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								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$ 25,755	$ 58,453	$ (8,039)	$ 15,888	$ 27,116	$ 52,298	$ 51,831	$ 25,320	$ 92,057	$ 156,565	$ 168,397
Less: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock									(14,850)	(14,850)	(14,850)
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of basic earnings per share	22,042	54,741	(11,752)	12,176	23,403	48,586	48,118	21,608	77,207	141,715	153,547
Denominator for basic earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding									23,228	23,859	24,732
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.95	$ 2.36	$ (0.51)	$ 0.52	$ 1.00	$ 2.05	$ 2.00	$ 0.89	$ 3.32	$ 5.94	$ 6.21
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	22,042	54,741	(11,752)	12,176	23,403	48,586	48,118	21,608	77,207	141,715	153,547
Add: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock (if conversion assumed)									14,850	14,850	14,850
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of diluted earnings per share									$ 92,057	$ 156,565	$ 168,397
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding									23,228	23,859	24,732
Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion or exercise assumed) Convertible perpetual preferred stock									4,772	4,750	4,733
Employee share-based awards									339	279	197
Denominator for diluted earnings per share									28,339	28,888	29,662
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.91	$ 2.06	$ (0.51)	$ 0.52	$ 0.95	$ 1.82	$ 1.78	$ 0.87	$ 3.25	$ 5.42	$ 5.68