Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$ 15,565	$ 25,966	$ 28,077	$ 2,072	$ 31,361	$ 28,135	$ 31,446	$ 13,179	$ 71,680	$ 104,121	$ 105,662
Denominator for basic earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding									24,982,259	25,129,192	25,274,975
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.63	$ 1.04	$ 1.12	$ 0.08	$ 1.25	$ 1.12	$ 1.25	$ 0.53	$ 2.87	$ 4.14	$ 4.18
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation									$ 71,680	$ 104,121	$ 105,662
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding									24,982,259	25,129,192	25,274,975
Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion or exercise assumed) Employee share-based awards									124,092	201,245	233,169
Denominator for diluted earnings per share									25,106,351	25,330,437	25,508,144
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.63	$ 1.04	$ 1.11	$ 0.08	$ 1.24	$ 1.11	$ 1.24	$ 0.52	$ 2.86	$ 4.11	$ 4.14