Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$ (73,442)	$ (63,723)	$ (60,064)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Foreign currency translation:
Balance at beginning of year		(23,942)	(33,138)
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation (net of tax expense of $(3,311) in 2017)		(10,783)	6,148
Less: Net loss on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests		159	48
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(10,624)	6,196
Balance at end of period		(34,566)	(26,942)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation			(3,311)
Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contract [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(35)	(258)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		(4,475)	(81)
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	[1]	146	(50)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(4,329)	(131)
Balance at end of period		(4,364)	(389)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments		613	44
Taxes on reclassifications to net income		(4)	27
Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		6,528	1,398
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		1,229	(983)
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	[2]	(230)	367
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		999	(616)
Balance at end of period		7,527	782
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments		(327)	529
Taxes on reclassifications to net income		61	(197)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Balance at beginning of year		(42,615)	(37,561)
Amortization included in earnings (net of tax benefit of $(156) and $(209)) (3)	[3]	576	387
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		576	387
Balance at end of period		(42,039)	(37,174)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on amortization included in net income		$ (156)	$ (209)

[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 underlying 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.