Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of income taxes		$ (16,316)	$ 14,162	$ (6,899)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes		(11,665)	2,613	1,475
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period		(95,691)	(60,064)	(69,559)
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			0
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(341)	223	(933)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(7,462)	4,498	8,395
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(23,942)	(33,138)	(26,992)
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of income taxes		(16,316)	14,162	(6,899)
Less: Net loss (gain) on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests		157	372	753
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(16,159)	14,534	(6,146)
Balance at end of period		(40,101)	(23,942)	(33,138)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation		0	(5,806)	3,715
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	0	(5,338)	0
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(35)	(258)	675
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		(6,490)	1,416	(1,841)
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	[2]	6,149	(1,193)	908
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(341)	223	(933)
Balance at end of period		(376)	(35)	(258)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments		602	(944)	991
Taxes on reclassifications to net income		(640)	827	(489)
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		6,528	1,398	(6,997)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		(5,922)	3,687	5,849
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	[3]	(1,540)	811	2,546
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(7,462)	4,498	8,395
Balance at end of period		(934)	6,528	1,398
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments		1,574	(1,182)	(3,150)
Taxes on reclassifications to net income		409	(433)	(1,370)
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	0	632	0
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(42,615)	(37,561)	(39,036)
Gains arising during period, net of income taxes	[4]	(13,927)	295	(1,395)
Amortization included in earnings, net of income taxes	[5]	2,262	2,318	2,870
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes		(11,665)	2,613	1,475
Balance at end of period		(54,280)	(42,615)	(37,561)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on losses (gains) arising during the period		4,073	(527)	751
Taxes on amortization included in net income		(628)	(933)	(1,546)
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	$ 0	$ (7,667)	$ 0

[1] In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update 2018-02, which addressed the disproportionate income tax effects on pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) arising from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. With the adoption of ASU 2018-02, the disproportionate tax effects were reclassified to retained earnings, and the resulting tax effects remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reflective of the rates which those amounts will ultimately be taxed.

[2] 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 9 for additional information.

[3] 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 for open interest rate swap agreements, or as amortized to interest expense over the period to original maturity for terminated swap agreements. See Note 9 for additional information.

[4] These items arise from the remeasurement of the assets and liabilities of the Company's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Those remeasurements are made on an annual basis at the end of the fiscal year. See Note 11 for additional information.

[5] This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 11 for additional information.