Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net income	$ 140,919	$ 100,819	$ 164,550
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income taxes	(3,370)	(8,158)	7,297
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan adjustments, net of income taxes	8,803	(23,195)	(2,258)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	5,156	(35,504)	8,000
Total comprehensive income	146,075	65,315	172,550
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(8,504)	(8,843)	(8,094)
Comprehensive income attributable to Universal Corporation	137,571	56,472	164,456
Foreign currency hedge adjustments, net of income taxes [Member]
Hedge adjustments, net of income taxes	87	(3,424)	2,961
Interest rate hedge adjustments, net of income taxes [Member]
Hedge adjustments, net of income taxes	$ (364)	$ (727)	$ 0