STERIS Plc (Ireland) 10-K 31 May 16 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	May. 27, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
DEI [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	STERIS plc
Entity Central Index Key	1,624,899
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
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		86,000,348
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 3,849,471,943
Entity Voluntary Filers	No

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	[1]	$ 11,185	$ 9,415
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		248,841	167,689
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $11,185 and $9,415, respectively)		471,523	325,289
Inventories, net		192,792	160,818
Deferred income taxes, net		0	31,629
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		59,369	35,007
Total current assets		972,525	720,432
Property, plant, and equipment, net		1,064,319	493,053
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)		3,279,942	860,645
Other assets		29,630	23,161
Total assets		5,346,416	2,097,291
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		139,572	99,340
Accrued Income Taxes, Current		13,683	7,154
Accrued payroll and other related liabilities		93,976	74,805
Accrued expenses and other		153,375	102,032
Total current liabilities		400,606	283,331
Long-term indebtedness		1,567,796	621,075
Deferred income taxes, net		254,824	71,905
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent		84,298	47,334
Total liabilities		2,307,524	1,023,645
Preferred shares, with $0.15 par value; 100 shares authorized; 100 issued and outstanding		15	0
Ordinary shares, with $0.15 par value; 170,060 shares authorized and common shares with no par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 85,920 ordinary and 70,040 common shares issued; 85,920 ordinary and 59,675 common shares outstanding, respectively		2,151,719	264,853
Shares held in treasury, 0 and 10,364 shares, respectively		0	(320,343)
Retained earnings		939,459	1,193,791
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(68,159)	(66,669)
Total shareholders' equity		3,023,034	1,071,632
Noncontrolling interest		15,858	2,014
Total equity		3,038,892	1,073,646
Total liabilities and equity		$ 5,346,416	$ 2,097,291
Preferred shares authorized		100,000	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		100,000	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		100,000	0
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share		$ 0.15
Common Stock, Shares Authorized		170,060,000	300,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued		85,920,000	70,040,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding		85,920,000	59,675,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share		$ 0.15
Treasury Stock, Shares		0	10,364,000
[1]	Net allowance for doubtful accounts and allowance for sales and returns.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable Allowances	[1]	$ 11,185		$ 9,415	$ 10,922	$ 10,043
Serial preferred shares authorized		100,000		0
Serial preferred shares issued		100,000	100,000	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		100,000		0
Common shares authorized		170,060,000		300,000,000
Common shares issued		85,920,000		70,040,000
Common shares outstanding		85,920,000		59,675,000
Common shares held in treasury, shares		0		10,364,000
[1]	Net allowance for doubtful accounts and allowance for sales and returns.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Product	$ 1,130,046	$ 1,047,805	$ 1,011,462
Service	1,108,718	802,458	610,790
Total revenues	2,238,764	1,850,263	1,622,252
Cost of revenues:
Product	618,161	584,210	586,176
Service	725,122	491,752	386,454
Total cost of revenues	1,343,283	1,075,962	972,630
Gross Profit	895,481	774,301	649,622
Operating expenses:
Selling, general, and administrative	626,710	493,342	380,970
Research and development	56,664	54,139	48,641
Restructuring Costs	(820)	(391)	13,204
Total operating expenses	682,554	547,090	442,815
Income (loss) from operations	212,927	227,211	206,807
Non-operating expenses, net:
Interest expense	42,708	19,187	18,770
Interest income and miscellaneous expense	(1,665)	(796)	(339)
Total non-operating expenses, net	41,043	18,391	18,431
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	171,884	208,820	188,376
Income tax expense (benefit)	60,299	73,756	58,934
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	111,585	135,064	129,442
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	822	0	0
Net (loss) income	$ 110,763	$ 135,064	$ 129,442
Net income (loss) per common share
Basic	$ 1.57	$ 2.27	$ 2.20
Diluted	1.56	2.25	2.17
Cash dividends declared per common share outstanding	$ 0.98	$ 0.90	$ 0.82

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 111,585	$ 135,064	$ 129,442
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	822	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	110,763	135,064	129,442
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	(700)	4,007	(1,798)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	(1,741)	507	275
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(3,032)	(6,461)	2,756
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, Net of Tax	17,029	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(13,746)	(65,196)	5,538
Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders	(1,490)	(71,150)	8,569
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	109,273	63,914	138,011
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax	(266)	85	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, Tax	10,563	0	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders	$ (1,490)	$ (71,150)	$ 8,569

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 111,585	$ 135,064	$ 129,442
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	822	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	110,763	135,064	129,442
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	143,740	91,541	75,649
Deferred income taxes	704	(4,916)	15,176
Share-based compensation	16,147	14,921	11,100
Pension Expense	26,470	0	0
Pension Contributions	(4,641)	0	0
Loss on the disposal of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles, net	1,813	(151)	5,279
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities	(6,281)	(11,526)	(2,841)
Other items	(14,328)	(9,238)	(66)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(31,560)	(2,774)	(28,794)
Inventories, net	1,810	(9,902)	2,767
Other current assets	(9,599)	2,089	(5,482)
Accounts payable	5,249	(3,146)	19,377
Accruals and other, net	13,566	44,078	(11,976)
Net cash provided by operating activities	254,675	246,040	209,631
Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles, net	(126,407)	(85,255)	(86,367)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles	844	829	4,774
Payments to Acquire Investments	0	(4,681)	0
Investments in businesses, net of cash acquired	(604,021)	(194,662)	(67,059)
Net cash used in investing activities	(729,584)	(283,769)	(148,652)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement	350,000	0	0
Repayments of Long-term Debt	(92,567)	0	(70,000)
Proceeds Under Credit Facility, net	369,451	129,770	71,190
Amortization of Financing Costs	(5,169)	(14,370)	(43)
Payments of Merger Related Costs, Financing Activities	0	(1,250)	0
Repurchases of common shares	(14,369)	(30,687)	(25,469)
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders	(65,203)	(53,513)	(48,385)
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity	625	0	0
Stock option and other equity transactions, net	11,240	28,274	15,660
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities	6,281	11,526	2,841
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	560,289	69,750	(54,206)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(4,228)	(17,134)	4,021
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	81,152	14,887	10,794
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	167,689	152,802	142,008
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 248,841	$ 167,689	$ 152,802

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 946,980	$ 239,648	$ (321,801)	$ 1,031,183	$ (4,088)	$ 2,038
Shares, Issued		58,759	11,281
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.82
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 129,442	$ 0	$ 0	129,442	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	129,442
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	8,569				8,569
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		(624)	624
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	(25,469)	$ 0	$ (25,469)	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		833	(833)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	26,765	$ 3,697	$ 23,068	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised		0	0
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	2,841	2,841	0	0	0	0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	(48,385)	0	0	(48,385)	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value	503	0	0	0	0	503
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 1,041,246	$ 246,186	$ (324,202)	1,112,240	4,481	2,541
Shares, Issued		58,968	11,072
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.90
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 135,064	$ 0	$ 0	135,064	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	135,064
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(71,150)				(71,150)
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		(542)	542
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	(30,687)	$ 0	$ (30,687)	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		1,249	(1,250)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	41,687	$ 7,141	$ 34,546	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised		0	0
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	11,526	11,526
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation			0	0	0	0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	(53,513)	0	0	(53,513)	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value	(527)	0	0	0	0	(527)
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,073,646
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	1,071,632	$ 264,853	$ (320,343)	1,193,791	(66,669)
Noncontrolling interest	$ 2,014					2,014
Shares, Issued		59,675	10,364
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0
Preferred shares, with $0.15 par value; 100 shares authorized; 100 issued and outstanding	$ 0
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.98
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 110,763			110,763
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	822					822
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	111,585
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	(1,490)				(1,490)
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		(267)	248
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	(14,369)	$ 1,020	$ 12,974	375	0	13,574
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		664	(538)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	27,291	$ 13,624	$ 13,667	0	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance	1,443					1,443
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	319,650	$ (20,133)		(299,517)
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination		25,839	0
Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired			(10,074)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	1,901,068	$ 1,887,479
Purchase of subsidiary shares from non controlling interests		9
Purchase of subsidiary shares from non controlling interest		$ 635
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	(818)					(1,453)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised		0	$ 0
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	6,281	6,281
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation			0	0	0	0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	(65,203)	0	0	(65,203)	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value	(542)					(542)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	57,740
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	3,038,892
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	3,023,034	$ 2,151,719	$ 0	$ 939,459	$ (68,159)
Noncontrolling interest	$ 15,858					$ 15,858
Shares, Issued		85,920	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	100
Preferred shares, with $0.15 par value; 100 shares authorized; 100 issued and outstanding	$ 15

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHA8

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.98	$ 0.90	$ 0.82

Nature of Operations and Summar

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 plc, a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales, was incorporated on October 9, 2014 as a private limited company under the name New STERIS Limited and was re-registered effective November 2, 2015 as a public limited company under the name STERIS plc. New STERIS Limited was established to effect the combination ("Combination") of STERIS Corporation, an Ohio corporation ("Old STERIS"), and Synergy Health plc, a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Synergy"). The Combination closed on November 2, 2015 and as a result STERIS plc became the ultimate parent company of Old STERIS and STERIS completed the acquisition of Synergy in a cash and stock transaction. Synergy has been re-registered under the name Synergy Health Limited. The acquisition of Old STERIS was accounted for in the consolidated financial statements as a merger between entities under common control; accordingly the historical consolidated financial statements of Old STERIS for periods prior to November 2, 2015, are considered to be the historical financial statements of STERIS plc. Due to the timing of the Combination, the results of Synergy are only reflected in the results of operations of the Company from November 2, 2015, forward will affect the comparability to the prior period historical operations of the Company throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K. STERIS develops, manufactures and markets infection prevention, contamination control, microbial reduction, and surgical and gastrointestinal support products and services for healthcare, pharmaceutical, scientific, research, industrial, and governmental Customers throughout the world. As a result of the Combination, we have reorganized our operations into four reportable business segments: Healthcare Products, Healthcare Specialty Services, Life Sciences, and Applied Sterilization Technologies. We describe our business segments in note 12 to our consolidated financial statements 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. We use the consolidation method to report our investment in our subsidiaries. Therefore, 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. Investments in equity of unconsolidated affiliates, over which the Company has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and operating polices, are accounted for primarily using the equity method. These investments are immaterial to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. In prior periods we presented income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the "Interest income and miscellaneous expense" line of our Consolidated Statements of Income and the amounts were not material. Use of Estimates. We make certain estimates and assumptions when preparing financial statements according to U.S. GAAP that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the financial statement dates and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. These estimates and assumptions involve judgments with respect to many factors that are difficult to predict and are beyond our control. Actual results could be materially different from these estimates. 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, 2016 2015 2014 Cash paid during the year for: Interest $ 37,165 $ 19,124 $ 19,268 Income taxes 60,885 52,707 52,888 Cash received during the year for income tax refunds 1,697 2,405 3,076 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 preventive 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 31.0% and 35.9% of total inventories at March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Inventory costs include material, labor, and overhead. If we had used only the FIFO method of inventory costing, inventories would have been $17,608 and $19,071 higher than those reported at March 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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), linens 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) 15 or 20 Linens 1-5 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 $723 and $174 for the years ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Total interest expense for the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was $42,708 , $19,187 , and $18,770 , respectively. Identifiable Intangible Assets. Our identifiable intangible assets include product technology rights, trademarks, licenses, and Customer and vendor 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. 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. We incur retirement obligations for certain assets. We recorded initial liabilities for the asset retirement obligations ("ARO") at fair value. Recognition of ARO includes: estimating the present value of a liability and offsetting asset, the subsequent accretion of that liability and depletion of the asset, and a 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. 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 certain 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 plans. We also sponsor a post-retirement welfare benefit plan 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 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 subsidiaries whose local currency is their functional currency are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within 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 $10,785 , $9,732 , and $8,606 of advertising costs during the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , 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. 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. Late in 2015 Congress enacted legislation that suspended the excise tax for 2016 and 2017. We incurred Medical Device Excise taxes of $5,802 , $7,917 , and $7,390 during fiscal years 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively which is included in cost of revenues in the period of sale. 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 recently been adopted ASU 2015-17 "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes " November 2015 The update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. Current GAAP requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in a classified statement of financial position.The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this update. This update is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. Fourth Quarter 2016 As a result of the adoption of this standard we reclassified $38,963 of our short term deferred taxes into long term deferred taxes, in our March 31, 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheet. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. ASU 2015-16, "Business Combinations - Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments" September 2015 The standard requires the recognition of adjustments to provisional amounts, that are identified during the measurement period, in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. The effects of the adjustments to provisional amounts on depreciation, amortization or other income effects should be recognized in current-period earnings as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. Disclosure of the portion of the adjustment recorded in current-period earnings that would have been reported in prior reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized at the acquisition date is also required. Third Quarter Fiscal 2016 This update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs" April 2015 The update requires capitalized debt issuance costs to be presented as a reduction to the carrying value of debt instead of being classified as a deferred charge, as previously required. This update is effective for all annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and is required to be adopted retroactively for all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. First Quarter Fiscal 2016 This update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Standards that have not yet been adopted ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and subsequently issued amendments 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, 2017 and interim periods within that period. Early adoption is not permitted before the original public entity effective date of December 15, 2016. N/A We are in the process of evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. ASU 2015-05, "Goodwill and other-Internal-Use Software" (Subtopic 350-40) April 2015 The standard provides guidance on a customer's accounting for fees paid in cloud computing arrangements. Previously, there was no U.S. GAAP guidance on accounting for such fees from the customer's perspective. Under the standard, customers will apply the same criteria as vendors to determine whether the arrangement contains a software license or is solely a service contract. The determination could impact the classification of advance payments in the statements of financial position and cash flows as well as the classification of the expenses in the results of operations. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within that period. Early adoption is permitted. N/A We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our statements of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. ASU 2016-02, "Leases" (Topic 842) February 2016 The update will require lessees to record all leases, whether finance or operating, on the balance sheet. An asset will be recorded to represent the right to use the leased asset, and a liability will be recorded to represent the lease obligation. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within that period. Early adoption is permitted. N/A We are in the process of evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our statements of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. ASU 2016-07, "Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting" (Topic 323) March 2016 The update replaces the previous requirement to retroactively adopt the equity method. The new standard requires that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor's previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that period. Early adoption is permitted. N/A We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our statements of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. ASU 2016-09, "Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" (Topic 718) March 2016 The update simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax consequences, the classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and the classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that period. Early adoption is permitted. N/A We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our statements of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, operations located at Hopkins were transferred 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. Since the inception of the Restructuring Plan we have incurred pre-tax expenses totaling $18,970 related to these actions, of which $10,874 was recorded as restructuring expenses and $8,096 was recorded in cost of revenues, with restructuring expenses of $15,568 , $1,293 , $829 , and $1,280 related to the Healthcare Products, Healthcare Specialty Services, Life Sciences and Applied Sterilization Technologies 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 2016 , fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 : Year Ended March 31, 2016 Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan (1) Severance and other compensation related costs $ (1,050 ) Product rationalization 319 Lease termination obligation and other 230 Total restructuring (benefit) charges $ (501 ) (1) Includes $319 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income. Year Ended March 31, 2015 Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan (1) Severance and other compensation related costs $ (616 ) Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation (38 ) Lease termination obligation and other 263 Product rationalization (368 ) Total restructuring 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 (benefit) charges $ 20,231 $ 1,117 $ 21,348 (1) Includes $8,144 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income. 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.” Remaining liabilities related to the Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan were $700 at March 31, 2016. The following table summarizes our restructuring liability balances and activity for the year ended March 31, 2015: Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan Fiscal 2015 March 31, Provision Payments/ Impairments (1) March 31, Severance and termination benefits $ 6,389 $ (616 ) $ (3,242 ) $ 2,531 Lease termination obligations and other 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.

Business Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Fiscal Year 2016 Synergy Health plc On November 2, 2015, STERIS acquired all outstanding shares of Synergy in a cash and stock transaction valued at £24.80 ( $38.17 ) per Synergy share, or a total of approximately $2.3 billion based on the low trading price of Old STERIS’s stock of $73.02 per share on November 2, 2015. The Combination brought together businesses that generate revenues from over 100 countries, employ approximately 14,000 employees, and are geographically complementary. The Combination is expected to result in cost savings from optimizing global back-office infrastructure, leveraging best-demonstrated practices across plants, in-sourcing consumables, and eliminating redundant public company costs. Total costs of approximately $63,789 before tax, were incurred during fiscal year 2016 related to the Combination and are reported in selling, general and administrative expense. Total consideration for the transaction is presented in the table below. At the closing date of the Combination, vested share option awards remained outstanding under Synergy's Save As You Earn Plans ("SAYE"). In accordance with the provisions of SAYE, vested option awards may be exercised to the extent that the exercise price funds have been accumulated in accordance with the option holder's savings contract. The number of Synergy shares that are expected to be issued have been fair valued based on the same cash and stock consideration available to other Synergy shareholders at the time of the Combination. Cash consideration $ 402,494 STERIS plc shares (25,848,798 ordinary shares issued) 1,887,479 Fair value of consideration available to vested Synergy share option holders 4,819 Total purchase consideration $ 2,294,792 The acquisition of Synergy has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires, among other things, the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests be recognized at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date. Acquisition accounting is dependent upon certain valuations and other studies that are in progress and are not yet to a stage where there is sufficient information for a definitive measurement. The process for estimating the fair values of identifiable intangible assets and certain tangible assets and assumed liabilities requires the use of judgment in determining the appropriate assumptions and estimates. The purchase price allocation for Synergy is preliminary. As we finalize the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests, additional purchase price adjustments will be recorded during the measurement period. Fair value estimates are based on a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. The judgments used to determine the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives, can materially impact our results of operations. The finalization of the purchase accounting assessment will result in changes in the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and may have a material impact on the our results of operations and financial position. Goodwill will be allocated to the Healthcare Products, Healthcare Specialty Services, and Applied Sterilization Technologies segments. Goodwill is the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the expected revenue and cost synergies of the combined company and assembled workforce, which are further described above. Goodwill recognized as a result of the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes. Gepco On July 31, 2015 we acquired all of the outstanding shares of General Econopak, Inc. (“Gepco”) for a purchase price of $176,474 in cash, including a customary working capital adjustment. Gepco is a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of product solutions in the areas of sterility maintenance, barrier protection, and sterile cleanroom products for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and veterinary Customers. Gepco is being integrated into our Life Sciences business segment. The purchase price was financed through a combination of credit facility borrowings and cash on hand. The purchase price has been allocated to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition date. The acquisition qualified for 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. We recorded $2,380 of acquisition related costs, which are reported in selling, general and administrative expense. Black Diamond On June 12, 2015 we acquired the capital stock of Black Diamond Video, Inc. ("Black Diamond"), a California-based developer and provider of operating room integration systems. The purchase price was approximately $46,155 , which includes a working capital adjustment, deferred consideration of $5,870 , to be paid approximately twelve months after the closing date, and contingent consideration of $800 . The transaction consideration paid at closing was funded with cash on hand. Black Diamond is being integrated into our Healthcare Products business segment. The purchase price has been allocated to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition related costs were insignificant. Other 2016 Acquisitions We also completed several other minor purchases that continued to expand our service offerings in the Healthcare Products, Healthcare Specialty Services and Life Sciences segments. The aggregate purchase price associated with these transactions was approximately $41,079 , including potential contingent consideration of $1,760 . Acquisition related costs were insignificant. 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 $ 12,414 , including a customary working capital adjustment. Dana has been integrated into the Healthcare Products business segment. The purchase price has been allocated to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition date. The acquisition of Dana qualified 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 are being 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 has been 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 are being 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 $162,905 , including 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 Specialty Services segment. We recorded acquisition related costs of $3,208 , before tax, which are reported in selling, general and administrative expense. The acquisition of IMS qualified 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 , including a customary working capital adjustment. FSR has been integrated into the Healthcare Specialty Services 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 , including 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 Specialty Services 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 thirteen years. Acquisition related costs were insignificant. 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 Products 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 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. Acquisition related costs were insignificant. Each of these 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 have not been presented (with the exception of Synergy) because the effects of the acquisitions were not material to our financial results. Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed 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 2016, 2015 and 2014 acquisitions. Fiscal Year 2016 Fiscal Year 2015 Fiscal Year 2014 Synergy (1) Gepco Black Diamond Other Acquisitions Dana AGAPE IMS FSR LSI Eschmann Cash $ 53,057 $ 1,108 $ — $ — $ 135 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2,545 Accounts receivable 107,341 4,161 2,966 3,859 617 342 16,594 388 2,341 5,336 Inventory 30,074 1,926 3,309 1,108 388 — 8,478 402 2,727 10,017 Property, plant and equipment 534,879 3,421 607 1,979 743 — 15,074 98 301 6,262 Other assets 19,708 946 54 — — — 842 11 117 475 Intangible assets 806,526 61,900 13,500 14,829 6,363 1,200 62,000 2,765 4,462 21,128 Goodwill 1,411,781 104,485 31,792 20,630 4,311 1,899 81,587 2,131 16,230 14,274 Total Assets 2,963,366 177,947 52,228 42,405 12,557 3,441 184,575 5,795 26,178 60,037 Current liabilities (108,192 ) (1,473 ) (4,525 ) (1,277 ) (143 ) (26 ) (11,670 ) (16 ) (1,678 ) (14,357 ) Long-term indebtedness (321,082 ) — — — — — — — — — Non-current liabilities (230,544 ) — (1,548 ) (49 ) — — — — — (4,035 ) Total Liabilities (659,818 ) (1,473 ) (6,073 ) (1,326 ) (143 ) (26 ) (11,670 ) (16 ) (1,678 ) (18,392 ) Net Assets $ 2,303,548 $ 176,474 $ 46,155 $ 41,079 $ 12,414 $ 3,415 $ 172,905 $ 5,779 $ 24,500 $ 41,645 (1) Purchase price allocation is still preliminary as of March 31, 2016, as valuations have not been finalized. Intangible assets acquired in the Synergy acquisition consist of trade names, technology and Customer relationships. Preliminary values and useful lives are presented in the table below. Total (1) Useful Life Customer relationships $ 717,254 10-17 years Trade names 64,645 10 years Technology 24,627 7 years Total intangible assets acquired $ 806,526 (1) Amounts are preliminary as of March 31, 2016, as valuations have not been finalized. Contingent liabilities assumed as part of the Combination total $7,082 at the date of the Combination, and are included within accrued expenses and other and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. These contingent liabilities include $5,521 related to income taxes (including uncertain tax positions) and $1,561 related to contingent consideration associated with prior acquisitions completed by Synergy. Contingent liabilities are recorded at their estimated fair values, aside from those pertaining to uncertainty in income taxes which are an exception to the fair value basis of accounting. See note 18, titled "Fair Value Measurements" to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on contingent liabilities. The estimated fair values noted above are preliminary and are subject to change upon finalization of the purchase accounting assessment and may have a material impact on the our results of operations and financial position. Actual and Pro Forma Impact Our consolidated financial statements include Synergy's results of operations from the date of acquisition on November 2, 2015 through March 31, 2016. Net sales and operating income attributable to Synergy during this period and included in our consolidated financial statements for fiscal years ended March 31, 2016 total $254,911 and $3,695 , respectively. The following unaudited pro forma information gives effect to our acquisition of Synergy as if the acquisition had occurred on April 1, 2014 and Synergy had been included in our consolidated results of operations for fiscal years ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015. Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (unaudited) 2016 2015 Net revenues $ 2,619,056 $ 2,499,140 Net income from continuing operations 188,269 152,057 The historical consolidated financial information of STERIS and Synergy has been adjusted in the pro forma information to give effect to pro forma events that are (1) directly attributable to the transaction, (2) factually supportable and (3) expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. In order to reflect the occurrence of the acquisition on April 1, 2014 as required, the unaudited pro forma results include adjustments to reflect the amortization of the inventory step-up, the incremental depreciation from the fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment, and the incremental intangible asset amortization to be incurred based on preliminary valuations of assets acquired. Adjustments to financing costs and income tax expense also were made to reflect the capital structure and anticipated effective tax rate of the combined entity. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been obtained if the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the period presented or that may occur in the future, and does not reflect future synergies, integration costs, or other such costs or savings.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 2016 . These tests confirmed that the fair value of our reporting units and indefinite life intangible assets exceed their respective carrying values and that no impairment losses were required to be recognized in fiscal 2016 or for any prior periods as a result of annual testing. However, during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, a new branding strategy for surgical instrument and endoscope repair services was adopted as part of the integration of IMS into the Healthcare Specialty Services segment. This new strategy represented an indicator of impairment of the carrying value of the Spectrum trade-name as it now will used solely for Healthcare Specialty Services product offerings. We 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. 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 were as follows: Healthcare Products Segment Healthcare Specialty Services Segment Life Sciences Segment Applied Sterilization Technologies Segment Synergy Combination Total Balance at March 31, 2014 $ 330,180 $ 69,486 $ 34,310 $ 83,035 $ — $ 517,011 Goodwill acquired or allocated 5,817 81,358 1,899 — — 89,074 Foreign currency translation adjustments (11,124 ) — (2,320 ) — — (13,444 ) Balance at March 31, 2015 324,873 150,844 33,889 83,035 — 592,641 Goodwill acquired or allocated 40,043 3,428 113,284 — 1,408,192 1,564,947 Foreign currency translation adjustments (1,146 ) — 161 — — (985 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 363,770 $ 154,272 $ 147,334 $ 83,035 $ 1,408,192 $ 2,156,603 Goodwill associated with the Combination with Synergy has not yet been allocated to business segments as the purchase price allocation is preliminary as of March 31, 2016. Valuations have not progressed to sufficiently determine the fair value of the business units acquired. Goodwill will be allocated among the Healthcare Products, Healthcare Specialty Services and Applied Sterilization Technologies business segments. The fiscal 2016 increase in goodwill associated with the Healthcare Products segment resulted primarily from the acquisition of the capital stock of Black Diamond. The increase associated with the Life Sciences segment resulted primarily from the acquisition of the capital stock of Gepco. Other minor purchases also impacted goodwill associated with the Healthcare Products, Healthcare Specialty Services and Life Sciences segments. The fiscal 2015 decrease in goodwill associated with the Healthcare Products segment resulted from the acquisition of the capital stock of Dana which was more than offset by foreign currency fluctuations. The increase associated with the Healthcare Specialty Services segment resulted from the acquisition of the capital stock of IMS. The decrease associated with the Life Science segment resulted from the acquisition of the assets of AGAPE, which was more than offset by foreign currency fluctuations. Our fiscal 2016 and 2015 acquisitions are described in note 3 to our consolidated financial statements titled, "Business Acquisitions". Information regarding our intangible assets is as follows: March 31, 2016 March 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Customer relationships $ 879,525 $ 64,268 $ 134,014 $ 35,516 Non-compete agreements 4,730 3,503 3,654 3,377 Patents and technology 213,317 70,801 178,290 56,861 Trademarks and tradenames 129,690 18,318 61,896 14,096 Supplier relationships 54,800 1,827 — — Other 10 16 10 10 Total $ 1,282,072 $ 158,733 $ 377,864 $ 109,860 Certain trademarks and tradenames acquired in fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 are indefinite-lived assets. The approximate carrying value of these assets at March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 was $35,340 and $35,490 , respectively. Total amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $49,782 , $24,500 , and $18,612 for the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , 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: 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 and thereafter Estimated amortization expense $ 79,806 $ 79,734 $ 79,648 $ 78,705 $ 78,185 The estimated annual amortization expense presented in the preceding table has been calculated based upon March 31, 2016 foreign currency exchange rates.

Inventories, Net

Inventories, Net	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Inventories, Net	INVENTORIES, NET Inventories, net consisted of the following: March 31, 2016 2015 Raw materials $ 62,673 $ 67,095 Work in process 19,614 22,696 Finished goods 146,820 107,695 LIFO reserve (17,608 ) (19,071 ) Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory (18,707 ) (17,597 ) Inventories, net $ 192,792 $ 160,818

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 Land and land improvements (1) $ 39,051 $ 40,668 Buildings and leasehold improvements 446,277 263,007 Machinery and equipment 580,962 375,555 Linens (2) 42,354 — Information systems 126,180 104,049 Radioisotope 434,152 289,778 Construction in progress (1) 79,291 47,690 Total property, plant, and equipment 1,748,267 1,120,747 Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion (683,948 ) (627,694 ) Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 1,064,319 $ 493,053 (1) Land is not depreciated. Construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service. (2) Linen assets were first acquired as part of our Combination with Synergy and are depreciated over useful lives ranging from one to five years. Depreciation and depletion expense were $93,958 , $61,481 and $57,037 , for the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Rental expense for operating leases was $23,238 , $18,602 , and $17,643 for the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , 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, 2016 were as follows: Operating Leases 2017 $ 29,098 2018 23,853 2019 18,402 2020 10,456 2021 and thereafter 53,103 Total minimum lease payments $ 134,912 In the preceding table, the future minimum annual rentals payable under noncancelable leases denominated in foreign currencies have been calculated based upon March 31, 2016 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. We have incurred asset retirement obligations (ARO) associated with the disposal of these depleted assets. Recognition of ARO includes: 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, 2015 $ 8,083 Liabilities assumed as result of the Combination with Synergy 8,686 Liabilities incurred during the period 38 Accretion expense and change in estimate (6,629 ) Foreign currency movement 164 Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 10,342

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Debt	DEBT Indebtedness was as follows: March 31, 2016 2015 Private Placement (1) $ 662,580 $ 337,825 Credit Agreement and Swing Line Facility 905,216 283,250 Total long term debt $ 1,567,796 $ 621,075 (1) Amounts are presented net of deferred financing costs. In order to fund the acquisition of Synergy, including the cash payments made in respect of Synergy shares, the repayment of Synergy debt and certain transaction expenses, on November 2, 2015, STERIS plc borrowed under the Credit Agreement (as herein-after defined) (i) $132,000 , £49,000 , and €127,750 under the revolving credit facility and (ii) $400,000 under the term loan facility. Borrowings bear interest at the Company’s option based upon either the Base Rate or the Eurocurrency Rate, plus the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time under the Credit Agreement. The Applicable Margin is determined based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA. Interest on Base Rate Advances is payable quarterly in arrears and interest on Eurocurrency Rate Advances is payable at the end of the relevant interest period therefor, but in no event less frequently than every three months. On May 15, 2015, Old STERIS 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 were used for repayment of Credit Agreement debt and for other corporate purposes. The agreement governing these notes contains leverage and interest coverage covenants. On March 31, 2015, Old STERIS and STERIS 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 currently provides $1,245,000 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 . 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. In February 2013, Old STERIS issued $100,000 of senior notes, of which $98,000 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 $98,000 of outstanding notes, $45,500 have a maturity of nine years and 10 months from issuance and have a current annual interest rate of 3.70% , an additional $40,000 have a maturity of 11 years and 10 months from issuance and have a current annual interest rate of 3.85% , and the remaining $12,500 have a maturity of 14 years and 10 months from issuance and have a current annual interest rate of 4.05% . 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, Old STERIS issued $100,000 of senior notes, of which $98,000 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 $98,000 of outstanding notes, $45,500 have a maturity of 10 years from issuance and have a current annual interest rate of 3.70% , an additional $40,000 have a maturity of 12 years from issuance and have a current annual interest rate of 3.85% , and the remaining $12,500 have a maturity of 15 years from issuance and have a current annual interest rate of 4.05% . 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, Old STERIS 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 and have a current annual interest rate of 6.83% , and the remaining $35,000 have a maturity of 12 years from issuance and have a current annual interest rate of 6.93% . 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. As of March 31, 2016 , a total $905,216 of indebtedness was outstanding under the Credit Agreement. At March 31, 2016 , 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: 2017 $ — 2018 — 2019 85,000 2020 905,216 2021 and thereafter 581,000 Total $ 1,571,216

Additional Consolidated Balance

Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 Accrued payroll and other related liabilities: Compensation and related items $ 30,175 $ 16,680 Accrued vacation/paid time off 14,368 5,539 Accrued bonuses 31,502 30,159 Accrued employee commissions 13,809 12,842 Accrued pension — 6,186 Other postretirement benefit obligations-current portion 2,463 2,789 Other employee benefit plans' obligations-current portion 1,659 610 Total accrued payroll and other related liabilities $ 93,976 $ 74,805 Accrued expenses and other: Deferred revenues $ 56,238 $ 34,910 Self-insured risk reserves-current portion 8,266 6,897 Accrued dealer commissions 12,717 13,591 Accrued warranty 5,909 5,579 Asset retirement obligation-current portion — 1,092 Other 70,245 39,963 Total accrued expenses and other $ 153,375 $ 102,032 Other liabilities: Self-insured risk reserves-long-term portion $ 13,257 $ 12,052 Other postretirement benefit obligations-long-term portion 15,932 18,489 Defined benefit pension plans obligations-long-term portion 25,301 119 Other employee benefit plans obligations-long-term portion 4,366 6,634 Asset retirement obligation-long-term portion 10,342 6,991 Other 15,100 3,049 Total other liabilities $ 84,298 $ 47,334

Income Tax Expense

Income Tax Expense	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Expense [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	INCOME TAXES Income from continuing operations before income taxes was as follows: Years Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2014 United States operations $ 105,758 $ 161,165 $ 122,245 United Kingdom operations (20,553 ) 15,824 11,483 Other Foreign Locations operations 86,679 31,831 54,648 $ 171,884 $ 208,820 $ 188,376 The components of the provision for income taxes related to income from continuing operations consisted of the following: Years Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current: United States federal $ 41,653 $ 52,234 $ 24,016 United States state and local 7,943 8,551 5,991 United Kingdom 2,194 3,633 2,985 Other foreign locations 13,924 8,842 13,464 65,714 73,260 46,456 Deferred: United States federal 1,427 1,436 10,501 United States state and local 299 214 1,473 United Kingdom (6,973 ) (676 ) (410 ) Other foreign locations (168 ) (478 ) 914 (5,415 ) 496 12,478 Total Provision for Income Taxes $ 60,299 $ 73,756 $ 58,934 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, 2016 2015 2014 United States federal statutory tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Increase (decrease) in accruals for uncertain tax positions 0.2 % — % (5.1 )% State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 3.3 % 2.8 % 2.6 % Increase in valuation allowances 1.0 % 2.1 % 1.5 % Foreign income tax credit (0.6 )% (1.0 )% (2.0 )% Difference in non-United States tax rates (8.5 )% (3.6 )% (0.1 )% Excise tax gross-up 3.4 % — % — % U.S. manufacturing deduction (2.5 )% (1.6 )% (1.2 )% U.S. Tax Benefit resulting from European Restructuring — % — % (0.6 )% Capitalized acquisition costs 5.3 % 2.2 % — % All other, net (1.5 )% (0.6 )% 1.2 % Total Provision for Income Taxes 35.1 % 35.3 % 31.3 % 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, 2016 2015 Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at April 1 $ — $ — Increases for tax provisions of prior years — — Decreases for tax provisions of prior years — — Increases for tax provisions of current year 316 — Decreases for tax provisions of current year — — Balances related to acquired businesses 3,422 — Other decreases, including currency translation (211 ) — Settlements — — Lapse of statute of limitations — — Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at March 31 $ 3,527 $ — We recognized interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the provision for income taxes. As of March 31, 2016 we had $456 accrued for interest and penalties. The increase during fiscal 2016 is primarily associated with balances related to acquired businesses. If all unrecognized tax benefits were recognized, the net impact on the provision for income tax expense would be $3,706 . It is reasonably possible that during the next twelve months, a reduction in unrecognized tax benefits may occur up to $345 as a result of the expiration of various statutes of limitations or matters related to transfer pricing. 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 2013 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 2011. 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, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: March 31, 2016 2015 Deferred Tax Assets: Post-retirement benefit accrual $ 7,016 $ 8,130 Compensation 25,436 24,374 Net operating loss carryforwards 26,151 13,090 Accrued expenses 7,521 6,808 Insurance 4,226 4,071 Deferred income 7,910 6,148 Bad debt 2,059 1,941 Pension 5,155 2,781 Other 2,208 464 Deferred Tax Assets 87,682 67,807 Less: Valuation allowance 16,435 14,380 Total Deferred Tax Assets 71,247 53,427 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Depreciation and depletion 85,807 50,559 Intangibles 226,809 38,121 Other 3,744 3,710 Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 316,360 92,390 Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) $ (245,113 ) $ (38,963 ) During the fourth quarter of 2016, we early adopted Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes" ("ASU 2015-17"). ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheet starting in 2017. We elected to apply this standard prospectively for the 2016 financial statements. As a result, prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. At March 31, 2016 , we had federal operating loss carryforwards of $20,955 , which if unused, these federal operating loss carryforwards will expire between fiscal years 2031 and 2036. Additionally, we had foreign operating loss carry forwards of $59,487 . Although the majority of the foreign carryforwards have indefinite expiration periods, those carryforwards that have definite expiration periods will expire if unused between fiscal years 2017 and 2025. In addition, we have recorded tax benefits of $1,704 related to state operating loss carryforwards. If unused, these state operating loss carryforwards will expire between fiscal years 2017 and 2036. At March 31, 2016 , we had $1,520 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 $16,435 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 2016 by $2,055 . No provision has been made for income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $1.1 billion at March 31, 2016, since it is our intention to indefinitely reinvest undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. It is not practicable to estimate the additional income taxes and applicable withholding taxes that would be payable on the remittance of such undistributed earnings. In October 2015, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in conjunction with the G20, finalized broad-based international tax policy guidelines that involve transfer pricing and other international tax subjects. While some member jurisdictions automatically adopt the new OECD guidelines, most member countries can adopt the guidelines only by new law or regulations. We are currently adopting processes to comply with the reporting requirements specified by the guidelines and are evaluating the other parts of the guidelines.

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	BENEFIT PLANS In the United States we sponsor an unfunded post-retirement welfare benefits plan for two groups of United States retirees. Benefits under this plan include retiree life insurance and retiree medical insurance, including prescription drug coverage. 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. 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 was filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on August 22, 2014, with respect to the Plan termination. A Form 500 Standard Termination Notice was filed with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") on November 17, 2014. The 60-day PBGC waiting period lapsed without objection by the PBGC. AMSCO received a favorable determination from the IRS regarding the termination. On August 19, 2015, an annuity contract was purchased from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company to provide Plan benefits. Plan assets were converted to cash to fund the purchase. The purchase price of the annuity contract was $51,805 . An additional employer contribution of $4,641 was made to the Plan to fund the annuity purchase obligation on August 26, 2015. As a result of the purchase of the annuity, we recognized a pension settlement of $26,470 . In addition, plan benefits and benefit administration became the responsibility of the annuity provider. The assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation as of March 31, 2015 reflected this effort. As a result of the combination with Synergy, we now participate in seven defined benefit pension schemes outside the United States: three in the UK, one in the Netherlands, two in Germany, and one in Switzerland. Preliminary estimated unfunded obligations of $23,507 were recorded as of the November 2, 2015 closing date. In the United Kingdom, we sponsor schemes which are funded defined benefit arrangements. Each is a separate trustee administered fund holding the pension scheme assets to meet long-term pension liabilities for past and present employees. The level of retirement benefit is principally based on the final pensionable salary prior to leaving active service, and is linked to changes in inflation up to retirement. Synergy Health plc Retirement Benefits Scheme: The scheme is a defined benefit (final salary) funded pension scheme. Participation in this scheme is only offered to employees transferring their employment from National Health Service Trusts. Shiloh Group Pension Scheme: The scheme is a defined benefit (final salary) funded pension scheme, which is closed to new members and which ceased accrual of benefits of March 31, 2011. Vernon-Carus Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme: The scheme is a defined benefit (final salary) funded pension scheme, which is closed to new members and which ceased accrual of benefits as of March 31, 2011. In previous years, Synergy sponsored a funded defined benefit arrangement in the Netherlands. This was a separate fund holding the pension scheme assets to meet long term pension liabilities for past and present employees. Accrual of benefits ceased under the scheme effective January 1, 2013. Synergy Radeberg and Synergy Allershausen Schemes: These schemes are defined benefit funded pension schemes, closed to new entrants. Synergy Daniken Scheme: The scheme is a defined benefit funded pension scheme. 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, 2016 and 2015 , 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. AMSCO Plan Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefits Plan 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Change in Benefit Obligations: Benefit Obligations at Beginning of Year $ 56,612 $ 49,206 $ — $ — $ 21,278 $ 21,342 Obligation assumed in Combination — — 121,468 — — — Service cost 27 140 961 — — — Interest cost 560 1,887 1,659 — 593 691 Actuarial loss (gain) (2,365 ) 9,752 5,399 — (673 ) 2,327 Benefits and expenses (3,029 ) (4,373 ) (2,346 ) — (2,818 ) (3,082 ) Employee contributions — — 517 — — — Curtailments/settlements (51,805 ) — (326 ) — — — Impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes — — 1,610 — — — Benefit Obligations at End of Year — 56,612 128,942 — 18,380 21,278 Change in Plan Assets: Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year 50,426 48,613 — — — — Assets assumed in Combination — — 99,511 — — — Actual return on plan assets (279 ) 6,186 2,989 — — — Employer contributions 4,687 — 2,280 — (2,818 ) 3,082 Employee contributions — — 517 — — — Benefits and expenses paid (3,029 ) (4,373 ) (2,204 ) — 2,818 (3,082 ) Curtailments/settlements (51,805 ) — — — — — Impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes — — 1,260 — — — Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year — 50,426 104,353 — — — Funded Status of the Plans $ — $ (6,186 ) $ (24,589 ) $ — $ (18,380 ) $ (21,278 ) Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following: AMSCO Plan Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Post-retirement Plan 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Current liabilities $ — $ (6,186 ) $ — $ — $ (2,463 ) $ (2,789 ) Noncurrent liabilities — — (24,589 ) — (15,917 ) (18,489 ) $ — $ (6,186 ) $ (24,589 ) $ — $ (18,380 ) $ (21,278 ) The pre-tax amount of unrecognized actuarial net loss and unamortized prior service cost included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at March 31, 2016 was $8 and $20 , respectively. During fiscal 2017, we will amortize the following pre-tax amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income: AMSCO Plan Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan Actuarial loss $ — $ — $ 739 Prior Service Cost — — (3,263 ) Defined benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation exceeding the fair value of plan assets had the following plan assets and obligations at March 31, 2016 and 2015 : AMSCO Plan Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans 2016 2015 2016 2015 Aggregate fair value of plan assets $ — $ 50,426 $ 104,353 $ — Aggregate accumulated benefit obligations — 56,612 128,942 — Aggregate projected benefit obligations — 56,612 128,942 — 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: AMSCO Plan Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Post-retirement Plan 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Service cost $ 27 $ 140 $ 160 $ 961 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Interest cost 560 1,887 1,799 1,659 — — 593 691 683 Expected return on plan assets (1,008 ) (3,139 ) (3,442 ) (1,324 ) — — — — — Prior service cost recognition — — — (142 ) — — (3,263 ) (3,263 ) (3,263 ) Net amortization and deferral 602 1,106 1,458 — — — 828 721 891 Curtailments/settlements 26,470 — — (326 ) — — — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 26,651 $ (6 ) $ (25 ) $ 828 $ — $ — $ (1,842 ) $ (1,851 ) $ (1,689 ) Recognized in other comprehensive loss (income) before tax: Net loss (gain) occurring during year $ — $ 6,706 $ (4,814 ) $ (3,733 ) $ — $ — $ 673 $ 2,327 $ (654 ) Amortization of prior service credit — — — — — — 3,263 3,263 3,263 Amortization of net loss (602 ) (1,106 ) (1,458 ) — — — (721 ) (721 ) (891 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (income) (602 ) 5,600 (6,272 ) (3,733 ) — — 3,215 4,869 1,718 Total recognized in total benefits cost and other comprehensive loss (income) $ 26,049 $ 5,594 $ (6,297 ) $ (2,905 ) $ — $ — $ 1,373 $ 3,018 $ 29 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: 2016 2015 Discount Rate: AMSCO Plan n/a 2.46 % Other defined benefit pension plans Shiloh Group Pension Scheme 3.50 % n/a Synergy Health PLC Retirement Benefits Scheme 3.50 % n/a Vernon Carus Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme 3.50 % n/a Isotron BV Pension Plan 1.60 % n/a Synergy Health Daniken AG 0.40 % n/a Synergy Health Radeberg 1.60 % n/a Synergy Health Allershausen 1.60 % n/a Other post-retirement plan 3.25 % 3.00 % The following table presents significant assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit costs for the years ended March 31: 2016 2015 2014 Discount Rate: AMSCO Plan n/a 4.00 % 3.50 % Other defined benefit pension plans Shiloh Group Pension Scheme 3.80 % n/a n/a Synergy Health PLC Retirement Benefits Scheme 3.80 % n/a n/a Vernon Carus Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme 3.80 % n/a n/a Isotron BV Pension Plan 2.10 % n/a n/a Synergy Health Daniken AG 0.40 % n/a n/a Synergy Health Radeberg 1.60 % n/a n/a Synergy Health Allershausen 1.60 % n/a n/a Other post-retirement plan 3.25 % 3.00 % 3.50 % Expected Return on Plan Assets: AMSCO Plan n/a 6.75 % 7.75 % Other defined benefit pension plans Shiloh Group Pension Scheme 5.14 % n/a n/a Synergy Health PLC Retirement Benefits Scheme 6.17 % n/a n/a Vernon Carus Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme 4.77 % n/a n/a Isotron BV Pension Plan 2.10 % n/a n/a Synergy Health Daniken AG 1.40 % n/a n/a 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. 2016 2015 2014 Healthcare cost trend rate – medical 7.0 % 7.0 % 7.0 % 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, 2016 : One-Percentage Point Increase Decrease Effect on total service and interest cost components $ 1 $ (1 ) Effect on other post-retirement benefit obligation 44 (42 ) Plan Assets. The investment policies for our plans are generally established by the local pension plan trustees and seek to maintain the plans' ability to meet liabilities and to comply with local minimum funding requirements. Plan assets are invested in diversified portfolios that provide adequate levels of return at an acceptable level of risk. The investment policies are reviewed at least annually and revised, as deemed appropriate to ensure that the objectives are being met. At March 31, 2016, the targeted allocation for the plans were approximately 60% equity investments, 30% fixed income investments, and 10% other investments. 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, 2016 and 2015 by asset category is as follows: Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2016 Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans (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) Cash and Short Term Securities (1) $ 7,221 $ 7,221 $ — $ — Equity Securities Collective Investment Funds 50,125 — 50,125 — Debt Securities Collective Investment Funds 26,152 — 26,152 — Other Investments — — — — Real Estate Collective Investment Fund 5,384 — 5,384 — Other 15,471 — 11,279 4,192 Total Plan Assets $ 104,353 $ 7,221 $ 92,940 $ 4,192 Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015 AMSCO 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) Cash and Short Term Securities (1) $ 5,538 $ 337 $ 5,201 $ — Equity Securities Mutual Funds 7,271 7,271 — — Debt Securities Mutual Funds 37,617 37,617 — — Total Plan Assets $ 50,426 $ 45,225 $ 5,201 $ — (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. In addition, we have agreed with the trustees of the UK defined benefit plans to aim to eliminate the deficit over the next approximately 6 years. As a result, we expect to make annual contributions of approximately $3,719 beginning in fiscal 2017. Based upon the actuarial assumptions utilized to develop our benefit obligations at March 31, 2016 , the following benefit payments are expected to be made to plan participants: Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan 2017 $ 3,567 $ 2,463 2018 3,942 2,207 2019 4,571 1,911 2020 3,976 1,709 2021 4,230 1,567 2022-2027 26,758 6,011 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 $284 and $457 , during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 , 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 $473,218 at March 31, 2016 . At March 31, 2016 , the U.S. plan held 681,468 STERIS ordinary shares with a fair value of $48,418 . We paid dividends of $669 , $606 , and $622 to the plan and participants on STERIS shares held by the plan for the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. We contributed $13,354 , $10,895 , and $9,956 , to the defined contribution plans for the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , 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 have been no Employee contributions made to this plan since fiscal 2012. 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 $1,696 and $3,650 at March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 , 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.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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. 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 December 19, 2014, a purported shareholder of Old STERIS filed a Verified Stockholder Derivative Complaint in the Court of Common Pleas, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (the "Court"), against the members of Old STERIS’s board of directors and certain officers of Old STERIS, challenging the excise tax make-whole payments approved by Old STERIS’s board in connection with the Combination. Old STERIS was named as a nominal defendant in the action. The case is captioned St. Lucie County Fire District Firefighters’ Pension Trust Fund v. Rosebrough, Jr., et al. , Case No. CV 14 837749 (the "Action"). On September 28, 2015, the defendants reached an agreement in principle with plaintiff, regarding a settlement of the Action, and that agreement is reflected in a memorandum of understanding. In connection with the contemplated settlement, Old STERIS agreed to make certain additional disclosures related to the make-whole payments, which disclosures were reported on Old STERIS's Form 8-K dated September 28, 2015, and also agreed not to grant any new stock compensation subject to Section 4985 of the Internal Revenue Code to any of the individual defendants in the Action until six months following the closing date of the Combination. The parties have subsequently entered into and executed a stipulation of settlement, on a combined class and derivative basis, including agreement on a maximum fee/expense award to plaintiff's counsel. The stipulation of settlement, which is subject to customary conditions including approval of the Court following notice and hearing, has been filed with the Court along with a request for preliminary approval and the setting of a hearing date. The Court has not yet acted on the request. There can be no assurance that the Court will approve the proposed settlement and the settlement agreement may be terminated if Court approval is not obtained. On July 8, 2015, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio issued an Order terminating the April 20, 2010 consent decree entered into by two Company employees and the United States. The consent decree related to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allegations regarding the Company's now discontinued SYSTEM 1 ® liquid chemical sterilization system. As a result of the termination of the consent decree, the Company is no longer subject to any court order related to its FDA regulatory compliance. 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.” 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 under "Contingencies". As of March 31, 2016 and 2015 , our commercial commitments totaled $56,649 and $40,008 , 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 $7,050 and $5,961 of the March 31, 2016 and 2015 totals relate to letters of credit required as security under our self-insured risk retention policies. As of March 31, 2016 and 2015 , we had minimum purchase commitments with suppliers for raw material purchases totaling $40,715 and $35,405 , respectively.

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	. Our Healthcare Products segment offers infection prevention and procedural solutions for healthcare providers worldwide, including capital equipment and related maintenance and installation services, as well as consumables. Our Healthcare Specialty Services segment provides a range of specialty services for healthcare providers including hospital sterilization services, instrument and scope repairs, and linen management. Our Life Sciences segment offers capital equipment and consumable products, and equipment maintenance and specialty services for pharmaceutical manufacturers and research facilities. Our Applied Sterilization Technologies segment offers a contract sterilization and laboratory services for medical device and pharmaceutical Customers and others. The accounting policies for reportable segments are the same as those for the consolidated Company. Management evaluates performance and allocates resources based on a segment operating income measure. Operating income (loss) for each segment is calculated as the segment’s gross profit less direct expenses and indirect cost allocations, which result 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 Products segment is responsible for the management of all but two manufacturing facilities and uses standard cost to sell products to the other segments. 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. Segment operating income excludes certain adjustments which include acquisition related costs, amortization of acquired intangibles, restructuring costs and other charges that management believes may or may not recur with similar materiality or impact on operating income in future periods. Management believes that by excluding these items they gain better insight and greater transparency of the operating performance of the segments, thus aiding them in more meaningful financial trend analysis and operational decision making. The accounting policies for reportable segments are the same as those for the consolidated Company. For the year ended March 31, 2016 , revenues from a single Customer did not represent ten percent or more of any reportable segment’s revenues. Years Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues: Healthcare Products $ 1,207,158 $ 1,143,336 $ 1,092,584 Healthcare Specialty Services 422,860 248,538 87,467 Life Sciences 295,970 250,845 246,122 Applied Sterilization Technologies 310,120 205,675 194,183 Total reportable segments 2,236,108 1,848,394 1,620,356 Corporate and other 2,656 1,869 1,896 Total revenues $ 2,238,764 $ 1,850,263 $ 1,622,252 Segment operating income (loss): Healthcare Products 181,295 166,515 147,455 Healthcare Specialty Services 24,165 16,629 2,387 Life Sciences 85,466 56,072 50,772 Applied Sterilization Technologies 99,224 59,458 57,598 Total reportable segments 390,150 298,674 258,212 Corporate and other (11,488 ) (7,542 ) (8,142 ) Total segment operating income $ 378,662 $ 291,132 $ 250,070 Less: Adjustments Amortization of inventory and property "step up" to fair value (1) $ 9,907 $ 1,330 $ 620 Amortization and impairment of acquired intangible assets (1) 47,704 28,317 17,013 Acquisition related transaction and integration costs (2) 82,891 32,762 3,585 Loss (gain) on fair value adjustment of acquisition related contingent consideration (736 ) 2,271 697 Settlement of pension obligation (3) 26,470 — — Restructuring charges (4) (501 ) (759 ) 21,348 Total operating income $ 212,927 $ 227,211 $ 206,807 (1) For more information regarding our recent acquisitions see Note 3 titled, "Business Acquisitions". (2) Acquisition and integration related charges include transaction costs and integration expenses associated with acquisitions. (3) See Note 10 titled, "Benefit Plans" for more information related to the settlement of the pension obligation. (4) See Note 2 titled, "Restructuring" for more information related to restructuring. For the year ended March 31, 2016 , pre-tax restructuring expenses of $365 , $(876) , $33 , and $(23) are included in the operating results of the Healthcare Products, Healthcare Specialty Services, Life Sciences and Applied Sterilization Technologies segments, respectively. For the years ended March 31, 2015 , pre-tax restructuring expenses of $(715) , $(156) , $161 , and $(49) are included in the operating results of the Healthcare Products, Healthcare Specialty Services, Life Sciences and Applied Sterilization Technologies segments, respectively. For the year ended March 31, 2014 , pre-tax restructuring expenses of $17,929 , $1,435 , $635 , and $1,349 are included in the operating results of the Healthcare Products, Healthcare Specialty Services, Life Sciences and Applied Sterilization segments. 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 Products 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 Products segment have increased substantially during fiscal 2016, 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 Products 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 Products and Life Sciences segments. Therefore, their respective amounts are reported together. March 31, 2016 2015 Assets: Healthcare Products and Life Sciences $ 1,682,457 $ 1,261,940 Healthcare Specialty Services 759,012 396,579 Applied Sterilization Technologies 1,494,638 436,638 Total reportable segments 3,936,107 2,095,157 Corporate and other 2,117 2,134 Synergy related goodwill not yet allocated (1) 1,408,192 — Total assets $ 5,346,416 $ 2,097,291 (1) Amount is still preliminary as of March 31, 2016, as valuations have not been finalized. Goodwill will be allocated to the Healthcare Products, Healthcare Specialty Services and Applied Sterilization Technologies business segments. Years Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2014 Capital Expenditures: Healthcare Products and Life Sciences $ 34,567 $ 34,174 $ 46,792 Healthcare Specialty Services 31,309 2,777 251 Applied Sterilization Technologies 60,517 48,286 39,310 Total Reportable Segments 126,393 85,237 86,353 Corporate and other 14 18 14 Total Capital Expenditures $ 126,407 $ 85,255 $ 86,367 Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization: Healthcare Products and Life Sciences $ 49,063 $ 41,201 $ 41,035 Healthcare Specialty Services 36,130 19,934 5,260 Applied Sterilization Technologies 58,468 30,369 29,319 Total Reportable Segments 143,661 91,504 75,614 Corporate and other 79 37 35 Total Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization $ 143,740 $ 91,541 $ 75,649 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, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues: United Kingdom $ 144,577 $ 51,889 $ 27,677 United States 1,662,050 1,449,223 1,244,730 Other foreign locations 432,137 349,151 349,845 Total Revenues $ 2,238,764 $ 1,850,263 $ 1,622,252 March 31, 2016 2015 Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net United Kingdom $ 121,853 $ 12,816 United States 505,169 441,278 Other foreign locations 437,297 38,959 Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net $ 1,064,319 $ 493,053

Common Shares

Common Shares	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Common and Ordinary Shares In connection with the Combination, each Old STERIS common shareholder received one ordinary share, par value 10 pence, of the Company for each Old STERIS common share held, and each Synergy ordinary shareholder received 0.4308 ordinary shares, par value 10 pence, of the Company and 439 pence in cash, for each Synergy ordinary share held. We calculate basic earnings per share based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding. We calculate diluted earnings per share based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of share equivalents calculated using the treasury stock method. The following is a summary of shares and share equivalents outstanding used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share: Years Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2014 Denominator (shares in thousands): Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 70,698 59,413 58,966 Dilutive effect of share equivalents 486 632 779 Weighted average shares outstanding and share equivalents—diluted 71,184 60,045 59,745 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, 2016 2015 2014 (shares in thousands) Number of common share options 263 342 327 Preferred Shares Pursuant to an engagement letter dated October 23, 2015, we issued 100,000 preferred shares, par value of £0.10 ( $0.15 ) each, for an aggregate consideration of approximately $15 , in satisfaction of debt owed to a service provider. The holders of the preferred shares are entitled to a fixed cumulative preferential annual dividend of 5 percent on the amount paid periodically on the preferred shares respectively held by them. On a return of capital of the Company whether on liquidation or otherwise, the holders of the preferred shares shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its shareholders the sum of £0.10 ( $0.15 ) per preferred share plus any accrued but unpaid dividend, but will not be entitled to any further participation in the assets of the Company. The holders of the preferred shares will have no right to attend, speak or vote, whether in person or by proxy, at any general meeting of the Company or any meeting of a class of members of the Company in respect of the preferred shares and will not be entitled to receive any notice of meetings.

Repurchases of Common Shares

Repurchases of Common Shares	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Repurchases of Common Shares [Abstract]
Schedule of Treasury Stock by Class [Text Block]	REPURCHASES OF ORDINARY SHARES Prior to the Combination, the Company’s Board of Directors provided authorization to repurchase up to $300,000 of STERIS common shares. Under this authorization, we were able to purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases, including transactions pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plans, or privately negotiated transactions. The authorization was no longer applicable after the Combination with Synergy. We did not make any purchases during fiscal years 2016 or 2015 under the prior stock repurchase authorization. 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. We obtained 267,696 of our common shares during fiscal 2016 in the aggregate amount of $14,369 in connection with stock based compensation award programs. We obtained 541,700 of our common shares during fiscal 2015 in the aggregate amount of $30,687 in connection with these programs. We obtained 58,529 of our common shares during fiscal 2014 in the aggregate amount of $778 in connection with these programs.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION We maintain a long-term incentive plan which we assumed from Old STERIS, that makes available 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 share grants. Prior to the Combination, awards were made in respect of common shares of Old STERIS. In conjunction with the Combination all outstanding common share denominated awards were converted into an equivalent number of Company ordinary share denominated awards, with the same terms and conditions as applied to the replaced awards. 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, 2016 , 2,197,046 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 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014: Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2015 Fiscal 2014 Risk-free interest rate 1.51 % 1.89 % 0.95 % Expected life of options 5.7 years 5.8 years 5.7 years Expected dividend yield of stock 1.40 % 1.87 % 2.22 % Expected volatility of stock 25.06 % 29.86 % 31.22 % 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 1.55% , 1.46% and 1.44% was applied in fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , 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, 2015 1,759,890 $ 37.03 Granted 366,700 66.88 Exercised (356,596 ) 31.93 Forfeited (39,977 ) 54.58 Canceled (500 ) 24.45 Outstanding at March 31, 2016 1,729,517 $ 44.01 6.3 years $ 46,772 Exercisable at March 31, 2016 978,916 $ 34.49 4.7 years $ 35,787 We estimate that 742,059 of the non-vested stock options outstanding at March 31, 2016 will ultimately vest. The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax difference between the $71.05 closing price of our common shares on March 31, 2016 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 ordinary shares. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $13,000 , $31,555 and $10,253 , respectively. Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $11,240 , $28,274 and $14,160 for the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The tax benefit from stock option exercises was $6,281 , $11,526 and $2,841 for the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of stock option grants was $14.66 , $13.41 and $10.59 for the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , 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, 2016 and 2015 was $2,165 and $2,294 , 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, 2015 851,173 32,800 $ 42.98 Granted 293,086 22,405 68.47 Vested (218,455 ) (12,071 ) 39.88 Canceled (52,832 ) (1,493 ) 52.71 Non-vested at March 31, 2016 872,972 41,641 $ 51.98 Restricted shares granted are valued based on the closing stock price at the grant date. The value of restricted shares that vested during fiscal 2016 was $8,464 . 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 was $334 , 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, 2016 , there was a total of $33,196 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 2.20 years.

Financial and Other Guarantees

Financial and Other Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2014 Balance, Beginning of Year $ 5,579 $ 7,765 $ 12,734 Warranties issued during the period 11,194 7,604 3,538 Settlements made during the period (10,864 ) (9,790 ) (8,507 ) Balance, End of Year $ 5,909 $ 5,579 $ 7,765 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 $33,416 , $30,720 and $31,079 as of March 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014, 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

Forward and Swap Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	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 impact 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, 2016 , we held foreign currency forward contracts to buy 65 million Mexican pesos and 4 million Canadian dollars. At March 31, 2016 , we held commodity swap contracts to buy 644.1 thousand pounds of nickel. Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Fair Value at Fair Value at Fair Value at Fair Value at Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2016 March 31, 2015 March 31, 2016 March 31, 2015 Prepaid & Other $ 145 $ 12 $ — $ — Accrued expenses and other $ — $ — $ 122 $ 616 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, 2016 2015 2014 Foreign currency forward contracts Selling, general and administrative $ (683 ) $ (1,457 ) $ (1,175 ) Commodity swap contracts Cost of revenues $ (461 ) $ (373 ) $ (57 ) Additionally, we hold our debt in multiple currencies to fund our operations and investments in certain subsidiaries. We designate portions of non-functional currency denominated intercompany loans as hedges of portions of net investments in foreign operations. Net debt designated as non-derivative net investment hedging instruments totaled $124,716 at March 31, 2016. These hedges are designed to be fully effective and any associated gain or loss is recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and will be reclassified to income in the same period when a gain or loss related to the net investment in the foreign operation is included in income.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 and March 31, 2015 : Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 Using Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents (1) $ 248,841 $ 167,689 $ 225,090 $ 148,944 $ 23,751 $ 18,745 $ — $ — Forward and swap contracts (2) 145 12 — — 145 12 — — Investments (3) 6,192 8,332 6,192 8,332 — — — — Liabilities: Forward and swap contracts (2) $ 122 $ 616 $ — $ — $ 122 $ 616 $ — $ — Deferred compensation plans (3) 1,765 3,757 1,765 3,757 — — — — Long term debt (4) 1,567,796 621,075 — — 1,592,184 641,131 — — Contingent consideration obligations (5) 5,886 2,500 — — — — 5,886 2,500 (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, 2016 are summarized as follows: Contingent Consideration 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 Liabilities assumed as a result of combination with Synergy 1,561 Additions (2) 2,730 Payments (858 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (1) (47 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 5,886 (1) Reported in other comprehensive income (loss)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2014 Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment $ (72,594 ) $ (58,848 ) $ 6,348 Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans costs, net of taxes 5,108 (8,889 ) (2,428 ) Unrealized (loss) gain on available for sale securities (673 ) 1,068 561 Total $ (68,159 ) $ (66,669 ) $ 4,481

Reclassifications out of AOCI (

Reclassifications out of AOCI (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2014 Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment $ (72,594 ) $ (58,848 ) $ 6,348 Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans costs, net of taxes 5,108 (8,889 ) (2,428 ) Unrealized (loss) gain on available for sale securities (673 ) 1,068 561 Total $ (68,159 ) $ (66,669 ) $ 4,481
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, 2016 and March 31, 2015 were as follows: Details of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows: Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities (1) Defined Benefit Plans (2) Foreign Currency Translation (3) Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Beginning Balance $ 1,068 $ 561 $ (8,889 ) $ (2,428 ) $ (58,848 ) $ 6,348 $ (66,669 ) $ 4,481 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications (2,278 ) 391 (1,371 ) (4,585 ) (13,746 ) (65,196 ) (17,395 ) (69,390 ) Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 537 116 15,368 (1,876 ) — — 15,905 (1,760 ) Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (1,741 ) 507 13,997 (6,461 ) (13,746 ) (65,196 ) (1,490 ) (71,150 ) Balance March 31, 2016 $ (673 ) $ 1,068 $ 5,108 $ (8,889 ) $ (72,594 ) $ (58,848 ) $ (68,159 ) $ (66,669 ) (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) The effective portion of gain or loss on net debt designated as non-derivative net investment hedging instruments is recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and is reclassified to income in the same period when a gain or loss related to the net investment in the foreign operation is included in income.

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) Quarters Ended March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, Fiscal 2016 Revenues: Product $ 318,438 $ 305,156 $ 274,145 $ 232,307 Service 371,839 313,532 215,752 207,595 Total Revenues 690,277 618,688 489,897 439,902 Cost of Revenues: Product 174,642 165,575 148,088 129,856 Service 251,746 214,932 132,488 125,956 Total Cost of Revenues 426,388 380,507 280,576 255,812 Gross Profit 263,889 238,181 209,321 184,090 Percentage of Revenues 38.2 % 38.5 % 42.7 % 41.8 % Restructuring Expenses 156 (194 ) (56 ) (726 ) Net Income Attributable to Shareholders $ 57,740 $ 20,045 $ 8,687 $ 24,291 Basic Income Per Ordinary Share Attributable to Shareholders: Net income $ 0.67 $ 0.26 $ 0.15 $ 0.41 Diluted Income Per Ordinary Share Attributable to Shareholders: Net income $ 0.67 $ 0.26 $ 0.14 $ 0.40 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 Attributable to Shareholders $ 41,399 $ 38,124 $ 31,004 $ 24,537 Basic Income Per Ordinary Share Attributable to Shareholders: Net income $ 0.69 $ 0.64 $ 0.52 $ 0.41 Diluted Income Per Ordinary Share Attributable to Shareholders: Net income $ 0.69 $ 0.63 $ 0.52 $ 0.41

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS On October 26, 2015, in connection with the consummation of the Combination, Dr. Richard Steeves, Group Executive Officer and Director of Synergy, elected to exercise employee stock options and hold the resulting Synergy shares. This exercise created an obligation on the part of Dr. Steeves totaling £3.1 million for income taxes and United Kingdom National Insurance contributions to be remitted by Synergy on his behalf, as well as the option exercise price. Synergy’s past practice, when requested by the employee who elected to exercise stock options and hold the resulting shares, was to pay income taxes and U.K. National Insurance contributions when due and obtain reimbursement from the employee for such taxes and the option exercise price within 90 days from the date of remittance. Upon completion of the Combination on November 2, 2015, Dr. Steeves ceased to be the Group Executive Officer and a Director of Synergy and became a non-executive Director of STERIS plc. Pursuant to the terms of the Combination, Dr. Steeves received STERIS plc shares and cash proceeds on November 6, 2015 in exchange for his Synergy equity holdings. The amount of the cash proceeds was £1.25 million , which was retained by Synergy and applied to his obligation, thereby reducing it to £1.86 million . Synergy remitted the £3.1 million of income taxes and U.K. National Insurance contributions to the appropriate United Kingdom agencies on November 20, 2015. Dr. Steeves remitted the balance of £1.86 million to Synergy on January 27, 2016 in satisfaction of his obligation to reimburse Synergy for the sums remitted by Synergy on his behalf. The arrangement between Dr. Steeves and Synergy effectively created a receivable that, under U.S. GAAP, was considered a loan. Loans by a public company to its executive officers and directors are prohibited under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and are also prohibited by the Company’s corporate governance policies and procedures. STERIS Corporation was not aware at the time of the closing of the Combination that Synergy had agreed to defer to a later date Dr. Steeves's obligation to reimburse the income taxes and U.K. National Insurance contributions and the option exercise price. Senior management learned of the arrangement when it was identified in the Company’s third quarter internal controls processes. As a result of these transactions, Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of the November 2, 2015 acquisition date, included the amount outstanding from Dr. Steeves, as well as a further amount due from another Synergy employee who also elected to exercise and hold Synergy shares immediately prior to the completion of the Combination. The other employee is neither an executive officer nor director of the Company. This additional amount was $368 , which resulted in total receivables for both option exercises of $5,152 at the November 2, 2015 acquisition date. The balances were remitted to Synergy in January 2016 and as a result of the repayments, no such amounts remain outstanding.

Nature of Operations and Summ31

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy	Principles of Consolidation. We use the consolidation method to report our investment in our subsidiaries. Therefore, 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. Investments in equity of unconsolidated affiliates, over which the Company has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and operating polices, are accounted for primarily using the equity method. These investments are immaterial to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. In prior periods we presented income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the "Interest income and miscellaneous expense" line of our Consolidated Statements of Income and the amounts were not material.
Use of Estimates, Policy	Use of Estimates. We make certain estimates and assumptions when preparing financial statements according to U.S. GAAP that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the financial statement dates and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. These estimates and assumptions involve judgments with respect to many factors that are difficult to predict and are beyond our control. Actual results could be materially different from these estimates. We revise the estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	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, 2016 2015 2014 Cash paid during the year for: Interest $ 37,165 $ 19,124 $ 19,268 Income taxes 60,885 52,707 52,888 Cash received during the year for income tax refunds 1,697 2,405 3,076
Revenue Recognition, Policy	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 preventive 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.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy	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.
Inventory, Policy	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 31.0% and 35.9% of total inventories at March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Inventory costs include material, labor, and overhead. If we had used only the FIFO method of inventory costing, inventories would have been $17,608 and $19,071 higher than those reported at March 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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, Policy	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), linens 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) 15 or 20 Linens 1-5 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.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy	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. Identifiable Intangible Assets. Our identifiable intangible assets include product technology rights, trademarks, licenses, and Customer and vendor 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. These assets are tested at least annually for impairment.
Investment, Policy	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).
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy	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, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Asset Retirement Obligations. We incur retirement obligations for certain assets. We recorded initial liabilities for the asset retirement obligations ("ARO") at fair value. Recognition of ARO includes: estimating the present value of a liability and offsetting asset, the subsequent accretion of that liability and depletion of the asset, and a 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.”
Business Combinations Policy	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.
Liability Reserve Estimate, Policy	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 certain employee medical claims. We estimate a liability for incurred but not reported claims based upon recent claims experience.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy	Benefit Plans. We sponsor defined benefit pension plans. We also sponsor a post-retirement welfare benefit plan 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, 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	Foreign Currency Translation. Most of our operations use their local currency as their functional currency. Financial statements of 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 subsidiaries whose local currency is their functional currency are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within 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.
Derivatives, Policy	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.
Standard Product Warranty, Policy	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 Cost, Policy	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 Costs, Policy	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 $10,785 , $9,732 , and $8,606 of advertising costs during the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively.
Research and Development Expense, Policy	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 Tax, Policy	Income Taxes. 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	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. Late in 2015 Congress enacted legislation that suspended the excise tax for 2016 and 2017. We incurred Medical Device Excise taxes of $5,802 , $7,917 , and $7,390 during fiscal years 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively which is included in cost of revenues in the period of sale.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy	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.
Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy	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
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 recently been adopted ASU 2015-17 "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes " November 2015 The update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. Current GAAP requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in a classified statement of financial position.The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this update. This update is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. Fourth Quarter 2016 As a result of the adoption of this standard we reclassified $38,963 of our short term deferred taxes into long term deferred taxes, in our March 31, 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheet. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. ASU 2015-16, "Business Combinations - Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments" September 2015 The standard requires the recognition of adjustments to provisional amounts, that are identified during the measurement period, in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. The effects of the adjustments to provisional amounts on depreciation, amortization or other income effects should be recognized in current-period earnings as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. Disclosure of the portion of the adjustment recorded in current-period earnings that would have been reported in prior reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized at the acquisition date is also required. Third Quarter Fiscal 2016 This update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs" April 2015 The update requires capitalized debt issuance costs to be presented as a reduction to the carrying value of debt instead of being classified as a deferred charge, as previously required. This update is effective for all annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and is required to be adopted retroactively for all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. First Quarter Fiscal 2016 This update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Standards that have not yet been adopted ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and subsequently issued amendments 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, 2017 and interim periods within that period. Early adoption is not permitted before the original public entity effective date of December 15, 2016. N/A We are in the process of evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. ASU 2015-05, "Goodwill and other-Internal-Use Software" (Subtopic 350-40) April 2015 The standard provides guidance on a customer's accounting for fees paid in cloud computing arrangements. Previously, there was no U.S. GAAP guidance on accounting for such fees from the customer's perspective. Under the standard, customers will apply the same criteria as vendors to determine whether the arrangement contains a software license or is solely a service contract. The determination could impact the classification of advance payments in the statements of financial position and cash flows as well as the classification of the expenses in the results of operations. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within that period. Early adoption is permitted. N/A We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our statements of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. ASU 2016-02, "Leases" (Topic 842) February 2016 The update will require lessees to record all leases, whether finance or operating, on the balance sheet. An asset will be recorded to represent the right to use the leased asset, and a liability will be recorded to represent the lease obligation. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within that period. Early adoption is permitted. N/A We are in the process of evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our statements of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. ASU 2016-07, "Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting" (Topic 323) March 2016 The update replaces the previous requirement to retroactively adopt the equity method. The new standard requires that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor's previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that period. Early adoption is permitted. N/A We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our statements of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. ASU 2016-09, "Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" (Topic 718) March 2016 The update simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax consequences, the classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and the classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that period. Early adoption is permitted. N/A We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our statements of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Nature of Operations and Summ32

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	Information supplementing our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is as follows: Years Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2014 Cash paid during the year for: Interest $ 37,165 $ 19,124 $ 19,268 Income taxes 60,885 52,707 52,888 Cash received during the year for income tax refunds 1,697 2,405 3,076
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) 15 or 20 Linens 1-5 Information related to the major categories of our depreciable assets is as follows: March 31, 2016 2015 Land and land improvements (1) $ 39,051 $ 40,668 Buildings and leasehold improvements 446,277 263,007 Machinery and equipment 580,962 375,555 Linens (2) 42,354 — Information systems 126,180 104,049 Radioisotope 434,152 289,778 Construction in progress (1) 79,291 47,690 Total property, plant, and equipment 1,748,267 1,120,747 Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion (683,948 ) (627,694 ) Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 1,064,319 $ 493,053 (1) Land is not depreciated. Construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	The following table summarizes our restructuring liability balances and activity for the year ended March 31, 2015: Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan Fiscal 2015 March 31, Provision Payments/ Impairments (1) March 31, Severance and termination benefits $ 6,389 $ (616 ) $ (3,242 ) $ 2,531 Lease termination obligations and other 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.
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	The following tables summarize our total pre-tax restructuring expenses for fiscal 2016 , fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 : Year Ended March 31, 2016 Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan (1) Severance and other compensation related costs $ (1,050 ) Product rationalization 319 Lease termination obligation and other 230 Total restructuring (benefit) charges $ (501 ) (1) Includes $319 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income. Year Ended March 31, 2015 Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan (1) Severance and other compensation related costs $ (616 ) Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation (38 ) Lease termination obligation and other 263 Product rationalization (368 ) Total restructuring 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 (benefit) charges $ 20,231 $ 1,117 $ 21,348 (1) Includes $8,144 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income. 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.” Remaining liabilities related to the Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan were $700 at March 31, 2016. The following table

Business Acquisitions (Tables)

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination With Synergy Total Consideration [Table Text Block]	Cash consideration $ 402,494 STERIS plc shares (25,848,798 ordinary shares issued) 1,887,479 Fair value of consideration available to vested Synergy share option holders 4,819 Total purchase consideration $ 2,294,792
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 2016, 2015 and 2014 acquisitions. Fiscal Year 2016 Fiscal Year 2015 Fiscal Year 2014 Synergy (1) Gepco Black Diamond Other Acquisitions Dana AGAPE IMS FSR LSI Eschmann Cash $ 53,057 $ 1,108 $ — $ — $ 135 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2,545 Accounts receivable 107,341 4,161 2,966 3,859 617 342 16,594 388 2,341 5,336 Inventory 30,074 1,926 3,309 1,108 388 — 8,478 402 2,727 10,017 Property, plant and equipment 534,879 3,421 607 1,979 743 — 15,074 98 301 6,262 Other assets 19,708 946 54 — — — 842 11 117 475 Intangible assets 806,526 61,900 13,500 14,829 6,363 1,200 62,000 2,765 4,462 21,128 Goodwill 1,411,781 104,485 31,792 20,630 4,311 1,899 81,587 2,131 16,230 14,274 Total Assets 2,963,366 177,947 52,228 42,405 12,557 3,441 184,575 5,795 26,178 60,037 Current liabilities (108,192 ) (1,473 ) (4,525 ) (1,277 ) (143 ) (26 ) (11,670 ) (16 ) (1,678 ) (14,357 ) Long-term indebtedness (321,082 ) — — — — — — — — — Non-current liabilities (230,544 ) — (1,548 ) (49 ) — — — — — (4,035 ) Total Liabilities (659,818 ) (1,473 ) (6,073 ) (1,326 ) (143 ) (26 ) (11,670 ) (16 ) (1,678 ) (18,392 ) Net Assets $ 2,303,548 $ 176,474 $ 46,155 $ 41,079 $ 12,414 $ 3,415 $ 172,905 $ 5,779 $ 24,500 $ 41,645 (1) Purchase price allocation is still preliminary as of March 31, 2016, as valuations have not been finalized. Intangible assets acquired in the Synergy acquisition consist of trade names, technology and Customer relationships. Preliminary values and useful lives are presented in the table below. Total (1) Useful Life Customer relationships $ 717,254 10-17 years Trade names 64,645 10 years Technology 24,627 7 years Total intangible assets acquired $ 806,526 (1) Amounts are preliminary as of March 31, 2016, as valuations have not been finalized. Contingent liabilities assumed as part of the Combination total $7,082 at the date of the Combination, and are included within accrued expenses and other and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. These contingent liabilities include $5,521 related to income taxes (including uncertain tax positions) and $1,561 related to contingent consideration associated with prior acquisitions completed by Synergy. Contingent liabilities are recorded at their estimated fair values, aside from those pertaining to uncertainty in income taxes which are an exception to the fair value basis of accounting. See note 18, titled "Fair Value Measurements" to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on contingent liabilities. The estimated fair values noted above are preliminary and are subject to change upon finalization of the purchase accounting assessment and may have a material impact on the our results of operations and financial position. Actual and Pro Forma Impact Our consolidated financial statements include Synergy's results of operations from the date of acquisition on November 2, 2015 through March 31, 2016. Net sales and operating income attributable to Synergy during this period and included in our consolidated financial statements for fiscal years ended March 31, 2016 total $254,911 and $3,695 , respectively. The following unaudited pro forma information gives effect to our acquisition of Synergy as if the acquisition had occurred on April 1, 2014 and Synergy had been included in our consolidated results of operations for fiscal years ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015. Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (unaudited) 2016 2015 Net revenues $ 2,619,056 $ 2,499,140 Net income from continuing operations 188,269 152,057 The historical consolidated financial information of STERIS and Synergy has been adjusted in the pro forma information to give effect to pro forma events that are (1) directly attributable to the transaction, (2) factually supportable and (3) expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. In order to reflect the occurrence of the acquisition on April 1, 2014 as required, the unaudited pro forma results include adjustments to reflect the amortization of the inventory step-up, the incremental depreciation from the fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment, and the incremental intangible asset amortization to be incurred based on preliminary valuations of assets acquired. Adjustments to financing costs and income tax expense also were made to reflect the capital structure and anticipated effective tax rate of the combined entity. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been obtained if the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the period presented or that may occur in the future, and does not reflect future synergies, integration costs, or other such costs or savings.

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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: 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 and thereafter Estimated amortization expense $ 79,806 $ 79,734 $ 79,648 $ 78,705 $ 78,185
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	Changes to the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended March 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 were as follows: Healthcare Products Segment Healthcare Specialty Services Segment Life Sciences Segment Applied Sterilization Technologies Segment Synergy Combination Total Balance at March 31, 2014 $ 330,180 $ 69,486 $ 34,310 $ 83,035 $ — $ 517,011 Goodwill acquired or allocated 5,817 81,358 1,899 — — 89,074 Foreign currency translation adjustments (11,124 ) — (2,320 ) — — (13,444 ) Balance at March 31, 2015 324,873 150,844 33,889 83,035 — 592,641 Goodwill acquired or allocated 40,043 3,428 113,284 — 1,408,192 1,564,947 Foreign currency translation adjustments (1,146 ) — 161 — — (985 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 363,770 $ 154,272 $ 147,334 $ 83,035 $ 1,408,192 $ 2,156,603 Goodwill associated with the Combination with Synergy has not yet been allocated to business segments as the purchase price allocation is preliminary as of March 31, 2016. Valuations have not progressed to sufficiently determine the fair value of the business units acquired. Goodwill will be allocated among the Healthcare Products, Healthcare Specialty Services and Applied Sterilization Technologies business segments. The fiscal 2016 increase in goodwill associated with the Healthcare Products segment resulted primarily from the acquisition of the capital stock of Black Diamond. The increase associated with the Life Sciences segment resulted primarily from the acquisition of the capital stock of Gepco. Other minor purchases also impacted goodwill associated with the Healthcare Products, Healthcare Specialty Services and Life Sciences segments. The fiscal 2015 decrease in goodwill associated with the Healthcare Products segment resulted from the acquisition of the capital stock of Dana which was more than offset by foreign currency fluctuations. The increase associated with the Healthcare Specialty Services segment resulted from the acquisition of the capital stock of IMS. The decrease associated with the Life Science segment resulted from the acquisition of the assets of AGAPE, which was more than offset by foreign currency fluctuations. Our fiscal 2016 and 2015 acquisitions are described in note 3 to our consolidated financial statements titled, "Business Acquisitions". Information regarding our intangible assets is as follows: March 31, 2016 March 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Customer relationships $ 879,525 $ 64,268 $ 134,014 $ 35,516 Non-compete agreements 4,730 3,503 3,654 3,377 Patents and technology 213,317 70,801 178,290 56,861 Trademarks and tradenames 129,690 18,318 61,896 14,096 Supplier relationships 54,800 1,827 — — Other 10 16 10 10 Total $ 1,282,072 $ 158,733 $ 377,864 $ 109,860

Inventories, Net (Tables)

Inventories, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current	Inventories, net consisted of the following: March 31, 2016 2015 Raw materials $ 62,673 $ 67,095 Work in process 19,614 22,696 Finished goods 146,820 107,695 LIFO reserve (17,608 ) (19,071 ) Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory (18,707 ) (17,597 ) Inventories, net $ 192,792 $ 160,818

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
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, 2015 $ 8,083 Liabilities assumed as result of the Combination with Synergy 8,686 Liabilities incurred during the period 38 Accretion expense and change in estimate (6,629 ) Foreign currency movement 164 Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 10,342
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases	Future minimum annual rentals payable under noncancelable operating lease agreements at March 31, 2016 were as follows: Operating Leases 2017 $ 29,098 2018 23,853 2019 18,402 2020 10,456 2021 and thereafter 53,103 Total minimum lease payments $ 134,912
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) 15 or 20 Linens 1-5 Information related to the major categories of our depreciable assets is as follows: March 31, 2016 2015 Land and land improvements (1) $ 39,051 $ 40,668 Buildings and leasehold improvements 446,277 263,007 Machinery and equipment 580,962 375,555 Linens (2) 42,354 — Information systems 126,180 104,049 Radioisotope 434,152 289,778 Construction in progress (1) 79,291 47,690 Total property, plant, and equipment 1,748,267 1,120,747 Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion (683,948 ) (627,694 ) Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 1,064,319 $ 493,053 (1) Land is not depreciated. Construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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: 2017 $ — 2018 — 2019 85,000 2020 905,216 2021 and thereafter 581,000 Total $ 1,571,216
Schedule of Debt	Indebtedness was as follows: March 31, 2016 2015 Private Placement (1) $ 662,580 $ 337,825 Credit Agreement and Swing Line Facility 905,216 283,250 Total long term debt $ 1,567,796 $ 621,075

Additional Consolidated Balan39

Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	Additional information related to our Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows: March 31, 2016 2015 Accrued payroll and other related liabilities: Compensation and related items $ 30,175 $ 16,680 Accrued vacation/paid time off 14,368 5,539 Accrued bonuses 31,502 30,159 Accrued employee commissions 13,809 12,842 Accrued pension — 6,186 Other postretirement benefit obligations-current portion 2,463 2,789 Other employee benefit plans' obligations-current portion 1,659 610 Total accrued payroll and other related liabilities $ 93,976 $ 74,805 Accrued expenses and other: Deferred revenues $ 56,238 $ 34,910 Self-insured risk reserves-current portion 8,266 6,897 Accrued dealer commissions 12,717 13,591 Accrued warranty 5,909 5,579 Asset retirement obligation-current portion — 1,092 Other 70,245 39,963 Total accrued expenses and other $ 153,375 $ 102,032 Other liabilities: Self-insured risk reserves-long-term portion $ 13,257 $ 12,052 Other postretirement benefit obligations-long-term portion 15,932 18,489 Defined benefit pension plans obligations-long-term portion 25,301 119 Other employee benefit plans obligations-long-term portion 4,366 6,634 Asset retirement obligation-long-term portion 10,342 6,991 Other 15,100 3,049 Total other liabilities $ 84,298 $ 47,334

Income Tax Expense (Tables)

Income Tax Expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: March 31, 2016 2015 Deferred Tax Assets: Post-retirement benefit accrual $ 7,016 $ 8,130 Compensation 25,436 24,374 Net operating loss carryforwards 26,151 13,090 Accrued expenses 7,521 6,808 Insurance 4,226 4,071 Deferred income 7,910 6,148 Bad debt 2,059 1,941 Pension 5,155 2,781 Other 2,208 464 Deferred Tax Assets 87,682 67,807 Less: Valuation allowance 16,435 14,380 Total Deferred Tax Assets 71,247 53,427 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Depreciation and depletion 85,807 50,559 Intangibles 226,809 38,121 Other 3,744 3,710 Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 316,360 92,390 Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) $ (245,113 ) $ (38,963 )
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	Income from continuing operations before income taxes was as follows: Years Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2014 United States operations $ 105,758 $ 161,165 $ 122,245 United Kingdom operations (20,553 ) 15,824 11,483 Other Foreign Locations operations 86,679 31,831 54,648 $ 171,884 $ 208,820 $ 188,376
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, 2016 2015 2014 Current: United States federal $ 41,653 $ 52,234 $ 24,016 United States state and local 7,943 8,551 5,991 United Kingdom 2,194 3,633 2,985 Other foreign locations 13,924 8,842 13,464 65,714 73,260 46,456 Deferred: United States federal 1,427 1,436 10,501 United States state and local 299 214 1,473 United Kingdom (6,973 ) (676 ) (410 ) Other foreign locations (168 ) (478 ) 914 (5,415 ) 496 12,478 Total Provision for Income Taxes $ 60,299 $ 73,756 $ 58,934
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, 2016 2015 2014 United States federal statutory tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Increase (decrease) in accruals for uncertain tax positions 0.2 % — % (5.1 )% State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 3.3 % 2.8 % 2.6 % Increase in valuation allowances 1.0 % 2.1 % 1.5 % Foreign income tax credit (0.6 )% (1.0 )% (2.0 )% Difference in non-United States tax rates (8.5 )% (3.6 )% (0.1 )% Excise tax gross-up 3.4 % — % — % U.S. manufacturing deduction (2.5 )% (1.6 )% (1.2 )% U.S. Tax Benefit resulting from European Restructuring — % — % (0.6 )% Capitalized acquisition costs 5.3 % 2.2 % — % All other, net (1.5 )% (0.6 )% 1.2 % Total Provision for Income Taxes 35.1 % 35.3 % 31.3 %
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, 2016 2015 Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at April 1 $ — $ — Increases for tax provisions of prior years — — Decreases for tax provisions of prior years — — Increases for tax provisions of current year 316 — Decreases for tax provisions of current year — — Balances related to acquired businesses 3,422 — Other decreases, including currency translation (211 ) — Settlements — — Lapse of statute of limitations — — Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at March 31 $ 3,527 $ —

Benefit Plans (Tables)

Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	Based upon the actuarial assumptions utilized to develop our benefit obligations at March 31, 2016 , the following benefit payments are expected to be made to plan participants: Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan 2017 $ 3,567 $ 2,463 2018 3,942 2,207 2019 4,571 1,911 2020 3,976 1,709 2021 4,230 1,567 2022-2027 26,758 6,011
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	During fiscal 2017, we will amortize the following pre-tax amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income: AMSCO Plan Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Post-retirement Benefit Plan Actuarial loss $ — $ — $ 739 Prior Service Cost — — (3,263 )
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following: AMSCO Plan Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Post-retirement Plan 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Current liabilities $ — $ (6,186 ) $ — $ — $ (2,463 ) $ (2,789 ) Noncurrent liabilities — — (24,589 ) — (15,917 ) (18,489 ) $ — $ (6,186 ) $ (24,589 ) $ — $ (18,380 ) $ (21,278 )
Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations	Defined benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation exceeding the fair value of plan assets had the following plan assets and obligations at March 31, 2016 and 2015 : AMSCO Plan Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans 2016 2015 2016 2015 Aggregate fair value of plan assets $ — $ 50,426 $ 104,353 $ — Aggregate accumulated benefit obligations — 56,612 128,942 — Aggregate projected benefit obligations — 56,612 128,942 —
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: AMSCO Plan Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Post-retirement Plan 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Service cost $ 27 $ 140 $ 160 $ 961 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Interest cost 560 1,887 1,799 1,659 — — 593 691 683 Expected return on plan assets (1,008 ) (3,139 ) (3,442 ) (1,324 ) — — — — — Prior service cost recognition — — — (142 ) — — (3,263 ) (3,263 ) (3,263 ) Net amortization and deferral 602 1,106 1,458 — — — 828 721 891 Curtailments/settlements 26,470 — — (326 ) — — — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 26,651 $ (6 ) $ (25 ) $ 828 $ — $ — $ (1,842 ) $ (1,851 ) $ (1,689 ) Recognized in other comprehensive loss (income) before tax: Net loss (gain) occurring during year $ — $ 6,706 $ (4,814 ) $ (3,733 ) $ — $ — $ 673 $ 2,327 $ (654 ) Amortization of prior service credit — — — — — — 3,263 3,263 3,263 Amortization of net loss (602 ) (1,106 ) (1,458 ) — — — (721 ) (721 ) (891 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (income) (602 ) 5,600 (6,272 ) (3,733 ) — — 3,215 4,869 1,718 Total recognized in total benefits cost and other comprehensive loss (income) $ 26,049 $ 5,594 $ (6,297 ) $ (2,905 ) $ — $ — $ 1,373 $ 3,018 $ 29
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: 2016 2015 2014 Discount Rate: AMSCO Plan n/a 4.00 % 3.50 % Other defined benefit pension plans Shiloh Group Pension Scheme 3.80 % n/a n/a Synergy Health PLC Retirement Benefits Scheme 3.80 % n/a n/a Vernon Carus Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme 3.80 % n/a n/a Isotron BV Pension Plan 2.10 % n/a n/a Synergy Health Daniken AG 0.40 % n/a n/a Synergy Health Radeberg 1.60 % n/a n/a Synergy Health Allershausen 1.60 % n/a n/a Other post-retirement plan 3.25 % 3.00 % 3.50 % Expected Return on Plan Assets: AMSCO Plan n/a 6.75 % 7.75 % Other defined benefit pension plans Shiloh Group Pension Scheme 5.14 % n/a n/a Synergy Health PLC Retirement Benefits Scheme 6.17 % n/a n/a Vernon Carus Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme 4.77 % n/a n/a Isotron BV Pension Plan 2.10 % n/a n/a Synergy Health Daniken AG 1.40 % n/a n/a
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The following table presents significant assumptions used to determine the projected benefit obligations at March 31: 2016 2015 Discount Rate: AMSCO Plan n/a 2.46 % Other defined benefit pension plans Shiloh Group Pension Scheme 3.50 % n/a Synergy Health PLC Retirement Benefits Scheme 3.50 % n/a Vernon Carus Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme 3.50 % n/a Isotron BV Pension Plan 1.60 % n/a Synergy Health Daniken AG 0.40 % n/a Synergy Health Radeberg 1.60 % n/a Synergy Health Allershausen 1.60 % n/a Other post-retirement plan 3.25 % 3.00 %
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. 2016 2015 2014 Healthcare cost trend rate – medical 7.0 % 7.0 % 7.0 % 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, 2016 : One-Percentage Point Increase Decrease Effect on total service and interest cost components $ 1 $ (1 ) Effect on other post-retirement benefit obligation 44 (42 )
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	s
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The fair value of our pension benefits plan assets at March 31, 2016 and 2015 by asset category is as follows: Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2016 Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans (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) Cash and Short Term Securities (1) $ 7,221 $ 7,221 $ — $ — Equity Securities Collective Investment Funds 50,125 — 50,125 — Debt Securities Collective Investment Funds 26,152 — 26,152 — Other Investments — — — — Real Estate Collective Investment Fund 5,384 — 5,384 — Other 15,471 — 11,279 4,192 Total Plan Assets $ 104,353 $ 7,221 $ 92,940 $ 4,192 Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015 AMSCO 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) Cash and Short Term Securities (1) $ 5,538 $ 337 $ 5,201 $ — Equity Securities Mutual Funds 7,271 7,271 — — Debt Securities Mutual Funds 37,617 37,617 — — Total Plan Assets $ 50,426 $ 45,225 $ 5,201 $ — (1) Money market fund holdings are classified as level two as active market quoted prices are not available.
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	AMSCO Plan Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefits Plan 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Change in Benefit Obligations: Benefit Obligations at Beginning of Year $ 56,612 $ 49,206 $ — $ — $ 21,278 $ 21,342 Obligation assumed in Combination — — 121,468 — — — Service cost 27 140 961 — — — Interest cost 560 1,887 1,659 — 593 691 Actuarial loss (gain) (2,365 ) 9,752 5,399 — (673 ) 2,327 Benefits and expenses (3,029 ) (4,373 ) (2,346 ) — (2,818 ) (3,082 ) Employee contributions — — 517 — — — Curtailments/settlements (51,805 ) — (326 ) — — — Impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes — — 1,610 — — — Benefit Obligations at End of Year — 56,612 128,942 — 18,380 21,278 Change in Plan Assets: Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year 50,426 48,613 — — — — Assets assumed in Combination — — 99,511 — — — Actual return on plan assets (279 ) 6,186 2,989 — — — Employer contributions 4,687 — 2,280 — (2,818 ) 3,082 Employee contributions — — 517 — — — Benefits and expenses paid (3,029 ) (4,373 ) (2,204 ) — 2,818 (3,082 ) Curtailments/settlements (51,805 ) — — — — — Impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes — — 1,260 — — — Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year — 50,426 104,353 — — — Funded Status of the Plans $ — $ (6,186 ) $ (24,589 ) $ — $ (18,380 ) $ (21,278 )

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated	March 31, 2016 2015 Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net United Kingdom $ 121,853 $ 12,816 United States 505,169 441,278 Other foreign locations 437,297 38,959 Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net $ 1,064,319 $ 493,053
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Years Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues: Healthcare Products $ 1,207,158 $ 1,143,336 $ 1,092,584 Healthcare Specialty Services 422,860 248,538 87,467 Life Sciences 295,970 250,845 246,122 Applied Sterilization Technologies 310,120 205,675 194,183 Total reportable segments 2,236,108 1,848,394 1,620,356 Corporate and other 2,656 1,869 1,896 Total revenues $ 2,238,764 $ 1,850,263 $ 1,622,252 Segment operating income (loss): Healthcare Products 181,295 166,515 147,455 Healthcare Specialty Services 24,165 16,629 2,387 Life Sciences 85,466 56,072 50,772 Applied Sterilization Technologies 99,224 59,458 57,598 Total reportable segments 390,150 298,674 258,212 Corporate and other (11,488 ) (7,542 ) (8,142 ) Total segment operating income $ 378,662 $ 291,132 $ 250,070 Less: Adjustments Amortization of inventory and property "step up" to fair value (1) $ 9,907 $ 1,330 $ 620 Amortization and impairment of acquired intangible assets (1) 47,704 28,317 17,013 Acquisition related transaction and integration costs (2) 82,891 32,762 3,585 Loss (gain) on fair value adjustment of acquisition related contingent consideration (736 ) 2,271 697 Settlement of pension obligation (3) 26,470 — — Restructuring charges (4) (501 ) (759 ) 21,348 Total operating income $ 212,927 $ 227,211 $ 206,807
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area	Years Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues: United Kingdom $ 144,577 $ 51,889 $ 27,677 United States 1,662,050 1,449,223 1,244,730 Other foreign locations 432,137 349,151 349,845 Total Revenues $ 2,238,764 $ 1,850,263 $ 1,622,252
Other Expense
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Years Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2014 Capital Expenditures: Healthcare Products and Life Sciences $ 34,567 $ 34,174 $ 46,792 Healthcare Specialty Services 31,309 2,777 251 Applied Sterilization Technologies 60,517 48,286 39,310 Total Reportable Segments 126,393 85,237 86,353 Corporate and other 14 18 14 Total Capital Expenditures $ 126,407 $ 85,255 $ 86,367 Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization: Healthcare Products and Life Sciences $ 49,063 $ 41,201 $ 41,035 Healthcare Specialty Services 36,130 19,934 5,260 Applied Sterilization Technologies 58,468 30,369 29,319 Total Reportable Segments 143,661 91,504 75,614 Corporate and other 79 37 35 Total Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization $ 143,740 $ 91,541 $ 75,649
Assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	March 31, 2016 2015 Assets: Healthcare Products and Life Sciences $ 1,682,457 $ 1,261,940 Healthcare Specialty Services 759,012 396,579 Applied Sterilization Technologies 1,494,638 436,638 Total reportable segments 3,936,107 2,095,157 Corporate and other 2,117 2,134 Synergy related goodwill not yet allocated (1) 1,408,192 — Total assets $ 5,346,416 $ 2,097,291

Common Shares (Tables)

Common Shares (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	Years Ended March 31, 2016 2015 2014 Denominator (shares in thousands): Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 70,698 59,413 58,966 Dilutive effect of share equivalents 486 632 779 Weighted average shares outstanding and share equivalents—diluted 71,184 60,045 59,745
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	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, 2016 2015 2014 (shares in thousands) Number of common share options 263 342 327

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014: Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2015 Fiscal 2014 Risk-free interest rate 1.51 % 1.89 % 0.95 % Expected life of options 5.7 years 5.8 years 5.7 years Expected dividend yield of stock 1.40 % 1.87 % 2.22 % Expected volatility of stock 25.06 % 29.86 % 31.22 %
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, 2015 1,759,890 $ 37.03 Granted 366,700 66.88 Exercised (356,596 ) 31.93 Forfeited (39,977 ) 54.58 Canceled (500 ) 24.45 Outstanding at March 31, 2016 1,729,517 $ 44.01 6.3 years $ 46,772 Exercisable at March 31, 2016 978,916 $ 34.49 4.7 years $ 35,787
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, 2015 851,173 32,800 $ 42.98 Granted 293,086 22,405 68.47 Vested (218,455 ) (12,071 ) 39.88 Canceled (52,832 ) (1,493 ) 52.71 Non-vested at March 31, 2016 872,972 41,641 $ 51.98

Financial and Other Guarantees

Financial and Other Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2014 Balance, Beginning of Year $ 5,579 $ 7,765 $ 12,734 Warranties issued during the period 11,194 7,604 3,538 Settlements made during the period (10,864 ) (9,790 ) (8,507 ) Balance, End of Year $ 5,909 $ 5,579 $ 7,765

Forward and Swap Contracts (Tab

Forward and Swap Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 March 31, 2015 March 31, 2016 March 31, 2015 Prepaid & Other $ 145 $ 12 $ — $ — Accrued expenses and other $ — $ — $ 122 $ 616
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, 2016 2015 2014 Foreign currency forward contracts Selling, general and administrative $ (683 ) $ (1,457 ) $ (1,175 ) Commodity swap contracts Cost of revenues $ (461 ) $ (373 ) $ (57 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 and March 31, 2015 : Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 Using Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents (1) $ 248,841 $ 167,689 $ 225,090 $ 148,944 $ 23,751 $ 18,745 $ — $ — Forward and swap contracts (2) 145 12 — — 145 12 — — Investments (3) 6,192 8,332 6,192 8,332 — — — — Liabilities: Forward and swap contracts (2) $ 122 $ 616 $ — $ — $ 122 $ 616 $ — $ — Deferred compensation plans (3) 1,765 3,757 1,765 3,757 — — — — Long term debt (4) 1,567,796 621,075 — — 1,592,184 641,131 — — Contingent consideration obligations (5) 5,886 2,500 — — — — 5,886 2,500 (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.
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, 2016 are summarized as follows: Contingent Consideration 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 Liabilities assumed as a result of combination with Synergy 1,561 Additions (2) 2,730 Payments (858 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (1) (47 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 5,886 (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, 2016 and March 31, 2015 Cost Unrealized Gains (1) Unrealized Losses (1) Fair Value 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Available-for-sale securities: Marketable equity securities (1) (2) $ 4,681 $ 4,681 $ — $ — $ (185 ) $ — $ 4,496 $ 4,681 Mutual funds 1,289 2,677 407 974 — — 1,696 3,651 Total available-for-sale securities $ 5,970 $ 7,358 $ 407 $ 974 $ (185 ) $ — $ 6,192 $ 8,332 (1)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi48

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Reclassification out of AOCI [Table Text Block]	RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 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, 2016 and March 31, 2015 were as follows: Details of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows: Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities (1) Defined Benefit Plans (2) Foreign Currency Translation (3) Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Beginning Balance $ 1,068 $ 561 $ (8,889 ) $ (2,428 ) $ (58,848 ) $ 6,348 $ (66,669 ) $ 4,481 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications (2,278 ) 391 (1,371 ) (4,585 ) (13,746 ) (65,196 ) (17,395 ) (69,390 ) Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 537 116 15,368 (1,876 ) — — 15,905 (1,760 ) Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (1,741 ) 507 13,997 (6,461 ) (13,746 ) (65,196 ) (1,490 ) (71,150 ) Balance March 31, 2016 $ (673 ) $ 1,068 $ 5,108 $ (8,889 ) $ (72,594 ) $ (58,848 ) $ (68,159 ) $ (66,669 ) (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) The effective portion of gain or loss on net debt designated as non-derivative net investment hedging instruments is recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and is reclassified to income in the same period when a gain or loss related to the net investment in the foreign operation is included in 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, 2016 2015 2014 Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment $ (72,594 ) $ (58,848 ) $ 6,348 Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans costs, net of taxes 5,108 (8,889 ) (2,428 ) Unrealized (loss) gain on available for sale securities (673 ) 1,068 561 Total $ (68,159 ) $ (66,669 ) $ 4,481

Reclassifications out of AOCI49

Reclassifications out of AOCI (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Reclassifications out of AOCI Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 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, 2016 and March 31, 2015 were as follows: Details of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows: Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities (1) Defined Benefit Plans (2) Foreign Currency Translation (3) Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Beginning Balance $ 1,068 $ 561 $ (8,889 ) $ (2,428 ) $ (58,848 ) $ 6,348 $ (66,669 ) $ 4,481 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications (2,278 ) 391 (1,371 ) (4,585 ) (13,746 ) (65,196 ) (17,395 ) (69,390 ) Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 537 116 15,368 (1,876 ) — — 15,905 (1,760 ) Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (1,741 ) 507 13,997 (6,461 ) (13,746 ) (65,196 ) (1,490 ) (71,150 ) Balance March 31, 2016 $ (673 ) $ 1,068 $ 5,108 $ (8,889 ) $ (72,594 ) $ (58,848 ) $ (68,159 ) $ (66,669 ) (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) The effective portion of gain or loss on net debt designated as non-derivative net investment hedging instruments is recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and is reclassified to income in the same period when a gain or loss related to the net investment in the foreign operation is included in income.

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 2016 Revenues: Product $ 318,438 $ 305,156 $ 274,145 $ 232,307 Service 371,839 313,532 215,752 207,595 Total Revenues 690,277 618,688 489,897 439,902 Cost of Revenues: Product 174,642 165,575 148,088 129,856 Service 251,746 214,932 132,488 125,956 Total Cost of Revenues 426,388 380,507 280,576 255,812 Gross Profit 263,889 238,181 209,321 184,090 Percentage of Revenues 38.2 % 38.5 % 42.7 % 41.8 % Restructuring Expenses 156 (194 ) (56 ) (726 ) Net Income Attributable to Shareholders $ 57,740 $ 20,045 $ 8,687 $ 24,291 Basic Income Per Ordinary Share Attributable to Shareholders: Net income $ 0.67 $ 0.26 $ 0.15 $ 0.41 Diluted Income Per Ordinary Share Attributable to Shareholders: Net income $ 0.67 $ 0.26 $ 0.14 $ 0.40 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 Attributable to Shareholders $ 41,399 $ 38,124 $ 31,004 $ 24,537 Basic Income Per Ordinary Share Attributable to Shareholders: Net income $ 0.69 $ 0.64 $ 0.52 $ 0.41 Diluted Income Per Ordinary Share Attributable to Shareholders: Net income $ 0.69 $ 0.63 $ 0.52 $ 0.41

Nature of Operations and Summ51

Nature of Operations and Summary of Siginificant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income	$ 38,963
Medical Device Excise Tax Rate	2.30%
Excise and Sales Taxes	$ 5,802	$ 7,917	$ 7,390
Percentage of LIFO Inventory	31.00%	35.90%
Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period	$ 723	$ 174
Interest Costs Incurred	42,708	19,187	18,770
Interest Paid	37,165	19,124	19,268
Income Taxes Paid, Net	60,885	52,707	52,888
Advertising Expense	10,785	9,732	8,606
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds	1,697	2,405	$ 3,076
FIFO Inventory Amount	$ 17,608	$ 19,071
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	15 or 20
Linens [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	1-5
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)

Restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2016

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

$ 156

$ (194)

$ (56)

$ (726)

$ (381)

$ (1,109)

$ 1,271

$ (172)

$ (501)

[1]

$ (759)

[1]

$ 21,348

[1]

Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]

Restructuring Reserve, End of Period

700

700

FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

18,970

18,970

Restructuring expenses

(598)

Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]

Restructuring Reserve, Beginning of Period

2,887

7,978

2,887

7,978

Restructuring Reserve, Payments and Impairments

[2]

(4,493)

Restructuring Reserve, End of Period

2,887

2,887

7,978

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

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

(616)

Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]

Restructuring Reserve, Beginning of Period

2,531

6,389

2,531

6,389

Restructuring Reserve, Payments and Impairments

[2]

(3,242)

Restructuring Reserve, End of Period

2,531

2,531

6,389

FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Lease termination obligations

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

18

Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]

Restructuring Reserve, Beginning of Period

$ 356

$ 1,589

356

1,589

Restructuring Reserve, Payments and Impairments

[2]

(1,251)

Restructuring Reserve, End of Period

$ 356

356

1,589

2010 Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

9,294

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

(501)

[3]

(759)

[4]

20,231

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

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

(1,050)

(616)

7,363

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

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

319

[3]

(368)

[4]

8,144

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

230

263

1,103

Operating Expense | 2010 Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

1,117

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

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

127

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

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

0

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

0

Restructuring expenses | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

10,874

10,874

Restructuring expenses | 2010 Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

8,190

8,190

Cost of revenues | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring expenses

319

$ (368)

$ 8,144

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

8,096

8,096

Cost of revenues | 2010 Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

1,104

1,104

Healthcare Products [Member] [Member] | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

15,568

15,568

Healthcare Specialty Services [Member] | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

1,293

1,293

Life Science Member | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

829

829

Applied Sterilization Technologies [Member] | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

$ 1,280

$ 1,280

[1]

See Note 2 titled, "Restructuring" for more information related to restructuring.

[2]

(1) Our marketable equity securities have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months.(2) Amounts reported include the impact of foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar.

[3]

Includes $319 in charges recorded in cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income

[4]

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

Business Acquisitions (Details)

Business Acquisitions (Details) £ / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)		Nov. 02, 2015£ / shares	Nov. 02, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014GBP (£)	Jun. 30, 2014GBP (£)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability																	$ 7,082
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue										$ 2,619,056		$ 2,499,140
Synergy Combination Cash Consideration																	$ 402,494
STERIS Closing Stock Price at 11/02/2015 | $ / shares																	$ 73.02
Restructuring expenses	$ 156	$ (194)	$ (56)	$ (726)	$ (381)	$ (1,109)	$ 1,271	$ (172)		(501)	[1]	(759)	[1]	$ 21,348	[1]
Restricted stock issued in conjunction with acquisition										1,901,068
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	5,886				2,500					5,886		2,500										$ 9,887
Goodwill	2,156,603				592,641					2,156,603		592,641										517,011
Synergy Combination Total Stock Consideration																	$ 1,887,479
FV of consideration available to vested Synergy share option holders																	$ 4,819
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)										188,269		152,057
Revenues	690,277	$ 618,688	489,897	439,902	501,647	$ 473,244	$ 462,729	412,643		2,238,764		1,850,263		1,622,252
Operating Income (Loss)										212,927		227,211		206,807
Other Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Approximate purchase price of entity	41,079									41,079
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	0									0
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	3,859									3,859
Inventories, net	1,108									1,108
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	1,979									1,979
Other Assets	0									0
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	14,829									14,829
Goodwill	20,630									20,630
Assets	42,405									42,405
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt	0									0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities	(1,277)									(1,277)
Other Liabilities	(49)									(49)
Liabilities	(1,326)									(1,326)
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net	41,079									41,079
Black Diamond [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Approximate purchase price of entity				46,155
Deferred Purchase Price of Acquired Entity				5,870
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	0									0
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	2,966									2,966
Inventories, net	3,309									3,309
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	607									607
Other Assets	54									54
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	13,500									13,500
Goodwill	31,792									31,792
Assets	52,228									52,228
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt	0									0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities	(4,525)									(4,525)
Other Liabilities	(1,548)									(1,548)
Liabilities	(6,073)									(6,073)
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net	46,155									46,155
Econopak [Member] [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Approximate purchase price of entity			$ 176,474						$ 176,474
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	1,108									1,108
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	4,161									4,161
Inventories, net	1,926									1,926
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	3,421									3,421
Other Assets	946									946
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	61,900									61,900
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	104,485									104,485
Assets	177,947									177,947
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt	0									0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities	(1,473)									(1,473)
Other Liabilities	0									0
Liabilities	(1,473)									(1,473)
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net	176,474									176,474
Synergy Health plc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	53,057									53,057
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	107,341									107,341
Inventories, net	30,074									30,074
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	534,879									534,879
Other Assets	19,708									19,708
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	806,526									806,526
Goodwill	1,411,781									1,411,781
Assets	2,963,366									2,963,366
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt	(321,082)									(321,082)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities	(108,192)									(108,192)
Other Liabilities	(230,544)									(230,544)
Liabilities	(659,818)									(659,818)
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net	2,303,548									2,303,548
IMS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquired entity																				$ 162,905
Other Real Estate																				$ 10,000
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs								$ 3,208
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value					0							0
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current					16,594							16,594
Inventories, net					8,478							8,478
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net					15,074							15,074
Other Assets					842							842
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)					62,000							62,000
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount					81,587							81,587
Assets					184,575							184,575
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt					0							0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities					(11,670)							(11,670)
Other Liabilities					0							0
Liabilities					(11,670)							(11,670)
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net					172,905							172,905
FSR [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquired entity																						3,415
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value					0							0
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current					342							342
Inventories, net					0							0
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net					0							0
Other Assets					0							0
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)					1,200							1,200
Goodwill					1,899							1,899
Assets					3,441							3,441
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt					0							0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities					(26)							(26)
Other Liabilities					0							0
Liabilities					(26)							(26)
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net					3,415							3,415
USE [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquired entity																							$ 5,779
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value																						0
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current																						388
Inventories, net																						402
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net																						98
Other Assets																						11
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)																						2,765
Goodwill																						2,131
Assets																						5,795
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt																						0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities																						(16)
Other Liabilities																						0
Liabilities																						(16)
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net																						5,779
VTS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquired entity																					£ 25,000	41,645
Purchase price of acquired entity paid at closing | £																					£ 22,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability | £																			£ 3,000
Purchase price of acquired entity working capital adjustment | £																		£ 500
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value																						2,545
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current																						5,336
Inventories, net																						10,017
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net																						6,262
Other Assets																						475
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)																						21,128
Goodwill																						14,274
Assets																						60,037
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt																						0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities																						(14,357)
Other Liabilities																						(4,035)
Liabilities																						(18,392)
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net																						41,645
Dana Products [Member] [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquired entity					12,414							12,414
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value					135							135
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current					617							617
Inventories, net					388							388
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net					743							743
Other Assets					0							0
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)					6,363							6,363
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount					4,311							4,311
Assets					12,557							12,557
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt					0							0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities					(143)							(143)
Other Liabilities					0							0
Liabilities					(143)							(143)
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net					$ 12,414							12,414
LSI [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquired entity																						24,500
Restricted stock issued in conjunction with acquisition														1,500
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value																						0
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current																						2,341
Inventories, net																						2,727
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net																						301
Other Assets																						117
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)																						4,462
Goodwill																						16,230
Assets																						26,178
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities																						(1,678)
Other Liabilities																						0
Liabilities																						(1,678)
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net																						$ 24,500
Life Science Member
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses										33		161		635
Applied Sterilization Technologies [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses										(23)		$ (49)		$ 1,349
United States of America, Dollars
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Value of transaction per Synergy Share | $ / shares																	$ 38.17
United Kingdom, Pounds
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Value of transaction per Synergy Share | £ / shares																£ 24.80
Other Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	1,760									1,760
Black Diamond [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability				$ 800
Econopak [Member] [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs									$ 2,380
Synergy Health plc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Approximate purchase price of entity																	$ 2,289,973
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs										63,789
Synergy Combination Total Consideration																	2,294,792
Revenues										254,911
Operating Income (Loss)										3,695
Income tax liabilities (including uncertain tax positions) acquired [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability																	5,521
Contingent consideration gain loss [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability																	$ 1,561
Customer Relationships | Synergy Health plc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	717,254									717,254
Trade Names [Member] | Synergy Health plc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	64,645									64,645
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] | Synergy Health plc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 24,627									$ 24,627
[1]	See Note 2 titled, "Restructuring" for more information related to restructuring.

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 5,561
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months		$ 79,806
Goodwill		2,156,603	$ 592,641	$ 517,011
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)		35,340	35,490
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense		49,782	24,500	18,612
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross		1,282,072	377,864
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two		79,734
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four		79,648
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five		78,705
Future Amortization Expense, after Year Five		78,185
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization		158,733	109,860
goodwill acquired or allocated member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		1,564,947	89,074
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		(985)	(13,444)
Healthcare member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		154,272	150,844	69,486
Healthcare member | goodwill acquired or allocated member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		3,428	81,358
Healthcare member | Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		0	0
Life Science Member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		147,334	33,889	34,310
Life Science Member | goodwill acquired or allocated member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		113,284	1,899
Life Science Member | Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		161	(2,320)
Applied Sterilization Technologies [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		83,035	83,035	83,035
Applied Sterilization Technologies [Member] | goodwill acquired or allocated member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0	0
Applied Sterilization Technologies [Member] | Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		0	0
Healthcare Products [Member] [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		363,770	324,873	330,180
Healthcare Products [Member] [Member] | goodwill acquired or allocated member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		40,043	5,817
Healthcare Products [Member] [Member] | Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		(1,146)	(11,124)
Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross		10	10
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization		16	10
Noncompete Agreements
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross		4,730	3,654
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization		3,503	3,377
Patented Technology
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross		213,317	178,290
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization		70,801	56,861
tradmarks and tradenames
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross		129,690	61,896
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization		18,318	14,096
supplier relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross		54,800	0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization		1,827	0
Customer Relationships
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross		879,525	134,014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization		64,268	35,516
synergy [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		1,408,192	0	$ 0
synergy [Member] | goodwill acquired or allocated member
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		1,408,192	0
synergy [Member] | Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 0	$ 0

Inventories, Net (Details)

Inventories, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Inventory, Raw Materials	$ 62,673	$ 67,095
Inventory, Work in Process	19,614	22,696
Inventory, Finished Goods	146,820	107,695
Inventory, LIFO Reserve	(17,608)	(19,071)
Inventory Valuation Reserves	(18,707)	(17,597)	$ (15,986)	$ (11,985)
Inventories, net	$ 192,792	$ 160,818

Property, Plant and Equipment56

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Retirement Obligation		$ 10,342	$ 8,083
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred		38
Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense		(6,629)
Asset Retirement Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation		164
Land	[1]	39,051	40,668
Buildings and Improvements, Gross		446,277	263,007
Machinery and Equipment, Gross		580,962	375,555
Linen		42,354	0
Capitalized Computer Software, Gross		126,180	104,049
Materials, Supplies, and Other		434,152	289,778
Construction in Progress, Gross	[1]	79,291	47,690
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross		1,748,267	1,120,747
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment		(683,948)	(627,694)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		1,064,319	493,053
Depreciation		93,958	61,481	$ 57,037
Operating Leases, Rent Expense		23,238	$ 18,602	$ 17,643
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current		29,098
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years		23,853
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years		18,402
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years		10,456
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter		53,103
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due		134,912
Synergy Health plc [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred		$ 8,686
[1]	Land is not depreciated. Construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) € in Thousands, £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2008USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)

Nov. 02, 2015GBP (£)

Nov. 02, 2015USD ($)

Nov. 02, 2015EUR (€)

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-term Debt, Current Maturities

$ 0

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

1,245,000

Potential Increase to Line of Credit

500,000

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

[1]

662,580

$ 337,825

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

905,216

283,250

Long-term Debt

1,571,216

Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement

$ 350,000

$ 100,000

$ 100,000

$ 150,000

350,000

0

$ 0

Long-term Debt

1,567,796

$ 621,075

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two

0

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three

85,000

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four

905,216

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five

581,000

9 year 10 month Feb 13

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement

45,500

Long-term Debt

98,000

15yearplacement

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement

12,500

12yearplacement

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement

40,000

10yearplacement

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement

$ 45,500

Long-term Debt

98,000

15yearplacementfeb13

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement

$ 12,500

14 year 10 months Feb 13

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description

P14Y

12yearplacementfeb13

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement

$ 40,000

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description

P11Y

9 year 10 months Feb 13

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description

P9Y

9 year 10 month Feb 13

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description

P10M

9 year Feb 13

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description

P10M

9 year 10 month

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description

P10M

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

3.70%

3.70%

10 year maturity

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement

$ 125,000

$ 85,000

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description

10

P10Y

P10Y

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

3.45%

6.83%

3.70%

12 year maturity

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement

$ 125,000

$ 35,000

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description

12

P12Y

P12Y

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

3.55%

6.93%

3.85%

15 year maturity

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement

$ 100,000

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description

15

P15Y

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

3.70%

4.05%

August 2008 Notes [Member] [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 120,000

14 year 10 months maturity

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

4.05%

4.05%

10 year 11 months

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

3.85%

3.85%

Credit Agreement- term loans principal payment minimum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

1.25%

Credit Agreement- term loan principal payment maximum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

2.50%

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 850,000

United States of America, Dollars

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent

$ 132,000

United Kingdom, Pounds

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent | £

£ 49,000

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent | €

€ 127,750

Term Loan Agreement [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent

$ 400,000

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 400,000

[1]

(1) Amounts are presented net of deferred financing costs.

Additional Consolidated Balan58

Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Employee-related Liabilities	$ 30,175	$ 16,680
Accrued Vacation	14,368	5,539
Accrued Bonuses	31,502	30,159
Accrued Liabilities for Commissions, Expense and Taxes	13,809	12,842
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities	0	6,186
Other Postretirement Benefits Payable	2,463	2,789
Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans, Liabilities	1,659	610
Employee-related Liabilities, Current	93,976	74,805
Deferred Revenue	56,238	34,910
Self Insurance Reserve, Current	8,266	6,897
Accrued Sales Commission	12,717	13,591
Product Warranty Accrual	5,909	5,579	$ 7,765	$ 12,734
Asset Retirement Obligation, Current	0	1,092
Other Accrued Liabilities	70,245	39,963
Accrued Liabilities	153,375	102,032
Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent	13,257	12,052
Other Postretirement Benefits Payable, Noncurrent	15,932	18,489
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent	25,301	119
Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	4,366	6,634
Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent	10,342	6,991
Other Liabilities	15,100	3,049
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	$ 84,298	$ 47,334

Income Tax Expense (Details)

Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense	$ 456
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	3,706
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible	345
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	1,100,000,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	1,520,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits	7,016,000	$ 8,130,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	$ 0	$ 0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 2,194,000	$ 3,633,000	$ 2,985,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	$ (20,553,000)	$ 15,824,000	$ 11,483,000
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	35.10%	35.30%	31.30%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 3,527,000	$ 0	$ 0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	171,884,000	208,820,000	188,376,000
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)	7,943,000	8,551,000	5,991,000
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	65,714,000	73,260,000	46,456,000
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(6,973,000)	(676,000)	(410,000)
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	299,000	214,000	1,473,000
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes	(5,415,000)	496,000	12,478,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 60,299,000	$ 73,756,000	$ 58,934,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate	0.20%	0.00%	(5.10%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes	3.30%	2.80%	2.60%
Increase (decrease) in Valuation Allowances	1.00%	2.10%	1.50%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Foreign	(0.60%)	(1.00%)	(2.00%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential	(8.50%)	(3.60%)	(0.10%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Other, Percent	3.40%	0.00%	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deductions, Qualified Production Activities	(2.50%)	(1.60%)	(1.20%)
U.S. Tax Benefit Resulting from European Restructuring	0.00%	0.00%	(0.60%)
Capitalized Interest Costs- Effective tax rate	5.30%	2.20%	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments	(1.50%)	(0.60%)	1.20%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	$ 0	$ 0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	316,000	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	0	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Acquisition	3,422,000	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation	(211,000)	0
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	0	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	0	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits	25,436,000	24,374,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	20,955,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities	7,521,000	6,808,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Self Insurance	4,226,000	4,071,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income	7,910,000	6,148,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	2,059,000	1,941,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions	5,155,000	2,781,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	2,208,000	464,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Current	87,682,000	67,807,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	16,435,000	14,380,000	$ 12,541,000	$ 12,428,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	71,247,000	53,427,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	85,807,000	50,559,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets	226,809,000	38,121,000
Deferred Tax and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	3,744,000	3,710,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities	316,360,000	92,390,000
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net	(245,113,000)	(38,963,000)
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign	59,487,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local	1,704,000
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	2,055,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	26,151,000	13,090,000
UNITED STATES
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	105,758,000	161,165,000	122,245,000
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	41,653,000	52,234,000	24,016,000
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,427,000	1,436,000	10,501,000
Other Foreign Entities [Member] [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	86,679,000	31,831,000	54,648,000
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	13,924,000	8,842,000	13,464,000
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (168,000)	$ (478,000)	$ 914,000

Benefit Plans (Change in benefi

Benefit Plans (Change in benefit obligations funded status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined benefit plan repayment of obligation [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	$ 3,719
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	0	$ 56,612
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	27	140	$ 160
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	560	1,887	1,799
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	50,426
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	0	(6,186)
Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	3,567
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	128,942	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	961	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,659	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	104,353	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	(24,589)	0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	2,463
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	593	691	683
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	(18,380)	(21,278)
Change in Benefit Obligations | United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	0	56,612	49,206
Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Benefit Obligation	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	27	140
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	560	1,887
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	(2,365)	9,752
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	3,029	4,373
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments	(51,805)	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss)	0	0
Change in Benefit Obligations | Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	128,942	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Benefit Obligation	121,468	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	961	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,659	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	5,399	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	2,346	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	517	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments	(326)	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss)	1,610	0
Change in Benefit Obligations | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	18,380	21,278	21,342
Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Benefit Obligation	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	593	691
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	(673)	2,327
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	2,818	3,082
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss)	0	0
Change in Plan Assets | United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	3,029	4,373
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	50,426	48,613
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	(279)	6,186
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	4,687	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments	(51,805)	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss)	0	0
Change in Plan Assets | Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	2,204	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	517	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	104,353	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Plan Assets	99,511
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	2,989	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	2,280	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss)	1,260
Change in Plan Assets | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	2,818	3,082
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	(2,818)	3,082
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss)	$ 0	$ 0

Benefit Plans (Amounts recogniz

Benefit Plans (Amounts recognized in balance sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities	$ 0	$ 6,186
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities	0	(6,186)
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities	0	(6,186)
Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities	0	0
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	(24,589)	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities	(24,589)	0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities	(2,463)	(2,789)
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	(15,917)	(18,489)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities	$ (18,380)	$ (21,278)

Benefit Plans (Amortize pre-tax

Benefit Plans (Amortize pre-tax amount AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
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	$ 8
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	20
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0	$ 0	$ 0
Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	(142)	$ 0	$ 0
Future [Member] | United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0
Future [Member] | Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0
Future [Member] | Other Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	739
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	$ (3,263)

Benefit Plans (Accumulated bene

Benefit Plans (Accumulated benefit obligation exceeding the fair value of plan assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 104,353	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	128,942	0
Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain] | Change in Plan Assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	104,353	0	$ 0
Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain] | Change in Benefit Obligations
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	128,942	0	0
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	50,426
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	0	56,612
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation	0
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit | Change in Plan Assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	50,426	48,613
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit | Change in Benefit Obligations
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	$ 0	$ 56,612	$ 49,206

Benefit Plans (Projected benefi

Benefit Plans (Projected benefit obligation exceeding the fair value of plan assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2008
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation			$ 46,001
Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 104,353	$ 0
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 0	$ 50,426

Benefit Plans (Components of th

Benefit Plans (Components of the annual net periodic benefit cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$ 27	$ 140	$ 160
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	560	1,887	1,799
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	(1,008)	(3,139)	(3,442)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	602	1,106	1,458
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	26,651	(6)	(25)
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments	26,470	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period	0	6,706	(4,814)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	(602)	(1,106)	(1,458)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	(602)	5,600	(6,272)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	26,049	5,594	(6,297)
Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	961	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,659	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	(1,324)	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	(142)	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	828	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments	(326)	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period	(3,733)	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	(3,733)	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	(2,905)	0	0
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	593	691	683
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)	828	721	891
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	(1,842)	(1,851)	(1,689)
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	673	2,327	(654)
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)	(721)	(891)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	3,215	4,869	1,718
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	$ 1,373	$ 3,018	$ 29

Benefit Plans (Assumptions used

Benefit Plans (Assumptions used in calculating benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate		2.46%
Shiloh [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.50%
Synergy Health PLC Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.50%
Vernon Carus [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.50%
Isotron [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	1.60%
Daniken [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	0.40%
Radeberg [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	1.60%
Allershausen [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	1.60%
Other Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.25%	3.00%

Benefit Plans (Significant assu

Benefit Plans (Significant assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit costs) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
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%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets		6.75%	7.75%
Shiloh [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	3.80%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	5.14%
Synergy Health PLC Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	3.80%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	6.17%
Vernon Carus [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	3.80%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	4.77%
Isotron [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	2.10%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	2.10%
Daniken [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	0.40%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	1.40%
Radeberg [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	1.60%
Allershausen [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	1.60%
Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans, Net
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	3.25%	3.00%	3.50%

Benefit Plans (Assumed long-ter

Benefit Plans (Assumed long-term healthcare cost trend rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Healthcare cost trend rate medical	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
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-pe

Benefit Plans (Effect of one-percentage-point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components	$ 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components	(1)
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	44
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	$ (42)

Benefit Plans (Targeted asset a

Benefit Plans (Targeted asset allocation of plan assets and the actual allocation of plan assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	60.00%
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	30.00%
Other Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	10.00%

Benefit Plans (Fair value of ou

Benefit Plans (Fair value of our pension benefits plan assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		$ 5,538
Marketable Securities, Equity Securities		7,271
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 0	50,426
Marketable Securities, Fixed Maturities		37,617
Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Real Estate Investments, Net	5,384
Other Investments	15,471
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	7,221
Marketable Securities, Equity Securities	50,125
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	104,353	0
Marketable Securities, Fixed Maturities	26,152
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
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		45,225
Marketable Securities, Fixed Maturities		37,617
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Real Estate Investments, Net	0
Other Investments	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	7,221
Marketable Securities, Equity Securities	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	7,221
Marketable Securities, Fixed Maturities	0
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
Marketable Securities, Equity Securities		0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		5,201
Marketable Securities, Fixed Maturities		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Real Estate Investments, Net	5,384
Other Investments	11,279
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Marketable Securities, Equity Securities	50,125
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	92,940
Marketable Securities, Fixed Maturities	26,152
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		0
Marketable Securities, Equity Securities		0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		0
Marketable Securities, Fixed Maturities		$ 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Real Estate Investments, Net	0
Other Investments	4,192
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Marketable Securities, Equity Securities	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,192
Marketable Securities, Fixed Maturities	$ 0

Benefit Plans (Expected payment

Benefit Plans (Expected payments to be made to plan participants) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Gross Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts Received	$ 284	$ 457
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	2,463
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	2,207
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	1,911
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	1,709
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	1,567
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	6,011
Other Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	3,567
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	3,942
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	4,571
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	3,976
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	4,230
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	$ 26,758

Benefit Plans (Details Textual)

Benefit Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($)		Aug. 26, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
DBP Purchase Price of Annuity Contract			$ 51,805,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount		$ 4,641,000	13,354,000	$ 10,895,000	$ 9,956,000
Preliminary Estimated Unfunded Benefit Obligation - Synergy Plan			23,507,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets			$ 473,218,000
STERIS Corporation shares held in defined contribution plan			681,468
Fair value of STERIS Corporatio stock held in defined contribution plan			$ 48,418,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Dividends Paid			669,000	606,000	622,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation	[1]		26,470,000	0	$ 0
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets			$ 1,696,000	$ 3,650,000
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations			60.00%
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations			30.00%
Other Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations			10.00%
[1]	See Note 10 titled, "Benefit Plans" for more information related to the settlement of the pension obligation.

Contingencies (Details)

Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
rebate program adjustment	[1]		$ (18)
Letters of credit as security for self insurance risk and retention policies		$ 7,050	5,961
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed		40,715	35,405
long term construction contracts			15,041
Commercial commitments [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitments and Contingencies		$ 56,649	$ 40,008
[1]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjJhYWY0YTcxYWQyNjQ0NTU4NDNjN2I2NmEzN2Y5MmVjfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246ODAwMDAyNzQ3NUZBNzU3ODU0OTNDRTNFNTk4RDFFNjcM}

Business Segment Information (D

Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016		Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 690,277	$ 618,688	$ 489,897	$ 439,902	$ 501,647	$ 473,244	$ 462,729	$ 412,643	$ 2,238,764		$ 1,850,263		$ 1,622,252
Operating Income (Loss)										212,927		227,211		206,807
amortization of inventory and property step up to fair value	[1]									9,907		1,330		620
amortization and impairment of acquired intangible assets	[2]									47,704		28,317		17,013
acquisition and integration related charges										82,891		32,762		3,585
loss (gain) on fair value contingent consideration adjustments										(736)		2,271		697
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation	[3]									26,470		0		0
rebate program adjustment	[4]											18
Restructuring expenses		156	$ (194)	$ (56)	$ (726)	(381)	$ (1,109)	$ 1,271	$ (172)	(501)	[5]	(759)	[5]	21,348	[5]
Assets		5,346,416				2,097,291				5,346,416		2,097,291
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets										126,407		85,255		86,367
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization										143,740		91,541		75,649
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		1,064,319				493,053				1,064,319		493,053
Applied Sterilization Technologies [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										310,120		205,675		194,183
Operating Income (Loss)										99,224		59,458		57,598
Assets		1,494,638				436,638				1,494,638		436,638
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets										60,517		48,286		39,310
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization										58,468		30,369		29,319
Life Science Member
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										295,970		250,845		246,122
Operating Income (Loss)										85,466		56,072		50,772
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		3,936,107				2,095,157				3,936,107		2,095,157
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets										126,393		85,237		86,353
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization										143,661		91,504		75,614
OperatingSegmentAllExceptCorpandOther [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										2,236,108		1,848,394		1,620,356
Operating Income (Loss)										390,150		298,674		258,212
OperatingSegmentCorpandOther [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										2,656		1,869		1,896
Operating Income (Loss)										(11,488)		(7,542)		(8,142)
OperatingSegmentAll [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										2,238,764		1,850,263		1,622,252
Operating Income (Loss)										378,662		291,132		250,070
Healthcare and Life Sciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		1,682,457				1,261,940				1,682,457		1,261,940
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets										34,567		34,174		46,792
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization										49,063		41,201		41,035
Corporate and Other member [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		2,117				2,134				2,117		2,134
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets										14		18		14
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization										79		37		35
Healthcare Specialty Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										422,860		248,538		87,467
Operating Income (Loss)										24,165		16,629		2,387
Assets		759,012				396,579				759,012		396,579
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets										31,309		2,777		251
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization										36,130		19,934		5,260
Healthcare Products [Member] [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										1,207,158		1,143,336		1,092,584
Operating Income (Loss)										181,295		166,515		147,455
Applied Sterilization Technologies [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses										(23)		(49)		1,349
Healthcare Products [Member] [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses										365		(715)		17,929
Healthcare Specialty Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses										(876)		(156)		1,435
Life Science Member
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses										33		161		635
United Kingdom [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										144,577		51,889		27,677
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		121,853				12,816				121,853		12,816
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										1,662,050		1,449,223		1,244,730
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		505,169				441,278				505,169		441,278
Other Foreign Entities [Member] [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										432,137		349,151		$ 349,845
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		437,297				38,959				437,297		38,959
Synergy Health plc [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill, Not Allocated, Amount		$ 1,408,192				$ 0				$ 1,408,192		$ 0
[1]	For more information regarding our recent acquisitions see Note 3 titled, "Business Acquisitions".
[2]	Acquisition and integration related charges include transaction costs and integration expenses associated with acquisitions
[3]	See Note 10 titled, "Benefit Plans" for more information related to the settlement of the pension obligation.
[4]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjJhYWY0YTcxYWQyNjQ0NTU4NDNjN2I2NmEzN2Y5MmVjfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246ODAwMDAyNzQ3NUZBNzU3ODU0OTNDRTNFNTk4RDFFNjcM}
[5]	See Note 2 titled, "Restructuring" for more information related to restructuring.

Common Shares (Details)

Common Shares (Details) £ / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2014shares	Dec. 31, 2015£ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Nov. 02, 2015GBP (£)£ / shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 0.15	$ 0.15
Ordinary shares, with $0.15 par value; 170,060 shares authorized and common shares with no par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 85,920 ordinary and 70,040 common shares issued; 85,920 ordinary and 59,675 common shares outstanding, respectively | $	$ 2,151,719	$ 2,151,719	$ 264,853
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	5.00%
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	100,000	100,000	0			100,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | $ / shares	$ 0.15	$ 0.15
Preferred shares, with $0.15 par value; 100 shares authorized; 100 issued and outstanding | $	$ 15	$ 15	$ 0
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share | (per share)					£ 0.10	$ 0.15
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic		70,698,000	59,413,000	58,966,000
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment		486,000	632,000	779,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted		71,184,000	60,045,000	59,745,000
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		263,000	342,000	327,000
United Kingdom, Pounds
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | £ / shares					£ 0.10
United States of America, Dollars
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | $ / shares						$ 0.15
Preferred shares, with $0.15 par value; 100 shares authorized; 100 issued and outstanding | $						$ 15
Synergy Health plc [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | £ / shares							£ 0.10
Cash Value per share paid to Synergy Shareholders for Combination | £							£ 4.39

Repurchases of Common Shares (D

Repurchases of Common Shares (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	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
Treasury Stock Repurchases Not Including Shares Withheld for Taxes			$ 24,691
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	0	10,364,000
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share			$ 43.63
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	267,696	541,700	58,529
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	$ 14,369	$ 30,687	$ 778

Share-Based Compensation (Detai

Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Item]
Remaining shares available for grant	2,197,046
Weighted-average assumptions used for options granted:
Risk-free interest rate	1.51%	1.89%	0.95%
Expected life of options	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 8 months 12 days
Exptected dividend yield of stock	1.40%	1.87%	2.22%
Expected volatility of stock	25.06%	29.86%	31.22%
Estimated forfeiture rate	1.55%	1.46%	1.44%
Summary of share option activity:
Number of Options, Outstanding, Beginning of Period	1,759,890
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Beginning of Period	$ 37.03
Number of Options, Granted	366,700
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$ 66.88
Number of Options, Exercised	(356,596)
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$ 31.93
Number of Options, Forfeited	(39,977)
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	$ 54.58
Number of Options, Canceled	(500)
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Canceled	$ 24.45
Number of Options, Outstanding, End of Period	1,729,517	1,759,890
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, End of Period	$ 44.01	$ 37.03
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	6 years 3 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$ 46,772
Number of Options, Exercisable	978,916
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 34.49
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 8 months 12 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$ 35,787
Non-vested stock options outstanding expected to vest	742,059
Common Stock, Fair Market Value Per Share	$ 71.05
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 13,000	$ 31,555	$ 10,253
Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options	11,240	28,274	14,160
Tax benefit from stock option exercises	$ 6,281	$ 11,526	$ 2,841
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock option grants, per share	$ 14.66	$ 13.41	$ 10.59
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at Beginning of Period	32,800
Number of Restricted Shares, Granted	22,405
Number of Restricted Shares, Vested	(12,071)
Number of Restricted Shares, Canceled	(1,493)
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at End of Period	41,641	32,800
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation granted	$ 33,196
Weighted average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	2 years 2 months 12 days
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
FairValueOfOutstandingStockAppreciationRights	$ 2,165	$ 2,294
Restricted Stock
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at Beginning of Period	851,173
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested at Beginning of Period	$ 42.98
Number of Restricted Shares, Granted	293,086
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$ 68.47
Number of Restricted Shares, Vested	(218,455)
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$ 39.88
Number of Restricted Shares, Canceled	(52,832)
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Canceled	$ 52.71
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at End of Period	872,972	851,173
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested at End of Period	$ 51.98	$ 42.98
Fair Value, Share-based Payment Awards, Other than Options	$ 8,464
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
FairValueOfOutstandingCashSettledRestrictedShareUnits		$ 334

Financial and Other Guarantee79

Financial and Other Guarantees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Product Warranty Accrual	$ 5,909	$ 5,579	$ 7,765	$ 12,734
Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued	11,194	7,604	3,538
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Payments	(10,864)	(9,790)	(8,507)
Service Agreements [Member]
ERROR in label resolution.	$ 33,416	$ 30,720	$ 31,079

Forward and Swap Contracts (Det

Forward and Swap Contracts (Details) MXN in Thousands, CAD in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)lbs	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016CADlbs	Mar. 31, 2016MXNlbs
Derivative [Line Items]
Non-derivative Net Investment Hedge	$ 124,716
Other Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	145	$ 12
Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Accrued Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	0	0
Derivative Liabilities	122	616
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain, before Tax	(683)	(1,457)	$ (1,175)
Cost of Sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Commodity Contracts	$ (461)	$ (373)	$ (57)
Mexico, Pesos
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts (Deprecated 2013-01-31) | MXN					MXN 65,000
Canada, Dollars
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts (Deprecated 2013-01-31) | CAD				CAD 4,000
212234 Copper Ore and Nickel Ore Mining [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Investment Contract Weight | lbs	644,100			644,100	644,100

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016		Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		$ 5,970		$ 7,358
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		6,192		8,332
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value		5,886		2,500	$ 9,887
Unrealized Gain on AFS Securities	[1]	407		974
Unrealized Loss on AFS Securities		(185)	[1]	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	[2]	225,090		148,944
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	[3]	0		0
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	[3]	0		0
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	[4]	6,192		8,332
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	[4]	1,765		3,757
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	[5]	0		0
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value		0	[6]	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	[2]	23,751		18,745
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	[3]	145		12
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	[3]	122		616
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		0	[4]	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		0	[4]	0
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	[5]	1,592,184		641,131
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value		0	[6]	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		0		0
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure		0	[3]	0
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure		0	[3]	0
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		0	[4]	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		0	[4]	0
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	[5]	0		0
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value	[6]	5,886		2,500
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	[2]	248,841		167,689
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	[3]	145		12
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	[3]	122		616
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	[4]	6,192		8,332
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	[4]	1,765		3,757
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	[5]	1,567,796		621,075
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value	[6]	5,886		2,500
Capital Additions
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		1,561
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability		2,730	[7]	1,586
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		(858)		(8,320)
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	[8]	(47)		(653)
Cost of Sales
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Commodity Contracts		(461)		(373)	$ (57)
Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		1,289		2,677
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		1,696		3,651
Unrealized Gain on AFS Securities	[1]	407		974
Unrealized Loss on AFS Securities		0	[1]	0
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		4,681		4,681
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		4,496		4,681
Unrealized Gain on AFS Securities	[1]	0		0
Unrealized Loss on AFS Securities		$ (185)	[1]	$ 0
[1]	(1) Our marketable equity securities have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months.(2) Amounts reported include the impact of foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar.
[2]	Money market fund holdings are classified as level two as active market quoted prices are not available.
[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]	During the third fiscal quarter of 2016 we reduced our contingent consideration related to our acquisition of Black Diamond Video, Inc., as a result of our final valuation. The adjustment was a measurement period adjustment to goodwill and had no impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income. Refer to note 3, titled "Business Acquisitions" for more information.
[8]	(1) Reported in other comprehensive income (loss)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi82

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Incom (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ (72,594)	$ (58,848)	$ 6,348
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	5,108	(8,889)	(2,428)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	(673)	1,068	561
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (68,159)	$ (66,669)	$ 4,481

Reclassifications out of AOCI83

Reclassifications out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax		$ (673)	$ 1,068	$ 561
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax		5,108	(8,889)	(2,428)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax		(72,594)	(58,848)	6,348
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		(68,159)	(66,669)	4,481
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax		(1,741)	507	275
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		(17,395)	(69,390)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		15,905	(1,760)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent		(1,490)	(71,150)	8,569
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax		(673)	1,068	561
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax		5,108	(8,889)	(2,428)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax		(72,594)	(58,848)	6,348
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		(68,159)	(66,669)	4,481
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax		(1,741)	507	275
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		(17,395)	(69,390)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		15,905	(1,760)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent		(1,490)	(71,150)	8,569
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	[1]	(673)	1,068	561
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	[1]	(2,278)	391
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[1]	537	116
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	[1]	(1,741)	507
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	[1]	(673)	1,068	561
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	[1]	(2,278)	391
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[1]	537	116
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	[1]	(1,741)	507
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	[2]	5,108	(8,889)	(2,428)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	[2]	(1,371)	(4,585)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[2]	15,368	(1,876)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	[2]	13,997	(6,461)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	[2]	5,108	(8,889)	(2,428)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	[2]	(1,371)	(4,585)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[2]	15,368	(1,876)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	[2]	13,997	(6,461)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	[3]	(72,594)	(58,848)	6,348
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	[3]	(13,746)	(65,196)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[3]	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	[3]	(13,746)	(65,196)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	[3]	(72,594)	(58,848)	$ 6,348
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	[3]	(13,746)	(65,196)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[3]	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	[3]	$ (13,746)	$ (65,196)
[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]	The effective portion of gain or loss on net debt designated as non-derivative net investment hedging instruments is recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and is reclassified to income in the same period when a gain or loss related to the net investment in the foreign operation is included in income.

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 20, 2015GBP (£)	Nov. 06, 2015GBP (£)	Nov. 02, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 26, 2015GBP (£)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party obligation to be remitted on employees behalf						£ 3,100
Related party remaining obligation	£ 1,860
Due to Related Parties			£ 3,100
Related Party Cash proceeds received in exchange for Synergy Holdings				£ 1,250
Related Party- Outstanding obligation after cash proceeds retained and applied to balance				£ 1,860
Notes Receivable, Related Parties | $		$ 368
Due from Related Parties, Current | $					$ 5,152

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)85

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016		Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	$ 318,438,000	$ 305,156,000	$ 274,145,000	$ 232,307,000	$ 293,235,000	$ 267,285,000	$ 256,845,000	$ 230,440,000	$ 1,130,046,000		$ 1,047,805,000		$ 1,011,462,000
Sales Revenue, Services, Net	371,839,000	313,532,000	215,752,000	207,595,000	208,412,000	205,959,000	205,884,000	182,203,000	1,108,718,000		802,458,000		610,790,000
Revenues	690,277,000	618,688,000	489,897,000	439,902,000	501,647,000	473,244,000	462,729,000	412,643,000	2,238,764,000		1,850,263,000		1,622,252,000
Cost of Goods Sold	174,642,000	165,575,000	148,088,000	129,856,000	161,080,000	150,164,000	142,991,000	129,975,000	618,161,000		584,210,000		586,176,000
Cost of Services	251,746,000	214,932,000	132,488,000	125,956,000	127,507,000	125,924,000	125,746,000	112,575,000	725,122,000		491,752,000		386,454,000
Cost of Revenue	426,388,000	380,507,000	280,576,000	255,812,000	288,587,000	276,088,000	268,737,000	242,550,000	1,343,283,000		1,075,962,000		972,630,000
Gross Profit	263,889,000	238,181,000	209,321,000	184,090,000	213,060,000	197,156,000	193,992,000	170,093,000	895,481,000		774,301,000		649,622,000
Restructuring expenses	156,000	(194,000)	(56,000)	(726,000)	(381,000)	(1,109,000)	1,271,000	(172,000)	(501,000)	[1]	(759,000)	[1]	21,348,000	[1]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 57,740,000	$ 20,045,000	$ 8,687,000	$ 24,291,000	$ 41,399,000	$ 38,124,000	$ 31,004,000	$ 24,537,000	$ 110,763,000		$ 135,064,000		$ 129,442,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.67	$ 0.26	$ 0.15	$ 0.41	$ 0.69	$ 0.64	$ 0.52	$ 0.41	$ 1.57		$ 2.27		$ 2.20
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.67	$ 0.26	$ 0.14	$ 0.40	$ 0.69	$ 0.63	$ 0.52	$ 0.41	$ 1.56		$ 2.25		$ 2.17
Gross profit percentage
Gross Profit	$ 0.382	$ 0.385	$ 0.427	$ 0.418	$ 0.425	$ 0.417	$ 0.419	$ 0.412
[1]	See Note 2 titled, "Restructuring" for more information related to restructuring.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	[1]	$ 11,185,000	$ 9,415,000	$ 10,922,000		$ 10,043,000
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	[1]	3,362,000	1,415,000	3,266,000
Allowance for trade accounts receivable charges to other accounts	[1],[2]	(100,000)	217,000	(37,000)
Allowance for trade accounts receivable deductions	[1],[3]	(1,492,000)	(3,139,000)	(2,350,000)
Inventory Valuation Reserves		18,707,000	17,597,000	15,986,000		11,985,000
Inventory Write-down	[4]	1,146,000	77,000	3,944,000
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	[2]	(36,000)	1,534,000	57,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance		16,435,000	14,380,000	12,541,000		12,428,000
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments		4,439,000	(1,867,000)	227,000
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions		(4,535,000)	(322,000)	(622,000)
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Property Casualty Liability		20,222,000	18,078,000	14,444,000		14,100,000
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters, Paid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense		4,141,000	3,600,000	4,000,000
Incurred Claims, Property, Casualty and Liability		1,187,000	2,112,000	(68,000)
Incurred Claims, Property, Casualty and Liability		(3,184,000)	(2,078,000)	(3,588,000)
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current		0	16,000	8,000		$ 253,000
rebate program adjustment	[5]		18,000
Accrued Sys 1 Rebate and Class Action		0		0	[5]
Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Provision		(16,000)	(10,000)	(245,000)
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense		$ 2,151,000	$ 4,028,000	$ 508,000
[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]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjJhYWY0YTcxYWQyNjQ0NTU4NDNjN2I2NmEzN2Y5MmVjfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246ODAwMDAyNzQ3NUZBNzU3ODU0OTNDRTNFNTk4RDFFNjcM}

Subsequent Events Subsequent Ev

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events Disclosure (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2008	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement	$ 350,000	$ 100,000	$ 100,000	$ 150,000	$ 350,000	$ 0	$ 0
15 year maturity [Member] [Domain]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement	$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	15		P15Y
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.70%							4.05%
12 year maturity [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement	$ 125,000			$ 35,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	12		P12Y	P12Y
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.55%			6.93%				3.85%
10 year maturity [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement	$ 125,000			$ 85,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	10		P10Y	P10Y
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.45%			6.83%				3.70%