Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period		$ (66,403)	$ (33,752)	$ (74,994)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(31,138)	(8,476)
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of income taxes		2,637	(642)
Less: Net loss (gain) on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests		86	(245)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		2,723	(887)
Balance at end of period		(28,415)	(9,363)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation		(1,420)	347
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contract [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(1,834)	769
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		1,539	1,083
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	[1]	(52)	(183)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		1,487	900
Balance at end of period		(347)	1,669
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments		(829)	(583)
Taxes on reclassifications to net income		28	98
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(1,982)	(608)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		2,389	(103)
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	[2]	868	135
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		3,257	32
Balance at end of period		1,275	(576)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments		(1,286)	55
Taxes on reclassifications to net income		(467)	(72)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(40,040)	(26,017)
Amortization included in earnings, net of income taxes	[3]	1,124	535
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		1,124	535
Balance at end of period		(38,916)	(25,482)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on losses (gains) arising during the period		0	0
Taxes on prior service credit arising during the period		0	0
Taxes on amortization included in net income		$ (605)	$ (258)

[1] Gain (loss) on foreign currency cash flow hedges related to forecast purchases of tobacco is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to cost of goods sold when the tobacco is sold to customers. See Note 7 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 termination of the interest rate swap agreements prior to their scheduled maturity dates. See Note 7 for additional information.

[3] This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 9 for additional information.