| Cover Page Cover Page | Nov. 04, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | L2 |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001757898 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Ordinary Shares |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Written Communications | false |
| Entity Address, Country | IE |
| Entity File Number | 001-38848 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1455064 |
| Local Phone Number | 232 2000 |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 4, 2019 |
| Country Region | 353 |
| City Area Code | 1 |
| Entity Registrant Name | STERIS plc |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 70 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Dublin 2, |
| Trading Symbol | STE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | D02 R296 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
