Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of income taxes		$ (6,367)	$ 8,272	$ (3,066)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes		5,943	17,038	(14,766)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period		(84,311)	(107,037)	(151,597)
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
hedges, net of income tax		3,993	11,812	(11,850)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
hedges, net of income tax		18,620	7,922	(26,468)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(35,135)	(42,923)	(40,101)
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of income taxes		(6,367)	8,272	(3,066)
Less: Net loss (gain) on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests		537	(484)	244
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(5,830)	7,788	(2,822)
Balance at end of period		(40,965)	(35,135)	(42,923)
Taxes on net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation				(180)
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		(414)	(12,226)	(376)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		6,679	1,791	(12,391)
Reclassification of net (gain) loss to earnings	[1]	(2,686)	10,021	541
hedges, net of income tax		3,993	11,812	(11,850)
Balance at end of period		3,579	(414)	(12,226)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, Tax		(2,199)	(130)	2,880
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, Tax		1,115	(2,726)	136
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		(19,480)	(27,402)	(934)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		12,402	2,396	(25,588)
Reclassification of net (gain) loss to earnings	[2]	6,218	5,526	(880)
hedges, net of income tax		18,620	7,922	(26,468)
Balance at end of period		(860)	(19,480)	(27,402)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, Tax		(3,249)	(637)	6,801
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, Tax		(1,628)	(1,469)	234
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(52,008)	(69,046)	(54,280)
Gains arising during period, net of income taxes	[3]	2,799	13,627	(16,810)
Amortization included in earnings, net of income taxes	[4]	3,144	3,411	2,044
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes		5,943	17,038	(14,766)
Balance at end of period		(46,065)	(52,008)	(69,046)
Taxes on losses (gains) arising during the period		(297)	(3,706)	4,715
Taxes on amortization included in net income		$ (298)	$ (895)	$ (554)

[1] Gains (losses) on foreign currency cash flow hedges related to forecast purchases of tobacco and crop input sales are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to cost of goods sold when the tobacco is sold to customers. See Note 11 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 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 11 for additional information.

[3] 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 13 for additional information.

[4] This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 13 for additional information.