Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Fair Value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable (including land held for divestiture debt), bank revolving credit facility and senior and subordinated debt
Carrying value	$ 6,815,210	$ 6,773,629
Fair Value	6,908,637	7,088,223
Fixed Rate Debt [Member]
Fair Value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable (including land held for divestiture debt), bank revolving credit facility and senior and subordinated debt
Carrying value	4,823,275	4,791,113
Fair Value	4,971,911	5,147,849
Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Fair Value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable (including land held for divestiture debt), bank revolving credit facility and senior and subordinated debt
Carrying value	1,991,935	1,982,516
Fair Value	$ 1,936,726	$ 1,940,374