Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
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
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