Schedule of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill gross, beginning balance	$ 410,720	$ 401,125
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0	0
Goodwill, beginning balance	410,720	401,125
Goodwill acquired during the year	0	0
Translation adjustments	(5,607)	4,684
Goodwill gross, ending balance	405,113	405,809
Goodwill, ending balance	405,113	405,809
Snack
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill gross, beginning balance	338,085	328,490
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0	0
Goodwill, beginning balance	338,085	328,490
Goodwill acquired during the year	0	0
Translation adjustments	(5,607)	4,684
Goodwill gross, ending balance	332,478	333,174
Goodwill, ending balance	332,478	333,174
Nuts
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill gross, beginning balance	72,635	72,635
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0	0
Goodwill, beginning balance	72,635	72,635
Goodwill acquired during the year	0	0
Translation adjustments	0	0
Goodwill gross, ending balance	72,635	72,635
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 72,635	$ 72,635