Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$ 120,461	$ 155,155	$ 140,919
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes	(22,625)	6,480	(3,370)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes	(14,023)	32,022	8,803
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(40,625)	40,609	5,156
Total comprehensive income	79,836	195,764	146,075
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,890)	(5,547)	(8,504)
Comprehensive income attributable to Universal Corporation	73,946	190,217	137,571
Foreign currency hedge, net of income taxes [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Hedges, net of income taxes	(2,603)	1,624	87
Interest rate hedge, net of income taxes [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Hedges, net of income taxes	$ (1,374)	$ 483	$ (364)