v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
6 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2010
Oct. 29, 2010
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2010  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Trading Symbol ste  
Entity Registrant Name STERIS CORP  
Entity Central Index Key 0000815065  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --03-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   59,146,680