Stericycle (SRCL) 10-Q7 Nov 142014 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 03, 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-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'SRCL	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	84,924,367

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$41,985	$67,167
Short-term investments	479	413
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $19,478 in 2014 and $19,134 in 2013	456,461	388,996
Deferred income taxes	18,185	18,031
Prepaid expenses	37,929	28,379
Other current assets	37,638	37,279
Total Current Assets	592,677	540,265
Property, plant and equipment, net	498,577	358,967
Goodwill	2,415,210	2,231,582
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $109,135 in 2014 and $88,098 in 2013	910,928	720,035
Other assets	28,242	37,124
Total Assets	4,445,634	3,887,973
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	165,074	150,380
Accounts payable	131,617	89,146
Accrued liabilities	139,025	107,445
Deferred revenues	22,406	18,826
Other current liabilities	57,183	50,387
Total Current Liabilities	515,305	416,184
Long-term debt, net of current portion	1,512,333	1,280,663
Deferred income taxes	470,383	396,119
Other liabilities	67,426	27,469
Equity:	'	'
Common stock (par value $.01 per share, 120,000,000 shares authorized, 84,774,015 issued and outstanding in 2014 and 85,500,037 issued and outstanding in 2013)	848	855
Additional paid-in capital	256,641	195,110
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-95,351	-56,468
Retained earnings	1,694,549	1,610,964
Total Stericycle, Inc.â€™s Equity	1,856,687	1,750,461
Noncontrolling interest	23,500	17,077
Total Equity	1,880,187	1,767,538
Total Liabilities and Equity	$4,445,634	$3,887,973

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$19,478	$19,134
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$109,135	$88,098
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, issued	84,774,015	85,500,037
Common stock, outstanding	84,774,015	85,500,037

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$667,877	$534,579	$1,878,654	$1,574,908
Costs and Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation shown below)	373,973	280,645	1,026,149	826,703
Depreciation - cost of revenues	15,235	12,531	43,063	36,856
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)	125,603	96,689	355,330	282,580
Depreciation â€“ selling, general and administrative expenses	5,033	2,610	12,325	8,373
Amortization	8,497	6,709	24,214	19,884
Total Costs and Expenses	528,341	399,184	1,461,081	1,174,396
Income from Operations	139,536	135,395	417,573	400,512
Other Income (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	27	151	97	420
Interest expense	-16,644	-13,467	-47,980	-40,028
Other expense, net	-477	-1,341	-1,569	-2,899
Total Other Expense	-17,094	-14,657	-49,452	-42,507
Income Before Income Taxes	122,442	120,738	368,121	358,005
Income Tax Expense	39,401	39,906	122,633	123,508
Net Income	83,041	80,832	245,488	234,497
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	196	285	1,558	1,289
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$82,845	$80,547	$243,930	$233,208
Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Stericycle, Inc. Common Shareholders:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.98	$0.94	$2.87	$2.71
Diluted	$0.96	$0.92	$2.83	$2.67
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	84,858,360	85,849,656	84,940,975	86,021,764
Diluted	86,116,455	87,401,565	86,237,202	87,497,276

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$83,041	$80,832	$245,488	$234,497
Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-51,552	23,549	-40,777	-17,070
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, net of tax ($55 and $50, and $155 and $150) for the three-and nine-months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	97	79	254	236
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax ($0 and $0, and $47 and $0) for the three-and nine-months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	-159	0	-308	0
Total Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss)	-51,614	23,628	-40,831	-16,834
Comprehensive Income	31,427	104,460	204,657	217,663
Less: Comprehensive Income/ (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-1,621	347	-390	389
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$33,048	$104,113	$205,047	$217,274

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of cash flow hedge into income, tax	$55	$50	$155	$150
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, tax	$0	$0	$47	$0

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$245,488	$234,497
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Stock compensation expense	13,365	12,088
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised	-10,747	-12,354
Depreciation	55,388	45,229
Amortization	24,214	19,884
Deferred income taxes	8,833	15,623
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	3,953	-307
Other	1,379	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions and divestitures:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-25,420	-43,816
Accounts payable	13,383	3,258
Accrued liabilities	17,640	21,420
Deferred revenues	2,326	-614
Other assets and liabilities	-4,830	41,181
Net cash provided by operating activities	344,972	336,089
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-328,811	-131,902
(Purchases of)/ proceeds from investments	-2,051	45
Capital expenditures	-66,262	-54,329
Net cash used in investing activities	-397,124	-186,186
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt and other obligations	-45,031	-48,858
Borrowings on foreign bank debt	151,605	164,669
Repayments on foreign bank debt	-136,025	-163,941
Borrowings on senior credit facility	1,154,100	731,015
Repayments on senior credit facility	-979,059	-725,940
Payments on capital lease obligations	-4,014	-2,623
Payments of deferred financing costs	-2,280	0
Purchases and cancellations of treasury stock	-157,004	-114,531
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	33,904	33,827
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised	10,747	12,354
Payments to noncontrolling interests	-732	-1,018
Net cash provided by/ (used in) financing activities	26,211	-115,046
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	759	-1,795
Net (decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents	-25,182	33,062
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	67,167	34,659
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	41,985	67,721
NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Issuances of obligations for acquisitions	100,944	88,530
Issuances of obligations for purchases of noncontrolling interest	$0	$2,113

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	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest
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	245,488	'	'	243,930	'	1,558
Currency translation adjustment	-40,777	'	'	'	-38,829	-1,948
Change in qualifying cash flow hedge, net of tax	-54	'	'	'	-54	'
Issuance of common stock for exercise of options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases (in shares)	'	686,000	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for exercise of options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases	37,426	7	37,419	'	'	'
Purchase/ cancellation of treasury stock (in shares)	-1,411,961	-1,412,000	'	'	'	'
Purchase/ cancellation of treasury stock	-160,359	-14	0	-160,345	'	'
Stock compensation expense	13,365	'	13,365	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised	10,747	'	10,747	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interests attributable to acquisitions	6,943	'	'	'	'	6,943
Reduction to noncontrolling interests due to additional ownership	-130	'	'	'	'	-130
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$1,880,187	$848	$256,641	$1,694,549	($95,351)	$23,500
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	84,774,015	84,774,000	'	'	'	'

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	Sep. 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 nine months ended September 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	'
	ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
	The following table summarizes the locations of our acquisitions for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:


	Acquisition Locations		2014
	United States		12

	Brazil		1

	Canada		2

	Chile		3

	Japan		2

	Portugal		5

	Romania		3

	South Korea		1

	Spain		3

	United Kingdom		3

	Total		35

	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 businesses, 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 business. 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.
	During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, we completed sixteen acquisitions. Domestically, we acquired selected assets of five regulated waste businesses and one communication solutions 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. In Japan, we acquired 100% of the stock of two regulated waste businesses. In Portugal, we acquired 100% of the stock of one regulated waste business. In Romania, we acquired selected assets of one regulated waste business. In Spain, we acquired 100% of the stock of one regulated waste business and selected assets of one regulated waste business. In addition, we acquired 100% of the stock of two regulated waste businesses 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 nine months ended September 30:


	In thousands
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013
	Cash	$	328,811			$	131,902

	Promissory notes	78,325				56,602

	Deferred consideration	6,124				28,550

	Contingent consideration	16,495				3,378

	Total purchase price	$	429,755			$	220,432

	For financial reporting purposes, our 2014 and 2013 acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. These acquisitions resulted in the 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized a net increase in goodwill of $202.4 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 $176.2 million was assigned to our United States reportable segment, and a net increase of $26.2 million was assigned to our International reportable segment. Approximately $99 million of the goodwill recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 will be deductible for income taxes.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized a net increase in intangible assets from acquisitions of $242.8 million, excluding the effect of foreign currency translation. The changes include $97.0 million in the estimated fair value of acquired customer relationships with amortizable lives of 10 to 40 years, $145.3 million in permits with indefinite lives, and $0.2 million in tradename with an amortizable life of 15 years, and $0.3 million in other intangibles with an amortizable life of 10 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 nine months ended September 30:


	In thousands
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013
	Fixed assets	$	127,621			$	10,683

	Intangibles	242,792				79,798

	Goodwill	202,391				153,482

	Accounts receivable	56,696				9,392

	Accounts payable	(32,561		)		(6,100		)
Net other (liabilities)/ assets	(67,564		)		(6,448		)
Debt	(22,097		)		(3,642		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	(70,580		)		(12,521		)
Noncontrolling interests	(6,943		)		(4,212		)
Total purchase price allocation	$	429,755			$	220,432


During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company incurred $10.7 million and $6.2 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 100% of the stock 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).
Included in the acquisitions discussed above for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 is the acquisition of 100% of the stock of Shiraishi-Sogyo Co. Ltd. ("Shiraishi"). Consideration for the acquisition of Shiraishi included the effective settlement of pre-existing non-interest bearing loans we extended to Shiraishi for $15.7 million and the assumption of Shiraishi's bank debt of $4.7 million.

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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 from the aggregate acquisitions was approximately $241 million, which includes $131.7 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
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013
Revenues	1,987,813			1,815,807

Net income	246,570			236,030

NEW_ACCOUNTING_STANDARDS

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	9 Months Ended
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	Sep. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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
		September 30, 2014				Inputs		Inputs		Inputs
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	41,985			$	41,985	$	—	$	—

	Short-term investments	479				479		—		—

	Total assets	$	42,464			$	42,464	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration	$	28,806			$	—	$	—	$	28,806

	Total liabilities	$	28,806			$	—	$	—	$	28,806



	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 $28.8 million, of which $16.4 million was classified as current liabilities at September 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 $36.7 million at September 30, 2014. Contingent consideration liabilities are reassessed each quarter and are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as part of “Other current liabilities” and “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		16,495

	Decrease due to change of noncontrolling interests		(635		)
	Decrease due to payments		(2,916		)
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		(618		)
	Changes in fair value reflected in Selling, general, and administrative expenses		3,953

	Contingent consideration at September 30, 2014		$	28,806

	Fair Value of Debt: At September 30, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations was estimated, using Level 2 inputs, at $1.67 billion compared to a carrying amount of $1.68 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	9 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Sep. 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 September 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 September 30, 2014 and 2013 were approximately 32.2% and 33.1%, respectively. The decrease in the current quarter tax rate as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year is primarily related to a recognition of certain tax benefits in 2014 that were previously uncertain.

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION	'
	STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
	At September 30, 2014, we had the following stock option and stock purchase plans:


	•	the 2014 Incentive Stock Plan, which our stockholders approved in May 2014;

	•	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 September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014				2013				2014			2013
	Cost of revenues – stock option plan		$	14			$	32			$	42		$	102

	Selling, general and administrative – stock option plan		3,600				3,561				11,459			10,265

	Selling, general and administrative – RSUs		319				389				948			967

	Selling, general and administrative – ESPP		308				163				916			754

	Total pre-tax expense		$	4,241			$	4,145			$	13,365		$	12,088


	The following table sets forth the tax benefits related to stock compensation:


	In thousands
			Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014				2013				2014			2013
	Tax benefit recognized in Statement of Income		$	1,319			$	1,109			$	3,248		$	3,493

	Excess tax benefit realized		3,667				3,981				10,747			12,354


	Stock Options:

	Stock option activity for the nine months ended September 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		975,038			115.31

Exercised		(646,434	)		53.91

Forfeited		(101,361	)		93.91

Canceled or expired		(1,657	)		80.96

Outstanding at September 30, 2014		5,766,068			$	79.32			6.25		$	214,733

Exercisable at September 30, 2014		3,030,962			$	63.97			5.18		$	159,403

Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014		5,527,430			$	78.34


As of September 30, 2014, there was $49.0 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested option awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.05 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 September 30, and the exercise price associated with the respective option).


In thousands
		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
Total intrinsic value of options exercised		$	14,375			$	12,809			$	40,893		$	40,537


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 September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
Stock options granted (shares)		11,555				4,950				975,038			1,050,080

Weighted average fair value at grant date		$	21.32			$	26.51			$	21.3		$	21.99

Assumptions:
Expected term (in years)		4.78				5.75				4.75			5.83

Expected volatility		16.98		%		26.2		%		17.39		%	27.05		%
Expected dividend yield		—		%		—		%		—		%	—		%
Risk free interest rate		1.59		%		1.67		%		1.52		%	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 nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2014		63,893			$	96.13			$	7,447


As of September 30, 2014, there was $4.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.12 years.

COMMON_STOCK

COMMON STOCK	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
COMMON STOCK	'
	COMMON STOCK
	The following table provides information about our repurchase of shares of our common stock during the nine months ended September 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

	Three months ended September 30, 2014	198,728	23,173		116.6

	Nine months ended September 30, 2014	1,411,961	$	160,359	$	113.57


	Three months ended March 31, 2013	74,820	$	7,160	$	95.7

	Three months ended June 30, 2013	540,390	59,015		109.21

	Three months ended September 30, 2013	421,060	48,356		114.84

	Nine months ended September 30, 2013	1,036,270	$	114,531	$	110.52


	Of the 198,728 shares repurchased during the three months ended September 30, 2014, 29,100 shares in the amount of $3.4 million were not settled. This amount is recognized as part of other accrued liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2014.

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 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 September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	82,845	$	80,547	$	243,930	$	233,208

	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares	84,858,360		85,849,656		84,940,975		86,021,764

	Effect of diluted securities:

	Employee stock options	1,258,095		1,551,909		1,296,227		1,475,512

	Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed exercises	86,116,455		87,401,565		86,237,202		87,497,276

	Earnings per share – Basic	$	0.98	$	0.94	$	2.87	$	2.71

	Earnings per share – Diluted	$	0.96	$	0.92	$	2.83	$	2.67

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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

	Purchase accounting 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		180,990				43,300				224,290

	Purchase accounting allocation adjustments		(4,825		)		(17,074		)		(21,899		)
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		—				(18,763		)		(18,763		)

	Balance as of September 30, 2014		$	1,854,242			$	560,968			$	2,415,210

	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 at June 30, 2014.
	Other Intangible Assets:
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the values of other intangible assets were as follows:


	In thousands
		30-Sep-14												December 31, 2013
		Gross				Accumulated				Net				Gross		Accumulated		Net
		Carrying				Amortization				Value				Carrying		Amortization		Value
		Amount												Amount
	Amortizable intangibles:
	Covenants not-to-compete	$	8,548			$	5,459			$	3,089			$	9,405	$	5,366	$	4,039

	Customer relationships	749,903				101,927				647,976				670,889		81,271		589,618

	Tradenames	5,235				1,234				4,001				5,283		1,031		4,252

	Technology	611				495				116				611		416		195

	Other	555				20				535				91		14		77

	Indefinite lived intangibles:
	Operating permits	249,411				—				249,411				116,054		—		116,054

	Tradenames	5,800				—				5,800				5,800		—		5,800

	Total	$	1,020,063			$	109,135			$	910,928			$	808,133	$	88,098	$	720,035

	During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, we wrote off $1.4 million in operating permits due to rationalizing certain of our domestic and international operations. These expenses are reflected as part of "Selling, general and administrative expenses." Under generally accepted accounting principles, a fair value must be assigned to all acquired assets based on a theoretical "market participant" regardless of the acquirers' intended use for these assets.This accounting treatment can lead to the recognition of losses when a company disposes of acquired assets. We complete our annual impairment analysis of our indefinite lived intangibles during the quarter ended December 31 of each year, or more frequently, if circumstances indicate that they may be impaired.
	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 23.7 years. We have covenants not-to-compete intangibles with useful lives from 3 to 14 years, with a weighted average remaining useful life of 3.4 years. We have tradename intangibles with useful lives from 10 to 40 years, with a weighted average remaining useful life of 15.1 years. We have technology with a useful life of 5 years, with a weighted average remaining useful life of 1.3 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 September 30, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate amortization expense was $8.5 million and $6.7 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate amortization expense was $24.2 million and $19.9 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		$	32,832

2015		35,043

2016		34,698

2017		34,553

2018		34,223

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 September 30, 2014.

DEBT

DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DEBT	'
	DEBT
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:


	In thousands
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Obligations under capital leases	$	14,971	$	7,343

	$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.61%, due in 2019	443,972		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 1.98% and weighted average maturity of 3.3 years	294,082		252,195

	Foreign bank debt weighted average rate 7.52% and weighted average maturity of 1.7 years	174,382		149,147

	Total debt	1,677,407		1,431,043

	Less: current portion of total debt	165,074		150,380

	Long-term portion of total debt	$	1,512,333	$	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 September 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 we had $187.7 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $568.3 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL_LIABILITIES

ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES	9 Months Ended
ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES	Sep. 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 in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in part of "Accrued liabilities" and "Other 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 (2.1% at September 30, 2014) and discount the cost to present value using a weighted-average risk-free discount rate (2.7% at September 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 September 30, 2014, the total environmental remediation liabilities recorded were $29.9 million, of which $1.3 million was classified as accrued liabilities and $28.6 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 $9.2 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 $20.7 million. The total expected aggregate undiscounted amount of the liability at September 30, 2014 was $38.5 million.

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Regulated and compliance solutions	$	454,046	$	353,049	$	1,252,696	$	1,040,636

	Recall and returns solutions	16,611		25,071		64,395		71,334

	Total revenues	470,657		378,120		1,317,091		1,111,970

	Net interest expense	11,559		10,786		33,869		32,283

	Income before income taxes	108,318		103,925		325,447		299,281

	Income taxes	34,242		34,687		114,902		109,499

	Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	74,076	$	69,238	$	210,545	$	189,782


	Depreciation and amortization	$	16,948	$	12,041	$	45,726	$	37,303


	Detailed information for our International reportable segment is as follows:


	In thousands
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Regulated and compliance solutions	$	197,220	$	156,459	$	561,563	$	462,938

	Net interest expense	5,058		2,530		14,014		7,325

	Income before income taxes	14,124		16,813		42,674		58,724

	Income taxes	5,159		5,219		7,731		14,009

	Net income	8,965		11,594		34,943		44,715

	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	196		285		1,558		1,289

	Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	8,769	$	11,309	$	33,385	$	43,426


	Depreciation and amortization	$	11,817	$	9,809	$	33,876	$	27,810

LEGAL_PROCEEDINGS

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	9 Months Ended
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	Sep. 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 qui tam 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. The qui tam case is in the early stages of discovery.
	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. The MDL action is in the early stages of discovery.
	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 lawsuits, 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 proceedings are at an early stage and (iii) in our judgment, there are no comparable proceedings against other defendants that might provide guidance in making estimates.
	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. A hearing before an administrative law judge has been scheduled for July 2015 in the event that a resolution has not been achieved by that date. 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 Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, as amended by the Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2005 (the “TCPA”). The complaint seeks certification of the lawsuit as a class action and the award to class members of the greater of actual damages or the sum of $500 for each violation and injunctive and other relief. Under the TCPA, the statutory remedy of $500 per violation may be trebled if the Court finds the violations to be willful or knowing. On May 22, 2014, we filed our answer to the complaint, generally denying the allegations therein. Discovery in the case is proceeding.
	We have not accrued any amounts in respect of the TCPA action, 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) the proceedings are at an early stage and discovery is ongoing and (ii) other reported TCPA claims have resulted in a broad range of outcomes, with each case being dependent on its own unique facts and circumstances.
	We review all of our outstanding legal proceedings with counsel quarterly, and we will disclose an estimate of any 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.
	Environmental Matters. 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.
	On September 18, 2014, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Stericycle Specialty Waste Solutions, Inc., received a notice of violation (“NOV”) from the New Mexico Environment Department (“NMED”) concerning our 10-day transfer facility in Albuquerque. The violations alleged in the NOV generally relate to the management of Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (“CESQG”) waste under a CESQG agreement that we have with NMED, as well as some recordkeeping matters. We have met with NMED and are currently in discussions regarding a resolution of the matters alleged in the NOV. We believe that the penalties ultimately assessed under the NOV could exceed $100,000 but that, in any event, they will not be material to our financial statements.

NEW_ACCOUNTING_STANDARDS_Polic

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (Policies)	9 Months Ended
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (Policies)	Sep. 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Summary of Location of Acquisitions	'
	The following table summarizes the locations of our acquisitions for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:


	Acquisition Locations		2014
	United States		12

	Brazil		1

	Canada		2

	Chile		3

	Japan		2

	Portugal		5

	Romania		3

	South Korea		1

	Spain		3

	United Kingdom		3

	Total		35

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 nine months ended September 30:


	In thousands
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013
	Cash	$	328,811			$	131,902

	Promissory notes	78,325				56,602

	Deferred consideration	6,124				28,550

	Contingent consideration	16,495				3,378

	Total purchase price	$	429,755			$	220,432

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 nine months ended September 30:


	In thousands
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013
	Fixed assets	$	127,621			$	10,683

	Intangibles	242,792				79,798

	Goodwill	202,391				153,482

	Accounts receivable	56,696				9,392

	Accounts payable	(32,561		)		(6,100		)
	Net other (liabilities)/ assets	(67,564		)		(6,448		)
	Debt	(22,097		)		(3,642		)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	(70,580		)		(12,521		)
	Noncontrolling interests	(6,943		)		(4,212		)
	Total purchase price allocation	$	429,755			$	220,432

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
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	1,987,813			1,815,807

	Net income	246,570			236,030

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'


	In thousands
						Fair Value Measurements Using
		Total as of				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		September 30, 2014				Inputs		Inputs		Inputs
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	41,985			$	41,985	$	—	$	—

	Short-term investments	479				479		—		—

	Total assets	$	42,464			$	42,464	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration	$	28,806			$	—	$	—	$	28,806

	Total liabilities	$	28,806			$	—	$	—	$	28,806



	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		16,495

	Decrease due to change of noncontrolling interests		(635		)
	Decrease due to payments		(2,916		)
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		(618		)
	Changes in fair value reflected in Selling, general, and administrative expenses		3,953

	Contingent consideration at September 30, 2014		$	28,806

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Table

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Cost of revenues – stock option plan	$	14			$	32			$	42		$	102

	Selling, general and administrative – stock option plan	3,600				3,561				11,459			10,265

	Selling, general and administrative – RSUs	319				389				948			967

	Selling, general and administrative – ESPP	308				163				916			754

	Total pre-tax expense	$	4,241			$	4,145			$	13,365		$	12,088

Tax Benefits Related to Stock Compensation	'
	The following table sets forth the tax benefits related to stock compensation:


	In thousands
		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Tax benefit recognized in Statement of Income	$	1,319			$	1,109			$	3,248		$	3,493

	Excess tax benefit realized	3,667				3,981				10,747			12,354

Stock Option Activity	'
	Stock option activity for the nine months ended September 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	975,038			115.31

	Exercised	(646,434	)		53.91

	Forfeited	(101,361	)		93.91

	Canceled or expired	(1,657	)		80.96

	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	5,766,068			$	79.32			6.25		$	214,733

	Exercisable at September 30, 2014	3,030,962			$	63.97			5.18		$	159,403

	Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014	5,527,430			$	78.34

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 September 30, and the exercise price associated with the respective option).


	In thousands
		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	14,375			$	12,809			$	40,893		$	40,537

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 September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Stock options granted (shares)	11,555				4,950				975,038			1,050,080

	Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	21.32			$	26.51			$	21.3		$	21.99

	Assumptions:
	Expected term (in years)	4.78				5.75				4.75			5.83

	Expected volatility	16.98		%		26.2		%		17.39		%	27.05		%
	Expected dividend yield	—		%		—		%		—		%	—		%
	Risk free interest rate	1.59		%		1.67		%		1.52		%	1		%
Restricted Stock Units Activity	'
	A summary of the status of our non-vested RSUs and changes during the nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2014	63,893			$	96.13			$	7,447

COMMON_STOCK_Tables

COMMON STOCK (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine months ended September 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

	Three months ended September 30, 2014	198,728	23,173		116.6

	Nine months ended September 30, 2014	1,411,961	$	160,359	$	113.57


	Three months ended March 31, 2013	74,820	$	7,160	$	95.7

	Three months ended June 30, 2013	540,390	59,015		109.21

	Three months ended September 30, 2013	421,060	48,356		114.84

	Nine months ended September 30, 2013	1,036,270	$	114,531	$	110.52

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Tabl

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	82,845	$	80,547	$	243,930	$	233,208

	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares	84,858,360		85,849,656		84,940,975		86,021,764

	Effect of diluted securities:

	Employee stock options	1,258,095		1,551,909		1,296,227		1,475,512

	Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed exercises	86,116,455		87,401,565		86,237,202		87,497,276

	Earnings per share – Basic	$	0.98	$	0.94	$	2.87	$	2.71

	Earnings per share – Diluted	$	0.96	$	0.92	$	2.83	$	2.67

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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

	Purchase accounting 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		180,990				43,300				224,290

	Purchase accounting allocation adjustments		(4,825		)		(17,074		)		(21,899		)
	Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations		—				(18,763		)		(18,763		)

	Balance as of September 30, 2014		$	1,854,242			$	560,968			$	2,415,210

Values of Intangible Assets	'
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the values of other intangible assets were as follows:


	In thousands
		30-Sep-14												December 31, 2013
		Gross				Accumulated				Net				Gross		Accumulated		Net
		Carrying				Amortization				Value				Carrying		Amortization		Value
		Amount												Amount
	Amortizable intangibles:
	Covenants not-to-compete	$	8,548			$	5,459			$	3,089			$	9,405	$	5,366	$	4,039

	Customer relationships	749,903				101,927				647,976				670,889		81,271		589,618

	Tradenames	5,235				1,234				4,001				5,283		1,031		4,252

	Technology	611				495				116				611		416		195

	Other	555				20				535				91		14		77

	Indefinite lived intangibles:
	Operating permits	249,411				—				249,411				116,054		—		116,054

	Tradenames	5,800				—				5,800				5,800		—		5,800

	Total	$	1,020,063			$	109,135			$	910,928			$	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		$	32,832

	2015		35,043

	2016		34,698

	2017		34,553

	2018		34,223

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:


	In thousands
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Obligations under capital leases	$	14,971	$	7,343

	$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.61%, due in 2019	443,972		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 1.98% and weighted average maturity of 3.3 years	294,082		252,195

	Foreign bank debt weighted average rate 7.52% and weighted average maturity of 1.7 years	174,382		149,147

	Total debt	1,677,407		1,431,043

	Less: current portion of total debt	165,074		150,380

	Long-term portion of total debt	$	1,512,333	$	1,280,663

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION_Tables

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Regulated and compliance solutions	$	454,046	$	353,049	$	1,252,696	$	1,040,636

	Recall and returns solutions	16,611		25,071		64,395		71,334

	Total revenues	470,657		378,120		1,317,091		1,111,970

	Net interest expense	11,559		10,786		33,869		32,283

	Income before income taxes	108,318		103,925		325,447		299,281

	Income taxes	34,242		34,687		114,902		109,499

	Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	74,076	$	69,238	$	210,545	$	189,782


	Depreciation and amortization	$	16,948	$	12,041	$	45,726	$	37,303


	Detailed information for our International reportable segment is as follows:


	In thousands
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Regulated and compliance solutions	$	197,220	$	156,459	$	561,563	$	462,938

	Net interest expense	5,058		2,530		14,014		7,325

	Income before income taxes	14,124		16,813		42,674		58,724

	Income taxes	5,159		5,219		7,731		14,009

	Net income	8,965		11,594		34,943		44,715

	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	196		285		1,558		1,289

	Net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$	8,769	$	11,309	$	33,385	$	43,426


	Depreciation and amortization	$	11,817	$	9,809	$	33,876	$	27,810

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Details

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	$41,985	$67,167	$67,721	$34,659
Increase in other current liabilities	57,183	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			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	Entity	Entity	Entity	Entity
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	16	14	5	35
United States	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	'	12
Brazil	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	'	1
Canada	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	'	2
Chile	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	'	3
Japan	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	'	2
Portugal	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	'	5
Romania	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	'	3
South Korea	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	'	1
Spain	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	'	3
United Kingdom	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of acquisitions	'	'	'	3

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_2

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Aggregate Purchase Price Paid for Acquisitions and Other Adjustments to Consideration (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'
Cash	$328,811	$131,902
Promissory notes	78,325	56,602
Deferred consideration	6,124	28,550
Contingent consideration	16,495	3,378
Total purchase price	$429,755	$220,432

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_3

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation and Other Adjustments to Purchase Price Allocations (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]	Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Fixed assets	'	'	'	$127,621	$10,683
Intangibles	'	'	'	242,792	79,798
Goodwill	2,415,210	2,231,582	2,065,103	202,391	153,482
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	56,696	9,392
Accounts payable	'	'	'	-32,561	-6,100
Net other (liabilities)/ assets	'	'	'	-67,564	-6,448
Debt	'	'	'	-22,097	-3,642
Net deferred tax liabilities	'	'	'	-70,580	-12,521
Noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	-6,943	-4,212
Total purchase price allocation	'	'	'	$429,755	$220,432

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_4

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Pro Forma Information (Details) (Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	$1,987,813	$1,815,807
Net income	$246,570	$236,030

ACQUISITIONS_AND_DIVESTITURES_5

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

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 22, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Entity

Customer relationships

Tradenames

Technology

United States

Brazil

Canada

Chile

Japan

Portugal

Romania

South Korea

Spain

United Kingdom

United States

International

Acquisition One [Member]

Acquisition Two [Member]

Acquisition Three [Member]

Acquisitions Year 2014 [Member]

PSC Environmental Services, LLC

Shiraishi-Sogyo Co. Ltd. [Member]

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Entity

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Communication Solutions [Member]

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Communication Solutions [Member]

United States

International

United States

International

United States

Operating permits

Customer relationships

Tradenames

Technology

Entity

Brazil

Portugal

South Korea

Spain

United Kingdom

Canada

Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]

Communication Solutions [Member]

Minimum

Maximum

Entity

Chile

Japan

Romania

Spain

United Kingdom

Entity

Chile

Romania

Entity

Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]

Number of acquisitions

Business acquisition, ownership percentage acquired

100.00%

75.50%

100.00%

90.00%

100.00%

Net increase in Goodwill

$202,400,000

$176,200,000

$26,200,000

Tax deductible Goodwill amount

99,000,000

Net increase in Intangible Assets

242,800,000

145,300,000

97,000,000

200,000

300,000

Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life

'10 years

'40 years

'10 years

'40 years

'5 years

'10 years

'40 years

'15 years

'10 years

Acquisition related expenses

10,700,000

6,200,000

Total consideration

429,755,000

220,432,000

284,000,000

Consideration, cash paid

328,811,000

131,902,000

248,200,000

Consideration, note issued

78,325,000

56,602,000

30,000,000

Contingent consideration

16,495,000

3,378,000

5,800,000

Note term

'2 years

Liabilities assumed

30,000,000

Note payable to Stericycle assumed

15,700,000

Bank debt assumed

4,700,000

Pro forma revenues from the aggregate acquisitions

241,000,000

Impact to revenues of acquisitions

$131,700,000

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$41,985	$67,167
Short-term investments	479	413
Total assets	42,464	67,580
Liabilities:	'	'
Contingent consideration	28,806	12,527
Total liabilities	28,806	12,527
Level 1 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	41,985	67,167
Short-term investments	479	413
Total assets	42,464	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	28,806	12,527
Total liabilities	$28,806	$12,527

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Change

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Changes to Contingent Consideration (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability [Roll Forward]	'	'
Contingent consideration at December 31, 2013	$12,527	'
Increases due to acquisitions	16,495	3,378
Decrease due to change of noncontrolling interests	635	'
Decrease due to payments	-2,916	'
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations	-618	'
Changes in fair value reflected in Selling, general, and administrative expenses	3,953	-307
Contingent consideration at September 30, 2014	$28,806	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Additi

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration liabilities	$28,806,000	$12,527,000
Debt obligations, carrying amount	1,677,407,000	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	36,700,000	'
Level 3 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration liabilities	28,806,000	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	1,670,000,000	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
INCOME TAXES (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Effective tax rate	32.20%	33.10%

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Expen

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Expense Resulting from Stock Option Awards and ESPP (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$4,241	$4,145	$13,365	$12,088
Stock Options [Member] \| Cost of revenues	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	14	32	42	102
Stock Options [Member] \| Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	3,600	3,561	11,459	10,265
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	319	389	948	967
ESPP shares [Member] \| Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$308	$163	$916	$754

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Tax_B

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Tax Benefits Related to Stock Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit recognized in Statement of Income	$1,319	$1,109	$3,248	$3,493
Excess tax benefit realized	$3,667	$3,981	$10,747	$12,354

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Stock

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Number of Options	'
Outstanding at beginning of year	5,540,482
Granted	975,038
Exercised	-646,434
Forfeited	-101,361
Canceled or expired	-1,657
Outstanding at September 30, 2014	5,766,068
Exercisable at September 30, 2014	3,030,962
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014	5,527,430
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	'
Outstanding at beginning of year	$70.29
Granted	$115.31
Exercised	$53.91
Forfeited	$93.91
Canceled or expired	$80.96
Outstanding at September 30, 2014	$79.32
Exercisable at September 30, 2014	$63.97
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014	$78.34
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'
Outstanding at September 30, 2014	'6 years 3 months
Exercisable at September 30, 2014	'5 years 2 months 5 days
Total Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'
Outstanding at September 30, 2014	$214,733
Exercisable at September 30, 2014	$159,403

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Intri

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$14,375	$12,809	$40,893	$40,537

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Assum

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Assumptions used in Black-Scholes Model (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock options granted (shares)	11,555	4,950	975,038	1,050,080
Weighted average fair value at grant date	$21.32	$26.51	$21.30	$21.99
Expected term (in years)	'4 years 9 months 11 days	'5 years 9 months	'4 years 9 months	'5 years 9 months 29 days
Expected volatility	16.98%	26.20%	17.39%	27.05%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk free interest rate	1.59%	1.67%	1.52%	1.00%

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Restr

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Restricted Stock Units Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 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 September 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 September 30, 2014	$96.13	'
Total Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'
Non-vested at September 30, 2014	'	$7,447

STOCK_BASED_COMPENSATION_Addit

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 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	$49
Weighted average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation expenses	'3 years 18 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized compensation expenses related to RSUs	$4.40
Weighted average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation expenses	'3 years 1 month 13 days
Ratio of share reserve related to RSUs granted	2
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Minimum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award vesting period	'3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Maximum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award vesting period	'5 years

COMMON_STOCK_Repurchase_of_Sha

COMMON STOCK - Repurchase of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Shares Repurchased and Canceled	198,728	527,243	685,990	421,060	540,390	74,820	1,411,961	1,036,270	'
Amount Paid for Repurchases	$23,173,000	$58,846,000	$78,340,000	$48,356,000	$59,015,000	$7,160,000	$160,359,000	$114,531,000	$163,700,000
Average Price Paid per Share	$116.60	$111.61	$114.20	$114.84	$109.21	$95.70	$113.57	$110.52	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares, Not Yet Settled	29,100	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value, Not Yet Settled	$3,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Comp

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Numerator for basic earnings per share net income attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	$82,845	$80,547	$243,930	$233,208
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares	84,858,360	85,849,656	84,940,975	86,021,764
Effect of diluted securities:	'	'	'	'
Employee stock options	1,258,095	1,551,909	1,296,227	1,475,512
Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares and after assumed exercises	86,116,455	87,401,565	86,237,202	87,497,276
Earnings per share â€“ Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.98	$0.94	$2.87	$2.71
Earnings per share â€“ Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.96	$0.92	$2.83	$2.67

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$2,231,582	$2,065,103
Goodwill acquired during year	224,290	173,784
Purchase accounting allocation adjustments	-21,899	6,011
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations	-18,763	-13,316
Ending Balance	2,415,210	2,231,582
United States	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	1,678,077	1,616,286
Goodwill acquired during year	180,990	57,250
Purchase accounting allocation adjustments	-4,825	4,541
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations	0	0
Ending Balance	1,854,242	1,678,077
International	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	553,505	448,817
Goodwill acquired during year	43,300	116,534
Purchase accounting allocation adjustments	-17,074	1,470
Changes due to foreign currency fluctuations	-18,763	-13,316
Ending Balance	$560,968	$553,505

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Values of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$1,020,063	$808,133
Accumulated Amortization	109,135	88,098
Net Value	910,928	720,035
Amortizable intangibles \| Covenants not-to-compete	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	8,548	9,405
Accumulated Amortization	5,459	5,366
Net Value	3,089	4,039
Amortizable intangibles \| Customer relationships	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	749,903	670,889
Accumulated Amortization	101,927	81,271
Net Value	647,976	589,618
Amortizable intangibles \| Tradenames	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	5,235	5,283
Accumulated Amortization	1,234	1,031
Net Value	4,001	4,252
Amortizable intangibles \| Technology	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	611	611
Accumulated Amortization	495	416
Net Value	116	195
Amortizable intangibles \| Other	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	555	91
Accumulated Amortization	20	14
Net Value	535	77
Indefinite lived intangibles \| Operating permits	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	249,411	116,054
Net Value	249,411	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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$32,832
2015	35,043
2016	34,698
2017	34,553
2018	$34,223

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_5

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Segment

Customer relationships

Covenants not-to-compete

Tradenames

Technology

Market Approach Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]

Domestic Regulated and Compliance Services [Member]

Domestic Regulated Recall and Returns Management Services [Member]

International Regulated and Compliance Services [Member]

Operating permits

Reporting_unit

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Income Approach Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]

Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]

Number of geographical reportable segments

Number of reporting units

Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount

100.00%

85.00%

Goodwill

$2,415,210,000

$2,231,582,000

$2,065,103,000

$576,700,000

Write off of permit intangibles

1,400,000

Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life

'10 years

'40 years

'3 years

'14 years

'10 years

'40 years

'5 years

Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average remaining useful life

'23 years 8 months 12 days

'3 years 4 months 24 days

'15 years 1 month 6 days

'1 year 3 months 18 days

Aggregate amortization expense

$8,497,000

$6,709,000

$24,214,000

$19,884,000

DEBT_Schedule_of_LongTerm_Debt

DEBT - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$1,677,407	$1,431,043
Less: current portion of total debt	165,074	150,380
Long-term portion of total debt	1,512,333	1,280,663
Obligations under capital leases	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	14,971	7,343
$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.61%, due in 2019	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	443,972	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 1.98% and weighted average maturity of 3.3 years	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	294,082	252,195
Foreign bank debt weighted average rate 7.52% and weighted average maturity of 1.7 years	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$174,382	$149,147

DEBT_Schedule_of_LongTerm_Debt1

DEBT - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 03, 2014	Jun. 01, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.61%, due in 2019	$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.61%, due in 2019	$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.61%, 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 1.98% and weighted average maturity of 3.3 years	Foreign bank debt weighted average rate 7.52% and weighted average maturity of 1.7 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	1.61%	'	'	5.64%	3.89%	2.68%	4.47%	3.26%	'	'
Weighted average interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.98%	7.52%
Weighted average maturity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years 3 months 18 days	'1 year 8 months 12 days

DEBT_Additional_Information_De

DEBT - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Jun. 02, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 03, 2014

Jun. 01, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

$1.2 billion senior credit facility weighted average rate 1.61%, 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]

$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

$1,000,000,000

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

Revolving credit facility, amount committed to outstanding letters of credit

187,700,000

155,000,000

Revolving credit facility, unused portion

$568,300,000

$572,600,000

ENVIRONMENTAL_LIABILITIES_Deta

ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]	'
Weighted-average inflation rate	2.10%
Weighted-average risk-free discount rate	2.70%
Environmental remediation liabilities	$29.90
Environmental remediation liabilities, classified as accrued liabilities	1.3
Environmental remediation liabilities, classified as other liabilities	28.6
Environmental remediation liabilities, not subject to inflation or discounting	9.2
Environmental remediation liabilities, subject to inflation or discounting	20.7
Environmental remediation liabilities, undiscounted	$38.50

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION_Detaile

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Detailed Information for Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$667,877	$534,579	$1,878,654	$1,574,908	'
Income before income taxes	122,442	120,738	368,121	358,005	'
Income taxes	39,401	39,906	122,633	123,508	'
Net Income	83,041	80,832	245,488	234,497	313,084
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	196	285	1,558	1,289	'
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	82,845	80,547	243,930	233,208	'
United States	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	470,657	378,120	1,317,091	1,111,970	'
Net interest expense	11,559	10,786	33,869	32,283	'
Income before income taxes	108,318	103,925	325,447	299,281	'
Income taxes	34,242	34,687	114,902	109,499	'
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	74,076	69,238	210,545	189,782	'
Depreciation and amortization	16,948	12,041	45,726	37,303	'
United States \| Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	454,046	353,049	1,252,696	1,040,636	'
United States \| Recall and Returns Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	16,611	25,071	64,395	71,334	'
International	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net interest expense	5,058	2,530	14,014	7,325	'
Income before income taxes	14,124	16,813	42,674	58,724	'
Income taxes	5,159	5,219	7,731	14,009	'
Net Income	8,965	11,594	34,943	44,715	'
Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	196	285	1,558	1,289	'
Net Income Attributable to Stericycle, Inc.	8,769	11,309	33,385	43,426	'
Depreciation and amortization	11,817	9,809	33,876	27,810	'
International \| Regulated and Compliance Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$197,220	$156,459	$561,563	$462,938	'

GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATION_Additio

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	2

LEGAL_PROCEEDINGS_Details

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 02, 2014	Sep. 18, 2014
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (Details) (USD $)	Junk Fax Lawsuit [Member]	Notice of Violation, New Mexico Environment Department [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimate of possible loss, per violation	$500	'
Estimate of possible loss, could exceed	'	$100,000