Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Allocation Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2009
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	$ 12,493	$ 11,843	$ 10,741
Less: benefit for income taxes	4,738	4,481	4,071
Net stock-based compensation expense	7,755	7,362	6,670
Mountain Operating Expense [Member]
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	7,140	5,332	4,834
Lodging Operating Expense [Member]
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	2,088	2,010	1,778
Real Estate Operating Expense [Member]
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	$ 3,265	$ 4,501	$ 4,129