Universal (UVV) 10-K 28 May 20 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	May 25, 2020	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Entity File Number	001-00652
Entity Registrant Name	UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	VA
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
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, no par value
Trading Symbol	UVV
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 1.3
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,431,137
Entity Central Index Key	0000102037
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--03-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues		$ 1,909,979	$ 2,227,153	$ 2,033,947
Costs and expenses
Cost of goods sold		1,553,167	1,820,562	1,661,999
Selling, general and administrative expenses		222,902	225,118	201,123
Restructuring and impairment costs		7,543	20,304	0
Operating income		126,367	161,169	170,825
Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	[1]	4,211	5,299	9,125
Other non-operating income (expense)		986	832	662
Interest income		1,581	1,532	1,686
Interest expense		19,854	17,510	15,621
Income before income taxes		113,291	151,322	166,677
Income taxes		35,288	41,188	50,509
Net income		78,003	110,134	116,168
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries		(6,323)	(6,013)	(10,506)
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation		$ 71,680	$ 104,121	$ 105,662
Earnings per share:
Basic		$ 2.87	$ 4.14	$ 4.18
Diluted		$ 2.86	$ 4.11	$ 4.14
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		24,982,259	25,129,192	25,274,975
Diluted		25,106,351	25,330,437	25,508,144
[1]	Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is included in segment operating income (Other Tobacco Operations segment), but is reported below consolidated operating income and excluded from that total in the consolidated statements of income.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Net income	$ 78,003	$ 110,134	$ 116,168
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes	(3,066)	(16,316)	14,162
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes	(14,766)	(11,665)	2,613
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(56,150)	(35,784)	21,496
Total comprehensive income	21,853	74,350	137,664
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,079)	(5,856)	(10,134)
Comprehensive income attributable to Universal Corporation	15,774	68,494	127,530
Foreign currency hedge, net of income taxes [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Hedges, net of income taxes	(11,850)	(341)	223
Interest rate hedge, net of income taxes [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Hedges, net of income taxes	$ (26,468)	$ (7,462)	$ 4,498

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 107,430	$ 297,556
Accounts receivable, net	340,711	368,110
Advances to suppliers, net	133,778	106,850
Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates	11,483	30,951
Inventories—at lower of cost or net realizable value:
Tobacco	707,298	629,606
Other	99,275	69,611
Prepaid income taxes	12,144	14,264
Other current assets	67,498	71,197
Total current assets	1,479,617	1,588,145
Property, plant and equipment
Land	21,376	22,952
Buildings	256,488	261,976
Machinery and equipment	634,395	608,191
Total property, plant and equipment	912,259	893,119
Less accumulated depreciation	(597,106)	(590,625)
Property, plant and equipment, net	315,153	302,494
Other assets
Operating lease right-of-use assets	39,256	0
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	144,687	97,994
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	77,543	80,482
Deferred income taxes	20,954	13,357
Other noncurrent assets	43,711	50,712
Total other assets	326,151	242,545
Total assets	2,120,921	2,133,184
Current liabilities
Notes payable and overdrafts	78,033	54,023
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	140,202	145,506
Accounts payable—unconsolidated affiliates	55	106
Customer advances and deposits	10,242	21,675
Accrued compensation	23,710	31,372
Income taxes payable	5,334	1,066
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	9,823	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Total current liabilities	267,399	253,748
Long-term debt	368,764	368,503
Pensions and other postretirement benefits	70,680	59,257
Long-term operating lease liabilities	25,893	0
Other long-term liabilities	69,427	43,214
Deferred income taxes	29,474	28,584
Total liabilities	831,637	753,306
Shareholders’ equity
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 24,421,835 shares issued and outstanding (24,989,946 at March 31, 2019)	321,502	326,600
Retained earnings	1,076,760	1,106,178
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(151,597)	(95,691)
Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equity	1,246,665	1,337,087
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	42,619	42,791
Total shareholders' equity	1,289,284	1,379,878
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 2,120,921	$ 2,133,184

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - shares	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,421,835	24,989,946
Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	24,421,835	24,989,946
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,421,835	24,989,946
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 78,003	$ 110,134	$ 116,168
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	38,379	37,104	34,836
Provision for losses (recoveries) on advances and guaranteed loans to suppliers	937	(2,339)	3,730
Inventory write-downs	10,319	4,002	7,687
Stock-based compensation expense	5,631	8,152	7,610
Foreign currency remeasurement loss (gain), net	16,422	1,786	(184)
Deferred income taxes	(8,697)	3,873	(11,132)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends	1,101	3,659	(1,521)
Restructuring and impairment costs	7,543	20,304	0
Restructuring payments	(2,787)	(4,014)	(315)
Other, net	(8,772)	5,613	(7,866)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Accounts and notes receivable	16,267	(8,373)	38,264
Inventories and other assets	(94,538)	33,796	(116,728)
Income taxes	10,927	(8,981)	1,239
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(48,534)	(54,912)	13,397
Customer advances and deposits	(11,304)	14,718	(3,940)
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,897	164,522	81,245
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(35,227)	(38,760)	(34,037)
Purchase of business, net of cash held by the business	(80,180)	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	8,547	2,061	5,194
Other	495	2,000	1,450
Net cash used by investing activities	(106,365)	(34,699)	(27,393)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Issuance (repayment) of short-term debt, net	24,114	12,036	(18,159)
Issuance of long-term debt	0	41,147	0
Repayment of long-term debt	0	41,147	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	(6,251)	(5,938)	(7,350)
Repurchase of common stock	(33,457)	(1,443)	(21,610)
Dividends paid on common stock	(75,368)	(69,883)	(54,699)
Proceeds from termination of interest rate swap agreements	0	5,428	0
Debt issuance costs and other	(3,184)	(5,987)	(2,828)
Net cash used by financing activities	(94,146)	(65,787)	(104,646)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(512)	(608)	929
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(190,126)	63,428	(49,865)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	297,556	234,128	283,993
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	107,430	297,556	234,128
Supplemental information—cash paid for:
Interest	19,376	16,462	15,621
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 30,984	$ 44,856	$ 58,339

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]	Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at beginning of year at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 1,326,578			$ 321,207	$ 1,034,841	$ (69,559)			$ 40,089
Balance at beginning of year, shares at Mar. 31, 2017	25,274,506
Changes in preferred and common stock
Repurchase of stock	$ (5,142)			(5,142)
Issuance of stock, shares	59,843
Repurchase of stock, shares	(403,624)
Accrual of stock-based compensation	$ 7,610			7,610
Withholding of shares from stock-based compensation for grantee income taxes	(2,828)			(2,828)
Dividend equivalents on RSUs	712			712
Changes in retained earnings
Net income	116,168				105,662				10,506
Cash dividends declared
Common stock	(54,762)				(54,762)
Stock Repurchased And Retired During Period Value Retained Earnings	16,468				16,468
Dividend equivalents on RSUs	(712)				712
Adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update	0				12,373	(12,373)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes	14,162					14,534			(372)
Hedges, net of income taxes		$ 223	$ 4,498				$ 223	$ 4,498
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes	2,613					2,613
Adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update	0				12,373	(12,373)
Other changes in noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders	(7,350)								(7,350)
Balance at end of year at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 1,385,302			321,559	1,080,934	(60,064)			42,873
Balance at end of year, shares at Mar. 31, 2018	24,930,725
Changes in preferred and common stock
Repurchase of stock	$ (397)			(397)
Issuance of stock, shares	89,998
Repurchase of stock, shares	(30,777)
Accrual of stock-based compensation	$ 8,152			8,152
Withholding of shares from stock-based compensation for grantee income taxes	(3,697)			(3,697)
Dividend equivalents on RSUs	983			983
Changes in retained earnings
Net income	110,134				104,121				6,013
Cash dividends declared
Common stock	(74,914)				(74,914)
Stock Repurchased And Retired During Period Value Retained Earnings	1,046				1,046
Dividend equivalents on RSUs	(983)				(983)
Adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update	(1,934)				(1,934)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes	(16,316)					(16,159)			(157)
Hedges, net of income taxes		(341)	(7,462)				(341)	(7,462)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes	(11,665)					(11,665)
Adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update	(1,934)				(1,934)
Other changes in noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders	(5,938)								(5,938)
Balance at end of year at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 1,379,878			326,600	1,106,178	(95,691)			42,791
Balance at end of year, shares at Mar. 31, 2019	24,989,946
Changes in preferred and common stock
Repurchase of stock	$ (8,562)			(8,562)
Issuance of stock, shares	88,709
Repurchase of stock, shares	(656,820)
Accrual of stock-based compensation	$ 5,631			5,631
Withholding of shares from stock-based compensation for grantee income taxes	(3,183)			(3,183)
Dividend equivalents on RSUs	1,016			1,016
Changes in retained earnings
Net income	78,003				71,680				6,323
Cash dividends declared
Common stock	(75,187)				(75,187)
Repurchase of stock, retained earnings	(24,895)				(24,895)
Dividend equivalents on RSUs	(1,016)				(1,016)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes	(3,066)					(2,822)			(244)
Hedges, net of income taxes		$ (11,850)	$ (26,468)				$ (11,850)	$ (26,468)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes	(14,766)					(14,766)
Other changes in noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders	(6,251)								(6,251)
Balance at end of year at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 1,289,284			$ 321,502	$ 1,076,760	$ (151,597)			$ 42,619
Balance at end of year, shares at Mar. 31, 2020	0
Balance at end of year, shares at Mar. 31, 2020	24,421,835

Consolidated Statements of Ch_2

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common stock, cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.76	$ 0.76	$ 0.76	$ 0.76	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 3.04	$ 3	$ 2.18

Nature Of Operations And Signif

Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies	NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Operations Universal Corporation, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to herein as “Universal” or the “Company,” is the leading global leaf tobacco supplier. The Company conducts its leaf tobacco business in over 30 countries, primarily in major tobacco-producing regions of the world. The Company also has operations in smaller-scale businesses adjacent to the leaf tobacco business, as well as a fruit and vegetable ingredients business. The extent to which the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will impact the Company's financial condition, results of operations and demand for the Company's products and services will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Such developments may include the ongoing geographic spread of COVID-19, the severity of the pandemic, the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and the type and duration of actions that may be taken by various governmental authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the U.S. and the global economies, markets and supply chains. At March 31, 2020 , it is not possible to predict the overall impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and demand for our products and services. Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Corporation and all domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which the Company maintains a controlling financial interest. Control is generally determined based on a voting interest of greater than 50%, such that Universal controls all significant corporate activities of the subsidiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in companies where Universal Corporation has a voting interest of 20% to 50%. These investments are accounted for under the equity method because Universal exercises significant influence over those companies, but not control. The Company received dividends totaling $3.9 million in fiscal year 2020 , $7.5 million in fiscal year 2019 , and $5.5 million in fiscal year 2018 , from companies accounted for under the equity method. Investments where Universal has a voting interest of less than 20% are not significant and do not have readily determinable fair values. As such, the Company has elected the alternate method of measuring these investments at cost, less any impairment. The Company's 49% ownership interest in Socotab L.L.C. (“Socotab”), a leading supplier of oriental tobaccos with operations located principally in Eastern Europe and Turkey, is the primary investment accounted for under the equity method. The investment in Socotab is an important part of the Company's overall product and service arrangements with its major customers. The Company reviews the carrying value of its investments in Socotab and its other unconsolidated affiliates on a regular basis and considers whether any factors exist that might indicate an impairment in value that is other than temporary. At March 31, 2020 , the Company determined that no such factors existed with respect to those investments. The Company's operations in Zimbabwe are deconsolidated under accounting requirements that apply under certain conditions to foreign subsidiaries that are subject to foreign exchange controls and other government restrictions. The investment in the Zimbabwe operations is accounted for at cost less impairment, and was zero at March 31, 2020 and 2019 . The Company has a net foreign currency translation loss associated with the Zimbabwe operations of approximately $7.2 million , which remains a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. As a regular part of its reporting, the Company reviews the conditions that resulted in the deconsolidation of the Zimbabwe operations to confirm that such accounting treatment is still appropriate. Dividends from the Zimbabwe operations are recorded in income in the period received. The Company holds less than a 100% financial interest in certain consolidated subsidiaries. The net income and shareholders’ equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests in these subsidiaries are reported on the face of the consolidated financial statements. During fiscal year 2018, the Company purchased the noncontrolling interest of one subsidiary for $0.6 million . Other than this transaction, there were no changes in the Company’s ownership percentage in any of these subsidiaries during fiscal years 2018 , 2019 , or 2020 . Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates The Company’s investments in its unconsolidated affiliates, which include its Zimbabwe operations, are non-marketable securities. Universal reviews such investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an investment may not be recovered. For example, the Company would review such an investment for impairment if the investee were to lose a significant customer, suffer a large reduction in sales margins, experience a major change in its business environment, or undergo any other significant change in its normal business. In assessing the recoverability of these investments, the Company follows the applicable accounting guidance in determining the fair value of the investments. In most cases, this involves the use of undiscounted and discounted cash flow models (Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy under the accounting guidance). If the fair value of an unconsolidated investee is determined to be lower than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized. The determination of fair value using discounted cash flow models is normally not based on observable market data from independent sources and therefore requires significant management judgment with respect to estimates of future operating earnings and the selection of an appropriate discount rate. The use of different assumptions could increase or decrease estimated future operating cash flows, and the discounted value of those cash flows, and therefore could increase or decrease any impairment charge related to these investments. In its consolidated statements of income, the Company reports its proportional share of the earnings of unconsolidated affiliates accounted for on the equity method based on the pretax earnings of those affiliates, as permitted under the applicable accounting guidance. All applicable foreign and U.S. income taxes are provided on these earnings and reported as a component of consolidated income tax expense. For unconsolidated affiliates located in foreign jurisdictions, repatriation of the Company’s share of the earnings through dividends is assumed in determining consolidated income tax expense. The following table provides a reconciliation of (1) equity in the pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, as reported in the consolidated statements of income to (2) equity in the net income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends, as reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Equity in pretax earnings reported in the consolidated statements of income $ 4,211 $ 5,299 $ 9,125 Less: Equity in income taxes (1,390 ) (1,441 ) (2,063 ) Equity in net income 2,821 3,858 7,062 Less: Dividends received on investments (1) (3,922 ) (7,517 ) (5,541 ) Equity in net income, net of dividends, reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows $ (1,101 ) $ (3,659 ) $ 1,521 (1) In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates accounted for on the equity method that represent a return on capital (i.e., a return of earnings on a cumulative basis) are presented as operating cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Earnings Per Share The Company calculates basic earnings per share based on earnings available to common shareholders. The calculation uses the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is computed in a similar manner using the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding. Dilutive potential common shares include unvested restricted stock units and performance share awards that are assumed to be fully vested and paid out in shares of common stock. Calculations of earnings per share for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 , are provided in Note 5. Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase are classified as cash equivalents. Advances to Suppliers In many sourcing origins where the Company operates, it provides agronomy services and seasonal advances of seed, fertilizer, and other supplies to tobacco farmers for crop production, or makes seasonal cash advances to farmers for the procurement of those inputs. These advances are short term, are repaid upon delivery of tobacco to the Company, and are reported in advances to suppliers in the consolidated balance sheets. In several origins, the Company has made long-term advances to tobacco farmers to finance curing barns and other farm infrastructure. In some years, due to low crop yields and other factors, individual farmers may not deliver sufficient volumes of tobacco to fully repay their seasonal advances, and the Company may extend repayment of those advances into future crop years. The long-term portion of advances is included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Both the current and the long-term portions of advances to suppliers are reported net of allowances recorded when the Company determines that amounts outstanding are not likely to be collected. Short-term and long-term advances to suppliers totaled approximately $153 million at March 31, 2020 and $129 million at March 31, 2019 . The related valuation allowances totaled $16 million at March 31, 2020 , and $18 million at March 31, 2019 , and were estimated based on the Company’s historical loss information and crop projections. The allowances were increased by net provisions for estimated uncollectible amounts of approximately $1.0 million in fiscal year 2020 and $3.7 million in fiscal year 2018 , and reduced by net recoveries of approximately $2.3 million in fiscal year 2019 . These net provisions and recoveries are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Interest on advances is recognized in earnings upon the farmers’ delivery of tobacco in payment of principal and interest. Advances on which interest accrual had been discontinued totaled approximately $5 million at March 31, 2020 and $6 million at March 31, 2019 . Inventories Tobacco inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Raw materials primarily consist of unprocessed leaf tobacco, which is clearly identified by type and grade at the time of purchase. The Company tracks the costs associated with this tobacco in the final product lots, and maintains this identification through the time of sale. This method of cost accounting is referred to as the specific cost or specific identification method. The predominant cost component of the Company’s inventories is the cost of the unprocessed tobacco. Direct and indirect processing costs related to these raw materials are capitalized and allocated to inventory in a systematic manner. The Company does not capitalize any interest or sales-related costs in inventory. Freight costs are recorded in cost of goods sold. Other inventories consist primarily of seed, fertilizer, packing materials, unprocessed and processed food and vegetable ingredients, and other supplies, and are valued principally at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Recoverable Value-Added Tax Credits In many foreign countries, the Company’s local operating subsidiaries pay significant amounts of value-added tax (“VAT”) on purchases of unprocessed and processed tobacco, crop inputs, packing materials, and various other goods and services. In some countries, VAT is a national tax, and in other countries it is assessed at the state level. Items subject to VAT vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as do the rates at which the tax is assessed. When tobacco is sold to customers in the country of origin, the operating subsidiaries generally collect VAT on those sales. The subsidiaries are normally permitted to offset their VAT payments against the collections and remit only the incremental VAT collections to the tax authorities. When tobacco is sold for export, VAT is normally not assessed. In countries where tobacco sales are predominately for export markets, VAT collections generated on downstream sales are often not sufficient to fully offset the subsidiaries’ VAT payments. In those situations, unused VAT credits can accumulate. Some jurisdictions have procedures that allow companies to apply for refunds of unused VAT credits from the tax authorities, but the refund process often takes an extended period of time, and it is not uncommon for refund applications to be challenged or rejected in part on technical grounds. Other jurisdictions may permit companies to sell or transfer unused VAT credits to third parties in private transactions, although approval for such transactions must normally be obtained from the tax authorities, limits on the amounts that can be transferred may be imposed, and the proceeds realized may be heavily discounted from the face value of the credits. Due to these factors, local operating subsidiaries in some countries can accumulate significant balances of VAT credits over time. The Company reviews these balances on a regular basis and records valuation allowances on the credits to reflect amounts that are not expected to be recovered, as well as discounts anticipated on credits that are expected to be sold or transferred. At March 31, 2020 and 2019 , the aggregate balances of recoverable tax credits held by the Company’s subsidiaries totaled approximately $52 million and $53 million , respectively, and the related valuation allowances totaled approximately $19 million and $17 million , respectively. The net balances are reported in other current assets and other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Property, Plant and Equipment Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is based upon historical cost and the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation is calculated primarily using the straight-line method. Buildings include tobacco processing and blending facilities, offices, and warehouses. Machinery and equipment consists of processing and packing machinery and transport, office, and computer equipment. Estimated useful lives range as follows: buildings - 15 to 40 years; processing and packing machinery - 3 to 11 years; transport equipment - 3 to 10 years; and office and computer equipment - 3 to 12 years. Where applicable and material in amount, the Company capitalizes related interest costs during periods that property, plant and equipment are being constructed or made ready for service. No interest was capitalized in fiscal years 2020 , 2019 , or 2018 . Leases As discussed below under "Accounting Pronouncements", the Company adopted updated comprehensive accounting guidance for leases at the beginning of fiscal year 2020 (Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" and supplemental amendments, which superseded the lease accounting requirements in Topic 840). The Company determines if an arrangement meets the definition of a lease at inception. The Company, as a lessee, enters into operating leases for land, buildings, equipment, and vehicles. For all operating leases with terms greater than 12 months and with fixed payment arrangements, a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset are recognized in the balance sheet for the term of the lease by calculating the net present value of future lease payments. On the date of lease commencement, the present value of lease liabilities is determined by discounting the future lease payments by the Company’s collateralized incremental borrowing rate, adjusted for the lease term and currency of the lease payments. If a lease contains a renewal option that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise, the Company accounts for the original lease term and expected renewal term in the calculation of the lease liability and right-of-use asset. Certain of the Company’s leases include both lease and non-lease components (e.g., common-area or other maintenance costs) which are accounted for as a single lease component, as the Company has elected the practical expedient to group lease and non-lease components for real estate leases. Goodwill and Other Intangibles Goodwill and other intangibles are disclosed in Note 7. Goodwill principally consists of the excess of the purchase price of acquired companies over the fair value of the net assets. Goodwill is carried at the lower of cost or fair value and is reviewed for potential impairment on an annual basis as of the end of the fiscal year. Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350 (“ASC 350”) permits companies to base their initial assessments of potential goodwill impairment on qualitative factors, and the Company elected to use that approach at March 31, 2020 and 2019 . Those factors did not indicate any potential impairment of the Company's recorded goodwill at those dates. Reporting units are distinct operating subsidiaries or groups of subsidiaries that typically compose the Company’s business in a specific country or location. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units based on the country or location to which a specific acquisition relates, or by allocation based on expected future cash flows if the acquisition relates to more than one country or location. The majority of the Company’s goodwill relates to its reporting unit in Brazil and recent acquisition of FruitSmart, Inc. See Note 2 for additional information. Significant adverse changes in the operations or estimated future cash flows for a reporting unit with recorded goodwill could result in an impairment charge (See Note 4 for additional disclosures regarding goodwill impairment). Other intangibles principally consists of finite lived intangible assets including customer-related intangibles, trade names, developed technology, and noncompetition agreements. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value using a discounted cash flow approach. A discounted cash flow approach to value intangible assets requires assumptions about the timing, amount, and probability of future net cash flows, as well as the discount rate and market participant considerations. Other intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over the intangible asset's economic life. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment, disclosed in Note 4 and Note 12, whenever events, changes in business conditions, or other circumstances provide an indication that such assets may be impaired. Potential impairment is initially assessed by comparing management’s undiscounted estimates of future cash flows from the use or disposition of the assets to their carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its fair value determined in accordance with the accounting guidance. In many cases, this involves the use of discounted cash flow models that are not based on observable market data from independent sources (Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy under the accounting guidance). Income Taxes The Company provides deferred income taxes on temporary differences between the book and tax basis of its assets and liabilities. Those differences arise principally from employee benefit accruals, depreciation, deferred compensation, undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, goodwill, and valuation allowances on farmer advances and value-added tax credits. Income taxes provided on pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are released when the related pretax amounts are reclassified to earnings. Additional disclosures related to the Company's income taxes are disclosed in Note 6. Fair Values of Financial Instruments The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, disclosed in Note 12, approximates the carrying amount since the variable interest rates in the underlying credit agreement reflect the market interest rates that were available to the Company at March 31, 2020 . In periods when fixed-rate obligations are outstanding, fair values are estimated using market prices where they are available or discounted cash flow models based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar classes of borrowers and borrowing arrangements. The fair values of interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges and used to fix the variable benchmark rate on outstanding long-term debt are determined separately and recorded in other long-term liabilities. Except for interest rate swaps and forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are discussed below, the fair values of all other assets and liabilities that qualify as financial instruments approximate their carrying amounts. Derivative Financial Instruments The Company recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Interest rate swaps and forward foreign currency exchange contracts are used from time to time to manage interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company enters into such contracts only with counterparties of good standing. The credit exposure related to non-performance by the counterparties and the Company is considered in determining the fair values of the derivatives, and the effect has not been material to the financial statements or operations of the Company. Additional disclosures related to the Company’s derivatives and hedging activities are provided in Note 11. Translation and Remeasurement of Foreign Currencies The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries having the local currency as the functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at period end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates applicable to each reporting period for results of operations. Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements are reflected as a separate component of other comprehensive income or loss. The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries having the U.S. dollar as the functional currency, with certain transactions denominated in a local currency, are remeasured into U.S. dollars. The remeasurement of local currency amounts into U.S. dollars creates remeasurement gains and losses that are included in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. The Company recognized net remeasurement losses of $16.4 million in fiscal year 2020 and $1.8 million in fiscal year 2019 , and net remeasurement gains of $0.2 million in fiscal year 2018 . Foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges generate gains and losses when they are settled or when they are marked to market under the prescribed accounting guidance. These transaction gains and losses are also included in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. The Company recognized net foreign currency transaction losses of $2.9 million in fiscal year 2020 , $4.3 million in fiscal year 2019 , and $0.1 million in fiscal year 2018 . Revenue Recognition As discussed below under "Accounting Pronouncements", the Company adopted updated comprehensive accounting guidance for revenue recognition at the beginning of fiscal year 2019 (Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and supplemental amendments, now codified as Section 606 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification). Under this updated guidance, revenue is recognized when the Company completes its performance obligation for the transfer of products and services under its contractual arrangements with customers. For sales of tobacco, satisfaction of the performance obligation and recognition of the corresponding revenue is based on the transfer of the ownership and control of the product to the customer, which is substantially unchanged from the previous accounting guidance. A large percentage of the Company’s sales are to major multinational manufacturers of consumer tobacco products. The Company works closely with those customers to understand and plan for their requirements for volumes, styles, and grades of leaf tobacco from its various growing regions, and extensive coordination is maintained on an ongoing basis to determine and satisfy their requirements for transfer of ownership and physical shipment of processed tobacco. The customers typically specify, in sales contracts and in shipping documents, the precise terms for transfer of title and risk of loss for the tobacco. Customer returns and rejections are not significant, and the Company’s sales history indicates that customer-specific acceptance provisions are consistently met upon transfer of title and risk of loss. While most of the Company’s revenue is derived from tobacco that is purchased from farmers, processed and packed in its factories, and then sold to customers, some revenue is earned from processing tobacco owned by customers and from other value-added services. The arrangements for processing services usually exist in specific markets where the customers contract directly with farmers for leaf production, and they have accounted for less than 5% of total revenue on an annual basis through the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 . Processing and packing of leaf tobacco is a short-duration process. Under normal operating conditions, raw tobacco that is placed into the production line exits as processed and packed tobacco within one hour, and is then later transported to customer-designated storage facilities. The revenue for these services is recognized when the performance obligation is met upon the completion of processing, and the Company’s operating history indicates that customer requirements for processed tobacco are consistently met upon completion of processing. Additional disclosures related to the Company's revenue from contracts with customers are provided in Note 3. Stock-Based Compensation Share-based payments, such as grants of restricted stock units, performance share awards, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, and stock options, are measured at fair value and reported as expense in the financial statements over the requisite service period. Additional disclosures related to stock-based compensation are included in Note 15. Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Accounting Pronouncements Pronouncements Adopted in Fiscal Year 2018 In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires that most inventory be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 defines net realizable value as the "estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation." ASU 2015-11 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2016, and was adopted by the Company effective April 1, 2017, the beginning of fiscal year 2018. As required under the guidance, ASU 2015-11 has been applied prospectively after the date of adoption, and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)" ("ASU 2017-12"). ASU 2017-12 expands derivative strategies that quality for hedge accounting and amends presentation and disclosure requirements. The guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early-adopt ASU 2017-12 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018. As required under the guidance, ASU 2017-12 was applied using the modified retrospective approach and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" ("ASU 2018-02") to address the disproportionate income tax effects on pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017. Under the existing accounting guidance, companies were required to record the impact of changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities from the enactment of the new law through income from continuing operations, including the impact related to pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As a result, the income tax effects on amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were not reflective of the rates at which those amounts ultimately would be taxed. ASU 2018-02 permits companies to reclassify these disproportionate tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings. It was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early-adopt ASU 2018-02 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 and reclassify the disproportionate tax effects to retained earnings as allowed under the guidance. The reclassification increased accumulated other comprehensive loss and increased retained earnings by approximately $12.4 million . Pronouncements Adopted in Fiscal Year 2019 In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASU 2014-09), which superseded substantially all of the current revenue recognition guidance under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), and was developed under a joint project with the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) to improve and converge the existing revenue recognition accounting guidance in U.S. GAAP and International Accounting Standards. Under ASU 2014-09, the central underlying principle is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers at an amount determined by the consideration a company expects to receive for those goods or services. The guidance outlines a five-step process for determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized from those arrangements. ASU 2014-09 and various supplemental amendments were codified into the U.S. GAAP hierarchy in Section 606 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC 606”). The Company's implementation process for ASU 2014-09 included a comprehensive assessment of its contractual arrangements with customers that involved classifying those arrangements by specific revenue streams, documenting the relevant terms and conditions of the contracts, and determining the appropriate revenue recognition for those contracts under the new guidance. Through this process, the Company determined in all cases that revenue recognition under the new guidance based on the transfer of its goods and services to customers was substantially the same as under the prior guidance. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 effective April 1, 2018, the beginning of fiscal year 2019. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 had no impact on the amount and timing of revenue recognized, and no adjustment for the cumulative effect of implementing the new guidance was required under the modified retrospective transition adoption method selected by the Company. The disclosures required for revenue recognition under the new guidance are provided in Note 3. In January 2016, the FASB is

Business Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS On January 1, 2020 the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of FruitSmart, Inc. (“FruitSmart”), an independent specialty fruit and vegetable ingredient processor serving global markets, for approximately $80 million in cash, up to $25 million of contingent consideration payments, and $3.8 million of working capital on-hand at the date of acquisition. The contingent consideration is based on FruitSmart’s achievement of certain adjusted gross profit metrics in calendar years 2020 and 2021 . The fair value of the contingent consideration, approximately $6.7 million , was recognized on the acquisition date and was measured using unobservable (Level 3) inputs. The Company estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration liability by applying a Monte-Carlo simulation method using the Company’s projection of future adjusted gross profit results and considering the estimated probability of achievement of the adjusted gross profit targets. The Monte-Carlo simulation is a statistical technique used to generate a defined number of valuation paths in order to develop a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the contingent consideration. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability in future periods will be recorded in the Company’s results in the period of the change. The FruitSmart acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and was financed through cash-on-hand and borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility. In a business combination, the purchase price is allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values, with any excess of purchase price over fair value recognized as goodwill. In addition to recognizing assets and liabilities on the acquired company’s balance sheet, the Company reviews supply contracts, leases, financial instruments, employment agreements and other significant agreements to identify potential assets or liabilities that require recognition in connection with the application of acquisition accounting under Accounting Standards Codification 805, "Business Combinations." Intangible assets are recognized separate from goodwill when the asset arises from contractual or other legal rights, or are separable from the acquired entity such that they may be sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged either on a standalone basis or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. The initial allocation of the purchase price was based on preliminary valuations and assumptions and is subject to change within the 12 -month measurement period following the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on January 1, 2020. Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,298 Accounts receivable 7,707 Inventory 23,793 Other current assets 310 Property, plant and equipment 23,400 Intangibles: Customer relationships 9,500 Developed technology 4,800 Trade names 3,300 Noncompetition agreements 1,000 Goodwill 28,863 Total assets acquired 103,971 Liabilities Current liabilities 8,262 Deferred income taxes 9,004 Total liabilities assumed 17,266 Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 86,705 A portion of the goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition was attributable to the assembled workforce of FruitSmart. The tax basis of the assets acquired and liabilities did not result in a step-up of tax basis and the related goodwill is not deductible for U.S. income tax purposes. The Company determined the FruitSmart operations are not material to the Company’s consolidated results. Therefore, pro forma information is not presented. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 , the Company incurred $4.7 million of acquisition-related transaction costs for the purchase of FruitSmart. The acquisition-related costs were expensed as incurred and recorded as selling, general, and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income.

Revenue from Contracts with Cus

Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contracts with Customers	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer	REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS The majority of the Company’s consolidated revenue consists of sales of processed leaf tobacco to customers. The Company also earns revenue from processing leaf tobacco owned by customers and from various other services provided to customers. Payment terms with customers vary depending on customer creditworthiness, product types, services provided, and other factors. Contract durations and payment terms for all revenue categories generally do not exceed one year. Therefore, the Company has applied a practical expedient to not adjust the transaction price for the effects of financing components, as the Company expects that the period from the time the revenue for a transaction is recognized to the time the customer pays for the related good or service transferred will be one year or less. Below is a description of the major revenue-generating categories from contracts with customers. Tobacco Sales The majority of the Company’s business involves purchasing leaf tobacco from farmers in the origins where it is grown, processing and packing the tobacco in its factories, and then transferring ownership and control of the tobacco to customers. On a much smaller basis, the Company also sources processed tobacco from third-party suppliers for resale to customers. The contracts for tobacco sales with customers create a performance obligation to transfer tobacco to the customer. Transaction prices for the sale of tobaccos are primarily based on negotiated fixed prices, but the Company does have a small number of cost-plus contracts with certain customers. Cost-plus arrangements provide the Company reimbursement of the cost to purchase and process the tobacco, plus a contractually agreed-upon profit margin. The Company utilizes the most likely amount methodology under the accounting guidance to recognize revenue for cost-plus arrangements with customers. Shipping and handling costs under tobacco sales contracts with customers are treated as fulfillment costs and included in the transaction price. Taxes assessed by government authorities on the sale of leaf tobacco products are excluded from the transaction price. At the point in time that the customer obtains control over the tobacco, which is typically aligned with physical shipment under the contractual terms with the customer, the Company completes its performance obligation and recognizes the revenue for the sale. Tobacco Processing Revenue Processing and packing of customer-owned leaf tobacco is a short-duration process. Processing charges are primarily based on negotiated fixed prices per unit of weight processed. Under normal operating conditions, customer-owned raw tobacco that is placed into the production line exits as processed and packed tobacco within one hour and is then later transported to customer-designated storage facilities. The revenue for these services is recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied, which is generally when processing is completed. The Company’s operating history and contract analyses indicate that customer requirements for processed tobacco are consistently met upon completion of processing. Other Operating Sales and Revenue From time to time, the Company enters into various arrangements with customers to provide other value-added services that may include blending, chemical and physical testing of tobacco, and service cutting for select manufacturers. The Company also has fruit and vegetable processing operations that provide customers with a range of food ingredient products. These other arrangements and operations are a much smaller portion of the Company’s business, and are separate and distinct contractual agreements from the Company’s tobacco sales or tobacco processing arrangements with customers. The transaction prices and timing of revenue recognition of these items are determined by the specifics of each contract. Disaggregation of Revenue from Contracts with Customers The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue by significant revenue-generating category: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Tobacco sales $ 1,759,769 $ 2,089,770 $ 1,898,303 Tobacco processing revenue 76,123 85,426 78,042 Other sales and revenue from contracts with customers 55,985 37,930 42,579 Total revenue from contracts with customers 1,891,877 2,213,126 2,018,924 Other operating sales and revenues 18,102 14,027 15,023 Consolidated sales and other operating revenues $ 1,909,979 $ 2,227,153 $ 2,033,947 Other operating sales and revenues consists principally of interest on advances to suppliers and dividend income from unconsolidated affiliates. Major Customers A material part of the Company’s business is dependent upon a few customers. The Company's six largest customers are Altria Group, Inc, British American Tobacco plc, China Tobacco International, Inc., Imperial Brands plc, Japan Tobacco, Inc., and Philip Morris International, Inc. In the aggregate, these customers have accounted for approximately 70% of consolidated revenue for each of the past three fiscal years. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 , revenue from Philip Morris International, Inc. was approximately $500 million , $650 million , and $520 million , respectively. For the same periods, Imperial Brands plc accounted for revenue of approximately $320 million , $360 million , and $270 million , respectively, and British American Tobacco plc accounted for revenue of approximately $190 million , $270 million , and $230 million

Restructuring Costs

Restructuring Costs	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Restructuring Costs [Abstract]
Restructuring Costs	RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT COSTS During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , Universal recorded restructuring and impairment costs related to business changes and various initiatives to adjust certain operations and reduce costs. For both fiscal years, those costs primarily related to the Company's flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations segment. There were no restructuring or impairment costs recorded for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 . Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 In fiscal year 2020 , the Company recorded restructuring and impairment costs totaling $7.5 million , primarily related to $3.4 million of employee termination benefits for a voluntary workforce reduction at the Company's tobacco facilities in North Carolina, $1.8 million of employee termination benefits for the Company's operations in Africa, and a $1.3 million impairment charge for machinery used by the Company's operations in Africa. Restructuring and impairment costs were also incurred in connection with downsizing efforts at several other locations around the Company. Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2019 Due to the decline in customer demand for tobaccos from Tanzania, as well as regulatory, tax, and other business and operating considerations, the Company undertook a formal review of the Tanzania leaf tobacco market and its operations there in the third quarter of fiscal year 2019. Based on that review, the Company’s operating subsidiaries in Tanzania took steps to reduce operating costs going forward, including discontinuation of a year-round workforce. As a result of that initiative, the subsidiaries recorded a $4.0 million restructuring charge for termination benefits paid to employees whose permanent positions were eliminated. All amounts related to termination benefit costs were paid by the end of fiscal year 2019. In addition, as a result of the decrease in production volumes of Tanzania tobaccos and the associated reduced profitability, the Company determined that indicators of impairment in the carrying value of the property, plant and equipment comprising the Tanzania operations were present at December 31, 2018. Accordingly, based on the applicable accounting guidance, the Company tested the recoverability of those long-lived assets using undiscounted estimates of the future cash flows from the use of those assets and their eventual disposition. The property, plant and equipment were evaluated for recoverability using two distinct asset groups: (1) the land, building, and equipment comprising the processing facility, and (2) all remaining assets, which are substantially devoted to buying and receiving delivery of unprocessed leaf from farmers and marketing and shipping the processed tobacco to customers. The recoverability tests indicated that both asset groups were impaired at December 31, 2018. As a result, the Company determined the fair value of each asset group based principally on a probability-weighting of the discounted cash flows expected under multiple operating and disposition scenarios. An impairment charge of approximately $14.6 million was recorded to reduce the carrying value of the assets to their indicated fair values. The property, plant and equipment assets are used in buying, processing, and shipping and remains classified as “held and used” at this time as provided for under the accounting guidance. Should the expected cash flows from the future use and/or disposition of the assets change from the estimates on which their fair values were determined, additional impairment charges could be required, or gains or losses on any disposition of the assets could be recorded. The Company also had goodwill related to the Tanzanian operations of approximately $0.9 million which was separately tested for recoverability and fully written off based on the results of that test. Additional restructuring costs of approximately $0.9 million were incurred in connection with downsizing efforts at other locations around the Company during fiscal year 2019 . A summary of the restructuring and impairment costs incurred during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , is as follows: Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Restructuring Costs: Employee termination benefits $ 5,356 $ 4,608 Other restructuring costs — 223 5,356 4,831 Impairment Costs: Property, plant, and equipment and other noncurrent assets 2,187 14,584 Goodwill — 889 $ 2,187 $ 15,473 Total restructuring and impairment costs $ 7,543 $ 20,304 A reconciliation of the Company’s liability for employee termination benefits and other restructuring costs for fiscal years 2018 through 2020 is as follows: Employee Termination Benefits Other Costs Total Balance at April 1, 2017 $ 301 $ 43 $ 344 Fiscal Year 2018 Activity: Payments (272 ) (43 ) (315 ) Balance at March 31, 2018 29 — 29 Fiscal Year 2019 Activity: Costs charged to expense 4,608 223 4,831 Payments (4,014 ) — (4,014 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 623 223 846 Fiscal Year 2020 Activity: Costs charged to expense 5,356 — 5,356 Payments (2,564 ) (223 ) (2,787 ) Balance at March 31, 2020 $ 3,415 $ — $ 3,415 The restructuring liability at March 31, 2020 is expected to be paid during fiscal year 2021 . Universal continually reviews its business for opportunities to realize efficiencies, reduce costs, and realign its operations in response to business changes. The Company may incur additional restructuring and impairment costs in future periods as business changes occur and additional cost savings initiatives are implemented.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in thousands, except share and per share data) 2020 2019 2018 Basic Earnings Per Share Numerator for basic earnings per share Net income attributable to Universal Corporation $ 71,680 $ 104,121 $ 105,662 Denominator for basic earnings per share Weighted average shares outstanding 24,982,259 25,129,192 25,274,975 Basic earnings per share $ 2.87 $ 4.14 $ 4.18 Diluted Earnings Per Share Numerator for diluted earnings per share Net income attributable to Universal Corporation $ 71,680 $ 104,121 $ 105,662 Denominator for diluted earnings per share: Weighted average shares outstanding 24,982,259 25,129,192 25,274,975 Effect of dilutive securities Employee and outside director share-based awards 124,092 201,245 233,169 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 25,106,351 25,330,437 25,508,144 Diluted earnings per share $ 2.86 $ 4.11 $ 4.14

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES The Company operates in the United States and many foreign countries and is subject to the tax laws of many jurisdictions. Changes in tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws can affect the Company’s earnings, as can the resolution of pending and contested tax issues. The Company's consolidated effective income tax rate is affected by a number of factors, including the mix of domestic and foreign earnings and the effect of exchange rate changes on local taxable income and deferred taxes in foreign countries. In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the President. This new law made significant changes to income taxation at the federal level for individuals, pass-through entities, and corporations. For corporations, the changes included a reduction in the statutory rate on taxable income from 35% to 21% , and a move from a worldwide tax system to a system that is more territorial-based for companies with foreign operations. To accommodate the move from the previous worldwide tax system, the new law provided for a one-time transition tax on the undistributed post-1986 earnings of foreign subsidiaries as of either November 2, 2017 or December 31, 2017, whichever undistributed earnings amount was greater. Other provisions of the new law allow for immediate expensing of investments in property, plant, and equipment, and impose limitations on the deductibility of interest, executive compensation, and meals and entertainment expense. For tax years beginning after the date of enactment, the new law requires that certain income earned by foreign subsidiaries, referred to in the law as global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI"), be included in the U.S. taxable income of the parent company. The Company has made an accounting policy election to account for any additional tax resulting from the GILTI provisions in the year in which it is incurred and has not recorded any deferred taxes on temporary book-tax differences related to this income. For fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , the Company's U.S. federal statutory tax rate is the 21.0% rate under the new law. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, the Company's U.S. federal statutory tax rate was 31.5% , reflecting a portion of the year at the 35% rate under the old law and a portion at the 21% rate under the new law. The Company continues to assume repatriation of all undistributed earnings of its consolidated foreign subsidiaries and has therefore provided for expected foreign withholding taxes on the distribution of those earnings where applicable, net of any U.S. tax credit attributable to those withholding taxes. The Company has asserted permanent reinvestment of the book basis of certain foreign subsidiaries, and accordingly, no deferred income tax liability has been recorded for any potential taxable gain that may be realized on a future disposition or liquidation of any of those subsidiaries. It is not practicable for the Company to quantify any deferred income tax liability that would be attributable to those events. Under the applicable accounting guidance, the Company accounted for the effects of the changes in the U.S. tax law in the period in which they were enacted, which was the third quarter of fiscal year 2018. Due to the complexities associated with understanding and applying various aspects of the new law and quantifying or estimating amounts upon which calculations required to account for new law were based, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued guidance permitting corporations to record and report specific items impacted by the new law on a provisional basis using reasonable estimates where final amounts had not been determined. The guidance allowed a measurement period of no more than one year from the date of enactment of the new law to complete all adjustments to amounts recorded on a provisional basis. The new tax law resulted in a one-time reduction of income tax expense of $4.5 million for fiscal year 2018, reflecting provisional amounts initially recorded in the third quarter upon enactment, followed by subsequent adjustments to those provisional amounts in the fourth quarter. The reduction of income tax expense from the enactment of the new law was primarily attributable to the adjustment of recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities to the tax rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, as well as the reduction of the liability previously recorded for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries to the amounts to be paid under the one-time transition tax provisions of the new law. Adjustments to the amounts recorded for the enactment of the new law were not material after the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, and all effects that were previously accounted for on a provisional basis were designated as final during the third quarter of fiscal year 2019. The effect of the new law in fiscal year 2018 included a $7.8 million net increase in income tax expense from remeasuring net deferred tax assets to the new lower rates at which they are expected to reverse, generally the 21% U.S. federal statutory tax rate. That net increase included approximately $12.4 million of net tax expense from remeasuring net deferred tax assets attributable to pension and other postretirement benefit plans, foreign currency translation adjustments, and other amounts that were recorded through other comprehensive income to the new lower rates, which initially left disproportionate tax effects recorded on the pretax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As discussed in Note 1, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02 "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" to address this issue by allowing companies to reclassify the disproportionate tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings. The Company elected to early-adopt ASU 2018-02 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 and chose to reclassify the disproportionate tax effects. The reclassification increased accumulated other comprehensive loss and increased retained earnings by approximately $12.4 million in fiscal year 2018. Income Tax Expense Income taxes for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 consisted of the following: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Current United States $ 2,001 $ (2,639 ) $ 1,110 State and local 92 377 175 Foreign 41,892 39,578 60,356 43,985 37,316 61,641 Deferred United States 3,735 5,713 (20,052 ) State and local (16 ) (4 ) 68 Foreign (12,416 ) (1,837 ) 8,852 (8,697 ) 3,872 (11,132 ) Total $ 35,288 $ 41,188 $ 50,509 Foreign taxes include any applicable U.S. tax expense on the earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Consolidated Effective Income Tax Rate A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 U.S. federal statutory tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 31.5 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 0.1 0.2 0.1 Dividends received from deconsolidated operations — — (1.4 ) Foreign earnings taxed at rates other than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate (2.0 ) 7.1 2.8 Foreign dividend withholding taxes 5.1 3.7 (0.2 ) Reversal of dividend withholding tax due to foreign subsidiary tax holiday — (5.1 ) — Effects of new tax law: Adjustment of deferred tax assets and liabilities to lower tax rate — — 4.6 Reduction of U.S. tax liability on undistributed foreign earnings to amounts payable under one-time transition tax — — (8.3 ) Changes in uncertain tax positions 5.6 1.4 0.8 Other 1.3 (1.1 ) 0.4 Effective income tax rate 31.1 % 27.2 % 30.3 % During fiscal year 2020 , the Company resolved a transfer pricing matter related to a foreign subsidiary. The resolution of the uncertainty with the local country taxing authorities resulted in net additional current income tax expense of $2.8 million . The additional income tax expense for fiscal year 2020 increased the effective tax rate for the year by 2.4% During fiscal year 2019 , the Company reversed amounts previously recorded for dividend withholding taxes on distributed and undistributed retained earnings of a foreign subsidiary. The reversal followed the resolution of uncertainties with the local country taxing authorities with respect to the inclusion of the tax under a tax holiday applicable to the subsidiary and was attributable to cumulative retained earnings amounts previously distributed or expected to be distributed prior to the expiration of the tax holiday. The reversal reduced income tax expense for fiscal year 2019 by approximately $7.8 million , which decreased the effective tax rate for the year by 5.1% , as noted in the above rate reconciliation. Components of Income Before Income Taxes The U.S. and foreign components of income before income taxes were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 United States $ 22,916 $ 37,478 $ 10,442 Foreign 90,375 113,844 156,235 Total $ 113,291 $ 151,322 $ 166,677 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities and Assets Significant components of deferred tax liabilities and assets were as follows: March 31, 2020 2019 Liabilities Foreign withholding taxes $ 19,870 $ 20,659 Property, plant and equipment 10,078 4,627 Undistributed earnings 7,298 6,579 Operating lease right-of-use assets 9,877 — Goodwill and other intangible assets 23,435 19,529 All other 4,813 2,461 Total deferred tax liabilities $ 75,371 $ 53,855 Assets Employee benefit plans $ 22,773 $ 20,467 Reserves and accruals 7,708 7,898 Deferred income 4,833 3,829 Operating lease right-of-use liabilities 9,650 — Currency translation losses of foreign subsidiaries 2,173 1,993 Local currency exchange losses of foreign subsidiaries 8,360 1,252 Interest rate swap 7,284 248 All other 7,464 4,739 Total deferred tax assets 70,245 40,426 Valuation allowance (3,394 ) (1,798 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 66,851 $ 38,628 At March 31, 2020 , the Company had no material net operating loss carryforwards in either its domestic or foreign operations. Combined Income Tax Expense (Benefit) The combined income tax expense (benefit) allocable to continuing operations and other comprehensive income was as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Continuing operations $ 35,288 $ 41,188 $ 50,509 Other comprehensive income (loss) (14,392 ) (5,390 ) 23,471 Total $ 20,896 $ 35,798 $ 73,980 Uncertain Tax Positions A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the gross liability for uncertain tax positions is as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Liability for uncertain tax positions, beginning of year $ 5,625 $ 3,673 $ 2,426 Additions: Related to tax positions for the current year 1,746 85 107 Related to tax positions for prior years 4,369 2,169 1,310 Reductions: Due to lapses of statutes of limitations (81 ) (90 ) (104 ) Due to tax settlements (8,948 ) — — Effect of currency rate changes (334 ) (212 ) (66 ) Liability for uncertain tax positions, end of year $ 2,377 $ 5,625 $ 3,673 Of the total liability for uncertain tax positions at March 31, 2020 , approximately $2.3 million could have an effect on the consolidated effective tax rate if the tax benefits are recognized. The liability for uncertain tax positions includes $0.1 million related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the amounts could change significantly before March 31, 2021 . This amount reflects a possible decrease in the liability for uncertain tax positions that could result from the completion and resolution of tax audits and the expiration of open tax years in various tax jurisdictions. During fiscal year 2020, the Company resolved a transfer pricing matter related to a foreign subsidiary. The settlement in fiscal year 2020 represents the resolution of a tax matter with a local country taxing authority that resulted in a $8.9 million settlement of which $4.5 million was accrued in prior fiscal years. The Company recognizes accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions as interest expense, and it recognizes penalties as a component of income tax expense. Amounts accrued or reversed for interest and penalties were not material for any of the fiscal years 2018 through 2020 , and liabilities recorded for interest and penalties at March 31, 2020 and 2019 also were not material. Universal and its subsidiaries file a U.S. federal consolidated income tax return, as well as returns in several U.S. states and a number of foreign jurisdictions. As of March 31, 2020 , the Company's earliest open tax year for U.S. federal income tax purposes was its fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 . Open tax years in U.S. federal, state and foreign jurisdictions range from 3 to 6 years.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES The Company's changes in goodwill at March 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following: (in thousands) Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of year $ 97,907 $ 98,807 Acquisition of business (1) 28,863 — Foreign currency translation adjustment 56 (11 ) Impairment (2) — (889 ) Balance at end of year $ 126,826 $ 97,907 (1) On January 1, 2020 the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of FruitSmart, an independent specialty fruit and vegetable ingredient processor serving global markets, for approximately $80 million in cash and up to $25 million of contingent consideration payments. The FruitSmart acquisition resulted in $28.9 million of goodwill and $18.6 million intangibles. See Note 2 for additional information. (2) T he Company had goodwill related to the Tanzanian operations of approximately $0.9 million , which was impaired as part of the Tanzania operations review in fiscal year 2019 . See Note 4 for additional information. The Company's intangible assets primarily consist of capitalized customer-related intangibles, trade names, proprietary developed technology and noncompetition agreements. The Company's intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following at March 31, 2020 and 2019 : (in thousands, except useful life) March 31, 2020 2019 Useful Life Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Customer relationships (1) 13 $ 9,500 $ (183 ) $ 9,317 $ — $ — $ — Trade names (1) 5 3,300 (165 ) 3,135 — — — Developed technology (1) 3 4,800 (400 ) 4,400 — — — Noncompetition agreements (1) 5 1,000 (50 ) 950 — — — Other 5 657 (598 ) 59 761 (674 ) 87 Total intangible assets $ 19,257 $ (1,396 ) $ 17,861 $ 761 $ (674 ) $ 87 Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset's estimated useful economic life as noted above. Amortization expense for intangible assets was approximately $0.8 million and $0.1 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , respectively. Amortization expense for the developed technology intangible asset is recorded in cost of goods sold in the consolidated income statements of income. The amortization expense for the other intangible assets is recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated income statements of income. As of March 31, 2020 , the expected future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows: Fiscal Year 2021 $ 3,221 2022 3,220 2023 2,791 2024 1,590 2025 and thereafter 7,039 Total expected future amortization expense $ 17,861

Credit Facilities

Credit Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Credit Facilities	CREDIT FACILITIES Bank Credit Agreement On December 20, 2018, the Company entered into a senior unsecured bank credit agreement that includes a $430 million five-year revolving credit facility (expiring December 20, 2023), a $150 million five-year term loan (due December 20, 2023), and a $220 million seven-year term loan (due December 20, 2025). Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a variable rate based on either (1) LIBOR plus a margin that is based on the Company's credit measures or (2) the higher of the federal funds rate plus 0.5% , prime rate, or one-month LIBOR plus 1.0% , each plus a margin. In addition to interest, the Company pays a facility fee on the revolving credit facility. No amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility at March 31, 2020 . The credit agreement provides for an expansion of the facility under certain conditions to allow additional borrowings of up to $200 million . Additional information related to the term loans is provided in Note 9. The credit agreement includes financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum level of tangible net worth and observe limits on debt levels. The Company was in compliance with those covenants at March 31, 2020 . Short-Term Credit Facilities The Company maintains short-term uncommitted lines of credit in the United States and in a number of foreign countries. Foreign borrowings are generally in the form of overdraft facilities at rates competitive in the countries in which the Company operates. Generally, each foreign line is available only for borrowings related to operations of a specific country. As of March 31, 2020 and 2019 , approximately $78 million and $54 million , respectively, were outstanding under these uncommitted lines of credit. The weighted-average interest rates on short-term borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2020 and 2019 , were approximately 4.2% and 4.6% , respectively. At March 31, 2020 , the Company and its consolidated affiliates had unused uncommitted lines of credit totaling approximately $238 million

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	LONG-TERM DEBT The Company's long-term debt at March 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following: March 31, 2020 2019 Senior bank term loans $ 370,000 $ 370,000 Less: current portion — — Less: unamortized debt issuance costs (1,236 ) (1,497 ) Long-term debt $ 368,764 $ 368,503 As discussed in Note 8, on December 20, 2018, the Company entered into a bank credit agreement. The credit agreement includes a $150 million five-year term loan maturing in December 2023 and a $220 million seven-year term loan maturing in December 2025. Both term loans were fully funded at closing, require no amortization, and are prepayable without penalty prior to maturity. Under the credit agreement, both term loans bear interest at variable rates plus a margin based on the Company's credit measures. As discussed in Note 11, the Company had receive-floating/pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements in place with respect to prior loans that were initially designated and carried over to hedge the variable interest payments on the new loans. Those swap agreements were subsequently terminated in February 2019 and concurrently replaced with new interest rate swap agreements that will continue to convert the variable benchmark rate to a fixed rate through December 20, 2023 for the five-year term loan and through December 20, 2025 for the seven-year term loan. The proceeds received for the fair value of the terminated interest rate swap agreements, approximately $5.4 million , is being amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings as a reduction of interest expense through their original maturity dates. With the new swap agreements in place, the effective interest rates on the $150 million five-year loan and the $220 million seven-year loan were 3.94% and 4.26% , respectively, at March 31, 2020 . The effective rates will change only if a change in the Company's credit measures results in adjustments to the applicable credit spreads specified in the underlying loan agreement. In November 2017, the Company filed an undenominated automatic universal shelf registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to provide for the future issuance of an undefined amount of additional debt or equity securities as determined by the Company and offered in one or more prospectus supplements prior to issuance. Disclosures about the fair value of long-term debt are provided in Note 12.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	LEASES The Company, as a lessee, enters into operating leases for land, buildings, equipment, and vehicles. For all operating leases with terms greater than 12 months and with fixed payment arrangements, a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset are recognized in the balance sheet for the term of the lease by calculating the net present value of future lease payments. On the date of lease commencement, the present value of lease liabilities is determined by discounting the future lease payments by the Company’s collateralized incremental borrowing rate, adjusted for the lease term and currency of the lease payments. If a lease contains a renewal option that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise, the Company accounts for the original lease term and expected renewal term in the calculation of the lease liability and right-of-use asset. The following table sets forth the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet: (in thousands) March 31, 2020 Assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 39,256 Liabilities Current portion of operating lease liabilities $ 9,823 Long-term operating lease liabilities 25,893 Total operating lease liabilities $ 35,716 The following table sets forth the location and amount of operating lease costs included in the Company's consolidated statement of income: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2020 Income Statement Location Cost of goods sold $ 10,954 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 8,574 Total operating lease costs (1) $ 19,528 (1) Includes variable operating lease cost s. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , the Company recorded $ 17.3 million and $ 16.0 million of total expense for operating leases, respectively. The following table reconciles the undiscounted cash flows to the operating lease liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet: (in thousands) March 31, 2020 Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities 2021 $ 11,317 2022 7,440 2023 6,166 2024 4,776 2025 3,928 2026 and thereafter 6,778 Total undiscounted cash flows for operating leases $ 40,405 Less: Imputed interest (4,689 ) Total operating lease liabilities $ 35,716 As of March 31, 2020 , the Company had no leases that have not yet commenced. The following table sets forth supplemental information related to operating leases: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in thousands, except lease term and incremental borrowing rate) 2020 Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 11,983 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating leases $ 14,957 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (years) 5.61 Weighted Average Collateralized Incremental Borrowing Rate 4.10 %

Derivatives And Hedging Activit

Derivatives And Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives And Hedging Activities	DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES Universal is exposed to various risks in its worldwide operations and uses derivative financial instruments to manage two specific types of risks – interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. Interest rate risk has been managed by entering into interest rate swap agreements, and foreign currency exchange rate risk has been managed by entering into forward foreign currency exchange and option contracts. However, the Company’s policy also permits other types of derivative instruments. In addition, foreign currency exchange rate risk is also managed through strategies that do not involve derivative instruments, such as using local borrowings and other approaches to minimize net monetary positions in non-functional currencies. The disclosures below provide additional information about the Company’s hedging strategies, the derivative instruments used, and the effects of these activities on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and the consolidated balance sheets. In the consolidated statements of cash flows, the cash flows associated with all of these activities are reported in net cash provided by operating activities. Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Interest Rate Risk In February 2019, the Company entered into receive-floating/pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements that were designated and qualify as hedges of the exposure to changes in interest payment cash flows created by fluctuations in variable interest rates on two outstanding non-amortizing bank term loans that were funded as part of a new bank credit facility in December 2018. Although no significant ineffectiveness is expected with this hedging strategy, the effectiveness of the interest rate swaps is evaluated on a quarterly basis. At March 31, 2020 , the total notional amount of the interest rate swaps was $370 million , which corresponded with the aggregate outstanding balance of the term loans. Previously, the Company had receive-floating/pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements that were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges for two outstanding non-amortizing bank loans that were repaid concurrent with closing on the new bank credit facility. Those swap agreements were subsequently terminated in February 2019 concurrent with the inception of the new swap agreements. The fair value of the previous swap agreements, approximately $5.4 million , was received from the counterparties upon termination and is being amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings as a reduction of interest expense through the original maturity dates of those agreements. Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Related to Forecast Purchases of Tobacco and Related Processing Costs The majority of the tobacco production in most countries outside the United States where Universal operates is sold in export markets at prices denominated in U.S. dollars. However, sales of crop inputs (such as seeds and fertilizers) to farmers, purchases of tobacco from farmers and most processing costs (such as labor and energy) in those countries are usually denominated in the local currency. Changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the local currencies where tobacco is grown and processed affect the ultimate U.S. dollar sales of crop inputs and cost of processed tobacco. From time to time, the Company enters into forward and option contracts to buy U.S. dollars and sell the local currency at future dates that coincide with the sale of crop inputs to farmers. In the case of forecast purchases of tobacco and the related processing costs, the Company enters into forward and option contracts to sell U.S. dollars and buy the local currency at future dates that coincide with the expected timing of a portion of the tobacco purchases and processing costs. These strategies offset the variability of future U.S. dollar cash flows for sales of crop inputs, tobacco purchases, and processing costs for the foreign currency notional amount hedged. These hedging strategies have been used mainly for tobacco purchases, processing costs, and sales of crop inputs in Brazil, although the Company has also entered into hedges for a portion of the tobacco purchases in Africa. The aggregate U.S. dollar notional amount of forward and option contracts entered for these purposes during fiscal years 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 was as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Tobacco purchases $ 123.2 $ 76.9 $ 43.3 Processing costs 35.1 19.8 17.1 Crop input sales 21.7 — — Total $ 180.0 $ 96.7 $ 60.4 Variations in exchange rates and in the amount and timing of fixed-price orders from customers for their purchases from individual crop years routinely cause variations in the U.S. dollar notional amount of forward contracts entered into from one year to the next. The increased U.S. dollar notional amounts for tobacco purchases and processing costs hedged during fiscal year 2020 primarily reflect purchase and processing hedges entered into for the 2020 crop year in Brazil, which historically were entered into during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year and into the first quarter of the subsequent year, as well as the additional hedging of forecast tobacco purchases in Africa. All contracts related to tobacco purchases were designated and qualified as hedges of the future cash flows associated with the forecast purchases of tobacco. As a result, changes in fair values of the forward contracts have been recognized in comprehensive income as they occurred, but only recognized in earnings upon sale of the related tobacco to third-party customers. Forward and option contracts related to processing costs and sales of crop inputs have not been designated as hedges, and gains and losses on those contracts have been recognized in earnings on a mark-to-market basis. For substantially all hedge gains and losses related to 2020 crops recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2020 , the Company expects to complete the sale of the tobacco and recognize the amounts in earnings during fiscal year 2021 . At March 31, 2020 , all hedged forecast purchases of tobacco not yet completed remained probable of occurring within the originally designated time period and, as a result, no hedges had been discontinued. Purchases of the 2020 crops in Brazil and Africa are expected to be completed by June 2020 , and all forward contracts to hedge those purchases will mature and be settled by that time. Purchases of the 2021 crops in Africa are expected to be completed by May 2021 and all forward contracts to hedge those purchases will mature and be settled by that time. Hedging Strategy for Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Related to Net Local Currency Monetary Assets and Liabilities of Foreign Subsidiaries Most of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries transact the majority of their sales in U.S. dollars and finance the majority of their operating requirements with U.S. dollar borrowings, and therefore use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. These subsidiaries normally have certain monetary assets and liabilities on their balance sheets that are denominated in the local currency. Those assets and liabilities can include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, advances to farmers and suppliers, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, recoverable value-added taxes, operating lease liabilities, and other items. Net monetary assets and liabilities denominated in the local currency are remeasured into U.S. dollars each reporting period, generating gains and losses that the Company records in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. The level of net monetary assets or liabilities denominated in the local currency normally fluctuates throughout the year based on the operating cycle, but it is most common for monetary assets to exceed monetary liabilities, sometimes by a significant amount. When this situation exists and the local currency weakens against the U.S. dollar, remeasurement losses are generated. Conversely, remeasurement gains are generated on a net monetary asset position when the local currency strengthens against the U.S. dollar. To manage a portion of its exposure to currency remeasurement gains and losses, the Company enters into forward contracts to buy or sell the local currency at future dates coinciding with expected changes in the overall net local currency monetary asset position of the subsidiary. Gains and losses on the forward contracts are recorded in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses for each reporting period as they occur, and thus directly offset the related remeasurement losses or gains in the consolidated statements of income for the notional amount hedged. The Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. The contracts are generally arranged to hedge the subsidiary's projected exposure to currency remeasurement risk for specified periods of time, and new contracts are entered as necessary throughout the year to replace previous contracts as they mature. The Company is currently using forward currency contracts to manage its exposure to currency remeasurement risk in Brazil. The total notional amounts of contracts outstanding at March 31, 2020 and 2019 , were approximately $8.9 million and $24.8 million , respectively. To further mitigate currency remeasurement exposure, the Company’s foreign subsidiaries may utilize short-term local currency financing during certain periods. This strategy, while not involving the use of derivative instruments, is intended to minimize the subsidiary’s net monetary position by financing a portion of the local currency monetary assets with local currency monetary liabilities, thus hedging a portion of the overall position. Several of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries transact the majority of their sales and finance the majority of their operating requirements in their local currency, and therefore use their respective local currencies as the functional currency for reporting purposes. From time to time, these subsidiaries sell tobacco to customers in transactions that are not denominated in the functional currency. In those situations, the subsidiaries routinely enter into forward exchange contracts to offset currency risk for the period of time that a fixed-price order and the related trade account receivable are outstanding with the customer. The contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income The table below outlines the effects of the Company’s use of derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of income for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 . Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Cash Flow Hedges - Interest Rate Swap Agreements Derivative Effective Portion of Hedge Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (32,389 ) $ (7,496 ) $ 4,869 Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings $ (1,577 ) $ 1,689 $ (1,244 ) Gain on terminated interest rate swaps amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings $ 2,691 $ 260 $ — Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings Interest expense Ineffective Portion of Hedge Gain (loss) recognized in earnings $ — $ — $ — Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings Selling, general and administrative expenses Hedged Item Description of hedged item Floating rate interest payments on term loans Cash Flow Hedges - Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts Derivative Effective Portion of Hedge Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (13,646 ) $ (2,623 ) $ (1,204 ) Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings $ 1,108 $ (3,034 ) $ (1,099 ) Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings Cost of goods sold Ineffective Portion and Early De-designation of Hedges Gain (loss) recognized in earnings $ — $ — $ (5 ) Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings Selling, general and administrative expenses Hedged Item Description of hedged item Forecast purchases of tobacco in Brazil and Africa Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges - Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts Gain (loss) recognized in earnings $ (4,013 ) $ (4,671 ) $ (234 ) Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings Selling, general and administrative expenses For the outstanding interest rate swap agreements, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and any ineffective portion is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. For the terminated interest rates swaps previously designated as cash flow hedges, a $2.5 million net realized hedge gain remained in accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2020 . The Company expects to amortize $1.4 million of this remaining unamortized gain into earnings as a reduction of interest expense in fiscal year 2021 . For the forward foreign currency exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges of tobacco purchases in Brazil and Africa, a $14.4 million net hedge loss remained in accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2020 . That balance reflects losses on contracts related to the 2020 Brazil crops and the 2020 and 2021 Africa crops. No hedge gain or loss had been reclassified to earnings at March 31, 2020 since shipments of those tobaccos had not yet started. The majority of the balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold in fiscal year 2021 as the 2020 crops in Brazil and Africa are sold to customers. The balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with the 2021 Africa crop is expected to be recognized in earnings in fiscal year 2022. Based on the hedging strategy, as the gain or loss is recognized in earnings, it is expected to be offset by a change in the direct cost for the tobacco or by a change in sales prices if the strategy has been mandated by the customer. Generally, margins on the sale of the tobacco will not be significantly affected. Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets The table below outlines the effects of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2020 and 2019 : Derivatives in a Fair Value Asset Position Derivatives in a Fair Value Liability Position Balance Sheet Location Fair Value as of March 31, Balance Sheet Location Fair Value as of March 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate swap agreements Other non-current assets $ — $ — Other long-term liabilities $ 37,163 $ 6,351 Forward foreign currency exchange contracts Other current assets — 307 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 11,467 — Total $ — $ 307 $ 48,630 $ 6,351 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Forward foreign currency exchange contracts Other current assets $ 314 $ 233 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 4,375 $ 386 Total $ 314 $ 233 $ 4,375 $ 386 Substantially all of the Company's forward foreign currency exchange contracts are subject to master netting arrangements, whereby the right to offset occurs in the event of default by a participating party. The Company has elected to present these contracts on a gross basis in the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Universal measures certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value based on applicable accounting guidance. The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value include money market funds, trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans, interest rate swap agreements, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, and guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers. The application of the fair value guidance to nonfinancial assets and liabilities primarily includes the determination of fair values for goodwill and long-lived assets when indicators of potential impairment are present. Under the accounting guidance, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The framework for measuring fair value is based on a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between observable inputs and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs require the Company to make its own assumptions about the value placed on an asset or liability by market participants because little or no market data exists. There are three levels within the fair value hierarchy. Level Description 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the reporting date; 2 quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and 3 unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. As permitted under the accounting guidance, the Company uses net asset value per share ("NAV") as a practical expedient to measure the fair value of its money market funds. The fair values for those funds are presented under the heading "NAV" in the tables that follow in this disclosure. In measuring the fair value of liabilities, the Company considers the risk of non-performance in determining fair value. Universal has not elected to report at fair value any financial instruments or any other assets or liabilities that are not required to be reported at fair value under current accounting guidance. Recurring Fair Value Measurements At March 31, 2020 and 2019 , the Company had certain financial assets and financial liabilities that were required to be measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis. These assets and liabilities are listed in the tables below and are classified based on how their values were determined under the fair value hierarchy or the NAV practical expedient: March 31, 2020 Fair Value Hierarchy NAV Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Money market funds $ 4,011 $ — $ — $ — $ 4,011 Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans — 12,635 — — 12,635 Forward foreign currency exchange contracts — — 314 — 314 Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value $ 4,011 $ 12,635 $ 314 $ — $ 16,960 Liabilities Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers $ — $ — $ — $ 103 $ 103 Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - short-term — — — 4,173 4,173 Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - long-term — — — 2,532 2,532 Interest rate swap agreements — — 37,163 — 37,163 Forward foreign currency exchange contracts — — 15,842 — 15,842 Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value $ — $ — $ 53,005 $ 6,808 $ 59,813 March 31, 2019 Fair Value Hierarchy NAV Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Money market funds $ 156,864 $ — $ — $ — $ 156,864 Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans — 16,315 — — 16,315 Forward foreign currency exchange contracts — — 540 — 540 Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value $ 156,864 $ 16,315 $ 540 $ — $ 173,719 Liabilities Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers $ — $ — $ — $ 803 $ 803 Interest rate swap agreements — — 6,351 — 6,351 Forward foreign currency exchange contracts — — 386 — 386 Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value $ — $ — $ 6,737 $ 803 $ 7,540 Money market funds The fair value of money market funds, which are reported in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets, is based on NAV, which is the amount at which the funds are redeemable and is used as a practical expedient for fair value. These funds are not classified in the fair value hierarchy, but are disclosed as part of the fair value table above. Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans Trading securities represent mutual fund investments that are matched to employee deferred compensation obligations. These investments are bought and sold as employees defer compensation, receive distributions, or make changes in the funds underlying their accounts. Quoted market prices (Level 1) are used to determine the fair values of the mutual funds. Interest rate swap agreements The fair values of interest rate swap agreements are determined based on dealer quotes using a discounted cash flow model matched to the contractual terms of each instrument. Since inputs to the model are observable and significant judgment is not required in determining the fair values, interest rate swaps are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts The fair values of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are also determined based on dealer quotes using a discounted cash flow model matched to the contractual terms of each instrument. Since inputs to the model are observable and significant judgment is not required in determining the fair values, forward foreign currency exchange contracts are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations The Company estimates the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations by applying an income approach model that utilizes probability-weighted discounted cash flows. As a result of the acquisition of FruitSmart, Inc., the Company recognized a contingent consideration liability of $6.7 million on the date of acquisition. See Note 2 for additional information. Each period the Company evaluates the fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations. Significant judgment is applied to this model and therefore the acquisition-related contingent consideration obligation is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. A reconciliation of the change in the balance of the acquisition-related contingent consideration obligation (Level 3) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 is provided below. Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Balance beginning of year $ — $ — Additions 6,705 — Payments — — Balance at end of year $ 6,705 $ — Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers The Company guarantees bank loans to tobacco growers in Brazil for crop financing. In the event that the farmers default on their payments to the banks, the Company would be required to perform under the guarantees. The Company regularly evaluates the likelihood of farmer defaults based on an expected loss analysis and records the fair value of its guarantees as an obligation in its consolidated financial statements. The fair value of the guarantees is determined using the expected loss data for all loans outstanding at each measurement date. The present value of the cash flows associated with the estimated losses is then calculated at a risk-adjusted interest rate that is aligned with the expected duration of the liability and includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk. This approach is sometimes referred to as the “contingent claims valuation method.” Although historical loss data is an observable input, significant judgment is required in applying this information to the portfolio of guaranteed loans outstanding at each measurement date and in selecting a risk-adjusted interest rate. Significant increases or decreases in the risk-adjusted interest rate may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. The guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers are therefore classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. A reconciliation of the change in the balance of the financial liability for guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers (Level 3) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 is provided below. Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of year $ 803 $ 974 Payments under the guarantees and transfers to allowance for loss on direct loans to farmers (removal of prior crop year loans from the portfolio) (659 ) (765 ) Provision for loss or transfers from allowance for loss on direct loans to farmers (addition of current crop year loans) (5 ) 749 Change in discount rate and estimated collection period (7 ) 53 Currency remeasurement (29 ) (208 ) Balance at end of year $ 103 $ 803 Long-term Debt The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was approximately $370 million at each of the balance sheet dates March 31, 2020 and 2019 . The Company estimates the fair value of its long-term debt using Level 2 inputs which are based upon quoted market prices for the same or similar obligations or on calculations that are based on the current interest rates available to the Company for debt of similar terms and maturities. Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis primarily relate to long-lived assets, right-of-use operating lease assets and liabilities, goodwill and intangibles, and other noncurrent assets. These assets and liabilities fair values are evaluated for impairment when potential indicators of impairment exist. Accordingly, the nonrecurring measurement of the fair value of these assets and liabilities are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Long-Lived Assets As discussed in Note 4, due to business changes that have affected the leaf tobacco market in Tanzania and the Company's operations there, the long-lived assets of those operations were tested for impairment at December 31, 2018, and an impairment charge was recorded to reduce their carrying value to fair value in fiscal year 2019. The long-lived assets consist principally of the Company's processing facility and equipment, storage facilities, tobacco buying and receiving stations, employee housing, and vehicles and transportation equipment. The aggregate fair value and carrying value of those assets following the impairment adjustments was approximately $17 million

Pension And Other Postretiremen

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS Defined Benefit Plans Description of Plans The Company sponsors several defined benefit pension plans covering salaried and certain hourly employees in the U.S., as well as certain foreign and other employee groups. These plans provide retirement benefits based primarily on employee compensation and years of service. Plan assets consist primarily of equity and fixed income investments. The Company also sponsors defined benefit plans that provide postretirement health and life insurance benefits for eligible U.S. employees and retirees who have attained specific age and service levels, although postretirement life insurance benefits were discontinued several years ago for all employees who were not already retired. The health benefits are funded by the Company as the costs of those benefits are incurred. The plan design includes cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. The life insurance benefits are funded with deposits to a reserve account held by an insurance company. The Company has the right to amend or discontinue its pension and other postretirement benefit plans at any time. In the following disclosures, the term “accumulated benefit obligation” (“ABO”) represents the actuarial present value of estimated future benefit payments earned by participants in the Company's defined benefit pension plans as of the balance sheet date without regard to the estimated effect of future compensation increases on those benefits. The term does not apply to other postretirement benefits. “Projected benefit obligation” refers to the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) for pension benefits and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) for other postretirement benefits. These amounts represent the actuarial present value of estimated future benefit payments earned by participants in the benefit plans as of the balance sheet date. For pension benefits, the projected benefit obligation includes the estimated effect of future compensation increases on those benefits. Actuarial Assumptions Assumptions used for financial reporting purposes to compute net periodic benefit cost and benefit obligations for the Company's primary defined benefit plans were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Discount rates: Benefit cost for plan year 4.00 % 4.10 % 4.10 % 3.80 % 3.90 % 3.90 % Benefit obligation at end of plan year 3.60 % 4.00 % 4.10 % 3.40 % 3.80 % 3.90 % Expected long-term return on plan assets: Benefit cost for plan year 6.75 % 6.75 % 7.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % Salary scale: Benefit cost for plan year 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % Benefit obligation at end of plan year 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % Healthcare cost trend rate N/A N/A N/A 7.34 % 7.60 % 8.10 % Changes in the discount rates in the above table reflect prevailing market interest rates at the end of each fiscal year when the benefit obligations are actuarially measured. The expected long-term return on plan assets is developed from financial models used to project future returns on the underlying assets of the funded plans and is reviewed on an annual basis. The healthcare cost trend rate used by the Company is based on a study of medical cost inflation rates that is reviewed and updated annually for continued applicability. The revised trend assumption of 7.34% in 2020 declines gradually to 4.44% in 2028 . The Company has caps in place on postretirement medical benefits that limit its cost for a large segment of the retiree population. As a result, changes to the healthcare cost trend rate have a limited impact on the postretirement medical plan liability and expense. Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, and Funded Status The following table reflects the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets in fiscal years 2020 and 2019 , as well as the funded status of the plans at March 31, 2020 and 2019 : Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits March 31, March 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Actuarial present value of benefit obligation: Accumulated benefit obligation $ 281,242 $ 273,370 Projected benefit obligation 287,082 278,189 $ 30,282 $ 31,635 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 278,189 $ 273,658 $ 31,635 $ 32,945 Service cost 5,990 6,008 199 222 Interest cost 10,747 10,810 1,306 1,371 Effect of discount rate change 14,479 5,177 1,326 563 Foreign currency exchange rate changes (1,477 ) (2,526 ) (1,012 ) (447 ) Settlements (6,038 ) — — — Other 1,029 7,268 (744 ) (126 ) Benefit payments (15,837 ) (22,206 ) (2,428 ) (2,893 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of year $ 287,082 $ 278,189 $ 30,282 $ 31,635 Change in plan assets: Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year $ 244,969 $ 229,568 $ 3,717 $ 3,467 Actual return on plan assets 10,551 9,772 152 150 Employer contributions 6,037 29,489 1,928 2,993 Settlements (6,038 ) — — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes (1,232 ) (1,654 ) — — Benefit payments (15,837 ) (22,206 ) (2,428 ) (2,893 ) Plan assets at fair value, end of year $ 238,450 $ 244,969 $ 3,369 $ 3,717 Funded status: Funded status of the plans, end of year $ (48,632 ) $ (33,220 ) $ (26,913 ) $ (27,918 ) In fiscal year 2020 , some employees covered by a foreign pension plan elected to convert their lifetime annuity benefit into limited fixed payments based on the actuarially determined liability at the time of the election. The election to change the defined benefit resulted in a partial plan settlement and recognition of a $0.7 million settlement charge for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 . The Company funds its non-regulated U.S. pension plan, one of its foreign pension plans, and its postretirement medical plans on a pay-as-you-go basis as the benefit payments are incurred. Those plans account for approximately 71% of the $48.6 million unfunded pension obligation and approximately 94% of the $26.9 million unfunded postretirement benefit obligation shown on the funded status line in the above table at March 31, 2020 . The increase in employer pension contributions in fiscal year 2019 reflects higher contributions to the Company's U.S. ERISA-regulated pension plan to realize incremental income tax benefits, as well as higher contributions to the non-regulated U.S. plan to fund lump-sum benefit payments to retiring participants. The funded status of the Company’s plans at the end of fiscal years 2020 and 2019 was reported in the consolidated balance sheets as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits March 31, March 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Non-current asset (included in other noncurrent assets) $ 346 $ 1,837 $ — $ — Current liability (included in accounts payable and accrued expenses) (2,978 ) (1,490 ) (2,233 ) (2,228 ) Non-current liability (reported as pensions and other postretirement benefits) (46,000 ) (33,567 ) (24,680 ) (25,690 ) Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets $ (48,632 ) $ (33,220 ) $ (26,913 ) $ (27,918 ) Additional information on the funded status of the Company’s plans as of the respective measurement dates for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , is as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits March 31, March 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 For plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Aggregate projected benefit obligation (PBO) $ 284,327 $ 269,622 $ 30,282 $ 31,635 Aggregate fair value of plan assets 235,349 234,565 3,369 3,717 For plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) 278,515 35,070 N/A N/A Aggregate fair value of plan assets 235,349 4,023 N/A N/A With the additional employer contributions noted above and the return on plan assets during fiscal year 2019, the assets of the Company's U.S. ERISA-regulated pension plan exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) at March 31, 2019. Net Periodic Benefit Cost The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Fiscal Year Ended March 31, Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 5,990 $ 6,008 $ 5,177 $ 199 $ 222 $ 229 Interest cost 10,747 10,810 10,801 1,306 1,371 1,471 Expected return on plan assets (16,671 ) (15,695 ) (15,962 ) (106 ) (99 ) (87 ) Settlement cost 676 — — — — — Net amortization and deferral 3,709 3,491 3,735 (647 ) (710 ) (620 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ 4,451 $ 4,614 $ 3,751 $ 752 $ 784 $ 993 A one-percentage-point increase or decrease in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would not result in a significant change to the March 31, 2020 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation or the aggregate service and interest cost components of the net periodic postretirement benefit expense for fiscal year 2021 . Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the beginning of the year are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during the year. The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss for fiscal years 2020 and 2019 and the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of those fiscal years are shown below. All amounts shown are before allocated income taxes. Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits March 31, March 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Change in net actuarial loss (gain): Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year $ 81,502 $ 69,333 $ (6,201 ) $ (7,247 ) Losses (gains) arising during the year 21,838 17,884 302 513 Settlement (529 ) — — — Amortization included in net periodic benefit cost during the year (5,786 ) (5,715 ) 534 533 Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year 97,025 81,502 (5,365 ) (6,201 ) Change in prior service cost (benefit): Prior service cost (benefit), beginning of year (7,479 ) (9,703 ) (766 ) (965 ) Amortization included in net periodic benefit cost during the year 2,077 2,224 202 199 Prior service cost (benefit), end of year (5,402 ) (7,479 ) (564 ) (766 ) Total amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year, before income taxes $ 91,623 $ 74,023 $ (5,929 ) $ (6,967 ) Amounts in the above table reflect the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. The accumulated other comprehensive loss reported in the consolidated balance sheets also includes pension and other postretirement benefit amounts related to ownership interests in unconsolidated affiliates. The Company expects to recognize approximately $6.1 million of the March 31, 2020 net actuarial loss and $2.2 million of the March 31, 2020 prior service benefit in net periodic benefit cost during fiscal year 2021 . Allocation of Pension Plan Assets The Company has established, and periodically adjusts, target asset allocations for its investments in its U.S. ERISA-regulated defined benefit pension plan, which represents 97% of consolidated plan assets and 85% of consolidated PBO at March 31, 2020 , to balance the needs of liquidity, total return, and risk control. The assets are required to be diversified across asset classes and investment styles to achieve that balance. During the year, the asset allocation is reviewed for adherence to the target policy and rebalanced to the targeted weights. The Company reviews the expected long-term returns of the asset allocation each year to help determine whether changes are needed. The return is evaluated on a weighted-average basis in relation to inflation. The assumed long-term rate of return used to calculate annual benefit expense is based on the asset allocation and expected market returns for the respective asset classes. The weighted–average target pension asset allocation and target ranges at the March 31, 2020 measurement date and the actual asset allocations at the March 31, 2020 and 2019 measurement dates by major asset category were as follows: Actual Allocation Target Allocation March 31, Major Asset Category Range 2020 2019 Equity securities 29.0 % 19 % - 39% 25.4 % 31.2 % Fixed income securities (1) 66.0 % 56 % - 76% 70.3 % 64.8 % Alternative investments 5.0 % 0 % - 10% 4.3 % 4.0 % Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % (1) Actual amounts include high yield securities and cash balances held for the payment of benefits. Universal makes regular contributions to its pension and other postretirement benefit plans. As previously noted, for postretirement health benefits, contributions reflect funding of those benefits as they are incurred. The Company expects to make contributions of approximately $6.0 million to its ERISA regulated defined benefit pension plan and $4.0 million to its non-ERISA regulated pension plans in fiscal year 2021 . Estimated future benefit payments to be made from the Company’s plans are as follows: Fiscal Year Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2021 $ 17,561 $ 2,668 2022 19,620 2,545 2023 17,326 2,445 2024 17,992 2,346 2025 17,774 2,246 2026 - 2030 89,919 9,672 Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets Assets held by the Company's defined benefit pension plans primarily consist of equity securities, fixed income securities, and alternative investments. Equity securities are primarily invested in actively-traded mutual funds with underlying common stock investments in U.S. and foreign companies ranging in size from small to large corporations. Fixed income securities are also held primarily through actively-traded mutual funds with the underlying investments in both U.S. and foreign securities. The methodologies for determining the fair values of the plan assets are outlined below. Where the values are based on quoted prices for the securities in an active market, they are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Where secondary pricing sources are used, they are classified as Level 2 of the hierarchy. Pricing models that use significant unobservable inputs are classified as Level 3. • Equity securities: Investments in equity securities through actively-traded mutual funds are valued based on the net asset values of the units held in the respective funds, which are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges. These securities are classified as Level 1. • Fixed income securities: Fixed income investments that are held through mutual funds are valued based on the net asset values of the units held in the respective funds, which are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges. These securities are classified as Level 1. Other fixed income investments are valued at an estimated price that a dealer would pay for a similar security on the valuation date using observable market inputs and are classified as Level 2. These market inputs may include yield curves for similarly rated securities. Small amounts of cash are held in common collective trusts. Fixed income securities also include insurance assets, which are valued based on an actuarial calculation. Those securities are classified as Level 3. • Alternative investments: Real estate assets are valued using valuation models that incorporate income and market approaches, including external appraisals, to derive fair values. The hedge fund allocation is a fund of hedge funds and is valued by the manager based on the net asset value of each fund. These models use significant unobservable inputs and are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Fair values of the assets of the Company’s pension plans as of March 31, 2020 and 2019 , classified based on how their values were determined under the fair value hierarchy are as follows: March 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity securities $ 58,204 $ — $ — $ 58,204 Fixed income securities (1) 162,667 3,101 4,668 170,436 Alternative investments — — 9,810 9,810 Total investments $ 220,871 $ 3,101 $ 14,478 $ 238,450 March 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity securities $ 71,561 $ — $ — $ 71,561 Fixed income securities (1) 149,798 10,399 4,025 164,222 Alternative investments — — 9,186 9,186 Total investments $ 221,359 $ 10,399 $ 13,211 $ 244,969 (1) Includes high yield securities and cash and cash equivalent balances. Other Benefit Plans Universal and several subsidiaries offer employer defined contribution savings plans. Amounts charged to expense for these plans were approximately $2.7 million for fiscal year 2020 , $2.6 million for fiscal year 2019 , and $2.3 million for fiscal year 2018 .

Common And Preferred Stock

Common And Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract]
Common And Preferred Stock	COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK Common Stock At March 31, 2020 , the Company’s shareholders had authorized 100,000,000 shares of its common stock, and 24,421,835 shares were issued and outstanding. Holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters requiring a vote. Holders of the common stock are also entitled to receive dividends when, as, and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors customarily declares and pays regular quarterly dividends on the outstanding common shares; however, such dividends are at the Board’s full discretion, and there is no obligation to continue them. Preferred Stock The Company is also authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. No preferred stock was outstanding at March 31, 2020 . Share Repurchase Programs Universal’s Board of Directors has authorized programs to repurchase outstanding shares of the Company’s capital stock (common and preferred stock). Under these programs, the Company has made and may continue to make share repurchases from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at prices not exceeding prevailing market rates. Programs have been in place continuously throughout fiscal years 2018 through 2020. The current program, which replaced an expiring program, was authorized and became effective on November 7, 2017 and further extended on May 29, 2019. It authorizes the purchase of up to $100 million of the Company's outstanding common stock and expires on the earlier of November 15, 2020 , or when the funds authorized for the program have been exhausted. At March 31, 2020 , $56 million of the authorization remained available for share repurchases under the current program. Repurchases of common stock under the programs for fiscal years 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Number of shares repurchased 656,820 30,777 403,624 Cost of shares repurchased (in thousands of dollars) $ 33,457 $ 1,443 $ 21,610 Weighted-average cost per share $ 50.94 $ 46.87 $ 53.54

Executive Stock Plans And Stock

Executive Stock Plans And Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Executive Stock Plans And Stock-Based Compensation	EXECUTIVE STOCK PLANS AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Executive Stock Plans The Company’s shareholders have approved executive stock plans under which officers, directors, and employees of the Company may receive grants and awards of common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share awards (“PSAs”), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), incentive stock options, and non-qualified stock options. Currently, grants are outstanding under the 1997 Executive Stock Plan, the 2002 Executive Stock Plan, the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, and the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan. Together, these plans are referred to in this disclosure as the “Plans.” Up to 1,000,000 shares may be issued under the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan, with no specific share limit for any of the award types. New awards may no longer be issued under the 1997, 2002, and 2007 Plans. The Company’s practice is to award grants of stock-based compensation to officers at the first regularly-scheduled meeting of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) in the fiscal year following the public release of the Company’s financial results for the prior year. In recent years, the Compensation Committee has awarded only grants of RSUs and PSAs. Outside directors automatically receive restricted stock units following each annual meeting of shareholders. RSUs awarded under the Plans vest 5 years from the grant date and are then paid out in shares of common stock. Under the terms of the RSU awards, grantees receive dividend equivalents in the form of additional RSUs that vest and are paid out on the same date as the original RSU grant. The PSAs vest 3 years from the grant date, are paid out in shares of common stock at the vesting date, and do not carry rights to dividends or dividend equivalents prior to vesting. Shares ultimately paid out under PSA grants are dependent on the achievement of predetermined performance measures established by the Compensation Committee and can range from zero to 150% of the stated award. RSUs awarded to outside directors prior to fiscal 2020 vest 3 years after the grant date and those granted in fiscal 2020 vest in 1 year , and restricted stock vests upon the individual’s retirement from service as a director. RSUs, Restricted Stock, and PSAs The following table summarizes the Company’s RSU, restricted stock, and PSA activity for fiscal years 2018 through 2020 : RSUs Restricted Stock PSAs Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018: Unvested at beginning of year 325,638 $ 52.01 30,200 $ 42.37 160,350 $ 46.86 Granted 72,032 64.13 — — 39,100 60.37 Vested (60,751 ) 45.51 — — (41,667 ) 46.41 Forfeited — — — — (6,783 ) 46.41 Unvested at end of year 336,919 55.77 30,200 42.37 151,000 50.50 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2019: Granted 87,621 64.53 — — 54,800 57.12 Vested (99,549 ) 59.09 (8,950 ) 44.25 (49,092 ) 45.06 Forfeited — — — — (9,834 ) 45.55 Unvested at end of year 324,991 57.12 21,250 41.58 146,874 55.12 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020: Granted 85,463 56.39 — — 60,728 50.16 Vested (74,518 ) 54.20 — — (67,402 ) 49.17 Forfeited — — — — — — Unvested at end of year 335,936 $ 57.89 21,250 $ 41.58 140,200 $ 55.73 Shares granted and vested in the above table include dividend equivalents on RSUs and any shares awarded above the base grant under the performance provisions of PSAs. Shares forfeited or canceled include any reductions from the base PSA grant under those same performance provisions. The fair values of RSUs, restricted stock, and PSAs are based on the market price of the common stock on the grant date. Stock-Based Compensation Expense Fair value expense for stock-based compensation is recognized ratably over the period from grant date to the earlier of (1) the vesting date of the award, or (2) the date the grantee is eligible to retire without forfeiting the award. For employees who are already eligible to retire at the date an award is granted, the total fair value of the award is recognized as expense at the date of grant. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 , total stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit recognized were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 5,631 $ 8,152 $ 7,610 Income tax benefit recorded on stock-based compensation expense $ 1,182 $ 1,712 $ 2,397 At March 31, 2020 , the Company had $4.6 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based awards, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.2 years .

Commitments And Other Matters

Commitments And Other Matters	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments And Other Matters [Abstract]
Commitments And Other Matters	COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND OTHER MATTERS Commitments The Company enters into contracts to purchase tobacco from farmers in a number of the countries where it operates. Contracts in most countries cover one annual growing season. Primarily with the farmer contracts in Brazil, Malawi, Mozambique, the Philippines, Guatemala, and Mexico, the Company provides seasonal financing to support the farmers’ production of their crops or guarantees their financing from third-party banks. At March 31, 2020 , the Company had contracts to purchase approximately $378 million of tobacco to be delivered during the coming fiscal year and $88 million of tobacco to be delivered in subsequent years. These amounts are estimates since actual quantities purchased will depend on crop yields, and prices will depend on the quality of the tobacco delivered and other market factors. Tobacco purchase obligations have been partially funded by short-term advances to farmers and other suppliers, which totaled approximately $134 million , net of allowances, at March 31, 2020 . The Company withholds payments due to farmers on delivery of the tobacco to satisfy repayment of the financing it provided to the farmers. As noted above and discussed in more detail below, the Company also has arrangements to guarantee bank loans to farmers in Brazil, and payments are also withheld on delivery of tobacco to satisfy repayment of those loans. In addition to its contractual obligations to purchase tobacco, the Company had commitments related to agricultural materials, approved capital expenditures, and various other requirements that approximated $52 million at March 31, 2020 . Guarantees and Other Contingent Liabilities Guarantees of Bank Loans and Other Contingent Liabilities Guarantees of bank loans to growers for crop financing have long been industry practice in Brazil and support the farmers’ production of tobacco there. The Company's operating subsidiary in Brazil had guarantees outstanding at March 31, 2020 , all of which expire within one year. As noted above, the subsidiary withholds payments due to the farmers on delivery of tobacco and forwards those payments to the third-party banks. Failure of farmers to deliver sufficient quantities of tobacco to the subsidiary to cover their obligations to the third-party banks could result in a liability for the subsidiary under the related guarantees; however, in that case, the subsidiary would have recourse against the farmers. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company’s subsidiary could be required to make at March 31, 2020 , was the face amount, $3 million including unpaid accrued interest ( $17 million as of March 31, 2019 ). The fair value of the guarantees was a liability of approximately $0.1 million at March 31, 2020 ( $1.0 million at March 31, 2019 ). In addition to these guarantees, the Company has other contingent liabilities totaling approximately $1 million at March 31, 2020 , primarily under outstanding letters of credit. Value-Added Tax Assessments in Brazil As discussed in Note 1, the Company's local operating subsidiaries pay significant amounts of value-added tax ("VAT") in connection with their normal operations. In Brazil, VAT is assessed at the state level when green tobacco is transferred between states. The Company's operating subsidiary there pays VAT when tobaccos grown in the states of Santa Catarina and Parana are transferred to its factory in the state of Rio Grande do Sul for processing. The subsidiary has received assessments for additional VAT plus interest and penalties from the tax authorities for the states of Santa Catarina and Parana based on audits of the subsidiary's VAT filings for specified periods. In June 2011, tax authorities for the state of Santa Catarina issued assessments for tax, interest, and penalties for periods from 2006 through 2009 totaling approximately $8 million . In September 2014, tax authorities for the state of Parana issued an assessment for tax, interest, and penalties for periods from 2009 through 2014 totaling approximately $11 million . These amounts are based on the exchange rate for the Brazilian currency at March 31, 2020 . Management of the operating subsidiary and outside counsel believe that errors were made by the tax authorities for both states in determining all or significant portions of these assessments and that various defenses support the subsidiary's positions. With respect to the Santa Catarina assessments, the subsidiary took appropriate steps to contest the full amount of the claims. As of March 31, 2020 , a portion of the subsidiary's arguments had been accepted, and the outstanding assessment had been reduced, although interest on the remaining assessment has continued to accumulate. The reduced assessment, together with the related accumulated interest through the end of the current reporting period, totaled approximately $9 million at the March 31, 2020 exchange rate. The subsidiary is continuing to contest the full remaining amount of the assessment. While the range of reasonably possible loss is zero up to the full $9 million remaining assessment, based on the strength of the subsidiary's defenses, no loss within that range is considered probable at this time and no liability has been recorded at March 31, 2020 . With respect to the Parana assessment, management of the subsidiary and outside counsel challenged the full amount of the claim. A significant portion of the Parana assessment was based on positions taken by the tax authorities that management and outside counsel believe deviate significantly from the underlying statutes and relevant case law. In addition, under the law, the subsidiary's tax filings for certain periods covered in the assessment were no longer open to any challenge by the tax authorities. In December 2015, the Parana tax authorities withdrew the initial claim and subsequently issued a new assessment covering the same tax periods. The new assessment totaled approximately $3 million at the March 31, 2020 exchange rate, reflecting a substantial reduction from the original $11 million assessment. Notwithstanding the reduction, management and outside counsel continue to believe that the new assessment is not supported by the underlying statutes and relevant case law and have challenged the full amount of the claim. The range of reasonably possible loss is considered to be zero up to the full $3 million assessment. However, based on the strength of the subsidiary's defenses, no loss within that range is considered probable at this time and no liability has been recorded at March 31, 2020 . In both states, the process for reaching a final resolution to the assessments is expected to be lengthy, and management is not currently able to predict when either case will be concluded. Should the subsidiary ultimately be required to pay any tax, interest, or penalties in either case, the portion paid for tax would generate value-added tax credits that the subsidiary may be able to recover. Tanzania Fair Competition Commission Proceeding In June 2012, the Company’s Tanzanian subsidiary, Tanzania Leaf Tobacco Company Ltd. (“TLTC”), entered into a two crop-year supply agreement for unprocessed “green” tobacco with a newly-formed Tanzanian subsidiary of one of the Company’s major customers. The agreement involved green tobacco purchases from four of the approximately 400 grower cooperatives in Tanzania, which allowed the customer and its Tanzanian subsidiary on a small test basis to evaluate whether it would be a viable alternative for the customer to establish its own vertically integrated supply operations in that market. Prior to that time, the customer’s subsidiary did not exist, and it only purchased processed Tanzanian tobacco from tobacco dealers in specified amounts and only for certain grades and stalk positions. In contrast, the agreement with TLTC required the customer’s subsidiary to purchase green tobacco on a “run of crop” basis. “Run of crop” requires the purchase of all green tobacco produced on the tobacco plant, regardless of grade or stalk position. The agreement, therefore, enabled the customer’s subsidiary on a small test basis to evaluate the quality of green tobacco purchased on a “run of crop” basis and to assess how such tobacco would be suited to the customer's tobacco requirements. The customer unilaterally elected to establish its own vertically integrated supply operations in Tanzania after the expiration of the agreement, and its subsidiary began purchasing green tobacco directly from Tanzanian grower cooperatives during the second crop year thereafter. Despite the pro-competitive object and effect of the agreement between TLTC and the customer’s subsidiary, in October 2016, the Tanzania Fair Competition Commission (“FCC”) notified TLTC and the customer’s subsidiary that it reviewed the agreement and provisionally concluded that it infringed Tanzania antitrust law by having the object and effect of preventing competition in the purchase of unprocessed green tobacco in the area in which the four grower cooperatives were located. The FCC also provisionally concluded that the Company’s U.S. subsidiary, Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc. (“ULT”), and additional subsidiaries of the customer, were jointly and severally liable for the actions of TLTC and the customer’s Tanzanian subsidiary, respectively. TLTC and ULT submitted a written response contesting the FCC’s allegations, and on February 27, 2018, the FCC issued its decision to TLTC and ULT which ignored TLTC's and ULT's submissions and confirmed its initial conclusion that the agreement infringed Tanzanian antitrust law. In its decision, the FCC concluded incorrectly that the parties to the agreement unfairly benefited in the amount of $105 thousand . The FCC arbitrarily assessed a fine jointly against TLTC and ULT of approximately $197 million and a fine jointly against the customer’s Tanzanian subsidiary and another subsidiary of the customer exceeding $1 billion . TLTC and ULT worked closely with expert legal advisors and economists on this matter. Based on these engagements and consultations, the Company firmly believed the FCC’s allegations were frivolous and clearly without merit or support from the facts, law or economic analysis. The Company further believed the FCC’s proceedings were rife with irregularities and did not comply with applicable legal and regulatory procedures with respect to this matter, including failing to establish jurisdiction over ULT or to offer a legal justification for including ULT in the proceeding. To the contrary, the Company believed the facts, law and economic analysis clearly supported the legality and pro-competitive nature of the agreement and supported a proper conclusion that there was no infringement of Tanzania antitrust law, and the agreement had no negative impact on the Tanzania tobacco market. The Company further believed the FCC’s proposed fine is ludicrous, unwarranted and contrary to Tanzania law. TLTC and ULT immediately appealed the FCC findings to the Tanzania Fair Competition Tribunal, which immediately stayed the execution of any FCC fines. On January 22, 2019, the FCC delivered provisional findings regarding two new allegations of antitrust violations. In those two new provisional findings, the FCC manufactured claims against ULT and ULT's subsidiaries in Tanzania, in addition to other parties in Tanzania. ULT and its Tanzania subsidiaries had already begun working closely with expert legal advisors on these matters to prepare and submit to the FCC proper and comprehensive responses. The Company also believed the most recent FCC provisional findings and allegations were frivolous and clearly without merit and lack facts, law or economic analysis to support them. In one of the two new matters, based on the Company's review of the provisional findings and consultation with counsel, the Company believed the FCC was seeking an equally large, ludicrous, unwarranted, and unlawful fine as the one sought in the original matter. The FCC's motivations for initiating these additional, spurious allegations against the Company's subsidiaries were unclear. The FCC contacted TLTC during the pendency of the three matters to initiate settlement discussions in order to resolve and dismiss all outstanding matters. After protracted negotiations with the FCC regarding mutually-agreeable and reasonable procedural aspects of settlement, on March 27, 2020, ULT, its Tanzania subsidiaries and the FCC executed a binding no-fault settlement of the three matters (the “Settlement Agreement”). The terms of the Settlement Agreement included mutual confidentiality obligations and mutual releases which discharged all actions, claims, rights and demands of the FCC, ULT and its Tanzania subsidiaries in all these matters, as well as a settlement amount to be paid to the FCC. Although the confidentiality obligations in the Settlement Agreement do not permit the Company publicly to disclose the settlement amount, such amount was not material to the fourth fiscal quarter or the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. We are pleased to avoid the cost of further litigating these frivolous matters, and we believe no further related costs will be incurred. Other Legal and Tax Matters Various subsidiaries of the Company are involved in other litigation and tax examinations incidental to their business activities. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management is vigorously defending the matters and does not currently expect that any of them will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or financial position. However, should one or more of these matters be resolved in a manner adverse to management’s current expectation, the effect on the Company’s results of operations for a particular fiscal reporting period could be material.

Operating Segments

Operating Segments	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments	OPERATING SEGMENTS Universal’s primary operations involve selecting, procuring, processing, packing, storing, shipping, and financing leaf tobacco for sale to, or for the account of, manufacturers of consumer tobacco products throughout the world. Through various operating subsidiaries located in tobacco-growing countries around the world and significant ownership interests in unconsolidated affiliates, the Company processes and/or sells flue-cured and burley tobaccos, dark air-cured tobaccos, and oriental tobaccos. Flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobaccos are used principally in the manufacture of cigarettes, and dark air-cured tobaccos are used mainly in the manufacture of cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco products. Some of these tobacco types are also increasingly used in the manufacture of non-combustible tobacco products that are intended to provide consumers with an alternative to traditional combustible products. A substantial portion of the Company’s revenues are derived from sales to a limited number of large, multinational cigarette manufacturers. The principal approach used by management to evaluate the Company’s performance is by geographic region, although the dark air-cured and oriental tobacco businesses are each evaluated on the basis of their worldwide operations. Oriental tobacco operations consist principally of a 49% interest in an affiliate, and the performance of those operations is evaluated based on the Company’s equity in the pretax earnings of that affiliate. Under this structure, the Company has the following primary operating segments: North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Dark Air-Cured, Oriental, and Special Services. North America, South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia are primarily involved in flue-cured and/or burley leaf tobacco operations for supply to cigarette manufacturers. The Dark Air-Cured group supplies dark air-cured tobacco principally to manufacturers of cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco products, and the Oriental business supplies oriental tobacco to cigarette manufacturers. From time to time, the segments may trade in tobaccos that differ from their main varieties, but those activities are not significant to their overall results. Special Services includes the Company's laboratory services business, which provides physical and chemical product testing and smoke testing for customers, its food ingredients business (including FruitSmart), and its liquid nicotine business. The five regional operating segments serving the Company’s cigarette manufacturer customer base share similar characteristics in the nature of their products and services, production processes, class of customer, product distribution methods, and regulatory environment. Based on the applicable accounting guidance, four of the regions – South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia – are aggregated into a single reporting segment, “Other Regions”, because they also have similar economic characteristics. North America is reported as an individual operating segment because its economic characteristics differ from the other regions, generally because its operations require lower working capital investments for crop financing and inventory. The Dark Air-Cured, Oriental and Special Services segments, which have dissimilar characteristics in some of the categories mentioned above, are reported together as “Other Tobacco Operations” because each is below the measurement threshold for separate reporting. Universal incurs overhead expenses related to senior management, sales, finance, legal, and other functions that are centralized at its corporate headquarters, as well as functions performed at several sales and administrative offices around the world. These overhead expenses are allocated to the various operating segments, generally on the basis of tobacco volumes planned to be purchased and/or processed. Management believes this method of allocation is representative of the value of the related services provided to the operating segments. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income after allocated overhead expenses, plus equity in the pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. Reportable segment data as of, or for, the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 , is as follows: Sales and Other Operating Revenues Operating Income Fiscal Year Ended March 31, Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations: North America $ 236,262 $ 382,631 $ 308,691 $ 8,353 $ 23,069 $ 23,091 Other Regions (1) 1,372,424 1,569,738 1,482,188 110,766 151,527 146,761 Subtotal 1,608,686 1,952,369 1,790,879 119,119 174,596 169,852 Other Tobacco Operations (2) 301,293 274,784 243,068 19,002 12,176 10,098 Segment total 1,909,979 2,227,153 2,033,947 138,121 186,772 179,950 Deduct: Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (3) (4,211 ) (5,299 ) (9,125 ) Restructuring and impairment costs (4) (7,543 ) (20,304 ) — Consolidated total $ 1,909,979 $ 2,227,153 $ 2,033,947 $ 126,367 $ 161,169 $ 170,825 Segment Assets Accounts Receivable, net (5) March 31, March 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations: North America $ 290,720 $ 294,064 $ 368,672 $ 33,232 $ 31,939 $ 44,726 Other Regions (1) 1,335,814 1,473,100 1,460,961 250,698 295,442 296,213 Subtotal 1,626,534 1,767,164 1,829,633 283,930 327,381 340,939 Other Tobacco Operations (2) 494,387 366,020 338,999 56,781 40,729 36,180 Segment and consolidated totals $ 2,120,921 $ 2,133,184 $ 2,168,632 $ 340,711 $ 368,110 $ 377,119 Goodwill and Intangibles, net Depreciation and Amortization March 31, Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations: North America $ — $ — $ — $ 4,413 $ 4,756 $ 4,772 Other Regions (1) 96,308 96,281 97,214 24,211 24,088 24,547 Subtotal 96,308 96,281 97,214 28,624 28,844 29,319 Other Tobacco Operations (2) 48,379 1,713 1,713 9,755 8,306 5,574 Segment and consolidated totals $ 144,687 $ 97,994 $ 98,927 $ 38,379 $ 37,150 $ 34,893 Capital Expenditures Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations: North America $ 1,997 $ 3,137 $ 3,316 Other Regions (1) 28,229 22,569 21,820 Subtotal 30,226 25,706 25,136 Other Tobacco Operations (2) 5,001 13,054 8,901 Segment and consolidated totals $ 35,227 $ 38,760 $ 34,037 (1) Includes South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia regions, as well as inter-region eliminations. (2) Includes Dark Air-Cured, Oriental, and Special Services, as well as intercompany eliminations. Sales and other operating revenues, accounts receivable, goodwill and intangibles, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures include limited amounts or no amounts for Oriental because the business is accounted for on the equity method and its financial results consist principally of equity in the pretax earnings of the unconsolidated affiliate. The investment in the unconsolidated affiliate is included in segment assets and was approximately $76.4 million , $79.2 million , and $89.3 million , at March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 , respectively. (3) Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is included in segment operating income (Other Tobacco Operations segment), but is reported below consolidated operating income and excluded from that total in the consolidated statements of income. (4) Restructuring and impairment costs are excluded from segment operating income, but are included in consolidated operating income in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 4). (5) Accounts receivable, net includes allowances for doubtful accounts of approximately $2.0 million , $3.0 million and $2.0 million at March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 respectively. Accounts receivable are generally unsecured and due within 30 days. Geographic data as of, or for, the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 , is presented below. Sales and other operating revenues are attributed to individual countries based on the final destination of the shipment. Long-lived assets generally consist of net property, plant, and equipment, goodwill, and other intangibles. Geographic Data Sales and Other Operating Revenues Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Belgium $ 361,889 $ 390,433 $ 339,391 United States 221,428 227,771 249,281 China 105,683 115,174 120,859 Germany 104,525 166,397 114,386 Poland 84,011 145,478 110,445 Indonesia 80,891 104,268 73,544 Philippines 68,143 69,820 52,902 All other countries 883,409 1,007,812 973,139 Consolidated total $ 1,909,979 $ 2,227,153 $ 2,033,947 Long-Lived Assets March 31, 2020 2019 2018 United States $ 145,764 $ 81,270 $ 88,196 Brazil 138,157 139,624 141,087 Mozambique 42,964 45,051 47,800 All other countries 132,955 134,543 145,638 Consolidated total $ 459,840 $ 400,488 $ 422,721

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The following table summarizes the changes in the balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 : Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in thousands of dollars) 2020 2019 2018 Foreign currency translation: Balance at beginning of year $ (40,101 ) $ (23,942 ) $ (33,138 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation: Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation (net of tax (expense) benefit of $180 in 2020 and $(5,806) in 2018) (3,066 ) (16,316 ) 14,162 Less: Net loss on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests 244 157 372 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes (2,822 ) (16,159 ) 14,534 Other changes: Reclassification to retained earnings (5) — — (5,338 ) Balance at end of year $ (42,923 ) $ (40,101 ) $ (23,942 ) Foreign currency hedge: Balance at beginning of year $ (376 ) $ (35 ) $ (258 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation: Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $2,880, $602, and $(944)) (12,391 ) (6,490 ) 1,416 Reclassification of net (gain) loss to earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $136, $(640), and $827) (1) 541 6,149 (1,193 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes (11,850 ) (341 ) 223 Balance at end of year $ (12,226 ) $ (376 ) $ (35 ) Interest rate hedge: Balance at beginning of year $ (934 ) $ 6,528 $ 1,398 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation: Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $6,801, $1,574, and $(1,182) (25,588 ) (5,922 ) 3,687 Reclassification of net (gain) loss to earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $234, $409, and $(433)) (2) (880 ) (1,540 ) 811 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes (26,468 ) (7,462 ) 4,498 Other changes: Reclassification to retained earnings (5) — — 632 Balance at end of year $ (27,402 ) $ (934 ) $ 6,528 Pension and other postretirement benefit plans: Balance at beginning of year $ (54,280 ) $ (42,615 ) $ (37,561 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation: Net gain (loss) arising during the year (net of tax (expense) benefit of $4,715, $4,073, and $(527)) (3) (16,810 ) (13,927 ) 295 Amortization included in earnings (net of tax benefit of $(554), $(628), and $(933)) (4) 2,044 2,262 2,318 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes (14,766 ) (11,665 ) 2,613 Other changes: Reclassification to retained earnings (5) — — (7,667 ) Balance at end of year $ (69,046 ) $ (54,280 ) $ (42,615 ) Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of year $ (151,597 ) $ (95,691 ) $ (60,064 ) (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 11 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 for open interest rate swap agreements, or as amortized to interest expense over the period to original maturity for terminated swap agreements. See Note 11 for additional information. (3) These items arise from the remeasurement of the assets and liabilities of the Company's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Those remeasurements are made on an annual basis at the end of the fiscal year. See Note 13 for additional information. (4) This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 13 for additional information. (5) In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update 2018-02, which addressed the disproportionate income tax effects on pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) arising from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. With the adoption of ASU 2018-02, the disproportionate tax effects were reclassified to retained earnings, and the resulting tax effects remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reflective of the rates which those amounts will ultimately be taxed.

Unaudited Quarterly Financial D

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA Unaudited quarterly financial data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 is provided in the table below. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company's business, management believes it is generally more meaningful to focus on cumulative rather than quarterly results. First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 Operating Results: Sales and other operating revenues $ 296,915 $ 475,921 $ 505,049 $ 632,094 Gross profit 58,650 96,029 92,973 109,160 Net income 895 29,747 29,318 18,043 Net income attributable to Universal Corporation 2,072 28,077 25,966 15,565 Earnings per common share: Basic 0.08 1.12 1.04 0.63 Diluted 0.08 1.11 1.04 0.63 Cash Dividends Declared: Per share of common stock 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.76 Market Price Range of Common Stock: High 60.94 62.70 57.06 58.14 Low 51.02 49.39 50.27 38.58 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2019 Operating Results: Sales and other operating revenues $ 379,719 $ 539,604 $ 636,107 $ 671,723 Gross profit 72,221 99,460 115,430 119,480 Net income 11,060 34,293 31,089 33,692 Net income attributable to Universal Corporation 13,179 31,446 28,135 31,361 Earnings per common share: Basic 0.53 1.25 1.12 1.25 Diluted 0.52 1.24 1.11 1.24 Cash Dividends Declared: Per share of common stock 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 Market Price Range of Common Stock: High 68.25 71.60 76.98 60.67 Low 46.40 55.66 53.03 52.60 Note: Earnings per share amounts for each fiscal year may not equal the total of the four quarterly amounts due to differences in weighted-average outstanding shares for the respective periods. Significant items included in the quarterly results were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 • First Quarter – Net income attributable to Universal Corporation included $2.8 million of additional income tax expense for the settlement of an income tax matter at a foreign subsidiary. The increase in income tax expense reduced diluted earnings per share for the quarter by $0.11 . • Second Quarter – Net income attributable to Universal Corporation included $0.9 million in non-tax deductible transaction costs associated with the acquisition of FruitSmart, which was completed during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 . These costs were primarily related to due diligence fees. These costs reduced diluted earnings per share for the quarter by $0.04 . • Third Quarter – Net income attributable to Universal Corporation included additional non-tax deductible transaction costs of $1 million associated with the acquisition of FruitSmart. These costs reduced diluted earnings per share for the quarter by $0.04 . • Fourth Quarter – Results included $7.5 million in restructuring and impairment costs, primarily related to voluntary workforce reductions at operations in North America (see Note 4). The restructuring and impairment costs included employee termination benefits, as well as impairment charges related to certain property, plant, and equipment, and other noncurrent assets. The restructuring and impairment costs reduced net income attributable to Universal Corporation by $6.3 million and diluted earnings per share by $0.25 . Net income attributable to Universal Corporation was reduced by $2.1 million of costs relating to the expensing of a fair value adjustment to inventory associated with the initial acquisition accounting for FruitSmart. These costs reduced diluted earnings per share by $0.08 . Additionally, net income attributable to Universal Corporation was reduced by $2.8 million of additional non-tax deductible transaction costs associated with the acquisition of FruitSmart. These costs reduced diluted earnings per share for the quarter $0.11 . Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2019 • First Quarter – Net income attributable to Universal Corporation included a $6.9 million reduction of income tax expense for the reversal of amounts previously recorded for dividend withholding taxes on distributed and undistributed retained earnings of a foreign subsidiary following the resolution of uncertainties with the local country taxing authorities with respect to the inclusion of the tax under a tax holiday applicable to the subsidiary. The reduction of income tax expense increased diluted earnings per share for the quarter by $0.27 . • Second Quarter – Net income attributable to Universal Corporation included a $0.9 million additional reduction of income tax expense for amounts previously recorded for dividend withholding taxes on distributed and undistributed retained earnings of a foreign subsidiary due to the above-mentioned tax holiday. The reduction of income tax expense increased diluted earnings per share for the quarter by $0.03 . • Third Quarter – Results included restructuring and impairment costs totaling $19.4 million , related to the Company's operations in Tanzania (see Note 4). The restructuring and impairment costs included employee termination benefits, as well as impairment charges related to certain property, plant, equipment, and goodwill. Those costs reduced net income attributable to Universal Corporation by $15.8 million and diluted earnings per share by $0.62 . • Fourth Quarter – Results included restructuring costs of approximately $0.9 million related to smaller operations, which reduced net income attributable to Universal Corporation by approximately $0.6 million and diluted earnings per share by $0.02

Schedule II - Valuation And Qua

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Universal Corporation Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 Description Balance at Beginning of Year Net Additions (Reversals) Charged to Expense Additions Charged to Other Accounts Deductions (1) Balance at End of Year (in thousands of dollars) Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018: Allowance for doubtful accounts (deducted from accounts receivable) $ 3,947 $ (2,006 ) $ — $ (158 ) $ 1,783 Allowance for supplier accounts (deducted from advances to suppliers and other noncurrent assets) 27,074 3,730 — (9,084 ) 21,720 Allowance for recoverable taxes (deducted from other current assets and other noncurrent assets) 12,552 1,732 — 395 14,679 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2019: Allowance for doubtful accounts (deducted from accounts receivable) $ 1,783 $ 1,358 $ — $ (156 ) $ 2,985 Allowance for supplier accounts (deducted from advances to suppliers and other noncurrent assets) 21,720 (2,339 ) — (1,276 ) 18,105 Allowance for recoverable taxes (deducted from other current assets and other noncurrent assets) 14,679 3,535 — (1,033 ) 17,181 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020: Allowance for doubtful accounts (deducted from accounts receivable) $ 2,985 $ (128 ) $ — $ (463 ) $ 2,394 Allowance for supplier accounts (deducted from advances to suppliers and other noncurrent assets) 18,105 937 — (2,614 ) 16,428 Allowance for recoverable taxes (deducted from other current assets and other noncurrent assets) 17,181 (2,586 ) — 4,183 18,778 (1) Includes direct write-offs of assets and currency remeasurement.

Nature Of Operations And Sign_2

Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature Of Operations [Policy Text Block]	Nature of Operations Universal Corporation, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to herein as “Universal” or the “Company,” is the leading global leaf tobacco supplier. The Company conducts its leaf tobacco business in over 30 countries, primarily in major tobacco-producing regions of the world. The Company also has operations in smaller-scale businesses adjacent to the leaf tobacco business, as well as a fruit and vegetable ingredients business. The extent to which the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will impact the Company's financial condition, results of operations and demand for the Company's products and services will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Such developments may include the ongoing geographic spread of COVID-19, the severity of the pandemic, the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and the type and duration of actions that may be taken by various governmental authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the U.S. and the global economies, markets and supply chains. At March 31, 2020
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Corporation and all domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which the Company maintains a controlling financial interest. Control is generally determined based on a voting interest of greater than 50%, such that Universal controls all significant corporate activities of the subsidiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in companies where Universal Corporation has a voting interest of 20% to 50%. These investments are accounted for under the equity method because Universal exercises significant influence over those companies, but not control. The Company received dividends totaling $3.9 million in fiscal year 2020 , $7.5 million in fiscal year 2019 , and $5.5 million in fiscal year 2018 , from companies accounted for under the equity method. Investments where Universal has a voting interest of less than 20% are not significant and do not have readily determinable fair values. As such, the Company has elected the alternate method of measuring these investments at cost, less any impairment. The Company's 49% ownership interest in Socotab L.L.C. (“Socotab”), a leading supplier of oriental tobaccos with operations located principally in Eastern Europe and Turkey, is the primary investment accounted for under the equity method. The investment in Socotab is an important part of the Company's overall product and service arrangements with its major customers. The Company reviews the carrying value of its investments in Socotab and its other unconsolidated affiliates on a regular basis and considers whether any factors exist that might indicate an impairment in value that is other than temporary. At March 31, 2020 , the Company determined that no such factors existed with respect to those investments. The Company's operations in Zimbabwe are deconsolidated under accounting requirements that apply under certain conditions to foreign subsidiaries that are subject to foreign exchange controls and other government restrictions. The investment in the Zimbabwe operations is accounted for at cost less impairment, and was zero at March 31, 2020 and 2019 . The Company has a net foreign currency translation loss associated with the Zimbabwe operations of approximately $7.2 million , which remains a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. As a regular part of its reporting, the Company reviews the conditions that resulted in the deconsolidation of the Zimbabwe operations to confirm that such accounting treatment is still appropriate. Dividends from the Zimbabwe operations are recorded in income in the period received. The Company holds less than a 100% financial interest in certain consolidated subsidiaries. The net income and shareholders’ equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests in these subsidiaries are reported on the face of the consolidated financial statements. During fiscal year 2018, the Company purchased the noncontrolling interest of one subsidiary for $0.6 million . Other than this transaction, there were no changes in the Company’s ownership percentage in any of these subsidiaries during fiscal years 2018 , 2019 , or 2020 .
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates The Company’s investments in its unconsolidated affiliates, which include its Zimbabwe operations, are non-marketable securities. Universal reviews such investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an investment may not be recovered. For example, the Company would review such an investment for impairment if the investee were to lose a significant customer, suffer a large reduction in sales margins, experience a major change in its business environment, or undergo any other significant change in its normal business. In assessing the recoverability of these investments, the Company follows the applicable accounting guidance in determining the fair value of the investments. In most cases, this involves the use of undiscounted and discounted cash flow models (Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy under the accounting guidance). If the fair value of an unconsolidated investee is determined to be lower than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized. The determination of fair value using discounted cash flow models is normally not based on observable market data from independent sources and therefore requires significant management judgment with respect to estimates of future operating earnings and the selection of an appropriate discount rate. The use of different assumptions could increase or decrease estimated future operating cash flows, and the discounted value of those cash flows, and therefore could increase or decrease any impairment charge related to these investments. In its consolidated statements of income, the Company reports its proportional share of the earnings of unconsolidated affiliates accounted for on the equity method based on the pretax earnings of those affiliates, as permitted under the applicable accounting guidance. All applicable foreign and U.S. income taxes are provided on these earnings and reported as a component of consolidated income tax expense. For unconsolidated affiliates located in foreign jurisdictions, repatriation of the Company’s share of the earnings through dividends is assumed in determining consolidated income tax expense. The following table provides a reconciliation of (1) equity in the pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, as reported in the consolidated statements of income to (2) equity in the net income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends, as reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Equity in pretax earnings reported in the consolidated statements of income $ 4,211 $ 5,299 $ 9,125 Less: Equity in income taxes (1,390 ) (1,441 ) (2,063 ) Equity in net income 2,821 3,858 7,062 Less: Dividends received on investments (1) (3,922 ) (7,517 ) (5,541 ) Equity in net income, net of dividends, reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows $ (1,101 ) $ (3,659 ) $ 1,521 (1) In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates accounted for on the equity method that represent a return on capital (i.e., a return of earnings on a cumulative basis) are presented as operating cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings Per Share The Company calculates basic earnings per share based on earnings available to common shareholders. The calculation uses the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is computed in a similar manner using the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding. Dilutive potential common shares include unvested restricted stock units and performance share awards that are assumed to be fully vested and paid out in shares of common stock. Calculations of earnings per share for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 , are provided in Note 5.
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase are classified as cash equivalents.
Advances to Suppliers [Policy Text Block]	Advances to Suppliers In many sourcing origins where the Company operates, it provides agronomy services and seasonal advances of seed, fertilizer, and other supplies to tobacco farmers for crop production, or makes seasonal cash advances to farmers for the procurement of those inputs. These advances are short term, are repaid upon delivery of tobacco to the Company, and are reported in advances to suppliers in the consolidated balance sheets. In several origins, the Company has made long-term advances to tobacco farmers to finance curing barns and other farm infrastructure. In some years, due to low crop yields and other factors, individual farmers may not deliver sufficient volumes of tobacco to fully repay their seasonal advances, and the Company may extend repayment of those advances into future crop years. The long-term portion of advances is included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Both the current and the long-term portions of advances to suppliers are reported net of allowances recorded when the Company determines that amounts outstanding are not likely to be collected. Short-term and long-term advances to suppliers totaled approximately $153 million at March 31, 2020 and $129 million at March 31, 2019 . The related valuation allowances totaled $16 million at March 31, 2020 , and $18 million at March 31, 2019 , and were estimated based on the Company’s historical loss information and crop projections. The allowances were increased by net provisions for estimated uncollectible amounts of approximately $1.0 million in fiscal year 2020 and $3.7 million in fiscal year 2018 , and reduced by net recoveries of approximately $2.3 million in fiscal year 2019 . These net provisions and recoveries are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Interest on advances is recognized in earnings upon the farmers’ delivery of tobacco in payment of principal and interest. Advances on which interest accrual had been discontinued totaled approximately $5 million at March 31, 2020 and $6 million at March 31, 2019 .
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories Tobacco inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Raw materials primarily consist of unprocessed leaf tobacco, which is clearly identified by type and grade at the time of purchase. The Company tracks the costs associated with this tobacco in the final product lots, and maintains this identification through the time of sale. This method of cost accounting is referred to as the specific cost or specific identification method. The predominant cost component of the Company’s inventories is the cost of the unprocessed tobacco. Direct and indirect processing costs related to these raw materials are capitalized and allocated to inventory in a systematic manner. The Company does not capitalize any interest or sales-related costs in inventory. Freight costs are recorded in cost of goods sold. Other inventories consist primarily of seed, fertilizer, packing materials, unprocessed and processed food and vegetable ingredients, and other supplies, and are valued principally at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
Recoverable Value-Added Tax Credits [Policy Text Block]	Recoverable Value-Added Tax Credits In many foreign countries, the Company’s local operating subsidiaries pay significant amounts of value-added tax (“VAT”) on purchases of unprocessed and processed tobacco, crop inputs, packing materials, and various other goods and services. In some countries, VAT is a national tax, and in other countries it is assessed at the state level. Items subject to VAT vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as do the rates at which the tax is assessed. When tobacco is sold to customers in the country of origin, the operating subsidiaries generally collect VAT on those sales. The subsidiaries are normally permitted to offset their VAT payments against the collections and remit only the incremental VAT collections to the tax authorities. When tobacco is sold for export, VAT is normally not assessed. In countries where tobacco sales are predominately for export markets, VAT collections generated on downstream sales are often not sufficient to fully offset the subsidiaries’ VAT payments. In those situations, unused VAT credits can accumulate. Some jurisdictions have procedures that allow companies to apply for refunds of unused VAT credits from the tax authorities, but the refund process often takes an extended period of time, and it is not uncommon for refund applications to be challenged or rejected in part on technical grounds. Other jurisdictions may permit companies to sell or transfer unused VAT credits to third parties in private transactions, although approval for such transactions must normally be obtained from the tax authorities, limits on the amounts that can be transferred may be imposed, and the proceeds realized may be heavily discounted from the face value of the credits. Due to these factors, local operating subsidiaries in some countries can accumulate significant balances of VAT credits over time. The Company reviews these balances on a regular basis and records valuation allowances on the credits to reflect amounts that are not expected to be recovered, as well as discounts anticipated on credits that are expected to be sold or transferred. At March 31, 2020 and 2019 , the aggregate balances of recoverable tax credits held by the Company’s subsidiaries totaled approximately $52 million and $53 million , respectively, and the related valuation allowances totaled approximately $19 million and $17 million , respectively. The net balances are reported in other current assets and other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is based upon historical cost and the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation is calculated primarily using the straight-line method. Buildings include tobacco processing and blending facilities, offices, and warehouses. Machinery and equipment consists of processing and packing machinery and transport, office, and computer equipment. Estimated useful lives range as follows: buildings - 15 to 40 years; processing and packing machinery - 3 to 11 years; transport equipment - 3 to 10 years; and office and computer equipment - 3 to 12 years. Where applicable and material in amount, the Company capitalizes related interest costs during periods that property, plant and equipment are being constructed or made ready for service. No interest was capitalized in fiscal years 2020 , 2019 , or 2018 .
Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]	Leases As discussed below under "Accounting Pronouncements", the Company adopted updated comprehensive accounting guidance for leases at the beginning of fiscal year 2020 (Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" and supplemental amendments, which superseded the lease accounting requirements in Topic 840). The Company determines if an arrangement meets the definition of a lease at inception. The Company, as a lessee, enters into operating leases for land, buildings, equipment, and vehicles. For all operating leases with terms greater than 12 months and with fixed payment arrangements, a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset are recognized in the balance sheet for the term of the lease by calculating the net present value of future lease payments. On the date of lease commencement, the present value of lease liabilities is determined by discounting the future lease payments by the Company’s collateralized incremental borrowing rate, adjusted for the lease term and currency of the lease payments. If a lease contains a renewal option that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise, the Company accounts for the original lease term and expected renewal term in the calculation of the lease liability and right-of-use asset. Certain of the Company’s leases include both lease and non-lease components (e.g., common-area or other maintenance costs) which are accounted for as a single lease component, as the Company has elected the practical expedient to group lease and non-lease components for real estate leases.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangibles Goodwill and other intangibles are disclosed in Note 7. Goodwill principally consists of the excess of the purchase price of acquired companies over the fair value of the net assets. Goodwill is carried at the lower of cost or fair value and is reviewed for potential impairment on an annual basis as of the end of the fiscal year. Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350 (“ASC 350”) permits companies to base their initial assessments of potential goodwill impairment on qualitative factors, and the Company elected to use that approach at March 31, 2020 and 2019 . Those factors did not indicate any potential impairment of the Company's recorded goodwill at those dates. Reporting units are distinct operating subsidiaries or groups of subsidiaries that typically compose the Company’s business in a specific country or location. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units based on the country or location to which a specific acquisition relates, or by allocation based on expected future cash flows if the acquisition relates to more than one country or location. The majority of the Company’s goodwill relates to its reporting unit in Brazil and recent acquisition of FruitSmart, Inc. See Note 2 for additional information. Significant adverse changes in the operations or estimated future cash flows for a reporting unit with recorded goodwill could result in an impairment charge (See Note 4 for additional disclosures regarding goodwill impairment). Other intangibles principally consists of finite lived intangible assets including customer-related intangibles, trade names, developed technology, and noncompetition agreements. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value using a discounted cash flow approach. A discounted cash flow approach to value intangible assets requires assumptions about the timing, amount, and probability of future net cash flows, as well as the discount rate and market participant considerations. Other intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over the intangible asset's economic life.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Intangible Assets, Impairment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment, disclosed in Note 4 and Note 12, whenever events, changes in business conditions, or other circumstances provide an indication that such assets may be impaired. Potential impairment is initially assessed by comparing management’s undiscounted estimates of future cash flows from the use or disposition of the assets to their carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its fair value determined in accordance with the accounting guidance. In many cases, this involves the use of discounted cash flow models that are not based on observable market data from independent sources (Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy under the accounting guidance).
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes The Company provides deferred income taxes on temporary differences between the book and tax basis of its assets and liabilities. Those differences arise principally from employee benefit accruals, depreciation, deferred compensation, undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, goodwill, and valuation allowances on farmer advances and value-added tax credits. Income taxes provided on pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are released when the related pretax amounts are reclassified to earnings. Additional disclosures related to the Company's income taxes are disclosed in Note 6.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Values of Financial Instruments The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, disclosed in Note 12, approximates the carrying amount since the variable interest rates in the underlying credit agreement reflect the market interest rates that were available to the Company at March 31, 2020 . In periods when fixed-rate obligations are outstanding, fair values are estimated using market prices where they are available or discounted cash flow models based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar classes of borrowers and borrowing arrangements. The fair values of interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges and used to fix the variable benchmark rate on outstanding long-term debt are determined separately and recorded in other long-term liabilities. Except for interest rate swaps and forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are discussed below, the fair values of all other assets and liabilities that qualify as financial instruments approximate their carrying amounts.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Interest rate swaps and forward foreign currency exchange contracts are used from time to time to manage interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company enters into such contracts only with counterparties of good standing. The credit exposure related to non-performance by the counterparties and the Company is considered in determining the fair values of the derivatives, and the effect has not been material to the financial statements or operations of the Company. Additional disclosures related to the Company’s derivatives and hedging activities are provided in Note 11.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Translation and Remeasurement of Foreign Currencies The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries having the local currency as the functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at period end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates applicable to each reporting period for results of operations. Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements are reflected as a separate component of other comprehensive income or loss. The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries having the U.S. dollar as the functional currency, with certain transactions denominated in a local currency, are remeasured into U.S. dollars. The remeasurement of local currency amounts into U.S. dollars creates remeasurement gains and losses that are included in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. The Company recognized net remeasurement losses of $16.4 million in fiscal year 2020 and $1.8 million in fiscal year 2019 , and net remeasurement gains of $0.2 million in fiscal year 2018 . Foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges generate gains and losses when they are settled or when they are marked to market under the prescribed accounting guidance. These transaction gains and losses are also included in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. The Company recognized net foreign currency transaction losses of $2.9 million in fiscal year 2020 , $4.3 million in fiscal year 2019 , and $0.1 million in fiscal year 2018 .
Revenue [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition As discussed below under "Accounting Pronouncements", the Company adopted updated comprehensive accounting guidance for revenue recognition at the beginning of fiscal year 2019 (Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and supplemental amendments, now codified as Section 606 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification). Under this updated guidance, revenue is recognized when the Company completes its performance obligation for the transfer of products and services under its contractual arrangements with customers. For sales of tobacco, satisfaction of the performance obligation and recognition of the corresponding revenue is based on the transfer of the ownership and control of the product to the customer, which is substantially unchanged from the previous accounting guidance. A large percentage of the Company’s sales are to major multinational manufacturers of consumer tobacco products. The Company works closely with those customers to understand and plan for their requirements for volumes, styles, and grades of leaf tobacco from its various growing regions, and extensive coordination is maintained on an ongoing basis to determine and satisfy their requirements for transfer of ownership and physical shipment of processed tobacco. The customers typically specify, in sales contracts and in shipping documents, the precise terms for transfer of title and risk of loss for the tobacco. Customer returns and rejections are not significant, and the Company’s sales history indicates that customer-specific acceptance provisions are consistently met upon transfer of title and risk of loss. While most of the Company’s revenue is derived from tobacco that is purchased from farmers, processed and packed in its factories, and then sold to customers, some revenue is earned from processing tobacco owned by customers and from other value-added services. The arrangements for processing services usually exist in specific markets where the customers contract directly with farmers for leaf production, and they have accounted for less than 5% of total revenue on an annual basis through the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 . Processing and packing of leaf tobacco is a short-duration process. Under normal operating conditions, raw tobacco that is placed into the production line exits as processed and packed tobacco within one hour, and is then later transported to customer-designated storage facilities. The revenue for these services is recognized when the performance obligation is met upon the completion of processing, and the Company’s operating history indicates that customer requirements for processed tobacco are consistently met upon completion of processing. Additional disclosures related to the Company's revenue from contracts with customers are provided in Note 3.
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation Share-based payments, such as grants of restricted stock units, performance share awards, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, and stock options, are measured at fair value and reported as expense in the financial statements over the requisite service period. Additional disclosures related to stock-based compensation are included in Note 15.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]	Accounting Pronouncements Pronouncements Adopted in Fiscal Year 2018 In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires that most inventory be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 defines net realizable value as the "estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation." ASU 2015-11 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2016, and was adopted by the Company effective April 1, 2017, the beginning of fiscal year 2018. As required under the guidance, ASU 2015-11 has been applied prospectively after the date of adoption, and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)" ("ASU 2017-12"). ASU 2017-12 expands derivative strategies that quality for hedge accounting and amends presentation and disclosure requirements. The guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early-adopt ASU 2017-12 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018. As required under the guidance, ASU 2017-12 was applied using the modified retrospective approach and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" ("ASU 2018-02") to address the disproportionate income tax effects on pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017. Under the existing accounting guidance, companies were required to record the impact of changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities from the enactment of the new law through income from continuing operations, including the impact related to pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As a result, the income tax effects on amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were not reflective of the rates at which those amounts ultimately would be taxed. ASU 2018-02 permits companies to reclassify these disproportionate tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings. It was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early-adopt ASU 2018-02 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 and reclassify the disproportionate tax effects to retained earnings as allowed under the guidance. The reclassification increased accumulated other comprehensive loss and increased retained earnings by approximately $12.4 million . Pronouncements Adopted in Fiscal Year 2019 In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASU 2014-09), which superseded substantially all of the current revenue recognition guidance under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), and was developed under a joint project with the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) to improve and converge the existing revenue recognition accounting guidance in U.S. GAAP and International Accounting Standards. Under ASU 2014-09, the central underlying principle is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers at an amount determined by the consideration a company expects to receive for those goods or services. The guidance outlines a five-step process for determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized from those arrangements. ASU 2014-09 and various supplemental amendments were codified into the U.S. GAAP hierarchy in Section 606 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC 606”). The Company's implementation process for ASU 2014-09 included a comprehensive assessment of its contractual arrangements with customers that involved classifying those arrangements by specific revenue streams, documenting the relevant terms and conditions of the contracts, and determining the appropriate revenue recognition for those contracts under the new guidance. Through this process, the Company determined in all cases that revenue recognition under the new guidance based on the transfer of its goods and services to customers was substantially the same as under the prior guidance. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 effective April 1, 2018, the beginning of fiscal year 2019. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 had no impact on the amount and timing of revenue recognized, and no adjustment for the cumulative effect of implementing the new guidance was required under the modified retrospective transition adoption method selected by the Company. The disclosures required for revenue recognition under the new guidance are provided in Note 3. In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” ("ASU 2016-01"). ASU 2016-01 requires all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). The Company adopted ASU 2016-01 effective April 1, 2018, the beginning of fiscal year 2019. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments" ("ASU 2016-15"). ASU 2016-15 provides guidance on the disclosure and classification of certain items within the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 using the retrospective approach effective April 1, 2018, the beginning of fiscal year 2019. The adoption resulted in the reporting of life insurance proceeds as a cash flow from investing activities and a corresponding reclassification for the prior year period, but otherwise did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. In October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-16, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory" ("ASU 2016-16"). ASU 2016-16 requires companies to recognize the income tax effects of intercompany sales or transfers of assets other than inventory in the income statement as income tax expense in the period the sale or transfer occurs, rather than deferring those tax effects until the asset has been sold to a third-party or otherwise recognized in earnings through depreciation, amortization, or impairment. In prior fiscal reporting periods, various subsidiaries of the Company sold tobacco processing equipment to other subsidiaries, and the related income effects have been deferred as required under the previous accounting guidance. The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 effective April 1, 2018, the beginning of fiscal year 2019. Under the modified retrospective transition method required by the guidance, the Company recorded a $1.9 million reduction to retained earnings for the year ended March 31, 2019 for the cumulative effect of recognizing the deferred income tax effects on all prior intercompany sales of equipment as of the date of adoption. In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715)" ("ASU 2017-07"). ASU 2017-07 requires that an employer report the service cost component of pension or other postretirement benefits expense in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net periodic benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. With the adoption of ASU 2017-07, the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost continues to be reported in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income, or in cost of goods sold for the portion that is recorded as a component of the cost of inventory sold or services provided to customers. The other components of net benefit cost, which include interest cost, expected return on plan assets, and the net amortization and deferral of actuarial gains and losses, are included in other non-operating income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income. The Company adopted ASU 2017-07 effective April 1, 2018, the beginning of fiscal year 2019. The financial statement presentation for comparative prior periods has been reclassified accordingly using amounts previously disclosed for net periodic benefit cost as a practical expedient. The components of net periodic benefit cost and other disclosures related to the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plans are provided in Note 13. Pronouncements Adopted in Fiscal Year 2020 The Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”) effective April 1, 2019, the beginning of the current fiscal year. For leases with fixed payment arrangements, ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize lease payment obligations as a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset in the balance sheet for the term of the lease. This guidance superseded Topic 840 “Leases.” The Company elected the practical expedient to not include leases with terms less than 12 months on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company elected the transition package of practical expedients that retained the historical lease identification, lease classification, and treatment of initial direct costs for leases prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-02. Additionally, as permitted under the new guidance the Company elected to not separate lease and non-lease components for certain classes of leased assets, including real estate. The Company elected the modified retrospective transition adoption method. Accordingly, on the date of adoption $36.6 million of operating lease right-of use assets and corresponding operating lease liabilities of $34.2 million were recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 did not result in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The disclosures required for lease accounting under the new guidance are provided in Note 10. In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)" ("ASU 2017-04"). Under current accounting guidance, the fair value of a reporting unit to which a specific goodwill balance relates is first compared to its carrying value in the financial statements (Step 1). If that comparison indicates that the goodwill is impaired, an implied fair value for the goodwill must then be calculated by deducting the individual fair values of all other assets and liabilities, including any unrecognized intangible assets, from the total fair value of the reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accounting guidance by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and using the fair value of the reporting unit determined in Step 1 to measure the goodwill impairment loss. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, although early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04 effective July 1, 2019. There was no material impact to the consolidated financial statements from the adoption of ASU 2017-04. Pronouncements to be Adopted in Future Periods In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 replaces current methods for evaluating the impairment of financial instruments not measured at fair value with a model that reflects expected credit losses. Financial instruments to which ASU 2016-13 will apply for the Company primarily include trade accounts receivable. The guidance in ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will be required to adopt the new standard effective April 1, 2020, which is the beginning of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, and is currently evaluating the impact that the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-15, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) - Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)" ("ASU 2018-15"). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs in a cloud computing arrangement service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred for an internal-use software license. Under that model, implementation costs are capitalized or expensed depending on the nature of the costs and the project stage during which they are incurred. Capitalized implementation costs are amortized over the term of the associated hosted cloud computing arrangement service contract on a straight-line basis, unless another systematic and rational basis is more representative of the pattern in which the entity expects to benefit from its right to access the hosted software. Capitalized implementation costs would then be assessed for impairment in a manner similar to long-lived assets. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Entities can choose to adopt the new guidance either prospectively to eligible costs incurred on or after the date the guidance is first applied or retrospectively. The Company will be required to adopt ASU 2018-15 effective April 1, 2020, which is the beginning of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, although early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-12, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes" ("ASU 2019-12"). ASU 2019-12 eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences related to changes in ownership of equity method investments and foreign subsidiaries. The updated guidance also simplifies aspects of accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates, and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The guidance in ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, although early adoption is permitted. The Company will be required to adopt the new standard effective April 1, 2021, which is the beginning of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, and is currently evaluating the impact that the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting" ("ASU 2020-04"). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions related to contract modifications and hedge accounting to address the transitions from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The guidance permits an entity to consider contract modification due to reference rate reform to be an event that does not require contract remeasurement at the modification date or reassessment of a previous accounting determination. ASU 2020-04 also temporarily allows hedge relationships to continue without de-designation upon changes due to reference rate reform. The standard is effective upon issuance and can be applied as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications

Nature Of Operations And Sign_3

Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of Equity In Unconsolidated Affiliates	The following table provides a reconciliation of (1) equity in the pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, as reported in the consolidated statements of income to (2) equity in the net income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends, as reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Equity in pretax earnings reported in the consolidated statements of income $ 4,211 $ 5,299 $ 9,125 Less: Equity in income taxes (1,390 ) (1,441 ) (2,063 ) Equity in net income 2,821 3,858 7,062 Less: Dividends received on investments (1) (3,922 ) (7,517 ) (5,541 ) Equity in net income, net of dividends, reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows $ (1,101 ) $ (3,659 ) $ 1,521 (1) In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates accounted for on the equity method that represent a return on capital (i.e., a return of earnings on a cumulative basis) are presented as operating cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Business Combinations Business

Business Combinations Business Combinations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The initial allocation of the purchase price was based on preliminary valuations and assumptions and is subject to change within the 12 -month measurement period following the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on January 1, 2020. Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,298 Accounts receivable 7,707 Inventory 23,793 Other current assets 310 Property, plant and equipment 23,400 Intangibles: Customer relationships 9,500 Developed technology 4,800 Trade names 3,300 Noncompetition agreements 1,000 Goodwill 28,863 Total assets acquired 103,971 Liabilities Current liabilities 8,262 Deferred income taxes 9,004 Total liabilities assumed 17,266 Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 86,705

Revenue from Contracts with C_2

Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contract with Customer (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue by significant revenue-generating category: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Tobacco sales $ 1,759,769 $ 2,089,770 $ 1,898,303 Tobacco processing revenue 76,123 85,426 78,042 Other sales and revenue from contracts with customers 55,985 37,930 42,579 Total revenue from contracts with customers 1,891,877 2,213,126 2,018,924 Other operating sales and revenues 18,102 14,027 15,023 Consolidated sales and other operating revenues $ 1,909,979 $ 2,227,153 $ 2,033,947 Other operating sales and revenues consists principally of interest on advances to suppliers and dividend income from unconsolidated affiliates.

Restructuring Costs (Tables)

Restructuring Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Restructuring Costs [Abstract]
Cumulative Restructuring Costs	A summary of the restructuring and impairment costs incurred during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , is as follows: Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Restructuring Costs: Employee termination benefits $ 5,356 $ 4,608 Other restructuring costs — 223 5,356 4,831 Impairment Costs: Property, plant, and equipment and other noncurrent assets 2,187 14,584 Goodwill — 889 $ 2,187 $ 15,473 Total restructuring and impairment costs $ 7,543 $ 20,304
Reconciliation Of Company's Liability For The Restructuring Costs	A reconciliation of the Company’s liability for employee termination benefits and other restructuring costs for fiscal years 2018 through 2020 is as follows: Employee Termination Benefits Other Costs Total Balance at April 1, 2017 $ 301 $ 43 $ 344 Fiscal Year 2018 Activity: Payments (272 ) (43 ) (315 ) Balance at March 31, 2018 29 — 29 Fiscal Year 2019 Activity: Costs charged to expense 4,608 223 4,831 Payments (4,014 ) — (4,014 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 623 223 846 Fiscal Year 2020 Activity: Costs charged to expense 5,356 — 5,356 Payments (2,564 ) (223 ) (2,787 ) Balance at March 31, 2020 $ 3,415 $ — $ 3,415

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in thousands, except share and per share data) 2020 2019 2018 Basic Earnings Per Share Numerator for basic earnings per share Net income attributable to Universal Corporation $ 71,680 $ 104,121 $ 105,662 Denominator for basic earnings per share Weighted average shares outstanding 24,982,259 25,129,192 25,274,975 Basic earnings per share $ 2.87 $ 4.14 $ 4.18 Diluted Earnings Per Share Numerator for diluted earnings per share Net income attributable to Universal Corporation $ 71,680 $ 104,121 $ 105,662 Denominator for diluted earnings per share: Weighted average shares outstanding 24,982,259 25,129,192 25,274,975 Effect of dilutive securities Employee and outside director share-based awards 124,092 201,245 233,169 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 25,106,351 25,330,437 25,508,144 Diluted earnings per share $ 2.86 $ 4.11 $ 4.14

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Components of Income Tax Expense	Income taxes for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 consisted of the following: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Current United States $ 2,001 $ (2,639 ) $ 1,110 State and local 92 377 175 Foreign 41,892 39,578 60,356 43,985 37,316 61,641 Deferred United States 3,735 5,713 (20,052 ) State and local (16 ) (4 ) 68 Foreign (12,416 ) (1,837 ) 8,852 (8,697 ) 3,872 (11,132 ) Total $ 35,288 $ 41,188 $ 50,509 Foreign taxes include any applicable U.S. tax expense on the earnings of foreign subsidiaries.
Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 U.S. federal statutory tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 31.5 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 0.1 0.2 0.1 Dividends received from deconsolidated operations — — (1.4 ) Foreign earnings taxed at rates other than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate (2.0 ) 7.1 2.8 Foreign dividend withholding taxes 5.1 3.7 (0.2 ) Reversal of dividend withholding tax due to foreign subsidiary tax holiday — (5.1 ) — Effects of new tax law: Adjustment of deferred tax assets and liabilities to lower tax rate — — 4.6 Reduction of U.S. tax liability on undistributed foreign earnings to amounts payable under one-time transition tax — — (8.3 ) Changes in uncertain tax positions 5.6 1.4 0.8 Other 1.3 (1.1 ) 0.4 Effective income tax rate 31.1 % 27.2 % 30.3 %
Schedule Of U.S. And Foreign Components Of Income Before Income Taxes And Other Items	The U.S. and foreign components of income before income taxes were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 United States $ 22,916 $ 37,478 $ 10,442 Foreign 90,375 113,844 156,235 Total $ 113,291 $ 151,322 $ 166,677
Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of deferred tax liabilities and assets were as follows: March 31, 2020 2019 Liabilities Foreign withholding taxes $ 19,870 $ 20,659 Property, plant and equipment 10,078 4,627 Undistributed earnings 7,298 6,579 Operating lease right-of-use assets 9,877 — Goodwill and other intangible assets 23,435 19,529 All other 4,813 2,461 Total deferred tax liabilities $ 75,371 $ 53,855 Assets Employee benefit plans $ 22,773 $ 20,467 Reserves and accruals 7,708 7,898 Deferred income 4,833 3,829 Operating lease right-of-use liabilities 9,650 — Currency translation losses of foreign subsidiaries 2,173 1,993 Local currency exchange losses of foreign subsidiaries 8,360 1,252 Interest rate swap 7,284 248 All other 7,464 4,739 Total deferred tax assets 70,245 40,426 Valuation allowance (3,394 ) (1,798 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 66,851 $ 38,628
Schedule Of Combined Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Allocable To Continuing Operations, Other Comprehensive Income, And Adjustments To Shareholders' Equity	The combined income tax expense (benefit) allocable to continuing operations and other comprehensive income was as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Continuing operations $ 35,288 $ 41,188 $ 50,509 Other comprehensive income (loss) (14,392 ) (5,390 ) 23,471 Total $ 20,896 $ 35,798 $ 73,980
Reconciliation Of The Gross Liability For Uncertain Tax Positions	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the gross liability for uncertain tax positions is as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Liability for uncertain tax positions, beginning of year $ 5,625 $ 3,673 $ 2,426 Additions: Related to tax positions for the current year 1,746 85 107 Related to tax positions for prior years 4,369 2,169 1,310 Reductions: Due to lapses of statutes of limitations (81 ) (90 ) (104 ) Due to tax settlements (8,948 ) — — Effect of currency rate changes (334 ) (212 ) (66 ) Liability for uncertain tax positions, end of year $ 2,377 $ 5,625 $ 3,673

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The Company's changes in goodwill at March 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following: (in thousands) Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of year $ 97,907 $ 98,807 Acquisition of business (1) 28,863 — Foreign currency translation adjustment 56 (11 ) Impairment (2) — (889 ) Balance at end of year $ 126,826 $ 97,907
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The Company's intangible assets primarily consist of capitalized customer-related intangibles, trade names, proprietary developed technology and noncompetition agreements. The Company's intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following at March 31, 2020 and 2019 : (in thousands, except useful life) March 31, 2020 2019 Useful Life Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Customer relationships (1) 13 $ 9,500 $ (183 ) $ 9,317 $ — $ — $ — Trade names (1) 5 3,300 (165 ) 3,135 — — — Developed technology (1) 3 4,800 (400 ) 4,400 — — — Noncompetition agreements (1) 5 1,000 (50 ) 950 — — — Other 5 657 (598 ) 59 761 (674 ) 87 Total intangible assets $ 19,257 $ (1,396 ) $ 17,861 $ 761 $ (674 ) $ 87 Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset's estimated useful economic life as noted above.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, 2020 , the expected future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows: Fiscal Year 2021 $ 3,221 2022 3,220 2023 2,791 2024 1,590 2025 and thereafter 7,039 Total expected future amortization expense $ 17,861

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Long-Term Debt	The Company's long-term debt at March 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following: March 31, 2020 2019 Senior bank term loans $ 370,000 $ 370,000 Less: current portion — — Less: unamortized debt issuance costs (1,236 ) (1,497 ) Long-term debt $ 368,764 $ 368,503

Leases Leases of Lessees (Table

Leases Leases of Lessees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases of Lessees [Abstract]
Schedule of supplemental balance sheet information related to leases [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet: (in thousands) March 31, 2020 Assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 39,256 Liabilities Current portion of operating lease liabilities $ 9,823 Long-term operating lease liabilities 25,893 Total operating lease liabilities $ 35,716
Schedule of income statement information related to leases [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the location and amount of operating lease costs included in the Company's consolidated statement of income: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2020 Income Statement Location Cost of goods sold $ 10,954 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 8,574 Total operating lease costs (1) $ 19,528 (1) Includes variable operating lease cost s.
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]	The following table reconciles the undiscounted cash flows to the operating lease liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet: (in thousands) March 31, 2020 Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities 2021 $ 11,317 2022 7,440 2023 6,166 2024 4,776 2025 3,928 2026 and thereafter 6,778 Total undiscounted cash flows for operating leases $ 40,405 Less: Imputed interest (4,689 ) Total operating lease liabilities $ 35,716
Supplemental information related to operating leases [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth supplemental information related to operating leases: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in thousands, except lease term and incremental borrowing rate) 2020 Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 11,983 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating leases $ 14,957 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (years) 5.61 Weighted Average Collateralized Incremental Borrowing Rate 4.10 %

Derivatives And Hedging Activ_2

Derivatives And Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Notional Amount of Forward Contracts	The aggregate U.S. dollar notional amount of forward and option contracts entered for these purposes during fiscal years 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 was as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Tobacco purchases $ 123.2 $ 76.9 $ 43.3 Processing costs 35.1 19.8 17.1 Crop input sales 21.7 — — Total $ 180.0 $ 96.7 $ 60.4
Effect Of Derivative Financial Instruments On The Consolidated Statements Of Income	The table below outlines the effects of the Company’s use of derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of income for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 . Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Cash Flow Hedges - Interest Rate Swap Agreements Derivative Effective Portion of Hedge Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (32,389 ) $ (7,496 ) $ 4,869 Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings $ (1,577 ) $ 1,689 $ (1,244 ) Gain on terminated interest rate swaps amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings $ 2,691 $ 260 $ — Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings Interest expense Ineffective Portion of Hedge Gain (loss) recognized in earnings $ — $ — $ — Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings Selling, general and administrative expenses Hedged Item Description of hedged item Floating rate interest payments on term loans Cash Flow Hedges - Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts Derivative Effective Portion of Hedge Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (13,646 ) $ (2,623 ) $ (1,204 ) Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings $ 1,108 $ (3,034 ) $ (1,099 ) Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings Cost of goods sold Ineffective Portion and Early De-designation of Hedges Gain (loss) recognized in earnings $ — $ — $ (5 ) Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings Selling, general and administrative expenses Hedged Item Description of hedged item Forecast purchases of tobacco in Brazil and Africa Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges - Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts Gain (loss) recognized in earnings $ (4,013 ) $ (4,671 ) $ (234 ) Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings Selling, general and administrative expenses
Effect Of Derivative Financial Instruments On The Consolidated Balance Sheets	The table below outlines the effects of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2020 and 2019 : Derivatives in a Fair Value Asset Position Derivatives in a Fair Value Liability Position Balance Sheet Location Fair Value as of March 31, Balance Sheet Location Fair Value as of March 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate swap agreements Other non-current assets $ — $ — Other long-term liabilities $ 37,163 $ 6,351 Forward foreign currency exchange contracts Other current assets — 307 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 11,467 — Total $ — $ 307 $ 48,630 $ 6,351 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Forward foreign currency exchange contracts Other current assets $ 314 $ 233 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 4,375 $ 386 Total $ 314 $ 233 $ 4,375 $ 386 Substantially all of the Company's forward foreign currency exchange contracts are subject to master netting arrangements, whereby the right to offset occurs in the event of default by a participating party. The Company has elected to present these contracts on a gross basis in the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis	At March 31, 2020 and 2019 , the Company had certain financial assets and financial liabilities that were required to be measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis. These assets and liabilities are listed in the tables below and are classified based on how their values were determined under the fair value hierarchy or the NAV practical expedient: March 31, 2020 Fair Value Hierarchy NAV Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Money market funds $ 4,011 $ — $ — $ — $ 4,011 Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans — 12,635 — — 12,635 Forward foreign currency exchange contracts — — 314 — 314 Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value $ 4,011 $ 12,635 $ 314 $ — $ 16,960 Liabilities Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers $ — $ — $ — $ 103 $ 103 Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - short-term — — — 4,173 4,173 Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - long-term — — — 2,532 2,532 Interest rate swap agreements — — 37,163 — 37,163 Forward foreign currency exchange contracts — — 15,842 — 15,842 Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value $ — $ — $ 53,005 $ 6,808 $ 59,813 March 31, 2019 Fair Value Hierarchy NAV Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Money market funds $ 156,864 $ — $ — $ — $ 156,864 Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans — 16,315 — — 16,315 Forward foreign currency exchange contracts — — 540 — 540 Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value $ 156,864 $ 16,315 $ 540 $ — $ 173,719 Liabilities Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers $ — $ — $ — $ 803 $ 803 Interest rate swap agreements — — 6,351 — 6,351 Forward foreign currency exchange contracts — — 386 — 386 Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value $ — $ — $ 6,737 $ 803 $ 7,540
Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration	A reconciliation of the change in the balance of the acquisition-related contingent consideration obligation (Level 3) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 is provided below. Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Balance beginning of year $ — $ — Additions 6,705 — Payments — — Balance at end of year $ 6,705 $ —
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	A reconciliation of the change in the balance of the financial liability for guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers (Level 3) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 is provided below. Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of year $ 803 $ 974 Payments under the guarantees and transfers to allowance for loss on direct loans to farmers (removal of prior crop year loans from the portfolio) (659 ) (765 ) Provision for loss or transfers from allowance for loss on direct loans to farmers (addition of current crop year loans) (5 ) 749 Change in discount rate and estimated collection period (7 ) 53 Currency remeasurement (29 ) (208 ) Balance at end of year $ 103 $ 803

Pension And Other Postretirem_2

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Assumptions Used To Compute Net Periodic Benefit Cost And Benefit Obligations	Assumptions used for financial reporting purposes to compute net periodic benefit cost and benefit obligations for the Company's primary defined benefit plans were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Discount rates: Benefit cost for plan year 4.00 % 4.10 % 4.10 % 3.80 % 3.90 % 3.90 % Benefit obligation at end of plan year 3.60 % 4.00 % 4.10 % 3.40 % 3.80 % 3.90 % Expected long-term return on plan assets: Benefit cost for plan year 6.75 % 6.75 % 7.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % 3.00 % Salary scale: Benefit cost for plan year 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % Benefit obligation at end of plan year 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % Healthcare cost trend rate N/A N/A N/A 7.34 % 7.60 % 8.10 %
Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, And Funded Status	The following table reflects the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets in fiscal years 2020 and 2019 , as well as the funded status of the plans at March 31, 2020 and 2019 : Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits March 31, March 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Actuarial present value of benefit obligation: Accumulated benefit obligation $ 281,242 $ 273,370 Projected benefit obligation 287,082 278,189 $ 30,282 $ 31,635 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 278,189 $ 273,658 $ 31,635 $ 32,945 Service cost 5,990 6,008 199 222 Interest cost 10,747 10,810 1,306 1,371 Effect of discount rate change 14,479 5,177 1,326 563 Foreign currency exchange rate changes (1,477 ) (2,526 ) (1,012 ) (447 ) Settlements (6,038 ) — — — Other 1,029 7,268 (744 ) (126 ) Benefit payments (15,837 ) (22,206 ) (2,428 ) (2,893 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of year $ 287,082 $ 278,189 $ 30,282 $ 31,635 Change in plan assets: Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year $ 244,969 $ 229,568 $ 3,717 $ 3,467 Actual return on plan assets 10,551 9,772 152 150 Employer contributions 6,037 29,489 1,928 2,993 Settlements (6,038 ) — — — Foreign currency exchange rate changes (1,232 ) (1,654 ) — — Benefit payments (15,837 ) (22,206 ) (2,428 ) (2,893 ) Plan assets at fair value, end of year $ 238,450 $ 244,969 $ 3,369 $ 3,717 Funded status: Funded status of the plans, end of year $ (48,632 ) $ (33,220 ) $ (26,913 ) $ (27,918 )
Funded Status In Consolidated Balance Sheets	The funded status of the Company’s plans at the end of fiscal years 2020 and 2019 was reported in the consolidated balance sheets as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits March 31, March 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Non-current asset (included in other noncurrent assets) $ 346 $ 1,837 $ — $ — Current liability (included in accounts payable and accrued expenses) (2,978 ) (1,490 ) (2,233 ) (2,228 ) Non-current liability (reported as pensions and other postretirement benefits) (46,000 ) (33,567 ) (24,680 ) (25,690 ) Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets $ (48,632 ) $ (33,220 ) $ (26,913 ) $ (27,918 )
Additional Information On Funded Status	Additional information on the funded status of the Company’s plans as of the respective measurement dates for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , is as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits March 31, March 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 For plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Aggregate projected benefit obligation (PBO) $ 284,327 $ 269,622 $ 30,282 $ 31,635 Aggregate fair value of plan assets 235,349 234,565 3,369 3,717 For plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) 278,515 35,070 N/A N/A Aggregate fair value of plan assets 235,349 4,023 N/A N/A
Components Of Company's Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Fiscal Year Ended March 31, Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 5,990 $ 6,008 $ 5,177 $ 199 $ 222 $ 229 Interest cost 10,747 10,810 10,801 1,306 1,371 1,471 Expected return on plan assets (16,671 ) (15,695 ) (15,962 ) (106 ) (99 ) (87 ) Settlement cost 676 — — — — — Net amortization and deferral 3,709 3,491 3,735 (647 ) (710 ) (620 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ 4,451 $ 4,614 $ 3,751 $ 752 $ 784 $ 993
Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) On Pretax Basis	The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss for fiscal years 2020 and 2019 and the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of those fiscal years are shown below. All amounts shown are before allocated income taxes. Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits March 31, March 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Change in net actuarial loss (gain): Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year $ 81,502 $ 69,333 $ (6,201 ) $ (7,247 ) Losses (gains) arising during the year 21,838 17,884 302 513 Settlement (529 ) — — — Amortization included in net periodic benefit cost during the year (5,786 ) (5,715 ) 534 533 Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year 97,025 81,502 (5,365 ) (6,201 ) Change in prior service cost (benefit): Prior service cost (benefit), beginning of year (7,479 ) (9,703 ) (766 ) (965 ) Amortization included in net periodic benefit cost during the year 2,077 2,224 202 199 Prior service cost (benefit), end of year (5,402 ) (7,479 ) (564 ) (766 ) Total amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year, before income taxes $ 91,623 $ 74,023 $ (5,929 ) $ (6,967 ) Amounts in the above table reflect the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. The accumulated other comprehensive loss reported in the consolidated balance sheets also includes pension and other postretirement benefit amounts related to ownership interests in unconsolidated affiliates.
Weighted-Average Target Pension Asset Allocation And Target Ranges By Major Asset Category	The weighted–average target pension asset allocation and target ranges at the March 31, 2020 measurement date and the actual asset allocations at the March 31, 2020 and 2019 measurement dates by major asset category were as follows: Actual Allocation Target Allocation March 31, Major Asset Category Range 2020 2019 Equity securities 29.0 % 19 % - 39% 25.4 % 31.2 % Fixed income securities (1) 66.0 % 56 % - 76% 70.3 % 64.8 % Alternative investments 5.0 % 0 % - 10% 4.3 % 4.0 % Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Estimated Future Benefit Payments	Estimated future benefit payments to be made from the Company’s plans are as follows: Fiscal Year Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2021 $ 17,561 $ 2,668 2022 19,620 2,545 2023 17,326 2,445 2024 17,992 2,346 2025 17,774 2,246 2026 - 2030 89,919 9,672
Fair Values Of The Assets Under Fair Value Hierarchy	Fair values of the assets of the Company’s pension plans as of March 31, 2020 and 2019 , classified based on how their values were determined under the fair value hierarchy are as follows: March 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity securities $ 58,204 $ — $ — $ 58,204 Fixed income securities (1) 162,667 3,101 4,668 170,436 Alternative investments — — 9,810 9,810 Total investments $ 220,871 $ 3,101 $ 14,478 $ 238,450 March 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Equity securities $ 71,561 $ — $ — $ 71,561 Fixed income securities (1) 149,798 10,399 4,025 164,222 Alternative investments — — 9,186 9,186 Total investments $ 221,359 $ 10,399 $ 13,211 $ 244,969

Common And Preferred Stock Comm

Common And Preferred Stock Common and Preferred Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Schedule of Repurchases of Shares [Abstract]
Schedule Of Repurchases Of Shares [Table Text Block]	Repurchases of common stock under the programs for fiscal years 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Number of shares repurchased 656,820 30,777 403,624 Cost of shares repurchased (in thousands of dollars) $ 33,457 $ 1,443 $ 21,610 Weighted-average cost per share $ 50.94 $ 46.87 $ 53.54

Executive Stock Plans And Sto_2

Executive Stock Plans And Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Summary Of RSU, Restricted Stock, And PSA Activity	The following table summarizes the Company’s RSU, restricted stock, and PSA activity for fiscal years 2018 through 2020 : RSUs Restricted Stock PSAs Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018: Unvested at beginning of year 325,638 $ 52.01 30,200 $ 42.37 160,350 $ 46.86 Granted 72,032 64.13 — — 39,100 60.37 Vested (60,751 ) 45.51 — — (41,667 ) 46.41 Forfeited — — — — (6,783 ) 46.41 Unvested at end of year 336,919 55.77 30,200 42.37 151,000 50.50 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2019: Granted 87,621 64.53 — — 54,800 57.12 Vested (99,549 ) 59.09 (8,950 ) 44.25 (49,092 ) 45.06 Forfeited — — — — (9,834 ) 45.55 Unvested at end of year 324,991 57.12 21,250 41.58 146,874 55.12 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020: Granted 85,463 56.39 — — 60,728 50.16 Vested (74,518 ) 54.20 — — (67,402 ) 49.17 Forfeited — — — — — — Unvested at end of year 335,936 $ 57.89 21,250 $ 41.58 140,200 $ 55.73
Stock-Based Compensation Expense And Related Income Tax Benefit Recognized	For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 , total stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit recognized were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 5,631 $ 8,152 $ 7,610 Income tax benefit recorded on stock-based compensation expense $ 1,182 $ 1,712 $ 2,397

Operating Segments (Tables)

Operating Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Results For The Company's Reportable Segments	Reportable segment data as of, or for, the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 , is as follows: Sales and Other Operating Revenues Operating Income Fiscal Year Ended March 31, Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations: North America $ 236,262 $ 382,631 $ 308,691 $ 8,353 $ 23,069 $ 23,091 Other Regions (1) 1,372,424 1,569,738 1,482,188 110,766 151,527 146,761 Subtotal 1,608,686 1,952,369 1,790,879 119,119 174,596 169,852 Other Tobacco Operations (2) 301,293 274,784 243,068 19,002 12,176 10,098 Segment total 1,909,979 2,227,153 2,033,947 138,121 186,772 179,950 Deduct: Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (3) (4,211 ) (5,299 ) (9,125 ) Restructuring and impairment costs (4) (7,543 ) (20,304 ) — Consolidated total $ 1,909,979 $ 2,227,153 $ 2,033,947 $ 126,367 $ 161,169 $ 170,825 Segment Assets Accounts Receivable, net (5) March 31, March 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations: North America $ 290,720 $ 294,064 $ 368,672 $ 33,232 $ 31,939 $ 44,726 Other Regions (1) 1,335,814 1,473,100 1,460,961 250,698 295,442 296,213 Subtotal 1,626,534 1,767,164 1,829,633 283,930 327,381 340,939 Other Tobacco Operations (2) 494,387 366,020 338,999 56,781 40,729 36,180 Segment and consolidated totals $ 2,120,921 $ 2,133,184 $ 2,168,632 $ 340,711 $ 368,110 $ 377,119 Goodwill and Intangibles, net Depreciation and Amortization March 31, Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations: North America $ — $ — $ — $ 4,413 $ 4,756 $ 4,772 Other Regions (1) 96,308 96,281 97,214 24,211 24,088 24,547 Subtotal 96,308 96,281 97,214 28,624 28,844 29,319 Other Tobacco Operations (2) 48,379 1,713 1,713 9,755 8,306 5,574 Segment and consolidated totals $ 144,687 $ 97,994 $ 98,927 $ 38,379 $ 37,150 $ 34,893 Capital Expenditures Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations: North America $ 1,997 $ 3,137 $ 3,316 Other Regions (1) 28,229 22,569 21,820 Subtotal 30,226 25,706 25,136 Other Tobacco Operations (2) 5,001 13,054 8,901 Segment and consolidated totals $ 35,227 $ 38,760 $ 34,037 (1) Includes South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia regions, as well as inter-region eliminations. (2) Includes Dark Air-Cured, Oriental, and Special Services, as well as intercompany eliminations. Sales and other operating revenues, accounts receivable, goodwill and intangibles, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures include limited amounts or no amounts for Oriental because the business is accounted for on the equity method and its financial results consist principally of equity in the pretax earnings of the unconsolidated affiliate. The investment in the unconsolidated affiliate is included in segment assets and was approximately $76.4 million , $79.2 million , and $89.3 million , at March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 , respectively. (3) Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is included in segment operating income (Other Tobacco Operations segment), but is reported below consolidated operating income and excluded from that total in the consolidated statements of income. (4) Restructuring and impairment costs are excluded from segment operating income, but are included in consolidated operating income in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 4). (5) Accounts receivable, net includes allowances for doubtful accounts of approximately $2.0 million , $3.0 million and $2.0 million at March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 respectively. Accounts receivable are generally unsecured and due within 30 days.
Schedule Of Sales And Long-Lived Assets By Country	Geographic Data Sales and Other Operating Revenues Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 2019 2018 Belgium $ 361,889 $ 390,433 $ 339,391 United States 221,428 227,771 249,281 China 105,683 115,174 120,859 Germany 104,525 166,397 114,386 Poland 84,011 145,478 110,445 Indonesia 80,891 104,268 73,544 Philippines 68,143 69,820 52,902 All other countries 883,409 1,007,812 973,139 Consolidated total $ 1,909,979 $ 2,227,153 $ 2,033,947 Long-Lived Assets March 31, 2020 2019 2018 United States $ 145,764 $ 81,270 $ 88,196 Brazil 138,157 139,624 141,087 Mozambique 42,964 45,051 47,800 All other countries 132,955 134,543 145,638 Consolidated total $ 459,840 $ 400,488 $ 422,721

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the changes in the balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 : Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in thousands of dollars) 2020 2019 2018 Foreign currency translation: Balance at beginning of year $ (40,101 ) $ (23,942 ) $ (33,138 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation: Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation (net of tax (expense) benefit of $180 in 2020 and $(5,806) in 2018) (3,066 ) (16,316 ) 14,162 Less: Net loss on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests 244 157 372 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes (2,822 ) (16,159 ) 14,534 Other changes: Reclassification to retained earnings (5) — — (5,338 ) Balance at end of year $ (42,923 ) $ (40,101 ) $ (23,942 ) Foreign currency hedge: Balance at beginning of year $ (376 ) $ (35 ) $ (258 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation: Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $2,880, $602, and $(944)) (12,391 ) (6,490 ) 1,416 Reclassification of net (gain) loss to earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $136, $(640), and $827) (1) 541 6,149 (1,193 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes (11,850 ) (341 ) 223 Balance at end of year $ (12,226 ) $ (376 ) $ (35 ) Interest rate hedge: Balance at beginning of year $ (934 ) $ 6,528 $ 1,398 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation: Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $6,801, $1,574, and $(1,182) (25,588 ) (5,922 ) 3,687 Reclassification of net (gain) loss to earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $234, $409, and $(433)) (2) (880 ) (1,540 ) 811 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes (26,468 ) (7,462 ) 4,498 Other changes: Reclassification to retained earnings (5) — — 632 Balance at end of year $ (27,402 ) $ (934 ) $ 6,528 Pension and other postretirement benefit plans: Balance at beginning of year $ (54,280 ) $ (42,615 ) $ (37,561 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation: Net gain (loss) arising during the year (net of tax (expense) benefit of $4,715, $4,073, and $(527)) (3) (16,810 ) (13,927 ) 295 Amortization included in earnings (net of tax benefit of $(554), $(628), and $(933)) (4) 2,044 2,262 2,318 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes (14,766 ) (11,665 ) 2,613 Other changes: Reclassification to retained earnings (5) — — (7,667 ) Balance at end of year $ (69,046 ) $ (54,280 ) $ (42,615 ) Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of year $ (151,597 ) $ (95,691 ) $ (60,064 ) (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 11 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 for open interest rate swap agreements, or as amortized to interest expense over the period to original maturity for terminated swap agreements. See Note 11 for additional information. (3) These items arise from the remeasurement of the assets and liabilities of the Company's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Those remeasurements are made on an annual basis at the end of the fiscal year. See Note 13 for additional information. (4) This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 13 for additional information. (5) In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update 2018-02, which addressed the disproportionate income tax effects on pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) arising from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. With the adoption of ASU 2018-02, the disproportionate tax effects were reclassified to retained earnings, and the resulting tax effects remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reflective of the rates which those amounts will ultimately be taxed.

Unaudited Quarterly Financial_2

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2020 Operating Results: Sales and other operating revenues $ 296,915 $ 475,921 $ 505,049 $ 632,094 Gross profit 58,650 96,029 92,973 109,160 Net income 895 29,747 29,318 18,043 Net income attributable to Universal Corporation 2,072 28,077 25,966 15,565 Earnings per common share: Basic 0.08 1.12 1.04 0.63 Diluted 0.08 1.11 1.04 0.63 Cash Dividends Declared: Per share of common stock 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.76 Market Price Range of Common Stock: High 60.94 62.70 57.06 58.14 Low 51.02 49.39 50.27 38.58 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2019 Operating Results: Sales and other operating revenues $ 379,719 $ 539,604 $ 636,107 $ 671,723 Gross profit 72,221 99,460 115,430 119,480 Net income 11,060 34,293 31,089 33,692 Net income attributable to Universal Corporation 13,179 31,446 28,135 31,361 Earnings per common share: Basic 0.53 1.25 1.12 1.25 Diluted 0.52 1.24 1.11 1.24 Cash Dividends Declared: Per share of common stock 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 Market Price Range of Common Stock: High 68.25 71.60 76.98 60.67 Low 46.40 55.66 53.03 52.60 Note: Earnings per share amounts for each fiscal year may not equal the total of the four quarterly amounts due to differences in weighted-average outstanding shares for the respective periods.

Nature Of Operations And Sign_4

Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of countries in which entity operates		30
Dividends received on equity method investments	[1]	$ 3,922,000	$ 7,517,000	$ 5,541,000
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests				600,000
Advances to suppliers, current and non-current		153,000,000	129,000,000
Valuation allowance amount related to advances to suppliers		16,000,000	18,000,000
Provision (recoveries) for loss on uncollectible advances to suppliers		1,000,000	(2,300,000)	3,700,000
Advances to suppliers on which interest has been discontinued		5,000,000	6,000,000
Aggregate balance of recoverable value added tax credits		52,000,000	53,000,000
Valuation allowance on recoverable value added tax credits		19,000,000	17,000,000
Interest costs capitalized		0	0	0
Foreign currency remeasurement gain (loss)		16,400,000	1,800,000	(200,000)
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)		$ 2,900,000	4,300,000	100,000
Percentage of revenue earned from processing tobacco owned by customers		5.00%
Adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update			(1,934,000)	0
Operating lease right-of-use assets		$ 39,256,000	0
Operating Lease, Liability		35,716,000
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update				12,400,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update		(1,900,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Operating lease right-of-use assets		36,600,000
Operating Lease, Liability		34,200,000
Zimbabwe [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Investment in deconsolidated subsidiary		0	0
Net foreign currency translation loss		$ 7,200,000
Minimum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		15 years
Minimum [Member] | Processing And Packing Machinery [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		3 years
Minimum [Member] | Transport Equipment [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		3 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer Equipment [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		3 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		40 years
Maximum [Member] | Processing And Packing Machinery [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		11 years
Maximum [Member] | Transport Equipment [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		10 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer Equipment [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		12 years
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update				(12,373,000)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update			$ (1,934,000)	$ 12,373,000
[1]	In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates accounted for on the equity method that represent a return on capital (i.e., a return of earnings on a cumulative basis) are presented as operating cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Nature Of Operations And Sign_5

Nature Of Operations And Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation Of Equity In Unconsolidated Affiliates) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Equity in pretax earnings reported in the consolidated statements of income	[1]	$ 4,211	$ 5,299	$ 9,125
Less: Equity in income taxes		(1,390)	(1,441)	(2,063)
Equity in net income		2,821	3,858	7,062
Less: Dividends received on investments	[2]	3,922	7,517	5,541
Equity in net income, net of dividends, reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows		$ (1,101)	$ (3,659)	$ 1,521
[1]	Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is included in segment operating income (Other Tobacco Operations segment), but is reported below consolidated operating income and excluded from that total in the consolidated statements of income.
[2]	In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates accounted for on the equity method that represent a return on capital (i.e., a return of earnings on a cumulative basis) are presented as operating cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Business Combinations Busines_2

Business Combinations Business Combinations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business acquisition percentage of capital stock acquired	100.00%
Purchase of business, net of cash held by the business	$ 80,180	$ 0	$ 0
Contingent consideration payments	25,000
Working capital adjustments	3,800
Fair value contingent consideration liability	6,705	$ 0	$ 0
Acquisition-related transaction costs	$ (4,700)

Business Combinations Busines_3

Business Combinations Business Combinations Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 126,826	$ 97,907	$ 98,807
FruitSmart, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,298
Accounts receivable	7,707
Inventory	23,793
Other current assets	310
Property, plant and equipment	23,400
Customer relationships	9,500
Developed technology	4,800
Trade names	3,300
Noncompetition agreements	1,000
Goodwill	28,863
Total assets acquired	103,971
Current liabilities	8,262
Deferred income taxes	9,004
Total liabilities assumed	17,266
Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed	$ 86,705

Revenue from Contracts with C_3

Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contract with Customers (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Five largest customers [Member]
Revenues	$ 0.70
Philip Morris International Inc [Member]
Revenues	500,000,000	$ 650,000,000	$ 520,000,000
Imperial Tobacco Group Plc [Member]
Revenues	320,000,000	360,000,000	270,000,000
British American Tobacco Plc [Member]
Revenues	$ 190,000,000	$ 270,000,000	$ 230,000,000

Revenue from Contracts with C_4

Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contract with Customer (Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									$ 1,891,877	$ 2,213,126	$ 2,018,924
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 632,094	$ 505,049	$ 475,921	$ 296,915	$ 671,723	$ 636,107	$ 539,604	$ 379,719	1,909,979	2,227,153	2,033,947
Tobacco sales [Member] [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									1,759,769	2,089,770	1,898,303
Processing revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									76,123	85,426	78,042
Other sales and revenue [Member] [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									55,985	37,930	42,579
Other operating revenues									$ 18,102	$ 14,027	$ 15,023

Restructuring Costs (Narrative)

Restructuring Costs (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill Impairment	$ 0	$ 889
Restructuring and impairment costs	7,543	20,304	$ 0
Africa
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee termination benefits	1,800
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	1,300
NORTH CAROLINA
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee termination benefits	$ 3,400
Non-US [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and impairment costs		900
Tanzania
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee termination benefits		4,000
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use		14,600
Goodwill Impairment		$ 900

Restructuring Costs (Cumulative

Restructuring Costs (Cumulative Restructuring Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$ 5,356	$ 4,831
Asset impairment charges	2,187	15,473
Goodwill Impairment	0	889
Restructuring and impairment costs	7,543	20,304	$ 0
Employee Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee termination benefits	5,356	4,608
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other restructuring costs	0	223
Farmer loans and property and equipment	$ 2,187	$ 14,584

Restructuring Costs (Reconcilia

Restructuring Costs (Reconciliation Of Company's Liability For The Restructuring Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$ 5,356	$ 4,831
Payments	(2,787)	(4,014)	$ (315)
Balance	3,415	846	29	$ 344
Employee Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee termination benefits	5,356	4,608
Payments	(2,564)	(4,014)	(272)
Balance	3,415	623	29	301
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other restructuring costs	0	223
Payments	(223)	0	(43)
Balance	$ 0	$ 223	$ 0	$ 43

Earnings Per Share Earnings Per

Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	656,820	30,777	403,624
Stock Repurchased And Retired During Period Value Retained Earnings		$ 1,046	$ 16,468

Earnings Per Share (Computation

Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$ 15,565	$ 25,966	$ 28,077	$ 2,072	$ 31,361	$ 28,135	$ 31,446	$ 13,179	$ 71,680	$ 104,121	$ 105,662
Denominator for basic earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding									24,982,259	25,129,192	25,274,975
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.63	$ 1.04	$ 1.12	$ 0.08	$ 1.25	$ 1.12	$ 1.25	$ 0.53	$ 2.87	$ 4.14	$ 4.18
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation									$ 71,680	$ 104,121	$ 105,662
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding									24,982,259	25,129,192	25,274,975
Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion or exercise assumed) Employee share-based awards									124,092	201,245	233,169
Denominator for diluted earnings per share									25,106,351	25,330,437	25,508,144
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.63	$ 1.04	$ 1.11	$ 0.08	$ 1.24	$ 1.11	$ 1.24	$ 0.52	$ 2.86	$ 4.11	$ 4.14

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	21.00%	21.00%	31.50%
Income taxes	$ 35,288	$ 41,188	$ 50,509
Transfer pricing matter tax resolution additional tax expense	$ 4,369	$ 2,169	$ 1,310
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	31.10%	27.20%	30.30%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Holiday, Amount	$ 7,800
Reversal of dividend withholding tax due to foreign subsidiary tax holiday	0.00%	(5.10%)	0.00%
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 0
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	2,300
Liability where a significant change in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible	100
Tax settlement	8,948	$ 0	$ 0
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle		(1,934)	$ 0
Transfer pricing issue [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Transfer pricing matter tax resolution additional tax expense	$ 2,800
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	2.40%
Tax settlement	$ 8,900
Accrued Income Taxes	$ 4,500
Minimum [Member] | State And Foreign Jurisdictions [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Open tax years	3 years
Maximum [Member] | State And Foreign Jurisdictions [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Open tax years	6 years
Prior to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent			35.00%
Subsequent to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent			21.00%
Deferred tax liabilities			$ 0
Income taxes			4,500
Net Income [Member] | Subsequent to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability			7,800
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			(12,400)
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle			(12,373)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle		$ (1,934)	$ 12,373

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States, current	$ 2,001	$ (2,639)	$ 1,110
State and local, current	92	377	175
Foreign, current	41,892	39,578	60,356
Total, current	43,985	37,316	61,641
United States, deferred	3,735	5,713	(20,052)
State and local, deferred	(16)	(4)	68
Foreign, deferred	(12,416)	(1,837)	8,852
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(8,697)	3,872	(11,132)
Total	$ 35,288	$ 41,188	$ 50,509

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effec

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory tax rate	21.00%	21.00%	31.50%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	0.10%	0.20%	0.10%
Dividends received from deconsolidated operations	0.00%	0.00%	(1.40%)
Foreign earnings taxed at rates other than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate	(2.00%)	7.10%	2.80%
Foreign dividend withholding taxes	5.10%	3.70%	(0.20%)
Reversal of dividend withholding tax due to foreign subsidiary tax holiday	0.00%	(5.10%)	0.00%
Adjustment of deferred tax assets and liabilities to lower tax rate	0.00%	0.00%	4.60%
Reduction of U.S. tax liability on undistributed foreign earnings to amounts payable under one-time transition tax	0.00%	0.00%	(8.30%)
Changes in uncertain tax positions	5.60%	1.40%	0.80%
Other	1.30%	(1.10%)	0.40%
Effective income tax rate	31.10%	27.20%	30.30%

Income Taxes (Schedule Of U.S.

Income Taxes (Schedule Of U.S. And Foreign Components Of Income Before Income Taxes And Other Items) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ 22,916	$ 37,478	$ 10,442
Foreign	90,375	113,844	156,235
Total	$ 113,291	$ 151,322	$ 166,677

Income Taxes (Schedule of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Foreign withholding taxes	$ 19,870	$ 20,659
Property, plant and equipment	10,078	4,627
Undistributed earnings	7,298	6,579
Operating lease right-of-use liabilities	9,877	0
Goodwill and other intangible assets	23,435	19,529
All other	4,813	2,461
Total deferred tax liabilities	75,371	53,855
Employee benefit plans	22,773	20,467
Reserves and accruals	7,708	7,898
Deferred income	4,833	3,829
Operating lease right-of-use liabilities	9,650	0
Currency translation losses of foreign subsidiaries	2,173	1,993
Local currency exchange losses of foreign subsidiaries	8,360	1,252
Interest rate swap	7,284	248
All other	7,464	4,739
Total deferred tax assets	70,245	40,426
Valuation allowance	(3,394)	(1,798)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 66,851	$ 38,628

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Combi

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Combined Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Allocable To Continuing Operations, Other Comprehensive Income, And Adjustments To Shareholders' Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Continuing operations	$ 35,288	$ 41,188	$ 50,509
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(14,392)	(5,390)	23,471
Total	$ 20,896	$ 35,798	$ 73,980

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of the Gross Liability For Uncertain Tax Positions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Liability for uncertain tax positions, beginning of year	$ 5,625	$ 3,673	$ 2,426
Additions: Related to tax positions for the current year	1,746	85	107
Additions: Related to tax positions for prior years	4,369	2,169	1,310
Reductions: Due to lapses of statutes of limitations	(81)	(90)	(104)
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	(8,948)	0	0
Reductions: Effect of currency rate movement	(334)	(212)	(66)
Liability for uncertain tax positions, end of year	$ 2,377	$ 5,625	$ 3,673

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Line Items]
Business acquisition percentage of capital stock acquired	100.00%
Purchase of business, net of cash held by the business	$ 80,180	$ 0	$ 0
Contingent consideration payments	25,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	28,863	0
Goodwill	126,826	97,907	$ 98,807
Goodwill Impairment	0	(889)
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 800	100
FruitSmart, Inc. [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Business acquisition percentage of capital stock acquired	100.00%
Purchase of business, net of cash held by the business	$ 80,000
Contingent consideration payments	25,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	28,900
Goodwill	28,863
Business combination finite-lived intangibles	$ 18,600
Tanzania
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Impairment		$ (900)

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Change in Goodwill Balance (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 97,907	$ 98,807
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	28,863	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	56	(11)
Goodwill Impairment	0	(889)
Balance at end of year	$ 126,826	97,907
Tanzania
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill Impairment		$ (900)

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	$ 19,257	$ 761
Accumulated amortization	(1,396)	(674)
Net carrying value	$ 17,861	87
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	13 years
Gross carrying value	$ 9,500	0
Accumulated amortization	(183)	0
Net carrying value	$ 9,317	0
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	5 years
Gross carrying value	$ 3,300	0
Accumulated amortization	(165)	0
Net carrying value	$ 3,135	0
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	3 years
Gross carrying value	$ 4,800	0
Accumulated amortization	(400)	0
Net carrying value	$ 4,400	0
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	5 years
Gross carrying value	$ 1,000	0
Accumulated amortization	(50)	0
Net carrying value	$ 950	0
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	5 years
Gross carrying value	$ 657	761
Accumulated amortization	(598)	(674)
Net carrying value	$ 59	$ 87

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Future Amortization Expense (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 3,221
2022	3,220
2023	2,791
2024	1,590
2025 and thereafter	7,039
Total expected future amortization expense	$ 17,861	$ 87

Credit Facilities (Narrative) (

Credit Facilities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Five-year revolving credit facility	$ 430,000
Revolving credit facility, term	5 years
Amounts outstanding under line of credit facility	$ 0
Additional borrowings under present credit agreement	200,000
Outstanding uncommitted lines of credit	$ 78,033	$ 54,023
Weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings outstanding	4.20%	4.60%
Prime Rate Or One Month Libor [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Federal funds rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Uncommitted lines of credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding uncommitted lines of credit	$ 78,000	$ 54,000
Unused lines of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding uncommitted lines of credit	238,000
Five-year term [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan	$ 150,000
Number of Years of Bank Credit Agreement	5 years
Seven-year term [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan	$ 220,000
Number of Years of Bank Credit Agreement	7 years

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Medium-term notes principal amount outstanding	$ 370,000	$ 370,000
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	$ 5,400
Five-year term [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of Years of Bank Credit Agreement	5 years
Term loan	$ 150,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.94%
Seven-year term [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of Years of Bank Credit Agreement	7 years
Term loan	$ 220,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	4.26%

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Lon

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior bank term loans	$ 370,000	$ 370,000
Less: current portion	0	0
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs	(1,236)	(1,497)
Long-term debt	$ 368,764	$ 368,503

Leases of Lessees (Narrative) (

Leases of Lessees (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Operating Lease, Expense	$ 17.3	$ 16

Leases Supplemental balance she

Leases Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 39,256	$ 0
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	9,823	0
Long-term operating lease liabilities	25,893	$ 0
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 35,716

Leases Supplemental income stat

Leases Supplemental income statement information related to leases (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 19,528
Cost of goods sold [Member]
Operating Lease, Cost	10,954
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 8,574

Leases Maturities of operating

Leases Maturities of operating lease liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
2021	$ 11,317
2022	7,440
2023	6,166
2024	4,776
2025	3,928
2026 and thereafter	6,778
Total undiscounted cash flows for operating leases	40,405
Less: Imputed interest	(4,689)
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 35,716

Leases Supplemental information

Leases Supplemental information related to leases (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$ 11,983
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating leases	$ 14,957
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (years)	5 years 7 months 9 days
Weighted Average Collateralized Incremental Borrowing Rate	4.10%

Derivatives And Hedging Activ_3

Derivatives And Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives, Net, before Tax	$ (14.4)
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	5.4
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	1.4
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	8.9	$ 24.8
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	370
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ 2.5

Derivatives And Hedging Activ_4

Derivatives And Hedging Activities Notional Amount of Forward Contracts (Details) - Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 180	$ 96.7	$ 60.4
Tobacco purchases [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	123.2	76.9	43.3
Processing costs [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	35.1	19.8	17.1
Crop input sales [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 21.7	$ 0	$ 0

Derivatives And Hedging Activ_5

Derivatives And Hedging Activities (Effect Of Derivative Financial Instruments On The Consolidated Statements Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ 2,500
Derivatives Designated As Hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(32,389)	$ (7,496)	$ 4,869
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings	(1,577)	1,689	(1,244)
Amortization of Deferred Hedge Gains	2,691	260	0
Derivatives Designated As Hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Selling, General And Administrative Expenses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings from ineffective portion and early de-designation of cash flow hedges	0	0	0
Derivatives Designated As Hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] | Cost Of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(13,646)	(2,623)	(1,204)
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings	1,108	(3,034)	(1,099)
Derivatives Designated As Hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] | Selling, General And Administrative Expenses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings from ineffective portion and early de-designation of cash flow hedges	0	0	(5)
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Member] | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] | Selling, General And Administrative Expenses [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ (4,013)	$ (4,671)	$ (234)

Derivatives And Hedging Activ_6

Derivatives And Hedging Activities (Effect Of Derivative Financial Instruments On The Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives in a Fair Value Asset Position Designated as Hedging Instruments	$ 0	$ 307
Derivatives in a Fair Value Liability Position Designated as Hedging Instruments	48,630	6,351
Derivatives in a Fair Value Asset Position Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	314	233
Derivatives in a Fair Value Liability Position Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	4,375	386
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives in a Fair Value Asset Position Designated as Hedging Instruments	0	307
Derivatives in a Fair Value Asset Position Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	314	233
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] | Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives in a Fair Value Liability Position Designated as Hedging Instruments	11,467	0
Derivatives in a Fair Value Liability Position Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	4,375	386
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member] | Other Non-Current Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives in a Fair Value Asset Position Designated as Hedging Instruments	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives in a Fair Value Liability Position Designated as Hedging Instruments	$ 37,163	$ 6,351

Fair Value Measurements Fair Va

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Additions	$ 6,705	$ 0
Long-Term Debt, Fair Value	370,000	$ 370,000
Nonrecurring fair value measurements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired fixed assets	$ 17,000

Fair Value Measurements (Financ

Fair Value Measurements (Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Assets:
Money market funds	$ 4,011	$ 156,864
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans	12,635	16,315
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	314	540
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value	16,960	173,719
Liabilities:
Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers	103	803
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - short-term	4,173
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - long-term	2,532
Interest rate swap agreements	37,163	6,351
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	15,842	386
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value	59,813	7,540
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Money market funds	0	0
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans	12,635	16,315
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	0	0
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value	12,635	16,315
Liabilities:
Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers	0	0
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - short-term	0
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - long-term	0
Interest rate swap agreements	0	0
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	0	0
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Money market funds	0	0
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans	0	0
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	314	540
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value	314	540
Liabilities:
Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers	0	0
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - short-term	0
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - long-term	0
Interest rate swap agreements	37,163	6,351
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	15,842	386
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value	53,005	6,737
Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Money market funds	0	0
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans	0	0
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	0	0
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value	0	0
Liabilities:
Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers	103	803
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - short-term	4,173
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - long-term	2,532
Interest rate swap agreements	0	0
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	0	0
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value	6,808	803
Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Assets:
Money market funds	4,011	156,864
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans	0	0
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	0	0
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value	4,011	156,864
Liabilities:
Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers	0	0
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - short-term	0
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - long-term	0
Interest rate swap agreements	0	0
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	0	0
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements Fair _2

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Reconciliation of Contingent Consideration Liabilities Related to Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Balance beginning of year	$ 0	$ 0
Additions	6,705	0
Payments	0	0
Balance at end of year	$ 6,705	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements (Reconc

Fair Value Measurements (Reconciliation Of Change In Balance Of Financial Liability For Guarantees Of Bank Loans To Tobacco Growers) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 803	$ 974
Payments under the guarantees and transfers to allowance for loss on direct loans to farmers (removal of prior crop year loans from the portfolio)	(659)	(765)
Provision for loss or transfers from allowance for loss on direct loans to farmers (addition of current crop year loans)	(5)	749
Change in discount rate and estimated collection period	(7)	53
Currency remeasurement	(29)	(208)
Balance at end of year	$ 103	$ 803

Pension And Other Postretirem_3

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate	4.44%
Year that rate reaches healthcare cost trend rate	2028
Settlement cost	$ (700)
Net actuarial loss expected in net periodic benefit cost during next fiscal year	6,100
Prior service benefit expected in net periodic benefit cost during next fiscal year	$ 2,200
Percentage of total plan assets	97.00%
Percentage of total projected benefit obligation	85.00%
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost)	$ 2,700	$ 2,600	$ 2,300
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement cost	(676)	0	$ 0
Funded status of the plans, end of year	$ 48,632	$ 33,220
Percentage of funded status of plans	71.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Revised healthcare cost trend assumption	7.34%	7.60%	8.10%
Settlement cost	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Funded status of the plans, end of year	$ 26,913	$ 27,918
Percentage of funded status of plans	94.00%
ERISA Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected company contributions in next fiscal year	$ 6,000
Nonqualified Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected company contributions in next fiscal year	$ 4,000

Pension And Other Postretirem_4

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Assumptions Used To Compute Net Periodic Benefit Cost And Benefit Obligations) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rates: Benefit cost for plan year	4.00%	4.10%	4.10%
Discount rates: Benefit obligation at end of plan year	3.60%	4.00%	4.10%
Expected long-term return on plan assets: Benefit cost for plan year	6.75%	6.75%	7.00%
Salary scale: Benefit cost for plan year	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Salary scale: Benefit obligation at end of plan year	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rates: Benefit cost for plan year	3.80%	3.90%	3.90%
Discount rates: Benefit obligation at end of plan year	3.40%	3.80%	3.90%
Expected long-term return on plan assets: Benefit cost for plan year	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Salary scale: Benefit cost for plan year	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Salary scale: Benefit obligation at end of plan year	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Healthcare cost trend rate	7.34%	7.60%	8.10%

Pension And Other Postretirem_5

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, And Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year	$ 244,969
Plan assets at fair value, end of year	238,450	$ 244,969
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation				$ 281,242	$ 273,370
Projected benefit obligation	287,082	273,658	$ 273,658	287,082	278,189
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	278,189	273,658
Service cost	5,990	6,008	5,177
Interest cost	10,747	10,810	10,801
Effect of discount rate change	14,479	5,177
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(1,477)	(2,526)
Settlements	(6,038)	0
Other	1,029	7,268
Benefit payments	(15,837)	(22,206)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	287,082	278,189	273,658
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year	244,969	229,568
Actual return on plan assets	10,551	9,772
Employer contributions	6,037	29,489
Settlements	6,038	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(1,232)	(1,654)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year	238,450	244,969	229,568
Funded status of the plans, end of year	(48,632)	(33,220)
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	31,635	31,635	32,945	$ 30,282	$ 31,635
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	31,635	32,945
Service cost	199	222	229
Interest cost	1,306	1,371	1,471
Effect of discount rate change	1,326	563
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(1,012)	(447)
Settlements	0	0
Other	(744)	(126)
Benefit payments	(2,428)	(2,893)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	30,282	31,635	32,945
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year	3,717	3,467
Actual return on plan assets	152	150
Employer contributions	1,928	2,993
Settlements	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0	0
Plan assets at fair value, end of year	3,369	3,717	$ 3,467
Funded status of the plans, end of year	$ (26,913)	$ (27,918)

Pension And Other Postretirem_6

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Funded Status In Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-current liability (reported as pensions and other postretirement benefits)	$ (70,680)	$ (59,257)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-current asset (included in other noncurrent assets)	346	1,837
Current liability (included in accounts payable and accrued expenses)	(2,978)	(1,490)
Non-current liability (reported as pensions and other postretirement benefits)	(46,000)	(33,567)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets	(48,632)	(33,220)
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-current asset (included in other noncurrent assets)	0	0
Current liability (included in accounts payable and accrued expenses)	(2,233)	(2,228)
Non-current liability (reported as pensions and other postretirement benefits)	(24,680)	(25,690)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets	$ (26,913)	$ (27,918)

Pension And Other Postretirem_7

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Additional Information On Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Pension Benefits [Member]
For Plans With A Projected Benefit Obligation In Excess Of Plan Assets:
Aggregate projected benefit obligation (PBO)	$ 284,327	$ 269,622
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	235,349	234,565
For Plans With An Accumulated Benefit Obligation In Excess Of Plan Assets:
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation (ABO)	278,515	35,070
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	235,349	4,023
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
For Plans With A Projected Benefit Obligation In Excess Of Plan Assets:
Aggregate projected benefit obligation (PBO)	30,282	31,635
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	$ 3,369	$ 3,717

Pension And Other Postretirem_8

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Components Of Company's Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement cost	$ 700
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	5,990	$ 6,008	$ 5,177
Interest cost	10,747	10,810	10,801
Expected return on plan assets	(16,671)	(15,695)	(15,962)
Settlement cost	676	0	0
Net amortization and deferral	3,709	3,491	3,735
Net periodic benefit cost	4,451	4,614	3,751
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	199	222	229
Interest cost	1,306	1,371	1,471
Expected return on plan assets	(106)	(99)	(87)
Settlement cost	0	0	0
Net amortization and deferral	(647)	(710)	(620)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 752	$ 784	$ 993

Pension And Other Postretirem_9

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) On Pretax Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year	$ 81,502	$ 69,333
Losses (gains) arising during the year	21,838	17,884
Settlement	529	0
Amortization included in net periodic benefit cost during the year	5,786	5,715
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year	97,025	81,502
Prior service cost (benefit), beginning of year	(7,479)	(9,703)
Amortization included in net periodic benefit cost during the year	2,077	2,224
Prior service cost (benefit), end of year	(5,402)	(7,479)
Total amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year, before income taxes	91,623	74,023
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year	(6,201)	(7,247)
Losses (gains) arising during the year	302	513
Settlement	0	0
Amortization included in net periodic benefit cost during the year	(534)	(533)
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year	(5,365)	(6,201)
Prior service cost (benefit), beginning of year	(766)	(965)
Amortization included in net periodic benefit cost during the year	202	199
Prior service cost (benefit), end of year	(564)	(766)
Total amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year, before income taxes	$ (5,929)	$ (6,967)

Pension And Other Postretire_10

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Weighted-Average Target Pension Asset Allocation And Target Ranges By Major Asset Category) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	100.00%
Actual Allocation	100.00%	100.00%
Domestic Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	29.00%
Actual Allocation	25.40%	31.20%
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	19.00%
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	39.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	66.00%
Actual Allocation	70.30%	64.80%
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	56.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	76.00%
Real Estate Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	5.00%
Actual Allocation	4.30%	4.00%
Real Estate Funds [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	0.00%
Real Estate Funds [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	10.00%

Pension And Other Postretire_11

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
2021	$ 17,561
2022	19,620
2023	17,326
2024	17,992
2025	17,774
2026 - 2030	89,919
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
2021	2,668
2022	2,545
2023	2,445
2024	2,346
2025	2,246
2026 - 2030	$ 9,672

Pension And Other Postretire_12

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Fair Values Of Assets Under Fair Value Hierarchy) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	$ 238,450	$ 244,969
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	58,204	71,561
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	170,436	164,222	[1]
Alternative Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	9,810	9,186
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	220,871	221,359
Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	58,204	71,561
Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	162,667	149,798	[1]
Level 1 [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	3,101	10,399
Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	3,101	10,399	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	14,478	13,211
Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	4,668	4,025	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total investments	$ 9,810	$ 9,186
[1]	Includes high yield securities and cash and cash equivalent balances.

Common And Preferred Stock (Nar

Common And Preferred Stock (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract]
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	24,421,835	24,989,946	24,930,725	25,274,506
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 100
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 56

Common And Preferred Stock (Sch

Common And Preferred Stock (Schedule Of Repurchases Of Shares) (Details) - Common Stock [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	656,820	30,777	403,624
Cost of shares repurchased (in thousands of dollars)	$ 33,457	$ 1,443	$ 21,610
Weighted-average cost per share	$ 50.94	$ 46.87	$ 53.54

Executive Stock Plans And Sto_3

Executive Stock Plans And Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized | shares	1,000,000
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based awards | $	$ 4.6
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based awards, weighted-average period expected to recognized	1 year 2 months 12 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period, in years	5 years
Performance Share Awards Psas [Member
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period, in years	3 years
Performance Share Awards Psas [Member | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of award grant paid	0.00%
Performance Share Awards Psas [Member | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of award grant paid	150.00%
Plans Before Fiscal 2020 [Member] | Outside Directors [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period, in years	3 years
Plans After Fiscal 2020 [Member] | Outside Directors [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period, in years	1 year

Executive Stock Plans And Sto_4

Executive Stock Plans And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of RSU, Restricted Stock, And PSA Activity) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2016
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares	85,463	87,621	72,032
Vested, Shares	(74,518)	(99,549)	(60,751)
Forfeited, Shares	0	0	0
Unvested at end of year, Shares	335,936	324,991	336,919	325,638
Granted, Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 56.39	$ 64.53	$ 64.13
Vested, Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	54.20	59.09	45.51
Forfeited, Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	0	0	0
Unvested at end of year, Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 57.89	$ 57.12	$ 55.77	$ 52.01
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares	0	0	0
Vested, Shares	0	(8,950)	0
Forfeited, Shares	0	0	0
Unvested at end of year, Shares	21,250	21,250	30,200	30,200
Granted, Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Vested, Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	0	44.25	0
Forfeited, Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	0	0	0
Unvested at end of year, Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 41.58	$ 41.58	$ 42.37	$ 42.37
Performance Share Awards Psas [Member
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares	60,728	54,800	39,100
Vested, Shares	(67,402)	(49,092)	(41,667)
Forfeited, Shares	0	(9,834)	(6,783)
Unvested at end of year, Shares	140,200	146,874	151,000	160,350
Granted, Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 50.16	$ 57.12	$ 60.37
Vested, Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	49.17	45.06	46.41
Forfeited, Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	0	45.55	46.41
Unvested at end of year, Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 55.73	$ 55.12	$ 50.50	$ 46.86

Executive Stock Plans And Sto_5

Executive Stock Plans And Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Expense And Related Income Tax Benefit Recognized) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 5,631	$ 8,152	$ 7,610
Income tax benefit recorded on stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,182	$ 1,712	$ 2,397

Commitments And Other Matters (

Commitments And Other Matters (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Total amount of advances funded towards tobacco purchase	$ 134,000,000
Commitments relating to agricultural materials,capital expenditures	52,000,000
Face amount of guarantee including unpaid accrued interest	3,000,000	$ 17,000,000
Fair value of the guarantees	100,000	$ 1,000,000
Other contingent liabilities	$ 1,000,000
Crop supply agreement, term	2 years
The Company and subsidiary [Member]
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Unfair benefit from green tobacco purchase contract	$ 105,000
Fines imposed by FCC	197,000,000
The customer and subsidiary [Member]
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Fines imposed by FCC	1,000,000,000
Cooperatives under contract [Member]
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Growers cooperative	4
Total Cooperatives [Member]
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Growers cooperative	400
Santa Catarina [Member]
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Brazil Audit Assessment For Tax, Penalties, And Interest On Recoverable Value Added Tax Credits	8,000,000
Reduction of Brazil Audit Assessment For Tax, Penalties, And Interest On Recoverable Value Added Tax Credits	9,000,000
Santa Catarina [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss on remaining VAT audit assessment	0
Santa Catarina [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss on remaining VAT audit assessment	9,000,000
Parana [Member]
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Brazil Audit Assessment For Tax, Penalties, And Interest On Recoverable Value Added Tax Credits	11,000,000
Reduction of Brazil Audit Assessment For Tax, Penalties, And Interest On Recoverable Value Added Tax Credits	3,000,000
Parana [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss on remaining VAT audit assessment	0
Parana [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss on remaining VAT audit assessment	3,000,000
Next Fiscal Year [Member]
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Tobacco purchase contracts	378,000,000
After Next Fiscal Year [Member]
Commitments And Other Matters [Line Items]
Tobacco purchase contracts	$ 88,000,000

Operating Segments (Narrative)

Operating Segments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Ownership percentage in affiliate	49.00%
Number of regional operating segments	5
Number of regions into a single reporting segment	4
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	$ 76.4	$ 79.2	$ 89.3
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	$ 2	$ 3	$ 2
Due Period Of Accounts Receivables	30 days

Operating Segments (Operating R

Operating Segments (Operating Results For The Company's Reportable Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues		$ 632,094	$ 505,049	$ 475,921	$ 296,915	$ 671,723	$ 636,107	$ 539,604	$ 379,719	$ 1,909,979	$ 2,227,153	$ 2,033,947
Operating Income										126,367	161,169	170,825
Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	[1]									(4,211)	(5,299)	(9,125)
Restructuring and impairment costs	[2]									(7,543)	(20,304)	0
Segment Assets		2,120,921				2,133,184				2,120,921	2,133,184	2,168,632
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss	[3]	340,711				368,110				340,711	368,110	377,119
Goodwill and other intangibles, net		144,687				97,994				144,687	97,994	98,927
Depreciation and Amortization										38,379	37,150	34,893
Capital Expenditures										35,227	38,760	34,037
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current		2,000				3,000				$ 2,000	3,000	2,000
Due Period Of Accounts Receivables										30 days
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues										$ 1,909,979	2,227,153	2,033,947
Operating Income										138,121	186,772	179,950
Flue-Cured And Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues										1,608,686	1,952,369	1,790,879
Operating Income										119,119	174,596	169,852
Segment Assets		1,626,534				1,767,164				1,626,534	1,767,164	1,829,633
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss	[3]	283,930				327,381				283,930	327,381	340,939
Goodwill and other intangibles, net		96,308				96,281				96,308	96,281	97,214
Depreciation and Amortization										28,624	28,844	29,319
Capital Expenditures										30,226	25,706	25,136
Flue-Cured And Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations [Member] | North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues										236,262	382,631	308,691
Operating Income										8,353	23,069	23,091
Segment Assets		290,720				294,064				290,720	294,064	368,672
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss	[3]	33,232				31,939				33,232	31,939	44,726
Goodwill and other intangibles, net		0				0				0	0	0
Depreciation and Amortization										4,413	4,756	4,772
Capital Expenditures										1,997	3,137	3,316
Flue-Cured And Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations [Member] | Other Regions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues	[4]									1,372,424	1,569,738	1,482,188
Operating Income	[4]									110,766	151,527	146,761
Segment Assets	[4]	1,335,814				1,473,100				1,335,814	1,473,100	1,460,961
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss	[3]	250,698				295,442				250,698	295,442	296,213
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	[4]	96,308				96,281				96,308	96,281	97,214
Depreciation and Amortization	[4]									24,211	24,088	24,547
Capital Expenditures	[4]									28,229	22,569	21,820
Other Tobacco Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues	[5]									301,293	274,784	243,068
Operating Income	[5]									19,002	12,176	10,098
Segment Assets	[5]	494,387				366,020				494,387	366,020	338,999
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss	[3]	56,781				40,729				56,781	40,729	36,180
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	[5]	$ 48,379				$ 1,713				48,379	1,713	1,713
Depreciation and Amortization	[5]									9,755	8,306	5,574
Capital Expenditures	[5]									$ 5,001	$ 13,054	$ 8,901
[1]	Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is included in segment operating income (Other Tobacco Operations segment), but is reported below consolidated operating income and excluded from that total in the consolidated statements of income.
[2]	Restructuring and impairment costs are excluded from segment operating income, but are included in consolidated operating income in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 4)
[3]	Accounts receivable, net includes allowances for doubtful accounts of approximately $2.0 million , $3.0 million and $2.0 million at March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 respectively. Accounts receivable are generally unsecured and due within 30 days.
[4]	Includes South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia regions, as well as inter-region eliminations.
[5]	Includes Dark Air-Cured, Oriental, and Special Services, as well as intercompany eliminations. Sales and other operating revenues, accounts receivable, goodwill and intangibles, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures include limited amounts or no amounts for Oriental because the business is accounted for on the equity method and its financial results consist principally of equity in the pretax earnings of the unconsolidated affiliate. The investment in the unconsolidated affiliate is included in segment assets and was approximately $76.4 million , $79.2 million , and $89.3 million , at March 31, 2020 , 2019 , and 2018 , respectively.

Operating Segments (Schedule Of

Operating Segments (Schedule Of Sales And Long-Lived Assets By Country) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 632,094	$ 505,049	$ 475,921	$ 296,915	$ 671,723	$ 636,107	$ 539,604	$ 379,719	$ 1,909,979	$ 2,227,153	$ 2,033,947
Long-Lived Assets	459,840				400,488				459,840	400,488	422,721
Belgium [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues									361,889	390,433	339,391
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues									221,428	227,771	249,281
Long-Lived Assets	145,764				81,270				145,764	81,270	88,196
China [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues									105,683	115,174	120,859
Germany [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues									104,525	166,397	114,386
Poland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues									84,011	145,478	110,445
Indonesia (Member)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues									80,891	104,268	73,544
Philippines
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues									68,143	69,820	52,902
Brazil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	138,157				139,624				138,157	139,624	141,087
Mozambique [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	42,964				45,051				42,964	45,051	47,800
All Other Countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other operating revenues									883,409	1,007,812	973,139
Long-Lived Assets	$ 132,955				$ 134,543				$ 132,955	$ 134,543	$ 145,638

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of income taxes		$ (3,066)	$ (16,316)	$ 14,162
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes		(14,766)	(11,665)	2,613
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period		(151,597)	(95,691)	(60,064)
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(11,850)	(341)	223
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(26,468)	(7,462)	4,498
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(40,101)	(23,942)	(33,138)
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of income taxes		(3,066)	(16,316)	14,162
Less: Net loss (gain) on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests		244	157	372
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(2,822)	(16,159)	14,534
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	0	0	(5,338)
Balance at end of period		(42,923)	(40,101)	(23,942)
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	0	0	(5,338)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	0	0	(5,338)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation		180	0	(5,806)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(376)	(35)	(258)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		(12,391)	(6,490)	1,416
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	[2]	541	6,149	(1,193)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(11,850)	(341)	223
Balance at end of period		(12,226)	(376)	(35)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments		2,880	602	(944)
Taxes on reclassifications to net income		136	(640)	827
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	0	0	632
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(934)	6,528	1,398
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		(25,588)	(5,922)	3,687
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	[3]	(880)	(1,540)	811
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		(26,468)	(7,462)	4,498
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	0	0	632
Balance at end of period		(27,402)	(934)	6,528
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	0	0	632
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments		6,801	1,574	(1,182)
Taxes on reclassifications to net income		234	409	(433)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	0	0	(7,667)
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	0	0	(7,667)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(54,280)	(42,615)	(37,561)
Gains arising during period, net of income taxes	[4]	(16,810)	(13,927)	295
Amortization included in earnings, net of income taxes	[5]	2,044	2,262	2,318
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes		(14,766)	(11,665)	2,613
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	0	0	(7,667)
Balance at end of period		(69,046)	(54,280)	(42,615)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on losses (gains) arising during the period		4,715	4,073	(527)
Taxes on amortization included in net income		$ (554)	$ (628)	$ (933)
[1]	In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update 2018-02, which addressed the disproportionate income tax effects on pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) arising from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. With the adoption of ASU 2018-02, the disproportionate tax effects were reclassified to retained earnings, and the resulting tax effects remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reflective of the rates which those amounts will ultimately be taxed.
[2]	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 11 for additional information.
[3]	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 for open interest rate swap agreements, or as amortized to interest expense over the period to original maturity for terminated swap agreements. See Note 11 for additional information.
[4]	These items arise from the remeasurement of the assets and liabilities of the Company's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Those remeasurements are made on an annual basis at the end of the fiscal year. See Note 13 for additional information.
[5]	This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 13 for additional information.

Unaudited Quarterly Financial_3

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Acquisition-related transaction costs	$ (4,700)								$ (4,700)
Income taxes									35,288	$ 41,188	$ 50,509
Restructuring and impairment costs									(7,543)	(20,304)	0
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$ (15,565)	$ (25,966)	$ (28,077)	$ (2,072)	$ (31,361)	$ (28,135)	$ (31,446)	$ (13,179)	$ (71,680)	$ (104,121)	$ (105,662)
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.63	$ 1.04	$ 1.11	$ 0.08	$ 1.24	$ 1.11	$ 1.24	$ 0.52	$ 2.86	$ 4.11	$ 4.14
Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges									$ (2,187)	$ (15,473)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Holiday, Amount									$ 7,800
Tanzania
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation						$ 15,800
Diluted earnings per share						$ (0.62)
Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges						$ (19,400)
All Other Countries [Member]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Restructuring and impairment costs					$ (900)
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation					$ 600
Diluted earnings per share					$ (0.02)
North America [Member]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Restructuring and impairment costs	$ (7,500)
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$ 6,300
Diluted earnings per share	$ (0.25)
Tax benefit - dividend tax reversal [Member]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Diluted earnings per share							$ 0.03	$ 0.27
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Holiday, Amount							$ 900	$ 6,900
Settlement with Taxing Authority [Member]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Income taxes				$ (2,800)
Diluted earnings per share				$ (0.11)
FruitSmart, Inc. [Member]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Acquisition-related transaction costs		$ (1,000)	$ (900)
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$ (2,800)
Diluted earnings per share	$ (0.11)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.04)
FruitSmart, Inc. [Member] | Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory [Member]
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$ 2,100
Diluted earnings per share	$ (0.08)

Unaudited Quarterly Financial_4

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 632,094	$ 505,049	$ 475,921	$ 296,915	$ 671,723	$ 636,107	$ 539,604	$ 379,719	$ 1,909,979	$ 2,227,153	$ 2,033,947
Gross profit	109,160	92,973	96,029	58,650	119,480	115,430	99,460	72,221
Net income	18,043	29,318	29,747	895	33,692	31,089	34,293	11,060	78,003	110,134	116,168
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$ 15,565	$ 25,966	$ 28,077	$ 2,072	$ 31,361	$ 28,135	$ 31,446	$ 13,179	$ 71,680	$ 104,121	$ 105,662
Basic	$ 0.63	$ 1.04	$ 1.12	$ 0.08	$ 1.25	$ 1.12	$ 1.25	$ 0.53	$ 2.87	$ 4.14	$ 4.18
Diluted	0.63	1.04	1.11	0.08	1.24	1.11	1.24	0.52	2.86	4.11	4.14
Common stock, cash dividends declared per share	0.76	0.76	0.76	0.76	0.75	0.75	0.75	0.75	3.04	3	$ 2.18
Market price range of common stock, high	58.14	57.06	62.70	60.94	60.67	76.98	71.60	68.25	58.14	60.67
Market price range of common stock, low	$ 38.58	$ 50.27	$ 49.39	$ 51.02	$ 52.60	$ 53.03	$ 55.66	$ 46.40	$ 38.58	$ 52.60

Schedule II - Valuation And Q_2

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 2,985	$ 1,783	$ 3,947
Net Additions (Reversals) Charged to Expense	(128)	1,358	(2,006)
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	(463)	(156)	(158)
Balance at End of Period	2,394	2,985	1,783
Allowance for supplier accounts [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	18,105	21,720	27,074
Net Additions (Reversals) Charged to Expense	937	(2,339)	3,730
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	(2,614)	(1,276)	(9,084)
Balance at End of Period	16,428	18,105	21,720
Allowance for recoverable taxes [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	17,181	14,679	12,552
Net Additions (Reversals) Charged to Expense	(2,586)	3,535	1,732
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	4,183	(1,033)	395
Balance at End of Period	$ 18,778	$ 17,181	$ 14,679