Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share
Net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation	$ (5,947)	$ 717
Less: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock	(3,687)	(3,712)
Earnings (loss) available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	$ (9,634)	$ (2,995)
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average shares outstanding	22,622,930	23,223,343
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.43)	$ (0.13)
Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share
Earnings (loss) available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	$ (9,634)	$ (2,995)
Add: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock (if conversion assumed)	0	0
Earnings (loss) available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of diluted earnings per share	$ (9,634)	$ (2,995)
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding	22,622,930	23,223,343
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Preferred Stock	0	0
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	0	0
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	22,622,930	23,223,343
Diluted earnings per share	$ (0.43)	$ (0.13)