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								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$ 26,102	$ 35,542	$ 47,981	$ 23,125	$ 25,755	$ 58,453	$ (8,039)	$ 15,888	$ 132,750	$ 92,057	$ 156,565
Less: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock									(14,850)	(14,850)	(14,850)
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	22,389	31,830	44,268	19,413	22,042	54,741	(11,752)	12,176	117,900	77,207	141,715
Denominator for basic earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding									23,355	23,228	23,859
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.96	$ 1.36	$ 1.89	$ 0.83	$ 0.95	$ 2.36	$ (0.51)	$ 0.52	$ 5.05	$ 3.32	$ 5.94
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	22,389	31,830	44,268	19,413	22,042	54,741	(11,752)	12,176	117,900	77,207	141,715
Add: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock (if conversion assumed)									14,850	14,850	14,850
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of diluted earnings per share									$ 132,750	$ 92,057	$ 156,565
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding									23,355	23,228	23,859
Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion or exercise assumed) Convertible perpetual preferred stock									4,797	4,772	4,750
Employee share-based awards									326	339	279
Denominator for diluted earnings per share									28,478	28,339	28,888
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.92	$ 1.25	$ 1.68	$ 0.81	$ 0.91	$ 2.06	$ (0.51)	$ 0.52	$ 4.66	$ 3.25	$ 5.42