Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
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	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
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