Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net income	$ 155,155	$ 140,919	$ 100,819
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes	6,480	(3,370)	(8,158)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes	32,022	8,803	(23,195)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	40,609	5,156	(35,504)
Total comprehensive income	195,764	146,075	65,315
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,547)	(8,504)	(8,843)
Comprehensive income attributable to Universal Corporation	190,217	137,571	56,472
Foreign currency hedge, net of income taxes [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Hedges, net of income taxes	1,624	87	(3,424)
Interest rate hedge, net of income taxes [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Hedges, net of income taxes	$ 483	$ (364)	$ (727)