v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
6 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Oct. 31, 2011
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name STERIS CORP  
Entity Central Index Key 0000815065  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2011  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --03-31  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   57,966,176