Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$ 717	$ 58,309
Less: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock	(3,712)	(3,712)
Earnings (loss) available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	(2,995)	54,597
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average shares outstanding	23,223,343	23,316,764
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.13)	$ 2.34
Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share
Earnings (loss) available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	(2,995)	54,597
Add: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock (if conversion assumed)	0	3,712
Earnings (loss) available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of diluted earnings per share	$ (2,995)	$ 58,309
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding	23,223,343	23,316,764
Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion or exercise assumed):
Convertible perpetual preferred stock		4,812,279
Employee share-based awards		336,311
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share	23,223,343	28,465,354
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.13)	$ 2.05