| Document and Entity Information | Jun. 02, 2021 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Address, Country | IE |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001757898 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 2, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | STERIS plc |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | L2 |
| Entity File Number | 001-38848 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1455064 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Dublin 2 |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | D02 R296 |
| City Area Code | 353 |
| Local Phone Number | 1232 2000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Ordinary Shares, $0.001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | STE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| STE Two 700 Senior Notes Due 2031 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 2.700% Senior Notes due 2031 |
| Trading Symbol | STE/31 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Two 700 Senior Notes Due 2051 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 3.750% Senior Notes due 2051 |
| Trading Symbol | STE/51 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
