| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 09, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | STERICYCLE INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000861878 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 9, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-37556 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-3640402 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2355 Waukegan Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Bannockburn |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60015 |
| City Area Code | (847) |
| Local Phone Number | 367-5910 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.01 |
| Trading Symbol | SRCL |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
