under the New York False Claims Act (which the class action complaint describes at some length). The New York investigation arose out of a qui tam (or “whistle blower”) complaint under the federal False Claims Act and comparable state statutes which was filed under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in April 2008 by a former employee of ours. The complaint was filed on behalf of the United States and 14 states and the District of Columbia. On September 4, 2013, we filed our answer to Plaintiff-Relator’s Second Amended Complaint, generally denying the allegations therein. Also, as previously disclosed, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Virginia and North Carolina have issued civil investigative demands to explore the allegations made on their behalf in the qui tam complaint but have not yet decided whether to join the Illinois action.
	Following the filing of the Pennsylvania class action complaint, we were served with class action complaints filed in federal court in California, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi and Utah and in state court in California. These complaints asserted claims and allegations substantially similar to those made in the Pennsylvania class action complaint. All of these cases appear to be follow-on litigation to our settlement with the State of New York. On August 9, 2013, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) granted our Motion to Transfer these related actions to the Northern District of Illinois for centralized pretrial proceedings. On December 10, 2013, we filed our answer to the Amended Consolidated Class Action Complaint in the MDL action, generally denying the allegations therein.
	We believe that we have operated in accordance with the terms of our customer contracts and that these complaints are without merit. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against each of these lawsuits.
	On May 28, 2013, we received a notice of violation and order to comply from the State of Utah Division of Air Quality alleging violations of certain conditions of the operating permit for our incineration facility in North Salt Lake relating to emissions and emissions testing at the facility. We have subsequently completed testing, in accordance with protocols approved by the Division of Air Quality, that demonstrates that the facility is currently operating in compliance with applicable emissions standards and our permit conditions. We filed a formal response to the notice of violation on September 27, 2013 and remain in discussions with the Division of Air Quality regarding a resolution of this matter.
	See Note 13 - Subsequent Events, in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 1 of Part I).

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On April 22, 2014, we completed the acquisition of PSC Environmental Services, LLC ("PSC Environmental"). The transaction was completed following clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Upon closing, PSC Environmental became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours.
	Subject to various adjustments, the total consideration for the PSC Environmental acquisition was $275 million, of which $245 million was paid in cash and $30 million was paid by a two-year note. A portion of the cash payment was applied to pay PSC Environmental’s indebtedness as of the closing date.
	On April 2, 2014, we were served with a class action complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Case 1:14-cv-02070) by an individual plaintiff for himself and on behalf of all other “similarly situated” persons. The complaint alleges, among other things, that we sent facsimile transmissions of unsolicited advertisements to plaintiff and others similarly situated in violation of the Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2005. The complaint seeks certification of the lawsuit as a class action and the award to class members of appropriate damages and injunctive relief.

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Summary of Location of Acquisitions	'
	The following table summarizes the locations of our acquisitions for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	Acquisition Locations		2014
	United States		2
	Portugal		3
	Total		5
Aggregate Purchase Price Paid for Acquisitions and Other Adjustments to Consideration	'
	The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase price paid for acquisitions and other adjustments of consideration to be paid for acquisitions during the three months ended March 31:
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended March 31
		2014				2013
	Cash	$	12,262			$	18,899
	Promissory notes	12,654				7,310
	Deferred consideration	441				2,189
	Contingent consideration	—				955
	Total purchase price	$	25,357			$	29,353
Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation for Current Period Acquisitions and Other Adjustments to Purchase Price Allocations	'
	The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation for current period acquisitions and other adjustments to purchase price allocations during the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	In thousands
	Fixed assets		$	1,184
	Intangibles		14,277
	Goodwill		10,850
	Net other assets/ (liabilities)		(460		)
	Debt		321
	Net deferred tax liabilities		(815		)
	Total purchase price allocation		$	25,357

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	In thousands
						Fair Value Measurements Using
		Total as of				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		March 31, 2014				Inputs		Inputs		Inputs
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	43,058			$	43,058	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments	353				353		—		—
	Total assets	$	43,411			$	43,411	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration	$	17,482			$	—	$	—	$	17,482
	Total liabilities	$	17,482			$	—	$	—	$	17,482
	In thousands
						Fair Value Measurements Using
		Total as of				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		December 31, 2013				Inputs		Inputs		Inputs
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	61,991			$	61,991	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments	413				413		—		—
	Total assets	$	62,404			$	62,404	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration	$	12,527			$	—	$	—	$	12,527
	Total liabilities	$	12,527			$	—	$	—	$	12,527
Changes to Contingent Consideration	'
	Changes to contingent consideration are reflected in the table below:
	In thousands
	Contingent consideration at December 31, 2013		$	12,527
	Decrease due to payments		(17		)
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		183
	Changes in fair value reflected in Selling, general, and administrative expenses		4,789
	Contingent consideration at March 31, 2014		$	17,482

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Table

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation Expense Resulting from Stock Option Awards, Restricted stock units ("RSU") and ESPP	'
	The following table presents the total stock-based compensation expense resulting from stock option awards, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and the ESPP included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014				2013
	Cost of revenues – stock option plan	$	7			$	40
	Selling, general and administrative – stock option plan	4,041				3,530
	Selling, general and administrative – RSUs	315				195
	Selling, general and administrative – ESPP	309				282
	Total pre-tax expense	$	4,672			$	4,047
Tax Benefits Related to Stock Compensation	'
	The following table sets forth the tax benefits related to stock compensation:
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014				2013
	Tax benefit recognized in Statement of Income	$	909			$	1,130
	Excess tax benefit realized	3,734				4,203
Stock Option Activity	'
	Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014, is summarized as follows:
		Number of			Weighted				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Total Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		Options			Average
					Exercise
					Price per
					Share
									(in years)		(in thousands)
	Outstanding at beginning of year	5,540,482			$	70.29
	Granted	854,778			115.7
	Exercised	(182,867	)		51.61
	Forfeited	(28,088	)		84.58
	Canceled or expired	(1,049	)		65.11
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	6,183,256			$	77.06			6.59		$	227,883
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014	3,417,439			$	62.02			5.54		$	176,414
	Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014	5,884,031			$	75.89
Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised	'
	The total exercise intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax value (the difference between the sales price on that trading day in the quarter ended March 31, and the exercise price associated with the respective option).
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014				2013
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	11,796			$	14,562
Assumptions used in Black-Scholes Model	'
	The estimated fair value of stock options at the time of the grant using the Black-Scholes model option pricing model was as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014				2013
	Stock options granted (shares)	854,778				977,090
	Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	21.28			$	21.57
	Assumptions:
	Expected term (in years)	4.78				6
	Expected volatility	17.68		%		27.1		%
	Expected dividend yield	—		%		—		%
	Risk free interest rate	1.45		%		0.99		%
Restricted Stock Units Activity	'
	A summary of the status of our non-vested RSUs and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2014, are as follows:
		Number of			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				Total Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		Units
									(in thousands)
	Non-vested at beginning of year	70,457			$	88.32
	Granted	16,084			115.69
	Vested and released	(17,288	)		85
	Forfeited	(5,383	)		88.1
	Non-vested at March 31, 2014	63,870			$	96.13			$	7,257

COMMON_STOCK_Tables

COMMON STOCK (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Repurchase of Shares of Common Stock	'
	The following table provides information about our repurchase of shares of our common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Number of	Amount Paid		Average
		Shares	for		Price Paid
		Repurchased	Repurchases		per Share
		and
		Canceled
			(in thousands)
	Three months ended March 31, 2014	685,990	$	78,340	$	114.2
	Three months ended March 31, 2013	74,820	$	7,160	$	95.7

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Tabl

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
	In thousands, except share and per share data
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	79,149	$	74,617
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares	85,270,046		86,093,301
	Effect of diluted securities:
	Employee stock options	1,343,797		1,366,196
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed exercises	86,613,843		87,459,497
	Earnings per share – Basic	$	0.93	$	0.87
	Earnings per share – Diluted	$	0.91	$	0.85

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill since January 1, 2013, by reportable segment, were as follows:
	In thousands
			United States				International				Total
	Balance as of January 1, 2013		$	1,616,286			$	448,817			$	2,065,103
	Goodwill acquired during year		57,250				116,534				173,784
	Goodwill allocation adjustments		4,541				1,470				6,011
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		—				(13,316		)		(13,316		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		1,678,077				553,505				2,231,582
	Goodwill acquired during year		12,600				4,125				16,725
	Goodwill allocation adjustments		(273		)		(5,602		)		(5,875		)
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		—				(1,835		)		(1,835		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014		$	1,690,404			$	550,193			$	2,240,597
Values of Intangible Assets	'
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the values of other intangible assets were as follows:
	In thousands
		31-Mar-14												December 31, 2013
		Gross				Accumulated				Net				Gross		Accumulated		Net
		Carrying				Amortization				Value				Carrying		Amortization		Value
		Amount												Amount
	Amortizable intangibles:
	Covenants not-to-compete	$	9,406			$	5,693			$	3,713			$	9,405	$	5,366	$	4,039
	Customer relationships	677,856				88,192				589,664				670,889		81,271		589,618
	Tradenames	5,286				1,108				4,178				5,283		1,031		4,252
	License agreements	611				442				169				611		416		195
	Other	334				16				318				91		14		77
	Indefinite lived intangibles:
	Operating permits	121,136				—				121,136				116,054		—		116,054
	Tradenames	5,800				—				5,800				5,800		—		5,800
	Total	$	820,429			$	95,451			$	724,978			$	808,133	$	88,098	$	720,035
Estimated Amortization Expense	'
	The estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years, assuming no additional amortizable intangible assets, is as follows for the years ended December 31:
	In thousands
	2014		$	29,744
	2015		29,445
	2016		29,223
	2017		29,038
	2018		28,619

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
	In thousands
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Obligations under capital leases	$	6,324	$	7,343
	$1 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.82%, due in 2016	218,301		272,358
	$100 million private placement notes 5.64%, due in 2015	100,000		100,000
	$175 million private placement notes 3.89%, due in 2017	175,000		175,000
	$125 million private placement notes 2.68%, due in 2019	125,000		125,000
	$225 million private placement notes 4.47%, due in 2020	225,000		225,000
	$125 million private placement notes 3.26%, due in 2022	125,000		125,000
	Acquisition notes weighted average rate of 2.28% and weighted average maturity of 3.6 years	251,196		252,195
	Foreign bank debt weighted average rate 8.48% and weighted average maturity of 1.8 years	144,557		149,147
	Total debt	1,370,378		1,431,043
	Less: current portion of total debt	124,307		150,380
	Long-term portion of total debt	$	1,246,071	$	1,280,663

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION_Tables

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Detailed Information for Reportable Segment	'
	Detailed information for our United States reportable segment is as follows:
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Regulated and compliance solutions	$	368,990	$	341,101
	Recall and returns solutions	23,064		22,534
	Total revenues	392,054		363,635
	Net interest expense	10,668		10,731
	Income before income taxes	104,313		95,956
	Income taxes	37,039		36,450
	Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	67,274	$	59,506
	Depreciation and amortization	$	12,818	$	12,575
	Detailed information for our International reportable segment is as follows:
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Regulated and compliance solutions	$	177,901	$	150,169
	Net interest expense	4,230		2,648
	Income before income taxes	12,748		21,249
	Income taxes	252		5,533
	Net income	12,496		15,716
	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	621		605
	Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	11,875	$	15,111
	Depreciation and amortization	$	10,538	$	8,913

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_1

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Summary of Acquisition Location (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	Entity
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Number of acquisitions	5
United States	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Number of acquisitions	2
Portugal	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Number of acquisitions	3

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_2

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Aggregate Purchase Price Paid for Acquisitions and Other Adjustments to Consideration (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'
Cash	$12,262	$18,899
Promissory notes	12,654	7,310
Deferred consideration	441	2,189
Contingent consideration	0	955
Total purchase price	$25,357	$29,353

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_3

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation and Other Adjustments to Purchase Price Allocations (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$2,240,597	$2,231,582	$2,065,103
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fixed assets	1,184	'	'
Intangibles	14,277	'	'
Goodwill	10,850	'	'
Net other assets/ (liabilities)	-460	'	'
Debt	321	'	'
Net deferred tax liabilities	-815	'	'
Total purchase price allocation	$25,357	'	'

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_4

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	Entity
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'
Number of acquisitions	5	'
Net increase in Goodwill	$10.80	'
Tax deductible Goodwill amount	9	'
Net increase in Intangible Assets	14.3	'
Acquisition related expenses	3.2	1.8
Operating permits	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'
Net increase in Intangible Assets	5.4	'
Customer relationships	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'
Net increase in Intangible Assets	8.9	'
Customer relationships | Minimum	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, useful life in years	'10 years	'
Customer relationships | Maximum	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, useful life in years	'40 years	'
United States	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'
Number of acquisitions	2	'
Portugal	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'
Number of acquisitions	3	'
United States	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'
Net increase in Goodwill	12.3	'
United States | Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'
Number of acquisitions	1	'
United States | Communication Solutions	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'
Number of acquisitions	1	'
International	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'
Net increase in Goodwill	($1.50)	'
International | Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member] | Portugal	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'
Number of acquisitions	3	'
Business acquisition, ownership percentage acquired	100.00%	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$43,058	$61,991
Short-term investments	353	413
Total assets	43,411	62,404
Liabilities:	'	'
Contingent consideration	17,482	12,527
Total liabilities	17,482	12,527
Level 1 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	43,058	61,991
Short-term investments	353	413
Total assets	43,411	62,404
Liabilities:	'	'
Contingent consideration	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Short-term investments	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Contingent consideration	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 3 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Short-term investments	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Contingent consideration	17,482	12,527
Total liabilities	$17,482	$12,527

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Change

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Changes to Contingent Consideration (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability [Roll Forward]	'	'
Contingent consideration at December 31, 2013	$12,527	'
Decrease due to payments	-17	'
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations	183	'
Changes in fair value reflected in Selling, general, and administrative expenses	4,789	0
Contingent consideration at March 31, 2014	$17,482	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Additi

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration liabilities	$17,482,000	$12,527,000
Debt obligations, carrying amount	1,370,378,000	1,431,043,000
Maximum	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum contingent liability if financial performance measures were fully met	25,800,000	'
Level 3 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration liabilities	17,482,000	12,527,000
Level 2 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration liabilities	0	0
Debt obligations, fair value	1,370,000,000	1,410,000,000
Current Liabilities [Member] | Level 3 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration liabilities	$14,200,000	'

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Effective tax rate	31.90%	35.80%

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Expen

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Expense Resulting from Stock Option Awards and ESPP (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$4,672	$4,047
Stock Options [Member] | Cost of revenues	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	7	40
Stock Options [Member] | Selling, general and administrative	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	4,041	3,530
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Selling, general and administrative	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	315	195
ESPP shares [Member] | Selling, general and administrative	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$309	$282

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Tax_B

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Tax Benefits Related to Stock Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Tax benefit recognized in Statement of Income	$909	$1,130
Excess tax benefit realized	$3,734	$4,203

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Stock

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Number of Options	'
Outstanding at beginning of year	5,540,482
Granted	854,778
Exercised	-182,867
Forfeited	-28,088
Canceled or expired	-1,049
Outstanding at March 31, 2014	6,183,256
Exercisable at March 31, 2014	3,417,439
Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014	5,884,031
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	'
Outstanding at beginning of year	$70.29
Granted	$115.70
Exercised	$51.61
Forfeited	$84.58
Canceled or expired	$65.11
Outstanding at March 31, 2014	$77.06
Exercisable at March 31, 2014	$62.02
Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014	$75.89
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'
Outstanding at March 31, 2014	'6 years 7 months 2 days
Exercisable at March 31, 2014	'5 years 6 months 15 days
Total Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'
Outstanding at March 31, 2014	$227,883
Exercisable at March 31, 2014	$176,414

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Intri

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$11,796	$14,562

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Assum

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Assumptions used in Black-Scholes Model (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Stock options granted (shares)	854,778	977,090
Weighted average fair value at grant date	$21.28	$21.57
Expected term (in years)	'4 years 9 months 11 days	'6 years
Expected volatility	17.68%	27.10%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Risk free interest rate	1.45%	0.99%

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Restr

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Restricted Stock Units Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Number of Units	'	'
Non-vested at beginning of year	70,457	'
Granted	16,084	'
Vested and released	-17,288	'
Forfeited	-5,383	'
Non-vested at March 31, 2014	63,870	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'
Non-vested at beginning of year	$88.32	'
Granted	$115.69	'
Vested and released	$85	'
Forfeited	$88.10	'
Non-vested at March 31, 2014	$96.13	'
Total Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'
Non-vested at March 31, 2014	'	$7,257

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Addit

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation expenses related to non-vested option awards	$42
Weighted average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation expenses	'3 years 5 months 16 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation expenses related to RSUs	$5.10
Weighted average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation expenses	'3 years 7 months 13 days
Ratio of share reserve related to RSUs granted	2
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Minimum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award vesting period	'3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Maximum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award vesting period	'5 years

COMMON_STOCK_Repurchase_of_Sha

COMMON STOCK - Repurchase of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of Shares Repurchased and Canceled	685,990	74,820	'
Amount Paid for Repurchases (000’s)	$78,340,000	$7,160,000	$163,700,000
Average Price Paid per Share	$114.20	$95.70	'
Shares repurchased (in shares), not settled	12,730	'	'
Shares repurchased, value, not settled	$1,400,000	'	'

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Comp

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Numerator:	'	'
Numerator for basic earnings per share net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$79,149	$74,617
Denominator:	'	'
Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares	85,270,046	86,093,301
Effect of diluted securities:	'	'
Employee stock options	1,343,797	1,366,196
Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed exercises	86,613,843	87,459,497
Earnings per share – Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.93	$0.87
Earnings per share – Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.91	$0.85

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$2,231,582	$2,065,103
Goodwill acquired during year	16,725	173,784
Goodwill allocation adjustments	-5,875	6,011
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations	-1,835	-13,316
Ending Balance	2,240,597	2,231,582
United States	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	1,678,077	1,616,286
Goodwill acquired during year	12,600	57,250
Goodwill allocation adjustments	-273	4,541
Ending Balance	1,690,404	1,678,077
International	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	553,505	448,817
Goodwill acquired during year	4,125	116,534
Goodwill allocation adjustments	-5,602	1,470
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations	-1,835	-13,316
Ending Balance	$550,193	$553,505

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Values of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$820,429	$808,133
Accumulated Amortization	95,451	88,098
Net Value	724,978	720,035
Amortizable intangibles | Covenants not-to-compete	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	9,406	9,405
Accumulated Amortization	5,693	5,366
Net Value	3,713	4,039
Amortizable intangibles | Customer relationships	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	677,856	670,889
Accumulated Amortization	88,192	81,271
Net Value	589,664	589,618
Amortizable intangibles | Tradenames	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	5,286	5,283
Accumulated Amortization	1,108	1,031
Net Value	4,178	4,252
Amortizable intangibles | License agreements	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	611	611
Accumulated Amortization	442	416
Net Value	169	195
Amortizable intangibles | Other Intangible Assets	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	334	91
Accumulated Amortization	16	14
Net Value	318	77
Indefinite lived intangibles | Operating permits	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	121,136	116,054
Net Value	121,136	116,054
Indefinite lived intangibles | Tradenames	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	5,800	5,800
Net Value	$5,800	$5,800

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Estimated Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$29,744
2015	29,445
2016	29,223
2017	29,038
2018	$28,619

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_5

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	Segment
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Number of reportable segments	2	'
Aggregate amortization expense	$7,315	$6,642
Covenants not-to-compete	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average remaining useful life	'3 years 8 months 12 days	'
Covenants not-to-compete | Minimum	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, useful life in years	'3 years	'
Covenants not-to-compete | Maximum	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, useful life in years	'14 years	'
Customer relationships	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average remaining useful life	'25 years 3 months 18 days	'
Customer relationships | Minimum	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, useful life in years	'10 years	'
Customer relationships | Maximum	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, useful life in years	'40 years	'
Tradenames	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average remaining useful life	'15 years 4 months 24 days	'
Tradenames | Minimum	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, useful life in years	'10 years	'
Tradenames | Maximum	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, useful life in years	'40 years	'
License agreements	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average remaining useful life	'1 year 6 months	'
License agreements | Minimum	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, useful life in years	'5 years	'

DEBT_Schedule_of_LongTerm_Debt

DEBT - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$1,370,378	$1,431,043
Less: current portion of total debt	124,307	150,380
Long-term portion of total debt	1,246,071	1,280,663
Obligations under capital leases	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	6,324	7,343
$1 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.82%, due in 2016	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	218,301	272,358
$100 million private placement notes 5.64%, due in 2015	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	100,000	100,000
$175 million private placement notes 3.89%, due in 2017	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	175,000	175,000
$125 million private placement notes 2.68%, due in 2019	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	125,000	125,000
$225 million private placement notes 4.47%, due in 2020	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	225,000	225,000
$125 million private placement notes 3.26%, due in 2022	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	125,000	125,000
Acquisition notes weighted average rate of 2.28% and weighted average maturity of 3.6 years	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	251,196	252,195
Foreign bank debt weighted average rate 8.48% and weighted average maturity of 1.8 years	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$144,557	$149,147

DEBT_Schedule_of_LongTerm_Debt1

DEBT - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
$1 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.82%, due in 2016	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Maximum borrowing capacity of line of credit facility	1,000,000,000
Interest rate percentage	1.82%
$100 million private placement notes 5.64%, due in 2015	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Long-term debt, face amount	100,000,000
Interest rate percentage	5.64%
$175 million private placement notes 3.89%, due in 2017	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Long-term debt, face amount	175,000,000
Interest rate percentage	3.89%
$125 million private placement notes 2.68%, due in 2019	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Long-term debt, face amount	125,000,000
Interest rate percentage	2.68%
$225 million private placement notes 4.47%, due in 2020	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Long-term debt, face amount	225,000,000
Interest rate percentage	4.47%
$125 million private placement notes 3.26%, due in 2022	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Long-term debt, face amount	125,000,000
Interest rate percentage	3.26%
Acquisition notes weighted average rate of 2.28% and weighted average maturity of 3.6 years	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.28%
Debt, maturity period	'3 years 7 months 6 days
Foreign bank debt weighted average rate 8.48% and weighted average maturity of 1.8 years	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	8.48%
Debt, maturity period	'1 year 9 months 18 days

DEBT_Additional_Information_De

DEBT - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Guaranteed loan, loan balance	$4,800,000	'
$1 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.82%, due in 2016	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity of line of credit facility	1,000,000,000	'
Senior letters of credit facility, committed to outstanding letters of credit	151,200,000	155,000,000
Senior letters of credit facility, unused portion	630,500,000	572,600,000
$100 million private placement notes 5.64%, due in 2015	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, face amount	100,000,000	'
$175 million private placement notes 3.89%, due in 2017	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, face amount	175,000,000	'
$125 million private placement notes 2.68%, due in 2019	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, face amount	125,000,000	'
$225 million private placement notes 4.47%, due in 2020	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, face amount	225,000,000	'
$125 million private placement notes 3.26%, due in 2022	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, face amount	125,000,000	'
Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Loan receivable from customer	$15,500,000	'

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION_Detaile

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	$569,955	$513,804	'
Income before income taxes	117,061	117,205	'
Income taxes	37,291	41,983	'
Net Income	79,770	75,222	313,084
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	621	605	'
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	79,149	74,617	'
United States	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	392,054	363,635	'
Net interest expense	10,668	10,731	'
Income before income taxes	104,313	95,956	'
Income taxes	37,039	36,450	'
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	67,274	59,506	'
Depreciation and amortization	12,818	12,575	'
United States | Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	368,990	341,101	'
United States | Recall and Returns Solutions [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	23,064	22,534	'
International	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net interest expense	4,230	2,648	'
Income before income taxes	12,748	21,249	'
Income taxes	252	5,533	'
Net Income	12,496	15,716	'
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	621	605	'
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	11,875	15,111	'
Depreciation and amortization	10,538	8,913	'
International | Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	$177,901	$150,169	'

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION_Additio

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	2

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 22, 2014
			Subsequent Event
			PSC Environmental Services, LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total consideration	$25,357	$29,353	$275,000
Consideration paid in cash	12,262	18,899	245,000
Consideration paid with note	$0	$955	$30,000
Note payable term	'	'	'2 years