Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Changes In Total Stockholders' Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period			$ 843,719	$ 802,387
Net income (loss)	79,528	76,840	70,216	88,337
Stock-based compensation expense			9,349	9,338
Issuance of shares under share award plans, net of shares withheld for taxes			(2,661)	(656)
Tax benefit from share award plans			1,442	62
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(6,800)		(17,559)
Repurchases of common stock			(7,869)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests, net			30	393
Foreign currency translation adjustments			61
Balance, end of period	896,728	899,861	896,728	899,861
Vail Resorts Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period			829,723	788,770
Net income (loss)			70,250	88,395
Stock-based compensation expense			9,349	9,338
Issuance of shares under share award plans, net of shares withheld for taxes			(2,661)	(656)
Tax benefit from share award plans			1,442	62
Cash dividends paid on common stock			(17,559)
Repurchases of common stock			(7,869)
Foreign currency translation adjustments			61
Balance, end of period	882,736	885,909	882,736	885,909
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period			13,996	13,617
Net income (loss)			(34)	(58)
Stock-based compensation expense
Issuance of shares under share award plans, net of shares withheld for taxes
Tax benefit from share award plans
Contributions from noncontrolling interests, net			30	393
Balance, end of period	$ 13,992	$ 13,952	$ 13,992	$ 13,952