Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Basic Earnings Per Share
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$	58,453		$	52,298		$	66,302		$	129,449
Less: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock		(3,712	)		(3,712	)		(11,137	)		(11,137	)
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of basic earnings per share		54,741			48,586			55,165			118,312
Denominator for basic earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding		23,238			23,738			23,220			24,010
Basic earnings per share	$	2.36		$	2.05		$	2.38		$	4.93
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	$	54,741		$	48,586		$	55,165		$	118,312
Add: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock (if conversion assumed)		3,712			3,712			11,137			11,137
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of diluted earnings per share		58,453			52,298			66,302			129,449
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding		23,238			23,738			23,220			24,010
Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion or exercise assumed)
Convertible perpetual preferred stock		4,775			4,752			4,769			4,747
Employee share-based awards		368			302			320			262
Denominator for diluted earnings per share		28,381			28,792			28,309			29,019
Diluted earnings per share	$	2.06		$	1.82		$	2.34		$	4.46