<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.8.0.1</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>214</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>232</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>66</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>10</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100010 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/StatementCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100020 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/StatementCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100030 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/StatementCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFINCOME</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100040 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/StatementCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOME</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100050 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/StatementCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100060 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100070 - Disclosure - Acquisitions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitions</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100080 - Disclosure - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCash</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100090 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100100 - Disclosure - Inventories, Net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInventoriesNet</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories, Net</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100110 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipment</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant and Equipment</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100120 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensation</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100130 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100140 - Disclosure - Dividends</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDividends</Role>
      <ShortName>Dividends</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100150 - Disclosure - Segment Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100160 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100170 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100180 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Financial Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100190 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100200 - Disclosure - Litigation and Other Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLitigationAndOtherContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Litigation and Other Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100210 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Realignment Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRestructuringAndRealignmentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Realignment Events</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100220 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitions</ParentRole>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100230 - Disclosure - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCashTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCash</ParentRole>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100240 - Disclosure - Inventories, Net (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInventoriesNetTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories, Net (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInventoriesNet</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100250 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipment</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100260 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensation</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100270 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssets</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100280 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100290 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebt</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100300 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurements</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100310 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstruments</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100320 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Realignment Events (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRestructuringAndRealignmentEventsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Realignment Events (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRestructuringAndRealignmentEvents</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100330 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100340 - Disclosure - Summary of Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities and Preliminary/Final Acquisition Accounting for Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Recognized (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfAcquiredAssetsAndAssumedLiabilitiesAndPreliminaryFinalAcquisitionAccountingForFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesRecognizedDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities and Preliminary/Final Acquisition Accounting for Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Recognized (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100350 - Disclosure - Summary of Measurement Period Adjustments Made to Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfMeasurementPeriodAdjustmentsMadeToPreliminaryPurchasePriceAllocationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Measurement Period Adjustments Made to Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100360 - Disclosure - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCashReconciliationOfCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCashDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100370 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100380 - Disclosure - Summary of Inventories, Net (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfInventoriesNetDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Inventories, Net (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100390 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Equipment and Related Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant, and Equipment and Related Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100400 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Equipment and Related Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant, and Equipment and Related Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100410 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100420 - Disclosure - Summary of Performance Based RSU Awards (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfPerformanceBasedRSUAwardsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Performance Based RSU Awards (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100430 - Disclosure - Summary of Performance Based RSU Awards (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfPerformanceBasedRSUAwardsParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Performance Based RSU Awards (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100440 - Disclosure - Summary of Activity for Time-Based Stock Awards (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfActivityForTimeBasedStockAwardsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Activity for Time-Based Stock Awards (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100450 - Disclosure - Summary of Activity for Time-Based Stock Awards (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfActivityForTimeBasedStockAwardsParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Activity for Time-Based Stock Awards (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100460 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100470 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100480 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100490 - Disclosure - Dividends - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDividendsAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Dividends - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100500 - Disclosure - Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100510 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100520 - Disclosure - Schedule of Debt (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureScheduleOfDebtDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Debt (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100530 - Disclosure - Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureScheduleOfDebtParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100540 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100550 - Disclosure - Ratio of Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRatioOfNetFundedDebtToAdjustedEBITDADetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Ratio of Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100560 - Disclosure - Ratio of Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRatioOfNetFundedDebtToAdjustedEBITDAParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Ratio of Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100570 - Disclosure - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureScheduleOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100580 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100590 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Combined Fair Value of Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments included in Accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfCombinedFairValueOfDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsIncludedInAccompanyingCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Combined Fair Value of Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments included in Accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100600 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Effects of Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instuments on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfEffectsOfDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstumentsOnCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Effects of Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instuments on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100610 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100620 - Disclosure - Litigation and Other Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLitigationAndOtherContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Litigation and Other Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100630 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Realignment Events - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRestructuringAndRealignmentEventsAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Realignment Events - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="kmg-20180131.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100640 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Realignment Events - Accrued Liability Associated with Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.kmgchemicals.com/20180131/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRestructuringAndRealignmentEventsAccruedLiabilityAssociatedWithRestructuringAndOtherRelatedChargesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Realignment Events - Accrued Liability Associated with Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>kmg-20180131.xml</File>
    <File>kmg-20180131.xsd</File>
    <File>kmg-20180131_cal.xml</File>
    <File>kmg-20180131_def.xml</File>
    <File>kmg-20180131_lab.xml</File>
    <File>kmg-20180131_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2017-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
