Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Allocation Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	$ 11,999	$ 12,493	$ 11,843
Less: benefit for income taxes	4,567	4,738	4,481
Net stock-based compensation expense	7,432	7,755	7,362
Mountain Operating Expense [Member]
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	7,614	7,140	5,332
Lodging Operating Expense [Member]
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	1,744	2,088	2,010
Real Estate Operating Expense [Member]
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	$ 2,641	$ 3,265	$ 4,501