Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$ (63,723)	$ (76,959)	$ (69,559)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Foreign currency translation:
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:		(33,138)	(26,992)
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(3,311) and $1,577)		6,148	(2,929)
Less: Net loss on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests		48	217
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		6,196	(2,712)
Balance at end of period		(26,942)	(29,704)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation		(3,311)	1,577
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		(258)	675
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		(81)	(538)
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	[1]	(50)	24
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(131)	(514)
Balance at end of period		(389)	161
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments		44	290
Taxes on reclassifications to net income		27	(12)
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		1,398	(6,997)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		(983)	(2,863)
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	[2]	367	710
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(616)	(2,153)
Balance at end of period		782	(9,150)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments		529	1,541
Taxes on reclassifications to net income		(197)	(383)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Balance at beginning of year		(37,561)	(39,036)
Amortization included in earnings (net of tax benefit of $(209) and $(414)) (3)	[3]	387	770
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		387	770
Balance at end of period		(37,174)	(38,266)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on amortization included in net income		$ (209)	$ (414)

[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 6 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 underlying debt or upon termination of the interest rate swap agreements prior to their scheduled maturity dates. See Note 6 for additional information.

[3] This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 8 for additional information.