Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Changes In Stockholders Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015
Balance, beginning of period			$ 880,586	$ 834,800
Net (loss) income	$ 116,871	$ 115,700	57,201	51,376
Stock-based compensation expense			8,390	8,226
Issuance of shares under share award plan net of shares withheld for taxes			(7,286)	(3,705)
Tax benefit from share award plan			3,555	3,241
Cash dividends paid on common stock			(45,221)	(30,141)
Contributions (distributions) from/to noncontrolling interests, net			91	112
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(386)	(307)	(2,794)	(447)
Balance, end of period	854,522	863,462	854,522	863,462
Total Vail Resorts, Inc. Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Balance, beginning of period			866,568	820,843
Issuance of shares under share award plan net of shares withheld for taxes			(7,286)	(3,705)
Tax benefit from share award plan			3,555	3,241
Cash dividends paid on common stock			(45,221)	(30,141)
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(2,794)	(447)
Balance, end of period	840,607	849,503	840,607	849,503
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance, beginning of period			14,018	13,957
Contributions (distributions) from/to noncontrolling interests, net			91	112
Balance, end of period	$ 13,915	$ 13,959	$ 13,915	$ 13,959