Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	May 22, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
DEI [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	STERIS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000815065
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--03-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		59,724,004
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 3,117,279,156
Entity Voluntary Filers	No

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current

$ 9,415

^[1]

$ 10,922

^[1]

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

167,689

152,802

Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $9,415 and $10,922, respectively)

325,289

313,686

Inventories, net

160,818

155,146

Deferred income taxes, net

31,629

16,084

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

35,007

37,027

Total current assets

720,432

674,745

Property, plant, and equipment, net

493,053

454,410

Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)

860,645

747,715

Other assets

25,336

10,292

Total assets

2,099,466

1,887,162

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

99,340

102,430

Accrued Income Taxes, Current

7,154

Accrued payroll and other related liabilities

74,805

58,774

Accrued expenses and other

102,032

93,302

Total current liabilities

283,331

254,506

Long-term indebtedness

623,250

493,480

Deferred income taxes, net

71,905

59,053

Other Liabilities, Noncurrent

47,334

38,877

Total liabilities

1,025,820

845,916

Serial preferred shares, without par value; 3,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

Common shares, without par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 70,040 shares issued; 59,675 and 58,968 shares outstanding, respectively

264,853

246,186

Common shares held in treasury, 10,364 and 11,072 shares, respectively

(320,343)

(324,202)

Retained earnings

1,193,791

1,112,240

Accumulated other comprehensive income

(66,669)

4,481

Total shareholders' equity

1,071,632

1,038,705

Noncontrolling interest

2,014

2,541

Total equity

1,073,646

1,041,246

Total liabilities and equity

$ 2,099,466

$ 1,887,162

Preferred Stock, No Par Value

$ 0

Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized

3,000,000

Preferred Stock, Shares Issued

Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding

Common Stock, No Par Value

$ 0

Common Stock, Shares Authorized

300,000,000

Common Stock, Shares, Issued

70,040,000

Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding

59,675,000

58,968,000

Treasury Stock, Shares

10,364,404

11,071,728

[1]	Net allowance for doubtful accounts and allowance for sales and returns.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable Allowances

$ 9,415

^[1]

$ 10,922

^[1]

$ 10,043

^[1]

$ 11,428

^[1]

Serial preferred shares without par value

$ 0

Serial preferred shares authorized

3,000,000

Serial preferred shares issued

Serial preferred shares outstanding

Common shares without par value

$ 0

Common shares authorized

300,000,000

Common shares issued

70,040,000

Common shares outstanding

59,675,000

58,968,000

Common shares held in treasury, shares

10,364,404

11,071,728

[1]	Net allowance for doubtful accounts and allowance for sales and returns.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Product	$ 1,047,805	$ 1,011,462	$ 967,362
Service	802,458	610,790	534,540
Total revenues	1,850,263	1,622,252	1,501,902
Cost of revenues:
Product	584,210	586,176	550,899
Service	491,752	386,454	329,740
Total cost of revenues	1,075,962	972,630	880,639
Gross Profit	774,301	649,622	621,263
Operating expenses:
Selling, general, and administrative	493,342	380,970	337,694
Research and development	54,139	48,641	41,305
Restructuring expenses	(391)	13,204	(565)
Total operating expenses	547,090	442,815	378,434
Income (loss) from operations	227,211	206,807	242,829
Non-operating expenses, net:
Interest expense	19,187	18,770	15,675
Interest income and miscellaneous expense	(796)	(339)	56
Total non-operating expenses, net	18,391	18,431	15,731
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	208,820	188,376	227,098
Income tax expense (benefit)	73,756	58,934	67,121
Net (loss) income	$ 135,064	$ 129,442	$ 159,977
Net income (loss) per common share
Basic	$ 2.27	$ 2.20	$ 2.74
Diluted	$ 2.25	$ 2.17	$ 2.72
Cash dividends declared per common share outstanding	$ 0.90	$ 0.82	$ 0.74

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	$ 4,007	$ (1,798)	$ 2,706
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	135,064	129,442	159,977
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	507	275	112
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(6,461)	2,756	(4,082)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(65,196)	5,538	(13,745)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(71,150)	8,569	(17,715)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	63,914	138,011	142,262
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax	85	0	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (71,150)	$ 8,569	$ (17,715)

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Amount after tax, before reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature.

+ References+ Details

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 135,064	$ 129,442	$ 159,977
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	91,541	75,649	69,035
Deferred income taxes	(4,916)	15,176	23,751
Share-based compensation	14,921	11,100	8,917
Loss on the disposal of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles, net	(151)	5,279	294
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities	(11,526)	(2,841)	(2,058)
Other items	(9,238)	(66)	(4,120)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(2,774)	(28,794)	21,866
Inventories, net	(9,902)	2,767	28,015
Other current assets	2,089	(5,482)	(8,889)
Accounts payable	(3,146)	19,377	(12,536)
Accrued SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program and class action settlement	0	(245)	(68,812)
Accruals and other, net	44,078	(11,731)	12,375
Net cash provided by operating activities	246,040	209,631	227,815
Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles, net	(85,255)	(86,367)	(87,412)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles	829	4,774	34
Payments to Acquire Investments	(4,681)	0	0
Investments in businesses, net of cash acquired	(194,662)	(67,059)	(399,676)
Net cash used in investing activities	(283,769)	(148,652)	(487,054)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement	0	0	200,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt	0	(70,000)	0
Proceeds Under Credit Facility, net	129,770	71,190	82,290
Amortization of Financing Costs	(14,370)	(43)	(1,924)
Payments of Merger Related Costs, Financing Activities	(1,250)	0	0
Repurchases of common shares	(30,687)	(25,469)	(8,002)
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders	(53,513)	(48,385)	(43,195)
Stock option and other equity transactions, net	28,274	15,660	23,019
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities	11,526	2,841	2,058
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	69,750	(54,206)	254,246
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(17,134)	4,021	(3,820)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	14,887	10,794	(8,813)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	152,802	142,008	150,821
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 167,689	$ 152,802	$ 142,008

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid			$ 0.90	$ 0.82	$ 0.74
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 1,073,646	$ 1,041,246	$ 1,073,646	$ 1,041,246	$ 946,980	$ 822,664
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	41,399	38,876	135,064	129,442	159,977
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent			(71,150)	8,569	(17,715)
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock			(30,687)	(25,469)	(8,002)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures			41,687	26,765	30,418
Tax benefit from stock options exercised			11,526	2,841	2,058
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash			(53,513)	(48,385)	(43,195)
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value			(527)	503	775
Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	264,853	246,186	264,853	246,186	239,648	244,091
Shares, Issued	59,675	58,968	59,675	58,968	58,759	57,733
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent			0	0	0
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			(542)	(624)	(257)
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock			0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures			1,249	833	1,283
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures			7,141	3,697	(6,501)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised			0	0	0
Tax benefit from stock options exercised			11,526	2,841	2,058
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash			0	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value			0	0	0
Treasury Stock
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(320,343)	(324,202)	(320,343)	(324,202)	(321,801)	(350,718)
Shares, Issued	10,364	11,072	10,364	11,072	11,281	12,307
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent			0	0	0
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			542	624	257
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock			(30,687)	(25,469)	(8,002)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures			(1,250)	(833)	(1,283)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures			34,546	23,068	36,919
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised			0	0	0
Tax benefit from stock options exercised			0	0	0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash			0	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value			0	0	0
Retained Earnings
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,193,791	1,112,240	1,193,791	1,112,240	1,031,183	914,401
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent				129,442	159,977
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock			0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures			0	0	0
Tax benefit from stock options exercised			0	0	0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash			(53,513)	(48,385)	(43,195)
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value			0	0	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(66,669)	4,481	(66,669)	4,481	(4,088)	13,627
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent			0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent			(71,150)	8,569	(17,715)
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock			0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures			0	0	0
Tax benefit from stock options exercised			0	0	0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash			0	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value			0	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	2,014	2,541	2,014	2,541	2,038	1,263
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent			0	0	0
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock			0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures			0	0	0
Tax benefit from stock options exercised			0	0	0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash			0	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value			$ (527)	$ 503	$ 775

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

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 procedural 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 titled, "Business Segment Information". 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. Income attributable to non-controlling interests is reported in the "Interest income and miscellaneous expense" line of our Consolidated Statements of Income and is not material.

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,	2015		2014		2013
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$	19,124	$	19,268	$	14,115
Income taxes	52,707		52,888		38,475
Cash received during the year for income tax refunds	2,405		3,076		1,096

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 35.9% and 34.6% of total inventories at March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Inventory costs include material, labor, and overhead. If we had used only the FIFO method of inventory costing, inventories would have been $19,071 and $19,450 higher than those reported at March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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	2-20
Information Systems	2-20
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 $174 and $415 for the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Total interest expense for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $19,187, $18,770, and $15,675, 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. Our intangible assets also include indefinite lived assets including certain trademarks and tradenames that were acquired in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013. These assets are tested at least annually for impairment.

Investments. Investments in marketable securities are stated at fair value and are included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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.

Asset Retirement Obligations. Beginning in fiscal year 2016 and thereafter, we expect to incur retirement obligations for certain assets. As a result we have recorded an initial liability for the asset retirement obligations (ARO) at fair value. Recognition of the ARO will include: the present value of a liability and offsetting asset, the subsequent accretion of that liability and depletion of the asset, and the periodic review of the ARO liability estimates and discount rates used in the analysis.

We provide additional information about our asset retirement obligations in note 6 to our consolidated financial statements titled, “Property, Plant and Equipment.”

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 may 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, was 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 was 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 was recognized as cost of revenues. Both components were 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 Rebate Program ended August 2, 2012. Customers utilized rebates totaling approximately $66,600 on orders placed since the initiation of the Rebate Program. The costs associated with the Rebate Program were lower than originally estimated because fewer Customers elected to participate in the Rebate Program than anticipated.

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 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 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 $9,732, $8,606, and $6,880 of advertising costs during the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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.”

Medical Device Excise Tax. The Medical Device Excise Tax became effective January 1, 2013. The excise tax was mandated by the 2010 health care reform legislation and assesses a 2.3% tax on the sale or use of certain medical devices that are sold or manufactured in the United States. Many of our products are subject to the excise tax. The tax is included in cost of revenues in the period of sale. We incurred Medical Device Excise taxes of $7,917 and $7,390 during fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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 recognize restructuring expenses as incurred. Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation expenses primarily relate to inventory write-downs for rationalized products and adjustments in the carrying value of the related facilities and machinery and equipment to their estimated fair value. In addition, the remaining useful lives of other property, plant, and equipment associated with the related operations are reevaluated based on the respective restructuring plan, which may result in the acceleration of depreciation and amortization of certain assets.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Impacting the Company

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Impacting the Company are presented in the following table:



Standard	Date of Issuance	Description	Date of Adoption	Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters
Standards that have not yet adopted
ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"	May 2014	The standard will replace existing revenue recognition standards and significantly expand the disclosure requirements for revenue arrangements. It may be adopted either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis to new contracts and existing contracts with remaining performance obligations as of the effective date. The standard update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that period, early adoption is not permitted.	N/A	We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

- Definition

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

+ References+ Details

Restructuring

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring

RESTRUCTURING

The following summarizes our restructuring plans announced in current and 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 2014 Restructuring Plan. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we adopted and announced a targeted restructuring plan primarily focused on the closure of the Hopkins manufacturing facility located in Mentor, Ohio (the “Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan”). As a result of this plan we will transfer operations located at Hopkins to other North American locations. We believe that by closing the operations at Hopkins we will more effectively utilize our existing North American manufacturing network while reducing operating costs.

We have incurred pre-tax expenses totaling $19,472 related to these actions, of which $11,696 was recorded as restructuring expenses and $7,776 was recorded in cost of revenues, with restructuring expenses of $17,376, $796, and $1,300 related to the Healthcare, Life Sciences and Isomedix segments, respectively.

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 $9,294 related to these actions, of which $8,190 was recorded as restructuring expenses and $1,104 was recorded in cost of revenues. We do not expect to incur any significant additional restructuring expenses related to this plan. These actions are intended to enhance profitability and improve efficiencies.

The following tables summarize our total pre-tax restructuring expenses for fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013:



Year Ended March 31, 2015	Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan (1)
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	(616	)
Product rationalization	(368		)
Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	(38		)
Lease termination obligation and other	263
Total restructuring (benefit) charges	$	(759	)


(1)	Includes $(368) in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.



Year Ended March 31, 2014	Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan (1)		Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan		Total
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	7,363	$	127	$	7,490
Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	3,621		990		4,611
Lease termination obligation and other	1,103		—		1,103
Product rationalization	8,144		—		8,144
Total restructuring charges	$	20,231	$	1,117	$	21,348


(1)	Includes $8,144 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.



Year Ended March 31, 2013	Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	(918	)
Lease termination obligation and other	353
Total restructuring (benefit) charges	$	(565	)

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 tables summarizes our restructuring liability balances and activity:



	Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan
			Fiscal 2015
	March 31, 2014		Provision (1)			Payments/ Impairments			March 31, 2015
Severance and termination benefits	$	6,389	$	(616	)	$	(3,242	)	$	2,531
Lease termination obligations	1,589		18			(1,251		)	356
Total	$	7,978	$	(598	)	$	(4,493	)	$	2,887

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



	Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan
			Fiscal 2014
	March 31, 2013		Provision		Payments/ Impairments (1)			March 31, 2014
Severance and termination benefits	$	—	$	6,429	$	(40	)	$	6,389
Lease termination obligations and other	—		1,589		—			1,589
Total	$	—	$	8,018	$	(40	)	$	7,978

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

- Definition

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.

+ References+ Details

Goodwill

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill

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 2015. 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 2015 or for any prior periods.

However, during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, a new branding strategy was adopted as part of the integration of IMS into the Specialty Services reporting unit, which operates under our Healthcare segment, for surgical instrument and endoscope repair services. This strategy resulted in a reduction in the carrying value of the Spectrum trade-name which will be used solely for Specialty Services product revenues going forward. We have estimated the fair value of the Spectrum trade-name using the relief from royalty method and concluded that the carrying value of the trade-name exceeded its fair value. As a result, an impairment charge of approximately $5,561 was recorded to reduce the carrying value of the intangible asset. The impairment charge is reported in the selling, general and administrative expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Our fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2015 acquisitions are described in note 3 to our consolidated financial statements titled, "Business Acquisitions".

Future impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets 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, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:



	Healthcare Segment			Life Sciences Segment			STERIS Isomedix Services Segment		Total
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	373,668		$	32,763		$	83,035	$	489,466
Goodwill acquired or allocated	22,783			—			—		22,783
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,215			1,547			—		4,762
Balance at March 31, 2014	399,666			34,310			83,035		517,011
Goodwill acquired or allocated	87,175			1,899			—		89,074
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(11,124		)	(2,320		)	—		(13,444		)
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	475,717		$	33,889		$	83,035	$	592,641

The fiscal 2015 increase in goodwill associated with the Healthcare segment resulted from the acquisitions of the capital stock of IMS and Dana and foreign currency fluctuations. The increase associated with the Life Science segment resulted from the acquisition of the assets of AGAPE, and foreign currency fluctuations. Our fiscal 2015 acquisitions are described in note 3 to our consolidated financial statements titled, "Business Acquisitions".

The fiscal 2014 increase in goodwill associated with the Healthcare segment resulted from the acquisitions of the assets of FSR and LSI, and the capital stock of Eschmann, as described in note 3 to our consolidated financial statements titled, "Business Acquisitions", and foreign currency fluctuations. The increase associated with the Life Sciences segment resulted from foreign currency fluctuations.

Information regarding our intangible assets is as follows:



	March 31, 2015				March 31, 2014
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships	$	134,014	$	35,516	$	87,747	$	26,808
Non-compete agreements	3,654		3,377		3,766		3,315
Patents and technology	178,290		56,861		173,287		46,111
Trademarks and tradenames	61,896		14,096		55,006		12,868
Other	10		10		13		13
Total	$	377,864	$	109,860	$	319,819	$	89,115

Certain trademarks and tradenames acquired in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 are indefinite-lived assets. Approximate carrying value of these assets at March 31, 2015 was $35,490. Total amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $24,500, $18,612, and $13,068 for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. 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:



	2016		2017		2018		2019		2020 and thereafter
Estimated amortization expense	$	25,233	$	24,651	$	24,580	$	24,495	$	23,553

The estimated annual amortization expense presented in the preceding table has been calculated based upon March 31, 2015 foreign currency exchange rates.

- Definition

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

Business Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

Proposed Combination with Synergy Health plc

On October 13, 2014, we announced that we were commencing a “recommended offer” under U.K. law to acquire all outstanding shares of Synergy Health plc (“Synergy”) in a cash and stock transaction valued at £19.50 ($31.35) per Synergy share, or a total of approximately $1.9 billion based on STERIS’s closing stock price of $56.38 per share on October 10, 2014, through a newly formed U.K. entity that also would indirectly acquire all of the outstanding stock of STERIS (the “Combination”). Based on STERIS’s closing stock price of $67.00 and exchange rates as of February 3, 2015, the total value of the cash and stock transaction is approximately $2.1 billion or £23.42 ($35.52) per Synergy share. The Combination is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including approvals by STERIS and Synergy shareholders as well as regulatory approvals by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), which is currently reviewing the Combination. Both companies have entered into a timing agreement with the FTC under the terms of which the companies have agreed not to close the Combination before June 2, 2015 unless the FTC first closes its investigation. Both companies are cooperating with the FTC staff in the review of the Combination. No assurance can be provided as to when or if the transaction will be completed.

Total costs of approximately $22,181 before tax, were incurred in fiscal year 2015 related to the Combination and are reported in selling, general and administrative expense.

Fiscal Year 2015

Dana Products, Inc.

On March 9, 2015 the Company purchased all the outstanding shares of capital stock of Dana Products, Inc. ("Dana"), an Illinois manufacturer of chemical indicators used in steam sterilizers.

The purchase price was approximately $12,002, subject to a customary working capital adjustment. Dana will be integrated into the Healthcare business segment. The purchase price has been preliminarily allocated to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition date.

We anticipate that the acquisition of Dana will qualify for a joint election tax benefit under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows goodwill and intangibles to be fully deductible for tax purposes. Intangible assets acquired consist of product names and patents, which will be amortized on a straight line basis over their useful lives of up to ten years. Acquisition related costs were insignificant.

AGAPE Instruments Service, Inc.

On December 31, 2014, a newly formed subsidiary of the Company purchased the assets and assumed certain liabilities of AGAPE Instruments Service, Inc. ("AGAPE"), an Ohio based provider of certification services.

The purchase price was approximately $3,415, including a customary working capital adjustment. The AGAPE business will be integrated into the Life Sciences business segment. The purchase price has been allocated to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition date.

Intangible assets acquired consist of Customer relationships, which will be amortized on a straight line basis over seven years. Acquisition related costs were insignificant.

Integrated Medical Systems International, Inc.

On May 9, 2014, we completed the previously announced acquisition of all the outstanding shares of capital stock of Integrated Medical Systems International, Inc. ("IMS") pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 31, 2014. The purchase price was approximately $165,000, subject to a customary working capital adjustment. In addition, we purchased certain real estate used in the IMS business for approximately $10,000. IMS has facilities located in Alabama, Florida and Maryland and provides a variety of services including: endoscope repair, surgical instrument management and sterile processing consulting. IMS has been integrated into our Healthcare segment as part of our Specialty Services reporting unit.

We recorded acquisition related costs of $3,208, before tax, which are reported in selling, general and administrative expense. We anticipate that the acquisition of IMS will qualify for a joint election tax benefit under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows goodwill and intangibles to be fully deductible for tax purposes. Intangible assets acquired consist of trade names and Customer relationships, which are being amortized on a straight line basis over their useful lives of up to nine years, with the exception of the IMS trade name which has an indefinite life.

Fiscal Year 2014

Florida Surgical Repair, Inc.

On December 31, 2013, we purchased the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Florida Surgical Repair, Inc. ("FSR"), a provider of surgical instrument and surgical equipment repair services to hospitals and surgery centers in Florida. The purchase price was approximately $5,779, subject to a customary working capital adjustment. FSR has been integrated into the Healthcare business segment. The purchase price has been allocated to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition date.

The intangible assets acquired consist of Customer relationships, which are being amortized on a straight line basis over nine years. Acquisition related costs were insignificant.

Life Systems, Inc.

On February 4, 2014, we purchased the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Life Systems, Inc. ("LSI"), a provider of sales and service in the endoscope repair and certified pre-owned equipment markets, located in St. Louis, Missouri.

The purchase price was approximately $24,500, subject to a customary working capital adjustment, which included $1,500 in restricted stock granted to one of the sellers. LSI has been integrated into the Healthcare business segment. The purchase price has been allocated to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition date.

We recorded acquisition related costs of approximately $311, before tax, which are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses.The intangible assets acquired consist of Customer relationships, which are being amortized on a straight line basis over thirteen years.

Eschmann Holdings Ltd.

On February 10, 2014, we purchased the capital stock of Eschmann Holdings Ltd. ("Eschmann"), a provider of surgical and infection prevention solutions and services used primarily in hospitals, surgery centers and dental offices in the United Kingdom.

The purchase price was approximately £25 million British pounds sterling (approximately $41,645 at the acquisition date). We paid £22 million British pounds sterling at the closing date and paid an additional £3 million British pounds sterling of deferred consideration in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. We also paid a customary working capital adjustment of £0.5 million British pounds sterling in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Eschmann has been integrated into the Healthcare business segment. The purchase price has been allocated to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition date.

We recorded acquisition related costs of approximately $754, before tax, which are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses. The intangible assets acquired consist of tradenames, developed technology, and Customer relationships, which are being amortized on a straight line basis over six to thirteen years, with the exception of the Eschmann tradename which has an indefinite life.

Each of these fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 acquisitions were funded with cash on hand and/or credit facility borrowings. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the operating results of each acquisition from the respective acquisition dates. Pro-forma results of operations for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 periods have not been presented because the effects of the acquisitions were not material to our financial results.

The table below summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition dates for our fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 acquisitions.



	Fiscal Year 2015									Fiscal Year 2014
	Dana (1)			AGAPE			IMS			FSR			LSI			Eschmann
Cash	$	135		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,545
Accounts receivable	617			342			16,594			388			2,341			5,336
Inventory	388			—			8,478			402			2,727			10,017
Property, plant and equipment	400			—			15,074			98			301			6,262
Other assets	—			—			842			11			117			475
Intangible assets	6,363			1,200			62,000			2,765			4,462			21,128
Goodwill	4,242			1,899			81,587			2,131			16,230			14,274
Total Assets	12,145			3,441			184,575			5,795			26,178			60,037

Accounts payable	(99		)	(26		)	(4,833		)	(16		)	(1,649		)	(2,507		)
Current liabilities	(44		)	—			(6,837		)	—			(29		)	(11,850		)
Non-current liabilities	—			—			—			—			—			(4,035		)
Total Liabilities	(143		)	(26		)	(11,670		)	(16		)	(1,678		)	(18,392		)

Net Assets	$	12,002		$	3,415		$	172,905		$	5,779		$	24,500		$	41,645

(1) Purchase price allocation is still preliminary as of March 31, 2015, as valuations have not been finalized.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1524-128463

+ Details

Inventories, Net

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Inventories, Net

INVENTORIES, NET

Inventories, net consisted of the following:



March 31,	2015			2014
Raw materials	$	67,095		$	61,197
Work in process	22,696			24,454
Finished goods	107,695			104,931
LIFO reserve	(19,071		)	(19,450		)
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory	(17,597		)	(15,986		)
Inventories, net	$	160,818		$	155,146

- Definition

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, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

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



March 31,	2015			2014
Land and land improvements (1)	$	40,668		$	33,601
Buildings and leasehold improvements	263,007			256,879
Machinery and equipment	375,555			360,977
Information systems	104,049			100,349
Radioisotope	289,778			258,547
Construction in progress (1)	47,690			35,016
Total property, plant, and equipment	1,120,747			1,045,369
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	(627,694		)	(590,959		)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	493,053		$	454,410


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

Depreciation and depletion expense were $61,481, $57,037 and $55,085, for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Rental expense for operating leases was $18,602, $17,643, and $15,664 for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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, 2015 were as follows:



	Operating Leases
2016	$	16,411
2017	12,428
2018	9,149
2019	5,419
2020 and thereafter	4,273
Total Minimum Lease Payments	$	47,680

In the preceding table, the future minimum annual rentals payable under noncancelable leases denominated in foreign currencies have been calculated based upon March 31, 2015 foreign currency exchange rates.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We provide contract sterilization services including gamma irradiation which utilizes cobalt-60 in the form of cobalt pencils. Prior to fiscal 2016, the removal and disposal of depleted cobalt pencils was provided by our cobalt vendors for no charge or an immaterial charge. Beginning in fiscal 2016 and thereafter, we expect to incur costs associated with the disposal of these depleted assets. As a result we have recorded an initial liability for the asset retirement obligations (ARO) at fair value. Recognition of the ARO will include: the present value of a liability and offsetting asset, the subsequent accretion of that liability and depletion of the asset, and the periodic review of the ARO liability estimates and discount rates used in the analysis.

The following table summarizes the activity in the liability for asset retirement obligations.



	Asset Retirement Obligations
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	—
Liabilities incurred during the period	8,083
Liabilities settled during the period	—
Accretion expense and other provisions	—
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	8,083

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Includes, but is not limited to, accounting policies and methodology, roll forwards, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, including composite depreciation, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, useful lives and method used, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References+ Details

Debt

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Debt

DEBT

Indebtedness was as follows:



March 31,	2015		2014
Private Placement	$	340,000	$	340,000
Credit Agreement and Swing Line Facility	283,250		153,480
Total long term debt	$	623,250	$	493,480

In February 2013, we issued $100,000 of senior notes in a 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, $47,500 have a maturity of nine years and 10 months from issuance at an annual interest rate of 3.20%, an additional $40,000 have a maturity of 11 years and 10 months from issuance at an annual interest rate of 3.35%, and the remaining $12,500 have a maturity of 14 years and 10 months from issuance at an annual interest rate of 3.55%. These borrowings were used primarily for the repayment of then existing credit facility debt. The agreements governing these notes and the notes were amended and restated in their entirety on March 31, 2015. The amended and restated agreements, which have been consolidated into a single agreement, contain leverage and interest coverage covenants.

In December 2012, we issued $100,000 of senior notes in a 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, $47,500 have a maturity of 10 years from issuance at an annual interest rate of 3.20%, an additional $40,000 have a maturity of 12 years from issuance at an annual interest rate of 3.35%, and the remaining $12,500 have a maturity of 15 years from issuance at an annual interest rate of 3.55%. These borrowings were used primarily for the repayment of then existing credit facility debt. The agreements governing these notes and the notes were amended and restated in their entirety on March 31, 2015. The amended and restated agreements, which have been consolidated into a single agreement, contain leverage and interest coverage covenants.

On August 15, 2008, we issued $150,000 of senior notes, of which $120,000 currently remain outstanding, in a private placement to certain institutional investors in an offering that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. Of the outstanding notes $85,000 have a maturity of 10 years from issuance at an annual interest rate of 6.33%, and the remaining $35,000 have a maturity of 12 years from issuance at an annual interest rate of 6.43%. The agreements governing these notes and the notes were amended and restated in their entirety on March 31, 2015. The amended and restated agreements, which have been consolidated into a single agreement, contain leverage and interest coverage covenants.

In December 2003, we issued $100,000 of senior notes, of which $20,000 currently remain outstanding, in a private placement to certain institutional investors in an offering that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The remaining $20,000 have a maturity of 12 years from issuance at an annual interest rate of 5.38%. The agreements governing these notes and the notes were amended and restated in their entirety on March 31, 2015. The amended and restated agreements, which have been consolidated into a single agreement, contain leverage and interest coverage covenants.

On March 31, 2015 we entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with various financial institutions as lenders, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The Credit Agreement replaced the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 13, 2012 with KeyBank National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto, as amended, and the Company’s Swing Line Facility (Committed Line of Credit) with PNC Bank, National Association, which agreements were terminated and all outstanding borrowings thereunder were repaid on March 31, 2015. The Credit Agreement provides $1,250,000 of credit, in the form of a $850,000 revolver facility, which may be utilized for revolving credit borrowings, swing line borrowings and letters of credit, with sublimits for swing line borrowings and letters of credit. The Credit Agreement also contains a $400,000 term loan facility. The revolver and term loan facilities may be increased in specified circumstances by up to $500,000. The term loan facility may not be utilized unless, among other conditions, the Combination is consummated, and will terminate if not used at that time. Likewise only $500,000 of the revolver may be utilized unless and until the Combination is consummated. For more information on the Combination refer to note 3 of our consolidated financial statements titled, "Business Acquisitions". Term loans are repayable quarterly pursuant to a specified amortization schedule, with principal payments increasing from 1.25% to 2.50% over the term, and with a balloon payment for the remaining unpaid balance at maturity. The Credit Agreement will mature on March 31, 2020, and all unpaid borrowings, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, are repayable on that date. The Credit Agreement contains leverage and interest coverage covenants.

On March 31, 2015, the Bridge Credit Agreement we had obtained on October 13, 2014 with various financial institutions as lenders and Bank of America N.A. as Administrative Agent, was amended and restated in its entirety (as so amended and restated, the “Amended Bridge Credit Agreement”). Under the Amended Bridge Credit Agreement, the lenders have agreed to provide senior unsecured debt financing, to consist of up to £340,000 of commitments, and up to $1,050,000 of commitments. Proceeds of borrowings under the Amended Bridge Credit Agreement may be used to (i) finance the payment of the cash consideration for the Combination, and related fees and expenses and (ii) to pay or refinance our existing debt and Synergy debt. Per the terms of the Amended Bridge Credit Agreement and as a result of the execution of the Credit Agreement and of the effectiveness of the amendment of certain of our private placement notes and note purchase agreements, the Commitments of the lenders under the Amended Bridge Credit Agreement were reduced by an aggregate of $520,000 on March 31, 2015. This resulted in an outstanding USD commitment of $530,000 and a GBP commitment of £340,000 under the Amended Bridge Credit Agreement. The foregoing reduction treatment also would have applied under the Bridge Credit Agreement. The Amended Bridge Credit Agreement will mature on the 364^th day after the Combination closing, and all unpaid borrowings, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, are repayable on that date. The Amended Bridge Credit Agreement contains leverage and interest coverage covenants. For more information on the Combination refer to note 3 of our consolidated financial statements titled, "Business Acquisitions".

As of March 31, 2015, a total $283,250 of indebtedness was outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

At March 31, 2015, 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:



2016	$	20,000
2017	—
2018	—
2019	85,000
2020 and thereafter	518,250
Total	$	623,250

- Definition

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.

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Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information

ADDITIONAL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS INFORMATION

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



March 31,	2015		2014
Accrued payroll and other related liabilities:
Compensation and related items	$	16,680	$	19,418
Accrued vacation/paid time off	5,539		6,172
Accrued bonuses	30,159		18,451
Accrued employee commissions	12,842		11,322
Accrued pension	6,186		—
Other postretirement benefit obligations-current portion	2,789		2,950
Other employee benefit plans' obligations-current portion	610		461
Total accrued payroll and other related liabilities	$	74,805	$	58,774
Accrued expenses and other:
Deferred revenues	$	34,910	$	39,441
Self-insured risk reserves-current portion	6,897		4,656
Accrued dealer and distributor commissions, fees and rebates	13,591		10,017
Accrued warranty	5,579		7,765
Asset retirement obligation-current portion	1,092		—
Other	39,963		31,423
Total accrued expenses and other	$	102,032	$	93,302
Other liabilities:
Self-insured risk reserves-long-term portion	$	12,052	$	10,689
Other postretirement benefit obligations-long-term portion	18,489		18,393
Defined benefit pension plans obligations-long-term portion	119		691
Other employee benefit plans obligations-long-term portion	6,634		6,013
Asset retirement obligation-long-term portion	6,991		—
Other	3,049		3,091
Total other liabilities	$	47,334	$	38,877

Income Tax Expense

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Income Tax Expense [Abstract]

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

INCOME TAXES

Income from continuing operations before income taxes was as follows:



Years Ended March 31,	2015		2014		2013
United States operations	$	161,165	$	122,245	$	175,743
Non-United States operations	47,655		66,131		51,355
	$	208,820	$	188,376	$	227,098

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



Years Ended March 31,	2015			2014		2013
Current:
United States federal	$	52,234		$	24,016	$	22,259
United States state and local	8,551			5,991		4,893
Non-United States	12,475			16,449		13,516
	73,260			46,456		40,668
Deferred:
United States federal	1,436			10,501		26,550
United States state and local	214			1,473		(10		)
Non-United States	(1,154		)	504		(87		)
	496			12,478		26,453
Total Provision for Income Taxes	$	73,756		$	58,934	$	67,121

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,	2015		2014		2013
United States federal statutory tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Increase (decrease) in accruals for uncertain tax positions	—	%	(5.1	)%	3.6	%
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2.8	%	2.6	%	2.1	%
Increase in valuation allowances	2.1	%	1.5	%	1.1	%
Foreign income tax credit	(1.0	)%	(2.0	)%	(0.5	)%
Difference in non-United States tax rates	(3.6	)%	(0.1	)%	(2.5	)%
U.S. manufacturing deduction	(1.6	)%	(1.2	)%	(1.3	)%
U.S. Tax Benefit resulting from European Restructuring	—	%	(0.6	)%	(7.8	)%
Capitalized Acquisition Costs	2.2	%	—	%	—	%
All other, net	(0.6	)%	1.2	%	(0.1	)%
Total Provision for Income Taxes	35.3	%	31.3	%	29.6	%

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,	2014
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at April 1	$	9,362
Increases for tax provisions of prior years	—
Decreases for tax provisions of prior years	—
Increases for tax provisions of current year	—
Decreases for tax provisions of current year	—
Settlements	(9,244		)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(118		)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at March 31	$	—

For the year ended March 31, 2015, no interest and penalties were recognized. For the year ended March 31, 2014, current income tax expense includes a benefit of $(276) for interest, and a benefit of $(31) for penalties. As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no unrecognized tax benefits and have not recorded any liability for interest and penalties.

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 2014 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 2010. 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 effect 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, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:



March 31,	2015			2014
Deferred Tax Assets:
Post-retirement benefit accrual	$	8,130		$	8,171
Compensation	24,374			22,008
Net operating loss carryforwards	13,090			12,518
Accrued expenses	6,808			6,681
Insurance	4,071			3,689
Deferred income	6,148			5,265
Bad debt	1,941			2,191
Pension	2,781			408
Other	464			965
Deferred Tax Assets	67,807			61,896
Less: Valuation allowance	14,380			12,541
Total Deferred Tax Assets	53,427			49,355
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation and depletion	50,559			50,265
Intangibles	38,121			36,367
Other	3,710			5,692
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities	92,390			92,324
Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	$	(38,963	)	$	(42,969	)

At March 31, 2015, we had federal operating loss carryforwards of $635, which can be utilized subject to certain limitations, and foreign operating loss carry forwards of $45,454. The majority of the foreign carryforwards have a definite expiration period and will expire if unused between fiscal years 2016 and 2022. In addition, we have recorded tax benefits of $1,107 related to state operating loss carryforwards. At March 31, 2015, we had $71 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 $14,380 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 2015 by $1,839.

At March 31, 2015, cumulative undistributed earnings of international operations amounted to approximately $224,411. 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, 2014, we had a current prepaid income tax position. This was mainly due to the timing of U.S. Federal income tax estimated payments and a prior year overpayment carryforward.

- Definition

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.

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Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Benefit Plans

BENEFIT PLANS

We provide defined benefit pension plans for certain former manufacturing and plant administrative personnel 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.

In July 2014, the Board of Directors of American Sterilizer Company (“AMSCO”) approved the termination of the American Sterilizer Company Retirement Income Plan (“Plan”) effective October 1, 2014. An Application for Determination to Terminate the Plan was filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on August 22, 2014. A Notice of Intent to Terminate was mailed to the affected parties on July 30, 2014, with a copy furnished to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) on October 31, 2014, at the PBGC’s request, and a Form 500 Standard Termination Notice was filed with the PBGC on November 17, 2014. The 60-day PBGC waiting period lapsed without objection by the PBGC. Plan participants have been advised of the termination and the Plan assets have been largely de-risked. AMSCO and the Plan are awaiting receipt of a favorable determination from the IRS. Upon receipt of the determination, the Plan fiduciaries will solicit bids for the purchase of one or more annuity contracts from insurers to provide Plan benefits. Once an annuity provider or providers has been selected, Plan assets will be transferred to the provider and any additional sums necessary to purchase the contracts will be contributed. Once these actions have been completed, payment of Plan benefits and benefit administration will become the responsibility of the annuity provider(s). The assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation as of March 31, 2015 reflect this effort. In addition, the unfunded obligation has been classified as a current obligation assuming that the termination process will be completed during fiscal 2016.

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 was 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. These actions resulted in workforce reductions that resulted in curtailments and settlement of the plan as the vested benefits of affected employees were substantially 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, 2015 and 2014, 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 Plan						Other Postretirement Benefits Plan
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Change in Benefit Obligations:
Benefit Obligations at Beginning of Year	$	49,206		$	53,433		$	21,342		$	24,548
Service cost	140			160			—			—
Interest cost	1,887			1,799			691			683
Actuarial loss (gain)	9,752			(1,916		)	2,327			(654		)
Benefits and expenses	(4,373		)	(4,270		)	(3,082		)	(3,235		)
Benefit Obligations at End of Year	56,612			49,206			21,278			21,342
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	48,613			46,543			—			—
Actual return on plan assets	6,186			6,340			—			—
Employer contributions	—			—			3,082			3,235
Employee contributions	—			—			—			—
Benefits and expenses paid	(4,373		)	(4,270		)	(3,082		)	(3,235		)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	50,426			48,613			—			—
Funded Status of the Plans	$	(6,186	)	$	(593	)	$	(21,278	)	$	(21,342	)

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



	Pension Plan						Other Post-retirement Plan
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Current liabilities	$	(6,186	)	$	—		$	(2,789	)	$	(2,949	)
Noncurrent liabilities	—			(593		)	(18,489		)	(18,393		)
	$	(6,186	)	$	(593	)	$	(21,278	)	$	(21,342	)

The pre-tax amount of unrecognized actuarial net loss and unamortized prior service cost included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at March 31, 2015 was $(37,509) and $23,106, respectively. During fiscal 2016, we will amortize the following pre-tax amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income:



			Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan
	U.S. Qualified Plan		Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan
Actuarial loss	$	1,444	$	828
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, 2015 and 2014:



	U.S. Qualified
	2015		2014
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	$	50,426	$	48,613
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligations	56,612		49,206

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, 2015 and 2014:



	U.S. Qualified
	2015		2014
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	$	50,426	$	48,613
Aggregate projected benefit obligations	56,612		49,206

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
	2015			2014			2013				2013			2015			2014			2013
Service cost	$	140		$	160		$	150			$	84		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost	1,887			1,799			2,092				76			691			683			867
Expected return on plan assets	(3,139		)	(3,442		)	(3,337		)		(100		)	—			—			—
Prior service cost recognition	—			—			—				—			(3,263		)	(3,263		)	(3,263		)
Net amortization and deferral	1,106			1,458			1,333				—			721			891			725
Net periodic benefit cost	(6		)	(25		)	238				60			(1,851		)	(1,689		)	(1,671		)
Curtailments/settlements	—			—			—				(982		)	—			—			—
Total benefit cost	$	(6	)	$	(25	)	$	238			$	(922	)	$	(1,851	)	$	(1,689	)	$	(1,671	)
Recognized in other comprehensive loss (income) before tax:
Net loss (gain) occurring during year	$	6,706		$	(4,814	)	$	3,602			$	—		$	2,327		$	(654	)	$	2,140
Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			—				—			3,263			3,263			3,263
Amortization of net loss	(1,106		)	(1,458		)	(1,333		)		(159		)	(721		)	(891		)	(725		)
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (income)	5,600			(6,272		)	2,269				(159		)	4,869			1,718			4,678
Total recognized in total benefits cost and other comprehensive loss (income)	$	5,594		$	(6,297	)	$	2,507			$	(1,081	)	$	3,018		$	29		$	3,007

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:



	2015		2014
Discount Rate:
U.S. qualified pension plan	2.46	%	4.00	%
Other post-retirement plan	3.00	%	3.50	%

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



	2015		2014		2013
Discount Rate:
U.S. qualified pension plan	4.00	%	3.50	%	4.25	%
Switzerland pension plan	n/a		n/a		2.25	%
Other post-retirement plan	3.50	%	3.00	%	3.75	%
Expected Return on Plan Assets:
U.S. qualified pension plan	6.75	%	7.75	%	8.00	%
Switzerland pension plan	n/a		n/a		3.25	%
Rate of Compensation Increase:
Switzerland pension plan	n/a		n/a		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.



	2015		2014		2013
Healthcare cost trend rate – medical	7.0	%	7.0	%	8.0	%
Healthcare cost trend rate – prescription drug	7.0	%	7.0	%	7.0	%
Long-term healthcare cost trend rate	4.5	%	4.5	%	4.5	%

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, 2015:



	One-Percentage Point
	Increase		Decrease
Effect on total service and interest cost components	$	2	$	(2	)
Effect on other post-retirement benefit obligation	68		(64		)

Plan Assets. Our United States defined benefit pension plan is funded. The following table presents the targeted asset allocation of plan assets at March 31, 2015 and the actual allocation of plan assets at March 31, 2015 and 2014 for this plan:



	Long-Term Target Allocation Percentage		Percentage of Plan Assets March 31
	Long-Term Target Allocation Percentage		2015		2014
U.S. Qualified Plan:
Equity securities	15	%	14.4	%	34.1	%
Debt securities	75	%	74.6	%	65.2	%
Cash	10	%	11.0	%	0.7	%
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 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. The target allocations were modified in connection with the intention to terminate the Plan. 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 for our U.S. defined benefit plan are managed by outside investment managers pursuant to investment policy guidelines established by the Company for the plan. If asset allocations move outside of the target ranges, the portfolios may be rebalanced. For the purpose of the above analysis, debt and equity securities include fixed income and equity security mutual funds, respectively. At March 31, 2015 and 2014, the plan's 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, 2015 and 2014 by asset category is as follows:



	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015								Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014
	U.S. Qualified Pension Plan								U.S. Qualified Pension 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 (1)	$	5,538	$	337	$	5,201	$	—	$	339	$	—	$	339	$	—
Equity Securities
Mutual Funds	7,271		7,271		—		—		16,596		16,596		—		—
Debt Securities
Mutual Funds	37,617		37,617		—		—		31,678		31,678		—		—
Total Plan Assets	$	50,426	$	45,225	$	5,201	$	—	$	48,613	$	48,274	$	339	$	—

(1) Money market fund holdings are classified as level two as active market quoted prices are not available.

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. If the termination process of the Plan is completed during fiscal 2016 as anticipated, we expect to contribute an amount approximately equal to the unfunded obligation to purchase annuity contracts to settle the obligation in full.

Based upon the actuarial assumptions utilized to develop our benefit obligations at March 31, 2015, the following benefit payments are expected to be made to plan participants:



	Defined Pension Plan		Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
2016	$	56,612	$	2,790
2017	—		2,457
2018	—		2,206
2019	—		1,915
2020	—		1,719
2021-2026	—		6,725

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. Benefits are subject to a per capita per month cost cap and any costs above the cap become the responsibility of the retiree. The subsidy is applied to reduce the retiree responsibility. As a result, the expected future subsidy no longer reduces our accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost. We collected subsidies totaling approximately $457 and $316, during fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively, which reduced the retiree responsibility for costs in excess of the caps established in the post-retirement benefit plan.

Defined Contribution Plans. We maintain a 401(k) defined contribution plan for eligible United States employees, a 401(k)defined contribution plan for eligible Puerto Rico employees and a similar savings plan for Canadian employees. We provide a match on a specified portion of an employee’s contribution. The United States plan assets are held in trust and invested as directed by the plan participants. The Canadian plan assets are held by insurance companies. The aggregate fair value of plan assets was $478,761 at March 31, 2015. At March 31, 2015, the U.S. plan held 685,823 STERIS common shares with a fair value of $48,193. We paid dividends of $606, $622, and $592 to the plan and participants on STERIS common stock held by the plan for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. We contributed $10,895, $9,956, and $7,974, to the defined contribution plans for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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. There were no Employee contributions made to this plan in fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 or 2013. 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 $3,650 and $3,397 at March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, 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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References+ Details

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Contingencies	Mar. 31, 2015
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 effect 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. In April 2010, after ongoing discussions with the FDA regarding a 2008 warning letter relating to our SYSTEM 1® sterile processor and related sterilant, we reached agreement with the FDA on the terms of a consent decree (“Consent Decree”). The Consent Decree was approved the same month by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. In general, among other matters, the Consent Decree restricts further sales of SYSTEM 1 processors 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. On May 31, 2012, our Albert Browne Limited subsidiary received a warning letter from the FDA regarding chemical indicators manufactured in the United Kingdom. These devices are intended for the monitoring of certain sterilization and other processes. The FDA warning letter states that the agency has concerns regarding operational business processes. We do not believe that the FDA's concerns are related to product performance, or that they result from Customer complaints. We have reviewed our processes with the agency and finalized our remediation measures, and are awaiting FDA reinspection. We do not currently believe that the impact of this event will have a material adverse effect on our financial results. On May 23, 2014, the Company received a warning letter from the FDA regarding an inspection that the FDA concluded on January 8, 2014 at our STERIS Isomedix Services facility located in Libertyville, Illinois. The facility primarily provides microbial reduction services for certain medical device Customers. Among other matters, the FDA warning letter asserts that certain processes and procedures observed during the inspection did not conform to current Good Manufacturing Practices for medical devices as required by Title 21 CFR Part 820 and, as a result, that certain devices processed at the subject facility are adulterated within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Since the inspection, the Company has provided detailed responses to the FDA regarding its corrective actions, and has continued to work diligently to remediate the FDA’s concerns. We do not believe that this inspection was a result of Customer complaints and there have been no reports of patient injury. We do not expect this situation to have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition. Other civil, criminal, regulatory or other proceedings involving our products or services 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 effect 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 Consent Decree” and the "Risk Factor” titled “Compliance with the Consent Decree may be more costly and burdensome than anticipated.” On December 19, 2014, a stockholder derivative lawsuit was filed in the Court of Common Pleas, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, against the members of STERIS’s board of directors and its named executive officers, challenging the “excise tax make-whole payments” approved by STERIS’s board in connection with the proposed Synergy transaction. STERIS is named as a nominal defendant in the action. These payments are in respect of an excise tax that will be imposed, by virtue of the transaction, solely on the value of any outstanding stock compensation held by STERIS board members and executive officers, and are intended to place these individuals in the same excise tax-neutral position with respect to their STERIS equity awards after the transaction as before. The case is captioned St. Lucie County Fire District Firefighters’ Pension Trust Fund v. Rosebrough, Jr., et al., Case No. CV 14 837749. The complaint generally alleges that STERIS’s board breached their fiduciary duties by approving the excise tax make-whole payments, that the payments constitute corporate waste and that the payments are voidable under Ohio law. The complaint seeks among other things a declaration that the excise tax make-whole payments are invalid, damages, disgorgement of any excise tax make-whole payments and plaintiffs’ costs and disbursements in the action, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, expert fees, costs and expenses. 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 statutes 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 Taxes” 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”. As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, our commercial commitments totaled $40,008 and $49,585, 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 $5,961 of the March 31, 2015 and 2014 totals relate to letters of credit required as security under our self-insured risk retention policies. As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, we had minimum purchase commitments with suppliers for raw material purchases totaling $35,405 and $54,521, respectively.

- Definition

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, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Business Segment Information

We operate and report in three 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, surgery and gastrointestinal 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 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 as well as an array of laboratory testing services. We provide microbial reduction services based on Customer specifications 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 reportable segments are the same as those for the consolidated Company. For the year ended March 31, 2015, revenues from a single Customer did not represent ten percent or more of any reportable segment’s revenues.



Years Ended March 31,	2015			2014			2013
Revenues:
Healthcare (1)	$	1,391,874		$	1,180,051		$	1,074,790
Life Sciences	250,845			246,122			244,421
Isomedix	205,675			194,183			179,550
Total reportable segments	1,848,394			1,620,356			1,498,761
Corporate and other	1,869			1,896			3,141
Total revenues (1)	$	1,850,263		$	1,622,252		$	1,501,902
Operating income (loss):
Healthcare (2)	$	125,505		$	109,714		$	153,343
Life Sciences	55,723			50,049			47,453
Isomedix	55,524			55,186			51,455
Total reportable segments	236,752			214,949			252,251
Corporate and other	(9,541		)	(8,142		)	(9,422		)
Total operating income (2)	$	227,211		$	206,807		$	242,829

(1) Includes an increase of $22,367 in fiscal 2013 resulting from the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program.

(2) Includes an increase of $23,640 in fiscal 2013, resulting from SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program, and an increase of $16,782 in fiscal year 2013, resulting from the class action settlement.

For the year ended March 31, 2015, pre-tax restructuring expenses of $(871), $161, and $(49) are included in the operating results of the Healthcare, Life Sciences and Isomedix segments, respectively. For the years ended March 31, 2014, pre-tax restructuring expenses of $19,364, $635, and $1,349 are included in the operating results of the Healthcare, Life Sciences and Isomedix segments, respectively. For the year ended March 31, 2013, pre-tax restructuring expenses of $(565) are included in the operating results of the Healthcare segment.

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. Corporate and other includes assets directly attributable to the Defense and Industrial business unit, as well as certain unallocated amounts related to being a publicly traded company. Total assets associated with the Healthcare segment have increased substantially during fiscal 2015, as a result of several business acquisitions as described in note 3 to our consolidated financial statements titled, "Business Acquisitions".

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.



March 31,	2015		2014
Assets:
Healthcare and Life Sciences	$	1,660,450	$	1,476,471
Isomedix	436,879		408,528
Total reportable segments	2,097,329		1,884,999
Corporate and other	2,137		2,163
Total assets	$	2,099,466	$	1,887,162



Years Ended March 31,	2015		2014		2013
Capital Expenditures:
Healthcare and Life Sciences	$	36,952	$	47,043	$	44,201
Isomedix	48,286		39,310		43,198
Total Reportable Segments	85,238		86,353		87,399
Corporate and other	17		14		13
Total Capital Expenditures	$	85,255	$	86,367	$	87,412
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization:
Healthcare and Life Sciences	$	61,156	$	46,315	$	41,622
Isomedix	30,370		29,318		27,396
Total Reportable Segments	91,526		75,633		69,018
Corporate and other	15		16		17
Total Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization	$	91,541	$	75,649	$	69,035

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,	2015		2014		2013
Revenues:
United States	$	1,449,223	$	1,244,730	$	1,141,633
International	401,040		377,522		360,269
Total Revenues	$	1,850,263	$	1,622,252	$	1,501,902



March 31,	2015		2014
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
United States	$	440,872	$	396,233
International	52,181		58,177
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	$	493,053	$	454,410

- Definition

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, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

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,
	2015	2014	2013
Denominator (shares in thousands):
Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic	59,413	58,966	58,305
Dilutive effect of common share equivalents	632	779	539
Weighted average common shares outstanding and common share equivalents—diluted	60,045	59,745	58,844

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,
	2015	2014	2013
(shares in thousands)
Number of common share options	342	327	649

- Definition

The entire disclosure for earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

Repurchases of Common Shares	12 Months Ended
Repurchases of Common Shares	Mar. 31, 2015
Repurchases of Common Shares [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. We did not make any purchases during fiscal 2015 under the stock repurchase authorization provided by our Board of Directors. During fiscal 2014, we paid an aggregate amount of $24,691 for the repurchase of 565,887 of our common shares, representing an average price of $43.63 per common share. During fiscal 2013, we paid an aggregate amount of $6,830 for the repurchase of 204,349 of our common shares, representing an average price of $33.42 per common share. At March 31, 2015, $86,939 of STERIS common shares remained authorized for repurchase pursuant to the most recent Board approved repurchase authorization (the March 2008 Board Authorization). Also, 10,364,404 common shares were held in treasury at March 31, 2015. We obtained 541,700 of our common shares during fiscal 2015 in the aggregate amount of $30,687 in connection with stock based compensation award programs. We obtained 58,529 of our common shares during fiscal 2014 in the aggregate amount of $778 in connection with these programs. We obtained 52,893 of our common shares during fiscal 2013 in the aggregate amount of $1,172 in connection with these programs.

Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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

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, stock appreciation rights, and common share grants. 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 plans 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 (subject to an extended exercise period in some cases for optionees who are age 55 and have at least five years of service). Restricted shares and restricted share units generally cliff vest after a four year period or vest in tranches of one-fourth of the number granted for each full year of employment after the grant date. As of March 31, 2015, 2,784,810 shares remained available for grant under the long-term incentive plan.

The fair value of share-based stock option 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 or selling, general and administrative expenses in a manner consistent with the employee’s compensation and benefits.

The following weighted-average assumptions were used for options granted during fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013:



	Fiscal 2015		Fiscal 2014		Fiscal 2013
Risk-free interest rate	1.89	%	.95	%	1.21	%
Expected life of options	5.8 years		5.7 years		5.8 years
Expected dividend yield of stock	1.87	%	2.22	%	2.15	%
Expected volatility of stock	29.86	%	31.22	%	31.24	%

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 1.46%, 1.44% and 1.83% was applied in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014	2,396,986		$	31.06
Granted	384,532		53.40
Exercised	(979,838	)	28.84
Forfeited	(33,528	)	41.34
Canceled	(8,262	)	20.69
Outstanding at March 31, 2015	1,759,890		$	37.03	6.2 years	$	58,499
Exercisable at March 31, 2015	1,030,055		$	30.50	4.6 years	$	40,962

We estimate that 721,833 of the non-vested stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015 will ultimately vest.

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax difference between the $70.27 closing price of our common shares on March 31, 2015 over the exercise prices of the stock options, 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $31,555, $10,253 and $10,071, respectively. Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $28,274, $14,160 and $23,019 for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The tax benefit from stock option exercises was $11,526, $2,841 and $2,058 for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The weighted average grant date fair value of stock option grants was $13.41, $10.59 and $7.32 for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2015 and 2014 was $2,294 and $1,432, respectively. The fair value of outstanding SARS 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		Number of Restricted Share Units		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at March 31, 2014	931,018		14,976		$	36.60
Granted	268,106		39,976		53.64
Vested	(299,486	)	(17,183	)	34.37
Canceled	(48,465	)	(4,969	)	42.42
Non-vested at March 31, 2015	851,173		32,800		$	42.98

Restricted shares granted are valued based on the closing stock price at the grant date. The value of restricted shares that vested during fiscal 2015 was $10,004.

Restricted share units carry generally the same terms and vesting requirements as restricted stock except that they may be settled in stock or cash upon vesting. Those that are settled in cash are classified as liabilities. The fair value of outstanding cash-settled restricted share units as of March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $334 and $1,259, 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, 2015, there was a total of $25,925 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 2.19 years.

- Definition

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.

+ References+ Details

Financial and Other Guarantees

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

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:



Years Ended March 31,	2015			2014			2013
Balance, Beginning of Year	$	7,765		$	12,734		$	11,189
Warranties issued during the period	7,604			3,538			16,111
Settlements made during the period	(9,790		)	(8,507		)	(14,566		)
Balance, End of Year	$	5,579		$	7,765		$	12,734

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 $30,720, $31,079 and $35,258 as of March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

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 may also enter into commodity swap contracts to hedge price changes in nickel that impacts 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, 2015, we held foreign currency forward contracts to buy 68 million Mexican pesos, 8 million Canadian dollars and 2.5 million British pounds sterling. At March 31, 2015, we held commodity swap contracts to buy 586,500 pounds of nickel.



	Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
	Fair Value at		Fair Value at		Fair Value at		Fair Value at
Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2015		March 31, 2014		March 31, 2015		March 31, 2014
Prepaid & Other	$	12	$	167	$	—	$	—
Accrued expenses and other	$	—	$	—	$	616	$	67

The following table presents the impact of derivative instruments and their location within the Consolidated Statements of Income:



	Location of (loss) gain recognized in income	Amount of (loss) gain recognized in income
		Years Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2013
Foreign currency forward contracts	Selling, general and administrative	$	(1,457	)	$	(1,175	)	$	161
Commodity swap contracts	Cost of revenues	$	(373	)	$	(57	)	$	(217	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

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Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures [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 table shows the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities at March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014:



					Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 Using
	Carrying Value				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant Other Observable Inputs				Significant Unobservable Inputs
					Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	167,689	$	152,802	$	148,944	$	137,189	$	18,745	$	15,613	$	—	$	—
Forward and swap contracts (2)	12		167		—		—		12		167		—		—
Investments (3)	8,332		3,397		8,332		3,397		—		—		—		—
Liabilities:
Forward and swap contracts (2)	$	616	$	67	$	—	$	—	$	616	$	67	$	—	$	—
Deferred compensation plans (3)	3,757		3,495		3,757		3,495		—		—		—		—
Long term debt (4)	623,250		493,480		—		—		641,131		511,690		—		—
Contingent consideration obligations (5)	2,500		9,887		—		—		—		—		2,500		9,887

(1) Money market fund holdings are classified as level two as active market quoted prices are not available.

(2) 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.

(3) We maintain a frozen domestic non-qualified deferred compensation plan covering certain employees, which allows for the deferral of payment of previously earned compensation for an employee-specified term or until retirement or termination. Amounts deferred can be allocated to various hypothetical investment options (compensation deferrals have been frozen under the plan). We hold investments 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. Employees who made deferrals are entitled to receive distributions of their hypothetical account balances (amounts deferred, together with earnings (losses)). We also hold an investment in the common stock of Servizi Italia, S.p.A, a leading provider of integrated linen washing and outsourced sterile processing services to hospital Customers. Changes in the value of the investment are recognized each period based on the fair value of the investment.

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

(5) 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 at March 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:



	Contingent Consideration
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	5,453
Additions	5,083
Deductions	(24		)
(Gains) losses	(374		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (1)	(251		)
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	9,887
Additions	1,586
Settlements	(8,320		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (1)	(653		)
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	2,500

(1) Reported in other comprehensive income (loss)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References+ Details

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Equity [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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



	Year Ended March 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(58,848	)	$	6,348		$	810
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans costs, net of taxes	(8,889		)	(2,428		)	(5,184		)
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities	1,068			561			286
Total	$	(66,669	)	$	4,481		$	(4,088	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 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.

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Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)



Quarters Ended	March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			June 30,
Fiscal 2015
Revenues:
Product	$	293,235		$	267,285		$	256,845		$	230,440
Service	208,412			205,959			205,884			182,203
Total Revenues	501,647			473,244			462,729			412,643
Cost of Revenues:
Product	161,080			150,164			142,991			129,975
Service	127,507			125,924			125,746			112,575
Total Cost of Revenues	288,587			276,088			268,737			242,550
Gross Profit	213,060			197,156			193,992			170,093
Percentage of Revenues	42.5		%	41.7		%	41.9		%	41.2		%
Restructuring Expenses	(381		)	(1,109		)	1,271			(172		)
Net Income	$	41,399		$	38,124		$	31,004		$	24,537
Basic Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.69		$	0.64		$	0.52		$	0.41
Diluted Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.69		$	0.63		$	0.52		$	0.41

Fiscal 2014
Revenues:
Product	$	300,609		$	252,616		$	235,309		$	222,928
Service	164,678			152,935			148,453			144,724
Total Revenues	465,287			405,551			383,762			367,652
Cost of Revenues:
Product	178,125			144,884			133,629			129,538
Service	102,667			96,892			95,627			91,268
Total Cost of Revenues	280,792			241,776			229,256			220,806
Gross Profit	184,495			163,775			154,506			146,846
Percentage of Revenues	39.7		%	40.4		%	40.3		%	39.9		%
Restructuring Expenses	12,326			808			18			52
Net Income	$	38,876		$	28,506		$	29,743		$	32,317
Basic Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.66		$	0.48		$	0.50		$	0.55
Diluted Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.65		$	0.48		$	0.50		$	0.54

- Definition

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.

+ References+ Details

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Mar. 31, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On May 15, 2015, we issued $350,000 of senior notes, in a private placement to certain institutional investors in an offering that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. Of the $350,000 in senior notes, $125,000 have a maturity of 10 years from the issue date at an annual interest rate of 3.45%, $125,000 have a maturity of 12 years from the issue date at an annual interest rate of 3.55% and $100,000 have a maturity of 15 years from the issue date at an annual interest rate of 3.70%. These borrowings will be used for repayment of credit facility debt and for other corporate purposes. The agreement governing these notes contains leverage and interest coverage covenants.

Reclassifications out of AOCI (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Reclassifications out of AOCI Equity [Abstract]

Reclassifications of out AOCI [Text Block]

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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



	Year Ended March 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(58,848	)	$	6,348		$	810
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans costs, net of taxes	(8,889		)	(2,428		)	(5,184		)
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities	1,068			561			286
Total	$	(66,669	)	$	4,481		$	(4,088	)

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]

Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are presented net of the related tax. Foreign Currency Translation is not adjusted for income taxes. Changes in our Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) balances, net of tax, for the years ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 were as follows:



	Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities (1)				Defined Benefit Plans (2)						Foreign Currency Translation (3)						Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	2015		2014		2015			2014			2015			2014			2015			2014
Beginning Balance	$	561	$	286	$	(2,428	)	$	(5,184	)	$	6,348		$	810		$	4,481		$	(4,088	)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications	391		143		(4,585		)	4,470			(65,196		)	5,901			(69,390		)	10,514
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	116		132		(1,876		)	(1,714		)	—			(363		)	(1,760		)	(1,945		)
Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	507		275		(6,461		)	2,756			(65,196		)	5,538			(71,150		)	8,569
Balance March 31, 2015	$	1,068	$	561	$	(8,889	)	$	(2,428	)	$	(58,848	)	$	6,348		$	(66,669	)	$	4,481

Details of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows:

(1) Realized gain (loss) on available for sale securities is reported in the interest income and miscellaneous expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2) Amortization (gain) of defined benefit pension items is reported in the selling, general and administrative expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

(3) Realized gain (loss) on intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of long term investment nature are reported in the selling, general and administrative expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy

Use of Estimates, Policy

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

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



Years Ended March 31,	2015		2014		2013
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$	19,124	$	19,268	$	14,115
Income taxes	52,707		52,888		38,475
Cash received during the year for income tax refunds	2,405		3,076		1,096

Revenue Recognition, Policy

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy

Inventory, Policy

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy

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	2-20
Information Systems	2-20
Radioisotope (cobalt-60)	20

Interest. We capitalize interest costs incurred during the construction of long-lived assets. We capitalized interest costs of $174 and $415 for the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy

Investment, Policy

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block]

We provide additional information about our asset retirement obligations in note 6 to our consolidated financial statements titled, “Property, Plant and Equipment.”

Business Combinations Policy

SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program

Liability Reserve Estimate, Policy

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

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy

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, Policy

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 Transactions and Translations Policy

Derivatives, Policy

Standard Product Warranty, Policy

Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy

Advertising Costs, Policy

Research and Development Expense, Policy

Income Tax, Policy

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

Medical Device Excise Tax

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy

Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Impacting the Company are presented in the following table:



Standard	Date of Issuance	Description	Date of Adoption	Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters
Standards that have not yet adopted
ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"	May 2014	The standard will replace existing revenue recognition standards and significantly expand the disclosure requirements for revenue arrangements. It may be adopted either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis to new contracts and existing contracts with remaining performance obligations as of the effective date. The standard update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that period, early adoption is not permitted.	N/A	We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

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

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures

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



Years Ended March 31,	2015		2014		2013
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$	19,124	$	19,268	$	14,115
Income taxes	52,707		52,888		38,475
Cash received during the year for income tax refunds	2,405		3,076		1,096

Property, Plant and Equipment

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	2-20
Information Systems	2-20
Radioisotope (cobalt-60)	20

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



March 31,	2015			2014
Land and land improvements (1)	$	40,668		$	33,601
Buildings and leasehold improvements	263,007			256,879
Machinery and equipment	375,555			360,977
Information systems	104,049			100,349
Radioisotope	289,778			258,547
Construction in progress (1)	47,690			35,016
Total property, plant, and equipment	1,120,747			1,045,369
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	(627,694		)	(590,959		)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	493,053		$	454,410


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

Restructuring (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost

The following tables summarizes our restructuring liability balances and activity:



	Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan
			Fiscal 2015
	March 31, 2014		Provision (1)			Payments/ Impairments			March 31, 2015
Severance and termination benefits	$	6,389	$	(616	)	$	(3,242	)	$	2,531
Lease termination obligations	1,589		18			(1,251		)	356
Total	$	7,978	$	(598	)	$	(4,493	)	$	2,887

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



	Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan
			Fiscal 2014
	March 31, 2013		Provision		Payments/ Impairments (1)			March 31, 2014
Severance and termination benefits	$	—	$	6,429	$	(40	)	$	6,389
Lease termination obligations and other	—		1,589		—			1,589
Total	$	—	$	8,018	$	(40	)	$	7,978

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

Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs

The following tables summarize our total pre-tax restructuring expenses for fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013:



Year Ended March 31, 2015	Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan (1)
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	(616	)
Product rationalization	(368		)
Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	(38		)
Lease termination obligation and other	263
Total restructuring (benefit) charges	$	(759	)


(1)	Includes $(368) in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.



Year Ended March 31, 2014	Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan (1)		Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan		Total
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	7,363	$	127	$	7,490
Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	3,621		990		4,611
Lease termination obligation and other	1,103		—		1,103
Product rationalization	8,144		—		8,144
Total restructuring charges	$	20,231	$	1,117	$	21,348


(1)	Includes $8,144 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.



Year Ended March 31, 2013	Fiscal 2010 Restructuring Plan
Severance and other compensation related costs	$	(918	)
Lease termination obligation and other	353
Total restructuring (benefit) charges	$	(565	)

Goodwill (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense

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:



	2016		2017		2018		2019		2020 and thereafter
Estimated amortization expense	$	25,233	$	24,651	$	24,580	$	24,495	$	23,553

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class

Changes to the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:



	Healthcare Segment			Life Sciences Segment			STERIS Isomedix Services Segment		Total
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	373,668		$	32,763		$	83,035	$	489,466
Goodwill acquired or allocated	22,783			—			—		22,783
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,215			1,547			—		4,762
Balance at March 31, 2014	399,666			34,310			83,035		517,011
Goodwill acquired or allocated	87,175			1,899			—		89,074
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(11,124		)	(2,320		)	—		(13,444		)
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	475,717		$	33,889		$	83,035	$	592,641

Information regarding our intangible assets is as follows:



	March 31, 2015				March 31, 2014
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships	$	134,014	$	35,516	$	87,747	$	26,808
Non-compete agreements	3,654		3,377		3,766		3,315
Patents and technology	178,290		56,861		173,287		46,111
Trademarks and tradenames	61,896		14,096		55,006		12,868
Other	10		10		13		13
Total	$	377,864	$	109,860	$	319,819	$	89,115

Business Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition

he table below summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition dates for our fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 acquisitions.



	Fiscal Year 2015									Fiscal Year 2014
	Dana (1)			AGAPE			IMS			FSR			LSI			Eschmann
Cash	$	135		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,545
Accounts receivable	617			342			16,594			388			2,341			5,336
Inventory	388			—			8,478			402			2,727			10,017
Property, plant and equipment	400			—			15,074			98			301			6,262
Other assets	—			—			842			11			117			475
Intangible assets	6,363			1,200			62,000			2,765			4,462			21,128
Goodwill	4,242			1,899			81,587			2,131			16,230			14,274
Total Assets	12,145			3,441			184,575			5,795			26,178			60,037

Accounts payable	(99		)	(26		)	(4,833		)	(16		)	(1,649		)	(2,507		)
Current liabilities	(44		)	—			(6,837		)	—			(29		)	(11,850		)
Non-current liabilities	—			—			—			—			—			(4,035		)
Total Liabilities	(143		)	(26		)	(11,670		)	(16		)	(1,678		)	(18,392		)

Net Assets	$	12,002		$	3,415		$	172,905		$	5,779		$	24,500		$	41,645

(1) Purchase price allocation is still preliminary as of March 31, 2015, as valuations have not been finalized.

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items]

Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the activity in the liability for asset retirement obligations.



	Asset Retirement Obligations
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	—
Liabilities incurred during the period	8,083
Liabilities settled during the period	—
Accretion expense and other provisions	—
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	8,083

Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases

Future minimum annual rentals payable under noncancelable operating lease agreements at March 31, 2015 were as follows:



	Operating Leases
2016	$	16,411
2017	12,428
2018	9,149
2019	5,419
2020 and thereafter	4,273
Total Minimum Lease Payments	$	47,680

Property, Plant and Equipment

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	2-20
Information Systems	2-20
Radioisotope (cobalt-60)	20

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



March 31,	2015			2014
Land and land improvements (1)	$	40,668		$	33,601
Buildings and leasehold improvements	263,007			256,879
Machinery and equipment	375,555			360,977
Information systems	104,049			100,349
Radioisotope	289,778			258,547
Construction in progress (1)	47,690			35,016
Total property, plant, and equipment	1,120,747			1,045,369
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion	(627,694		)	(590,959		)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	493,053		$	454,410


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

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]

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



2016	$	20,000
2017	—
2018	—
2019	85,000
2020 and thereafter	518,250
Total	$	623,250

Schedule of Debt

Indebtedness was as follows:



March 31,	2015		2014
Private Placement	$	340,000	$	340,000
Credit Agreement and Swing Line Facility	283,250		153,480
Total long term debt	$	623,250	$	493,480

Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities

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



March 31,	2015		2014
Accrued payroll and other related liabilities:
Compensation and related items	$	16,680	$	19,418
Accrued vacation/paid time off	5,539		6,172
Accrued bonuses	30,159		18,451
Accrued employee commissions	12,842		11,322
Accrued pension	6,186		—
Other postretirement benefit obligations-current portion	2,789		2,950
Other employee benefit plans' obligations-current portion	610		461
Total accrued payroll and other related liabilities	$	74,805	$	58,774
Accrued expenses and other:
Deferred revenues	$	34,910	$	39,441
Self-insured risk reserves-current portion	6,897		4,656
Accrued dealer and distributor commissions, fees and rebates	13,591		10,017
Accrued warranty	5,579		7,765
Asset retirement obligation-current portion	1,092		—
Other	39,963		31,423
Total accrued expenses and other	$	102,032	$	93,302
Other liabilities:
Self-insured risk reserves-long-term portion	$	12,052	$	10,689
Other postretirement benefit obligations-long-term portion	18,489		18,393
Defined benefit pension plans obligations-long-term portion	119		691
Other employee benefit plans obligations-long-term portion	6,634		6,013
Asset retirement obligation-long-term portion	6,991		—
Other	3,049		3,091
Total other liabilities	$	47,334	$	38,877

Income Tax Expense (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Income Tax Expense [Abstract]

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities recorded in our accompanying balance sheets at March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:



March 31,	2015			2014
Deferred Tax Assets:
Post-retirement benefit accrual	$	8,130		$	8,171
Compensation	24,374			22,008
Net operating loss carryforwards	13,090			12,518
Accrued expenses	6,808			6,681
Insurance	4,071			3,689
Deferred income	6,148			5,265
Bad debt	1,941			2,191
Pension	2,781			408
Other	464			965
Deferred Tax Assets	67,807			61,896
Less: Valuation allowance	14,380			12,541
Total Deferred Tax Assets	53,427			49,355
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation and depletion	50,559			50,265
Intangibles	38,121			36,367
Other	3,710			5,692
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities	92,390			92,324
Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	$	(38,963	)	$	(42,969	)

Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign

Income from continuing operations before income taxes was as follows:



Years Ended March 31,	2015		2014		2013
United States operations	$	161,165	$	122,245	$	175,743
Non-United States operations	47,655		66,131		51,355
	$	208,820	$	188,376	$	227,098

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

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



Years Ended March 31,	2015			2014		2013
Current:
United States federal	$	52,234		$	24,016	$	22,259
United States state and local	8,551			5,991		4,893
Non-United States	12,475			16,449		13,516
	73,260			46,456		40,668
Deferred:
United States federal	1,436			10,501		26,550
United States state and local	214			1,473		(10		)
Non-United States	(1,154		)	504		(87		)
	496			12,478		26,453
Total Provision for Income Taxes	$	73,756		$	58,934	$	67,121

provision for taxes rate reconciliation

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,	2015		2014		2013
United States federal statutory tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Increase (decrease) in accruals for uncertain tax positions	—	%	(5.1	)%	3.6	%
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2.8	%	2.6	%	2.1	%
Increase in valuation allowances	2.1	%	1.5	%	1.1	%
Foreign income tax credit	(1.0	)%	(2.0	)%	(0.5	)%
Difference in non-United States tax rates	(3.6	)%	(0.1	)%	(2.5	)%
U.S. manufacturing deduction	(1.6	)%	(1.2	)%	(1.3	)%
U.S. Tax Benefit resulting from European Restructuring	—	%	(0.6	)%	(7.8	)%
Capitalized Acquisition Costs	2.2	%	—	%	—	%
All other, net	(0.6	)%	1.2	%	(0.1	)%
Total Provision for Income Taxes	35.3	%	31.3	%	29.6	%

Summary of Positions for which Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible

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



Years Ended March 31,	2014
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at April 1	$	9,362
Increases for tax provisions of prior years	—
Decreases for tax provisions of prior years	—
Increases for tax provisions of current year	—
Decreases for tax provisions of current year	—
Settlements	(9,244		)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(118		)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at March 31	$	—

Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments

Based upon the actuarial assumptions utilized to develop our benefit obligations at March 31, 2015, the following benefit payments are expected to be made to plan participants:



	Defined Pension Plan		Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
2016	$	56,612	$	2,790
2017	—		2,457
2018	—		2,206
2019	—		1,915
2020	—		1,719
2021-2026	—		6,725

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

During fiscal 2016, we will amortize the following pre-tax amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income:



			Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan
	U.S. Qualified Plan		Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan
Actuarial loss	$	1,444	$	828
Prior Service Cost	—		(3,263		)

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities

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



	Pension Plan						Other Post-retirement Plan
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Current liabilities	$	(6,186	)	$	—		$	(2,789	)	$	(2,949	)
Noncurrent liabilities	—			(593		)	(18,489		)	(18,393		)
	$	(6,186	)	$	(593	)	$	(21,278	)	$	(21,342	)

Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations

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, 2015 and 2014:



	U.S. Qualified
	2015		2014
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	$	50,426	$	48,613
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligations	56,612		49,206

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, 2015 and 2014:



	U.S. Qualified
	2015		2014
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	$	50,426	$	48,613
Aggregate projected benefit obligations	56,612		49,206

Components of Net Periodic Benefits Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income [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
	2015			2014			2013				2013			2015			2014			2013
Service cost	$	140		$	160		$	150			$	84		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost	1,887			1,799			2,092				76			691			683			867
Expected return on plan assets	(3,139		)	(3,442		)	(3,337		)		(100		)	—			—			—
Prior service cost recognition	—			—			—				—			(3,263		)	(3,263		)	(3,263		)
Net amortization and deferral	1,106			1,458			1,333				—			721			891			725
Net periodic benefit cost	(6		)	(25		)	238				60			(1,851		)	(1,689		)	(1,671		)
Curtailments/settlements	—			—			—				(982		)	—			—			—
Total benefit cost	$	(6	)	$	(25	)	$	238			$	(922	)	$	(1,851	)	$	(1,689	)	$	(1,671	)
Recognized in other comprehensive loss (income) before tax:
Net loss (gain) occurring during year	$	6,706		$	(4,814	)	$	3,602			$	—		$	2,327		$	(654	)	$	2,140
Amortization of prior service credit	—			—			—				—			3,263			3,263			3,263
Amortization of net loss	(1,106		)	(1,458		)	(1,333		)		(159		)	(721		)	(891		)	(725		)
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (income)	5,600			(6,272		)	2,269				(159		)	4,869			1,718			4,678
Total recognized in total benefits cost and other comprehensive loss (income)	$	5,594		$	(6,297	)	$	2,507			$	(1,081	)	$	3,018		$	29		$	3,007

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs

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



	2015		2014		2013
Discount Rate:
U.S. qualified pension plan	4.00	%	3.50	%	4.25	%
Switzerland pension plan	n/a		n/a		2.25	%
Other post-retirement plan	3.50	%	3.00	%	3.75	%
Expected Return on Plan Assets:
U.S. qualified pension plan	6.75	%	7.75	%	8.00	%
Switzerland pension plan	n/a		n/a		3.25	%
Rate of Compensation Increase:
Switzerland pension plan	n/a		n/a		2.50	%

Schedule of Assumptions Used

The following table presents significant assumptions used to determine the projected benefit obligations at March 31:



	2015		2014
Discount Rate:
U.S. qualified pension plan	2.46	%	4.00	%
Other post-retirement plan	3.00	%	3.50	%

Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates

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.



	2015		2014		2013
Healthcare cost trend rate – medical	7.0	%	7.0	%	8.0	%
Healthcare cost trend rate – prescription drug	7.0	%	7.0	%	7.0	%
Long-term healthcare cost trend rate	4.5	%	4.5	%	4.5	%

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, 2015:



	One-Percentage Point
	Increase		Decrease
Effect on total service and interest cost components	$	2	$	(2	)
Effect on other post-retirement benefit obligation	68		(64		)

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets

The following table presents the targeted asset allocation of plan assets at March 31, 2015 and the actual allocation of plan assets at March 31, 2015 and 2014 for this plan:



	Long-Term Target Allocation Percentage		Percentage of Plan Assets March 31
	Long-Term Target Allocation Percentage		2015		2014
U.S. Qualified Plan:
Equity securities	15	%	14.4	%	34.1	%
Debt securities	75	%	74.6	%	65.2	%
Cash	10	%	11.0	%	0.7	%
Total	100	%	100	%	100	%

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

The fair value of our pension benefits plan assets at March 31, 2015 and 2014 by asset category is as follows:



	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015								Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014
	U.S. Qualified Pension Plan								U.S. Qualified Pension 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 (1)	$	5,538	$	337	$	5,201	$	—	$	339	$	—	$	339	$	—
Equity Securities
Mutual Funds	7,271		7,271		—		—		16,596		16,596		—		—
Debt Securities
Mutual Funds	37,617		37,617		—		—		31,678		31,678		—		—
Total Plan Assets	$	50,426	$	45,225	$	5,201	$	—	$	48,613	$	48,274	$	339	$	—

(1) Money market fund holdings are classified as level two as active market quoted prices are not available.

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures



	Defined Benefit Pension Plan						Other Postretirement Benefits Plan
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Change in Benefit Obligations:
Benefit Obligations at Beginning of Year	$	49,206		$	53,433		$	21,342		$	24,548
Service cost	140			160			—			—
Interest cost	1,887			1,799			691			683
Actuarial loss (gain)	9,752			(1,916		)	2,327			(654		)
Benefits and expenses	(4,373		)	(4,270		)	(3,082		)	(3,235		)
Benefit Obligations at End of Year	56,612			49,206			21,278			21,342
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year	48,613			46,543			—			—
Actual return on plan assets	6,186			6,340			—			—
Employer contributions	—			—			3,082			3,235
Employee contributions	—			—			—			—
Benefits and expenses paid	(4,373		)	(4,270		)	(3,082		)	(3,235		)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year	50,426			48,613			—			—
Funded Status of the Plans	$	(6,186	)	$	(593	)	$	(21,278	)	$	(21,342	)

Business Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated



March 31,	2015		2014
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
United States	$	440,872	$	396,233
International	52,181		58,177
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	$	493,053	$	454,410

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment



Years Ended March 31,	2015			2014			2013
Revenues:
Healthcare (1)	$	1,391,874		$	1,180,051		$	1,074,790
Life Sciences	250,845			246,122			244,421
Isomedix	205,675			194,183			179,550
Total reportable segments	1,848,394			1,620,356			1,498,761
Corporate and other	1,869			1,896			3,141
Total revenues (1)	$	1,850,263		$	1,622,252		$	1,501,902
Operating income (loss):
Healthcare (2)	$	125,505		$	109,714		$	153,343
Life Sciences	55,723			50,049			47,453
Isomedix	55,524			55,186			51,455
Total reportable segments	236,752			214,949			252,251
Corporate and other	(9,541		)	(8,142		)	(9,422		)
Total operating income (2)	$	227,211		$	206,807		$	242,829

(1) Includes an increase of $22,367 in fiscal 2013 resulting from the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program.

(2) Includes an increase of $23,640 in fiscal 2013, resulting from SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program, and an increase of $16,782 in fiscal year 2013, resulting from the class action settlement.

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area



Years Ended March 31,	2015		2014		2013
Revenues:
United States	$	1,449,223	$	1,244,730	$	1,141,633
International	401,040		377,522		360,269
Total Revenues	$	1,850,263	$	1,622,252	$	1,501,902

Other Expense

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment



Years Ended March 31,	2015		2014		2013
Capital Expenditures:
Healthcare and Life Sciences	$	36,952	$	47,043	$	44,201
Isomedix	48,286		39,310		43,198
Total Reportable Segments	85,238		86,353		87,399
Corporate and other	17		14		13
Total Capital Expenditures	$	85,255	$	86,367	$	87,412
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization:
Healthcare and Life Sciences	$	61,156	$	46,315	$	41,622
Isomedix	30,370		29,318		27,396
Total Reportable Segments	91,526		75,633		69,018
Corporate and other	15		16		17
Total Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization	$	91,541	$	75,649	$	69,035

Assets

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment



March 31,	2015		2014
Assets:
Healthcare and Life Sciences	$	1,660,450	$	1,476,471
Isomedix	436,879		408,528
Total reportable segments	2,097,329		1,884,999
Corporate and other	2,137		2,163
Total assets	$	2,099,466	$	1,887,162

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References+ Details

Common Shares (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

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,
	2015	2014	2013
Denominator (shares in thousands):
Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic	59,413	58,966	58,305
Dilutive effect of common share equivalents	632	779	539
Weighted average common shares outstanding and common share equivalents—diluted	60,045	59,745	58,844

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



	Years Ended March 31,
	2015	2014	2013
(shares in thousands)
Number of common share options	342	327	649

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013:



	Fiscal 2015		Fiscal 2014		Fiscal 2013
Risk-free interest rate	1.89	%	.95	%	1.21	%
Expected life of options	5.8 years		5.7 years		5.8 years
Expected dividend yield of stock	1.87	%	2.22	%	2.15	%
Expected volatility of stock	29.86	%	31.22	%	31.24	%

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, 2014	2,396,986		$	31.06
Granted	384,532		53.40
Exercised	(979,838	)	28.84
Forfeited	(33,528	)	41.34
Canceled	(8,262	)	20.69
Outstanding at March 31, 2015	1,759,890		$	37.03	6.2 years	$	58,499
Exercisable at March 31, 2015	1,030,055		$	30.50	4.6 years	$	40,962

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		Number of Restricted Share Units		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at March 31, 2014	931,018		14,976		$	36.60
Granted	268,106		39,976		53.64
Vested	(299,486	)	(17,183	)	34.37
Canceled	(48,465	)	(4,969	)	42.42
Non-vested at March 31, 2015	851,173		32,800		$	42.98

Financial and Other Guarantees (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Guarantor Obligations

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



Years Ended March 31,	2015			2014			2013
Balance, Beginning of Year	$	7,765		$	12,734		$	11,189
Warranties issued during the period	7,604			3,538			16,111
Settlements made during the period	(9,790		)	(8,507		)	(14,566		)
Balance, End of Year	$	5,579		$	7,765		$	12,734

Forward and Swap Contracts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value



	Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
	Fair Value at		Fair Value at		Fair Value at		Fair Value at
Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2015		March 31, 2014		March 31, 2015		March 31, 2014
Prepaid & Other	$	12	$	167	$	—	$	—
Accrued expenses and other	$	—	$	—	$	616	$	67

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance

The following table presents the impact of derivative instruments and their location within the Consolidated Statements of Income:



	Location of (loss) gain recognized in income	Amount of (loss) gain recognized in income
		Years Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2013
Foreign currency forward contracts	Selling, general and administrative	$	(1,457	)	$	(1,175	)	$	161
Commodity swap contracts	Cost of revenues	$	(373	)	$	(57	)	$	(217	)

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block]

The following table shows the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities at March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014:



					Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 Using
	Carrying Value				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant Other Observable Inputs				Significant Unobservable Inputs
					Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	167,689	$	152,802	$	148,944	$	137,189	$	18,745	$	15,613	$	—	$	—
Forward and swap contracts (2)	12		167		—		—		12		167		—		—
Investments (3)	8,332		3,397		8,332		3,397		—		—		—		—
Liabilities:
Forward and swap contracts (2)	$	616	$	67	$	—	$	—	$	616	$	67	$	—	$	—
Deferred compensation plans (3)	3,757		3,495		3,757		3,495		—		—		—		—
Long term debt (4)	623,250		493,480		—		—		641,131		511,690		—		—
Contingent consideration obligations (5)	2,500		9,887		—		—		—		—		2,500		9,887

(1) Money market fund holdings are classified as level two as active market quoted prices are not available.

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

Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:



	Contingent Consideration
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	5,453
Additions	5,083
Deductions	(24		)
(Gains) losses	(374		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (1)	(251		)
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	9,887
Additions	1,586
Settlements	(8,320		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (1)	(653		)
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	2,500

(1) Reported in other comprehensive income (loss).

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]

Information regarding our investments is as follows:



					Investments at March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014
	Cost				Unrealized Gains (1)				Unrealized Losses (1)				Fair Value

	2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014
Available-for-sale securities:
Marketable equity securities	$	4,681	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	4,681	$	—
Mutual funds	2,677		2,608		974		789		—		—		3,651		3,397
Total available-for-sale securities	$	7,358	$	2,608	$	974	$	789	$	—	$	—	$	8,332	$	3,397

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

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of financial instruments measured at fair value, including those classified in shareholders' equity measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Disclosures include, but are not limited to, fair value measurements recorded and the reasons for the measurements, level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements are categorized and transfers between levels 1 and 2. Nonrecurring fair value measurements are those that are required or permitted in the statement of financial position in particular circumstances.

+ References+ Details

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Reclassification out of AOCI [Table Text Block]

RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)



	Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities (1)				Defined Benefit Plans (2)						Foreign Currency Translation (3)						Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	2015		2014		2015			2014			2015			2014			2015			2014
Beginning Balance	$	561	$	286	$	(2,428	)	$	(5,184	)	$	6,348		$	810		$	4,481		$	(4,088	)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications	391		143		(4,585		)	4,470			(65,196		)	5,901			(69,390		)	10,514
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	116		132		(1,876		)	(1,714		)	—			(363		)	(1,760		)	(1,945		)
Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	507		275		(6,461		)	2,756			(65,196		)	5,538			(71,150		)	8,569
Balance March 31, 2015	$	1,068	$	561	$	(8,889	)	$	(2,428	)	$	(58,848	)	$	6,348		$	(66,669	)	$	4,481

Details of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows:

(1) Realized gain (loss) on available for sale securities is reported in the interest income and miscellaneous expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2) Amortization (gain) of defined benefit pension items is reported in the selling, general and administrative expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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

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



	Year Ended March 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(58,848	)	$	6,348		$	810
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans costs, net of taxes	(8,889		)	(2,428		)	(5,184		)
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities	1,068			561			286
Total	$	(66,669	)	$	4,481		$	(4,088	)

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Table Text Block]

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)



Quarters Ended	March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			June 30,
Fiscal 2015
Revenues:
Product	$	293,235		$	267,285		$	256,845		$	230,440
Service	208,412			205,959			205,884			182,203
Total Revenues	501,647			473,244			462,729			412,643
Cost of Revenues:
Product	161,080			150,164			142,991			129,975
Service	127,507			125,924			125,746			112,575
Total Cost of Revenues	288,587			276,088			268,737			242,550
Gross Profit	213,060			197,156			193,992			170,093
Percentage of Revenues	42.5		%	41.7		%	41.9		%	41.2		%
Restructuring Expenses	(381		)	(1,109		)	1,271			(172		)
Net Income	$	41,399		$	38,124		$	31,004		$	24,537
Basic Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.69		$	0.64		$	0.52		$	0.41
Diluted Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.69		$	0.63		$	0.52		$	0.41

Fiscal 2014
Revenues:
Product	$	300,609		$	252,616		$	235,309		$	222,928
Service	164,678			152,935			148,453			144,724
Total Revenues	465,287			405,551			383,762			367,652
Cost of Revenues:
Product	178,125			144,884			133,629			129,538
Service	102,667			96,892			95,627			91,268
Total Cost of Revenues	280,792			241,776			229,256			220,806
Gross Profit	184,495			163,775			154,506			146,846
Percentage of Revenues	39.7		%	40.4		%	40.3		%	39.9		%
Restructuring Expenses	12,326			808			18			52
Net Income	$	38,876		$	28,506		$	29,743		$	32,317
Basic Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.66		$	0.48		$	0.50		$	0.55
Diluted Income Per Common Share:
Net income	$	0.65		$	0.48		$	0.50		$	0.54

Reclassifications out of AOCI (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Reclassifications out of AOCI Equity [Abstract]

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

RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)



	Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities (1)				Defined Benefit Plans (2)						Foreign Currency Translation (3)						Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	2015		2014		2015			2014			2015			2014			2015			2014
Beginning Balance	$	561	$	286	$	(2,428	)	$	(5,184	)	$	6,348		$	810		$	4,481		$	(4,088	)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications	391		143		(4,585		)	4,470			(65,196		)	5,901			(69,390		)	10,514
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	116		132		(1,876		)	(1,714		)	—			(363		)	(1,760		)	(1,945		)
Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	507		275		(6,461		)	2,756			(65,196		)	5,538			(71,150		)	8,569
Balance March 31, 2015	$	1,068	$	561	$	(8,889	)	$	(2,428	)	$	(58,848	)	$	6,348		$	(66,669	)	$	4,481

Details of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows:

(1) Realized gain (loss) on available for sale securities is reported in the interest income and miscellaneous expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2) Amortization (gain) of defined benefit pension items is reported in the selling, general and administrative expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Nature of Operations and Summary of Siginificant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Medical Device Excise Tax Rate	2.30%
Excise and Sales Taxes	$ 7,917	$ 7,390
Percentage of LIFO Inventory	35.90%	34.60%
Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period	174	415
Interest Costs Incurred	19,187	18,770	15,675
Interest Paid	19,124	19,268	14,115
Income Taxes Paid, Net	52,707	52,888	38,475
Advertising Expense	9,732	8,606	6,880
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds	2,405	3,076	1,096
FIFO Inventory Amount	19,071	19,450
Customer Rebates
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Rebates utilized by customers	$ 66,600
Land Improvements [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	3-40
Building [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	2-50
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	2-20
Computer Equipment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	2-20
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	20
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	20 years

Restructuring (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

$ (381)

$ (1,109)

$ 1,271

$ (172)

$ 12,326

$ 808

$ 18

$ 52

$ (391)

$ 13,204

$ (565)

FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

19,472

Restructuring expenses

(598)

8,018

Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]

Restructuring Reserve, Beginning of Period

7,978

Restructuring Reserve, Payments and Impairments

(4,493)

^[1]

(40)

^[1]

Restructuring Reserve, End of Period

2,887

7,978

2,887

7,978

FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Severance and termination benefits

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

(616)

6,429

Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]

Restructuring Reserve, Beginning of Period

6,389

Restructuring Reserve, Payments and Impairments

(3,242)

^[1]

(40)

^[1]

Restructuring Reserve, End of Period

2,531

6,389

2,531

6,389

FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Lease termination obligations

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

1,589

Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]

Restructuring Reserve, Beginning of Period

1,589

Restructuring Reserve, Payments and Impairments

(1,251)

^[1]

Restructuring Reserve, End of Period

356

1,589

356

1,589

2010 Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

9,294

Operating Expense

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

21,348

Operating Expense | Severance and termination benefits

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

7,490

Operating Expense | Product [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

8,144

Operating Expense | Impairment in Value of Asset

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

4,611

Operating Expense | Lease termination obligations

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

1,103

Operating Expense | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

(759)

^[2]

20,231

^[3]

Operating Expense | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Severance and termination benefits

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

(616)

7,363

Operating Expense | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Product [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

(368)

^[2]

8,144

^[3]

Operating Expense | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Impairment in Value of Asset

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

(38)

3,621

Operating Expense | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Lease termination obligations

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

263

1,103

Operating Expense | 2010 Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

1,117

(565)

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

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

127

(918)

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

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

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

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

990

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

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

353

Restructuring expenses | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

11,696

Restructuring expenses | 2010 Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

8,190

Cost of revenues | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

(368)

8,144

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

7,776

Cost of revenues | 2010 Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

1,104

Healthcare member | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

17,376

Life Science Member | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

796

Isomedix Member | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

$ 1,300

[1]	(1) Amounts reported include the impact of foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar.
[2]	Includes $(368) in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income
[3]	(1)Includes $8,144 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.

- Definition

Amount of expenses associated with exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

+ References+ Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 5,561
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	25,233
Goodwill	592,641	517,011	489,466
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	35,490
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense	24,500	18,612	13,068
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	377,864	319,819
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	24,651
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	24,580
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	24,495
Future Amortization Expense, after Year Five	23,553
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	109,860	89,115
goodwill acquired or allocated member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	89,074	22,783
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	(13,444)	4,762
Healthcare member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	475,717	399,666	373,668
Healthcare member \| goodwill acquired or allocated member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	87,175	22,783
Healthcare member \| Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	(11,124)	3,215
Life Science Member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	33,889	34,310	32,763
Life Science Member \| goodwill acquired or allocated member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	1,899	0
Life Science Member \| Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	(2,320)	1,547
Isomedix Member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	83,035	83,035	83,035
Isomedix Member \| goodwill acquired or allocated member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	0
Isomedix Member \| Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	0	0
Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	10	13
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	10	13
Noncompete Agreements
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	3,654	3,766
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	3,377	3,315
Patented Technology
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	178,290	173,287
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	56,861	46,111
tradmarks and tradenames
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	61,896	55,006
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	14,096	12,868
Customer Relationships
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	134,014	87,747
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 35,516	$ 26,808

Business Acquisitions (Details)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014

USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2014

USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2014

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2013

USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2013

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2013

USD ($)

Feb. 03, 2015

USD ($)

Oct. 10, 2014

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015

Synergy Health plc [Member]

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015

IMS [Member]

USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2014

IMS [Member]

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015

FSR [Member]

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014

FSR [Member]

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014

USE [Member]

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2013

USE [Member]

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015

VTS [Member]

USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2014

VTS [Member]

GBP (£)

Mar. 31, 2014

VTS [Member]

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014

VTS [Member]

GBP (£)

Mar. 31, 2015

Dana Products [Member] [Member]

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015

LSI [Member]

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014

LSI [Member]

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015

Life Science Member

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014

Life Science Member

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015

Isomedix Member

USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014

Isomedix Member

USD ($)

Feb. 03, 2015

United States of America, Dollars

USD ($)

Oct. 10, 2014

United States of America, Dollars

USD ($)

Feb. 03, 2015

United Kingdom, Pounds

GBP (£)

Oct. 10, 2014

United Kingdom, Pounds

GBP (£)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Approximate purchase price of entity

$ 2,100,000

$ 1,900,000

STERIS Closing Stock Price at 10/10/2014

$ 56.38

STERIS Closing Stock Price at 2/3/2015

$ 67.00

Value of transaction per Synergy Share

$ 35.52

$ 31.35

£ 23.42

£ 19.50

Restructuring expenses

(381)

(1,109)

1,271

(172)

12,326

808

(391)

13,204

(565)

161

635

(49)

1,349

Purchase price of acquired entity

165,000

3,415

5,779

41,645

25,000

12,002

24,500

Other Real Estate

10,000

Restricted stock issued in conjunction with acquisition

1,500

Purchase price of acquired entity paid at closing

22,000

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

2,500

9,887

2,500

9,887

5,453

3,000

Purchase price of acquired entity working capital adjustment

500

Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs

22,181

3,208

754

311

Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value

2,545

135

^[1]

Accounts Receivable, Net, Current

16,594

342

388

5,336

617

^[1]

2,341

Inventories, net

8,478

402

10,017

388

^[1]

2,727

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

15,074

6,262

400

^[1]

301

Other Assets

842

475

^[1]

117

Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)

62,000

1,200

2,765

21,128

6,363

^[1]

4,462

Goodwill

592,641

517,011

592,641

517,011

489,466

81,587

1,899

2,131

14,274

4,242

^[1]

16,230

Assets

184,575

3,441

5,795

60,037

12,145

^[1]

26,178

Accounts Payable, Current

(4,833)

(26)

(16)

(2,507)

(99)

^[1]

(1,649)

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities

(6,837)

(11,850)

(44)

^[1]

(29)

Other Liabilities

(4,035)

^[1]

Liabilities

(11,670)

(26)

(16)

(18,392)

(143)

^[1]

(1,678)

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net

$ 172,905

$ 3,415

$ 5,779

$ 41,645

$ 12,002

^[1]

$ 24,500

[1]	(1) Purchase price allocation is still preliminary as of March 31, 2015, as valuations have not been finalized.

Inventories, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Inventory, Raw Materials	$ 67,095	$ 61,197
Inventory, Work in Process	22,696	24,454
Inventory, Finished Goods	107,695	104,931
Inventory, LIFO Reserve	(19,071)	(19,450)
Inventory Valuation Reserves	(17,597)	(15,986)	(11,985)	(15,313)
Inventories, net	$ 160,818	$ 155,146

- Definition

Amount of valuation reserve for inventory.

+ References+ Details

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

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Asset Retirement Obligation

$ 8,083

$ 0

Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred

8,083

Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled

Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense

Land

40,668

^[1]

33,601

^[1]

Buildings and Improvements, Gross

263,007

256,879

Machinery and Equipment, Gross

375,555

360,977

Capitalized Computer Software, Gross

104,049

100,349

Materials, Supplies, and Other

289,778

258,547

Construction in Progress, Gross

47,690

^[1]

35,016

^[1]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross

1,120,747

1,045,369

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

(627,694)

(590,959)

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

493,053

454,410

Depreciation

61,481

57,037

55,085

Operating Leases, Rent Expense

18,602

17,643

15,664

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current

16,411

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years

12,428

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years

9,149

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years

5,419

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter

4,273

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due

$ 47,680

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

Debt (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended					3 Months Ended											1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended					1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
Debt (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2003 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2008 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)	May 15, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2013 9 year 10 month Feb 13 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 15yearplacement USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 12yearplacement USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 10yearplacement USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 15yearplacementfeb13 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 14 year 10 months Feb 13	Mar. 31, 2013 12yearplacementfeb13 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 9 year 10 months Feb 13	Mar. 31, 2013 9 year 10 month Feb 13	Mar. 31, 2013 9 year Feb 13	Mar. 31, 2013 9 year 10 month	May 31, 2015 10 year maturity USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 10 year maturity	Sep. 30, 2008 10 year maturity USD ($)	May 15, 2015 10 year maturity	May 31, 2015 12 year maturity USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2003 12 year maturity USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 12 year maturity	Sep. 30, 2008 12 year maturity USD ($)	May 15, 2015 12 year maturity	Dec. 15, 2003 12 year maturity	Dec. 15, 2003 December 2003 Notes [Member] USD ($)	May 31, 2015 15 year maturity USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 15 year maturity	May 15, 2015 15 year maturity	Mar. 31, 2015 August 2008 Notes [Member] [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 14 year 10 months maturity	Mar. 31, 2013 10 year 11 months	Mar. 31, 2015 Credit Agreement- term loans principal payment minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Credit Agreement- term loan principal payment maximum [Member]	May 15, 2015 Outstanding Commitment Under Amended Bridge Credit Agreement [Member] USD ($)	May 15, 2015 Outstanding Commitment Under Amended Bridge Credit Agreement [Member] GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2015 Outstanding Commitment Under Amended Bridge Credit Agreement [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Outstanding Commitment Under Amended Bridge Credit Agreement [Member] GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2015 Amount currently available until Synergy Combination is Consummated [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Term Loan Facility [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities						$ 20,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						1,250,000																																								400,000	850,000
Potential Increase to Line of Credit						500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity																																													500,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						340,000	340,000																									20,000				120,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding						283,250	153,480
Long-term Debt						623,250	493,480
Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement	350,000	100,000	100,000	100,000	150,000	0	0	200,000			47,500	12,500	40,000	47,500	12,500		40,000					125,000		85,000		125,000	20,000		35,000				100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description											P10M					P14Y	P11Y	P9Y	P10M	P10M	P10M	10	P10Y	P10Y		12	P12Y	P12Y	P12Y				15	P15Y
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																					3.20%		3.20%	6.33%	3.45%			3.35%	6.43%	3.55%	5.38%			3.55%	3.70%		3.55%	3.35%	1.25%	2.50%
Bridge Loan						1,050,000				340,000																															232,550	340,000	530,000	340,000
Reduction of commitments of lender under amended bridge credit agreement						520,000			297,450
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two						0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three						0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four						85,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five						$ 518,250

Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 1,250,000
Employee-related Liabilities	16,680	19,418
Accrued Vacation	5,539	6,172
Accrued Bonuses	30,159	18,451
Accrued Liabilities for Commissions, Expense and Taxes	12,842	11,322
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities	6,186	0
Other Postretirement Benefits Payable	2,789	2,950
Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans, Liabilities	610	461
Employee-related Liabilities, Current	74,805	58,774
Deferred Revenue	34,910	39,441
Self Insurance Reserve, Current	6,897	4,656
Accrued Sales Commission	13,591	10,017
Product Warranty Accrual	5,579	7,765	12,734	11,189
Asset Retirement Obligation, Current	1,092	0
Accrued Liabilities	102,032	93,302
Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent	12,052	10,689
Other Postretirement Benefits Payable, Noncurrent	18,489	18,393
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent	119	691
Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	6,634	6,013
Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent	6,991	0
Other Liabilities	3,049	3,091
Other Accrued Liabilities	39,963	31,423
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	$ 47,334	$ 38,877

Income Tax Expense (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Income Tax Expense [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 71
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic	635
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits	8,130	8,171
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions		0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	52,234	24,016	22,259
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	161,165	122,245	175,743
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	35.30%	31.30%	29.60%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits		0	9,362
Income Tax Examination, Interest Accrued		(276)
Income Tax Examination, Penalties Accrued		(31)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	47,655	66,131	51,355
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	208,820	188,376	227,098
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)	8,551	5,991	4,893
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	12,475	16,449	13,516
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	73,260	46,456	40,668
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,436	10,501	26,550
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	214	1,473	(10)
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(1,154)	504	(87)
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes	496	12,478	26,453
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	73,756	58,934	67,121
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate	0.00%	(5.10%)	3.60%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes	2.80%	2.60%	2.10%
Increase (decrease) in Valuation Allowances	2.10%	1.50%	1.10%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Foreign	(1.00%)	(2.00%)	(0.50%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential	(3.60%)	(0.10%)	(2.50%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deductions, Qualified Production Activities	(1.60%)	(1.20%)	(1.30%)
U.S. Tax Benefit Resulting from European Restructuring	0.00%	(0.60%)	(7.80%)
Capitalized Interest Costs- Effective tax rate	2.20%	0.00%	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments	(0.60%)	1.20%	(0.10%)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions		0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions		0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions		0
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions		(9,244)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations		(118)
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits	24,374	22,008
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	13,090	12,518
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities	6,808	6,681
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Self Insurance	4,071	3,689
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income	6,148	5,265
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	1,941	2,191
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions	2,781	408
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	464	965
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Current	67,807	61,896
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	14,380	12,541	12,428	11,842
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	53,427	49,355
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	50,559	50,265
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets	38,121	36,367
Deferred Tax and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	3,710	5,692
Deferred Tax Liabilities	92,390	92,324
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net	(38,963)	(42,969)
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign	45,454
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local	1,107
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	1,839
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings	$ 224,411

Benefit Plans (Change in benefit obligations funded status) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 50,426	$ 48,613
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	10,895	9,956	7,974
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	140	160	150
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,887	1,799	2,092
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	1,444
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	(6,186)	(593)
Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost			84
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost			76
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	691	683	867
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	(21,278)	(21,342)
Change in Benefit Obligations \| United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	56,612	49,206	53,433
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	140	160
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,887	1,799
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	9,752	(1,916)
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	(4,373)	(4,270)
Change in Benefit Obligations \| Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	21,278	21,342	24,548
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	691	683
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	2,327	(654)
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	(3,082)	(3,235)
Change in Plan Assets \| United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	(4,373)	(4,270)
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	50,426	48,613	46,543
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	6,186	6,340
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	0	0
Change in Plan Assets \| Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	(3,082)	(3,235)
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$ 3,082	$ 3,235

Benefit Plans (Amounts recognized in balance sheets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities	$ 6,186	$ 0
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities	(6,186)	0
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	0	(593)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities	(6,186)	(593)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities	(2,789)	(2,949)
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	(18,489)	(18,393)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities	$ (21,278)	$ (21,342)

- Definition

This represents the entire liability recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

This represents the noncurrent liability for underfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans.

+ References+ Details

Benefit Plans (Amortize pre-tax amount AOCI) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax	$ (37,509)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	23,106
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	1,444
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0	0	0
Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)			0
Other Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	828
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	$ (3,263)

- Definition

Amount before tax of (increase) decrease in the value of the projected benefit obligation related to a change in an actuarial assumption and increase (decrease) in the value of the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed, that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit (cost) credit.

+ References+ Details

Benefit Plans (Accumulated benefit obligation exceeding the fair value of plan assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2008	Mar. 31, 2015 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit	Mar. 31, 2014 United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets		$ 50,426	$ 48,613
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$ 46,001	$ 56,612	$ 49,206

Benefit Plans (Projected benefit obligation exceeding the fair value of plan assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2008
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 50,426	$ 48,613
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation			46,001
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	50,426	48,613
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$ 56,612	$ 49,206

Benefit Plans (Components of the annual net periodic benefit cost) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$ 140	$ 160	$ 150
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,887	1,799	2,092
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	(3,139)	(3,442)	(3,337)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	1,106	1,458	1,333
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	(6)	(25)	238
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period	6,706	(4,814)	3,602
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	(1,106)	(1,458)	(1,333)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	5,600	(6,272)	2,269
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	5,594	(6,297)	2,507
Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost			84
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost			76
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets			(100)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)			0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)			0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost			60
Total benefit costs, defined benefit plan			(922)
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments			(982)
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period			0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)			0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)			(159)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax			(159)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax			(1,081)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	691	683	867
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	(3,263)	(3,263)	(3,263)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	721	891	725
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	(1,851)	(1,689)	(1,671)
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period	2,327	(654)	2,140
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)	3,263	3,263	3,263
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	(721)	(891)	(725)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	4,869	1,718	4,678
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	$ 3,018	$ 29	$ 3,007

Benefit Plans (Significant assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit costs) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	4.00%	3.50%	4.25%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	6.75%	7.75%	8.00%
Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate			2.25%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets			3.25%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase			2.50%
Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans, Net
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	3.50%	3.00%	3.75%

Benefit Plans (Assumed long-term healthcare cost trend rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Healthcare cost trend rate medical	7.00%	7.00%	8.00%
Healthcare prescription drug	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%

Benefit Plans (Effect of one-percentage-point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components	$ 2
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components	(2)
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	68
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	$ (64)

Benefit Plans (Targeted asset allocation of plan assets and the actual allocation of plan assets) (Details) (United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Equity Securities	100.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Equity Securities	15.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities	14.40%	34.10%
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Equity Securities	75.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities	74.60%	65.20%
Cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Equity Securities	10.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities	11.00%	0.70%

Benefit Plans (Fair value of our pension benefits plan assets) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure

$ 5,538

^[1]

$ 339

Marketable Securities, Equity Securities

7,271

16,596

Defined Benefit Plan FV of Assets Debt Securities

37,617

31,678

Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets

50,426

48,613

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure

337

Marketable Securities, Equity Securities

7,271

16,596

Defined Benefit Plan FV of Assets Debt Securities

37,617

31,678

Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets

45,225

48,274

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure

5,201

^[1]

339

Marketable Securities, Equity Securities

Defined Benefit Plan FV of Assets Debt Securities

Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets

5,201

339

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure

Marketable Securities, Equity Securities

Defined Benefit Plan FV of Assets Debt Securities

Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets

$ 0

[1]	Money market fund holdings are classified as level two as active market quoted prices are not available.

Benefit Plans (Expected payments to be made to plan participants) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Gross Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts Received	$ 457	$ 316
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One	2,790
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	2,457
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	2,206
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	1,915
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	1,719
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	6,725
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One	56,612
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	$ 0

Benefit Plans (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 478,761
STERIS Corporation shares held in defined contribution plan	685,823
Fair value of STERIS Corporatio stock held in defined contribution plan	48,193
Defined Contribution Plan, Dividends Paid	606	622	592
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	10,895	9,956	7,974
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets	$ 3,650	$ 3,397

Contingencies (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

class action adjustment

$ 16,782

rebate program adjustment

^[1]

Letters of credit as security for self insurance risk and retention policies

5,961

Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed

35,405

54,521

Customer Rebates

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Rebates utilized by customers

66,600

Commercial commitments [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Commitments and Contingencies

$ 40,008

$ 49,585

[1]	Adjustments were classified as follows: $22,367 as an increase to revenues, $1,273 as a decrease to cost of revenues, and $16,782 as a decrease to selling, general and administrative expenses.

- Definition

Represents the caption on the face of the balance sheet to indicate that the entity has entered into (1) purchase or supply arrangements that will require expending a portion of its resources to meet the terms thereof, and (2) is exposed to potential losses or, less frequently, gains, arising from (a) possible claims against a company's resources due to future performance under contract terms, and (b) possible losses or likely gains from uncertainties that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events that are deemed likely to occur do occur or fail to occur.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Minimum amount to be expended to satisfy the terms of arrangements in which the entity has agreed to expend funds to procure goods or services, excluding long-term purchase commitments or unconditional purchase obligations.

+ References+ Details

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

$ 501,647

$ 473,244

$ 462,729

$ 412,643

$ 465,287

$ 405,551

$ 383,762

$ 367,652

$ 1,850,263

$ 1,622,252

$ 1,501,902

Operating Income (Loss)

227,211

206,807

242,829

rebate program adjustment

^[1]

Restructuring expenses

(381)

(1,109)

1,271

(172)

12,326

808

(391)

13,204

(565)

Assets

2,099,466

1,887,162

2,099,466

1,887,162

Payments to Acquire Productive Assets

85,255

86,367

87,412

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

91,541

75,649

69,035

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

493,053

454,410

493,053

454,410

Operating Segments [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Assets

2,097,329

1,884,999

2,097,329

1,884,999

Payments to Acquire Productive Assets

85,238

86,353

87,399

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

91,526

75,633

69,018

OperatingSegmentHealthcare [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

1,391,874

1,180,051

1,074,790

^[2]

Operating Income (Loss)

125,505

109,714

153,343

^[3]

OperatingSegmentLifeSciences [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

250,845

246,122

244,421

Operating Income (Loss)

55,723

50,049

47,453

OperatingSegmentIsomedix [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

205,675

194,183

179,550

Operating Income (Loss)

55,524

55,186

51,455

OperatingSegmentAllExceptCorpandOther [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

1,848,394

1,620,356

1,498,761

Operating Income (Loss)

236,752

214,949

252,251

OperatingSegmentCorpandOther [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

1,869

1,896

3,141

Operating Income (Loss)

(9,541)

(8,142)

(9,422)

OperatingSegmentAll [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

1,850,263

1,622,252

1,501,902

^[2]

Operating Income (Loss)

227,211

206,807

242,829

^[3]

Healthcare and Life Sciences [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Assets

1,660,450

1,476,471

1,660,450

1,476,471

Payments to Acquire Productive Assets

36,952

47,043

44,201

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

61,156

46,315

41,622

Isomedix Member

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Assets

436,879

408,528

436,879

408,528

Payments to Acquire Productive Assets

48,286

39,310

43,198

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

30,370

29,318

27,396

Corporate and Other member [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Assets

2,137

2,163

2,137

2,163

Payments to Acquire Productive Assets

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

Revenue Adjustment [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

rebate program adjustment

(22,367)

Gross profit adjustment [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

rebate program adjustment

(23,640)

Healthcare member

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

(871)

19,364

(565)

Life Science Member

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

161

635

Isomedix Member

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

(49)

1,349

UNITED STATES

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

1,449,223

1,244,730

1,141,633

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

440,872

396,233

440,872

396,233

International Member [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Revenues

401,040

377,522

360,269

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

$ 52,181

$ 58,177

$ 52,181

$ 58,177

[1]	Adjustments were classified as follows: $22,367 as an increase to revenues, $1,273 as a decrease to cost of revenues, and $16,782 as a decrease to selling, general and administrative expenses.
[2]	(1) Includes an increase of $22,367 in fiscal 2013 resulting from the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program.
[3]	(2) Includes an increase of $23,640 in fiscal 2013, resulting from SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program, and an increase of $16,782 in fiscal year 2013, resulting from the class action settlement.

- Definition

Amount of expenses associated with exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

+ References+ Details

Common Shares (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	59,413	58,966	58,305
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	632	779	539
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	60,045	59,745	58,844
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	342	327	649

- Definition

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.

+ References+ Details

Repurchases of Common Shares (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2008
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				$ 300,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares		565,887	204,349
Treasury Stock Repurchases Not Including Shares Withheld for Taxes		24,691	6,830
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	10,364,404	11,071,728
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share		$ 43.63	$ 33.42
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	541,700	58,529	52,893
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	30,687	778	1,172
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 86,939

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Item]
Remaining shares available for grant	2,784,810
Weighted-average assumptions used for options granted:
Risk-free interest rate	1.89%	0.95%	1.21%
Expected life of options	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 9 months 18 days
Exptected dividend yield of stock	1.87%	2.22%	2.15%
Expected volatility of stock	29.86%	31.22%	31.24%
Estimated forfeiture rate	1.46%	1.44%	1.83%
Summary of share option activity:
Number of Options, Outstanding, Beginning of Period	2,396,986
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Beginning of Period	$ 31.06
Number of Options, Granted	384,532
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$ 53.40
Number of Options, Exercised	(979,838)
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$ 28.84
Number of Options, Forfeited	(33,528)
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	$ 41.34
Number of Options, Canceled	8,262
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Canceled	$ 20.69
Number of Options, Outstanding, End of Period	1,759,890	2,396,986
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, End of Period	$ 37.03	$ 31.06
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	6 years 2 months 12 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$ 58,499
Number of Options, Exercisable	1,030,055
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 30.50
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 7 months 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	40,962
Non-vested stock options outstanding expected to vest	721,833
Common Stock, Fair Market Value Per Share	$ 70.27
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	31,555	10,253	10,071
Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options	28,274	14,160	23,019
Tax benefit from stock option exercises	11,526	2,841	2,058
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock option grants, per share	$ 13.41	$ 10.59	$ 7.32
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at Beginning of Period	14,976
Number of Restricted Shares, Granted	39,976
Number of Restricted Shares, Vested	(17,183)
Number of Restricted Shares, Canceled	(4,969)
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at End of Period	32,800	14,976
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation granted	25,925
Weighted average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	2 years 2 months 9 days
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
FairValueOfOutstandingStockAppreciationRights	2,294	1,432
Restricted Stock
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at Beginning of Period	931,018
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested at Beginning of Period	$ 36.60
Number of Restricted Shares, Granted	268,106
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$ 53.64
Number of Restricted Shares, Vested	(299,486)
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$ 34.37
Number of Restricted Shares, Canceled	(48,465)
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Canceled	$ 42.42
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at End of Period	851,173
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested at End of Period	$ 42.98
Fair Value, Share-based Payment Awards, Other than Options	10,004
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
FairValueOfOutstandingCashSettledRestrictedShareUnits	$ 334	$ 1,259

Financial and Other Guarantees (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Deferred Service Revenue	$ 30,720	$ 31,079	$ 35,258
Product Warranty Accrual	5,579	7,765	12,734	11,189
Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued	7,604	3,538	16,111
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Payments	$ (9,790)	$ (8,507)	$ (14,566)

Forward and Swap Contracts (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified					12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 Other Assets USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 Other Assets USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Accrued Liabilities USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 Accrued Liabilities USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Cost of Sales USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 Cost of Sales USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 Cost of Sales USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Mexico, Pesos MXN	Mar. 31, 2015 Canada, Dollars CAD	Mar. 31, 2015 Euro Member Countries, Euro GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2015 212234 Copper Ore and Nickel Ore Mining [Member] lbs
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts (Deprecated 2013-01-31)											68,000	8,000	£ 2,500
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain, before Tax					(1,457)	(1,175)	161
Derivative Assets	12	167	0	0
Derivative Liabilities	0	0	616	67
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Commodity Contracts								$ (373)	$ (57)	$ (217)
Investment Contract Weight														586,500

- Definition

Fair value, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Fair value, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset.

+ References+ Details

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

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

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

Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis

$ 7,358

$ 2,608

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure

5,538

^[1]

339

Investments, Fair Value Disclosure

8,332

3,397

Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets

50,426

48,613

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value

2,500

9,887

5,453

Unrealized Gain on AFS Securities

974

^[2]

789

^[2]

Unrealized Loss on AFS Securities

^[2]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure

148,944

^[1]

137,189

^[1]

Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure

^[3]

Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure

^[3]

Investments, Fair Value Disclosure

8,332

^[4]

3,397

^[4]

Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets

3,757

^[4]

3,495

^[4]

Long-term Debt, Fair Value

^[5]

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value

^[6]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure

18,745

^[1]

15,613

^[1]

Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure

^[3]

167

^[3]

Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure

616

^[3]

Investments, Fair Value Disclosure

^[4]

Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets

^[4]

Long-term Debt, Fair Value

641,131

^[5]

511,690

^[5]

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value

^[6]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure

Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure

^[3]

Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure

^[3]

Investments, Fair Value Disclosure

^[4]

Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets

^[4]

Long-term Debt, Fair Value

^[5]

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value

2,500

^[6]

9,887

^[6]

Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure

167,689

^[1]

152,802

^[1]

Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure

^[3]

167

^[3]

Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure

616

^[3]

Investments, Fair Value Disclosure

8,332

^[4]

3,397

^[4]

Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets

3,757

^[4]

3,495

^[4]

Long-term Debt, Fair Value

623,250

^[5]

493,480

^[5]

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value

2,500

^[6]

9,887

^[6]

Capital Additions

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

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability

1,586

5,083

Reductions and Payout [Member]

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

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability

(8,320)

(24)

Contingent consideration gain loss

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

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability

(374)

Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)

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

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability

(653)

^[7]

(251)

^[7]

Cost of Sales

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

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Commodity Contracts

(373)

(57)

(217)

Mutual Funds [Member]

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

Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis

2,677

2,608

Investments, Fair Value Disclosure

3,651

3,397

Unrealized Gain on AFS Securities

974

^[2]

789

^[2]

Unrealized Loss on AFS Securities

^[2]

Equity Securities [Member]

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

Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis

4,681

Investments, Fair Value Disclosure

4,681

Unrealized Gain on AFS Securities

^[2]

Unrealized Loss on AFS Securities

$ 0

^[2]

$ 0

[1]	Money market fund holdings are classified as level two as active market quoted prices are not available.
[2]	(1) Amounts reported include the impact of foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar.
[3]	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.
[4]	We maintain a frozen domestic non-qualified deferred compensation plan covering certain employees, which allows for the deferral of payment of previously earned compensation for an employee-specified term or until retirement or termination. Amounts deferred can be allocated to various hypothetical investment options (compensation deferrals have been frozen under the plan). We hold investments 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. Employees who made deferrals are entitled to receive distributions of their hypothetical account balances (amounts deferred, together with earnings (losses)). We also hold an investment in the common stock of Servizi Italia, S.p.A, a leading provider of integrated linen washing and outsourced sterile processing services to hospital Customers. Changes in the value of the investment are recognized each period based on the fair value of the investment.
[5]	We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt using discounted cash flow analyses, based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
[6]	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.
[7]	(1) Reported in other comprehensive income (loss)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Incom (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ (58,848)	$ 6,348	$ 810
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	(8,889)	(2,428)	(5,184)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	1,068	561	286
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (66,669)	$ 4,481	$ (4,088)

- Definition

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.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

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.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

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.

+ References+ Details

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
class action adjustment											$ 16,782,000
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	293,235,000	267,285,000	256,845,000	230,440,000	300,609,000	252,616,000	235,309,000	222,928,000	1,047,805,000	1,011,462,000	967,362,000
Sales Revenue, Services, Net	208,412,000	205,959,000	205,884,000	182,203,000	164,678,000	152,935,000	148,453,000	144,724,000	802,458,000	610,790,000	534,540,000
Revenues	501,647,000	473,244,000	462,729,000	412,643,000	465,287,000	405,551,000	383,762,000	367,652,000	1,850,263,000	1,622,252,000	1,501,902,000
Cost of Goods Sold	161,080,000	150,164,000	142,991,000	129,975,000	178,125,000	144,884,000	133,629,000	129,538,000	584,210,000	586,176,000	550,899,000
Cost of Services	127,507,000	125,924,000	125,746,000	112,575,000	102,667,000	96,892,000	95,627,000	91,268,000	491,752,000	386,454,000	329,740,000
Cost of Revenue	288,587,000	276,088,000	268,737,000	242,550,000	280,792,000	241,776,000	229,256,000	220,806,000	1,075,962,000	972,630,000	880,639,000
Gross Profit	213,060,000	197,156,000	193,992,000	170,093,000	184,495,000	163,775,000	154,506,000	146,846,000	774,301,000	649,622,000	621,263,000
Restructuring expenses	(381,000)	(1,109,000)	1,271,000	(172,000)	12,326,000	808,000	18,000	52,000	(391,000)	13,204,000	(565,000)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	41,399,000	38,124,000	31,004,000	24,537,000	38,876,000	28,506,000	29,743,000	32,317,000	135,064,000	129,442,000	159,977,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.69	$ 0.64	$ 0.52	$ 0.41	$ 0.66	$ 0.48	$ 0.50	$ 0.55	$ 2.27	$ 2.20	$ 2.74
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.69	$ 0.63	$ 0.52	$ 0.41	$ 0.65	$ 0.48	$ 0.50	$ 0.54	$ 2.25	$ 2.17	$ 2.72
Gross profit percentage
Gross Profit	$ 0.425	$ 0.417	$ 0.419	$ 0.412	$ 0.397	$ 0.404	$ 0.403	$ 0.399

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current

$ 9,415,000

^[1]

$ 10,922,000

^[1]

$ 10,043,000

^[1]

$ 11,428,000

^[1]

Provision for Doubtful Accounts

1,415,000

^[1]

3,266,000

^[1]

(91,000)

^[1]

Allowance for trade accounts receivable charges to other accounts

217,000

^[1],[2]

(37,000)

^[1],[2]

(49,000)

^[1],[2]

Allowance for trade accounts receivable deductions

(3,139,000)

^[1],[3]

(2,350,000)

^[1],[3]

(1,245,000)

^[1],[3]

Inventory Valuation Reserves

17,597,000

15,986,000

11,985,000

15,313,000

Inventory Write-down

77,000

^[4]

3,944,000

^[4]

(3,140,000)

^[4]

Foreign currency translation and other adjustments

1,534,000

^[2]

57,000

^[2]

(188,000)

^[2]

Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance

14,380,000

12,541,000

12,428,000

11,842,000

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments

(1,867,000)

227,000

(569,000)

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions

(322,000)

(622,000)

(2,124,000)

Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Property Casualty Liability

18,078,000

14,444,000

14,100,000

10,776,000

Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Paid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense

3,600,000

4,000,000

2,387,000

Incurred Claims, Property, Casualty and Liability

2,112,000

(68,000)

3,185,000

Incurred Claims, Property, Casualty and Liability

(2,078,000)

(3,588,000)

(2,248,000)

Other Accrued Liabilities, Current

16,000

8,000

253,000

69,065,000

rebate program adjustment

^[5]

Accrued Sys 1 Rebate and Class Action

18,000

(40,422,000.000)

^[5]

Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Provision

(10,000)

(245,000)

(28,390,000)

Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense

$ 4,028,000

$ 508,000

$ 3,279,000

[1]	Net allowance for doubtful accounts and allowance for sales and returns.
[2]	Change in foreign currency exchange rates and acquired reserves.
[3]	Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
[4]	Provision for excess and obsolete inventory, net of inventory written off.
[5]	Adjustments were classified as follows: $22,367 as an increase to revenues, $1,273 as a decrease to cost of revenues, and $16,782 as a decrease to selling, general and administrative expenses.

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events Disclosure (Details) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended							1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended				1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	May 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2003 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2008 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)	May 15, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 GBP (£)	Feb. 03, 2015 USD ($)	Oct. 10, 2014 USD ($)	May 31, 2015 15 year maturity [Member] [Domain] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 15 year maturity [Member] [Domain]	May 15, 2015 15 year maturity [Member] [Domain]	May 31, 2015 12 year maturity [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2003 12 year maturity [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 12 year maturity [Member]	Sep. 30, 2008 12 year maturity [Member] USD ($)	May 15, 2015 12 year maturity [Member]	Dec. 15, 2003 12 year maturity [Member]	May 31, 2015 10 year maturity [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 10 year maturity [Member]	Sep. 30, 2008 10 year maturity [Member] USD ($)	May 15, 2015 10 year maturity [Member]	May 15, 2015 Outstanding Commitment Under Amended Bridge Credit Agreement [Member] USD ($)	May 15, 2015 Outstanding Commitment Under Amended Bridge Credit Agreement [Member] GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2015 Outstanding Commitment Under Amended Bridge Credit Agreement [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Outstanding Commitment Under Amended Bridge Credit Agreement [Member] GBP (£)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement	$ 350,000	$ 100,000	$ 100,000	$ 100,000	$ 150,000	$ 0	$ 0	$ 200,000					$ 100,000			$ 125,000	$ 20,000		$ 35,000			$ 125,000		$ 85,000
Approximate purchase price of entity											2,100,000	1,900,000
STERIS Closing Stock Price at 10/10/2014												$ 56.38
STERIS Closing Stock Price at 2/3/2015											$ 67.00
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description													15	P15Y		12	P12Y	P12Y	P12Y			10	P10Y	P10Y
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage														3.55%	3.70%			3.35%	6.43%	3.55%	5.38%		3.20%	6.33%	3.45%
Reduction of commitments of lender under amended bridge credit agreement						520,000			297,450
Bridge Loan						$ 1,050,000				£ 340,000																$ 232,550	£ 340,000	$ 530,000	£ 340,000

Reclassifications out of AOCI (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax

$ 1,068

$ 561

$ 286

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax

(8,889)

(2,428)

(5,184)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax

(58,848)

6,348

810

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

(66,669)

4,481

(4,088)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax

507

275

112

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

(69,390)

10,514

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

(1,760)

(1,945)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

(71,150)

8,569

(17,715)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax

1,068

561

286

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax

(8,889)

(2,428)

(5,184)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax

(58,848)

6,348

810

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

(66,669)

4,481

(4,088)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax

507

275

112

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

(69,390)

10,514

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

(1,760)

(1,945)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

(71,150)

8,569

(17,715)

Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax

1,068

^[1]

561

^[1]

286

^[1]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax

391

^[1]

143

^[1]

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

116

^[1]

132

^[1]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

507

^[1]

275

^[1]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax

1,068

^[1]

561

^[1]

286

^[1]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax

391

^[1]

143

^[1]

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

116

^[1]

132

^[1]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

507

^[1]

275

^[1]

Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax

(8,889)

^[2]

(2,428)

^[2]

(5,184)

^[2]

Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax

(4,585)

^[2]

4,470

^[2]

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

(1,876)

^[2]

(1,714)

^[2]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

(6,461)

^[2]

2,756

^[2]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax

(8,889)

^[2]

(2,428)

^[2]

(5,184)

^[2]

Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax

(4,585)

^[2]

4,470

^[2]

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

(1,876)

^[2]

(1,714)

^[2]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

(6,461)

^[2]

2,756

^[2]

Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax

(58,848)

6,348

810

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax

(65,196)

5,901

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

^[3]

(363)

^[3]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

(65,196)

5,538

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax

(58,848)

6,348

810

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax

(65,196)

5,901

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

^[3]

(363)

^[3]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

$ (65,196)

$ 5,538

[1]	Realized gain (loss) on available for sale securities is reported in the interest income and miscellaneous expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.
[2]	Amortization (gain) of defined benefit pension items is reported in the selling, general and administrative expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Incom
[3]	Realized gain (loss) on intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of long term investment nature are reported in the selling, general and administrative expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.