v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Jan. 31, 2012
Mar. 31, 2011
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Treasury Stock, Shares 12,400,503   10,918,000
Entity Registrant Name STERIS CORP    
Entity Central Index Key 0000815065    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3    
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