Document and Entity Information
| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 31, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 31, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | STERICYCLE INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000861878 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 1-37556 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| 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 |
| Title of each class | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | SRCL |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NASDAQ |