Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Net income	$ 110,134	$ 116,168	$ 112,506
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes	(16,316)	14,162	(6,899)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes	(11,665)	2,613	1,475
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(35,784)	21,496	2,038
Total comprehensive income	74,350	137,664	114,544
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,856)	(10,134)	(5,449)
Comprehensive income attributable to Universal Corporation	68,494	127,530	109,095
Foreign currency hedge, net of income taxes [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Hedges, net of income taxes	(341)	223	(933)
Interest rate hedge, net of income taxes [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Hedges, net of income taxes	$ (7,462)	$ 4,498	$ 8,395