Contingencies	6 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
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 affect 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. As previously disclosed, we received a warning letter (the “warning letter”) from the FDA on May 16, 2008 regarding our SYSTEM 1® sterile processor and the STERIS 20 sterilant used with the processor (sometimes referred to collectively in the FDA letter and in this note 10 as the “device”). Among other matters, the warning letter included the FDA's assertion that significant changes or modifications had been made in the design, components, method of manufacture, or intended use of the device beyond the FDA's 1988 clearance, such that the FDA believed a new premarket notification submission (known within FDA regulations as a 510(k) submission) should have been made, and the assertion that our failure to make such a submission resulted in violations of applicable law. On July 30, 2008 (with an Addendum on October 9, 2008), we provided a detailed response contending that the assertions in the warning letter were not correct. On November 4, 2008, we received a letter from the FDA (dated November 3, 2008) in which the FDA stated without elaboration that, after reviewing our response, it disagreed with our position and that a new premarket notification submission was required. After discussions with the FDA regarding the November 3rd letter, we received an additional letter on November 6, 2008 from the FDA. The November 6th letter stated that the intent of the November 3rd letter was to inform us of the FDA's preliminary disagreement with our response to the warning letter and, before finalizing a position, the FDA reiterated that it wanted to meet with us to discuss the Company's response, issues related to the warning letter and next steps to resolve any differences between the Company and the FDA. We thereafter met with the FDA and, on January 20, 2009, we announced that we had submitted to the FDA a new liquid chemical sterilant processing system for 510(k) clearance, and we communicated to Customers that we would continue supporting the existing SYSTEM 1 installed base in the U.S. for at least a two year period from that date. On December 3, 2009, the FDA provided a notice (“notice”) to healthcare facility administrators and infection control practitioners describing FDA's “concerns about the SYSTEM 1 Processor, components and accessories, and FDA recommendations.” In the notice, among other things, FDA stated its belief that the SYSTEM 1 device had been significantly modified, that FDA had not cleared or approved the modified device, and that FDA had not determined whether the SYSTEM 1 was safe or effective for its labeled claims. The notice further stated that use of a device that does not properly sterilize or disinfect a medical or surgical device poses risks to patients and users, including the transmission of pathogens, exposure to hazardous chemicals and may affect the quality and functionality of reprocessed instruments. The notice stated that FDA was aware of reports of malfunctions of the SYSTEM 1 that had the potential to cause or contribute to serious injuries to patients, such as infections, or injuries to healthcare staff, such as burns. Included in FDA's December 3, 2009 notice was a recommendation from FDA that if users had acceptable alternatives to meet sterilization and disinfection needs, they should transition to that alternative as soon as possible. After its December 3, 2009 notice, we engaged in extensive discussions with the FDA regarding a comprehensive resolution of this matter. On February 2, 2010, the FDA notified healthcare facility administrators and infection control practitioners that FDA's total recommended time period for transitioning from SYSTEM 1 in the U.S. was 18 months from that date. On April 5, 2010, we received FDA clearance of the new liquid chemical sterilant processing system (SYSTEM 1E). Also in April 2010 we reached agreement with the FDA on the terms of a consent decree (“Consent Decree”). On April 19, 2010, a Complaint and Consent Decree were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and on April 20, 2010, the Court approved the Consent Decree. In general, the Consent Decree addresses regulatory matters regarding SYSTEM 1, restricts further sales of SYSTEM 1 processors in the U.S., defines certain documentation and other requirements for continued service and support of SYSTEM 1 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. The Consent Decree also provides that we may continue to support our Customers' use of SYSTEM 1 in the U.S., including the sale of consumables, parts and accessories and service for a transition period, not to extend beyond August 2, 2011 (later extended by FDA to August 2, 2012), subject to compliance with requirements for documentation of the Customer's need for continued support and other conditions and limitations (the “Transition Plan”). Our Transition Plan included the “SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program” (the “Rebate Program”). In April 2010, we began to offer rebates to qualifying Customers. Generally, U.S. Customers that purchased SYSTEM 1 processors directly from us or who were users of SYSTEM 1 at the time the Rebate Program was introduced and who returned their units had the option of either a pro-rated cash rebate or a rebate toward the future purchase of new STERIS capital equipment (including SYSTEM 1E) or consumable products. In addition, we provided credits for the return of SYSTEM 1 consumables in unbroken packaging and within shelf life and for the unused portion of SYSTEM 1 service contracts. The Rebate Program ended August 2, 2012. Through September 30, 2012, Customers have utilized or committed to utilize rebates totaling approximately $66,600 on orders placed since the initiation of the Rebate Program. Additional Customer orders utilizing rebates are not anticipated although exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Company and existing orders may be modified or canceled by Customers. Remaining disposal costs are based on the actual costs experienced to date. During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we adjusted the liability related to the Rebate Program. The total pre-tax adjustment was $21,500, of which $20,400 was recorded as an increase to revenue for the Customer Rebate portion, and $1,100 was recorded as a reduction to cost of revenues related to the disposal portion of the liability. This adjustment resulted primarily from a lower number of eligible Customers electing to participate in the Rebate Program than previously estimated. While the remaining recorded accrual of $9,044 as of September 30, 2012 is still an estimate, it is based on actual experience to date. No further material adjustments are expected. The Consent Decree has defined the resolution of a number of issues regarding SYSTEM 1, and we believe our actions with respect to SYSTEM 1, including the Transition Plan, were and are not recalls, corrections or removals under FDA regulations. However, there is no assurance that these or other claims will not be brought or that judicial, regulatory, administrative or other legal or enforcement actions, notices or remedies will not be pursued, or that action will not be taken in respect of the Consent Decree, the Transition Plan, SYSTEM 1, or otherwise with respect to regulatory or compliance matters, as described in this note 10 and in various portions of Item 1A. of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012 dated May 29, 2012. In December of 2010, we began shipping SYSTEM 1E units, after having received FDA clearance for the SYSTEM 1E chemical indicator, which is used in conjunction with the SYSTEM 1E. We also submitted a 510(k) to FDA for an optional spore-based indicator strip for use with SYSTEM 1E. Thereafter, as a result of discussions with FDA, we filed a de novo submission requesting classification of this strip in accordance with Section 513(f)(2) of the Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic Act. The de novo process is part of the initial classification for new devices. This spore-based monitoring strip received FDA clearance on March 30, 2012. This new clearance does not affect the prior clearance of the SYSTEM 1E processor or the SYSTEM 1E chemical indicator. On February 5, 2010, a complaint was filed by a Customer that claimed to have purchased two SYSTEM 1 devices from STERIS, Physicians of Winter Haven LLC d/b/a Day Surgery Center v. STERIS Corp., Case No. 1:1-cv-00264-CAB (N.D. Ohio). The complaint alleged statutory violations, breaches of various warranties, negligence, failure to warn, and unjust enrichment and Plaintiff sought class certification, damages, and other legal and equitable relief including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and an order requiring STERIS to replace, recall or adequately repair the product and/or to take appropriate regulatory action. On February 7, 2011 we entered into a settlement agreement in which we agreed, among other things, to provide various categories of economic relief for members of the settlement class and not object to plaintiff's counsel's application to the court for attorneys' fees and expenses up to a specified amount. Certification of a settlement class was approved and final approval of the settlement was given by the court in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we recorded in operating expenses a pre-tax charge of approximately $19,796 related to the settlement of these proceedings. The assumptions regarding the amount of this charge included, among others, the portion of class members participating in the settlement and their choice of the categories of economic relief available for such members. These assumptions may be incorrect and the costs of the settlement may be higher or lower than the charge recorded. Estimates of the actual settlement range from as low as $7,000 and as high as $22,000 depending on the options selected by the class members. Claims under the settlement must be submitted by Customers no later than December 31, 2012. 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 do not currently believe that the impact of this event will have a material adverse effect on our financial results. Other civil, criminal, regulatory or other proceedings involving our products or services also 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 affect our business, performance, prospects, value, financial condition, and results of operations. For additional information regarding these matters, see the following portions of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012: “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 Warning Letter and Consent Decree” and the "Risk Factor” titled “Compliance with the Consent Decree may be more costly and burdensome than anticipated.” 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. 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,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012 dated May 29, 2012, and in Item 1 of Part II of this Form 10-Q titled, “Legal Proceedings.”

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 affect 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.

As previously disclosed, we received a warning letter (the “warning letter”) from the FDA on May 16, 2008 regarding our SYSTEM 1® sterile processor and the STERIS 20 sterilant used with the processor (sometimes referred to collectively in the FDA letter and in this note 10 as the “device”). Among other matters, the warning letter included the FDA's assertion that significant changes or modifications had been made in the design, components, method of manufacture, or intended use of the device beyond the FDA's 1988 clearance, such that the FDA believed a new premarket notification submission (known within FDA regulations as a 510(k) submission) should have been made, and the assertion that our failure to make such a submission resulted in violations of applicable law. On July 30, 2008 (with an Addendum on October 9, 2008), we provided a detailed response contending that the assertions in the warning letter were not correct. On November 4, 2008, we received a letter from the FDA (dated November 3, 2008) in which the FDA stated without elaboration that, after reviewing our response, it disagreed with our position and that a new premarket notification submission was required. After discussions with the FDA regarding the November 3rd letter, we received an additional letter on November 6, 2008 from the FDA. The November 6th letter stated that the intent of the November 3rd letter was to inform us of the FDA's preliminary disagreement with our response to the warning letter and, before finalizing a position, the FDA reiterated that it wanted to meet with us to discuss the Company's response, issues related to the warning letter and next steps to resolve any differences between the Company and the FDA. We thereafter met with the FDA and, on January 20, 2009, we announced that we had submitted to the FDA a new liquid chemical sterilant processing system for 510(k) clearance, and we communicated to Customers that we would continue supporting the existing SYSTEM 1 installed base in the U.S. for at least a two year period from that date.

On December 3, 2009, the FDA provided a notice (“notice”) to healthcare facility administrators and infection control practitioners describing FDA's “concerns about the SYSTEM 1 Processor, components and accessories, and FDA recommendations.” In the notice, among other things, FDA stated its belief that the SYSTEM 1 device had been significantly modified, that FDA had not cleared or approved the modified device, and that FDA had not determined whether the SYSTEM 1 was safe or effective for its labeled claims. The notice further stated that use of a device that does not properly sterilize or disinfect a medical or surgical device poses risks to patients and users, including the transmission of pathogens, exposure to hazardous chemicals and may affect the quality and functionality of reprocessed instruments. The notice stated that FDA was aware of reports of malfunctions of the SYSTEM 1 that had the potential to cause or contribute to serious injuries to patients, such as infections, or injuries to healthcare staff, such as burns. Included in FDA's December 3, 2009 notice was a recommendation from FDA that if users had acceptable alternatives to meet sterilization and disinfection needs, they should transition to that alternative as soon as possible. After its December 3, 2009 notice, we engaged in extensive discussions with the FDA regarding a comprehensive resolution of this matter. On February 2, 2010, the FDA notified healthcare facility administrators and infection control practitioners that FDA's total recommended time period for transitioning from SYSTEM 1 in the U.S. was 18 months from that date.

On April 5, 2010, we received FDA clearance of the new liquid chemical sterilant processing system (SYSTEM 1E). Also in April 2010 we reached agreement with the FDA on the terms of a consent decree (“Consent Decree”). On April 19, 2010, a Complaint and Consent Decree were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and on April 20, 2010, the Court approved the Consent Decree. In general, the Consent Decree addresses regulatory matters regarding SYSTEM 1, restricts further sales of SYSTEM 1 processors in the U.S., defines certain documentation and other requirements for continued service and support of SYSTEM 1 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.

The Consent Decree also provides that we may continue to support our Customers' use of SYSTEM 1 in the U.S., including the sale of consumables, parts and accessories and service for a transition period, not to extend beyond August 2, 2011 (later extended by FDA to August 2, 2012), subject to compliance with requirements for documentation of the Customer's need for continued support and other conditions and limitations (the “Transition Plan”). Our Transition Plan included the “SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program” (the “Rebate Program”). In April 2010, we began to offer rebates to qualifying Customers. Generally, U.S. Customers that purchased SYSTEM 1 processors directly from us or who were users of SYSTEM 1 at the time the Rebate Program was introduced and who returned their units had the option of either a pro-rated cash rebate or a rebate toward the future purchase of new STERIS capital equipment (including SYSTEM 1E) or consumable products. In addition, we provided credits for the return of SYSTEM 1 consumables in unbroken packaging and within shelf life and for the unused portion of SYSTEM 1 service contracts.

The Rebate Program ended August 2, 2012. Through September 30, 2012, Customers have utilized or committed to utilize rebates totaling approximately $66,600 on orders placed since the initiation of the Rebate Program. Additional Customer orders utilizing rebates are not anticipated although exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Company and existing orders may be modified or canceled by Customers. Remaining disposal costs are based on the actual costs experienced to date. During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we adjusted the liability related to the Rebate Program. The total pre-tax adjustment was $21,500, of which $20,400 was recorded as an increase to revenue for the Customer Rebate portion, and $1,100 was recorded as a reduction to cost of revenues related to the disposal portion of the liability. This adjustment resulted primarily from a lower number of eligible Customers electing to participate in the Rebate Program than previously estimated. While the remaining recorded accrual of $9,044 as of September 30, 2012 is still an estimate, it is based on actual experience to date. No further material adjustments are expected.

The Consent Decree has defined the resolution of a number of issues regarding SYSTEM 1, and we believe our actions with respect to SYSTEM 1, including the Transition Plan, were and are not recalls, corrections or removals under FDA regulations. However, there is no assurance that these or other claims will not be brought or that judicial, regulatory, administrative or other legal or enforcement actions, notices or remedies will not be pursued, or that action will not be taken in respect of the Consent Decree, the Transition Plan, SYSTEM 1, or otherwise with respect to regulatory or compliance matters, as described in this note 10 and in various portions of Item 1A. of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012 dated May 29, 2012.

In December of 2010, we began shipping SYSTEM 1E units, after having received FDA clearance for the SYSTEM 1E chemical indicator, which is used in conjunction with the SYSTEM 1E. We also submitted a 510(k) to FDA for an optional spore-based indicator strip for use with SYSTEM 1E. Thereafter, as a result of discussions with FDA, we filed a de novo submission requesting classification of this strip in accordance with Section 513(f)(2) of the Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic Act. The de novo process is part of the initial classification for new devices. This spore-based monitoring strip received FDA clearance on March 30, 2012. This new clearance does not affect the prior clearance of the SYSTEM 1E processor or the SYSTEM 1E chemical indicator.

On February 5, 2010, a complaint was filed by a Customer that claimed to have purchased two SYSTEM 1 devices from STERIS, Physicians of Winter Haven LLC d/b/a Day Surgery Center v. STERIS Corp., Case No. 1:1-cv-00264-CAB (N.D. Ohio). The complaint alleged statutory violations, breaches of various warranties, negligence, failure to warn, and unjust enrichment and Plaintiff sought class certification, damages, and other legal and equitable relief including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and an order requiring STERIS to replace, recall or adequately repair the product and/or to take appropriate regulatory action. On February 7, 2011 we entered into a settlement agreement in which we agreed, among other things, to provide various categories of economic relief for members of the settlement class and not object to plaintiff's counsel's application to the court for attorneys' fees and expenses up to a specified amount. Certification of a settlement class was approved and final approval of the settlement was given by the court in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we recorded in operating expenses a pre-tax charge of approximately $19,796 related to the settlement of these proceedings. The assumptions regarding the amount of this charge included, among others, the portion of class members participating in the settlement and their choice of the categories of economic relief available for such members. These assumptions may be incorrect and the costs of the settlement may be higher or lower than the charge recorded. Estimates of the actual settlement range from as low as $7,000 and as high as $22,000 depending on the options selected by the class members. Claims under the settlement must be submitted by Customers no later than December 31, 2012.

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 do not currently believe that the impact of this event will have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Other civil, criminal, regulatory or other proceedings involving our products or services also 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 affect our business, performance, prospects, value, financial condition, and results of operations.

For additional information regarding these matters, see the following portions of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012: “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 Warning Letter and Consent Decree” and the "Risk Factor” titled “Compliance with the Consent Decree may be more costly and burdensome than anticipated.”

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.

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,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012 dated May 29, 2012, and in Item 1 of Part II of this Form 10-Q titled, “Legal Proceedings.”