Stericycle (SRCL) 10-Q 7 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014
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	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'SRCL	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	84,810,277

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$25,326	$67,167
Short-term investments	488	413
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $18,646 in 2014 and $19,134 in 2013	451,995	388,996
Deferred income taxes	15,727	18,031
Prepaid expenses	33,288	28,379
Other current assets	40,051	37,279
Total Current Assets	566,875	540,265
Property, plant and equipment, net	480,419	358,967
Goodwill	2,421,348	2,231,582
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $104,332 in 2014 and $88,098 in 2013	926,538	720,035
Other assets	42,101	37,124
Total Assets	4,437,281	3,887,973
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	151,289	150,380
Accounts payable	125,392	89,146
Accrued liabilities	121,475	107,445
Deferred revenues	22,394	18,826
Other current liabilities	68,289	50,387
Total Current Liabilities	488,839	416,184
Long-term debt, net of current portion	1,563,913	1,280,663
Deferred income taxes	462,180	396,119
Other liabilities	70,006	27,469
Equity:	'	'
Common stock (par value $.01 per share, 120,000,000 shares authorized, 84,753,696 issued and outstanding in 2014 and 85,500,037 issued and outstanding in 2013)	848	855
Additional paid-in capital	237,053	195,110
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-45,554	-56,468
Retained earnings	1,634,875	1,610,964
Total Stericycle, Inc.’s Equity	1,827,222	1,750,461
Noncontrolling interest	25,121	17,077
Total Equity	1,852,343	1,767,538
Total Liabilities and Equity	$4,437,281	$3,887,973

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$18,646	$19,134
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$104,332	$88,098
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, issued	84,753,696	85,500,037
Common stock, outstanding	84,753,696	85,500,037

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$640,822	$526,525	$1,210,777	$1,040,329
Costs and Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation shown below)	350,416	276,385	652,176	546,058
Depreciation - cost of revenues	15,102	12,288	27,828	24,325
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)	117,547	94,845	229,727	185,891
Depreciation – selling, general and administrative expenses	3,977	2,954	7,292	5,763
Amortization	8,402	6,533	15,717	13,175
Total Costs and Expenses	495,444	393,005	932,740	775,212
Income from Operations	145,378	133,520	278,037	265,117
Other Income (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	50	102	70	269
Interest expense	-16,418	-13,015	-31,336	-26,561
Other expense, net	-392	-545	-1,092	-1,558
Total Other Expense	-16,760	-13,458	-32,358	-27,850
Income Before Income Taxes	128,618	120,062	245,679	237,267
Income Tax Expense	45,941	41,619	83,232	83,602
Net Income	82,677	78,443	162,447	153,665
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	741	399	1,362	1,004
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$81,936	$78,044	$161,085	$152,661
Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Stericycle, Inc. Common Shareholders:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.97	$0.91	$1.90	$1.77
Diluted	$0.95	$0.89	$1.87	$1.74
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	84,699,043	86,125,012	84,982,966	86,109,244
Diluted	85,982,588	87,614,953	86,300,292	87,545,641

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$82,677	$78,443	$162,447	$153,665
Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	11,884	-17,664	10,775	-40,619
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, net of tax ($50 and $50, and $100 and $100) for the three-and six-months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	78	78	157	157
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax ($55 and $0, and $55 and $0) for the three-and six-months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	-149	0	-149	0
Total Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss)	11,813	-17,586	10,783	-40,462
Comprehensive Income	94,490	60,857	173,230	113,203
Less: Comprehensive Income/ (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	980	-692	1,231	42
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$93,510	$61,549	$171,999	$113,161

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, tax	$50	$50	$100	$100
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, tax	$55	$0	$55	$0

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$162,447	$153,665
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Stock compensation expense	9,124	7,943
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised	-7,080	-8,373
Depreciation	35,120	30,088
Amortization	15,717	13,175
Deferred income taxes	8,929	13,101
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	3,953	-122
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions and divestitures:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-9,606	-42,871
Accounts payable	10,646	10,186
Accrued liabilities	-6,809	-2,566
Deferred revenues	2,332	-548
Other assets and liabilities	13,575	2,903
Net cash provided by operating activities	238,348	176,581
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-304,832	-63,401
(Purchases of)/ proceeds from investments	-2,052	33
Capital expenditures	-43,668	-37,441
Net cash used in investing activities	-350,552	-100,809
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt and other obligations	-28,005	-32,016
Borrowings on foreign bank debt	96,828	92,733
Repayments on foreign bank debt	-85,192	-96,512
Borrowings on senior credit facility	933,101	527,469
Repayments on senior credit facility	-732,059	-544,183
Payments on capital lease obligations	-1,993	-1,825
Payments of deferred financing costs	-2,280	0
Purchases and cancellations of treasury stock	-137,186	-66,175
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	21,195	23,667
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised	7,080	8,373
Payments to noncontrolling interests	732	0
Net cash provided by/ (used in) financing activities	70,757	-88,469
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-394	-528
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-41,841	-13,225
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	67,167	34,659
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	25,326	21,434
NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Issuances of obligations for acquisitions	$83,864	$22,906

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	162,447	'	'	161,085	'	1,362
Currency translation adjustment	10,775	'	'	'	10,906	-131
Change in qualifying cash flow hedge, net of tax	8	'	'	'	8	'
Issuance of common stock for exercise of options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases (in shares)	'	467,000	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for exercise of options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases	25,744	5	25,739	'	'	'
Purchase/ cancellation of treasury stock (in shares)	-1,213,233	-1,213,000	'	'	'	'
Purchase/ cancellation of treasury stock	-137,186	-12	0	-137,174	'	'
Stock compensation expense	9,124	'	9,124	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised	7,080	'	7,080	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interests attributable to acquisitions	6,943	'	'	'	'	6,943
Reduction to noncontrolling interests due to additional ownership	-130	'	'	'	'	-130
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2014	$1,852,343	$848	$237,053	$1,634,875	($45,554)	$25,121
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2014	84,753,696	84,754,000	'	'	'	'

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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. At December 31, 2013, the Company recorded an immaterial correction of an error to reclassify $5.2 million of book overdrafts from cash and cash equivalents to other current liabilities. This adjustment had no impact on previously reported stockholders' equity, net income, or earnings per share. 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 six months ended June 30, 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	'
	ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
	The following table summarizes the locations of our acquisitions for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
	Acquisition Locations		2014
	United States		6
	Brazil		1
	Canada		1
	Chile		2
	Portugal		4
	Romania		2
	South Korea		1
	Spain		1
	United Kingdom		1
	Total		19
	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.
	During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, we completed fourteen acquisitions. Domestically, we acquired 100% of the stock of one regulated waste business, selected assets of two regulated waste business, and one communication solutions business. Internationally, in Brazil, we acquired selected assets of one regulated waste business. In Canada, we acquired 100% of the stock of one communication solutions business. In Chile, we acquired 100% of the stock of one regulated waste business, and 90% of the stock of another. In South Korea, which represents a new market for us, we acquired 75.5% of the stock of one regulated waste business. In Portugal, we acquired 100% of the stock of one regulated waste businesses. In Romania, we acquired selected assets of one regulated waste business and 100% of the stock of another. In Spain, we acquired selected assets of one regulated waste business. In addition, we acquired selected assets of one regulated waste business in the United Kingdom.
	The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase price paid for acquisitions and other adjustments of consideration to be paid for acquisitions during the six months ended June 30:
	In thousands
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014				2013
	Cash	$	304,832			$	63,401
	Promissory notes	63,022				13,725
	Deferred consideration	5,032				5,803
	Contingent consideration	15,810				3,378
	Total purchase price	$	388,696			$	86,307
	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 six months ended June 30, 2014, we recognized a net increase in goodwill of $178.4 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 $166.5 million was assigned to our United States reportable segment, and a net increase of $11.9 million was assigned to our International reportable segment. Approximately $75.2 million of the goodwill recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2014 will be deductible for income taxes.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we recognized a net increase in intangible assets from acquisitions of $219.9 million, excluding the effect of foreign currency translation. The changes include $81.1 million in the estimated fair value of acquired customer relationships with amortizable lives of 15 to 40 years, $119.4 million in permits with indefinite lives, $0.1 million in tradename with amortizable life of 15 years, and $19.4 million in technology with amortizable life of 7 years.
	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 six months ended June 30:
	In thousands
			Six Months Ended June 30,
			2014				2013
	Fixed assets		$	102,394			$	8,993
	Intangibles		219,876				34,108
	Goodwill		178,433				58,450
	Accounts receivable		54,201				5,710
	Accounts payable		(25,967		)		(2,628		)
	Net other (liabilities)/ assets		(57,027		)		(7,166		)
	Debt		(17,219		)		(3,448		)
	Net deferred tax liabilities		(59,052		)		(5,866		)
	Noncontrolling interests		(6,943		)		(1,846		)
	Total purchase price allocation		$	388,696			$	86,307
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company incurred $7.2 million and $4.1 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.
	Included in the acquisitions discussed above for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 is the acquisition of PSC Environmental Services, LLC ("PSC Environmental"), which was consummated on April 22, 2014. Subject to various adjustments, the total consideration for the PSC Environmental acquisition was $284.0 million, of which $248.2 million was paid in cash, $30.0 million was paid by a two-year promissory note, and $5.8 million of the total purchase price represents contingent consideration which is based on Stericycle's expected future utilization of acquired net operating losses. A portion of the cash payment was applied to pay PSC Environmental’s indebtedness as of the closing date. As part of the PSC Environmental acquisition, we assumed $30.0 million in environmental remediation liabilities (see Note 11 - Environmental Liabilities, in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).
	The results of operations of these acquired businesses have been included in the consolidated statements of income from the date of the acquisition. The pro forma revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from the aggregate acquisitions was approximately $146.8 million, which includes $54.4 million estimated impact to 2014 reported revenues. Our pro forma earnings include estimates for intangible asset amortization expense but does not include estimated synergies as the timing and realizability of synergies is uncertain. The following consolidated pro forma information on the impact of these acquisitions to our consolidated revenues is based on the assumption that these acquisitions all occurred on January 1, 2014 and 2013.
	In thousands
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	1,303,177			1,187,129
	Net income	162,287			153,673

NEW_ACCOUNTING_STANDARDS

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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.
	Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
	Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance that changes the threshold for reporting discontinued operations and adds new disclosures. The new guidance defines a discontinued operation as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and "represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results." For disposals of individually significant components that do not qualify as discontinued operations, an entity must disclose pre-tax earnings of the disposed component. For public business entities, this guidance is effective prospectively for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The Company has no plans to dispose of a component of our entity and therefore does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
	Revenue From Contracts With Customers
	In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. The revenue guidance contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The standard will be effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 for public entities, with no early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the change, however it does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
	Accounting for Share-Based Payment When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period
	In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance that applies to all reporting entities that grant their employees share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. It requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition and follows existing accounting guidance for the treatment of performance conditions. The standard will be effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not have any share-based payments with a performance target and therefore does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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
		June 30, 2014				Inputs		Inputs		Inputs
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	25,326			$	25,326	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments	488				488		—		—
	Total assets	$	25,814			$	25,814	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration	$	29,256			$	—	$	—	$	29,256
	Total liabilities	$	29,256			$	—	$	—	$	29,256
	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	$	67,167			$	67,167	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments	413				413		—		—
	Total assets	$	67,580			$	67,580	$	—	$	—
	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 $29.3 million, of which $16.4 million was classified as current liabilities at June 30, 2014. Contingent consideration liabilities were $12.5 million at December 31, 2013. Contingent consideration represents amounts expected 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 $37.4 million at June 30, 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
	Increases due to acquisitions		15,810
	Decrease due to change of noncontrolling interests		(635		)
	Decrease due to payments		(2,916		)
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		517
	Changes in fair value reflected in Selling, general, and administrative expenses		3,953
	Contingent consideration at June 30, 2014		$	29,256
	Fair Value of Debt: At June 30, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations was estimated, using Level 2 inputs, at $1.71 billion compared to a carrying amount of $1.72 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2014 we had immaterial net decreases to our accruals related to a reassessment of previous and current uncertain tax positions. The effective tax rates for the quarters ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were approximately 35.7% and 34.7%, respectively. The increase in the current quarter tax rate as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year is primarily related to a larger net release of unrecognized tax benefit in 2013.

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION	'
	STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
	At June 30, 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 June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
			2014				2013				2014			2013
	Cost of revenues – stock option plan		$	21			$	30			$	28		$	70
	Selling, general and administrative – stock option plan		3,818				3,174				7,859			6,704
	Selling, general and administrative – RSUs		314				383				629			578
	Selling, general and administrative – ESPP		299				309				608			591
	Total pre-tax expense		$	4,452			$	3,896			$	9,124		$	7,943
	The following table sets forth the tax benefits related to stock compensation:
	In thousands
			Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
			2014				2013				2014			2013
	Tax benefit recognized in Statement of Income		$	1,020			$	1,254			$	1,929		$	2,384
	Excess tax benefit realized		3,346				4,170				7,080			8,373
	Stock Options:
	Stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 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		963,483			115.29
	Exercised		(424,881	)		53.82
	Forfeited		(62,170	)		92.48
	Canceled or expired		(1,108	)		66.74
	Outstanding at June 30, 2014		6,015,806			$	78.43			6.44		$	240,554
	Exercisable at June 30, 2014		3,242,027			$	63.26			5.38		$	178,818
	Vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2014		5,741,157			$	77.35
	As of June 30, 2014, there was $53.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested option awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.29 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 June 30, and the exercise price associated with the respective option).
	In thousands
			Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
			2014				2013				2014			2013
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised		$	14,721			$	13,166			$	26,517		$	27,729
	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 June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
			2014				2013				2014			2013
	Stock options granted (shares)		108,705				68,040				963,483			1,045,130
	Weighted average fair value at grant date		$	21.4			$	27.74			$	21.3		$	21.97
	Assumptions:
	Expected term (in years)		4.69				5.75				4.74			5.88
	Expected volatility		17.52		%		26.27		%		17.6		%	27.05		%
	Expected dividend yield		—		%		—		%		—		%	—		%
	Risk free interest rate		1.53		%		1.02		%		1.49		%	1		%
	Restricted Stock Units:
	Restricted stock units ("RSUs") vest at the end of three or five years. Our 2008, 2011 and 2014 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 six months ended June 30, 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		16,334			115.67
Vested and released		(17,288	)		85
Forfeited		(5,610	)		89.21
Non-vested at June 30, 2014		63,893			$	96.13			$	7,566
As of June 30, 2014, there was $4.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.38 years.

COMMON_STOCK

COMMON STOCK	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
COMMON STOCK	'
	COMMON STOCK
	The following table provides information about our repurchase of shares of our common stock during the six months ended June 30, 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 June 30, 2014	527,243	58,846		111.61
	Six months ended June 30, 2014	1,213,233	$	137,186	$	113.08
	Three months ended March 31, 2013	74,820	$	7,160	$	95.7
	Three months ended June 30, 2013	540,390	59,015		109.21
	Six months ended June 30, 2013	615,210	$	66,175	$	107.57

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	81,936	$	78,044	$	161,085	$	152,661
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares	84,699,043		86,125,012		84,982,966		86,109,244
	Effect of diluted securities:
	Employee stock options	1,283,545		1,489,941		1,317,326		1,436,397
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed exercises	85,982,588		87,614,953		86,300,292		87,545,641
	Earnings per share – Basic	$	0.97	$	0.91	$	1.9	$	1.77
	Earnings per share – Diluted	$	0.95	$	0.89	$	1.87	$	1.74

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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		168,592				21,160				189,752
	Goodwill allocation adjustments		(2,051		)		(9,268		)		(11,319		)
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		—				11,333				11,333
	Balance as of June 30, 2014		$	1,844,618			$	576,730			$	2,421,348
	Current year adjustments to goodwill for certain 2013 acquisitions are primarily due to the finalization of intangible asset valuations.
	During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, we performed our annual goodwill impairment evaluation for our three reporting units: Domestic Regulated and Compliance Services, Domestic Regulated Recall and Returns Management Services, and International Regulated and Compliance Services. We calculated fair value for our reporting units using an income method and validated those results using a market approach. Both the income and market approaches indicated no impairment to goodwill to any of our three reporting units.
	Market Approach: Our market approach begins by calculating the market capitalization of the Company using the average stock price for the prior twelve months and the outstanding share count at June 30, 2014. We then look at the Company's Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization (“EBITDA”), adjusted for stock compensation expense and other items, such as changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, restructuring and plant closure costs, and litigation settlement, for the prior twelve months. The calculated market capitalization is divided by the modified EBITDA to arrive at a valuation multiple. The fair value of each reporting unit is then calculated by taking the product of the valuation multiple and the trailing twelve months' modified EBITDA of that reporting unit. The fair value was then compared to the reporting units' book value and determined to be in excess of the book value. We believe that starting with the fair value of the company as a whole is a reasonable measure as that fair value is then allocated to each reporting unit based on that reporting unit's individual earnings. A sustained drop in our stock price would have a negative impact to our fair value calculations. A temporary drop in earnings of a reporting unit would have a negative impact to our fair value calculations.
	The results of our goodwill impairment test using the market approach indicated the fair value of our reporting units exceeded book value by a substantial amount, in excess of 100% of book value.
	Income Approach: The income approach uses expected future cash flows of each reporting unit and discounts those cash flows to present values. Expected future cash flows are calculated using management assumptions of internal growth, capital expenditures, and cost efficiencies. Future acquisitions are not included in the expected future cash flows. We use a discount rate based on our Company calculated weighted average cost of capital which is adjusted for each of our reporting units based on size risk premium and country risk premium. Significant assumptions used in the income approach include realization of future cash flows and the discount rate used to present value those cash flows.
	The results of our goodwill impairment test using the income approach indicated the fair value of our Domestic Regulated and Compliance Services and Recall and Returns Management Services reporting units exceeded book value by a substantial amount; in excess of 100%. Our International Regulated and Compliance Services reporting units' fair value exceeded book value by approximately 85% and had $576.7 million in assigned goodwill.
	Other Intangible Assets:
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the values of other intangible assets were as follows:
	In thousands
		30-Jun-14												December 31, 2013
		Gross				Accumulated				Net				Gross		Accumulated		Net
		Carrying				Amortization				Value				Carrying		Amortization		Value
		Amount												Amount
	Amortizable intangibles:
	Covenants not-to-compete	$	9,423			$	6,026			$	3,397			$	9,405	$	5,366	$	4,039
	Customer relationships	753,243				96,395				656,848				670,889		81,271		589,618
	Tradenames	5,370				1,189				4,181				5,283		1,031		4,252
	Technology	20,291				703				19,588				611		416		195
	Other	336				19				317				91		14		77
	Indefinite lived intangibles:
	Operating permits	236,407				—				236,407				116,054		—		116,054
	Tradenames	5,800				—				5,800				5,800		—		5,800
	Total	$	1,030,870			$	104,332			$	926,538			$	808,133	$	88,098	$	720,035
	We complete our annual impairment analysis of our indefinite lived intangibles during the quarter ended December 31 of each year.
	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 24.2 years. We have covenants not-to-compete intangibles with useful lives from 3 to 14 years, with a weighted average remaining useful life of 3.5 years. We have tradename intangibles with useful lives from 10 to 40 years, with a weighted average remaining useful life of 15.2 years. We have technology with useful life of 5 to 7 years, with a weighted average remaining useful life of 6.9 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 June 30, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate amortization expense was $8.4 million and $6.5 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate amortization expense was $15.7 million and $13.2 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		$	34,623
	2015		37,144
	2016		36,795
	2017		36,650
	2018		36,319
	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 June 30, 2014.

DEBT

DEBT	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DEBT	'
	DEBT
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
	In thousands
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Obligations under capital leases	$	15,400	$	7,343
	$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.44%, due in 2019	476,321		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
	Promissory notes and deferred consideration weighted average rate of 2.01% and weighted average maturity of 3.3 years	297,089		252,195
	Foreign bank debt weighted average rate 7.76% and weighted average maturity of 1.9 years	176,392		149,147
	Total debt	1,715,202		1,431,043
	Less: current portion of total debt	151,289		150,380
	Long-term portion of total debt	$	1,563,913	$	1,280,663
	Our $1.2 billion senior credit facility maturing in June 2019, 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 June 30, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our financial debt covenants.
	On June 3, 2014, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement (the “new credit agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swingline lender, a lender and a letter of credit issuer, other lenders party to the new credit agreement, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as syndication agents, and Union Bank, N.A. and Santander Bank, National Association, as co-documentation agents. The new credit agreement amended and restated our prior amended and restated credit agreement dated as of September 21, 2011. The new credit agreement increases our unsecured revolving credit facility from $1.0 billion to $1.2 billion and extends the maturity date of our borrowings from September 21, 2016 to June 3, 2019. We paid $2.1 million in financing fees which will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the new credit agreement.
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 we had $212.2 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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $511.5 million and $572.6 million, respectively.
	Our $100.0 million private placement notes that mature in April 2015 were classified as long-term debt due to our intent to pay this obligation by borrowing on our $1.2 billion senior credit facility.
	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 $4.7 million borrowed from JPMorganChase Bank N.A. which is currently due on December 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 $15.7 million due April 18, 2018, which are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as part of long term "Other assets" at June 30, 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL_LIABILITIES_Note

ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]	'
ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES	'
	ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES
	We accrue environmental remediation costs associated with identified sites where an assessment has indicated that cleanup costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are based on currently available information, estimated timing of remedial actions, existing technology, and enacted laws and regulations. The liability for environmental and closure costs is included on the consolidated balance sheets in accrued liabilities and other long term liabilities.
	When we believe that both the amount of a particular environmental remediation liability and the timing of the payments are fixed or reliably determinable, we inflate the cost in current dollars using a weighted-average inflation rate (2.3% at June 30, 2014) and discount the cost to present value using a weighted-average risk-free discount rate (2.8% at June 30, 2014). The inflation rate is calculated based on a weighted-average inflation rate that considers the rate of inflation at the end of the year and average inflation rates for the past 10, 20, and 30 years. The discount rate is a weighted-average year-end discount rate based on rates for U.S. Treasury bonds for the next 10, 20, and 30 years. Both calculations factor in expected timing of cash outflows.
	At June 30, 2014 the total environmental remediation liabilities recorded were $30.0 million, of which $2.5 million was classified as accrued liabilities and $27.5 million was classified as other liabilities. The portion of the recorded environmental remediation liabilities that are not subject to inflation or discounting, because the amounts and timing of payments are not fixed or reliably determinable, was $9.4 million. The portion of the recorded environmental remediation liabilities that are subject to inflation or discounting, because the amounts and timing of payments are fixed or reliably determinable, was $20.6 million. The total expected aggregate undiscounted amount of the liability at June 30, 2014 was $39.7 million.

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Regulated and compliance solutions	$	429,660	$	346,486	$	798,650	$	687,587
	Recall and returns solutions	24,720		23,729		47,784		46,263
	Total revenues	454,380		370,215		846,434		733,850
	Net interest expense	11,642		10,766		22,310		21,497
	Income before income taxes	113,046		99,400		217,359		195,356
	Income taxes	43,683		38,362		80,722		74,812
	Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	69,363	$	61,038	$	136,637	$	120,544
	Depreciation and amortization	$	15,729	$	12,687	$	28,547	$	25,262
	Detailed information for our International reportable segment is as follows:
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Regulated and compliance solutions	$	186,442	$	156,310	$	364,343	$	306,479
	Net interest expense	4,726		2,147		8,956		4,795
	Income before income taxes	15,572		20,662		28,320		41,911
	Income taxes	2,258		3,257		2,510		8,790
	Net income	13,314		17,405		25,810		33,121
	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	741		399		1,362		1,004
	Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	12,573	$	17,006	$	24,448	$	32,117
	Depreciation and amortization	$	11,752	$	9,088	$	22,290	$	18,001

LEGAL_PROCEEDINGS

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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.
	Class Action Lawsuits. 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.
	We have not accrued any amounts in respect of these class action complaints, and we cannot estimate the reasonably possible loss or the range of reasonably possible losses that we may incur. We are unable to make such an estimate because (i) litigation is by its nature uncertain and unpredictable, (ii) the class action proceedings are at an early stage and (iii) in our judgment, there are no comparable class action proceedings against other defendants that might provide guidance in making estimates. We review our outstanding legal proceedings with counsel quarterly, and we will disclose an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of reasonably possible losses if and when we are able to make such an estimate and the reasonably possible loss or range of reasonably possible losses is material to our financial statements.
	Utah Proceedings. 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. We estimate that the cost of resolving matters with the Division of Air Quality will not be material to our financial statements.
	Junk Fax Lawsuit. 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. On May 22, 2014, we filed our answer to the complaint, generally denying the allegations therein.
	PSC Environmental. On April 22, 2014, we completed our acquisition of PSC Environmental Services, LLC (“PSC Environmental”) and consequently became subject to the legal proceedings in which PSC Environmental was a party on that date. PSC Environmental’s operations are regulated by federal, state and local laws enacted to regulate the discharge of materials into the environment, remediate contaminated soil and groundwater or otherwise protect the environment. As a result of this continuing regulation, PSC Environmental frequently becomes a party to legal or administrative proceedings involving various governmental authorities and other interested parties. The issues involved in these proceedings generally relate to alleged violations of existing permits and licenses or alleged responsibility under federal or state Superfund laws to remediate contamination at properties owned either by PSC Environmental or by other parties to which either PSC Environmental or the prior owners of certain of its facilities shipped wastes.
	From time to time, PSC Environmental pays fines or penalties in regulatory proceedings relating primarily to waste treatment, storage or disposal facilities. We believe that the fines or other penalties that PSC Environmental may pay in connection with any pending regulatory proceedings of this nature will not, individually or in the aggregate, be material to our financial statements.

NEW_ACCOUNTING_STANDARDS_Polic

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
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.
	Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
	Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance that changes the threshold for reporting discontinued operations and adds new disclosures. The new guidance defines a discontinued operation as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and "represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results." For disposals of individually significant components that do not qualify as discontinued operations, an entity must disclose pre-tax earnings of the disposed component. For public business entities, this guidance is effective prospectively for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The Company has no plans to dispose of a component of our entity and therefore does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
	Revenue From Contracts With Customers
	In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. The revenue guidance contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The standard will be effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 for public entities, with no early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the change, however it does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
	Accounting for Share-Based Payment When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period
	In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance that applies to all reporting entities that grant their employees share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. It requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition and follows existing accounting guidance for the treatment of performance conditions. The standard will be effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not have any share-based payments with a performance target and therefore does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Summary of Location of Acquisitions	'
	The following table summarizes the locations of our acquisitions for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
	Acquisition Locations		2014
	United States		6
	Brazil		1
	Canada		1
	Chile		2
	Portugal		4
	Romania		2
	South Korea		1
	Spain		1
	United Kingdom		1
	Total		19
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 six months ended June 30:
	In thousands
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014				2013
	Cash	$	304,832			$	63,401
	Promissory notes	63,022				13,725
	Deferred consideration	5,032				5,803
	Contingent consideration	15,810				3,378
	Total purchase price	$	388,696			$	86,307
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 six months ended June 30:
	In thousands
			Six Months Ended June 30,
			2014				2013
	Fixed assets		$	102,394			$	8,993
	Intangibles		219,876				34,108
	Goodwill		178,433				58,450
	Accounts receivable		54,201				5,710
	Accounts payable		(25,967		)		(2,628		)
	Net other (liabilities)/ assets		(57,027		)		(7,166		)
	Debt		(17,219		)		(3,448		)
	Net deferred tax liabilities		(59,052		)		(5,866		)
	Noncontrolling interests		(6,943		)		(1,846		)
	Total purchase price allocation		$	388,696			$	86,307
Pro Forma Information	'
	The following consolidated pro forma information on the impact of these acquisitions to our consolidated revenues is based on the assumption that these acquisitions all occurred on January 1, 2014 and 2013.
	In thousands
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	1,303,177			1,187,129
	Net income	162,287			153,673

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	In thousands
						Fair Value Measurements Using
		Total as of				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		June 30, 2014				Inputs		Inputs		Inputs
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	25,326			$	25,326	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments	488				488		—		—
	Total assets	$	25,814			$	25,814	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration	$	29,256			$	—	$	—	$	29,256
	Total liabilities	$	29,256			$	—	$	—	$	29,256
	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	$	67,167			$	67,167	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments	413				413		—		—
	Total assets	$	67,580			$	67,580	$	—	$	—
	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
	Increases due to acquisitions		15,810
	Decrease due to change of noncontrolling interests		(635		)
	Decrease due to payments		(2,916		)
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		517
	Changes in fair value reflected in Selling, general, and administrative expenses		3,953
	Contingent consideration at June 30, 2014		$	29,256

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Table

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Cost of revenues – stock option plan	$	21			$	30			$	28		$	70
	Selling, general and administrative – stock option plan	3,818				3,174				7,859			6,704
	Selling, general and administrative – RSUs	314				383				629			578
	Selling, general and administrative – ESPP	299				309				608			591
	Total pre-tax expense	$	4,452			$	3,896			$	9,124		$	7,943
Tax Benefits Related to Stock Compensation	'
	The following table sets forth the tax benefits related to stock compensation:
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Tax benefit recognized in Statement of Income	$	1,020			$	1,254			$	1,929		$	2,384
	Excess tax benefit realized	3,346				4,170				7,080			8,373
Stock Option Activity	'
	Stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 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	963,483			115.29
	Exercised	(424,881	)		53.82
	Forfeited	(62,170	)		92.48
	Canceled or expired	(1,108	)		66.74
	Outstanding at June 30, 2014	6,015,806			$	78.43			6.44		$	240,554
	Exercisable at June 30, 2014	3,242,027			$	63.26			5.38		$	178,818
	Vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2014	5,741,157			$	77.35
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 June 30, and the exercise price associated with the respective option).
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	14,721			$	13,166			$	26,517		$	27,729
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 June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Stock options granted (shares)	108,705				68,040				963,483			1,045,130
	Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	21.4			$	27.74			$	21.3		$	21.97
	Assumptions:
	Expected term (in years)	4.69				5.75				4.74			5.88
	Expected volatility	17.52		%		26.27		%		17.6		%	27.05		%
	Expected dividend yield	—		%		—		%		—		%	—		%
	Risk free interest rate	1.53		%		1.02		%		1.49		%	1		%
Restricted Stock Units Activity	'
	A summary of the status of our non-vested RSUs and changes during the six months ended June 30, 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	16,334			115.67
	Vested and released	(17,288	)		85
	Forfeited	(5,610	)		89.21
	Non-vested at June 30, 2014	63,893			$	96.13			$	7,566

COMMON_STOCK_Tables

COMMON STOCK (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 six months ended June 30, 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 June 30, 2014	527,243	58,846		111.61
	Six months ended June 30, 2014	1,213,233	$	137,186	$	113.08
	Three months ended March 31, 2013	74,820	$	7,160	$	95.7
	Three months ended June 30, 2013	540,390	59,015		109.21
	Six months ended June 30, 2013	615,210	$	66,175	$	107.57

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Tabl

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	81,936	$	78,044	$	161,085	$	152,661
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares	84,699,043		86,125,012		84,982,966		86,109,244
	Effect of diluted securities:
	Employee stock options	1,283,545		1,489,941		1,317,326		1,436,397
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed exercises	85,982,588		87,614,953		86,300,292		87,545,641
	Earnings per share – Basic	$	0.97	$	0.91	$	1.9	$	1.77
	Earnings per share – Diluted	$	0.95	$	0.89	$	1.87	$	1.74

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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		168,592				21,160				189,752
	Goodwill allocation adjustments		(2,051		)		(9,268		)		(11,319		)
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		—				11,333				11,333
	Balance as of June 30, 2014		$	1,844,618			$	576,730			$	2,421,348
Values of Intangible Assets	'
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the values of other intangible assets were as follows:
	In thousands
		30-Jun-14												December 31, 2013
		Gross				Accumulated				Net				Gross		Accumulated		Net
		Carrying				Amortization				Value				Carrying		Amortization		Value
		Amount												Amount
	Amortizable intangibles:
	Covenants not-to-compete	$	9,423			$	6,026			$	3,397			$	9,405	$	5,366	$	4,039
	Customer relationships	753,243				96,395				656,848				670,889		81,271		589,618
	Tradenames	5,370				1,189				4,181				5,283		1,031		4,252
	Technology	20,291				703				19,588				611		416		195
	Other	336				19				317				91		14		77
	Indefinite lived intangibles:
	Operating permits	236,407				—				236,407				116,054		—		116,054
	Tradenames	5,800				—				5,800				5,800		—		5,800
	Total	$	1,030,870			$	104,332			$	926,538			$	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		$	34,623
	2015		37,144
	2016		36,795
	2017		36,650
	2018		36,319

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
	In thousands
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Obligations under capital leases	$	15,400	$	7,343
	$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.44%, due in 2019	476,321		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
	Promissory notes and deferred consideration weighted average rate of 2.01% and weighted average maturity of 3.3 years	297,089		252,195
	Foreign bank debt weighted average rate 7.76% and weighted average maturity of 1.9 years	176,392		149,147
	Total debt	1,715,202		1,431,043
	Less: current portion of total debt	151,289		150,380
	Long-term portion of total debt	$	1,563,913	$	1,280,663

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION_Tables

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Regulated and compliance solutions	$	429,660	$	346,486	$	798,650	$	687,587
	Recall and returns solutions	24,720		23,729		47,784		46,263
	Total revenues	454,380		370,215		846,434		733,850
	Net interest expense	11,642		10,766		22,310		21,497
	Income before income taxes	113,046		99,400		217,359		195,356
	Income taxes	43,683		38,362		80,722		74,812
	Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	69,363	$	61,038	$	136,637	$	120,544
	Depreciation and amortization	$	15,729	$	12,687	$	28,547	$	25,262
	Detailed information for our International reportable segment is as follows:
	In thousands
		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Regulated and compliance solutions	$	186,442	$	156,310	$	364,343	$	306,479
	Net interest expense	4,726		2,147		8,956		4,795
	Income before income taxes	15,572		20,662		28,320		41,911
	Income taxes	2,258		3,257		2,510		8,790
	Net income	13,314		17,405		25,810		33,121
	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	741		399		1,362		1,004
	Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	12,573	$	17,006	$	24,448	$	32,117
	Depreciation and amortization	$	11,752	$	9,088	$	22,290	$	18,001

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Details

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	$25,326	$67,167	$21,434	$34,659
Increase in other current liabilities	68,289	50,387	'	'
Reclassifications	'	'	'	'
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	'	5,200	'	'
Increase in other current liabilities	'	$5,200	'	'

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_1

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Summary of Acquisition Location (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
	Entity	Entity	Entity
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	14	5	19
United States	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	6
Brazil	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	1
Canada	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	1
Chile	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	2
Portugal	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	4
Romania	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	2
South Korea	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	1
Spain	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	1
United Kingdom	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	1

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_2

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Aggregate Purchase Price Paid for Acquisitions and Other Adjustments to Consideration (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'
Cash	$304,832	$63,401
Promissory notes	63,022	13,725
Deferred consideration	5,032	5,803
Contingent consideration	15,810	3,378
Total purchase price	$388,696	$86,307

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_3

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation and Other Adjustments to Purchase Price Allocations (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]	Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Fixed assets	'	'	'	$102,394	$8,993
Intangibles	'	'	'	219,876	34,108
Goodwill	2,421,348	2,231,582	2,065,103	178,433	58,450
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	54,201	5,710
Accounts payable	'	'	'	-25,967	-2,628
Net other (liabilities)/ assets	'	'	'	-57,027	-7,166
Debt	'	'	'	-17,219	-3,448
Net deferred tax liabilities	'	'	'	-59,052	-5,866
Noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	-6,943	-1,846
Total purchase price allocation	'	'	'	$388,696	$86,307

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_4

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Pro Forma Information (Details) (Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	$1,303,177	$1,187,129
Net income	$162,287	$153,673

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_5

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Apr. 22, 2014

Entity

Entity

Entity

Customer relationships

Customer relationships

Tradenames

Tradenames

Technology

Technology

United States

Brazil

Canada

Chile

Portugal

Romania

South Korea

Spain

United Kingdom

United States

United States

United States

International

International

International

International

International

International

International

International

Acquisition One [Member]

Acquisition One [Member]

Acquisition One [Member]

Acquisition Two [Member]

Acquisition Two [Member]

Acquisition Two [Member]

Acquisition Three [Member]

Acquisitions Year 2014 [Member]

Acquisitions Year 2014 [Member]

Acquisitions Year 2014 [Member]

Acquisitions Year 2014 [Member]

Acquisitions Year 2014 [Member]

Acquisitions Year 2014 [Member]

Acquisitions Year 2014 [Member]

Acquisitions Year 2014 [Member]

Acquisitions Year 2014 [Member]

PSC Environmental Services, LLC

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Entity

Entity

Entity

Entity

Entity

Entity

Entity

Entity

Entity

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Communication Solutions [Member]

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Communication Solutions [Member]

United States

International

International

United States

International

International

United States

Operating permits

Customer relationships

Customer relationships

Customer relationships

Tradenames

Tradenames

Technology

Technology

Entity

Entity

Brazil

Portugal

Portugal

South Korea

Spain

United Kingdom

Canada

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Communication Solutions [Member]

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Entity

Entity

Entity

Entity

Entity

Entity

Entity

Entity

Chile

Romania

Entity

Chile

Romania

Entity

Entity

Entity

Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of acquisitions

14

5

19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6

1

1

2

4

2

1

1

1

'

1

1

'

1

1

3

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition, ownership percentage acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

100.00%

75.50%

'

'

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

'

'

90.00%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net increase in Goodwill

'

'

$178,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$166,500,000

'

'

$11,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax deductible Goodwill amount

75,200,000

'

75,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net increase in Intangible Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

219,900,000

119,400,000

81,100,000

'

'

100,000

'

19,400,000

'

'

Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'40 years

'10 years

'40 years

'5 years

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'40 years

'

'15 years

'

'7 years

'

Acquisition related expenses

'

'

7,200,000

4,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total consideration

'

'

388,696,000

86,307,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

284,000,000

Consideration, cash paid

'

'

304,832,000

63,401,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

248,200,000

Consideration, note issued

'

'

63,022,000

13,725,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000,000

Contingent consideration

'

'

15,810,000

3,378,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,800,000

Note term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

Liabilities assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000,000

Pro forma revenues from the aggregate acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

146,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impact to revenues of acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$54,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$25,326	$67,167
Short-term investments	488	413
Total assets	25,814	67,580
Liabilities:	'	'
Contingent consideration	29,256	12,527
Total liabilities	29,256	12,527
Level 1 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	25,326	67,167
Short-term investments	488	413
Total assets	25,814	67,580
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	29,256	12,527
Total liabilities	$29,256	$12,527

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Change

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Changes to Contingent Consideration (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability [Roll Forward]	'	'
Contingent consideration at December 31, 2013	$12,527	'
Increases due to acquisitions	15,810	3,378
Decrease due to change of noncontrolling interests	635	'
Decrease due to payments	-2,916	'
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations	517	'
Changes in fair value reflected in Selling, general, and administrative expenses	3,953	-122
Contingent consideration at June 30, 2014	$29,256	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Additi

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration liabilities	$29,256,000	$12,527,000
Debt obligations, carrying amount	1,715,202,000	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	37,400,000	'
Level 3 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration liabilities	29,256,000	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	1,710,000,000	1,410,000,000
Current Liabilities [Member] | Level 3 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration liabilities	$16,400,000	'

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Effective tax rate	35.70%	34.70%

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Expen

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Expense Resulting from Stock Option Awards and ESPP (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$4,452	$3,896	$9,124	$7,943
Stock Options [Member] | Cost of revenues	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	21	30	28	70
Stock Options [Member] | Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	3,818	3,174	7,859	6,704
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	314	383	629	578
ESPP shares [Member] | Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$299	$309	$608	$591

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Tax_B

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Tax Benefits Related to Stock Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit recognized in Statement of Income	$1,020	$1,254	$1,929	$2,384
Excess tax benefit realized	$3,346	$4,170	$7,080	$8,373

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Stock

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Number of Options	'
Outstanding at beginning of year	5,540,482
Granted	963,483
Exercised	-424,881
Forfeited	-62,170
Canceled or expired	-1,108
Outstanding at June 30, 2014	6,015,806
Exercisable at June 30, 2014	3,242,027
Vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2014	5,741,157
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	'
Outstanding at beginning of year	$70.29
Granted	$115.29
Exercised	$53.82
Forfeited	$92.48
Canceled or expired	$66.74
Outstanding at June 30, 2014	$78.43
Exercisable at June 30, 2014	$63.26
Vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2014	$77.35
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'
Outstanding at June 30, 2014	'6 years 5 months 10 days
Exercisable at June 30, 2014	'5 years 4 months 16 days
Total Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'
Outstanding at June 30, 2014	$240,554
Exercisable at June 30, 2014	$178,818

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Intri

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$14,721	$13,166	$26,517	$27,729

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Assum

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Assumptions used in Black-Scholes Model (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock options granted (shares)	108,705	68,040	963,483	1,045,130
Weighted average fair value at grant date	$21.40	$27.74	$21.30	$21.97
Expected term (in years)	'4 years 8 months 10 days	'5 years 9 months	'4 years 8 months 25 days	'5 years 10 months 17 days
Expected volatility	17.52%	26.27%	17.60%	27.05%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk free interest rate	1.53%	1.02%	1.49%	1.00%

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Restr

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Restricted Stock Units Activity (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Number of Units	'	'
Non-vested at beginning of year	70,457	'
Granted	16,334	'
Vested and released	-17,288	'
Forfeited	-5,610	'
Non-vested at June 30, 2014	63,893	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	'	'
Non-vested at beginning of year	$88.32	'
Granted	$115.67	'
Vested and released	$85	'
Forfeited	$89.21	'
Non-vested at June 30, 2014	$96.13	'
Total Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'
Non-vested at June 30, 2014	'	$7,566

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Addit

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation expenses related to non-vested option awards	$53.80
Weighted average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation expenses	'3 years 3 months 15 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation expenses related to RSUs	$4.80
Weighted average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation expenses	'3 years 4 months 17 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				6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Shares Repurchased and Canceled	527,243	685,990	540,390	74,820	1,213,233	615,210	'
Amount Paid for Repurchases	$58,846	$78,340	$59,015	$7,160	$137,186	$66,175	$163,700
Average Price Paid per Share	$111.61	$114.20	$109.21	$95.70	$113.08	$107.57	'

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Comp

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Numerator for basic earnings per share net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$81,936	$78,044	$161,085	$152,661
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares	84,699,043	86,125,012	84,982,966	86,109,244
Effect of diluted securities:	'	'	'	'
Employee stock options	1,283,545	1,489,941	1,317,326	1,436,397
Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed exercises	85,982,588	87,614,953	86,300,292	87,545,641
Earnings per share – Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.97	$0.91	$1.90	$1.77
Earnings per share – Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.95	$0.89	$1.87	$1.74

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$2,231,582	$2,065,103
Goodwill acquired during year	189,752	173,784
Goodwill allocation adjustments	-11,319	6,011
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations	11,333	-13,316
Ending Balance	2,421,348	2,231,582
United States	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	1,678,077	1,616,286
Goodwill acquired during year	168,592	57,250
Goodwill allocation adjustments	-2,051	4,541
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations	0	0
Ending Balance	1,844,618	1,678,077
International	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	553,505	448,817
Goodwill acquired during year	21,160	116,534
Goodwill allocation adjustments	-9,268	1,470
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations	11,333	-13,316
Ending Balance	'	$553,505

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Values of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$1,030,870	$808,133
Accumulated Amortization	104,332	88,098
Net Value	926,538	720,035
Amortizable intangibles | Covenants not-to-compete	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	9,423	9,405
Accumulated Amortization	6,026	5,366
Net Value	3,397	4,039
Amortizable intangibles | Customer relationships	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	753,243	670,889
Accumulated Amortization	96,395	81,271
Net Value	656,848	589,618
Amortizable intangibles | Tradenames	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	5,370	5,283
Accumulated Amortization	1,189	1,031
Net Value	4,181	4,252
Amortizable intangibles | Technology	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	20,291	611
Accumulated Amortization	703	416
Net Value	19,588	195
Amortizable intangibles | Other	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	336	91
Accumulated Amortization	19	14
Net Value	317	77
Indefinite lived intangibles | Operating permits	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	236,407	116,054
Net Value	236,407	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 $)	Jun. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$34,623
2015	37,144
2016	36,795
2017	36,650
2018	$36,319

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_5

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			Segment
			Reporting_unit
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of geographical reportable segments	'	'	2	'	'	'
Number of reporting units	'	'	3	'	'	'
Goodwill	$2,421,348	'	$2,421,348	'	$2,231,582	$2,065,103
Aggregate amortization expense	8,402	6,533	15,717	13,175	'	'
Customer relationships	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average remaining useful life	'	'	'24 years 2 months 12 days	'	'	'
Customer relationships | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'10 years	'	'	'
Customer relationships | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'40 years	'	'	'
Covenants not-to-compete	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average remaining useful life	'	'	'3 years 6 months	'	'	'
Covenants not-to-compete | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'3 years	'	'	'
Covenants not-to-compete | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'14 years	'	'	'
Tradenames	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average remaining useful life	'	'	'15 years 2 months 12 days	'	'	'
Tradenames | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'10 years	'	'	'
Tradenames | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'40 years	'	'	'
Technology	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average remaining useful life	'	'	'6 years 10 months 24 days	'	'	'
Technology | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'5 years	'	'	'
Technology | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'7 years	'	'	'
Market Approach Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	100.00%	'	100.00%	'	'	'
Domestic Regulated and Compliance Services [Member] | Income Approach Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	100.00%	'	100.00%	'	'	'
Domestic Regulated Recall and Returns Management Services [Member] | Income Approach Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	100.00%	'	100.00%	'	'	'
International Regulated and Compliance Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$576,730	'	$576,730	'	'	'
International Regulated and Compliance Services [Member] | Income Approach Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	85.00%	'	85.00%	'	'	'

DEBT_Schedule_of_LongTerm_Debt

DEBT - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$1,715,202	$1,431,043
Less: current portion of total debt	151,289	150,380
Long-term portion of total debt	1,563,913	1,280,663
Obligations under capital leases	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	15,400	7,343
$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.44%, due in 2019	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	476,321	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
Promissory notes and deferred consideration weighted average rate of 2.01% and weighted average maturity of 3.3 years	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	297,089	252,195
Foreign bank debt weighted average rate 7.76% and weighted average maturity of 1.9 years	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$176,392	$149,147

DEBT_Schedule_of_LongTerm_Debt1

DEBT - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 03, 2014	Jun. 01, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
	$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.44%, due in 2019	$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.44%, due in 2019	$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.44%, due in 2019	$100 million private placement notes 5.64%, due in 2015	$175 million private placement notes 3.89%, due in 2017	$125 million private placement notes 2.68%, due in 2019	$225 million private placement notes 4.47%, due in 2020	$125 million private placement notes 3.26%, due in 2022	Promissory notes and deferred consideration weighted average rate of 2.01% and weighted average maturity of 3.3 years	Foreign bank debt weighted average rate 7.76% and weighted average maturity of 1.9 years
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity of line of credit facility	$1,200,000,000	$1,200,000,000	$1,000,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt, face amount	'	'	'	$100,000,000	$175,000,000	$125,000,000	$225,000,000	$125,000,000	'	'
Stated interest rate	1.44%	'	'	5.64%	3.89%	2.68%	4.47%	3.26%	'	'
Weighted average interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.01%	7.76%
Weighted average maturity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years 4 months 2 days	'1 year 11 months 5 days

DEBT_Additional_Information_De

DEBT - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 02, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 03, 2014

Jun. 01, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.44%, due in 2019

$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.44%, due in 2019

$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.44%, due in 2019

$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.44%, due in 2019

$100 million private placement notes 5.64%, due in 2015

$175 million private placement notes 3.89%, due in 2017

$125 million private placement notes 2.68%, due in 2019

$225 million private placement notes 4.47%, due in 2020

$125 million private placement notes 3.26%, due in 2022

Long-term Debt [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

$100 million private placement notes 5.64%, due in 2015

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity of line of credit facility

'

'

'

$1,200,000,000

$1,200,000,000

$1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

175,000,000

125,000,000

225,000,000

125,000,000

100,000,000

'

Payment of financing fees

2,100,000

2,280,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, amount committed to outstanding letters of credit

'

'

'

212,200,000

'

'

155,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, unused portion

'

'

'

511,500,000

'

'

572,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guaranteed loan, loan balance

'

4,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan receivable from customer

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,700,000

ENVIRONMENTAL_LIABILITIES_Deta

ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]	'
Weighted-average inflation rate	2.30%
Weighted-average risk-free discount rate	2.80%
Environmental remediation liabilities	$30
Environmental remediation liabilities, classified as accrued liabilities	2.5
Environmental remediation liabilities, classified as other liabilities	27.5
Environmental remediation liabilities, not subject to inflation or discounting	9.4
Environmental remediation liabilities, subject to inflation or discounting	20.6
Environmental remediation liabilities, undiscounted	$39.70

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION_Detaile

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$640,822	$526,525	$1,210,777	$1,040,329	'
Income before income taxes	128,618	120,062	245,679	237,267	'
Income taxes	45,941	41,619	83,232	83,602	'
Net Income	82,677	78,443	162,447	153,665	313,084
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	741	399	1,362	1,004	'
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	81,936	78,044	161,085	152,661	'
United States	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	454,380	370,215	846,434	733,850	'
Net interest expense	11,642	10,766	22,310	21,497	'
Income before income taxes	113,046	99,400	217,359	195,356	'
Income taxes	43,683	38,362	80,722	74,812	'
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	69,363	61,038	136,637	120,544	'
Depreciation and amortization	15,729	12,687	28,547	25,262	'
United States | Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	429,660	346,486	798,650	687,587	'
United States | Recall and Returns Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	24,720	23,729	47,784	46,263	'
International	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net interest expense	4,726	2,147	8,956	4,795	'
Income before income taxes	15,572	20,662	28,320	41,911	'
Income taxes	2,258	3,257	2,510	8,790	'
Net Income	13,314	17,405	25,810	33,121	'
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	741	399	1,362	1,004	'
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	12,573	17,006	24,448	32,117	'
Depreciation and amortization	11,752	9,088	22,290	18,001	'
International | Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$186,442	$156,310	$364,343	$306,479	'

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION_Additio

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	2