v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Jul. 27, 2012
Mar. 31, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Accounts Receivable Allowances $ 9,719   $ 11,428
Entity Registrant Name STERIS CORP    
Entity Central Index Key 0000815065    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2012    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --03-31    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   58,091,568  
Serial preferred shares without par value $ 0   $ 0
Serial preferred shares authorized 3,000,000   3,000,000
Serial preferred shares issued 0   0
Serial preferred shares outstanding 0   0
Common shares without par value $ 0   $ 0
Common shares authorized 300,000,000   300,000,000
Common shares issued 70,040,000   70,040,000
Common shares outstanding 58,082,000   57,733,000
Treasury Stock, Shares 11,958,000   12,307,000