Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations. STERIS Corporation, an Ohio corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets infection prevention, contamination control, microbial reduction, and surgical support products and services for healthcare, pharmaceutical, scientific, research, industrial, and governmental Customers throughout the world. As used in this annual report, STERIS Corporation and its subsidiaries together are called “STERIS,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our,” unless otherwise noted.

We operate in three reportable business segments: Healthcare, Life Sciences, and STERIS Isomedix Services (“Isomedix”). We describe our operating segments in note 12. Our fiscal year ends on March 31. References in this Annual Report to a particular “year” or “year-end” mean our fiscal year. The significant accounting policies applied in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company are summarized below:

Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate inter-company accounts and transactions when we consolidate these accounts.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, we revise the estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.

Cash Equivalents and Supplemental Cash Flow Information. Cash equivalents are all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. We invest our excess cash in short-term instruments including money market funds and time deposits with major banks and financial institutions. We select investments in accordance with the criteria established in our investment policy. Our investment policy specifies, among other things, maturity, credit quality and concentration restrictions with the objective of preserving capital and maintaining adequate liquidity.

Information supplementing our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is as follows:



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011		2010
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$	12,496	$	12,496	$	13,360
Income taxes	52,213		64,372		61,988
Cash received during the year for income tax refunds	408		3,067		4,864

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue for products when ownership passes to the Customer, which is based on contract or shipping terms and for services when the service is provided to the Customer. Our Customers include end users as well as dealers and distributors who market and sell our products. Our revenue is not contingent upon resale by the dealer or distributor. We have no further obligations related to bringing about resale and our standard return and restocking fee policies are applied. Revenues are reported net of sales and value-added taxes collected from Customers.

We also have individual Customer contracts that offer discounted pricing. Dealers and distributors may be offered sales incentives in the form of rebates. We reduce revenue for discounts and estimated returns, rebates, and other similar allowances in the same period the related revenues are recorded. Returns, rebates, and similar allowances are estimated based on historical experience and trend analysis.

In transactions that contain multiple elements, such as when products, maintenance services, and other services are combined, we recognize revenue as each product is delivered or service is provided to the Customer. We allocate the total arrangement consideration to each element based on its relative fair value, based on the price for the product or service when it is sold separately.

We offer preventative maintenance agreements to our Customers with contract terms of one to five years which require us to maintain and repair our products during this time. Amounts received under these Customer contracts are initially recorded as deferred service revenues and then recognized as service revenues ratably over the contract term.

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are presented at their face amount, less allowances for sales returns and uncollectible accounts. Accounts receivable consist of amounts billed and currently due from Customers and amounts earned but unbilled. We generally obtain and perfect security interest in products sold in the United States when we have a concern with the Customer's risk profile.

We maintain an allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable for estimated losses in the collection of amounts owed by Customers. We estimate the allowance based on analyzing a number of factors, including amounts written off historically, Customer payment practices, and general economic conditions. We also analyze significant Customer accounts on a regular basis and record a specific allowance when we become aware of a specific Customer’s inability to pay. As a result, the related accounts receivable are reduced to an amount that we reasonably believe is collectible.

We maintain an allowance for sales returns based upon known returns and estimated returns for both capital equipment and consumables. We estimate returns of capital equipment and consumables based upon recent historical experience less the estimated inventory value of the returned goods.

Inventories, net. Inventories are stated at the lower of their cost or market value. We determine cost based upon a combination of the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) and first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) cost methods. For inventories valued using the LIFO method, we believe that the use of the LIFO method results in a matching of current costs and revenues. Inventories valued using the LIFO method represented approximately 37.7% and 37.3% of total inventories at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Inventory costs include material, labor, and overhead. If we had used only the FIFO method of inventory costing, inventories would have been $18,158 and $17,551 higher than those reported at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We review the net realizable value of inventory on an ongoing basis, considering factors such as deterioration, obsolescence, and other items. We record an allowance for estimated losses when the facts and circumstances indicate that particular inventories will not be usable. If future market conditions vary from those projected, and our estimates prove to be inaccurate, we may be required to write-down inventory values and record an adjustment to cost of revenues.

Property, Plant, and Equipment. Our property, plant, and equipment consists of land and land improvements, buildings and leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, information systems, radioisotope (cobalt-60), and construction in progress. Property, plant, and equipment are presented at cost less accumulated depreciation and depletion. We capitalize additions and improvements. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as they are incurred.

Land is not depreciated and construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service. Depreciation of most assets is computed on the cost less the estimated salvage value by using the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful lives. Depletion of radioisotope is computed using the annual decay factor of the material, which is similar to the sum-of-the-years-digits method.

We generally depreciate or deplete property, plant, and equipment over the useful lives presented in the following table:



Asset Type	Useful Life (years)
Land improvements	3-40
Buildings and leasehold improvements	2-50
Machinery and equipment	3-35
Information Systems	2-17
Radioisotope (cobalt-60)	20

When we sell, retire, or dispose of property, plant, and equipment, we remove the asset’s cost and accumulated depreciation from our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recognize the net gain or loss on the sale or disposition in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the period when the transaction occurs.

Interest. We capitalize interest costs incurred during the construction of long-lived assets. We capitalized interest costs of $705 and $574 for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Total interest expense for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $12,065, $12,000, and $13,171, respectively.

Identifiable Intangible Assets. Our identifiable intangible assets include product technology rights, trademarks, licenses, and Customer relationships. We record these assets at cost, or when acquired as part of a business acquisition, at estimated fair value. We generally amortize identifiable intangible assets over periods ranging from 5 to 20 years using the straight-line method.

Investments. Investments in marketable securities are stated at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Asset Impairment Losses. Property, plant, equipment, and identifiable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when indicators of impairment exist and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Impaired assets are recorded at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value. We conduct this review on an ongoing basis and, if an impairment exists, we record the loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income during that period.

Acquisitions of Business. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are accounted for at fair value on the date of acquisition. Costs related to the acquisition are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill. We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill in the third quarter of each year. We have early-adopted the provisions of accounting standards update titled "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment," which permits us to consider qualitative indicators of the fair value of a reporting unit when it is unlikely that a reporting unit has impaired goodwill. We may also utilize a discounted cash flow analysis that requires certain assumptions and estimates be made regarding market conditions and our future profitability. In those circumstances we test goodwill for impairment by reviewing the book value compared to the fair value at the reporting unit level. We calculate the fair value of our reporting units based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Considerable management judgment is necessary to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes and to estimate future cash flows to measure fair value. Assumptions used in our impairment evaluations, such as forecasted growth rates and cost of capital, are consistent with internal projections and operating plans. We believe such assumptions and estimates are also comparable to those that would be used by other marketplace participants.

SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program. The Accrued SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program (the “Rebate Program”), initially recognized during the first quarter of fiscal 2011, is based upon the quantity of SYSTEM 1 processors eligible for rebates and the estimated value of rebates to be provided upon their return. The rebate portion of the Rebate Program is recognized as contra-revenue consistent with other returns and allowances offered to Customers. The estimated costs to facilitate the disposal of the returned SYSTEM 1 processors is recognized as cost of revenues. Both components are recorded as current liabilities. The key assumptions involved in the estimates associated with the Rebate Program included: the number and age of SYSTEM 1 processors eligible for rebates under the Rebate Program, the number of Customers that would elect to participate in the Rebate Program, the proportion of Customers that would choose each rebate option, and the estimated per unit costs of disposal.

The number and age of SYSTEM 1 processors was estimated based on our historical sales and service records and we initially assumed that 100% of eligible Customers would elect to participate in the Rebate Program. As of March 31, 2012, based upon actual experience to date we estimated that approximately 83% of eligible Customers will ultimately elect to participate in the Rebate Program. In order to estimate the portion of Customers that will choose each available rebate option, we first assessed trends in sales of the proprietary consumable products utilized in the SYSTEM 1 processor. Order and quote data for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 provide indications of the proportion of Customers that are expected to choose each of the other rebate options. The per unit costs associated with disposal are estimated based on the service hours involved and existing freight and disposal contracts.

Self-Insurance Liabilities. We record a liability for self-insured risks that we retain for general and product liabilities, workers’ compensation, and automobile liabilities based on actuarial calculations. We use our historical loss experience and actuarial methods to calculate the liability. This liability includes estimates for both losses and incurred but not reported claims. We review the assumptions used to calculate the estimated liability at least annually to evaluate the adequacy of the amount recorded. We maintain insurance policies to cover losses greater than our estimated liability, which are subject to the terms and conditions of those policies.

We are also self-insured for employee medical claims. We estimate a liability for incurred but not reported claims based upon recent claims experience.

Benefit Plans. We sponsor defined benefit pension and other post-retirement welfare benefit plans for certain current and former employees. We determine our costs and obligations related to these plans by evaluating input from third-party professional advisors. These costs and obligations are affected by assumptions including the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the annual rate of change in compensation for eligible employees, estimated changes in costs of healthcare benefits, and other factors. We review the assumptions used on an annual basis.

We recognize an asset for the overfunded status or a liability for the underfunded status of defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit plans in our consolidated balance sheets. This amount is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation (the projected benefit obligation for pension plans and the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation for other post-retirement benefit plans). Changes in the funded status of the plans are recorded in other comprehensive income in the year they occur. We measure plan assets and obligations as of the balance sheet date.

We provide additional information about our pension and other post-retirement welfare benefits plans in note 10 to our consolidated financial statements titled, “Benefit Plans.”

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Except for long-term debt, our financial instruments are highly liquid or have short-term maturities.

We provide additional information about the fair value of our financial instruments in note 18 titled, “Fair Value Measurements.”

Foreign Currency Translation. Most of our international operations use their local currency as their functional currency. Financial statements of international subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and a weighted average exchange rate for each period for revenues, expenses, gains and losses. Translation adjustments for international subsidiaries whose local currency is their functional currency are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity. Transaction gains and losses resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates on transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recognized as incurred in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income, except for certain inter-company balances designated as long-term investments.

Forward and Swap Contracts. We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, including inter-company transactions. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. These contracts are marked to market, with gains and losses recognized within “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” or "Cost of revenues" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

Warranty. Warranties are provided on the sale of certain of our products and services and an accrual for estimated future claims is recorded at the time revenue is recognized. We estimate warranty expense based primarily on historical warranty claim experience.

Shipping and Handling. We record shipping and handling costs in costs of revenues. Shipping and handling costs charged to Customers are recorded as revenues in the period the product revenues are recognized.

Advertising Expenses. Costs incurred for communicating, advertising and promoting our products are generally expensed when incurred as a component of Selling, General and Administrative Expense. We incurred $5,857, $6,013, and $6,468 of advertising costs during the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Research and Development. We incur research and development costs associated with commercial products and expense these costs as incurred. If a Customer reimburses us for research and development costs, the costs are charged to the related contracts as costs of revenues.

Income Taxes. Our income tax expense includes United States federal, state and local, and foreign income taxes, and is based on reported pre-tax income. We defer income taxes for all temporary differences between pre-tax financial and taxable income and between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. We record valuation allowances to reduce net deferred tax assets to an amount that we expect will more-likely-than-not be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available information, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial operations. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which would reduce the provision for income taxes and the effective tax rate.

We evaluate uncertain tax positions in accordance with a two-step process. The first step is recognition: The determination of whether or not it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we presume that the position will be examined by the appropriate tax authority and that the tax authority will have full knowledge of all relevant information. The second step is measurement: A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The measurement process requires the determination of the range of possible settlement amounts and the probability of achieving each of the possible settlements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. No tax benefits are recognized for positions that do not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which the threshold is no longer met.

We describe income taxes further in note 9 to our consolidated financial statements titled, “Income Taxes.”

Share-Based Compensation. We describe share-based compensation in note 15 to our consolidated financial statements titled, “Share-Based Compensation.” We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. We record liability awards at fair value each reporting period and the change in fair value is reflected as share-based compensation expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. The expense is classified as cost of goods sold, selling, general and administrative expenses or research and development expenses in a manner consistent with the employee’s compensation and benefits. These costs are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Excess tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options are reported as a financing cash inflow.

Restructuring. We have recognized restructuring expenses as incurred. In addition, the property, plant, and equipment associated with the related facilities were assessed for impairment as performed on an annual basis. Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation expenses primarily relate to inventory write-downs for rationalized products and adjustments in the carrying value of the closed facilities to their estimated fair value. In addition, the remaining useful lives of other property, plant, and equipment associated with the related operations were reevaluated based on the respective restructuring plan, resulting in the acceleration of depreciation and amortization of certain assets.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Impacting the Company

In September 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update titled “Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which allows an entity the option of performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the current two-step annual impairment test. The guidance permits an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount to determine if the two-step impairment test is required. The guidance does not change how goodwill is calculated or the requirement to test goodwill annually for impairment. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The early adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2011, the FASB issued new guidance titled "Comprehensive Income," which altered the presentation of comprehensive income. More specifically, the updated guidance permits an entity to present components of net income and other comprehensive income in either one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate, but consecutive statements. The guidance now eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. These changes to the presentation of comprehensive income do not change the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and will become effective for us at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this standard will not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In April 2011, the FASB issued new guidance titled "Fair Value Measurement," intended to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This new guidance amends current fair value measurement and disclosure guidance to include increased transparency regarding valuation inputs and investment categorization. This new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and was adopted and applied during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2010, the FASB issued an accounting standard update titled “When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts," amending Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.” This guidance amends the ASC requiring entities that have a reporting unit with zero or negative carrying value to assess whether qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that an impairment of goodwill exists. If the entity concludes that it is more likely than not that an impairment exists, the entity must then measure the goodwill impairment. The new guidance, amending the ASC is effective for fiscal 2012 and was applied during our annual goodwill impairment testing in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and did not impact our results.

In October 2009, the FASB issued an accounting standard update titled “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements,” amending Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” This guidance amends the ASC requiring entities to eliminate the residual method of allocation for multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements, requiring arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of an arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. The guidance also established a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, which includes: (1) vendor-specific objective evidence if available, (2) third-party evidence if vendor-specific objective evidence is not available, and (3) estimated selling price if neither vendor-specific nor third-party evidence is available. The guidance was adopted and applied prospectively for multiple element revenue arrangements that are new or materially modified beginning on or after April 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our financial position or results of operations.

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

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Restructuring

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Restructuring

RESTRUCTURING

The following summarizes our restructuring plans announced in prior fiscal years. We recognize restructuring expenses as incurred. In addition, we assess the property, plant and equipment associated with the related facilities for impairment.

Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 we adopted a restructuring plan primarily related to the transfer of the remaining operations in our Erie, Pennsylvania facility to the U.S. headquarters in Mentor, Ohio and the consolidation of our European Healthcare manufacturing operations into two central locations within Europe (the “Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan”). In addition, we rationalized certain products and eliminated certain positions.

Since the inception of the Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan, we have incurred pre-tax expenses totaling $8,741 related to these actions, of which $7,635 was recorded as restructuring expenses and $1,106 was recorded in cost of revenues. These actions are intended to enhance profitability and improve efficiencies. Production has ceased in our Pieterlen, Switzerland manufacturing facility. We recognized an impairment loss with regard to this facility based on a sale agreement. In addition, we realized a pension curtailment benefit as a result of the reduction in workforce. We do not expect to incur any significant additional restructuring expenses related to this plan.

Fiscal 2009 Restructuring Plan. During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we adopted a restructuring plan primarily focused on our international operations (the “Fiscal 2009 Restructuring Plan”). As part of this plan, we took actions to improve operations at our former Pieterlen, Switzerland manufacturing facility, rationalized certain products, recorded impairment charges for certain assets no longer used, and made targeted workforce reductions. We also consolidated our operations in Japan. These directly impacted approximately 100 employees worldwide. These restructuring actions are intended to enhance our profitability and increase operating efficiencies.

Since the inception of the Fiscal 2009 Restructuring Plan, we have incurred pre-tax expenses totaling $13,679 related to these actions, of which $4,266 was recorded as restructuring expenses and $9,413 was recorded in cost of revenues. We do not expect to incur significant additional expenses related to this plan.

Fiscal 2008 Restructuring Plan. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, we adopted a restructuring plan primarily focused on our North American operations (the “Fiscal 2008 Restructuring Plan”). As part of this plan, we announced the closure of two sales offices and the rationalization of certain products. We also reduced the workforce in certain support functions. Across all of our reporting segments approximately 90 employees, primarily located in North America, were directly impacted. These restructuring actions were designed to enhance profitability and improve efficiency by reducing ongoing operating costs.

In fiscal 2009, we reversed our decision to close one of the sales offices, because we could not achieve a satisfactory exit from our warranty and service obligations. As a result, we reversed restructuring expenses recorded in fiscal 2008 totaling approximately $1,000.

Since the inception of the Fiscal 2008 Restructuring Plan, we have recorded pre-tax expenses totaling $13,892, of which $10,233 was recorded as restructuring expenses and $3,659 was recorded in cost of revenues. We do not expect to incur any significant additional restructuring expenses related to the Fiscal 2008 Restructuring Plan.

The following tables summarize our total pre-tax restructuring expenses for fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010:



Year Ended March 31, 2012	Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan (1)			Fiscal 2008 Restructuring Plan			Total
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	(776	)	$	—		$	(776	)
Product rationalization	335			—			335
Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	1,103			—			1,103
Lease termination obligation and other	143			(152		)	(9		)
Total restructuring charges	$	805		$	(152	)	$	653


(1)	Includes $9 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.



Year Ended March 31, 2011	Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan (1)		Fiscal 2008 Restructuring Plan			Total
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	454	$	—		$	454
Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	559		(289		)	270
Lease termination costs	595		—			595
Other	33		—			33
Total restructuring charges	$	1,641	$	(289	)	$	1,352

(1)Includes $150 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.



Year Ended March 31, 2010	Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan(1)		Fiscal 2009 Restructuring Plan(2)			Total
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	1,939	$	(224	)	$	1,715
Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	1,804		(2		)	1,802
Product rationalization	883		(1,385		)	(502		)
Lease termination costs	1,243		(428		)	815
Other	426		138			564
Total Restructuring Charges	$	6,295	$	(1,901	)	$	4,394

(1)Includes $947 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2)Includes $(1,401) in charges recorded in cost of revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Liabilities related to restructuring activities are recorded as current liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets within “Accrued payroll and other related liabilities” and “Accrued expenses and other.” The following table summarizes our liabilities related to these restructuring activities:



	Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan
			Fiscal 2012
	March 31, 2011		Provision			Payments/ Impairments (1)			March 31, 2012
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	1,993	$	(776	)	$	(558	)	$	659
Product rationalization	—		335			(335		)	—
Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	—		1,103			(1,103		)	—
Lease termination obligations	1,790		139			(982		)	947
Other	193		4			(121		)	76
Total	$	3,976	$	805		$	(3,099	)	$	1,682

(1) Certain amounts reported include the impact of foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar.



	Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan
			Fiscal 2011
	March 31, 2010		Provision		Payments/ Impairments			March 31, 2011
Severance, and other compensation related costs	$	1,894	$	454	$	(355	)	$	1,993
Asset impairments	—		559		(559		)	—
Lease termination obligations	1,200		595		(5		)	1,790
Other	509		33		(349		)	193
Total	$	3,603	$	1,641	$	(1,268	)	$	3,976



	Fiscal 2008 Restructuring Plan
			Fiscal 2011
	March 31, 2010		Provision			Payments/ Impairments			March 31, 2011
Severance, and other compensation related costs	$	102	$	—		$	(102	)	$	—
Asset impairments	289		(289		)	—			—
Lease termination obligations	411		—			(254		)	157
Total	$	802	$	(289	)	$	(356	)	$	157

The entire disclosure for restructuring and related activities. Description of restructuring activities such as exit and disposal activities, include facts and circumstances leading to the plan, the expected plan completion date, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities, total expected costs, the accrual balance at the end of the period, and the periods over which the remaining accrual will be settled.

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Accumulated other comprehensive income shown in our Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity consists of the following:



	Year Ended March 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	$	14,555		$	28,907	$	5,878
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans costs, net of taxes	(1,102		)	6,177		7,201
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities	174			104		(88		)
Total	$	13,627		$	35,188	$	12,991

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income. Components of comprehensive income include: (1) foreign currency translation adjustments; (2) gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity; (3) gains (losses) on intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements; (4) change in the market value of a futures contract that qualifies as a hedge of an asset reported at fair value; (5) unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and that resulting from transfers of debt securities from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category; (6) a net loss recognized as an additional pension liability not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost; and (7) the net gain (loss) and net prior service cost or credit for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 16

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e709-108580

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920433&loc=d3e998-108581

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 17

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e716-108580

+ Details

Goodwill

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

4. Goodwill [Abstract]

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment. Further, goodwill is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate there may be a possible permanent loss of value. We performed our annual impairment tests for goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets during the third quarter of fiscal 2012. These tests confirmed that the fair value of STERIS’s reporting units and indefinite life intangible assets exceed their respective carrying values and that no impairment loss was required to be recognized in fiscal 2012 or for any prior periods. Future impairment tests will be performed annually in the fiscal third quarter, or sooner if a triggering event occurs.

Changes to the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:



	Healthcare Segment		Life Sciences Segment		STERIS Isomedix Services Segment			Total
Balance at March 31, 2010	$	166,680	$	30,282	$	79,896		$	276,858
Goodwill acquired or allocated	4,145		—		—			4,145
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,020		3,165		—			8,185
Balance at March 31, 2011	175,845		33,447		79,896			289,188
Goodwill acquired or allocated	13,971		—		2,473			16,444
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		401		(184		)	217
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	189,816	$	33,848	$	82,185		$	305,849

The fiscal 2012 increase in goodwill associated with the Healthcare segment resulted from the acquisition of a privately held company with operations located near Sao Paulo, Brazil which designs and manufactures small, medium, and large sterilizers used by public hospitals, clinics, dental offices and industrial companies (e.g., research laboratories and pharmaceutical research and production companies). The fiscal 2012 increase in goodwill associated with the Isomedix segment resulted from the acquisition of a privately held company with lab operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota which provides validation services to our Customers and is a natural extension of our Isomedix segment. The fiscal 2011 increase in goodwill associated with the Healthcare segment resulted from the acquisition of a company which provides management technology solutions. Further information regarding this company is presented in note 12, “Business Segment Information.”

Information regarding our intangible assets is as follows:



	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships	$	25,595	$	19,124	$	20,930	$	16,874
Non-compete agreements	3,518		3,121		3,099		3,099
Patents and technology	43,218		25,979		47,942		28,097
Trademarks and tradenames	16,953		9,125		16,970		11,249
Other	12		12		13		13
Total	$	89,296	$	57,361	$	88,954	$	59,332

We did not hold any indefinite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2012 or fiscal 2011. Total amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $7,726, $6,617, and $6,941 for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. During fiscal 2012, an impairment charge of $2,199 was incurred relative to certain acquired intangible assets due to a significant decline in associated projected cash flows. Based upon the current amount of intangible assets subject to amortization, the amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is estimated to be as follows:



	2013		2014		2015		2016		2017
Estimated amortization expense	$	5,314	$	5,083	$	4,064	$	3,805	$	2,165

The estimated annual amortization expense presented in the preceding table has been calculated based upon March 31, 2012 foreign currency exchange rates.

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References+ Details

Inventories, Net

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Inventories, Net

INVENTORIES, NET

Inventories, net consisted of the following:



	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Raw materials	$	56,525		$	64,326
Work in process	25,236			19,897
Finished goods	109,422			110,794
LIFO reserve	(18,158		)	(17,551		)
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory	(15,313		)	(10,122		)
Inventories, net	$	157,712		$	167,344

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

The entire disclosure for inventory. This may include, but is not limited to, the basis of stating inventory, the method of determining inventory cost, the major classes of inventory, and the nature of the cost elements included in inventory. If inventory is stated above cost, accrued net losses on firm purchase commitments for inventory and losses resulting from valuing inventory at the lower-of-cost-or-market may also be included. For LIFO inventory, may disclose the amount and basis for determining the excess of replacement or current cost over stated LIFO value and the effects of a LIFO quantities liquidation that impacts net income.

+ References+ Details

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Information related to the major categories of our depreciable assets is as follows:



	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Land and land improvements (1)	$	33,099		$	30,194
Buildings and leasehold improvements	230,823			201,883
Machinery and equipment	301,665			286,103
Information systems	110,130			101,934
Radioisotope	210,899			194,882
Construction in progress (1)	22,811			40,665
Total property, plant, and equipment	909,427			855,661
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	(523,018		)	(485,259		)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	386,409		$	370,402


(1)	Land is not depreciated. Construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.

Depreciation and depletion expense was $52,980, $47,772 and $49,277, for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Rental expense for operating leases was $14,635, $16,904, and $17,583, for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Operating leases relate to manufacturing, warehouse and office space, service facilities, vehicles, equipment, and communication systems. Certain lease agreements grant us varying renewal and purchase options.

Future minimum annual rentals payable under noncancelable operating lease agreements at March 31, 2012 were as follows:



	Operating Leases
2013	$	15,044
2014	12,172
2015	9,840
2016	6,354
2017 and thereafter	4,778
Total Minimum Lease Payments	$	48,188

In the preceding table, the future minimum annual rentals payable under noncancelable leases denominated in foreign currencies have been calculated based upon March 31, 2012 foreign currency exchange rates.

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References+ Details

Debt

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Debt

DEBT

Indebtedness was as follows:



	March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011
Private Placement	$	210,000	$	210,000
Credit facility	—		—
Total long term debt	$	210,000	$	210,000

On August 15, 2008, we issued $150,000 of senior notes in a private placement (the “August 2008 Private Placement”) to certain institutional investors in an offering that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. We have used and will use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including repayment of debt, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends, and share repurchases. Of the $150,000 notes, $30,000 have a maturity of five years at an annual interest rate of 5.63%, another $85,000 have a maturity of 10 years at an annual interest rate of 6.33%, and the remaining $35,000 have a maturity of 12 years at an annual interest rate of 6.43%. The agreements governing the senior notes issued in the August 2008 Private Placement contain financial covenants, including limitations on debt and a minimum consolidated net worth requirement.

In December 2003, we issued $100,000 of senior notes in a private placement (the “December 2003 Private Placement”) to certain institutional investors in an offering that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. Of the $100,000 of notes, $40,000 had a maturity of five years at an annual interest rate of 4.20%, an additional $40,000 has a maturity of 10 years at an annual interest rate of 5.25%, and the remaining $20,000 has a maturity of 12 years at an annual interest rate of 5.38%. Therefore, in December 2008, the first series of the December 2003 Private Placement notes in an aggregate principal amount of $40,000 matured and was repaid. The agreements governing the senior notes issued in the December 2003 Private Placement contain financial covenants, including limitations on debt and a minimum consolidated net worth requirement.

On August 15, 2008, we signed an amendment to the December 2003 Private Placement note purchase agreements. This amendment, which was signed by the requisite majority in aggregate principal amount of the holders of the December 2003 Private Placement notes, modified the respective note purchase agreements primarily as they pertained to liens, electronic delivery of financial information and notices, and certain provisions regarding an intercreditor agreement.

On September 13, 2007, we signed the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Former Credit Agreement”) with KeyBank National Association, as administrative agent for the lending institutions that are parties to the Former Credit Agreement (the “Former Agent”), and the lenders party to the Former Credit Agreement. This Former Credit Agreement amended, restated, and replaced our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 29, 2004, as amended, which was to mature in June 2010. The Former Credit Agreement was to mature on September 13, 2012 and provided $400,000 of credit, which could be increased by up to an additional $100,000 in specified circumstances, for borrowings and letters of credit. The Former Credit Agreement provided a multi-currency borrowing option and could be used for general corporate purposes. At our option, loans could be borrowed on a floating or fixed rate basis. Floating rate loans bore interest at the greater of (1) the Prime Rate established by the Former Agent, or (2) the Federal Funds effective rate plus 0.50%, plus in each case a margin based on our leverage ratio. Fixed rate loans bore interest at the Eurodollar Rate or other defined currency rate, plus, in each case, a margin based on our leverage ratio. Interest was payable quarterly or at the end of the interest period, if shorter. The Former Credit Agreement also required the payment of a facility fee on the total facility commitment amount, which was determined based on our leverage ratio. We could prepay floating rate loans without paying a penalty, but we could be required to pay a penalty for prepaying fixed rate loans. The Former Credit Agreement also allowed us to make short-term swing loan borrowings not to exceed $35,000, with an interest rate equal to the Former Agent’s cost of funds plus a margin based on our leverage ratio. The Former Credit Agreement required us to maintain compliance with certain financial covenants, including a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. Our obligations under the Former Credit Agreement were unsecured but guaranteed by our material domestic subsidiaries.

On April 13, 2012 we signed a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with KeyBank National Association, as administrative agent (“Agent”) for the lenders from time to time party thereto ("Lenders") and such Lenders. The Credit Agreement amended, restated and replaced the Former Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement provides a $300,000 credit facility (which may be increased by up to an additional $100,000 in specified circumstances, and subject to certain Lender consent requirements) for borrowings and letters of credit, and will mature April 13, 2017. The aggregate unpaid principal amount of all borrowings, to the extent not previously repaid, is repayable on that date. Borrowings also are repayable at such other earlier times as may be required under or permitted by the terms of the Credit Agreement. Borrowings bear interest at floating rates based upon the Base Rate (as defined) or fixed rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate or Alternate Currency Rate (as defined), plus the Applicable Margin (as defined) in effect from time to time under the Credit Agreement based upon the Company's Leverage Ratio (as defined). Interest on floating rate loans is payable quarterly in arrears and interest on fixed rate loans is payable at the end of the relevant interest period therefor, but in no event less frequently than every three months. The Credit Agreement also requires the payment of a facility fee on the total facility commitment amount, which fee is determined based on the Company's Leverage Ratio. There is no premium or penalty for prepayment of floating rate loans but prepayments of fixed rate loans may be subject to a prepayment fee. The Credit Agreement also permits the Company to make short term "Swing Loan" borrowings from the Agent in an aggregate amount not to exceed $35,000 outstanding at any time. Swing Loans bear interest at the Agent's cost of funds plus the applicable margin in effect from time to time. The Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain compliance with certain financial covenants, including a maximum Leverage Ratio and a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio. The Company's obligations under the Credit Agreement are unsecured but guaranteed by its material domestic subsidiaries.

At March 31, 2012, we were in compliance with all financial covenants associated with our indebtedness.

The combined annual aggregate amount of maturities of our outstanding debt by fiscal year is as follows:



2013	$	—
2014	70,000
2015	—
2016	20,000
2017 and thereafter	120,000
Total	$	210,000

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References+ Details

Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information

ADDITIONAL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS INFORMATION

Additional information related to our Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:



	March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011
Accrued payroll and other related liabilities:
Compensation and related items	$	9,273	$	16,160
Accrued vacation/paid time off	6,583		6,379
Accrued bonuses	750		13,925
Accrued employee commissions	9,845		11,985
Other postretirement benefit obligations-current portion	3,255		3,274
Other employee benefit plans' obligations-current portion	193		528
Total accrued payroll and other related liabilities	$	29,899	$	52,251
Accrued expenses and other:
Deferred revenues	$	51,412	$	34,396
Self-insured risk reserves-current portion	3,006		3,610
Accrued dealer commissions	9,171		7,354
Accrued warranty	11,189		7,509
Other	21,465		20,962
Total accrued expenses and other	$	96,243	$	73,831
Other liabilities:
Self-insured risk reserves-long-term portion	$	8,786	$	10,233
Other postretirement benefit obligations-long-term portion	21,639		20,526
Defined benefit pension plans obligations-long-term portion	9,881		8,006
Other employee benefit plans obligations-long-term portion	4,486		3,897
Accrued long-term income taxes	1,925		9,140
Other	5,217		4,810
Total other liabilities	$	51,934	$	56,612

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

INCOME TAXES

Income from continuing operations before income taxes was as follows:



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011		2010
United States operations	$	170,776	$	30,088	$	153,165
Non-United States operations	40,332		43,731		38,651
	$	211,108	$	73,819	$	191,816

The components of the provision for income taxes related to income from continuing operations consisted of the following:



Years Ended March 31,	2012			2011			2010
Current:
United States federal	$	33,129		$	46,036		$	45,092
United States state and local	4,956			7,726			6,954
Non-United States	15,049			12,252			9,501
	53,134			66,014			61,547
Deferred:
United States federal	20,762			(36,497		)	2,591
United States state and local	3,506			(6,016		)	265
Non-United States	(2,409		)	(947		)	(1,054		)
	21,859			(43,460		)	1,802
Total Provision for Income Taxes	$	74,993		$	22,554		$	63,349

The total provision for income taxes can be reconciled to the tax computed at the United States federal statutory tax rate as follows:



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011		2010
United States federal statutory tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Increase (decrease) in accruals for uncertain tax positions	(0.7	)%	1.8	%	0.6	%
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2.8	%	1.5	%	2.5	%
Foreign income tax credit	(0.2	)%	(0.6	)%	(0.1	)%
Difference in non-United States tax rates	(0.3	)%	(3.7	)%	(2.0	)%
U.S. manufacturing deduction	(1.6	)%	(4.4	)%	(0.7	)%
All other, net	0.5	%	1.0	%	(2.3	)%
Total Provision for Income Taxes	35.5	%	30.6	%	33.0	%

Unrecognized Tax Benefits. We classify uncertain tax positions and related interest and penalties as long-term liabilities within “Other liabilities” in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, unless they are expected to be paid within 12 months, in which case, the uncertain tax positions would be classified as current liabilities within “Accrued income taxes.” We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within “Income tax expense” in our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



Years Ended March 31,	2012			2011
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at April 1	$	9,594		$	11,788
Increases for tax provisions of prior years	3			3,458
Decreases for tax provisions of prior years	(4,488		)	(2,221		)
Increases for tax provisions of current year	—			391
Decreases for tax provisions of current year	—			(3,661		)
Settlements	(3,582		)	—
Lapse of statute of limitations	—			(161		)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at March 31	$	1,527		$	9,594

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate is $1,242 at March 31, 2012 and $4,975 at March 31, 2011. In addition, we believe that it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by up to $1,124 within 12 months of March 31, 2012, primarily as a result of audit settlements and the lapse of statute of limitations.

For the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, current income tax expense includes (benefit) expense of $(631) and $417 for interest, and expense of $16 and $60 for penalties, respectively. In total, as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, we have recognized a liability for interest of $936 and $1,567 and penalties of $64 and $81, respectively.

We operate in numerous taxing jurisdictions and are subject to regular examinations by various United States federal, state and local, as well as foreign jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to United States federal examinations for years before fiscal 2010 and, with limited exceptions, we are no longer subject to United States state and local, or non-United States, income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before fiscal 2008. We remain subject to tax authority audits in various jurisdictions wherever we do business. We do not expect the results of these examinations to have a material adverse affect on our consolidated financial statements.

Deferred Taxes. The significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities recorded in our accompanying balance sheets at March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:



March 31,	2012		2011
Deferred Tax Assets:
Post-retirement benefit accrual	$	9,752	$	9,496
Compensation	11,832		17,800
Net operating loss carryforwards	14,418		13,348
Accrued SYSTEM 1 Rebate	25,353		49,366
Accrued expenses	10,897		6,894
Insurance	3,363		4,197
Deferred income	10,600		5,011
Bad debt	1,962		1,935
Pension	2,928		2,240
Other	607		814
Deferred Tax Assets	91,712		111,101
Less: Valuation allowance	11,842		11,421
Total Deferred Tax Assets	79,870		99,680
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation and depletion	46,876		39,169
Intangibles	28,470		23,738
Inventory	101		2,422
Other	3,915		4,298
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities	79,362		69,627
Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	$	508	$	30,053

At March 31, 2012, we had federal operating loss carryforwards of $1,958, which can be utilized subject to certain limitations, and foreign operating loss carry forwards of $56,870. Substantially all of the carryforwards are available for at least three years or have an indefinite carryforward period. In addition, we have recorded tax benefits of $374 related to state operating loss carryforwards. At March 31, 2012, we had $77 of tax credit carryforwards. These credit carryforwards expire between fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2026.

We review the need for a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance of $11,842 has been applied to a portion of the net deferred tax assets because we do not believe it is more-likely-than-not that we will receive future benefit. The valuation allowance increased during fiscal 2012 by $421.

At March 31, 2012, cumulative undistributed earnings of international operations amounted to approximately $178,318. These earnings are indefinitely reinvested in international operations. Accordingly, no provision has been made for deferred taxes related to the future repatriation of such earnings, nor is it practicable to determine the amount of this liability.

At March 31, 2012, we had a current prepaid income tax position. This was mainly due to the timing of U.S. Federal income tax estimated payments.

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph h

-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Paragraph 136, 172

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 15

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Benefit Plans

BENEFIT PLANS

We provide defined benefit pension plans for certain current and former manufacturing and plant administrative personnel throughout the world as determined by collective bargaining agreements or employee benefit standards set at the time of acquisition of certain businesses. In addition to providing pension benefits to certain employees, we sponsor an unfunded post-retirement welfare benefits plan for two groups of United States retirees; including the same retirees who receive pension benefits under the United States defined benefit pension plan. Benefits under this plan include retiree life insurance and retiree medical insurance, including prescription drug coverage.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we amended our United States post-retirement welfare benefits plan, reducing the benefits to be provided to retirees under the plan and increasing their share of the costs. The amendments resulted in a decrease of $46,001 in the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation. The impact of this change was recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets in fiscal 2009 and is being amortized as a component of the annual net periodic benefit cost over a period of approximately thirteen years.

A defined benefit pension plan is also provided to the employees of our former Pieterlen, Switzerland manufacturing facility. Restructuring actions related to the Pieterlen, Switzerland manufacturing facility were taken as part of the Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan and the Fiscal 2009 Restructuring Plan. These actions resulted in workforce reductions that resulted in curtailments and partial settlements of the plan as the vested benefits of affected employees were settled.

We recognize the funded status of our defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit plans in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. The funded status is measured as of March 31 each year and is calculated as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation (which is the projected benefit obligation for pension plans and the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation for post-retirement benefit plans). Accumulated comprehensive income (loss) represents the net unrecognized actuarial losses and unrecognized prior service cost. These amounts will be recognized in net periodic benefit cost as they are amortized. We will recognize future changes to the funded status of these plans in the year the change occurs, through other comprehensive income.

Obligations and Funded Status. The following table reconciles the funded status of the defined benefit pension plans and the other post-retirement medical benefit plan to the amounts recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Benefit obligation balances presented in the following table reflect the projected benefit obligations for our defined benefit pension plans and the accumulated other post-retirement benefit obligation for our post-retirement medical benefit plan. The measurement date of our defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement medical benefit plan is March 31, for both periods presented.



	Defined Benefit Pension Plans												Other Postretirement Benefits Plan
	U.S. Qualified						International						Other Postretirement Benefits Plan
	2012			2011			2012			2011			2012			2011
Change in Benefit Obligations:
Benefit Obligations at Beginning of Year	$	48,560		$	47,638		$	9,777		$	11,903		$	23,800		$	25,179
Service cost	205			190			334			531			—			—
Interest cost	2,438			2,617			195			334			991			1,168
Actuarial loss (gain)	4,482			2,724			506			(942		)	3,512			683
Benefits and expenses	(4,366		)	(4,609		)	20			(665		)	(3,409		)	(3,230		)
Employee contributions	—			—			317			473			—			—
Curtailments/settlements	—			—			(6,576		)	(1,872		)	—			—
Impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes				—			530			15			—			—
Benefit Obligations at End of Year	51,319			48,560			5,103			9,777			24,894			23,800
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	42,023			40,142			8,308			9,220			—			—
Actual return (loss) on plan assets	2,566			4,340			(104		)	445			—			—
Employer contributions	2,168			2,125			317			473			3,409			3,231
Employee contributions	—			—			317			473			—			—
Benefits and expenses paid	(4,366		)	(4,584		)	20			(665		)	(3,409		)	(3,231		)
Curtailments/settlements	—			—			(4,890		)	(1,872		)	—			—
Impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes	—			—			182			234			—			—
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	42,391			42,023			4,150			8,308			—			—
Funded Status of the Plans	$	(8,928	)	$	(6,537	)	$	(953	)	$	(1,469	)	$	(24,894	)	$	(23,800	)

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following:



	Pension Plans
	U.S. Qualified						International						Other Post-retirement Plan
	2012			2011			2012			2011			2012			2011
Current liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(3,255	)	$	(3,274	)
Noncurrent liabilities	(8,928		)	(6,537		)	(953		)	(1,469		)	(21,639		)	(20,526		)
	$	(8,928	)	$	(6,537	)	$	(953	)	$	(1,469	)	$	(24,894	)	$	(23,800	)

The pre-tax amount of unrecognized actuarial net loss and unamortized prior service cost included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at March 31, 2012 was $(34,437) and $32,895 respectively. During fiscal 2013, we will amortize the following pre-tax amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income:



	Pension Plans				Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan
	U.S. Qualified Plan		International Plan		Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan
Actuarial loss	$	1,333	$	—	$	726
Prior Service Cost	$	—	$	—	$	(3,263	)

Defined benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation exceeding the fair value of plan assets had the following plan assets and obligations at March 31, 2012 and 2011:



	U.S. Qualified				International				Total
	2012		2011		2012		2011		2012		2011
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	$	42,391	$	42,023	$	4,150	$	8,308	$	46,541	$	50,331
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligations	51,319		48,560		4,820		9,286		56,139		57,846

Defined benefit plans with a projected benefit obligation exceeding the fair value of plan assets had the following plan assets and obligations at March 31, 2012 and 2011:



	U.S. Qualified				International				Total
	2012		2011		2012		2011		2012		2011
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	$	42,391	$	42,023	$	4,150	$	8,308	$	46,541	$	50,331
Aggregate projected benefit obligations	51,319		48,560		5,103		9,777		56,422		58,337

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income. Components of the annual net periodic benefit cost of our defined benefit pension plans and our other post-retirement medical benefit plan were as follows:



	Pension Plans
	U.S. Qualified									International									Other Post-retirement Plan
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
Service cost	$	205		$	190		$	185		$	334		$	531		$	554		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost	2,438			2,617			3,046			195			334			368			991			1,169			1,948
Expected return on plan assets	(3,304		)	(3,033		)	(2,484		)	(209		)	(356		)	(416		)	—			—			—
Prior service cost recognition	—			—			—			—			—			—			(3,263		)	(3,263		)	(3,263		)
Net amortization and deferral	1,066			1,068			1,062			—			—			—			425			388			626
Net periodic benefit cost	405			842			1,809			320			509			506			(1,847		)	(1,706		)	(689		)
Curtailments/settlements	—			—			—			(1,384		)	(95		)	(63		)	—			—			—
Total benefit cost	$	405		$	842		$	1,809		$	(1,064	)	$	414		$	443		$	(1,847	)	$	(1,706	)	$	(689	)
Recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss before tax:
Net loss (gain) occurring during year	$	5,220		$	1,393		$	(554	)	$	818		$	(1,031	)	$	502		$	3,512		$	683		$	(2,930	)
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)	—			—			—			—			—			—			3,263			3,263			3,263
Amortization of net (loss) gain	(1,066		)	(1,068		)	(1,132		)	87			95			63			(425		)	(388		)	(626		)
Amortization of transition asset (obligation)	—			—			70			—			—			—			—			—			—
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (income)	4,154			325			(1,616		)	905			(936		)	565			6,350			3,558			(293		)
Total recognized in total benefits cost and other comprehensive loss (income)	$	4,559		$	1,167		$	193		$	(159	)	$	(522	)	$	1,008		$	4,503		$	1,852		$	(982	)

Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost. The following table presents significant assumptions used to determine the projected benefit obligations at March 31:



	2012		2011
Discount Rate:
U.S. qualified pension plan	4.25	%	5.25	%
Switzerland pension plan	2.25	%	2.75	%
Other post-retirement plan	3.75	%	4.50	%
Expected Return on Plan Assets:
U.S. qualified pension plan	8.00	%	8.00	%
Switzerland pension plan	3.25	%	3.25	%
Rate of Compensation Increase:
Switzerland pension plan	2.50	%	2.50	%

The following table presents significant assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit costs for the years ended March 31:



	2012		2011		2010
Discount Rate:
U.S. qualified pension plan	5.25	%	5.75	%	7.50	%
Switzerland pension plan	2.75	%	3.00	%	3.25	%
Other post-retirement plan	4.50	%	5.00	%	7.00	%
Expected Return on Plan Assets:
U.S. qualified pension plan	8.00	%	8.00	%	8.00	%
Switzerland pension plan	3.25	%	4.00	%	4.50	%
Rate of Compensation Increase:
Switzerland pension plan	2.50	%	2.50	%	2.50	%

The net periodic benefit cost and the actuarial present value of projected benefit obligations are based upon assumptions that we review on an annual basis. These assumptions may be revised annually based upon an evaluation of long-term trends, as well as market conditions that may have an impact on the cost of providing benefits.

We develop our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumptions by evaluating input from third-party professional advisors, taking into consideration the asset allocation of the portfolios and the long-term asset class return expectations.

We develop our discount rate assumptions by evaluating input from third-party professional advisors, taking into consideration the current yield on country specific investment grade long-term bonds which provide for similar cash flow streams as our projected obligations.

We have made assumptions regarding healthcare costs in computing our other post-retirement benefit obligation. The assumed rates of increase generally decline ratably over a five-year period from the assumed current year healthcare cost trend rate to the assumed long-term healthcare cost trend rate noted below.



	2012		2011		2010
Healthcare cost trend rate – medical	8.0	%	10.0	%	11.0	%
Healthcare cost trend rate – prescription drug	8.0	%	10.0	%	11.0	%
Long-term healthcare cost trend rate	4.5	%	5.0	%	5.0	%

To determine the healthcare cost trend rates, we evaluate a combination of information, including ongoing claims cost monitoring, annual statistical analyses of claims data, reconciliation of forecasted claims against actual claims, review of trend assumptions of other plan sponsors and national health trends, and adjustments for plan design changes, workforce changes, and changes in plan participant behavior.

A one-percentage-point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates (including medical, prescription drug, and long-term rates) would have had the following effect at March 31, 2012:



	One-Percentage Point
	Increase		Decrease
Effect on total service and interest cost components	$	7	$	(6	)
Effect on other post-retirement benefit obligation	167		(159		)

Plan Assets. Our United States and Switzerland defined benefit pension plans are funded. The following table presents the targeted asset allocation of plan assets at March 31, 2012 and the actual allocation of plan assets at March 31, 2012 and 2011 for these plans:



	Long-Term Target Allocation Percentage		Percentage of Plan Assets March 31
	Long-Term Target Allocation Percentage		2012		2011
U.S. Qualified Plan:
Equity securities	60	%	59.3	%	57.7	%
Debt securities	40	%	39.9	%	41.4	%
Cash	0	%	0.8	%	0.9	%
Total	100	%	100	%	100	%
Switzerland Plan:
Insurance contracts	100	%	100	%	100	%
Total	100	%	100	%	100	%

The long-term target allocations in the preceding table reflect our asset class return expectations and tolerance for investment risk within the context of the pension plans’ long-term benefit obligations. Investment policies, strategies, and long-term target allocations are developed on a plan specific and country specific basis. We continually challenge the long-term target asset allocations and support the allocations by an analysis that incorporates historical and expected returns by asset class as well as volatilities across asset classes and our liability profile. Due to market conditions and other factors, actual asset allocations may vary from the long-term target allocations presented in the preceding table. Plan assets are managed by outside investment managers. If asset allocations move outside of the target ranges, the portfolios are rebalanced. For the purpose of the above analysis, debt and equity securities include fixed income and equity security mutual funds, respectively. At March 31, 2012 and 2011, the plans’ assets did not include investments in STERIS common shares.

Financial instruments included in pension plan assets are categorized into three tiers. These tiers include a fair value hierarchy of three levels, based on the degree of subjectivity inherent in the valuation methodology as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical assets in active markets.

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets in active markets with inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 - Unobservable prices or inputs in which little or no market data exists.

The fair value of our pension benefits plan assets at March 31, 2012 and 2011 by asset category is as follows:



	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
	U.S. Qualified Pension Plan								International Plan
(In thousands)	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and Short Term Securities	$	353	$	353	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Equity Securities
Mutual Funds	25,152		25,152		—		—		—		—		—		—
Debt Securities
Government Bonds	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Mutual Funds	16,886		16,886		—		—		—		—		—		—
Other Investments	—		—		—		—		4,150		—		4,150		—
Total Plan Assets	$	42,391	$	42,391	$	—	$	—	$	4,150	$	—	$	4,150	$	—



	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2011
	U.S. Qualified Pension Plan								International Plan
(In thousands)	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and Short Term Securities	$	359	$	359	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Equity Securities
Mutual Funds	24,229		24,229		—		—		—		—		—		—
Debt Securities
Mutual Funds	17,435		17,435		—		—		—		—		—		—
Insurance Contracts	—		—		—		—		8,308		—		—		8,308
Total Plan Assets	$	42,023	$	42,023	$	—	$	—	$	8,308	$	—	$	—	$	8,308

Cash Flows. We contribute amounts to our defined benefit pension plans at least equal to the minimum amounts required by applicable employee benefit laws and local tax laws. We have recorded liabilities for amounts greater than the required funding levels on our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of March 31, 2012, we expect to make contributions of approximately $2,595 to the U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan in fiscal 2013.

Based upon the actuarial assumptions utilized to develop our benefit obligations at March 31, 2012, the following benefit payments are expected to be made to plan participants:



	Defined Benefit Pension Plans						Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
	U.S. Qualified		International		Total		Gross Benefit Payments		Medicare Reimbursement			Total
2013	$	4,201	$	144	$	4,345	$	3,256	$	(216	)	$	3,040
2014	4,087		260		4,347		3,073		(223		)	2,850
2015	3,983		165		4,148		2,853		(230		)	2,623
2016	3,938		194		4,132		2,645		(234		)	2,411
2017	3,848		210		4,058		2,322		(241		)	2,081
2018-2022	17,739		1,722		19,461		8,126		(1,061		)	7,065

In the preceding table, projected benefit payments denominated in foreign currencies have been calculated based upon March 31, 2012 foreign currency exchange rates.

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Act”) provides a prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries, a benefit we provide to Medicare eligible retirees covered by our post-retirement benefits plan. We have concluded that the prescription drug benefit provided in our post-retirement benefit plan is considered to be actuarially equivalent to the benefit provided under the Act and thus qualifies for the subsidy under the Act. As a result, all the measures of our accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes reflect the effects of the Act on the plan for the entire fiscal year. This expected future subsidy reduced our accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation and our net periodic benefit cost as of and for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 by $3,065 and $263, respectively. We collected subsidies totaling approximately $420 and $768, during fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, which reduced our net post-retirement medical payments.

Defined Contribution Plans. We maintain a 401(k) defined contribution plan for eligible employees. We provide a match on a specified portion of an employee’s contribution as approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. The plan assets are held in trust and invested as directed by the plan participants. The aggregate fair value of plan assets was $304,996 at March 31, 2012. At March 31, 2012, the plan held 835,690 STERIS common shares with a fair value of $26,425. We paid dividends of $545, $498, and $2,253 to the plan and participants on STERIS common stock held by the plan for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. We contributed $7,265, $7,476, and $6,226, to the defined contribution plan for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

We also maintain a domestic non-qualified deferred compensation plan covering certain employees, which formerly allowed for the deferral of compensation for an employee-specified term or until retirement or termination. Employee contributions to this plan were $443, $237, and $594 in fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011, and fiscal 2010, respectively. The Plan was amended in fiscal 2012 to disallow deferrals of salary payable in 2012 and subsequent calendar years and of commissions and other incentive compensation payable in respect of the 2013 and subsequent fiscal years. We hold investments in mutual funds to satisfy future obligations of the plan. We account for these assets as available-for-sale securities and they are included in “Other assets” on our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, with a corresponding liability for the plan’s obligation recorded in “Accrued expenses and other.” The aggregate value of the assets was $3,032 and $2,493 at March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, respectively. Realized gains and losses on these investments are recorded in “Interest and miscellaneous income” within “Non-operating expenses” on our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Changes in the fair value of the assets are recorded in other comprehensive income on our accompanying balance sheets.

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

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+ Details

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Text Block]	Commitments and contingencies We are, and will likely continue to be, involved in a number of legal proceedings, government investigations, and claims, which we believe generally arise in the course of our business, given our size, history, complexity, and the nature of our business, products, Customers, regulatory environment, and industries in which we participate. These legal proceedings, investigations and claims generally involve a variety of legal theories and allegations, including, without limitation, personal injury (e.g., slip and falls, burns, vehicle accidents), product liability or regulation (e.g., based on product operation or claimed malfunction, failure to warn, failure to meet specification, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements), product exposure (e.g., claimed exposure to chemicals, asbestos, contaminants, radiation), property damage (e.g., claimed damage due to leaking equipment, fire, vehicles, chemicals), commercial claims (e.g., breach of contract, economic loss, warranty, misrepresentation), financial (e.g., taxes, reporting), employment (e.g., wrongful termination, discrimination, benefits matters), and other claims for damage and relief. We believe we have adequately reserved for our current litigation and claims that are probable and estimable, and further believe that the ultimate outcome of these pending lawsuits and claims will not have a material adverse affect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations taken as a whole. Due to their inherent uncertainty, however, there can be no assurance of the ultimate outcome or effect of current or future litigation, investigations, claims or other proceedings (including without limitation the matters discussed below). For certain types of claims, we presently maintain insurance coverage for personal injury and property damage and other liability coverages in amounts and with deductibles that we believe are prudent, but there can be no assurance that these coverages will be applicable or adequate to cover adverse outcomes of claims or legal proceedings against us. As previously disclosed, we received a warning letter (the “warning letter”) from the FDA on May 16, 2008 regarding our SYSTEM 1® sterile processor and the STERIS 20 sterilant used with the processor (sometimes referred to collectively in the FDA letter and in this note 11 as the “device”). Among other matters, the warning letter included the FDA's assertion that significant changes or modifications had been made in the design, components, method of manufacture, or intended use of the device beyond the FDA's 1988 clearance, such that the FDA believed a new premarket notification submission (known within FDA regulations as a 510(k) submission) should have been made, and the assertion that our failure to make such a submission resulted in violations of applicable law. On July 30, 2008 (with an Addendum on October 9, 2008), we provided a detailed response contending that the assertions in the warning letter were not correct. On November 4, 2008, we received a letter from the FDA (dated November 3, 2008) in which the FDA stated without elaboration that, after reviewing our response, it disagreed with our position and that a new premarket notification submission was required. After discussions with the FDA regarding the November 3rd letter, we received an additional letter on November 6, 2008 from the FDA. The November 6th letter stated that the intent of the November 3rd letter was to inform us of the FDA's preliminary disagreement with our response to the warning letter and, before finalizing a position, the FDA reiterated that it wanted to meet with us to discuss the Company's response, issues related to the warning letter and next steps to resolve any differences between the Company and the FDA. We thereafter met with the FDA and, on January 20, 2009, we announced that we had submitted to the FDA a new liquid chemical sterilant processing system for 510(k) clearance, and we communicated to Customers that we would continue supporting the existing SYSTEM 1 installed base in the U.S. for at least a two year period from that date. On December 3, 2009, the FDA provided a notice (“notice”) to healthcare facility administrators and infection control practitioners describing FDA's “concerns about the SYSTEM 1 Processor, components and accessories, and FDA recommendations.” In the notice, among other things, FDA stated its belief that the SYSTEM 1 device had been significantly modified, that FDA had not cleared or approved the modified device, and that FDA had not determined whether the SYSTEM 1 was safe or effective for its labeled claims. The notice further stated that use of a device that does not properly sterilize or disinfect a medical or surgical device poses risks to patients and users, including the transmission of pathogens, exposure to hazardous chemicals and may affect the quality and functionality of reprocessed instruments. The notice stated that FDA was aware of reports of malfunctions of the SYSTEM 1 that had the potential to cause or contribute to serious injuries to patients, such as infections, or injuries to healthcare staff, such as burns. Included in FDA's December 3, 2009 notice was a recommendation from FDA that if users had acceptable alternatives to meet sterilization and disinfection needs, they should transition to that alternative as soon as possible. After its December 3, 2009 notice, we engaged in extensive discussions with the FDA regarding a comprehensive resolution of this matter. On February 2, 2010, the FDA notified healthcare facility administrators and infection control practitioners that FDA's total recommended time period for transitioning from SYSTEM 1 in the U.S. was 18 months from that date. On April 5, 2010, we received FDA clearance of the new liquid chemical sterilant processing system (SYSTEM 1E). Also in April 2010 we reached agreement with the FDA on the terms of a consent decree (“Consent Decree”). On April 19, 2010, a Complaint and Consent Decree were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and on April 20, 2010, the Court approved the Consent Decree. In general, the Consent Decree addresses regulatory matters regarding SYSTEM 1, restricts further sales of SYSTEM 1 processors in the U.S., defines certain documentation and other requirements for continued service and support of SYSTEM 1 in the U.S., prohibits the sale of liquid chemical sterilization or disinfection products in the U.S. that do not have FDA clearance, describes various process and compliance matters, and defines penalties in the event of violation of the Consent Decree. The Consent Decree also provides that we may continue to support our Customers' use of SYSTEM 1 in the U.S., including the sale of consumables, parts and accessories and service for a transition period, not to extend beyond August 2, 2011 (later extended by FDA to August 2, 2012), subject to compliance with requirements for documentation of the Customer's need for continued support and other conditions and limitations (the “Transition Plan”). Our Transition Plan includes the “SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program” (the “Rebate Program”). In April 2010, we began to offer rebates to qualifying Customers. Generally, U.S. Customers that purchased SYSTEM 1 processors directly from us or who were users of SYSTEM 1 at the time the Rebate Program was introduced and who return their units have the option of either a pro-rated cash rebate or a rebate toward the future purchase of new STERIS capital equipment (including SYSTEM 1E) or consumable products. In addition, we provide credits for the return of SYSTEM 1 consumables in unbroken packaging and within shelf life and for the unused portion of SYSTEM 1 service contracts. As a result, we recorded a pre-tax liability of $110,004 related to the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program during the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Of the $110,004, $102,313 was attributable to the Customer Rebate portion of the Program and was recorded as a reduction of revenues, and $7,691 was attributable to the disposal liability of the SYSTEM 1 units to be returned and was recorded as an increase in cost of revenues. This also resulted in a $110,004 reduction in operating income. Recording the obligations associated with the Rebate Program requires the use of estimates and assumptions. The use of estimates and assumptions involves judgments with respect to factors that may impact the ultimate outcome and may be beyond management's control. The key assumptions involved in the estimates associated with the Rebate Program include: the number and age of SYSTEM 1 processors eligible for rebates under the Rebate Program, the number of Customers that will elect to participate in the Rebate Program, the proportion of Customers that will choose each rebate option, and the estimated per unit costs of disposal. The number and age of SYSTEM 1 processors has been estimated based on our historical sales and service records and we initially assumed that 100% of eligible Customers would elect to participate in the Rebate Program. As of March 31, 2012, based upon actual experience to date, we estimate that approximately 83% of eligible Customers will ultimately elect to participate in the Rebate Program. In order to estimate the portion of Customers that will choose each available rebate option, we first assessed trends in sales of the proprietary consumable products utilized in the SYSTEM 1 processor. Order and quote data for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 provide indications of the proportion of Customers that are expected to choose each of the other rebate options. The per unit costs associated with disposal are estimated based on the service hours involved and existing freight and disposal contracts. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, based on actual experience to date, we adjusted a portion of the original estimated liability related to the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program. The total pre-tax adjustment was $17,403, of which $15,306 was recorded as an increase to revenue for the Customer rebate portion, and $2,097 was recorded as a reduction in cost of revenues related to the disposal liability. This adjustment results primarily from a decrease in the estimated number of eligible Customers that will ultimately participate in the Rebate Program. Our assumptions regarding the response of our Customers to the Rebate Program could be wrong and actual results could be different from these estimates. Through March 31, 2012, Customers have utilized or committed to utilize rebates totaling approximately $60,700 on orders placed since the initiation of the Rebate Program. If all eligible Customers holding the remaining outstanding SYSTEM 1 units elect the maximum incentive rebate associated with the SYSTEM 1E processor rebate, the total estimated rebate program would increase to approximately $93,000. Conversely, if all eligible Customers holding the remaining outstanding SYSTEM 1 units elect the cash rebate option, the total estimated rebate program cost would decrease to approximately $75,000. The Consent Decree has defined the resolution of a number of issues regarding SYSTEM 1, and we believe our actions with respect to SYSTEM 1, including the Transition Plan, were and are not recalls, corrections or removals under FDA regulations. However, there is no assurance that these or other claims will not be brought or that judicial, regulatory, administrative or other legal or enforcement actions, notices or remedies will not be pursued, or that action will not be taken in respect of the Consent Decree, the Transition Plan, SYSTEM 1, or otherwise with respect to regulatory or compliance matters, as described in this note 11 or in various portions of Item 1A. of Part I contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In December of 2010, we began shipping SYSTEM 1E units, after having received FDA clearance for the SYSTEM 1E chemical indicator, which is used in conjunction with the SYSTEM 1E. We also submitted a 510(k) to FDA for an optional spore-based indicator strip for use with SYSTEM 1E. Thereafter, as a result of discussions with FDA, we filed a de novo submission requesting classification of this strip in accordance with Section 513(f)(2) of the Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic Act. The de novo process is part of the initial classification for new devices. This spore-based monitoring strip received FDA clearance on March 30, 2012. This new clearance does not affect the prior clearance of the SYSTEM 1E processor or the SYSTEM 1E chemical indicator. On February 5, 2010, a complaint was filed by a Customer that claimed to have purchased two SYSTEM 1 devices from STERIS, Physicians of Winter Haven LLC d/b/a Day Surgery Center v. STERIS Corp., Case No. 1:1-cv-00264-CAB (N.D. Ohio). The complaint alleged statutory violations, breaches of various warranties, negligence, failure to warn, and unjust enrichment and Plaintiff sought class certification, damages, and other legal and equitable relief including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and an order requiring STERIS to replace, recall or adequately repair the product and/or to take appropriate regulatory action. On February 7, 2011 we entered into a settlement agreement in which we agreed, among other things, to provide various categories of economic relief for members of the settlement class and not object to plaintiff's counsel's application to the court for attorneys' fees and expenses up to a specified amount. Certification of a settlement class was approved and final approval of the settlement was given by the court in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we recorded in operating expenses a pre-tax charge of approximately $19,796 related to the settlement of these proceedings. The assumptions regarding the amount of this charge included, among others, the portion of class members participating in the settlement and their choice of the categories of economic relief available for such members. These assumptions may be incorrect and the costs of the settlement may be higher or lower than the charge recorded. Estimates of the actual settlement range from as low as $7,000 and as high as $22,000 depending on the options selected by the class members. Other civil, criminal, regulatory or other proceedings involving our products or services also could possibly result in judgments, settlements or administrative or judicial decrees requiring us, among other actions, to pay damages or fines or effect recalls, or be subject to other governmental, Customer or other third party claims or remedies, which could materially affect our business, performance, prospects, value, financial condition, and results of operations. For additional information regarding these matters, see the following portions of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: “Business - Information with respect to our Business in General - Government Regulation”, and the “Risk Factor” titled “We may be adversely affected by product liability claims or other legal actions or regulatory or compliance matters, including the Warning Letter and Consent Decree” and the "Risk Factor” titled “Compliance with the Consent Decree may be more costly and burdensome than anticipated.” From time to time, STERIS is also involved in legal proceedings as a plaintiff involving contract, patent protection, and other claims asserted by us. Gains, if any, from these proceedings are recognized when they are realized. We are subject to taxation from United States federal, state, and local, and foreign jurisdictions. Tax positions are settled primarily through the completion of audits within each individual jurisdiction or the closing of statute of limitation. Changes in applicable tax law or other events may also require us to revise past estimates. We describe income taxes further in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements titled, “Income Tax Expense” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional information regarding our contingencies is included in Item 7 of Part II titled, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations,” and in Item 3 of Part I titled, “Legal Proceedings” contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, our commercial commitments totaled $38,264 and $34,330, respectively. Commercial commitments include standby letters of credit, letters of credit required as security under our self-insured risk retention policies, and other potential cash outflows resulting from an event that requires payment by us. Approximately $6,261 and $7,740, respectively, of the totals at March 31, 2012 and 2011 relate to letters of credit required as security under our self-insured risk retention policies. As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, we had minimum purchase commitments with suppliers for raw material purchases totaling $27,440 and $40,455, respectively.

The entire disclosure for loss and gain contingencies. Describes any existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as of the balance sheet date (or prior to issuance of the financial statements) as to a probable or reasonably possible loss incurred by an entity that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur, and typically discloses the amount of loss recorded or a range of possible loss, or an assertion that no reasonable estimate can be made.

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+ Details

Business Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Business Segment Information

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

We operate and report in three reportable business segments: Healthcare, Life Sciences, and Isomedix. Corporate and other, which is presented separately, contains the Defense and Industrial business unit plus costs that are associated with being a publicly traded company and certain other corporate costs.

Our Healthcare segment manufactures and sells capital equipment, accessory, consumable, and service solutions to healthcare providers, including acute care hospitals and surgery centers. These solutions aid our Customers in improving the safety, quality, and productivity of their surgical, sterile processing, gastrointestinal, and emergency environments.

Our Life Sciences segment manufactures and sells engineered capital equipment, formulated cleaning chemistries, and service solutions to pharmaceutical companies, and private and public research facilities around the globe.

Our Isomedix segment operates through a network of facilities located in North America. We sell a comprehensive array of contract sterilization services using gamma irradiation, and ethylene oxide (“EO”) technologies. We provide sterilization and microbial reduction services to companies that supply products to the healthcare, industrial, and consumer products industries.

Financial information for each of our segments is presented in the following table. Operating income (loss) for each segment is calculated as the segment’s gross profit less direct expenses and indirect cost allocations, which results in the full allocation of all distribution and research and development expenses, and the partial allocation of corporate costs. These allocations are based upon variables such as segment headcount and revenues. In addition, the Healthcare segment is responsible for the management of all but one manufacturing facility and uses standard cost to sell products to the Life Sciences segment. Corporate and other includes the gross profit and direct expenses of the Defense and Industrial business unit, as well as certain unallocated corporate costs related to being a publicly traded company and legacy pension and post-retirement benefits.

The accounting policies for segments are the same as those for the consolidated Company. For the year ended March 31, 2012, revenues from a single Customer did not equal ten percent or more of any segment’s revenues.



Years Ended March 31,	2012			2011			2010
Revenues:
Healthcare (1)	$	1,013,102		$	835,832		$	892,474
Life Sciences	226,658			215,437			218,209
Isomedix	164,257			152,242			140,871
Total Reportable Segments	1,404,017			1,203,511			1,251,554
Corporate and other	2,793			3,937			6,179
Total Revenues	$	1,406,810		$	1,207,448		$	1,257,733
Operating Income:
Healthcare (2)	$	141,742		$	21,317		$	151,520
Life Sciences	41,633			33,069			30,952
Isomedix	47,596			39,833			31,103
Total Reportable Segments	230,971			94,219			213,575
Corporate and other	(8,655		)	(9,007		)	(9,863		)
Total Operating Income	$	222,316		$	85,212		$	203,712

(1) Includes an increase of $15,306 in fiscal 2012 and a reduction of $102,313 in fiscal 2011, resulting from the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program.

(2) Includes an increase of 17,403 in fiscal 2012, resulting from the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program, and reductions of $110,004 in fiscal 2011, resulting from the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program, and $19,796, resulting from the class action settlement.

For the year ended March 31, 2012, pre-tax restructuring expenses of $644 are included in the operating results of the Healthcare segment. For the year ended March 31, 2011, pre-tax restructuring expenses of $1,020, $190 and $142 are included in the operating results of the Healthcare, Life Sciences and Isomedix segments, respectively. For the year ended March 31, 2010, pre-tax restructuring expenses of $3,839 and $555 are included in the operating results of the Healthcare and Life Sciences segments, respectively.

Assets include the current and long-lived assets directly attributable to the segment based on the management of the location or on utilization. Certain corporate assets were allocated to the reportable segments based on revenues. Assets attributed to sales and distribution locations are only allocated to the Healthcare and Life Sciences segments. Capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization are allocated to the segments based on variables such as headcount and revenues. Capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization related to research and development efforts are allocated to the Healthcare and Life Sciences segments based on the respective proportion of research and development expenses. “Corporate and other” includes assets, capital expenditures, and depreciation and amortization directly attributable to the Defense and Industrial business unit, as well as certain unallocated amounts related to being a publicly traded company.

Individual facilities, equipment, and intellectual properties are utilized for production by both the Healthcare and Life Sciences segments at varying levels over time. As a result, an allocation of total assets, capital expenditures, and depreciation and amortization is not meaningful to the individual performance of the Healthcare and Life Sciences segments. Therefore, their respective amounts are reported together.



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011
Assets:
Healthcare and Life Sciences	$	1,024,786	$	1,072,892
Isomedix	378,506		352,153
Total Reportable Segments	1,403,292		1,425,045
Corporate and other	2,404		1,640
Total Assets	$	1,405,696	$	1,426,685



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011		2010
Capital Expenditures:
Healthcare and Life Sciences	$	31,713	$	36,156	$	20,602
Isomedix	34,943		41,271		23,454
Total Reportable Segments	66,656		77,427		44,056
Corporate and other	26		15		31
Total Capital Expenditures	$	66,682	$	77,442	$	44,087
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization:
Healthcare and Life Sciences	$	37,559	$	30,188	$	32,640
Isomedix	25,324		24,183		23,553
Total Reportable Segments	62,883		54,371		56,193
Corporate and other	23		18		25
Total Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization	$	62,906	$	54,389	$	56,218

Financial information for each of our United States and international geographic areas is presented in the following table. Revenues are based on the location of these operations and their Customers. Property, plant and equipment, net are those assets that are identified within the operations in each geographic area.



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011		2010
Revenues:
United States	$	1,057,461	$	882,281	$	949,637
International	349,349		325,167		308,096
Total Revenues	$	1,406,810	$	1,207,448	$	1,257,733



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
United States	$	331,590	$	318,110
International	54,819		52,292
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	$	386,409	$	370,402

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

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+ Details

Common Shares

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Common Shares

COMMON SHARES

We calculate basic earnings per common share based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. We calculate diluted earnings per share based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of common share equivalents calculated using the treasury stock method. The following is a summary of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share:



	Years Ended March 31,
(shares in thousands)	2012	2011	2010

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic	58,367	59,306	58,826
Dilutive effect of common share equivalents	596	842	597
Weighted average common shares outstanding and common share equivalents—diluted	58,963	60,148	59,423

Options to purchase the following number of common shares were outstanding but excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the combined exercise prices, unamortized fair values, and assumed tax benefits upon exercise were greater than the average market price for the common shares during the periods, so including these options would be anti-dilutive:



	Years Ended March 31,
	2012	2011	2010

Number of common share options	741	383	1,138

The entire disclosure for earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

Repurchases of Common Shares	12 Months Ended
Repurchases of Common Shares	Mar. 31, 2012
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Treasury Stock by Class [Text Block]	REPURCHASES OF COMMON SHARES In March 2008, we announced that the Company’s Board of Directors provided authorization to repurchase up to $300,000 of STERIS common shares. The March 2008 common share repurchase authorization does not have a stated maturity date. Under this authorization, we may purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases, including transactions pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plans, or privately negotiated transactions. Under the stock repurchase authorization provided by our Board of Directors, we repurchased 1,851,510 of our common shares during fiscal 2012 in the aggregate amount of $55,942, representing an average price of $30.21 per common share. During fiscal 2011, we paid an aggregate amount of $29,462 for the repurchase of 925,848 of our common shares, representing an average price of $31.82 per common share. We did not repurchase any shares under this authorization during fiscal 2010. We obtained 22,927 of our common shares during fiscal 2012 in the aggregate amount of $808 in connection with stock-based compensation award programs. We obtained 15,224 of our common shares during fiscal 2011 in the aggregate amount of $503 in connection with these programs. At March 31, 2012, $118,460 remained available for the repurchase of STERIS common shares pursuant to the March 2008 Board authorization

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Tabular disclosure of an entity's treasury stock, including the average cost per share, carrying basis for each class of treasury stock, description of share repurchase program authorized by an entity's board of directors, the number of shares repurchased, the cost of the shares repurchased, the remaining maximum dollar value of shares available for repurchase under the program, the treatment of the purchase price in excess of the current market value, number of shares held for each class of treasury stock, and other information necessary to a fair presentation.

+ References+ Details

Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Share-Based Compensation

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

We maintain a long-term incentive plan that makes available common shares for grants, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, to officers, directors, and key employees in the form of stock options, restricted shares, restricted share units, and stock appreciation rights. Stock options provide the right to purchase our common shares at the market price on the date of grant, subject to the terms of the option plan and agreements. Generally, one-fourth of the stock options granted become exercisable for each full year of employment following the grant date. Stock options granted generally expire 10 years after the grant date, or earlier if the option holder is no longer employed by us. Restricted shares and restricted share units may cliff vest after three or four year periods or vest in installments after the grant date. As of March 31, 2012, 4,565,334 shares remained available for grant under the long-term incentive plan.

The fair value of share-based compensation awards was estimated at their grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. This model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable, characteristics that are not present in our option grants. If the model permitted consideration of the unique characteristics of employee stock options, the resulting estimate of the fair value of the stock options could be different. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in our Consolidated Statements of Income. The expense is classified as cost of goods sold, selling, general and administrative expenses or research and development expenses in a manner consistent with the employee’s compensation and benefits.

The following weighted-average assumptions were used for options granted during fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011, and fiscal 2010:



	Fiscal 2012		Fiscal 2011		Fiscal 2010
Risk-free interest rate	2.41	%	2.68	%	1.89	%
Expected life of options	5.7 years		5.7 years		5.5 years
Expected dividend yield of stock	1.78	%	1.59	%	1.49	%
Expected volatility of stock	29.78	%	30.13	%	27.96	%

The risk-free interest rate is based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve. The expected life of options is reflective of historical experience, vesting schedules and contractual terms. The expected dividend yield of stock represents our best estimate of the expected future dividend yield. The expected volatility of stock is derived by referring to our historical stock prices over a time frame similar to that of the expected life of the grant. An estimated forfeiture rate of 2.08%, 2.27%, and 2.39% percent was applied in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. This rate is calculated based upon historical activity and represents an estimate of the granted options not expected to vest. If actual forfeitures differ from this calculated rate, we may be required to make additional adjustments to compensation expense in future periods. The assumptions used above are reviewed at the time of each significant option grant, or at least annually.

A summary of share option activity is as follows:



	Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at March 31, 2011	3,274,395		$	25.95
Granted	325,051		35.62
Exercised	(262,380	)	22.73
Forfeited	(11,084	)	27.25
Canceled	(13,380	)	23.24
Outstanding at March 31, 2012	3,312,602		$	27.16	5.21	$	16,273
Exercisable at March 31, 2012	2,462,599		$	26.05	4.27	$	13,848

We estimate that 840,057 of the non-vested stock options outstanding at March 31, 2012 will ultimately vest.

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax difference between the $31.62 closing price of our common shares on March 31, 2012 over the exercise price of the stock option, multiplied by the number of options outstanding or outstanding and exercisable, as applicable. The aggregate intrinsic value is not recorded for financial accounting purposes and the value changes daily based on the daily changes in the fair market value of our common shares.

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $2,846, $6,669, and $6,546, respectively. Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $5,723, $12,730, and $14,047 for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The tax benefit from stock option exercises was $1,514, $2,525, and $2,467 for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

The weighted average grant date fair value of stock option grants was $9.31, $8.80, and $5.69 for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Stock appreciation rights (“SARS”) carry generally the same terms and vesting requirements as stock options except that they are settled in cash upon exercise and therefore, are classified as liabilities. The fair value of the outstanding SARS as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $854 and $996, respectively. The fair value of each outstanding SAR is revalued at each reporting date and the related liability and expense are adjusted appropriately.

A summary of the non-vested restricted share activity is presented below:



	Number of Restricted Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at March 31, 2011	400,951		$	29.70
Granted	235,670		35.62
Vested	(91,084	)	30.52
Canceled	(12,510	)	33.20
Non-vested at March 31, 2012	533,027		$	32.10

Restricted shares granted are valued based on the closing stock price at the grant date. The value of restricted shares that vested during fiscal 2012 was $2,780.

Cash settled restricted share units carry generally the same terms and vesting requirements as stock settled restricted share units except that they are settled in cash upon vesting and therefore, are classified as liabilities. The fair value of outstanding cash-settled restricted share units as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $1,313 and $1,214, respectively. The fair value of each cash-settled restricted share unit is revalued at each reporting date and the related liability and expense are adjusted appropriately.

As of March 31, 2012, there was a total of $11,509 in unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation granted under our share-based compensation plans. We expect to recognize the cost over a weighted average period of 2.34 years.

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

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+ Details

Financial and Other Guarantees

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block]

FINANCIAL AND OTHER GUARANTEES

We generally offer a limited parts and labor warranty on capital equipment. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending on the product sold and the countries where we conduct business. We record a liability for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time product revenues are recognized. The amounts we expect to incur on behalf of our Customers for the future estimated cost of these warranties are recorded as a current liability on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Factors that affect the amount of our warranty liability include the number and type of installed units, historical and anticipated rates of product failures, and material and service costs per claim. We periodically assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty liabilities and adjust the amounts as necessary.

Changes in our warranty liability during the periods presented are as follows:



	2012			2011			2010
Balance, Beginning of Year	$	7,509		$	6,070		$	7,573
Warranties issued during the period	19,944			11,185			8,706
Settlements made during the period	(16,264		)	(9,746		)	(10,209		)
Balance, End of Year	$	11,189		$	7,509		$	6,070

We also sell product maintenance contracts to our Customers. These contracts range in terms from one to five years and require us to maintain and repair the product over the maintenance contract term. We initially record amounts due from Customers under these contracts as a liability for deferred service contract revenue on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets within “Accrued expenses and other.” The liability recorded for such deferred service revenue was $43,252 and $28,230 as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, respectively. Such deferred revenue is then amortized on a straight-line basis over the contract term and recognized as service revenue on our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The activity related to the liability for deferred service contract revenues is excluded from the table presented above.

Forward and Swap Contracts

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

FORWARD AND SWAP CONTRACTS

From time to time, we enter into forward contracts to hedge potential foreign currency gains and losses that arise from transactions denominated in foreign currencies, including inter-company transactions. We also enter into commodity swap contracts to economically hedge price changes in commodities that impact raw materials included in our cost of revenues. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and do not receive hedge accounting treatment; therefore, changes in their fair value are not deferred but are recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statements of Income. At March 31, 2012, we held foreign currency forward contracts to buy 106.3 million Mexican pesos and 7.3 million Canadian dollars. At March 31, 2012, we held commodity swap contracts to buy 465,000 pounds of nickel.



	Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value at March 31, 2012		Fair Value at March 31, 2011		Fair Value at March 31, 2012		Fair Value at March 31, 2011
Prepaid & Other	$	12	$	1,483	$	—	$	—
Accrued expenses and other	$	—	$	—	$	863	$	41



	Consolidated Statements of Income	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income
		Years Ended March 31,
		2012			2011		2010
Foreign currency forward contracts	Selling, general and administrative	$	(1,115	)	$	1,696	$	541
Commodity swap contracts	Cost of revenues	$	(1,544	)	$	306	$	826

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

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+ Details

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We estimate the fair value of financial assets and liabilities using available market information and generally accepted valuation methodologies. The inputs used to measure fair value are classified into three tiers. These tiers include Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring the entity to develop its own assumptions. The following tables show the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities at March 31, 2012, and 2011:



			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
	Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	March 31, 2012		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	150,821	$	150,821	$	—	$	—
Forward and swap contracts (1)	12		—		12		—
Investments (2)	3,032		3,032		—		—
Liabilities:
Forward and swap contracts (1)	$	863	$	—	$	863	$	—
Deferred compensation plans (2)	3,032		3,032		—		—
Long term debt (3)	210,000		—		243,999		—
Contingent consideration obligations (4)	6,892		—		—		6,892



			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2011
	Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	March 31, 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	193,016	$	193,016	$	—	$	—
Forward and swap contracts (1)	1,483		—		1,483		—
Investments (2)	2,493		2,493		—		—
Liabilities:
Forward and swap contracts (1)	$	41	$	—	$	41	$	—
Deferred compensation plans (2)	2,493		2,493		—		—
Long term debt (3)	210,000		—		237,167		—
Contingent consideration obligations (4)	4,984		—		—		4,984


(1)	The fair values of forward and swap contracts are based on period-end forward rates and reflect the value of the amount that we would pay or receive for the contracts involving the same notional amounts and maturity dates.

(2)

We provide a domestic non-qualified deferred compensation plan covering certain employees, which formerly allowed for the deferral of compensation for an employee-specified term or until retirement or termination. Amounts deferred can be allocated to various hypothetical investment options. The Plan has been amended to disallow deferral elections of salary in respect of 2012 and subsequent calendar years and of commissions and other incentive compensation in respect fiscal year 2013 and subsequent periods. We hold investments, primarily comprised of mutual funds, to satisfy the future obligations of the plan. Changes in the value of the investment accounts are recognized each period based on the fair value of the underlying investments. Subject to plan terms, employees who made deferrals are entitled to receive distributions of their hypothetical account balances (amounts deferred, together with earnings (losses)).


(3)	We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt using discounted cash flow analysis, based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

(4)

Contingent consideration obligations arise from prior business acquisitions. The fair values are based on discounted cash flow analyses reflecting the possible achievement of specified performance measures or events and captures the contractual nature of the contingencies, commercial risk, and the time value of money. Contingent consideration obligations are classified in the consolidated balance sheets as accrued expense (short-term) and other liabilities (long-term), as appropriate based on the contractual payment dates.

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended March 31, 2012 are summarized as follows:



	Contingent Consideration
Balance at March 31, 2010	$	—
Additions	4,984
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	4,984
Additions	4,484
(Gains)Losses	(2,454		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (a)	(122		)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	6,892

(a) Reported in other comprehensive income (loss)

Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities which includes [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity. Such assets and liabilities may be measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. The disclosures which may be required or desired include: (1) for assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis, disclosure may include: (a) the fair value measurements at the reporting date; (b) the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3); (c) for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (i) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (ii) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); (iii) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs); (d) the amount of the total gains or losses for the period in subparagraph (c) (i) above included in earnings (or changes in net assets) that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (e) the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques, if any, during the period and (2) for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (for example, impaired assets) disclosure may include, in addition to (a) above: (a) the reasons for the fair value measurements recorded; (b) the same as (b) above; (c) for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a description of the inputs and the information used to develop the inputs; and (d) the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes, if any, in the valuation technique(s) used to measure similar assets and/or liabilities in prior periods. Where the quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, the Level 1 input is the quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19190-110258

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19279-110258

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19296-110258

+ Details

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Mar. 31, 2012
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Subsequent Events [Text Block]	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS We have evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were filed with the SEC, noting no events that require adjustment of, or disclosure in, the consolidated financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2012 that have not been disclosed.

20. Quarterly Results (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Tabular disclosure of significant events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date the financial statements were issued or the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Examples include: the sale of a capital stock issue, purchase of a business, settlement of litigation, losses resulting from fire or flood, losses on receivables, significant realized and unrealized gains and losses that result from changes in quoted market prices of securities, declines in market prices of inventory, changes in authorized or issued debt (SEC), significant foreign exchange rate changes, substantial loans to insiders or affiliates, significant long-term investments, and substantial dividends not in the ordinary course of business.

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Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)



Quarters Ended	March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			June 30,
Fiscal 2012 (1)
Revenues:
Product	$	263,211		$	239,403		$	223,502		$	202,013
Service	127,038			115,812			119,205			116,626
Total Revenues	390,249			355,215			342,707			318,639
Cost of Revenues:
Product	149,781			145,976			138,805			117,433
Service	76,243			71,233			70,593			68,281
Total Cost of Revenues	226,024			217,209			209,398			185,714
Gross Profit	164,225			138,006			133,309			132,925
Percentage of Revenues	42.1		%	38.9		%	38.9		%	41.7		%
Restructuring Expenses	(877		)	1,164			99			258
Net Income	$	44,171		$	33,649		$	29,564		$	28,731
Basic Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.77		$	0.58		$	0.50		$	0.48
Diluted Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.76		$	0.58		$	0.50		$	0.48

Fiscal 2011 (2)
Revenues:
Product	$	256,852		$	212,622		$	197,092		$	77,272
Service	120,908			115,661			115,333			111,708
Total Revenues	377,760			328,283			312,425			188,980
Cost of Revenues:
Product	153,770			123,381			110,736			106,576
Service	67,963			67,888			66,634			64,338
Total Cost of Revenues	221,733			191,269			177,370			170,914
Gross Profit	156,027			137,014			135,055			18,066
Percentage of Revenues	41.3		%	41.7		%	43.2		%	9.6		%
Restructuring Expenses	779			(23		)	105			341
Net Income	$	39,000		$	21,765		$	35,711		$	(45,210	)
Basic Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.66		$	0.37		$	0.60		$	(0.76	)
Diluted Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.65		$	0.36		$	0.59		$	(0.76	)

(1) The fiscal 2012 quarter ended March 31 includes the impact of the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program as a $15,306 increase in product revenues and a $2,097 decrease in product cost of revenues.

(2) The fiscal 2011 quarter ended June 30 includes the impact of the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program as a $102,313 reduction in product revenues and a $7,691 increase in product cost of revenues. The fiscal 2011 quarter ended December 31 includes the impact of the class action settlement as a $19,796 increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

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Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS



Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charges to Costs and Expenses				Charges to Other Accounts				Deductions				Balance at End of Period
(in thousands)
Year ended March 31, 2012
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for trade accounts receivable(1)	$	9,085	$	2,901			$	1,520		(3)	$	(2,078	)	(4)	$	11,428
Inventory valuation reserve	10,122		5,304			(2)	(114		)	(3)	—				15,312
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	11,421		1,360				(435		)		(504		)		11,842
Recorded within liabilities:
Casualty loss reserves	$	13,037	$	1,205			$	(792	)		$	(2,674	)		$	10,776
Accrued SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program and class action settlement	127,683		(17,403		)	(5)	—				(41,215		)		69,065
Year ended March 31, 2011
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for trade accounts receivable(1)	$	9,238	$	2,016			$	26		(3)	$	(2,195	)	(4)	$	9,085
Inventory valuation reserve	10,557		(638		)	(2)	203			(3)	—				10,122
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	9,880		970				2,240				(1,669		)		11,421
Recorded within liabilities:
Casualty loss reserves	$	13,130	$	2,952			$	—			$	(3,045	)		$	13,037
Accrued SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program and class action settlement	—		129,800			(6)	—				(2,117		)		127,683
Year ended March 31, 2010
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for trade accounts receivable(1)	$	10,728	$	948			$	101		(3)	$	(2,539	)	(4)	$	9,238
Inventory valuation reserve	15,025		(5,205		)	(2)	737			(3)	—				10,557
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	9,956		741				75				(892		)		9,880
Recorded within liabilities:
Casualty loss reserves	$	15,277	$	753			$	—			$	(2,900	)		$	13,130


(1)	Net allowance for doubtful accounts and allowance for sales and returns.


(2)	Provision for excess and obsolete inventory, net of inventory written off.


(3)	Change in foreign currency exchange rates and acquired reserves.


(4)	Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.


(5)	Adjustments were classified as follows: $15,306 as an increase to revenues and $2,097 as a decrease to cost of revenues.


(6)	Charges were classified as follows: $102,313 as a reduction of revenues, $7,691 as cost of revenues, and $19,796 as selling, general and administrative expenses.

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Level 3 (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]

Information supplementing our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is as follows:



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011		2010
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$	12,496	$	12,496	$	13,360
Income taxes	52,213		64,372		61,988
Cash received during the year for income tax refunds	408		3,067		4,864

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

We generally depreciate or deplete property, plant, and equipment over the useful lives presented in the following table:



Asset Type	Useful Life (years)
Land improvements	3-40
Buildings and leasehold improvements	2-50
Machinery and equipment	3-35
Information Systems	2-17
Radioisotope (cobalt-60)	20

Information related to the major categories of our depreciable assets is as follows:



	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Land and land improvements (1)	$	33,099		$	30,194
Buildings and leasehold improvements	230,823			201,883
Machinery and equipment	301,665			286,103
Information systems	110,130			101,934
Radioisotope	210,899			194,882
Construction in progress (1)	22,811			40,665
Total property, plant, and equipment	909,427			855,661
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	(523,018		)	(485,259		)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	386,409		$	370,402


(1)	Land is not depreciated. Construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.

The entire disclosure for supplemental cash flow activities, including cash, noncash, and part noncash transactions, for the period. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

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Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Tabular disclosure of the useful life and salvage value of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

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Restructuring Liabilities related to restructuring (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]



Year Ended March 31, 2012	Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan (1)			Fiscal 2008 Restructuring Plan			Total
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	(776	)	$	—		$	(776	)
Product rationalization	335			—			335
Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	1,103			—			1,103
Lease termination obligation and other	143			(152		)	(9		)
Total restructuring charges	$	805		$	(152	)	$	653


(1)	Includes $9 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.



Year Ended March 31, 2011	Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan (1)		Fiscal 2008 Restructuring Plan			Total
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	454	$	—		$	454
Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	559		(289		)	270
Lease termination costs	595		—			595
Other	33		—			33
Total restructuring charges	$	1,641	$	(289	)	$	1,352

(1)Includes $150 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.



Year Ended March 31, 2010	Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan(1)		Fiscal 2009 Restructuring Plan(2)			Total
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	1,939	$	(224	)	$	1,715
Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	1,804		(2		)	1,802
Product rationalization	883		(1,385		)	(502		)
Lease termination costs	1,243		(428		)	815
Other	426		138			564
Total Restructuring Charges	$	6,295	$	(1,901	)	$	4,394

(1)Includes $947 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2)Includes $(1,401) in charges recorded in cost of revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Income

Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes our liabilities related to these restructuring activities:



	Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan
			Fiscal 2012
	March 31, 2011		Provision			Payments/ Impairments (1)			March 31, 2012
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	1,993	$	(776	)	$	(558	)	$	659
Product rationalization	—		335			(335		)	—
Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	—		1,103			(1,103		)	—
Lease termination obligations	1,790		139			(982		)	947
Other	193		4			(121		)	76
Total	$	3,976	$	805		$	(3,099	)	$	1,682

(1) Certain amounts reported include the impact of foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar.



	Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan
			Fiscal 2011
	March 31, 2010		Provision		Payments/ Impairments			March 31, 2011
Severance, and other compensation related costs	$	1,894	$	454	$	(355	)	$	1,993
Asset impairments	—		559		(559		)	—
Lease termination obligations	1,200		595		(5		)	1,790
Other	509		33		(349		)	193
Total	$	3,603	$	1,641	$	(1,268	)	$	3,976



	Fiscal 2008 Restructuring Plan
			Fiscal 2011
	March 31, 2010		Provision			Payments/ Impairments			March 31, 2011
Severance, and other compensation related costs	$	102	$	—		$	(102	)	$	—
Asset impairments	289		(289		)	—			—
Lease termination obligations	411		—			(254		)	157
Total	$	802	$	(289	)	$	(356	)	$	157

Tabular disclosure of restructuring and related costs by type of restructuring including the description of the restructuring costs, such as the expected cost; the costs incurred during the period; the cumulative costs incurred as of the balance sheet date; the income statement caption within which the restructuring charges recognized for the period are included; and changes to an entity's restructuring reserve that occurred during the period associated with the exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings for each major type of cost.

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Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

Tabular disclosure of an entity's restructuring reserve that occurred during the period associated with the exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings for each major type of cost. This element may also include a description of any reversal and other adjustment made during the period to the amount of an accrued liability for restructuring activities. This element may be used to encapsulate the roll forward presentations of an entity's restructuring reserve by type of cost and in total, and explanation of changes that occurred in the period.

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]



	Year Ended March 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	$	14,555		$	28,907	$	5,878
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans costs, net of taxes	(1,102		)	6,177		7,201
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities	174			104		(88		)
Total	$	13,627		$	35,188	$	12,991

Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]

Tabular disclosure of components of comprehensive income (loss) including, but not limited to: (a) foreign currency translation adjustments; (b) gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity; (c) gains (losses) on intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements; (d) change in the market value of a futures contract that qualifies as a hedge of an asset reported at fair value; (e) unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and that resulting from transfers of debt securities from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category; (f) a net loss recognized as an additional pension liability not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost; and (g) the net gain (loss) and net prior service cost or credit for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.

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Goodwill (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

4. Goodwill [Abstract]

Based upon the current amount of intangible assets subject to amortization, the amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is estimated to be as follows:



	2013		2014		2015		2016		2017
Estimated amortization expense	$	5,314	$	5,083	$	4,064	$	3,805	$	2,165

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

Changes to the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:



	Healthcare Segment		Life Sciences Segment		STERIS Isomedix Services Segment			Total
Balance at March 31, 2010	$	166,680	$	30,282	$	79,896		$	276,858
Goodwill acquired or allocated	4,145		—		—			4,145
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,020		3,165		—			8,185
Balance at March 31, 2011	175,845		33,447		79,896			289,188
Goodwill acquired or allocated	13,971		—		2,473			16,444
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		401		(184		)	217
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	189,816	$	33,848	$	82,185		$	305,849

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]

Information regarding our intangible assets is as follows:



	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships	$	25,595	$	19,124	$	20,930	$	16,874
Non-compete agreements	3,518		3,121		3,099		3,099
Patents and technology	43,218		25,979		47,942		28,097
Trademarks and tradenames	16,953		9,125		16,970		11,249
Other	12		12		13		13
Total	$	89,296	$	57,361	$	88,954	$	59,332

Tabular disclosure of amortizable intangibles assets, in total and by major class, including the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

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Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

We generally depreciate or deplete property, plant, and equipment over the useful lives presented in the following table:



Asset Type	Useful Life (years)
Land improvements	3-40
Buildings and leasehold improvements	2-50
Machinery and equipment	3-35
Information Systems	2-17
Radioisotope (cobalt-60)	20

Information related to the major categories of our depreciable assets is as follows:



	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Land and land improvements (1)	$	33,099		$	30,194
Buildings and leasehold improvements	230,823			201,883
Machinery and equipment	301,665			286,103
Information systems	110,130			101,934
Radioisotope	210,899			194,882
Construction in progress (1)	22,811			40,665
Total property, plant, and equipment	909,427			855,661
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	(523,018		)	(485,259		)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	386,409		$	370,402


(1)	Land is not depreciated. Construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.

Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]

Future minimum annual rentals payable under noncancelable operating lease agreements at March 31, 2012 were as follows:



	Operating Leases
2013	$	15,044
2014	12,172
2015	9,840
2016	6,354
2017 and thereafter	4,778
Total Minimum Lease Payments	$	48,188

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Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

Additional information related to our Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:



	March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011
Accrued payroll and other related liabilities:
Compensation and related items	$	9,273	$	16,160
Accrued vacation/paid time off	6,583		6,379
Accrued bonuses	750		13,925
Accrued employee commissions	9,845		11,985
Other postretirement benefit obligations-current portion	3,255		3,274
Other employee benefit plans' obligations-current portion	193		528
Total accrued payroll and other related liabilities	$	29,899	$	52,251
Accrued expenses and other:
Deferred revenues	$	51,412	$	34,396
Self-insured risk reserves-current portion	3,006		3,610
Accrued dealer commissions	9,171		7,354
Accrued warranty	11,189		7,509
Other	21,465		20,962
Total accrued expenses and other	$	96,243	$	73,831
Other liabilities:
Self-insured risk reserves-long-term portion	$	8,786	$	10,233
Other postretirement benefit obligations-long-term portion	21,639		20,526
Defined benefit pension plans obligations-long-term portion	9,881		8,006
Other employee benefit plans obligations-long-term portion	4,486		3,897
Accrued long-term income taxes	1,925		9,140
Other	5,217		4,810
Total other liabilities	$	51,934	$	56,612

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following:



	Pension Plans
	U.S. Qualified						International						Other Post-retirement Plan
	2012			2011			2012			2011			2012			2011
Current liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(3,255	)	$	(3,274	)
Noncurrent liabilities	(8,928		)	(6,537		)	(953		)	(1,469		)	(21,639		)	(20,526		)
	$	(8,928	)	$	(6,537	)	$	(953	)	$	(1,469	)	$	(24,894	)	$	(23,800	)

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Tax Expense [Abstract]

Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]

Income from continuing operations before income taxes was as follows:



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011		2010
United States operations	$	170,776	$	30,088	$	153,165
Non-United States operations	40,332		43,731		38,651
	$	211,108	$	73,819	$	191,816

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]

The components of the provision for income taxes related to income from continuing operations consisted of the following:



Years Ended March 31,	2012			2011			2010
Current:
United States federal	$	33,129		$	46,036		$	45,092
United States state and local	4,956			7,726			6,954
Non-United States	15,049			12,252			9,501
	53,134			66,014			61,547
Deferred:
United States federal	20,762			(36,497		)	2,591
United States state and local	3,506			(6,016		)	265
Non-United States	(2,409		)	(947		)	(1,054		)
	21,859			(43,460		)	1,802
Total Provision for Income Taxes	$	74,993		$	22,554		$	63,349

provision for taxes rate reconciliation [Table Text Block]

The total provision for income taxes can be reconciled to the tax computed at the United States federal statutory tax rate as follows:



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011		2010
United States federal statutory tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Increase (decrease) in accruals for uncertain tax positions	(0.7	)%	1.8	%	0.6	%
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2.8	%	1.5	%	2.5	%
Foreign income tax credit	(0.2	)%	(0.6	)%	(0.1	)%
Difference in non-United States tax rates	(0.3	)%	(3.7	)%	(2.0	)%
U.S. manufacturing deduction	(1.6	)%	(4.4	)%	(0.7	)%
All other, net	0.5	%	1.0	%	(2.3	)%
Total Provision for Income Taxes	35.5	%	30.6	%	33.0	%

Summary of Positions for which Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table Text Block]

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



Years Ended March 31,	2012			2011
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at April 1	$	9,594		$	11,788
Increases for tax provisions of prior years	3			3,458
Decreases for tax provisions of prior years	(4,488		)	(2,221		)
Increases for tax provisions of current year	—			391
Decreases for tax provisions of current year	—			(3,661		)
Settlements	(3,582		)	—
Lapse of statute of limitations	—			(161		)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at March 31	$	1,527		$	9,594

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

The significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities recorded in our accompanying balance sheets at March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:



March 31,	2012		2011
Deferred Tax Assets:
Post-retirement benefit accrual	$	9,752	$	9,496
Compensation	11,832		17,800
Net operating loss carryforwards	14,418		13,348
Accrued SYSTEM 1 Rebate	25,353		49,366
Accrued expenses	10,897		6,894
Insurance	3,363		4,197
Deferred income	10,600		5,011
Bad debt	1,962		1,935
Pension	2,928		2,240
Other	607		814
Deferred Tax Assets	91,712		111,101
Less: Valuation allowance	11,842		11,421
Total Deferred Tax Assets	79,870		99,680
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation and depletion	46,876		39,169
Intangibles	28,470		23,738
Inventory	101		2,422
Other	3,915		4,298
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities	79,362		69,627
Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	$	508	$	30,053

Tabular disclosure of unrecognized tax benefits for which a material change is reasonably possible in the next twelve months, typically including the nature of the uncertainty, the event(s) that could cause a material change, and an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made. An unrecognized tax benefit is the difference between a tax position taken in a tax return and the amounts recognized in the financial statements for which it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits of the position, that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination.

+ References+ Details

Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]



	Defined Benefit Pension Plans												Other Postretirement Benefits Plan
	U.S. Qualified						International						Other Postretirement Benefits Plan
	2012			2011			2012			2011			2012			2011
Change in Benefit Obligations:
Benefit Obligations at Beginning of Year	$	48,560		$	47,638		$	9,777		$	11,903		$	23,800		$	25,179
Service cost	205			190			334			531			—			—
Interest cost	2,438			2,617			195			334			991			1,168
Actuarial loss (gain)	4,482			2,724			506			(942		)	3,512			683
Benefits and expenses	(4,366		)	(4,609		)	20			(665		)	(3,409		)	(3,230		)
Employee contributions	—			—			317			473			—			—
Curtailments/settlements	—			—			(6,576		)	(1,872		)	—			—
Impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes				—			530			15			—			—
Benefit Obligations at End of Year	51,319			48,560			5,103			9,777			24,894			23,800
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	42,023			40,142			8,308			9,220			—			—
Actual return (loss) on plan assets	2,566			4,340			(104		)	445			—			—
Employer contributions	2,168			2,125			317			473			3,409			3,231
Employee contributions	—			—			317			473			—			—
Benefits and expenses paid	(4,366		)	(4,584		)	20			(665		)	(3,409		)	(3,231		)
Curtailments/settlements	—			—			(4,890		)	(1,872		)	—			—
Impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes	—			—			182			234			—			—
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	42,391			42,023			4,150			8,308			—			—
Funded Status of the Plans	$	(8,928	)	$	(6,537	)	$	(953	)	$	(1,469	)	$	(24,894	)	$	(23,800	)

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

During fiscal 2013, we will amortize the following pre-tax amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income:



	Pension Plans				Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan
	U.S. Qualified Plan		International Plan		Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan
Actuarial loss	$	1,333	$	—	$	726
Prior Service Cost	$	—	$	—	$	(3,263	)

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

Additional information related to our Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:



	March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011
Accrued payroll and other related liabilities:
Compensation and related items	$	9,273	$	16,160
Accrued vacation/paid time off	6,583		6,379
Accrued bonuses	750		13,925
Accrued employee commissions	9,845		11,985
Other postretirement benefit obligations-current portion	3,255		3,274
Other employee benefit plans' obligations-current portion	193		528
Total accrued payroll and other related liabilities	$	29,899	$	52,251
Accrued expenses and other:
Deferred revenues	$	51,412	$	34,396
Self-insured risk reserves-current portion	3,006		3,610
Accrued dealer commissions	9,171		7,354
Accrued warranty	11,189		7,509
Other	21,465		20,962
Total accrued expenses and other	$	96,243	$	73,831
Other liabilities:
Self-insured risk reserves-long-term portion	$	8,786	$	10,233
Other postretirement benefit obligations-long-term portion	21,639		20,526
Defined benefit pension plans obligations-long-term portion	9,881		8,006
Other employee benefit plans obligations-long-term portion	4,486		3,897
Accrued long-term income taxes	1,925		9,140
Other	5,217		4,810
Total other liabilities	$	51,934	$	56,612

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following:



	Pension Plans
	U.S. Qualified						International						Other Post-retirement Plan
	2012			2011			2012			2011			2012			2011
Current liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(3,255	)	$	(3,274	)
Noncurrent liabilities	(8,928		)	(6,537		)	(953		)	(1,469		)	(21,639		)	(20,526		)
	$	(8,928	)	$	(6,537	)	$	(953	)	$	(1,469	)	$	(24,894	)	$	(23,800	)

Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]

Defined benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation exceeding the fair value of plan assets had the following plan assets and obligations at March 31, 2012 and 2011:



	U.S. Qualified				International				Total
	2012		2011		2012		2011		2012		2011
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	$	42,391	$	42,023	$	4,150	$	8,308	$	46,541	$	50,331
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligations	51,319		48,560		4,820		9,286		56,139		57,846

Defined benefit plans with a projected benefit obligation exceeding the fair value of plan assets had the following plan assets and obligations at March 31, 2012 and 2011:



	U.S. Qualified				International				Total
	2012		2011		2012		2011		2012		2011
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	$	42,391	$	42,023	$	4,150	$	8,308	$	46,541	$	50,331
Aggregate projected benefit obligations	51,319		48,560		5,103		9,777		56,422		58,337

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]

Components of the annual net periodic benefit cost of our defined benefit pension plans and our other post-retirement medical benefit plan were as follows:



	Pension Plans
	U.S. Qualified									International									Other Post-retirement Plan
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
Service cost	$	205		$	190		$	185		$	334		$	531		$	554		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost	2,438			2,617			3,046			195			334			368			991			1,169			1,948
Expected return on plan assets	(3,304		)	(3,033		)	(2,484		)	(209		)	(356		)	(416		)	—			—			—
Prior service cost recognition	—			—			—			—			—			—			(3,263		)	(3,263		)	(3,263		)
Net amortization and deferral	1,066			1,068			1,062			—			—			—			425			388			626
Net periodic benefit cost	405			842			1,809			320			509			506			(1,847		)	(1,706		)	(689		)
Curtailments/settlements	—			—			—			(1,384		)	(95		)	(63		)	—			—			—
Total benefit cost	$	405		$	842		$	1,809		$	(1,064	)	$	414		$	443		$	(1,847	)	$	(1,706	)	$	(689	)
Recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss before tax:
Net loss (gain) occurring during year	$	5,220		$	1,393		$	(554	)	$	818		$	(1,031	)	$	502		$	3,512		$	683		$	(2,930	)
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)	—			—			—			—			—			—			3,263			3,263			3,263
Amortization of net (loss) gain	(1,066		)	(1,068		)	(1,132		)	87			95			63			(425		)	(388		)	(626		)
Amortization of transition asset (obligation)	—			—			70			—			—			—			—			—			—
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (income)	4,154			325			(1,616		)	905			(936		)	565			6,350			3,558			(293		)
Total recognized in total benefits cost and other comprehensive loss (income)	$	4,559		$	1,167		$	193		$	(159	)	$	(522	)	$	1,008		$	4,503		$	1,852		$	(982	)



	2012		2011
Discount Rate:
U.S. qualified pension plan	4.25	%	5.25	%
Switzerland pension plan	2.25	%	2.75	%
Other post-retirement plan	3.75	%	4.50	%
Expected Return on Plan Assets:
U.S. qualified pension plan	8.00	%	8.00	%
Switzerland pension plan	3.25	%	3.25	%
Rate of Compensation Increase:
Switzerland pension plan	2.50	%	2.50	%

The following table presents significant assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit costs for the years ended March 31:



	2012		2011		2010
Discount Rate:
U.S. qualified pension plan	5.25	%	5.75	%	7.50	%
Switzerland pension plan	2.75	%	3.00	%	3.25	%
Other post-retirement plan	4.50	%	5.00	%	7.00	%
Expected Return on Plan Assets:
U.S. qualified pension plan	8.00	%	8.00	%	8.00	%
Switzerland pension plan	3.25	%	4.00	%	4.50	%
Rate of Compensation Increase:
Switzerland pension plan	2.50	%	2.50	%	2.50	%

Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]

The assumed rates of increase generally decline ratably over a five-year period from the assumed current year healthcare cost trend rate to the assumed long-term healthcare cost trend rate noted below.



	2012		2011		2010
Healthcare cost trend rate – medical	8.0	%	10.0	%	11.0	%
Healthcare cost trend rate – prescription drug	8.0	%	10.0	%	11.0	%
Long-term healthcare cost trend rate	4.5	%	5.0	%	5.0	%

A one-percentage-point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates (including medical, prescription drug, and long-term rates) would have had the following effect at March 31, 2012:



	One-Percentage Point
	Increase		Decrease
Effect on total service and interest cost components	$	7	$	(6	)
Effect on other post-retirement benefit obligation	167		(159		)

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the targeted asset allocation of plan assets at March 31, 2012 and the actual allocation of plan assets at March 31, 2012 and 2011 for these plans:



	Long-Term Target Allocation Percentage		Percentage of Plan Assets March 31
	Long-Term Target Allocation Percentage		2012		2011
U.S. Qualified Plan:
Equity securities	60	%	59.3	%	57.7	%
Debt securities	40	%	39.9	%	41.4	%
Cash	0	%	0.8	%	0.9	%
Total	100	%	100	%	100	%
Switzerland Plan:
Insurance contracts	100	%	100	%	100	%
Total	100	%	100	%	100	%

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

The fair value of our pension benefits plan assets at March 31, 2012 and 2011 by asset category is as follows:



	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
	U.S. Qualified Pension Plan								International Plan
(In thousands)	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and Short Term Securities	$	353	$	353	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Equity Securities
Mutual Funds	25,152		25,152		—		—		—		—		—		—
Debt Securities
Government Bonds	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Mutual Funds	16,886		16,886		—		—		—		—		—		—
Other Investments	—		—		—		—		4,150		—		4,150		—
Total Plan Assets	$	42,391	$	42,391	$	—	$	—	$	4,150	$	—	$	4,150	$	—

The following tables show the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities at March 31, 2012, and 2011:



			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
	Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	March 31, 2012		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	150,821	$	150,821	$	—	$	—
Forward and swap contracts (1)	12		—		12		—
Investments (2)	3,032		3,032		—		—
Liabilities:
Forward and swap contracts (1)	$	863	$	—	$	863	$	—
Deferred compensation plans (2)	3,032		3,032		—		—
Long term debt (3)	210,000		—		243,999		—
Contingent consideration obligations (4)	6,892		—		—		6,892



			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2011
	Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	March 31, 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	193,016	$	193,016	$	—	$	—
Forward and swap contracts (1)	1,483		—		1,483		—
Investments (2)	2,493		2,493		—		—
Liabilities:
Forward and swap contracts (1)	$	41	$	—	$	41	$	—
Deferred compensation plans (2)	2,493		2,493		—		—
Long term debt (3)	210,000		—		237,167		—
Contingent consideration obligations (4)	4,984		—		—		4,984


(1)	The fair values of forward and swap contracts are based on period-end forward rates and reflect the value of the amount that we would pay or receive for the contracts involving the same notional amounts and maturity dates.

(2)


(3)	We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt using discounted cash flow analysis, based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

(4)

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block]

The fair value of our pension benefits plan assets at March 31, 2012 and 2011 by asset category is as follows:



	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
	U.S. Qualified Pension Plan								International Plan
(In thousands)	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and Short Term Securities	$	353	$	353	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Equity Securities
Mutual Funds	25,152		25,152		—		—		—		—		—		—
Debt Securities
Government Bonds	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Mutual Funds	16,886		16,886		—		—		—		—		—		—
Other Investments	—		—		—		—		4,150		—		4,150		—
Total Plan Assets	$	42,391	$	42,391	$	—	$	—	$	4,150	$	—	$	4,150	$	—



	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2011
	U.S. Qualified Pension Plan								International Plan
(In thousands)	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and Short Term Securities	$	359	$	359	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Equity Securities
Mutual Funds	24,229		24,229		—		—		—		—		—		—
Debt Securities
Mutual Funds	17,435		17,435		—		—		—		—		—		—
Insurance Contracts	—		—		—		—		8,308		—		—		8,308
Total Plan Assets	$	42,023	$	42,023	$	—	$	—	$	8,308	$	—	$	—	$	8,308

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]

Based upon the actuarial assumptions utilized to develop our benefit obligations at March 31, 2012, the following benefit payments are expected to be made to plan participants:



	Defined Benefit Pension Plans						Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
	U.S. Qualified		International		Total		Gross Benefit Payments		Medicare Reimbursement			Total
2013	$	4,201	$	144	$	4,345	$	3,256	$	(216	)	$	3,040
2014	4,087		260		4,347		3,073		(223		)	2,850
2015	3,983		165		4,148		2,853		(230		)	2,623
2016	3,938		194		4,132		2,645		(234		)	2,411
2017	3,848		210		4,058		2,322		(241		)	2,081
2018-2022	17,739		1,722		19,461		8,126		(1,061		)	7,065

Business Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]

As a result, an allocation of total assets, capital expenditures, and depreciation and amortization is not meaningful to the individual performance of the Healthcare and Life Sciences segments. Therefore, their respective amounts are reported together.



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011
Assets:
Healthcare and Life Sciences	$	1,024,786	$	1,072,892
Isomedix	378,506		352,153
Total Reportable Segments	1,403,292		1,425,045
Corporate and other	2,404		1,640
Total Assets	$	1,405,696	$	1,426,685



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011		2010
Capital Expenditures:
Healthcare and Life Sciences	$	31,713	$	36,156	$	20,602
Isomedix	34,943		41,271		23,454
Total Reportable Segments	66,656		77,427		44,056
Corporate and other	26		15		31
Total Capital Expenditures	$	66,682	$	77,442	$	44,087
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization:
Healthcare and Life Sciences	$	37,559	$	30,188	$	32,640
Isomedix	25,324		24,183		23,553
Total Reportable Segments	62,883		54,371		56,193
Corporate and other	23		18		25
Total Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization	$	62,906	$	54,389	$	56,218



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011		2010
Revenues:
United States	$	1,057,461	$	882,281	$	949,637
International	349,349		325,167		308,096
Total Revenues	$	1,406,810	$	1,207,448	$	1,257,733



Years Ended March 31,	2012		2011
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
United States	$	331,590	$	318,110
International	54,819		52,292
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	$	386,409	$	370,402

Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]

For the year ended March 31, 2012, revenues from a single Customer did not equal ten percent or more of any segment’s revenues.



Years Ended March 31,	2012			2011			2010
Revenues:
Healthcare (1)	$	1,013,102		$	835,832		$	892,474
Life Sciences	226,658			215,437			218,209
Isomedix	164,257			152,242			140,871
Total Reportable Segments	1,404,017			1,203,511			1,251,554
Corporate and other	2,793			3,937			6,179
Total Revenues	$	1,406,810		$	1,207,448		$	1,257,733
Operating Income:
Healthcare (2)	$	141,742		$	21,317		$	151,520
Life Sciences	41,633			33,069			30,952
Isomedix	47,596			39,833			31,103
Total Reportable Segments	230,971			94,219			213,575
Corporate and other	(8,655		)	(9,007		)	(9,863		)
Total Operating Income	$	222,316		$	85,212		$	203,712

Common Shares (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]

The following is a summary of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share:



	Years Ended March 31,
(shares in thousands)	2012	2011	2010

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic	58,367	59,306	58,826
Dilutive effect of common share equivalents	596	842	597
Weighted average common shares outstanding and common share equivalents—diluted	58,963	60,148	59,423

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]



	Years Ended March 31,
	2012	2011	2010

Number of common share options	741	383	1,138

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Assumptions Used

The following weighted-average assumptions were used for options granted during fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011, and fiscal 2010:



	Fiscal 2012		Fiscal 2011		Fiscal 2010
Risk-free interest rate	2.41	%	2.68	%	1.89	%
Expected life of options	5.7 years		5.7 years		5.5 years
Expected dividend yield of stock	1.78	%	1.59	%	1.49	%
Expected volatility of stock	29.78	%	30.13	%	27.96	%

Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding

A summary of share option activity is as follows:



	Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at March 31, 2011	3,274,395		$	25.95
Granted	325,051		35.62
Exercised	(262,380	)	22.73
Forfeited	(11,084	)	27.25
Canceled	(13,380	)	23.24
Outstanding at March 31, 2012	3,312,602		$	27.16	5.21	$	16,273
Exercisable at March 31, 2012	2,462,599		$	26.05	4.27	$	13,848

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity

A summary of the non-vested restricted share activity is presented below:



	Number of Restricted Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at March 31, 2011	400,951		$	29.70
Granted	235,670		35.62
Vested	(91,084	)	30.52
Canceled	(12,510	)	33.20
Non-vested at March 31, 2012	533,027		$	32.10

Financial and Other Guarantees (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block]

Changes in our warranty liability during the periods presented are as follows:



	2012			2011			2010
Balance, Beginning of Year	$	7,509		$	6,070		$	7,573
Warranties issued during the period	19,944			11,185			8,706
Settlements made during the period	(16,264		)	(9,746		)	(10,209		)
Balance, End of Year	$	11,189		$	7,509		$	6,070

Tabular disclosure of each guarantee obligation, or each group of similar guarantee obligations, including (a) the nature of the guarantee, including its term, how it arose, and the events or circumstances that would require the guarantor to perform under the guarantee; (b) the maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee; (c) the current carrying amount of the liability, if any, for the guarantor's obligations under the guarantee; and (d) the nature of any recourse provisions under the guarantee, and any assets held either as collateral or by third parties, and any relevant related party disclosure. Excludes disclosures about product warranties.

+ References+ Details

Forward and Swap Contracts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]



	Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value at March 31, 2012		Fair Value at March 31, 2011		Fair Value at March 31, 2012		Fair Value at March 31, 2011
Prepaid & Other	$	12	$	1,483	$	—	$	—
Accrued expenses and other	$	—	$	—	$	863	$	41

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]



	Consolidated Statements of Income	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income
		Years Ended March 31,
		2012			2011		2010
Foreign currency forward contracts	Selling, general and administrative	$	(1,115	)	$	1,696	$	541
Commodity swap contracts	Cost of revenues	$	(1,544	)	$	306	$	826

Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

+ References+ Details

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Tabular disclosure of the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments (and nonderivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments) reported in the statement of financial position.

+ References+ Details

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

The fair value of our pension benefits plan assets at March 31, 2012 and 2011 by asset category is as follows:



	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
	U.S. Qualified Pension Plan								International Plan
(In thousands)	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and Short Term Securities	$	353	$	353	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Equity Securities
Mutual Funds	25,152		25,152		—		—		—		—		—		—
Debt Securities
Government Bonds	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Mutual Funds	16,886		16,886		—		—		—		—		—		—
Other Investments	—		—		—		—		4,150		—		4,150		—
Total Plan Assets	$	42,391	$	42,391	$	—	$	—	$	4,150	$	—	$	4,150	$	—

The following tables show the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities at March 31, 2012, and 2011:



			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
	Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	March 31, 2012		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	150,821	$	150,821	$	—	$	—
Forward and swap contracts (1)	12		—		12		—
Investments (2)	3,032		3,032		—		—
Liabilities:
Forward and swap contracts (1)	$	863	$	—	$	863	$	—
Deferred compensation plans (2)	3,032		3,032		—		—
Long term debt (3)	210,000		—		243,999		—
Contingent consideration obligations (4)	6,892		—		—		6,892



			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2011
	Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	March 31, 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	193,016	$	193,016	$	—	$	—
Forward and swap contracts (1)	1,483		—		1,483		—
Investments (2)	2,493		2,493		—		—
Liabilities:
Forward and swap contracts (1)	$	41	$	—	$	41	$	—
Deferred compensation plans (2)	2,493		2,493		—		—
Long term debt (3)	210,000		—		237,167		—
Contingent consideration obligations (4)	4,984		—		—		4,984


(1)	The fair values of forward and swap contracts are based on period-end forward rates and reflect the value of the amount that we would pay or receive for the contracts involving the same notional amounts and maturity dates.

(2)


(3)	We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt using discounted cash flow analysis, based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

(4)

Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended March 31, 2012 are summarized as follows:



	Contingent Consideration
Balance at March 31, 2010	$	—
Additions	4,984
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	4,984
Additions	4,484
(Gains)Losses	(2,454		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (a)	(122		)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	6,892

(a) Reported in other comprehensive income (loss)

20. Quarterly Results (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (each type disclosed separately); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs) by class of liability.

+ References+ Details

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Table Text Block]

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)



Quarters Ended	March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			June 30,
Fiscal 2012 (1)
Revenues:
Product	$	263,211		$	239,403		$	223,502		$	202,013
Service	127,038			115,812			119,205			116,626
Total Revenues	390,249			355,215			342,707			318,639
Cost of Revenues:
Product	149,781			145,976			138,805			117,433
Service	76,243			71,233			70,593			68,281
Total Cost of Revenues	226,024			217,209			209,398			185,714
Gross Profit	164,225			138,006			133,309			132,925
Percentage of Revenues	42.1		%	38.9		%	38.9		%	41.7		%
Restructuring Expenses	(877		)	1,164			99			258
Net Income	$	44,171		$	33,649		$	29,564		$	28,731
Basic Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.77		$	0.58		$	0.50		$	0.48
Diluted Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.76		$	0.58		$	0.50		$	0.48

Fiscal 2011 (2)
Revenues:
Product	$	256,852		$	212,622		$	197,092		$	77,272
Service	120,908			115,661			115,333			111,708
Total Revenues	377,760			328,283			312,425			188,980
Cost of Revenues:
Product	153,770			123,381			110,736			106,576
Service	67,963			67,888			66,634			64,338
Total Cost of Revenues	221,733			191,269			177,370			170,914
Gross Profit	156,027			137,014			135,055			18,066
Percentage of Revenues	41.3		%	41.7		%	43.2		%	9.6		%
Restructuring Expenses	779			(23		)	105			341
Net Income	$	39,000		$	21,765		$	35,711		$	(45,210	)
Basic Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.66		$	0.37		$	0.60		$	(0.76	)
Diluted Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.65		$	0.36		$	0.59		$	(0.76	)

(1) The fiscal 2012 quarter ended March 31 includes the impact of the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program as a $15,306 increase in product revenues and a $2,097 decrease in product cost of revenues.

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Level 4 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010 Product Rebate Program	Mar. 31, 2012 Product Rebate Program	Sep. 30, 2010 Customer Rebates [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Product Disposal
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of LIFO Inventory	37.70%	37.30%
Loss Contingency, Accrual Carrying Value, Current			$ 110,004		$ 102,313	$ 7,691
Participation Rate, Rebate Program, Eligible Customers			100.00%
Participation Rate, Rebate Program, Likely Customers				83.00%

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Cash equivalents and supplemental cash flow information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Interest Expense	$ 12,496	$ 12,496	$ 13,360
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	52,213	64,372	61,988
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds	$ 408	$ 3,067	$ 4,864
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	3-35
Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	3-40
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	2-50
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	20

The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income, net of any cash received during the current period as refunds for the overpayment of taxes.

+ References+ Details

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Interest expense (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 years	Mar. 31, 2011 years	Mar. 31, 2010
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period	$ 705	$ 574
Interest Expense	$ 12,065	$ 12,000	$ 13,171
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	5
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum		20
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	2-17

The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period.

+ References+ Details

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies LIFO Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Percentage of LIFO Inventory	37.70%	37.30%
FIFO Inventory Amount	$ 18,158	$ 17,551

Restructuring Restructuring reserves and related costs (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2010

Jun. 30, 2010

Mar. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2010

Mar. 31, 2009

plan

Mar. 31, 2008

plan

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

$ 13,892

$ 13,679

Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated

100

Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost

1,000

(877)

1,164

258

779

(23)

105

341

644

1,202

4,848

805

(3,099)

^[1]

1,682

Severance and termination benefits

1,993

(776)

(558)

^[1]

659

Product [Member]

335

(335)

^[1]

Impairment in Value of Asset [Member]

1,103

(1,103)

^[1]

Lease termination obligations

139

(982)

^[1]

(5)

^[1]

947

Other

193

509

193

509

(121)

^[1]

(349)

^[1]

193

2010 Plan [Member]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

8,741

3,976

3,603

3,976

3,603

1,641

(1,268)

^[1]

3,976

2008 Plan [Member]

802

(289)

(356)

^[1]

Fiscal 2012 [Member] | Lease termination obligations

1,790

2008 Plan [Member]

157

2008 Plan [Member] | Severance and termination benefits

102

(102)

^[1]

2008 Plan [Member] | Impairment in Value of Asset [Member]

289

(289)

^[1]

2008 Plan [Member] | Lease termination obligations

411

(254)

^[1]

157

2010 Plan | Severance and termination benefits

1,894

454

(355)

^[1]

1,993

2010 Plan | Impairment in Value of Asset [Member]

559

(559)

^[1]

2010 Plan | Lease termination obligations

1,200

595

1,790

Operating Expense [Member]

653

1,352

4,394

Operating Expense [Member] | Severance and termination benefits

(776)

454

1,715

Operating Expense [Member] | Product [Member]

335

(502)

Operating Expense [Member] | Impairment in Value of Asset [Member]

1,103

270

1,802

Operating Expense [Member] | Lease termination obligations

595

815

Operating Expense [Member] | Other

(9)

564

Operating Expense [Member] | 2008 Plan [Member]

(152)

(289)

Operating Expense [Member] | 2008 Plan [Member] | Severance and termination benefits

Operating Expense [Member] | 2008 Plan [Member] | Product [Member]

(1,385)

^[2]

Operating Expense [Member] | 2008 Plan [Member] | Impairment in Value of Asset [Member]

(289)

Operating Expense [Member] | 2008 Plan [Member] | Lease termination obligations

(152)

Operating Expense [Member] | 2008 Plan [Member] | Other

Operating Expense [Member] | 2009 Plan Member [Domain]

(1,901)

Operating Expense [Member] | 2009 Plan Member [Domain] | Severance and termination benefits

(224)

^[2]

Operating Expense [Member] | 2009 Plan Member [Domain] | Impairment in Value of Asset [Member]

(2)

^[2]

Operating Expense [Member] | 2009 Plan Member [Domain] | Lease termination obligations

(428)

^[2]

Operating Expense [Member] | 2009 Plan Member [Domain] | Other

138

^[2]

Operating Expense [Member] | 2010 Plan

805

1,641

6,295

Operating Expense [Member] | 2010 Plan | Severance and termination benefits

(776)

^[3]

454

^[4]

1,939

^[4]

Operating Expense [Member] | 2010 Plan | Product [Member]

335

^[3]

883

Operating Expense [Member] | 2010 Plan | Impairment in Value of Asset [Member]

1,103

^[3]

559

^[4]

1,804

^[4]

Operating Expense [Member] | 2010 Plan | Lease termination obligations

143

^[3]

595

^[3]

1,243

^[3]

Operating Expense [Member] | 2010 Plan | Other

^[4]

426

^[4]

Restructuring expenses

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

10,233

4,266

Restructuring expenses | 2010 Plan [Member]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

7,635

Cost of revenues

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

3,659

9,413

Cost of revenues | 2010 Plan [Member]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

1,106

Cost of revenues | 2009 Plan Member [Domain]

(1,401)

Cost of revenues | 2010 Plan

$ 9

$ 150

$ 947

^[5]

[1]	Certain amounts reported include the impact of foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar
[2]	Includes $150 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.
[3]	ncludes $9 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.
[4]	Includes $947 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
[5]	Includes $(1,401) in charges recorded in cost of revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Income

Amount of costs incurred to date for the specified type of restructuring cost.

+ References+ Details

Amount expected to be charged against earnings in the current and future periods for the specified restructuring cost.

+ References+ Details

Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations.

+ References+ Details

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ 14,555	$ 28,907	$ 5,878
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	(1,102)	6,177	7,201
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	174	104	(88)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ 13,627	$ 35,188	$ 12,991

Accumulated appreciation or loss, net of tax, in value of the total of available-for-sale securities at the end of an accounting period.

+ References+ Details

The total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 130

-Paragraph 26

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph i

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-Number 158

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-SubTopic 20

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-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (i)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

+ Details

Accumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains or losses.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 12

-Paragraph 10

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Number 130

-Paragraph 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26

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-Number 133

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-Number 52

-Paragraph 12, 13

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-Number 52

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-Subparagraph a

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+ Details

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 89,296	$ 88,954
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	57,361	59,332
Goodwill, Other Changes	305,849	289,188	276,858
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense	7,726	6,617	6,941
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	2,199
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	5,314
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	5,083
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	4,064
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	3,805
Future Amortization Expense, after Year Five	2,165
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Other Changes	217	8,185
goodwill acquired or allocated member [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Other Changes	16,444	4,145
Healthcare member [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Other Changes	189,816	175,845	166,680
Healthcare member [Member] \| Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Other Changes	0	5,020
Healthcare member [Member] \| goodwill acquired or allocated member [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Other Changes	13,971	4,145
Life Science Member [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Other Changes	33,848	33,447	30,282
Life Science Member [Member] \| Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Other Changes	401	3,165
Life Science Member [Member] \| goodwill acquired or allocated member [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Other Changes	0	0
Isomedix Member [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Other Changes	82,185	79,896	79,896
Isomedix Member [Member] \| Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Other Changes	(184)	0
Isomedix Member [Member] \| goodwill acquired or allocated member [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Other Changes	2,473	0
Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	25,595	20,930
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	19,124	16,874
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	3,518	3,099
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	3,121	3,099
Patented Technology [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	43,218	47,942
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	25,979	28,097
tradmarks and tradenames [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	16,953	16,970
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	9,125	11,249
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	12	13
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 12	$ 13

Inventories, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Inventory, Raw Materials	$ 56,525	$ 64,326
Inventory, Work in Process	25,236	19,897
Inventory, Finished Goods	109,422	110,794
Inventory, LIFO Reserve	(18,158)	(17,551)
Inventory Adjustments	(15,313)	(10,122)
Inventory, Net	$ 157,712	$ 167,344

Inventories, Net Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Inventories, Net [Abstract]
Inventory, Raw Materials	$ 56,525	$ 64,326
Inventory, Work in Process	25,236	19,897
Inventory, Finished Goods	109,422	110,794
Inventory, LIFO Reserve	(18,158)	(17,551)
Inventory Adjustments	(15,313)	(10,122)
Inventory, Net	$ 157,712	$ 167,344

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2010

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current

$ 15,044

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

52,980

47,772

49,277

Land

33,099

^[1]

30,194

^[1]

Buildings and Improvements, Gross

230,823

201,883

Machinery and Equipment, Gross

301,665

286,103

Capitalized Computer Software, Gross

110,130

101,934

Materials, Supplies, and Other

210,899

194,882

Construction in Progress, Gross

22,811

^[1]

40,665

^[1]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross

909,427

855,661

Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment

(523,018)

(485,259)

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

386,409

370,402

Operating Leases, Rent Expense

14,635

16,904

17,583

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years

12,172

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years

9,840

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years

6,354

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter

4,778

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due

$ 48,188

[1]	Land is not depreciated. Construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.

Debt (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended									3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Apr. 13, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Aug. 15, 2008	Sep. 13, 2007	Dec. 15, 2003	Aug. 15, 2008 Debt Securities [Member]	Dec. 15, 2003 Debt Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2008 Line of Credit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 10 year maturity [Member]	Aug. 15, 2008 10 year maturity [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 12 year maturity [Member]	Aug. 15, 2008 12 year maturity [Member]	Dec. 15, 2003 12 year maturity [Member]	Sep. 13, 2007 Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities			$ 0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two			70,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date											10		12
Line of Credit, Current		300,000														400,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		100,000														100,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End						50.00%
short term swing loan	35,000									35,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					5.63%		4.20%		5.38%			6.33%		6.43%	5.25%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			210,000	210,000	150,000		100,000	30,000	40,000			85,000		35,000	20,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			0	0
Long-term Debt			210,000	210,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three			0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four			20,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five			$ 120,000

Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2009
Employee-related Liabilities	$ 9,273	$ 16,160
Accrued Vacation	6,583	6,379
Accrued Bonuses	750	13,925
Accrued Liabilities for Commissions, Expense and Taxes	9,845	11,985
Other Postretirement Benefits Payable	3,255	3,274
Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans, Liabilities	193	528
Employee-related Liabilities, Current	29,899	52,251
Deferred Revenue	51,412	34,396
Self Insurance Reserve, Current	3,006	3,610
Accrued Sales Commission	9,171	7,354
Product Warranty Accrual	11,189	7,509	6,070	7,573
Accrued Liabilities	96,243	73,831
Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent	8,786	10,233
Other Postretirement Benefits Payable, Noncurrent	21,639	20,526
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent	9,881	8,006
Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	4,486	3,897
Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent	1,925	9,140
Other Liabilities	5,217	4,810
Other Accrued Liabilities	21,465	20,962
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	$ 51,934	$ 56,612

Income Taxes Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2009
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits	$ 9,752	$ 9,496
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	33,129	46,036	45,092
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	170,776	30,088	153,165
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	35.50%	30.60%	33.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	1,242	4,975
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	1,242	4,975
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	1,124
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Nature of Uncertainty	12
Income Tax Examination, Interest Accrued	(631)	417
Income Tax Examination, Penalties Accrued	16	60
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	936	1,567
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued	64	81
Operating Loss Carryforwards	1,958
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local	374
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	77
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	40,332	43,731	38,651
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	211,108	73,819	191,816
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)	4,956	7,726	6,954
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	15,049	12,252	9,501
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	53,134	66,014	61,547
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	20,762	(36,497)	2,591
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	3,506	(6,016)	265
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(2,409)	(947)	(1,054)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	21,859	(43,460)	1,802
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	74,993	22,554	63,349
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	3	3,458
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	(4,488)	(2,221)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	0	391
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	0	(3,661)
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	(3,582)	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	0	(161)
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits	11,832	17,800
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	14,418	13,348
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign	56,870
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Other	25,353	49,366
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities	10,897	6,894
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Self Insurance	3,363	4,197
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income	10,600	5,011
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	1,962	1,935
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions	2,928	2,240
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	607	814
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Current	91,712	111,101
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	11,842	11,421	9,880	9,956
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	421
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	21,859	(43,460)	1,802
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings	178,318
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	79,870	99,680
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	46,876	39,169
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets	28,470	23,738
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	101	2,422
Deferred Tax and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	3,915	4,298
Deferred Tax Liabilities	79,362	69,627
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net	508	30,053
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate	(0.70%)	1.80%	0.60%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes	2.80%	1.50%	2.50%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Foreign	(0.20%)	(0.60%)	(0.10%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential	(0.30%)	(3.70%)	(2.00%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deductions, Qualified Production Activities	(1.60%)	(4.40%)	(0.70%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments	0.50%	1.00%	(2.30%)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 1,527	$ 9,594	$ 11,788

Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended					3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended																										9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended																					12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010	Apr. 13, 2012	Sep. 30, 2008	Jun. 30, 2012 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans, Net [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Other Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Benefits and Expenses Member [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Benefits and Expenses Member [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Benefits and Expenses Member [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Benefits and Expenses Member [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Benefits and Expenses Member [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Benefits and Expenses Member [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Employee contributions [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Employee contributions [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Employee contributions [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Employee contributions [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Employee contributions [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Employee contributions [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Curtailments and settlements [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Curtailments and settlements [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Curtailments and settlements [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Curtailments and settlements [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Curtailments and settlements [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Curtailments and settlements [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Actual return (loss) on plan assets [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Actual return (loss) on plan assets [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Actual return (loss) on plan assets [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Actual return (loss) on plan assets [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Actual return (loss) on plan assets [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Actual return (loss) on plan assets [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Employee contributions [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Employee contributions [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Employee contributions [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Employee contributions [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Employee contributions [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Employee contributions [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Employer contributions [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Employer contributions [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Employer contributions [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Employer contributions [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans, Net [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans, Net [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans, Net [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Other Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 46,541,000	$ 50,331,000																																																													$ 42,391,000	$ 42,023,000	$ 4,150,000	$ 8,308,000
Reduction in Accumulated PBO obligation	3,065,000
Reduction in net periodic benefit cost		263,000.000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost							205,000	190,000	185,000			334,000	531,000	554,000			0	0	0																											4,340,000	445,000	(104,000)	0	0
STERIS Corporation shares held in defined contribution plan	835,690
Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year One																	(216,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	2,595,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax	(34,437,000)
Line of Credit, Current				300,000,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	353,000	359,000										0	0																																																															353,000	359,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Marketable Securities, Equity Securities	25,152,000	24,229,000										0	0																																																															25,152,000	24,229,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Equity Securities																																																																			60.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities																																																																			59.30%	57.70%
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components	7,000
Healthcare cost trend rate medical	8.00%	10.00%	11.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	4.50%	5.00%	5.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets																																																																			8.00%	8.00%	8.00%	3.25%	4.00%	4.50%																8.00%	8.00%	3.25%	3.25%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate																																																																			5.25%	5.75%	7.50%	2.75%	3.00%	3.25%	4.50%	5.00%	7.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate																																																																																								4.25%	5.25%	2.25%	2.75%	3.75%	4.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	42,391,000	42,023,000					42,391,000	42,023,000	40,142,000			4,150,000	8,308,000	9,220,000			0	0	0																																										46,541,000	50,331,000														42,391,000	42,023,000	0	0	0	0	4,150,000	0	0	0	0	8,308,000							42,391,000	42,023,000	4,150,000	8,308,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities							0	0				0	0				(3,255,000)	(3,274,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation							51,319,000	48,560,000	47,638,000			5,103,000	9,777,000	11,903,000			24,894,000	23,800,000	25,179,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	7,265,000	7,476,000	6,226,000																																																2,168,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost							2,438,000	2,617,000	3,046,000			195,000	334,000	368,000			991,000	1,169,000	1,948,000																																	2,125,000					473,000	317,000	3,231,000	3,409,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses						1,333,000	4,482,000	2,724,000		0		506,000	(942,000)				3,512,000	683,000		726,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets							(3,304,000)	(3,033,000)	(2,484,000)			(209,000)	(356,000)	(416,000)			0	0	0																																	0	473,000	317,000	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase																																																																																										2.50%	2.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid							(4,366,000)	(4,584,000)			(665,000)	20,000				(3,231,000)	(3,409,000)				(4,366,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)							1,066,000	1,068,000	1,062,000			0	0	0			425,000	388,000	626,000			(4,609,000)	20,000	(665,000)	(3,409,000)	(3,230,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	443,000	237,000	594,000																								0																								0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)						0	0	0	0	0		0	0	0			(3,263,000)	(3,263,000)	(3,263,000)	(3,263,000)								0	317,000	473,000	0	0			(6,576,000)	(1,872,000)	0	0			530,000	15,000	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments							0	0			(1,872,000)	(4,890,000)				0	0																0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Benefit Obligation							0	0				182,000	234,000				0	0																						0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets																																													2,566,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan							(8,928,000)	(6,537,000)				(953,000)	(1,469,000)				(24,894,000)	(23,800,000)
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent							(8,928,000)	(6,537,000)				(953,000)	(1,469,000)				(21,639,000)	(20,526,000)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities							(8,928,000)	(6,537,000)				(953,000)	(1,469,000)				(24,894,000)	(23,800,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	56,139,000	57,846,000			46,001,000																																																								56,422,000	58,337,000	51,319,000	48,560,000	4,820,000	9,286,000																												51,319,000	48,560,000	5,103,000	9,777,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost							405,000	842,000	1,809,000			320,000	509,000	506,000			(1,847,000)	(1,706,000)	(689,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments							0	0	0			(1,384,000)	(95,000)	(63,000)			0	0	0
Total benefit costs, defined benefit plan							405,000	842,000	1,809,000			(1,064,000)	414,000	443,000			(1,847,000)	(1,706,000)	(689,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period							5,220,000	1,393,000	(554,000)			818,000	(1,031,000)	502,000			3,512,000	683,000	(2,930,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)							0	0	0			0	0	0			3,263,000	3,263,000	3,263,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)							(1,066,000)	(1,068,000)	(1,132,000)			87,000	95,000	63,000			(425,000)	(388,000)	(626,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets)							0	0	70,000			0	0	0			0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax		3,558,000					4,154,000	325,000	(1,616,000)			905,000	(936,000)	565,000			6,350,000		(293,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax							4,559,000	1,167,000	193,000			(159,000)	(522,000)	1,008,000			4,503,000	1,852,000	(982,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase																																																																						2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Healthcare prescription drug	8.00%	10.00%	11.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components	(6,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	167,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	(159,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Debt Securities																																																																			40.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Debt Securities	1688600000.00%	1743500000.00%										0.00%	0.00%																																																						39.90%	41.40%								1688600000.00%	1743500000.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Other																																																																			0.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Plan Assets																																																																			0.80%	0.90%
Defined benefit plan target allocation percentage of insurance contracts																																																																																										100.00%
Defined benefit plan actual percentage of insurance contracts																																																																																										100.00%	100.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage																																																																			1																							1
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations																																																																			100.00%	100.00%																						100.00%	100.00%
US Government Securities, at Carrying Value	0											0																																																																0		0		0		0		0		0
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	4,345,000						4,201,000					144,000			3,040,000		3,256,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	4,347,000						4,087,000					260,000			2,850,000		3,073,000
Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year Two																	(223,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	4,148,000						3,983,000					165,000			2,623,000		2,853,000
Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year Three																	(230,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	4,132,000						3,938,000					194,000			2,411,000		2,645,000
Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year Four																	(234,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	4,058,000						3,848,000					210,000			2,081,000		2,322,000
Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year Five																	(241,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	19,461,000						17,739,000					1,722,000			7,065,000		8,126,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	32,895,000
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0											4,150,000	8,308,000																																																															0		0		0		4,150,000		0		0	8,308,000
Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter																	(1,061,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Gross Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts Received	420,000	768,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	304,996,000
Fair value of STERIS Corporatio stock held in defined contribution plan	26,425,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Dividends Paid	545,000	498,000	2,253,000
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets	$ 3,032,000	$ 2,493,000

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010 Product Rebate Program	Mar. 31, 2012 Product Rebate Program	Mar. 31, 2012 Customer Rebates [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Customer Rebates [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Product Disposal	Sep. 30, 2010 Product Disposal	Mar. 31, 2012 Cash Rebate [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Pending or Threatened Litigation	Mar. 31, 2012 Commercial commitments [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Commercial commitments [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Accrual Carrying Value, Current			$ 110,004			$ 102,313		$ 7,691
Participation Rate, Rebate Program, Eligible Customers			100.00%
Participation Rate, Rebate Program, Likely Customers				83.00%
Loss Contingency Accrual , Product Liability, Net, Explanation of Material Change in Accrual	-17403				15306		2097
Rebatesutilizedbycustomers					60,700
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum					93,000					22,000
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum									75,000	7,000
Estimated Litigation Liability										19,796
Commitments and Contingencies											38,264	34,330
Self Insurance Reserve	6,261	7,740
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$ 27,440	$ 40,455

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual , Product Liability, Net, Explanation of Material Change in Accrual									-17403
Revenues	$ 390,249	$ 355,215	$ 342,707	$ 318,639	$ 377,760	$ 328,283	$ 312,425	$ 188,980	$ 1,406,810	$ 1,207,448	$ 1,257,733
Operating Income (Loss)									222,316	85,212	203,712
Restructuring Charges	(877)	1,164	99	258	779	(23)	105	341	644	1,202	4,848
OperatingSegmentHealthcare [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,013,102	835,832	892,474
Operating Income (Loss)									141,742	21,317	151,520
OperatingSegmentLifeSciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									226,658	215,437	218,209
Operating Income (Loss)									41,633	33,069	30,952
OperatingSegmentIsomedix [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									164,257	152,242	140,871
Operating Income (Loss)									47,596	39,833	31,103
OperatingSegmentAllExceptCorpandOther [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,404,017	1,203,511	1,251,554
Operating Income (Loss)									230,971	94,219	213,575
OperatingSegmentCorpandOther [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,793	3,937	6,179
Operating Income (Loss)									(8,655)	(9,007)	(9,863)
OperatingSegmentAll [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,406,810	1,207,448	1,257,733
Operating Income (Loss)									222,316	85,212	203,712
Product Rebate Program [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Accrual Carrying Value, Current							(110,004)
Customer Rebates [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual , Product Liability, Net, Explanation of Material Change in Accrual									15306
Loss Contingency, Accrual Carrying Value, Current							(102,313)
Pending or Threatened Litigation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Estimated Litigation Liability						19,796
Life Science Member [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges										$ 190	$ 555

+ References+ Details

Business Segment Information Business Combinations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 386,409				$ 370,402				$ 386,409	$ 370,402
Revenues	390,249	355,215	342,707	318,639	377,760	328,283	312,425	188,980	1,406,810	1,207,448	1,257,733
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets									66,682	77,442	44,087
Assets	1,405,696				1,426,685				1,405,696	1,426,685
Restructuring Charges	(877)	1,164	99	258	779	(23)	105	341	644	1,202	4,848
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									62,906	54,389	56,218
Healthcare member [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges										1,020	3,839
Life Science Member [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges										190	555
Isomedix Member [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges										142
Healthcare and Life Sciences [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets									31,713	36,156	20,602
Assets	1,024,786				1,072,892				1,024,786	1,072,892
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									37,559	30,188	32,640
Isomedix Member [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets									34,943	41,271	23,454
Assets	378,506				352,153				378,506	352,153
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									25,324	24,183	23,553
Reportable Segment [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets									66,656	77,427	44,056
Assets	1,403,292				1,425,045				1,403,292	1,425,045
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									62,883	54,371	56,193
Corporate and Other member [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets									26	15	31
Assets	2,404				1,640				2,404	1,640
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									23	18	25
UNITED STATES
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues									1,057,461	882,281	949,637
International Member [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues									349,349	325,167	308,096
UNITED STATES
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	331,590				318,110				331,590	318,110
International Member [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 54,819				$ 52,292				$ 54,819	$ 52,292

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

+ References+ Details

The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets.

+ References+ Details

Tangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References+ Details

+ References+ Details

Common Shares (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	58,367	59,306	58,826
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	596	842	597
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	58,963	60,148	59,423

The sum of dilutive potential common shares or units used in the calculation of the diluted per-share or per-unit computation.

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The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References+ Details

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 171

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 40

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 8

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 07-4

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Common Shares Common share options (Details) (Stock Options [Member]) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	741	383	1,138

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 13, 14

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 171

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 40

-Subparagraph c

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Antidilution

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 07-4

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Repurchases of Common Shares Repurchases of common shares (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 300,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	1,851,510	925,848
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	56,751	29,965	310
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 30.21	$ 31.82
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	22,927	15,224
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	808	503
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	118,460,000
Repurchase of Equity [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	$ 55,942	$ 29,462

The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period.

+ References+ Details

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 years	Mar. 31, 2011 years	Mar. 31, 2010 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Item]
Remaining shares available for grant	4,565,334
Weighted-average assumptions used for options granted:
Risk-free interest rate	2.41%	2.68%	1.89%
Expected life of options	5.70	5.70	5.50
Exptected dividend yield of stock	1.78%	1.59%	1.49%
Expected volatility of stock	29.78%	30.13%	27.96%
Estimated forfeiture rate	2.08%	2.27%	2.39%
Summary of share option activity:
Number of Options, Outstanding, Beginning of Period	3,274,395
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Beginning of Period	$ 25.95
Number of Options, Granted	325,051
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$ 35.62
Number of Options, Exercised	262,380
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$ 22.73
Number of Options, Forfeited	(11,084)
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	$ 27.25
Number of Options, Canceled	13,380
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Canceled	$ 23.24
Number of Options, Outstanding, End of Period	3,312,602	3,274,395
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, End of Period	$ 27.16	$ 25.95
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	5.21
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$ 16,273
Number of Options, Exercisable	2,462,599
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 26.05
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	4.27
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	13,848
Non-vested stock options outstanding expected to vest	840,057
Common Stock, Fair Market Value Per Share	$ 31.62
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	2,846	6,669	6,546
Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options	5,723	12,730	14,047
Tax benefit from stock option exercises	1,514	2,525	2,467
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock option grants, per share	$ 9.31	$ 8.80	$ 5.69
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation granted	11,509
Weighted average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	2.34
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at Beginning of Period	400,951
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested at Beginning of Period	$ 29.70
Number of Restricted Shares, Granted	235,670
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$ 35.62
Number of Restricted Shares, Vested	(91,084)
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$ 30.52
Number of Restricted Shares, Canceled	(12,510)
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Canceled	$ 33.20
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at End of Period	533,027
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested at End of Period	$ 32.10
FairValueOfOutstandingStockAppreciationRights	854	996
Restricted Stock
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
Fair Value, Share-based Payment Awards, Other than Options	2,780
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
FairValueOfOutstandingCashSettledRestrictedShareUnits	$ 1,313	$ 1,214

Financial and Other Guarantees (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Product Warranty Accrual	$ 7,509	$ 6,070	$ 7,573
Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued	19,944	11,185	8,706
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Payments	(16,264)	(9,746)	(10,209)
Product Warranty Accrual	11,189	7,509	6,070
Deferred Revenue, Current	$ 43,252	$ 28,230

The carrying amount of consideration received or receivable as of the balance sheet date on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, including sales, license fees, and royalties, but excluding interest income.

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Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for estimated claims under standard and extended warranty protection rights granted to customers.

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Forward and Swap Contracts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$ 12	$ 1,483
Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	0	0
Derivative Liabilities	863	41
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain, before Tax	(1,115)	1,696	541
Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Commodity Contracts	(1,544)	306	826
Mexico, Pesos
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts	106,300
Canada, Dollars
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts	7,300
212234 Copper Ore and Nickel Ore Mining [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts	$ 465,000

Fair values as of the balance sheet date of all assets resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, net of the effects of master netting arrangements.

+ References+ Details

Fair values as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, net of the effects of master netting arrangements.

+ References+ Details

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Aggregate realized and unrealized gain on foreign currency transactions included in net income. Includes gain on a foreign currency forward exchange contract. Does not include foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity or intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature. Gross of tax effect.

+ References+ Details

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2010

Mar. 31, 2009

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis for Amount

6892

4984

$ 353

$ 359

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

42,391

42,023

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure

150,821

193,016

^[1]

Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure

^[1]

3,032

^[2]

2,493

^[2]

3,032

^[2]

2,493

^[2]

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value

^[3]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure

^[1]

1,483

^[1]

Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure

863

^[1]

^[2]

^[2]

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value

243,999

^[3]

237,167

^[3]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure

^[1]

Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure

^[1]

^[2]

^[2]

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value

^[3]

4,984

Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure

150,821

193,016

^[1]

1,483

^[1]

Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure

863

^[1]

3,032

^[2]

2,493

^[2]

3,032

^[2]

2,493

^[2]