Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018
Amount outstanding in letters of credit	$ 76,500
Outstanding Letters of Credit for Acquisitions	5,000
Surety Bonds Outstanding	10,400
Holland Creek Metropolitan District [Member]
Credit-enhanced bonds issued amount	6,300
Amount outstanding in letters of credit	6,400
Red Sky Ranch Metropolitan District [Member]
Other long-term liabilities	$ 2,000	$ 2,000	$ 2,000
Estimated cessation date of capital improvement fee payment obligation	Jul. 31, 2031
Employee Housing Bonds [Member]
Amount outstanding in letters of credit	$ 53,400
Workers' Compensation and General Liability Related to Construction and Development Activities [Member]
Amount outstanding in letters of credit	$ 18,100