Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Level 4 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
ste_rebateprogramadjustment	$ 21,500
Customer Rebates [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Rebatesutilizedbycustomers	66,600
Product Rebate Program
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Accrual Carrying Value, Current	9,044
Customer Rebates [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
ste_rebateprogramadjustment	20,400
Product Disposal
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
ste_rebateprogramadjustment	$ (1,100)

The portion of the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the combined total of loss contingency liabilities which is expected to be resolved within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14326-108349

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant