Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Basic Earnings Per Share
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$	35,542		$	58,453		$	106,648		$	66,302
Less: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock	(3,712		)	(3,712		)	(11,137		)	(11,137		)
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of basic earnings per share	31,830			54,741			95,511			55,165
Denominator for basic earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding	23,406			23,238			23,361			23,220
Basic earnings per share	$	1.36		$	2.36		$	4.09		$	2.38
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	$	31,830		$	54,741		$	95,511		$	55,165
Add: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock (if conversion assumed)	3,712			3,712			11,137			11,137
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of diluted earnings per share	35,542			58,453			106,648			66,302
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding	23,406			23,238			23,361			23,220
Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion or exercise assumed)
Convertible perpetual preferred stock	4,800			4,775			4,794			4,769
Employee share-based awards	311			368			315			320
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	28,517			28,381			28,470			28,309
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.25		$	2.06		$	3.75		$	2.34