Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Changes In Stockholders Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Balance, beginning of period	$ 880,586	$ 834,800
Net (loss) income	(59,670)	(64,324)
Stock-based compensation expense	4,090	4,201
Issuance of shares under share award plan net of shares withheld for taxes	(6,000)	(3,186)
Tax benefit from share award plan	2,675	2,344
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(22,654)	(15,061)
Contributions (distributions) from/to noncontrolling interests, net	30	52
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,408)	(140)
Balance, end of period	756,649	758,686
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	(6,000)	(3,186)
Tax benefit from share award plan	2,675	2,344
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(22,654)	(15,061)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,408)	(140)
Balance, end of period	742,684	744,725
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance, beginning of period	14,018	13,957
Contributions (distributions) from/to noncontrolling interests, net	30	52
Balance, end of period	$ 13,965	$ 13,961