Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period	$ (47,168)		$ (40,135)		$ (34,332)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	(8,476)		(15,555)
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of income taxes	(12,925)		6,807
Less: Net loss (gain) on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests	18		523
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes	(12,907)		7,330
Balance at end of period	(21,383)		(8,225)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation	6,928		(3,666)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contract [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	769		(855)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes	(1,858)		(888)
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	(219)	[1]	2,135	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes	(2,077)		1,247
Balance at end of period	(1,308)		392
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments	1,001		478
Taxes on reclassifications to net income	118		(1,149)
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	(608)		(1,091)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes	(69)		(42)
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	677	[2]	439	[2]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes	608		397
Balance at end of period	0		(694)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments	38		23
Taxes on reclassifications to net income	(365)		(237)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	(26,017)		(58,039)
Gains arising during period, net of income taxes	0	[3]	10,400	[3]
Prior service credit arising during the period, net of income taxes	0	[3]	12,646	[3]
Amortization included in earnings, net of income taxes	1,540	[4]	3,385	[4]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes	1,540		26,431
Balance at end of period	(24,477)		(31,608)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on losses (gains) arising during the period	0		(5,600)
Taxes on prior service credit arising during the period	0		(6,809)
Taxes on amortization included in net income	$ (806)		$ (1,823)

[1] Gain (loss) on foreign currency cash flow hedges related to forecast purchases of tobacco is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to cost of goods sold when the tobacco is sold to customers. See Note 7 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 or upon termination of the interest rate swap agreements prior to their scheduled maturity dates. See Note 7 for additional information.

[3] The Company remeasured the assets and liabilities of its U.S. pension plans during the quarter ended September 30, 2013 to reflect the impact of the plan amendments adopted during the quarter. These items arise from the plan remeasurement. See Note 9 for additional information.

[4] This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 9 for additional information.