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		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$ 15,025	$ 25,444	$ 15,742	$ 83,753
Less: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock	(3,713)	(3,713)	(7,425)	(7,425)
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	11,312	21,731	8,317	76,328
Denominator for basic earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding	23,178,082	23,207,043	23,200,589	23,261,604
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.49	$ 0.94	$ 0.36	$ 3.28
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	11,312	21,731	8,317	76,328
Add: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock (if conversion assumed)	0	3,713	0	7,425
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of diluted earnings per share	$ 11,312	$ 25,444	$ 8,317	$ 83,753
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding	23,178,082	23,207,043	23,200,589	23,261,604
Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion or exercise assumed):
Convertible perpetual preferred stock		4,818,160	0	4,815,235
Employee share-based awards	330,345	311,342	320,982	323,827
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	23,508,427	28,336,545	23,521,571	28,400,666
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.48	$ 0.90	$ 0.35	$ 2.95