Comprehensive Income (Components Of Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net income	$ 61,602	$ 57,585	$ 70,927	$ 135,786
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(4,947)	(2,252)	(11,978)	(1,091)
Total comprehensive income	53,917	55,029	53,453	134,856
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries (including foreign currency translation adjustment)	(3,095)	(5,279)	(4,525)	(6,410)
Comprehensive income attributable to Universal Corporation	50,822	49,750	48,928	128,446
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency/ Interest rate hedge adjustment	(2,205)	(304)	(4,963)	161
Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency/ Interest rate hedge adjustment	$ (533)		$ (533)