Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of income taxes	$ (22,625)		$ 6,480		$ (3,370)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes	(14,023)		32,022		8,803
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period	(74,994)		(34,332)		(75,540)
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes	(2,603)		1,624		87
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes	(1,374)		483		(364)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	(8,476)		(15,555)		(11,850)
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of income taxes	(22,625)		6,480		(3,370)
Less: Net loss (gain) on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests	(37)		599		(335)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes	(22,662)		7,079		(3,705)
Balance at end of period	(31,138)		(8,476)		(15,555)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation	12,181		(3,489)		1,815
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	769		(855)		(942)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes	(4,280)		580		(6,006)
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	1,677	[1]	1,044	[1]	6,093	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes	(2,603)		1,624		87
Balance at end of period	(1,834)		769		(855)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments	2,304		(312)		3,234
Taxes on reclassifications to net income	(903)		(563)		(3,281)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes					(364)
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	(608)		(1,091)		(727)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes	(2,628)		(93)		(955)
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	1,254	[2]	576	[2]	591	[2]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes	(1,374)		483
Balance at end of period	(1,982)		(608)		(1,091)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments	1,416		49		515
Taxes on reclassifications to net income	(675)		(310)		(319)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	(26,017)		(58,039)		(66,842)
Gains arising during period, net of income taxes	(18,049)	[3]	11,977	[3]	(187)	[3]
Prior service credit arising during the period, net of income taxes	0	[3]	14,394	[3]	0	[3]
Amortization included in earnings, net of income taxes	4,026	[4]	5,651	[4]	8,990	[4]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes	(14,023)		32,022		8,803
Balance at end of period	(40,040)		(26,017)		(58,039)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on losses (gains) arising during the period	9,719		(6,449)		96
Taxes on prior service credit arising during the period	0		(7,751)		0
Taxes on amortization included in net income	$ (2,163)		$ (3,042)		$ (4,841)

[1] Gain (loss) on foreign currency cash flow hedges is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to cost of goods sold when the related tobacco is sold to customers. See Note 9 for additional information.

[2] ) Gain (loss) on interest rate cash flow hedges is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense when the related interest payments are made on the debt or upon any termination of the interest rate swap agreements prior to their scheduled maturity dates. See Note 9 for additional information.

[3] These items arise from the remeasurement of the assets and liabilities of the Company's defined benefit pension plans. Those remeasurements are made on an annual basis at the end of the fiscal year. In addition, the assets and liabilities of the Company's U.S.-based pension plans were also remeasured on an interim basis during the second quarter of fiscal year 2014 to reflect the effect of plan amendments adopted during the period. See Note 11 for additional information.

[4] This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 11 for additional information.