STERIS Plc (Ireland) 10-Q 9 Feb 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	STERIS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	815065
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-28
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		59,574,771

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$9,011	$10,922
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	144,512	152,802
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $9,011 and $10,922, respectively)	297,015	313,686
Inventories, net	183,456	155,146
Deferred income taxes, net	15,477	16,084
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	31,091	37,027
Total current assets	671,551	674,745
Property, plant, and equipment, net	475,485	454,410
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	861,438	747,715
Other assets	19,334	10,292
Total assets	2,027,808	1,887,162
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	78,942	102,430
Accrued payroll and other related liabilities	67,989	58,774
Accrued expenses and other	97,510	93,302
Total current liabilities	244,441	254,506
Long-term indebtedness	610,680	493,480
Deferred income taxes, net	59,737	59,053
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	36,852	38,877
Total liabilities	951,710	845,916
Commitments and contingencies (see note 9)
Serial preferred shares, without par value; 3,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common shares, without par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 70,040 shares issued; 59,561 and 58,968 shares outstanding, respectively	257,760	246,186
Common shares held in treasury, 10,479 and 11,072 shares, respectively	-317,520	-324,202
Retained earnings	1,166,116	1,112,240
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-32,191	4,481
Total shareholders' equity	1,074,165	1,038,705
Noncontrolling interest	1,933	2,541
Total equity	1,076,098	1,041,246
Total liabilities and equity	$2,027,808	$1,887,162
Preferred Stock, No Par Value	$0	$0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, No Par Value	$0	$0
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	70,040,000	70,040,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	59,561,000	58,968,000
Common shares held in treasury, shares	10,478,783	11,071,728

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Receivable Allowances	$9,011	$10,922
Serial preferred shares without par value	$0	$0
Serial preferred shares authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000
Serial preferred shares issued	0	0
Serial preferred shares outstanding	0	0
Common shares without par value	$0	$0
Common shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common shares issued	70,040,000	70,040,000
Common shares outstanding	59,561,000	58,968,000
Common shares held in treasury, shares	10,478,783	11,071,728

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Product	$267,285	$252,616	$754,570	$710,853
Service	205,959	152,935	594,046	446,112
Total revenues	473,244	405,551	1,348,616	1,156,965
Cost of revenues:
Product	150,164	144,884	423,130	408,051
Service	125,924	96,892	364,245	283,787
Total cost of revenues	276,088	241,776	787,375	691,838
Gross Profit	197,156	163,775	561,241	465,127
Operating expenses:
Selling, general, and administrative	122,370	95,497	362,350	280,087
Research and development	14,549	11,580	39,964	36,960
Restructuring expenses	-1,109	808	-10	878
Total operating expenses	135,810	107,885	402,304	317,925
Income (loss) from operations	61,346	55,890	158,937	147,202
Non-operating expenses, net:
Interest expense	4,822	4,672	14,452	14,527
Interest income and miscellaneous expense	-417	-241	-673	-715
Total non-operating expenses, net	4,405	4,431	13,779	13,812
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	56,941	51,459	145,158	133,390
Income tax expense (benefit)	18,817	22,953	51,493	42,824
Net (loss) income	$38,124	$28,506	$93,665	$90,566
Net income (loss) per common share
Basic	$0.64	$0.48	$1.58	$1.54
Diluted	$0.63	$0.48	$1.56	$1.52
Cash dividends declared per common share outstanding	$0.23	$0.21	$0.67	$0.61

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service (Cost) Credit, Tax	$137	$89	$412	$267
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	38,124	28,506	93,665	90,566
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	-569	157	-510	252
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	-222	-140	-665	-419
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	-18,806	945	-35,497	8,244
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-19,597	962	-36,672	8,077
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	18,527	29,468	56,993	98,643
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax	$172	$0	$172	$0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net (loss) income	$93,665	$90,566
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	69,440	55,689
Deferred income taxes	344	4,019
Share-based compensation	11,409	8,930
Loss on the disposal of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles, net	-400	1,795
Other items	-5,392	1,331
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	29,192	9,859
Inventories, net	-27,014	-14,431
Other current assets	6,287	12,040
Accounts payable	-25,215	1,233
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities	-8,880	-1,864
Accruals and other, net	21,774	-26,994
Net cash provided by operating activities	165,210	142,173
Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles, net	-56,757	-64,778
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles	812	4,739
Payments to Acquire Investments	-4,681	0
Investments in businesses, net of cash acquired	-182,692	-8,443
Net cash used in investing activities	-243,318	-68,482
Financing activities:
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	0	-70,000
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	117,200	52,450
Payments of Financing Costs	-7,347	-43
Repurchases of common shares	-20,110	-23,236
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders	-39,790	-36,009
Stock option and other equity transactions, net	19,245	11,877
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities	8,880	1,864
Net cash used in financing activities	78,078	-63,097
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-8,260	4,735
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-8,290	15,329
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	152,802	142,008
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$144,512	$157,337

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Operations
	STERIS Corporation, an Ohio corporation, 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 used in this Quarterly Report, STERIS Corporation and its subsidiaries together are called “STERIS,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our,” unless otherwise noted.
	We operate in three reportable business segments: Healthcare, Life Sciences, and STERIS Isomedix Services (“Isomedix”). We describe our business segments in note 10 to our consolidated financial statements titled, “Business Segment Information.” Our fiscal year ends on March 31. References in this Quarterly 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:
	Interim Financial Statements
	We prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company according to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. This means that they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements contain all material adjustments (including normal recurring accruals and adjustments) management believes are necessary to fairly state our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented.
	These interim consolidated financial statements should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2014 dated May 29, 2014. The Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2014 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at March 31, 2014, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.
	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. Income attributable to non-controlling interests is reported in the "Interest income and miscellaneous expense" line of our Consolidated Statements of Income and is 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. This means that operating results for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for future quarters or for the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2015.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 titled "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", superseding Accounting Standards Codification ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition" and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. This amended guidance states that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance further states in order to achieve that core principle an entity should apply a series of five steps which include: identify the contract(s) with the Customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Entities are given the option to apply either a full retrospective with practical expedients or a modified retrospective transition method. ASU 2014-09 will also require additional disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The standard update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that period, early adoption is not permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	A detailed description of our significant and critical accounting policies, estimates, and assumptions is included in our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2014 dated May 29, 2014. Our significant and critical accounting policies, estimates, and assumptions have not changed materially from March 31, 2014.

Reclassifications_out_of_AOCI_

Reclassifications out of AOCI (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassifications out of AOCI [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [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 three and nine months ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities (1)						Defined Benefit Plans (2)						Foreign Currency Translation						Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
																				(Loss)
		Three Months			Nine Months			Three Months			Nine Months			Three Months			Nine Months			Three Months			Nine Months
	Beginning Balance	$	620		$	561		$	(2,871	)	$	(2,428	)	$	(10,343	)	$	6,348		$	(12,594	)	$	4,481
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications	(598		)	(605		)	247			742			(18,806		)	(35,497		)	(19,157		)	(35,360		)
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	29			95			(469		)	(1,407		)	—			—			(440		)	(1,312		)
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(569		)	(510		)	(222		)	(665		)	(18,806		)	(35,497		)	(19,597		)	(36,672		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	51		$	51		$	(3,093	)	$	(3,093	)	$	(29,149	)	$	(29,149	)	$	(32,191	)	$	(32,191	)
	Details of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows:
	(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.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Information related to the major categories of our depreciable assets is as follows:
			December 31,			March 31,
			2014			2014
	Land and land improvements (1)		$	35,643		$	33,601
	Buildings and leasehold improvements		268,487			256,879
	Machinery and equipment		373,624			360,977
	Information systems		102,849			100,349
	Radioisotope		280,126			258,547
	Construction in progress (1)		33,904			35,016
	Total property, plant, and equipment		1,094,633			1,045,369
	Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion		(619,148		)	(590,959		)
	Property, plant, and equipment, net		$	475,485		$	454,410
	-1	Land is not depreciated. Construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.

Inventories_Net

Inventories, Net	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Inventories, Net	Inventories, Net
	Inventories, net are stated at the lower of cost or market. We use the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) and first-in, first-out cost methods. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made only at the end of the fiscal year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and are subject to the final fiscal year-end LIFO inventory valuation. Inventory costs include material, labor, and overhead. Inventories, net consisted of the following:
		December 31,			March 31,
		2014			2014
	Raw materials	$	74,502		$	60,328
	Work in process	27,584			24,449
	Finished goods	116,881			102,928
	LIFO reserve	(17,171		)	(19,450		)
	Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory	(18,340		)	(13,109		)
	Inventories, net	$	183,456		$	155,146

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Indebtedness was as follows:
		December 31,		March 31,
		2014		2014
	Private Placement	$	340,000	$	340,000
	Credit Agreement and Swing Line Facility	270,680		153,480
	Total long term debt	$	610,680	$	493,480
	Additional information regarding our indebtedness is included in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2014 dated May 29, 2014.

Additional_Consolidated_Balanc

Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information	Additional Consolidated Balance Sheet Information
	Additional information related to our Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:
		December 31,			March 31,
		2014			2014
	Accrued payroll and other related liabilities:
	Compensation and related items	$	22,313		$	19,418
	Accrued vacation/paid time off	7,158			6,172
	Accrued bonuses	23,898			18,451
	Accrued employee commissions	11,175			11,322
	Other postretirement benefit obligations-current portion	2,950			2,950
	Other employee benefit plans' obligations-current portion	495			461
	Total accrued payroll and other related liabilities	$	67,989		$	58,774
	Accrued expenses and other:
	Deferred revenues	$	38,685		$	39,441
	Self-insured risk reserves-current portion	5,872			4,656
	Accrued dealer commissions	11,949			10,017
	Accrued warranty	5,940			7,765
	Other	35,064			31,423
	Total accrued expenses and other	$	97,510		$	93,302
	Other liabilities:
	Self-insured risk reserves-long-term portion	$	10,688		$	10,689
	Other postretirement benefit obligations-long-term portion	16,382			18,393
	Defined benefit pension plans obligations-long-term portion	(154		)	691
	Other employee benefit plans obligations-long-term portion	6,105			6,013
	Other	3,831			3,091
	Total other liabilities	$	36,852		$	38,877

Income_Tax_Expense_Benefit

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income Tax Expense
	Income tax expense includes United States federal, state and local, and foreign income taxes, and is based on reported pre-tax income. The effective income tax rates for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were 33.0% and 44.6%, respectively. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, we benefited from the passage of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 and discrete item adjustments. The effective income tax rates for the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were 35.5% and 32.1%, respectively. During the first nine months of fiscal 2014, we benefited from the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits due to the settlement of a federal tax examination.
	Income tax expense is provided on an interim basis based upon our estimate of the annual effective income tax rate, adjusted each quarter for discrete items. In determining the estimated annual effective income tax rate, we analyze various factors, including projections of our annual earnings and taxing jurisdictions in which the earnings will be generated, the impact of state and local income taxes, our ability to use tax credits and net operating loss carry forwards, and available tax planning alternatives.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2014, we had no unrecognized tax benefits and have not recorded any liability for interest and penalties.
	We operate in numerous taxing jurisdictions and are subject to regular examinations by various United States federal, state and local authorities, as well as foreign jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to United States federal examinations for years before fiscal 2014 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 2010. 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.

Benefit_Plans

Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	Benefit Plans
	We provide defined benefit pension plans for certain former manufacturing and plant administrative personnel as determined by collective bargaining agreements or employee benefit standards set at the time of acquisition of certain businesses. In addition to providing pension benefits to certain employees, we sponsor an unfunded postretirement welfare benefits plan for two groups of United States employees, including some of the same employees who receive pension benefits. Benefits under this plan include retiree life insurance and retiree medical coverage, including prescription drug coverage. We are in the process of terminating our defined benefit pension plan covering certain former U.S. union employees.
	Additional information regarding our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefits plan is included in our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2014, dated May 29, 2014.
	Components of the net periodic benefit cost for our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement medical benefits plan were as follows:
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans						Other
								Postretirement
								Benefits Plan
	Three Months Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	35		$	40		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	471			450			173			171
	Expected return on plan assets	(785		)	(861		)	—			—
	Amortization of loss	277			365			180			223
	Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			(816		)	(816		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(2	)	$	(6	)	$	(463	)	$	(422	)
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans						Other
								Postretirement
								Benefits Plan
	Nine Months Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	105		$	120		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	1,415			1,349			518			512
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,355		)	(2,582		)	—			—
	Amortization of loss	830			1,094			541			668
	Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			(2,447		)	(2,447		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(5	)	$	(19	)	$	(1,388	)	$	(1,267	)
	We contribute amounts to the defined benefit pension plans at least sufficient to meet the minimum requirements as stated in applicable employee benefit laws and local tax laws. We record liabilities for the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation (the projected benefit obligation for pension plans and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for other postretirement benefits plans) on our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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.
	In April 2010, after ongoing discussions with the FDA regarding a 2008 warning letter relating to our SYSTEM 1® sterile processor and related sterilant, we reached agreement with the FDA on the terms of a consent decree (“Consent Decree”). The Consent Decree was approved the same month by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. In general, among other matters, the Consent Decree restricts further sales of SYSTEM 1 processors in the U.S., prohibits the sale of liquid chemical sterilization or disinfection products in the U.S. that do not have FDA clearance, describes various process and compliance matters, and defines penalties in the event of violation of the Consent Decree.
	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 May 23, 2014, the Company received a warning letter from the FDA regarding an inspection that the FDA concluded on January 8, 2014 at our STERIS Isomedix Services facility located in Libertyville, Illinois. The facility primarily provides microbial reduction services for certain medical device Customers. Among other matters, the FDA warning letter asserts that certain processes and procedures observed during the inspection did not conform to current Good Manufacturing Practices for medical devices as required by Title 21 CFR Part 820 and, as a result, that certain devices processed at the subject facility are adulterated within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Since the inspection, the Company has provided detailed responses to the FDA regarding its corrective actions, and has continued to work diligently to remediate the FDA’s concerns. We do not believe that this inspection was a result of Customer complaints and there have been no reports of patient injury. We do not expect this situation to have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition.
	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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014: “Business - Information with respect to our Business in General - Government Regulation”, and the “Risk Factor” titled “We may be adversely affected by product liability claims or other legal actions or regulatory or compliance matters, including the Warning Letter and Consent Decree” and the "Risk Factor” titled “Compliance with the Consent Decree may be more costly and burdensome than anticipated.”
	From time to time, STERIS is also involved in legal proceedings as a plaintiff involving contract, patent protection, and other claims asserted by us. Gains, if any, from these proceedings are recognized when they are realized.
	On December 19, 2014, a stockholder derivative lawsuit was filed in the Court of Common Pleas, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, against the members of STERIS’s board of directors and its named executive officers, challenging the “excise tax make-whole payments” approved by STERIS’s board in connection with the proposed Synergy transaction.  STERIS is named as a nominal defendant in the action.  These payments are in respect of an excise tax that will be imposed, by virtue of the transaction, solely on the value of any outstanding stock compensation held by STERIS board members and executive officers, and are intended to place these individuals in the same excise tax-neutral position with respect to their STERIS equity awards after the transaction as before.  The case is captioned St. Lucie County Fire District Firefighters’ Pension Trust Fund v. Rosebrough, Jr., et al., Case No. CV 14 837749.  The complaint generally alleges that STERIS’s board breached their fiduciary duties by approving the excise tax make-whole payments, that the payments constitute corporate waste and that the payments are voidable under Ohio law.  The complaint seeks among other things a declaration that the excise tax make-whole payments are invalid, damages, disgorgement of any excise tax make-whole payments and plaintiffs’ costs and disbursements in the action, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, expert fees, costs and expenses.
	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 statute of limitation. Changes in applicable tax law or other events may also require us to revise past estimates.
	Additional information regarding our contingencies is included in Item 7 of Part II titled, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2014 dated May 29, 2014, and in Item 1 of Part II of this Form 10-Q titled, “Legal Proceedings.”

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Business Segment Information
	We operate and report in three business segments: Healthcare, Life Sciences, and Isomedix. Corporate and other, which is presented separately, contains the Defense and Industrial business unit plus costs that are associated with being a publicly traded company and certain other corporate costs.
	Our Healthcare segment manufactures and sells capital equipment, accessory, consumable, and service solutions to healthcare providers, including acute care hospitals, surgery and gastrointestinal centers. These solutions aid our Customers in improving the safety, quality, and productivity of their surgical, sterile processing, gastrointestinal, and emergency environments.
	Our Life Sciences segment manufactures and sells capital equipment, formulated cleaning chemistries, and service solutions to pharmaceutical companies, and private and public research facilities.
	Our Isomedix segment operates through a network of facilities located in North America. We sell a comprehensive array of contract sterilization services using gamma irradiation and ethylene oxide (“EO”) technologies as well as an array of laboratory testing services. We provide microbial reduction services based on Customer specifications to companies that supply products to the healthcare, industrial, and consumer products industries.
	Financial information for each of our segments is presented in the following table. Operating income (loss) for each segment is calculated as the segment’s gross profit less direct expenses and indirect cost allocations, which results 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 segment is responsible for the management of all but one manufacturing facility and uses standard cost to sell products to the Life Sciences segment. 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.
	The accounting policies for reportable segments are the same as those for the consolidated Company. For the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2014, revenues from a single Customer did not represent ten percent or more of any reportable segment’s revenues. Additional information regarding our segments is included in our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2014 dated May 29, 2014.
	Financial information for each of our segments is presented in the following tables:
		Three Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues:
	Healthcare	$	353,197		$	291,831		$	1,007,176		$	828,051
	Life Sciences	67,997			64,128			185,759			182,425
	Isomedix	50,960			49,157			154,003			144,792
	Total reportable segments	472,154			405,116			1,346,938			1,155,268
	Corporate and other	1,090			435			1,678			1,697
	Total revenues	$	473,244		$	405,551		$	1,348,616		$	1,156,965
	Operating income:
	Healthcare	$	33,843		$	31,238		$	81,752		$	72,111
	Life Sciences	16,402			12,092			41,395			38,672
	Isomedix	12,508			14,054			43,098			42,484
	Total reportable segments	62,753			57,384			166,245			153,267
	Corporate and other	(1,407		)	(1,494		)	(7,308		)	(6,065		)
	Total operating income	$	61,346		$	55,890		$	158,937		$	147,202

Common_Shares

Common Shares	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Common Shares
	We calculate basic earnings per common share based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. We calculate diluted earnings per share based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of common share equivalents calculated using the treasury stock method. The following is a summary of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended December 31,		Nine Months Ended December 31,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Denominator (shares in thousands):
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic	59,475	58,885	59,340	58,972
	Dilutive effect of common share equivalents	671	800	653	774
	Weighted average common shares outstanding and common share equivalents—diluted	60,146	59,685	59,993	59,746
	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:
		Three Months Ended December 31,		Nine Months Ended December 31,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	(shares in thousands)
	Number of common share options	268	304	367	336

Repurchases_of_Common_Shares

Repurchases of Common Shares	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Treasury Stock [Text Block]	12. Repurchases of Common Shares
	During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, we obtained 379,695 of our common shares in connection with stock based compensation award programs. At December 31, 2014, $86,939 of STERIS common shares remained authorized for repurchase pursuant to the most recent Board approved repurchase authorization (the March 2008 Board Authorization). Also, 10,478,783 common shares were held in treasury at December 31, 2014.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	We maintain a long-term incentive plan that makes available common 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 common share grants. 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. 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 December 31, 2014, 2,782,303 shares remained available for grant under the long-term incentive plan.
	The fair value of share-based 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 the first nine months of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014:
		Fiscal 2015		Fiscal 2014
	Risk-free interest rate	1.89	%	0.95%
	Expected life of options	5.75 years		5.70 years
	Expected dividend yield of stock	1.87	%	2.22%
	Expected volatility of stock	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 our 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 1.46% and 1.44% was applied in fiscal 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		Weighted			Average	Aggregate
		Options		Average			Remaining	Intrinsic
				Exercise			Contractual	Value
				Price			Term
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	2,396,986		$	31.06
	Granted	384,532		53.4
	Exercised	(703,904	)	27.45
	Forfeited	(33,528	)	41.34
	Canceled	(8,262	)	20.69
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	2,035,824		$	36.4		6.2 years	$	57,917
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,305,989		$	30.9		4.9 years	$	44,336
	We estimate that 719,494 of the non-vested stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014 will ultimately vest.
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax difference between the $64.85 closing price of our common shares on December 31, 2014 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 common shares.
	The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 was $22,289 and $8,620, respectively. Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $19,245 and $11,877 for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. The tax benefit from shared-based compensation was $8,880 and $1,864 for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively.
	The weighted average grant date fair value of stock option grants was $13.41 and $10.59 for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $2,073 and $1,473, 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		Number of Restricted Share Units		Weighted-Average
		Restricted				Grant Date
		Shares				Fair Value
	Non-vested at March 31, 2014	931,018		14,976		$	36.6
	Granted	267,656		38,226		53.56
	Vested	(298,486	)	(17,183	)	34.37
	Canceled	(44,547	)	(4,180	)	42.24
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014	855,641		31,839		$	42.92
	Restricted shares granted are valued based on the closing stock price at the grant date. The value of restricted shares that vested during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 was $9,970.
	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 December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 was $308 and $1,259, 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 December 31, 2014, there was a total of $29,001 in unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation granted under our share-based compensation plans. We expect to recognize the cost over a weighted average period of 2.31 years.

Financial_and_Other_Guarantees

Financial and Other Guarantees	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 first nine months of fiscal 2015 were as follows:
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	7,765
	Warranties issued during the period	5,249
	Settlements made during the period	(7,074		)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	5,940
	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 $30,830 and $31,079 as of December 31, 2014 and March 31, 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	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Forward and Swap Contracts
	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 impacts 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 December 31, 2014, we held foreign currency forward contracts to buy 34 million Mexican pesos, and 8 million Canadian dollars. At December 31, 2014, we held commodity swap contracts to buy 128.7 thousand pounds of nickel.
		Asset Derivatives								Liability Derivatives
		Fair Value at				Fair Value at				Fair Value at				Fair Value at
	Balance Sheet Location	December 31, 2014				31-Mar-14				December 31, 2014				31-Mar-14
	Prepaid & Other	$	9			$	167			$	—			$	—
	Accrued expenses and other	$	—			$	—			$	88			$	67
	The following table presents the impact of derivative instruments and their location within the Consolidated Statements of Income:
		Location of gain (loss) recognized in income		Amount of gain (loss)
				recognized in income
				Three Months Ended December 31,								Nine Months Ended December 31,
				2014				2013				2014				2013
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Selling, general and administrative		$	(513	)		$	(271	)		$	(660	)		$	(842	)
	Commodity swap contracts	Cost of revenues		$	(100	)		$	—			$	214			$	(57	)

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:
								Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 Using
			Carrying Value					Quoted Prices							Significant Other						Significant
								in Active Markets							Observable Inputs						Unobservable
								for Identical Assets													Inputs
								Level 1							Level 2						Level 3
			31-Dec		31-Mar			31-Dec			31-Mar				31-Dec			31-Mar			31-Dec		31-Mar
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents (1)		$	144,512	$	152,802		$	125,768		$	137,189			$	18,744		$	15,613		$	—	$	—
	Forward and swap contracts (2)		9		167			—			—				9			167			—		—
	Investments (3)		7,322		3,397			7,322			3,397				—			—			—		—
	Liabilities:
	Forward and swap contracts (2)		$	88	$	67		$	—		$	—			$	88		$	67		$	—	$	—
	Deferred compensation plans (3)		3,688		3,495			3,688			3,495				—			—			—		—
	Long term debt (4)		610,680		493,480			—			—				633,079			511,690			—		—
	Contingent consideration obligations (5)		6,545		9,887			—			—				—			—			6,545		9,887
	(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 allowed 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 December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows:
		Contingent Consideration
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	9,887
	Deductions	(5,061		)
	(Gains)/Losses	2,040
	Foreign currency translation adjustments (1)	(321		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	6,545
	(1) Reported in other comprehensive income (loss).
	Information regarding our investments is as follows:
									Investments at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014
			Cost						Unrealized Gains								Unrealized Losses (2)						Fair Value
			31-Dec			31-Mar			31-Dec				31-Mar				31-Dec			31-Mar			31-Dec		31-Mar
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Marketable equity securities (1)		$	4,681		$	—		$	—			$	—			$	(946	)	$	—		$	3,735	$	—
	Mutual funds		2,656			2,608			931				789				—			—			3,587		3,397
	Total available-for-sale securities		$	7,337		$	2,608		$	931			$	789			$	(946	)	$	—		$	7,322	$	3,397
	(1) Our marketable equity securities have been in a unrealized loss position for less than 12 months.
	(2) Amounts reported include the impact of foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Subsequent Events [Text Block]	On October 13, 2014, we announced that we were commencing a "recommended offer" under U.K. law to acquire all outstanding shares of Synergy Health plc ("Synergy") in a cash and stock transaction valued at £19.50 ($31.35) per Synergy share, or a total of approximately $1.9 billion based on STERIS’s closing stock price of $56.38 per share on October 10, 2014. Based on STERIS’s closing stock price of $67.00 and exchange rates as of February 3, 2015, the total value of the cash and stock transaction is approximately $2.1 billion or £23.42 ($35.52) per Synergy share. The transaction is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including approvals by STERIS and Synergy shareholders as well as regulatory approvals in the U.S. and U.K. Although both STERIS and Synergy continue to work toward closing the Merger by April 1, 2015, as previously discussed in STERIS’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 9, 2015, the request for additional information and documentary material, often referred to as a “second request,” from the Federal Trade Commission in connection with the Merger may extend the transaction timing beyond April 1, 2015 and no assurance can be provided as to when or if the transaction will be completed.
	On October 13, 2014, we obtained a Bridge Facility from a group of three lenders. Under the Bridge Credit Agreement, the lenders have agreed to provide senior unsecured debt financing, to consist of up to £340 million of commitments, and up to $1.1 billion of commitments. The proceeds will be used in part to pay the cash portion of the purchase price for the transaction. To the extent that alternative sources of financing to replace the Bridge Credit Agreement are not procured at or prior to the transaction closing, the proceeds of the Bridge Credit Agreement may be used to (i) finance the payment of the cash consideration for the transaction, and related fees and expenses and (ii) to pay or refinance our existing debt and Synergy debt.

Restructuring_Notes

Restructuring (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Restructuring
	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 our Hopkins manufacturing facility located in Mentor, Ohio (the “Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan”). As a result of this plan, we will transfer operations located at Hopkins 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 $19,804 related to these actions, of which $12,077 was recorded as restructuring expenses and $7,727 was recorded in cost of revenues, with restructuring expenses of $17,721, $767, and $1,316 related to the Healthcare, Life Sciences and Isomedix segments, respectively. 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 table summarizes our total pre-tax restructuring expenses for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015:
		Fiscal 2014
		Restructuring
		Plan
		Three months ended December 31, (1)			Nine months ended December 31, (2)
	Severance and other compensation related costs	$	(1,242	)	$	(262	)
	Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	—			(38		)
	Lease termination obligation and other	133			290
	Product rationalization	33			(417		)
	Total restructuring expenses	$	(1,076	)	$	(427	)
	(1) Includes $33 in expense recorded to cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.
	(2) Includes $(417) in expense recorded to cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Pre-tax restructuring expenses of $808 and $878 incurred during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014, respectively, related to previously announced restructuring plans.
	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.” The following table summarizes our restructuring liability balances and activity:
			Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan
						Fiscal 2015
			March 31,			Provision (1)			Payments (1)			December 31,
			2014									2014
	Severance and termination benefits		$	6,389		$	(262	)	$	(2,946	)	$	3,181
	Lease termination obligations and other		1,589			18			(1,236		)	371
	Total		$	7,978		$	(244	)	$	(4,182	)	$	3,552
	(1) Certain amounts reported include the impact of foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar.

Business_Acquisitions_Notes

Business Acquisitions (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Business Acquisitions
	On December 31, 2014, a newly formed subsidiary of the Company purchased the assets and assumed certain liabilities of AGAPE Instruments Service, Inc. ("AGAPE"), a provider of certification services located near Cincinnati, Ohio.
	The purchase price was approximately $3,312, subject to a customary working capital adjustment. AGAPE will be integrated into the Life Sciences business segment. The purchase price has been preliminarily allocated to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition date. A Customer relationship intangible of $1,200, tangible and financial net assets of $316 and goodwill of $1,796 have been recorded.
	Acquisition related costs were insignificant. The Consolidated Financial Statements will include the operating results of the new subsidiary from the date of acquisition. Pro-forma results of operations for fiscal 2015 and 2014 periods have not been presented because the effects of the acquisition were not material to our financial results.The acquisition was financed through a combination of credit facility borrowings and cash on hand.
	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 $165,000, subject to 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 is being integrated into our Healthcare segment as part of our Specialty Services business. The acquisition was financed through a combination of credit facility borrowings and cash on hand.
	We recorded acquisition related costs of $3,105, before tax, which are reported in selling, general and administrative expense. We anticipate that the acquisition of IMS will qualify 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 will be 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.
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the operating results of the IMS acquisition from the acquisition date. Pro-forma results of operations for the fiscal 2014 periods have not been presented because the effects of the acquisition were not material to our financial results.
	The table below summarizes the preliminary allocation of the IMS purchase price to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition date.
		IMS
	Accounts receivable	$	16,594
	Inventory	8,478
	Property, plant and equipment	15,074
	Other assets	842
	Intangible assets	62,000
	Goodwill	81,587
	Total assets acquired	184,575
	Accounts payable	(4,833		)
	Current liabilities	(6,837		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(11,670		)
	Net assets acquired	$	172,905
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	The table below summarizes the preliminary allocation of the IMS purchase price to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition date.
		IMS
	Accounts receivable	$	16,594
	Inventory	8,478
	Property, plant and equipment	15,074
	Other assets	842
	Intangible assets	62,000
	Goodwill	81,587
	Total assets acquired	184,575
	Accounts payable	(4,833		)
	Current liabilities	(6,837		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(11,670		)
	Net assets acquired	$	172,905

UK_Takeover_Code_Directors_Con

U.K. Takeover Code Directors' Confirmation (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
U.K Takeover Code Directors' Confirmation [Abstract]
U.K. Takeover Code Directors' Confirmation [Text Block]	U.K. Takeover Code Directors’ Confirmation
	Under Rule 28.1 of the U.K.’s City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “Takeover Code”) which applies in light of our proposed acquisition of Synergy Health, our directors must provide a so-called “directors’ confirmation” in respect of our Consolidated Net Income for the three months ended December 31, 2014 reported in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Net Income Statement”) because it constitutes an unaudited profit estimate for the purposes of the Takeover Code. Accordingly, our directors confirm that:
	(i) the Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended December 31, 2014, has been properly compiled on the basis of the assumptions contained or referred to in this Quarterly Report; and
	(ii) the basis of accounting used for the purposes of preparing the Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended December 31, 2014, is consistent with our accounting policies.

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa1

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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. Income attributable to non-controlling interests is reported in the "Interest income and miscellaneous expense" line of our Consolidated Statements of Income and is not material.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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. This means that operating results for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for future quarters or for the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2015.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 titled "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", superseding Accounting Standards Codification ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition" and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. This amended guidance states that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance further states in order to achieve that core principle an entity should apply a series of five steps which include: identify the contract(s) with the Customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Entities are given the option to apply either a full retrospective with practical expedients or a modified retrospective transition method. ASU 2014-09 will also require additional disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The standard update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that period, early adoption is not permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Reclassifications_out_of_AOCI_1

Reclassifications out of AOCI (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassifications out of AOCI [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Changes in our Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) balances, net of tax, for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities (1)						Defined Benefit Plans (2)						Foreign Currency Translation						Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
																				(Loss)
		Three Months			Nine Months			Three Months			Nine Months			Three Months			Nine Months			Three Months			Nine Months
	Beginning Balance	$	620		$	561		$	(2,871	)	$	(2,428	)	$	(10,343	)	$	6,348		$	(12,594	)	$	4,481
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications	(598		)	(605		)	247			742			(18,806		)	(35,497		)	(19,157		)	(35,360		)
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	29			95			(469		)	(1,407		)	—			—			(440		)	(1,312		)
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(569		)	(510		)	(222		)	(665		)	(18,806		)	(35,497		)	(19,597		)	(36,672		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	51		$	51		$	(3,093	)	$	(3,093	)	$	(29,149	)	$	(29,149	)	$	(32,191	)	$	(32,191	)
	Details of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows:
	(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.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_L

Property, Plant and Equipment Level 3 (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Information related to the major categories of our depreciable assets is as follows:
			December 31,			March 31,
			2014			2014
	Land and land improvements (1)		$	35,643		$	33,601
	Buildings and leasehold improvements		268,487			256,879
	Machinery and equipment		373,624			360,977
	Information systems		102,849			100,349
	Radioisotope		280,126			258,547
	Construction in progress (1)		33,904			35,016
	Total property, plant, and equipment		1,094,633			1,045,369
	Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion		(619,148		)	(590,959		)
	Property, plant, and equipment, net		$	475,485		$	454,410
	-1	Land is not depreciated. Construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.

Inventories_Net_Level_3_Tables

Inventories, Net Level 3 (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	Inventory costs include material, labor, and overhead. Inventories, net consisted of the following:
		December 31,			March 31,
		2014			2014
	Raw materials	$	74,502		$	60,328
	Work in process	27,584			24,449
	Finished goods	116,881			102,928
	LIFO reserve	(17,171		)	(19,450		)
	Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory	(18,340		)	(13,109		)
	Inventories, net	$	183,456		$	155,146

Debt_Level_3_Tables

Debt Level 3 (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	Indebtedness was as follows:
		December 31,		March 31,
		2014		2014
	Private Placement	$	340,000	$	340,000
	Credit Agreement and Swing Line Facility	270,680		153,480
	Total long term debt	$	610,680	$	493,480

Additional_Consolidated_Balanc1

Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information Level 3 (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Additional information related to our Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:
		December 31,			March 31,
		2014			2014
	Accrued payroll and other related liabilities:
	Compensation and related items	$	22,313		$	19,418
	Accrued vacation/paid time off	7,158			6,172
	Accrued bonuses	23,898			18,451
	Accrued employee commissions	11,175			11,322
	Other postretirement benefit obligations-current portion	2,950			2,950
	Other employee benefit plans' obligations-current portion	495			461
	Total accrued payroll and other related liabilities	$	67,989		$	58,774
	Accrued expenses and other:
	Deferred revenues	$	38,685		$	39,441
	Self-insured risk reserves-current portion	5,872			4,656
	Accrued dealer commissions	11,949			10,017
	Accrued warranty	5,940			7,765
	Other	35,064			31,423
	Total accrued expenses and other	$	97,510		$	93,302
	Other liabilities:
	Self-insured risk reserves-long-term portion	$	10,688		$	10,689
	Other postretirement benefit obligations-long-term portion	16,382			18,393
	Defined benefit pension plans obligations-long-term portion	(154		)	691
	Other employee benefit plans obligations-long-term portion	6,105			6,013
	Other	3,831			3,091
	Total other liabilities	$	36,852		$	38,877

Benefit_Plans_Level_3_Tables

Benefit Plans Level 3 (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Components of the net periodic benefit cost for our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement medical benefits plan were as follows:
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans						Other
								Postretirement
								Benefits Plan
	Three Months Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	35		$	40		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	471			450			173			171
	Expected return on plan assets	(785		)	(861		)	—			—
	Amortization of loss	277			365			180			223
	Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			(816		)	(816		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(2	)	$	(6	)	$	(463	)	$	(422	)
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans						Other
								Postretirement
								Benefits Plan
	Nine Months Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	105		$	120		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	1,415			1,349			518			512
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,355		)	(2,582		)	—			—
	Amortization of loss	830			1,094			541			668
	Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			(2,447		)	(2,447		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(5	)	$	(19	)	$	(1,388	)	$	(1,267	)

Business_Segment_Information_L

Business Segment Information Level 3 (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Financial information for each of our segments is presented in the following tables:
		Three Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues:
	Healthcare	$	353,197		$	291,831		$	1,007,176		$	828,051
	Life Sciences	67,997			64,128			185,759			182,425
	Isomedix	50,960			49,157			154,003			144,792
	Total reportable segments	472,154			405,116			1,346,938			1,155,268
	Corporate and other	1,090			435			1,678			1,697
	Total revenues	$	473,244		$	405,551		$	1,348,616		$	1,156,965
	Operating income:
	Healthcare	$	33,843		$	31,238		$	81,752		$	72,111
	Life Sciences	16,402			12,092			41,395			38,672
	Isomedix	12,508			14,054			43,098			42,484
	Total reportable segments	62,753			57,384			166,245			153,267
	Corporate and other	(1,407		)	(1,494		)	(7,308		)	(6,065		)
	Total operating income	$	61,346		$	55,890		$	158,937		$	147,202

Common_Shares_Level_3_Tables

Common Shares Level 3 (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended December 31,		Nine Months Ended December 31,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Denominator (shares in thousands):
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic	59,475	58,885	59,340	58,972
	Dilutive effect of common share equivalents	671	800	653	774
	Weighted average common shares outstanding and common share equivalents—diluted	60,146	59,685	59,993	59,746
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:
		Three Months Ended December 31,		Nine Months Ended December 31,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	(shares in thousands)
	Number of common share options	268	304	367	336

ShareBased_Compensation_Level_

Share-Based Compensation Level 3 (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The following weighted-average assumptions were used for options granted during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014:
		Fiscal 2015		Fiscal 2014
	Risk-free interest rate	1.89	%	0.95%
	Expected life of options	5.75 years		5.70 years
	Expected dividend yield of stock	1.87	%	2.22%
	Expected volatility of stock	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		Weighted			Average	Aggregate
		Options		Average			Remaining	Intrinsic
				Exercise			Contractual	Value
				Price			Term
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	2,396,986		$	31.06
	Granted	384,532		53.4
	Exercised	(703,904	)	27.45
	Forfeited	(33,528	)	41.34
	Canceled	(8,262	)	20.69
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	2,035,824		$	36.4		6.2 years	$	57,917
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,305,989		$	30.9		4.9 years	$	44,336
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		Number of Restricted Share Units		Weighted-Average
		Restricted				Grant Date
		Shares				Fair Value
	Non-vested at March 31, 2014	931,018		14,976		$	36.6
	Granted	267,656		38,226		53.56
	Vested	(298,486	)	(17,183	)	34.37
	Canceled	(44,547	)	(4,180	)	42.24
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014	855,641		31,839		$	42.92

Financial_and_Other_Guarantees1

Financial and Other Guarantees Level 3 (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block]	Changes in our warranty liability during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 were as follows:
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	7,765
	Warranties issued during the period	5,249
	Settlements made during the period	(7,074		)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	5,940

Forward_and_Swap_Contracts_Lev

Forward and Swap Contracts Level 3 (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]
		Asset Derivatives								Liability Derivatives
		Fair Value at				Fair Value at				Fair Value at				Fair Value at
	Balance Sheet Location	December 31, 2014				31-Mar-14				December 31, 2014				31-Mar-14
	Prepaid & Other	$	9			$	167			$	—			$	—
	Accrued expenses and other	$	—			$	—			$	88			$	67
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the impact of derivative instruments and their location within the Consolidated Statements of Income:
		Location of gain (loss) recognized in income		Amount of gain (loss)
				recognized in income
				Three Months Ended December 31,								Nine Months Ended December 31,
				2014				2013				2014				2013
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Selling, general and administrative		$	(513	)		$	(271	)		$	(660	)		$	(842	)
	Commodity swap contracts	Cost of revenues		$	(100	)		$	—			$	214			$	(57	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Level_

Fair Value Measurements Level 3 (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:
								Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 Using
			Carrying Value					Quoted Prices							Significant Other						Significant
								in Active Markets							Observable Inputs						Unobservable
								for Identical Assets													Inputs
								Level 1							Level 2						Level 3
			31-Dec		31-Mar			31-Dec			31-Mar				31-Dec			31-Mar			31-Dec		31-Mar
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents (1)		$	144,512	$	152,802		$	125,768		$	137,189			$	18,744		$	15,613		$	—	$	—
	Forward and swap contracts (2)		9		167			—			—				9			167			—		—
	Investments (3)		7,322		3,397			7,322			3,397				—			—			—		—
	Liabilities:
	Forward and swap contracts (2)		$	88	$	67		$	—		$	—			$	88		$	67		$	—	$	—
	Deferred compensation plans (3)		3,688		3,495			3,688			3,495				—			—			—		—
	Long term debt (4)		610,680		493,480			—			—				633,079			511,690			—		—
	Contingent consideration obligations (5)		6,545		9,887			—			—				—			—			6,545		9,887
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 December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows:
		Contingent Consideration
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	9,887
	Deductions	(5,061		)
	(Gains)/Losses	2,040
	Foreign currency translation adjustments (1)	(321		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	6,545
	(1) Reported in other comprehensive income (loss).
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	Information regarding our investments is as follows:
									Investments at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014
			Cost						Unrealized Gains								Unrealized Losses (2)						Fair Value
			31-Dec			31-Mar			31-Dec				31-Mar				31-Dec			31-Mar			31-Dec		31-Mar
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Marketable equity securities (1)		$	4,681		$	—		$	—			$	—			$	(946	)	$	—		$	3,735	$	—
	Mutual funds		2,656			2,608			931				789				—			—			3,587		3,397
	Total available-for-sale securities		$	7,337		$	2,608		$	931			$	789			$	(946	)	$	—		$	7,322	$	3,397

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our total pre-tax restructuring expenses for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015:
		Fiscal 2014
		Restructuring
		Plan
		Three months ended December 31, (1)			Nine months ended December 31, (2)
	Severance and other compensation related costs	$	(1,242	)	$	(262	)
	Asset impairment and accelerated depreciation	—			(38		)
	Lease termination obligation and other	133			290
	Product rationalization	33			(417		)
	Total restructuring expenses	$	(1,076	)	$	(427	)
	(1) Includes $33 in expense recorded to cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.
	(2) Includes $(417) in expense recorded to cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our restructuring liability balances and activity:
			Fiscal 2014 Restructuring Plan
						Fiscal 2015
			March 31,			Provision (1)			Payments (1)			December 31,
			2014									2014
	Severance and termination benefits		$	6,389		$	(262	)	$	(2,946	)	$	3,181
	Lease termination obligations and other		1,589			18			(1,236		)	371
	Total		$	7,978		$	(244	)	$	(4,182	)	$	3,552
	(1) Certain amounts reported include the impact of foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar.

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The table below summarizes the preliminary allocation of the IMS purchase price to the net assets acquired based on fair values at the acquisition date.
		IMS
	Accounts receivable	$	16,594
	Inventory	8,478
	Property, plant and equipment	15,074
	Other assets	842
	Intangible assets	62,000
	Goodwill	81,587
	Total assets acquired	184,575
	Accounts payable	(4,833		)
	Current liabilities	(6,837		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(11,670		)
	Net assets acquired	$	172,905

UK_Takeover_Code_Directors_Con1

U.K. Takeover Code Directors' Confirmation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
U.K Takeover Code Directors' Confirmation [Abstract]
U.K. Takeover Code Directors' Confirmation [Text Block]	U.K. Takeover Code Directors’ Confirmation
	Under Rule 28.1 of the U.K.’s City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “Takeover Code”) which applies in light of our proposed acquisition of Synergy Health, our directors must provide a so-called “directors’ confirmation” in respect of our Consolidated Net Income for the three months ended December 31, 2014 reported in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Net Income Statement”) because it constitutes an unaudited profit estimate for the purposes of the Takeover Code. Accordingly, our directors confirm that:
	(i) the Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended December 31, 2014, has been properly compiled on the basis of the assumptions contained or referred to in this Quarterly Report; and
	(ii) the basis of accounting used for the purposes of preparing the Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended December 31, 2014, is consistent with our accounting policies.

Reclassifications_out_of_AOCI_2

Reclassifications out of AOCI (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	($32,191)			($32,191)			($12,594)		$4,481
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	-569		157	-510		252
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	-18,806		945	-35,497		8,244
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-19,157			-35,360
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-440			-1,312
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-19,597		962	-36,672		8,077
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	51	[1]		51	[1]		620	[1]	561	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	-598	[1]		-605	[1]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	29	[1]		95	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-569	[1]		-510	[1]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	-3,093	[2]		-3,093	[2]		-2,871	[2]	-2,428	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	247	[2]		742	[2]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-469	[2]		-1,407	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-222	[2]		-665	[2]
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	-29,149			-29,149			-10,343		6,348
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	-18,806			-35,497
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0			0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	($18,806)			($35,497)
[1]	(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]	(2) Amortization (gain) of defined benefit pension items is reported in the selling, general and administrative expense line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_L1

Property, Plant and Equipment Level 4 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land	$35,643	[1]	$33,601	[1]
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	268,487		256,879
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	373,624		360,977
Capitalized Computer Software, Gross	102,849		100,349
Materials, Supplies, and Other	280,126		258,547
Construction in Progress, Gross	33,904	[1]	35,016	[1]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,094,633		1,045,369
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	-619,148		-590,959
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$475,485		$454,410
[1]	Land is not depreciated. Construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.

Inventories_Net_Level_4_Detail

Inventories, Net Level 4 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory, Raw Materials	$74,502	$60,328
Inventory, Work in Process	27,584	24,449
Inventory, Finished Goods	116,881	102,928
Inventory, LIFO Reserve	-17,171	-19,450
Inventory Valuation Reserves	-18,340	-13,109
Inventory, Net	$183,456	$155,146

Debt_Level_4_Details

Debt Level 4 (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 13, 2014	Oct. 13, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	USD ($)	GBP (£)	USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bridge Credit Agreement Commitment Amounts		$1,050,000	£ 340,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	340,000			340,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	270,680			153,480
Long-term Debt	$610,680			$493,480

Additional_Consolidated_Balanc2

Additional Consolidated Balance Sheets Information Level 4 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Employee-related Liabilities	$22,313	$19,418
Accrued Vacation	7,158	6,172
Accrued Bonuses	23,898	18,451
Accrued Liabilities for Commissions, Expense and Taxes	11,175	11,322
Other Postretirement Benefits Payable	2,950	2,950
Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans, Liabilities	495	461
Employee-related Liabilities, Current	67,989	58,774
Deferred Revenue	38,685	39,441
Self Insurance Reserve, Current	5,872	4,656
Accrued Sales Commission	11,949	10,017
Product Warranty Accrual	5,940	7,765
Accrued Liabilities	97,510	93,302
Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent	10,688	10,689
Other Postretirement Benefits Payable, Noncurrent	16,382	18,393
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent	-154	691
Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	6,105	6,013
Other Liabilities	3,831	3,091
Other Accrued Liabilities	35,064	31,423
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	$36,852	$38,877

Income_Tax_Expense_Unrecognize

Income Tax Expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	33.00%	44.60%	35.50%	32.10%

Benefit_Plans_Level_4_Details

Benefit Plans Level 4 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$35	$40	$105	$120
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	471	450	1,415	1,349
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	-785	-861	-2,355	-2,582
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	277	365	830	1,094
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	-2	-6	-5	-19
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	0	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	173	171	518	512
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	0	0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	180	223	541	668
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	-816	-816	-2,447	-2,447
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	($463)	($422)	($1,388)	($1,267)

Business_Segment_Information_L1

Business Segment Information Level 4 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$473,244	$405,551	$1,348,616	$1,156,965
Operating Income (Loss)	61,346	55,890	158,937	147,202
OperatingSegmentHealthcare [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	353,197	291,831	1,007,176	828,051
Operating Income (Loss)	33,843	31,238	81,752	72,111
OperatingSegmentLifeSciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	67,997	64,128	185,759	182,425
Operating Income (Loss)	16,402	12,092	41,395	38,672
OperatingSegmentIsomedix [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	50,960	49,157	154,003	144,792
Operating Income (Loss)	12,508	14,054	43,098	42,484
OperatingSegmentAllExceptCorpandOther [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	472,154	405,116	1,346,938	1,155,268
Operating Income (Loss)	62,753	57,384	166,245	153,267
OperatingSegmentCorpandOther [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,090	435	1,678	1,697
Operating Income (Loss)	-1,407	-1,494	-7,308	-6,065
OperatingSegmentAll [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	473,244	405,551	1,348,616	1,156,965
Operating Income (Loss)	$61,346	$55,890	$158,937	$147,202

Common_Shares_Level_4_Details

Common Shares Level 4 (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	59,475	58,885	59,340	58,972
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	671	800	653	774
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	60,146	59,685	59,993	59,746

Common_Shares_Common_share_opt

Common Shares Common share options (Details) (Stock Options [Member])	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	268	304	367	336

Repurchases_of_Common_Shares_L

Repurchases of Common Shares Level 4 (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	10,478,783		11,071,728
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	$20,110,000	$23,236,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	379,695
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$86,939,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Level_1

Share-Based Compensation Level 4 (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Item]
Remaining shares available for grant	2,782,303
Weighted-average assumptions used for options granted:
Risk-free interest rate	1.89%	0.95%
Expected life of options	5 years 9 months	5 years 8 months 12 days
Exptected dividend yield of stock	1.87%	2.22%
Expected volatility of stock	29.86%	31.22%
Estimated forfeiture rate	1.46%	1.44%
Summary of share option activity:
Number of Options, Outstanding, Beginning of Period	2,396,986
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Beginning of Period	$31.06
Number of Options, Granted	384,532
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$53.40
Number of Options, Exercised	703,904
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$27.45
Number of Options, Forfeited	-33,528
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	$41.34
Number of Options, Canceled	8,262
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Canceled	$20.69
Number of Options, Outstanding, End of Period	2,035,824
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, End of Period	$36.40
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	6 years 2 months 12 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$57,917
Number of Options, Exercisable	1,305,989
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$30.90
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 10 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	44,336
Non-vested stock options outstanding expected to vest	719,494
Common Stock, Fair Market Value Per Share	$64.85
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	22,289	8,620
Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options	19,245	11,877
Tax benefit from stock option exercises	8,880	1,864
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock option grants, per share	$13.41	$10.59
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation granted	29,001
Weighted average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	2 years 3 months 22 days
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
FairValueOfOutstandingStockAppreciationRights	2,073	1,473
Restricted Stock
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at Beginning of Period	931,018
Number of Restricted Shares, Granted	267,656
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$53.56
Number of Restricted Shares, Vested	-298,486
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$34.37
Number of Restricted Shares, Canceled	-44,547
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at End of Period	855,641
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested at End of Period	$42.92		$36.60
Fair Value, Share-based Payment Awards, Other than Options	9,970
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$42.24
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Summary of non-vested restricted share activity:
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at Beginning of Period	14,976
Number of Restricted Shares, Granted	38,226
Number of Restricted Shares, Vested	-17,183
Number of Restricted Shares, Canceled	-4,180
Number of Restricted Shares, Non-vested at End of Period	31,839
FairValueOfOutstandingCashSettledRestrictedShareUnits	$308		$1,259

Financial_and_Other_Guarantees2

Financial and Other Guarantees Level 4 (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Product Warranty Accrual	$5,940	$7,765
Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued	5,249
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Payments	-7,074
Service Agreements [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Deferred Revenue, Current	$30,830	$31,079

Forward_and_Swap_Contracts_Lev1

Forward and Swap Contracts Level 4 (Details)

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Other Assets [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Accrued Liabilities [Member]

Accrued Liabilities [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Cost of Sales [Member]

Cost of Sales [Member]

Cost of Sales [Member]

Cost of Sales [Member]

Mexico, Pesos

Canada, Dollars

212234 Copper Ore and Nickel Ore Mining [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

MXN

CAD

lb

Derivative [Line Items]

Foreign Currency Transaction Gain, before Tax

($513)

($271)

($660)

($842)

Derivative Liability, Notional Amount

34,000

8,000

Derivative Assets

9

167

0

0

Derivative Liabilities

0

0

88

67

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Commodity Contracts

($100)

$0

$214

($57)

Investment Contract Weight

128,700

Fair_Value_Measurements_Level_1

Fair Value Measurements Level 4 (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Unrealized Loss on AFS Securities	($946)	[1]	($946)	[1]			$0
Unrealized Gain on AFS Securities	931		931				789
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	7,337		7,337				2,608
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	7,322		7,322				3,397
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	6,545		6,545				9,887
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	7,322	[2]	7,322	[2]			3,397	[2]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	125,768	[3]	125,768	[3]			137,189	[3]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[4]	0	[4]			0	[4]
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[4]	0	[4]			0	[4]
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets, Fair Value	3,688	[2]	3,688	[2]			3,495	[2]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	0	[5]	0	[5]			0	[5]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	0	[6]	0	[6]			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[2]	0	[2]			0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	18,744	[3]	18,744	[3]			15,613	[3]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	9	[4]	9	[4]			167	[4]
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	88	[4]	88	[4]			67	[4]
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets, Fair Value	0	[2]	0	[2]			0
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	633,079	[5]	633,079	[5]			511,690	[5]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	0	[6]	0	[6]			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[2]	0	[2]			0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[3]	0	[3]			0	[3]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[4]	0	[4]			0
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[4]	0	[4]			0
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets, Fair Value	0	[2]	0	[2]			0
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	0	[5]	0	[5]			0	[5]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	6,545	[6]	6,545	[6]			9,887	[6]
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	7,322	[2]	7,322	[2]			3,397	[2]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	144,512	[3]	144,512	[3]			152,802	[3]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	9	[4]	9	[4]			167	[4]
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	88	[4]	88	[4]			67	[4]
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets, Fair Value	3,688	[2]	3,688	[2]			3,495	[2]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	610,680	[5]	610,680	[5]			493,480	[5]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	6,545	[6]	6,545	[6]			9,887	[6]
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	-5,061
Contingent consideration gain loss [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	2,040
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	-321
Cost of Sales [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Commodity Contracts	214		-100		0	-57
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Unrealized Loss on AFS Securities	-946	[1],[7]	-946	[1],[7]			0
Unrealized Gain on AFS Securities	0		0				0
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,681		4,681				0
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	3,735		3,735				0
Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Unrealized Loss on AFS Securities	0	[1]	0	[1]			0
Unrealized Gain on AFS Securities	931		931				789
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,656		2,656				2,608
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$3,587		$3,587				$3,397
[1]	(1) Certain amounts reported include the impact of foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar.
[2]	(3) We maintain a frozen domestic non-qualified deferred compensation plan covering certain employees, which allowed 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.
[3]	(1) Money market fund holdings are classified as level two as active market quoted prices are not available.
[4]	(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.
[5]	(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.
[6]	(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.
[7]	(1) Our marketable equity securities have been in a unrealized loss position for less than 12 months.

Subsequent_Events_Level_4_Deta

Subsequent Events Level 4 (Details)	Feb. 03, 2015	Oct. 13, 2014	Oct. 13, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014	Feb. 03, 2015	Oct. 10, 2014	Feb. 03, 2015	Oct. 10, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	USD ($)	GBP (£)	USD ($)	United States of America, Dollars	United States of America, Dollars	United Kingdom, Pounds	United Kingdom, Pounds
					USD ($)	USD ($)	GBP (£)	GBP (£)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
STERIS Closing Stock Price at 10/31/2014				$56.38
STERIS Closing Stock Price at 2/3/2015	$67
Value of transaction per Synergy Share					$35.52	$31.35	£ 23.42	£ 19.5
Approximate purchase price of entity	$2,100,000			$1,900,000
Bridge Credit Agreement Commitment Amounts		$1,050,000	£ 340,000

Restructuring_Details

Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	($1,109)		$808	($10)		$878
FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date				19,804
Restructuring Reserve	3,552			3,552			7,978
Restructuring Charges				-244	[1]
Restructuring Reserve, Payments and Impairments				-4,182	[1]
FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	-1,076			-427
FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date				7,727
Restructuring Charges	33			-417
FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Restructuring Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date				12,077
ERROR in label resolution.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date			808			878
Healthcare member [Member] | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date				17,721
Life Science Member [Member] | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date				767
Isomedix Member [Member] | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date				1,316
Product [Member] | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	33	[2]		-417	[3]
Contract Termination [Member] | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	371			371			1,589
Restructuring Charges				18	[1]
Restructuring Reserve, Payments and Impairments				-1,236	[1]
Contract Termination [Member] | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	133			290
Asset Impairment [Member] | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0			-38
Employee Severance [Member] | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	3,181			3,181			6,389
Restructuring Charges				-262	[1]
Restructuring Reserve, Payments and Impairments				-2,946	[1]
Employee Severance [Member] | FY 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	($1,242)			($262)
[1]	(1) Certain amounts reported include the impact of foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar.
[2]	(1) Includes $33 in expense recorded to cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.
[3]	(2) Includes $(417) in expense recorded to cost of revenues on Consolidated Statements of Income.

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
AGAPE [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquired entity	$3,312
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	1,200
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	1,796
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net	316
IMS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquired entity		165,000
Acquired Real Estate from IMS Acquisition		10,000
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	3,105
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables		16,594
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory		8,478
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment		15,074
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other		842
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill		62,000
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount		81,587
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets		184,575
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable		-4,833
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities		-6,837
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities		-11,670
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net		$172,905