| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 12, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 12, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | UNIVERSAL CORPORATION |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000102037 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | VA |
| Entity File Number | 001-00652 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 54-0414210 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 9201 Forest Hill Avenue, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Richmond, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | VA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 23235 |
| City Area Code | 804 |
| Local Phone Number | 359-9311 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, no par value |
| Trading Symbol | UVV |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
