Business segment information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 796,853	$ 751,766
Central Nervous System [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	519,260	550,783
Cardiovascular [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	132,306	115,419
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 145,287	$ 85,564