Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cantel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate the adequacy of our reserves and the estimates used in calculations of reserves as well as other judgmental financial statement items, including, but not limited to: collectability of accounts receivable, volume rebates and trade-in allowances, inventory values and obsolescence reserves, warranty reserves, contingent consideration, contingent guaranteed obligations, depreciation and amortization periods, deferred income taxes, goodwill and intangible assets, impairment of long-lived assets, unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, reserves for legal exposure, stock-based compensation and expense accruals. Such estimates and assumptions are subjective in nature. We reflect such amounts based upon the most recent information available.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events We performed a review of events subsequent to July 31, 2020 through the date of issuance of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Sales are recognized as the performance obligations to deliver products or services are satisfied and are recorded based on the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for satisfying the performance obligations. Our sales continue to be recognized primarily when we transfer control to the customer, which can be on the date of shipment or on the date of receipt by the customer. Products and services are primarily transferred to customers at a point in time, with some transfers of services taking place over time. A provision for estimated sales returns, discounts and rebates is recognized as a reduction of sales in the same period that the sales are recognized. Our estimate of the provision for sales returns has been established based on contract terms with our customers and historical business practices and current trends. Shipping and handling costs incurred after the customer has obtained control of our products are treated as a fulfillment cost rather than as an additional promised service. Additionally, in certain U.S. states, we are required to collect sales taxes from our customers, and in certain international jurisdictions, we are required to collect value added taxes. The tax collected is recorded as a liability until remitted to the taxing authority. With respect to certain of our customers, rebates are provided. Such rebates, which consist primarily of volume rebates, are provided for as a reduction of sales at the time of revenue recognition. Such allowances are determined based on estimated projections of sales volume for the entire rebate periods. If it becomes known that sales volume to customers will deviate from original projections, the rebate provisions originally established would be adjusted accordingly. We also offer certain volume-based rebates to our distribution customers, which we record as variable consideration when calculating the transaction price. We use information available at the time and our historical experience with each customer to estimate the rebate amount by applying the expected value method. Such rebates, which consist primarily of volume rebates, are provided for as a reduction of sales at the time of revenue recognition, and amounted to $13,638, $9,469, and $8,401 in fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements	Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements Assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates; sales and expenses are translated using average exchange rates during the year. The cumulative effect of the translation of the accounts of the foreign subsidiaries is presented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Foreign exchange gains and losses related to the purchase of inventories denominated in foreign currencies are included in cost of sales and foreign exchange gains and losses related to the incurrence of operating costs denominated in foreign currencies and the conversion of foreign assets and liabilities into functional currencies are included in general and administrative expenses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable consist of amounts due to us from normal business activities. Allowances for doubtful accounts are reserves for the estimated loss from the inability of customers to make required payments. We use historical experience as well as current market information in determining the estimate. While actual losses have historically been within management’s expectations and provisions established, if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Alternatively, if certain customers paid their delinquent receivables, reductions in allowances may be required.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories consist of raw materials, work-in-process and finished products which are sold in the ordinary course of our business and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. In assessing the value of inventories, we must make estimates and judgments regarding reserves required for product obsolescence, aging of inventories and other issues potentially affecting the saleable condition of products. In performing such evaluations, we use historical experience as well as current market information. With few exceptions, the saleable value of our inventories has historically been within management’s expectation and provisions established, however, rapid changes in the market due to competition, technology and various other factors could impact the value of our inventories, resulting in the need for additional reserves.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repair costs are expensed. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed, the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization is removed from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in income. Depreciation and amortization is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets which generally range from 2-15 years for furniture and equipment, 3-10 years for software, 5-40 years for buildings and improvements and the shorter of the life of the asset or the life of the lease for leasehold improvements.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Certain of our identifiable intangible assets, including customer relationships, technology, trade names, brand names, non-compete agreements and patents are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives which range from 8 to 20 years. Additionally, we have recorded goodwill, trademarks, trade names and brand names, which have indefinite useful lives and are therefore not amortized. All of our intangible assets and goodwill are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, and goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment at least annually. Our management is responsible for determining if impairment exists and considers a number of factors, including third-party valuations, when making these determinations. Interim Impairment Assessment As discussed in the “COVID-19” section above, the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the global economy. As the global economic landscape changes, there is a wide range of possible outcomes regarding the nature and timing of events and reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, each of which is highly dependent on variables that are currently difficult to predict. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken actions to protect our employees, customers and other stakeholders and mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and operating results. These and additional actions can increase the costs of doing business during the pandemic and in the periods that follow, including the costs of idling and reopening certain facilities in affected areas. Further, precautionary measures taken by customers, health care patients and consumers in response to the pandemic are expected to impact the timing and amount of sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the public has been advised to (i) remain at home, (ii) limit social interaction, (iii) close non-essential businesses and (iv) postpone certain surgical and elective medical procedures in order to prioritize/conserve available health care resources. This has negatively impacted, most notably, the net sales and operating results of our Dental reporting unit as the offices of many dentists were closed and certain routine dental procedures were being deferred. Based on this assessment, we believe our sales and income from operations in this reporting unit were impacted by the pandemic during the third quarter ended April 30, 2020, and we performed an interim step one of the two-step quantitative impairment test of our Dental reporting unit. To determine the fair value of the Dental reporting unit, we used a discounted cash flow model with market-based support as its valuation technique. The discounted cash flow model used a ten-year forecasted cash flow plus a terminal value by capitalizing the last period’s cash flows using a perpetual growth rate. Our significant assumptions in the discounted cash flow model included, but were not limited to, the discount rate, revenue growth rates, gross margin percentages, terminal growth rate, operating income before depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures forecasts. We considered the current market conditions when determining these assumptions. The cash flow and sales forecasts considered the nature and timing of the expected sales declines, operating cost savings, as well as any incremental costs that we expect to incur due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunction with testing goodwill for impairment, we tested the indefinite-lived intangible assets related to the Hu-Friedy brand name within our Dental reporting unit for impairment. We performed this test using an income approach, more specifically the relief-from-royalty method. In the development of the forecasted cash flows, we applied significant judgment to determine key assumptions, including royalty rates and discount rates. Royalty rates used are consistent with those assumed for the original purchase accounting valuation. Our analysis concluded that the fair values of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets of our Dental reporting unit were not impaired as of April 30, 2020. The use of estimates and the development of assumptions result in uncertainties around forecasted revenues and cash flows. A change in any of these estimates and assumptions, as well as unfavorable changes in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, could produce a different fair value, which could have a negative impact and result in a future impairment charge that could materially impact our results of operations. Given the proximity of our annual impairment assessment date, along with the gradual recovery we noted in our Dental reporting unit’s performance during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, at a level that exceeded our previous expectations, we did not perform an additional quantitative impairment assessment at May 1, 2020, rather we qualitatively evaluated the Dental reporting unit goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were less than their respective carrying values at the annual impairment assessment date. Annual Impairment Assessment As part of our annual goodwill impairment assessment, we assess various qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount before proceeding to step one of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test, if necessary. Such qualitative factors that are assessed include evaluating a segment’s financial performance, industry and market conditions, macroeconomic conditions and specific issues that can directly affect the segment such as changes in business strategies, competition, supplier relationships, operating costs, regulatory matters, litigation and the composition of the segment’s assets due to acquisitions or other events. We decided to perform step one of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test for our Medical, Life Sciences and Dialysis reporting units as a result of the macroeconomic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily due to the deferral of elective procedures within our Medical reporting unit. In addition, our Dialysis reporting unit has continued to experience a shift by our customers from reusable to single-use dialyzers, which is having an adverse impact on our business and is expected to continue. We also performed step one of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test for our Life Sciences reporting unit as certain key customers have been moving towards a dual source approach, in combination with a cyclical downturn in this business. In performing these detailed quantitative reviews for goodwill impairment, management utilized a two-step process that began with an estimation of the fair value of the related reporting units by using weighted fair value results of the discounted cash flow methodology, as well as the market multiple and comparable transaction methodologies, where applicable. The first step is a review for potential impairment, and the second step measures the amount of impairment, if any. In addition, we perform our annual impairment review for indefinite-lived intangibles by first assessing qualitative factors, such as those described above, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of such assets is less than the carrying values, and if necessary, we perform a quantitative analysis comparing the current fair value of our indefinite-lived intangibles assets to their carrying values. We determined through qualitative factors that the fair values of our remaining indefinite-lived intangible assets were more likely than not to be greater than the carrying value, and did not perform a quantitative analysis for those assets. With respect to amortizable intangible assets when impairment indicators are present, management would determine whether expected future non-discounted cash flows would be sufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets; if not, the carrying value of the assets would be adjusted to their fair value. We did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill, definite-lived or indefinite-lived intangibles in the years presented.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets including property, equipment and other assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. An assessment is made to determine if the sum of the expected future non-discounted cash flows from the use of the assets and eventual disposition is less than the carrying value. If the sum of the expected non-discounted cash flows is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized based on fair value. Our historical assessments of our long-lived assets have not differed significantly from the actual amounts realized. However, the determination of fair value requires us to make certain assumptions and estimates and is highly subjective. On July 31, 2020, management concluded that no other events or changes in circumstances have occurred that would indicate that the carrying amount of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable.
Customer Relationship, Trade Name and Brand Name Intangible Assets	Customer Relationship Intangible Assets Customer-relationship intangible assets are valued using an income-based valuation methodology which include certain assumptions such as forecasted cash flows, customer attrition rates, terminal growth rates and discount rates. The assumptions used in the financial forecasts are based on historical data, supplemented by current and anticipated growth rates, management plans, and market-comparable information. Fair-value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. Preliminary assumptions may change and may result in significant changes to the final valuation. Trade Name and Brand Name Intangible Assets Trade name and brand name intangible assets are valued using the relief-from-royalty method, an income-based valuation methodology. This method assumes that the trade or brand name and trademarks have value to the extent that their owner is relieved of the obligation to pay royalties for the benefits received from them. The fair value determination of the trade and brand name intangible assets requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasted future cash flows, including the selection of customer attrition rates, royalty rates, terminal growth rates, and discount rates.
Debt Issuance Costs and Convertible Debt	Debt Issuance CostsDebt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the term of the related credit agreements. Convertible Debt Convertible debt that includes a cash conversion feature is allocated between a liability and an equity component. The carrying amount of the liability component is determined by measuring the fair value of a similar debt instrument of similar credit quality and maturity which does not have the conversion feature. The carrying amount of the equity component, representing an embedded conversion option, is determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the principal amount of the convertible debt as a whole. The equity component is recorded to additional paid-in capital and is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. The excess of the principal amount over the carrying amount of the liability component is recorded as a debt discount and is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method through the maturity date. In fiscal 2020, discount amortization of $1,370 was included in interest expense, net. We allocate the total amount of debt issuance costs incurred to the liability and equity components using the same proportion as the proceeds from the issuance. The debt issuance costs attributable to the liability component are recorded as a direct deduction from the liability component and will be being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method through the maturity date. Issuance costs attributable to the equity component are netted within the equity component in additional paid-in capital.
Warranties	Warranties We provide for estimated costs that may be incurred to remedy deficiencies of quality or performance of our products at the time of revenue recognition. Most of our products have a one year warranty, although certain medical and life sciences products that require installation may carry a warranty period of up to 24 months. Additionally, many of our consumables, accessories, parts and service have a 90-day warranty. We record provisions for product warranties as a component of cost of sales based upon an estimate of the amounts necessary to settle existing and future claims on products sold.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense is recognized for any option or stock award grant based upon the fair value of the award. Our stock options and time-based stock awards are subject to graded vesting in which portions of the award vest ratably over the vesting period. We recognize compensation expense for the awards with performance conditions using the accelerated attribution method over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award when it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. We record expense for the awards with market conditions ratably over the vesting period regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied. We account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate forfeitures over the course of the vesting period. We determine the fair value of each time-based stock award and performance-based stock award by using the closing market price of our common stock on the last trading date immediately prior to the date of grant. We determine the fair value of each award with market conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation model on the date of grant. We estimate the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option valuation model. The determination of fair value using valuation models is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of subjective variables. These variables may include, but are not limited to, the expected price volatility over the term of the award, the expected dividend yield, the expected term of the award, the probability of meeting performance objectives and the stock price of our peers in the S&P Healthcare Equipment Index.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Our policy is to expense advertising costs as they are incurred.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Our provision for income taxes is based on our current period income, changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities, statutory income tax rates, changes in uncertain tax benefits and the deductibility of expenses or availability of tax credits in various taxing jurisdictions. Tax laws are complex, subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the respective governmental taxing authorities and are subject to future modification, expiration or repeal by government legislative bodies. We use significant judgment on a quarterly basis in determining our annual effective income tax rate and evaluating our tax positions. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance, if necessary, based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the recorded deferred tax assets, as adjusted for valuation allowances, will be realized. Additionally, deferred tax liabilities are regularly reviewed to confirm that such amounts are appropriately stated. A review of our deferred tax items considers known future changes in various income tax rates, principally in the U.S. If income tax rates were to change in the future, particularly in the U.S. and to a lesser extent Germany, the U.K. and Italy, our items of deferred tax could be materially affected. All of such evaluations require significant management judgments. We record liabilities for an unrecognized tax benefit when a tax benefit for an uncertain tax position is taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, but is not recognized in our consolidated financial statements because it does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold that the uncertain tax position would be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority. Any adjustments upon resolution of income tax uncertainties are recognized in our results of operations. Unrecognized tax benefits are analyzed periodically and adjustments are made as events occur to warrant adjustment to the related liability. Historically, we have not had significant unrecognized tax benefits.
Newly Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Newly Adopted Accounting Standards In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “(Topic 842) Leases,” (“ASU 2016-02”). The new guidance requires the recording of assets and liabilities arising from leases on our consolidated balance sheet accompanied by enhanced qualitative and quantitative disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2018 (our fiscal year 2020), including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual period. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases,” and ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements,” in December 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20, “Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors” and in March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01, “Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements.” These ASUs provide adjustments relating to ASU 2016-02 and improvements to comparative reporting requirements for initial adoption and for separating components of a contract for lessors. We adopted the collective standard “ASC 842” using the modified retrospective transition approach with optional transition relief and recognized the cumulative effect of applying the new leasing standard to existing contracts on our consolidated balance sheet on August 1, 2019. Therefore, results for reporting periods beginning after August 1, 2019 are presented under the new leasing standard; however, the comparative prior period amounts have not been restated and continue to be reported in accordance with historic accounting under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 840. The most significant effects of adoption of the new leasing standard relate to the recognition of right-of-use assets of $35,842 and lease liabilities of $36,417 for operating leases, which we recorded on our consolidated balance sheet on August 1, 2019. Additionally, the amortization of the right-of-use assets and the cash flow impact from lease liabilities are separately disclosed in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The new leasing standard did not impact our consolidated statements of income. See Note 5, “Leases” for a discussion of the impact to the consolidated balance sheets and related disclosures. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2018-02”) to allow for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings of stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December 2017. ASU 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (our fiscal year 2020), including interim periods within that reporting period. Accordingly, we adopted ASU 2018-02 on August 1, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2018-02 did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “(Subtopic 470-20): Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options” (“ASU 2020-06”) to address the complexity associated with applying GAAP to certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The ASU includes amendments to the guidance on convertible instruments and the derivative scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity and simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments which include beneficial conversion features or cash conversion features by removing certain separation models in Subtopic 470-20. Additionally, the ASU will require entities to use the “if-converted” method when calculating diluted earnings per share for convertible instruments. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 (our fiscal year 2022), including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-06 on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The impact on our diluted earnings per share could be material upon the adoption of ASU 2020-06. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “(Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting,” (“ASU 2020-04”) to provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 is elective and applies to all entities, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 was subject to election as of March 20, 2020 and can be elected for both interim and annual periods through December 31, 2022. We plan to adopt ASU 2020-04 on August 1, 2020 (our fiscal 2021). The adoption of ASU 2020-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “(Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” (“ASU 2019-12”) to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of ASC 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 (our fiscal year 2022), including interim periods within that reporting period. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract” (“ASU 2018-15”) to help entities evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement (hosting arrangement) by providing guidance for determining when the arrangement includes a software license. ASU 2018-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal year 2021), including interim periods within that reporting period. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”) to modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal year 2021), including interim periods within that reporting period. The adoption of ASU 2018-13 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “(Topic 350) Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” (“ASU 2017-04”) to simplify the test for goodwill impairment. The revised guidance eliminates the existing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test which required an entity to compute the implied fair value of its goodwill at the testing date in order to measure the amount of the impairment charge when the fair value of the reporting unit failed Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. The guidance will be applied on a prospective basis on or after the effective date. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2019 (our fiscal year 2021) and early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” (“ASU 2016-13”) to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments in this ASU replace the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal year 2021). The adoption of ASU 2016-13 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2020

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cantel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate the adequacy of our reserves and the estimates used in calculations of reserves as well as other judgmental financial statement items, including, but not limited to: collectability of accounts receivable, volume rebates and trade-in allowances, inventory values and obsolescence reserves, warranty reserves, contingent consideration, contingent guaranteed obligations, depreciation and amortization periods, deferred income taxes, goodwill and intangible assets, impairment of long-lived assets, unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, reserves for legal exposure, stock-based compensation and expense accruals. Such estimates and assumptions are subjective in nature. We reflect such amounts based upon the most recent information available.

Subsequent Events

We performed a review of events subsequent to July 31, 2020 through the date of issuance of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Sales are recognized as the performance obligations to deliver products or services are satisfied and are recorded based on the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for satisfying the performance obligations. Our sales continue to be recognized primarily when we transfer control to the customer, which can be on the date of shipment or on the date of receipt by the customer. Products and services are primarily transferred to customers at a point in time, with some transfers of services taking place over time. A provision for estimated sales returns, discounts and rebates is recognized as a reduction of sales in the same period that the sales are recognized. Our estimate of the provision for sales returns has been established based on contract

terms with our customers and historical business practices and current trends. Shipping and handling costs incurred after the customer has obtained control of our products are treated as a fulfillment cost rather than as an additional promised service. Additionally, in certain U.S. states, we are required to collect sales taxes from our customers, and in certain international jurisdictions, we are required to collect value added taxes. The tax collected is recorded as a liability until remitted to the taxing authority.

With respect to certain of our customers, rebates are provided. Such rebates, which consist primarily of volume rebates, are provided for as a reduction of sales at the time of revenue recognition. Such allowances are determined based on estimated projections of sales volume for the entire rebate periods. If it becomes known that sales volume to customers will deviate from original projections, the rebate provisions originally established would be adjusted accordingly. We also offer certain volume-based rebates to our distribution customers, which we record as variable consideration when calculating the transaction price. We use information available at the time and our historical experience with each customer to estimate the rebate amount by applying the expected value method. Such rebates, which consist primarily of volume rebates, are provided for as a reduction of sales at the time of revenue recognition, and amounted to $13,638, $9,469, and $8,401 in fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements

Assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates; sales and expenses are translated using average exchange rates during the year. The cumulative effect of the translation of the accounts of the foreign subsidiaries is presented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Foreign exchange gains and losses related to the purchase of inventories denominated in foreign currencies are included in cost of sales and foreign exchange gains and losses related to the incurrence of operating costs denominated in foreign currencies and the conversion of foreign assets and liabilities into functional currencies are included in general and administrative expenses.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable consist of amounts due to us from normal business activities. Allowances for doubtful accounts are reserves for the estimated loss from the inability of customers to make required payments. We use historical experience as well as current market information in determining the estimate. While actual losses have historically been within management’s expectations and provisions established, if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Alternatively, if certain customers paid their delinquent receivables, reductions in allowances may be required.

Inventories

Inventories consist of raw materials, work-in-process and finished products which are sold in the ordinary course of our business and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. In assessing the value of inventories, we must make estimates and judgments regarding reserves required for product obsolescence, aging of inventories and other issues potentially affecting the saleable condition of products. In performing such evaluations, we use historical experience as well as current market information. With few exceptions, the saleable value of our inventories has historically been within management’s expectation and provisions established, however, rapid changes in the market due to competition, technology and various other factors could impact the value of our inventories, resulting in the need for additional reserves.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repair costs are expensed. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed, the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization is removed from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in income. Depreciation and amortization is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets which generally range from 2-15 years for furniture and equipment, 3-10 years for software, 5-40 years for buildings and improvements and the shorter of the life of the asset or the life of the lease for leasehold improvements.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Certain of our identifiable intangible assets, including customer relationships, technology, trade names, brand names, non-compete agreements and patents are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives which range from 8 to 20 years. Additionally, we have recorded goodwill, trademarks, trade names and brand names, which have indefinite useful lives and are therefore not amortized. All of our intangible assets and goodwill are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, and goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment at least annually. Our management is responsible for determining if impairment exists and considers a number of factors, including third-party valuations, when making these determinations.

Interim Impairment Assessment

As discussed in the “COVID-19” section above, the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the global economy. As the global economic landscape changes, there is a wide range of possible outcomes regarding the nature and timing of events and reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, each of which is highly dependent on variables that are currently difficult to predict. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken actions to protect our employees, customers and other stakeholders and mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and operating results. These and additional actions can increase the costs of doing business during the pandemic and in the periods that follow, including the costs of idling and reopening certain facilities in affected areas. Further, precautionary measures taken by customers, health care patients and consumers in response to the pandemic are expected to impact the timing and amount of sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, the public has been advised to (i) remain at home, (ii) limit social interaction, (iii) close non-essential businesses and (iv) postpone certain surgical and elective medical procedures in order to prioritize/conserve available health care resources. This has negatively impacted, most notably, the net sales and operating results of our Dental reporting unit as the offices of many dentists were closed and certain routine dental procedures were being deferred. Based on this assessment, we believe our sales and income from operations in this reporting unit were impacted by the pandemic during the third quarter ended April 30, 2020, and we performed an interim step one of the two-step quantitative impairment test of our Dental reporting unit.

To determine the fair value of the Dental reporting unit, we used a discounted cash flow model with market-based support as its valuation technique. The discounted cash flow model used a ten-year forecasted cash flow plus a terminal value by capitalizing the last period’s cash flows using a perpetual growth rate. Our significant assumptions in the discounted cash flow model included, but were not limited to, the discount rate, revenue growth rates, gross margin percentages, terminal growth rate, operating income before depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures forecasts. We considered the current market conditions when determining these assumptions. The cash flow and sales forecasts considered the nature and timing of the expected sales declines, operating cost savings, as well as any incremental costs that we expect to incur due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In conjunction with testing goodwill for impairment, we tested the indefinite-lived intangible assets related to the Hu-Friedy brand name within our Dental reporting unit for impairment. We performed this test using an income approach, more specifically the relief-from-royalty method. In the development of the forecasted cash flows, we applied significant judgment to determine key assumptions, including royalty rates and discount rates. Royalty rates used are consistent with those assumed for the original purchase accounting valuation.

Our analysis concluded that the fair values of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets of our Dental reporting unit were not impaired as of April 30, 2020. The use of estimates and the development of assumptions result in uncertainties around forecasted revenues and cash flows. A change in any of these estimates and assumptions, as well as unfavorable changes in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, could produce a different fair value, which could have a negative impact and result in a future impairment charge that could materially impact our results of operations. Given the proximity of our annual impairment assessment date, along with the gradual recovery we noted in our Dental reporting unit’s performance during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, at a level that exceeded our previous expectations, we did not perform an additional quantitative impairment assessment at May 1, 2020, rather we qualitatively evaluated the Dental reporting unit goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were less than their respective carrying values at the annual impairment assessment date.

Annual Impairment Assessment

As part of our annual goodwill impairment assessment, we assess various qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount before proceeding to step one of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test, if necessary. Such qualitative factors that are assessed include evaluating a segment’s financial performance, industry and market conditions, macroeconomic conditions and specific issues that can directly affect the segment such as changes in business strategies, competition, supplier relationships, operating costs, regulatory matters, litigation and the composition of the segment’s assets due to acquisitions or other events.

We decided to perform step one of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test for our Medical, Life Sciences and Dialysis reporting units as a result of the macroeconomic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily due to the deferral of elective procedures within our Medical reporting unit. In addition, our Dialysis reporting unit has continued to experience a shift by our customers from reusable to single-use dialyzers, which is having an adverse impact on our business and is expected to continue. We also performed step one of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test for our Life Sciences reporting unit as certain key customers have been moving towards a dual source approach, in combination with a cyclical downturn in this business. In performing these detailed quantitative reviews for goodwill impairment, management utilized a two-step process that began with an estimation of the fair value of the related reporting units by using weighted fair value results of the discounted cash flow methodology, as well as the market multiple and comparable transaction methodologies, where applicable. The first step is a review for potential impairment, and the second step measures the amount of impairment, if any.

In addition, we perform our annual impairment review for indefinite-lived intangibles by first assessing qualitative factors, such as those described above, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of such assets is less than the carrying values, and if necessary, we perform a quantitative analysis comparing the current fair value of our indefinite-lived intangibles assets to their carrying values. We determined through qualitative factors that the fair values of our remaining indefinite-lived intangible assets were more likely than not to be greater than the carrying value, and did not perform a quantitative analysis for those assets. With respect to amortizable intangible assets when impairment indicators are present, management would determine whether expected future non-discounted cash flows would be sufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets; if not, the carrying value of the assets would be adjusted to their fair value.

We did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill, definite-lived or indefinite-lived intangibles in the years presented.

Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets including property, equipment and other assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. An assessment is made to determine if the sum of the expected future non-discounted cash flows from the use of the assets and eventual disposition is less than the carrying value. If the sum of the expected non-discounted cash flows is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized based on fair value. Our historical assessments of our long-lived assets have not differed significantly from the actual amounts realized. However, the determination of fair value requires us to make certain assumptions and estimates and is highly subjective. On July 31, 2020, management concluded that no other events or changes in circumstances have occurred that would indicate that the carrying amount of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable.

Customer Relationship, Trade Name and Brand Name Intangible Assets

Customer Relationship Intangible Assets

Customer-relationship intangible assets are valued using an income-based valuation methodology which include certain assumptions such as forecasted cash flows, customer attrition rates, terminal growth rates and discount rates. The assumptions used in the financial forecasts are based on historical data, supplemented by current and anticipated growth rates, management plans, and market-comparable information. Fair-value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. Preliminary assumptions may change and may result in significant changes to the final valuation.

Trade Name and Brand Name Intangible Assets

Trade name and brand name intangible assets are valued using the relief-from-royalty method, an income-based valuation methodology. This method assumes that the trade or brand name and trademarks have value to the extent that their owner is relieved of the obligation to pay royalties for the benefits received from them. The fair value determination of the trade and

brand name intangible assets requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasted future cash flows, including the selection of customer attrition rates, royalty rates, terminal growth rates, and discount rates.

Debt Issuance Costs and Convertible Debt

Debt Issuance CostsDebt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the term of the related credit agreements.

Convertible Debt

Convertible debt that includes a cash conversion feature is allocated between a liability and an equity component. The carrying amount of the liability component is determined by measuring the fair value of a similar debt instrument of similar credit quality and maturity which does not have the conversion feature. The carrying amount of the equity component, representing an embedded conversion option, is determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the principal amount of the convertible debt as a whole. The equity component is recorded to additional paid-in capital and is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. The excess of the principal amount over the carrying amount of the liability component is recorded as a debt discount and is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method through the maturity date. In fiscal 2020, discount amortization of $1,370 was included in interest expense, net. We allocate the total amount of debt issuance costs incurred to the liability and equity components using the same proportion as the proceeds from the issuance. The debt issuance costs attributable to the liability component are recorded as a direct deduction from the liability component and will be being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method through the maturity date. Issuance costs attributable to the equity component are netted within the equity component in additional paid-in capital.

Warranties

We provide for estimated costs that may be incurred to remedy deficiencies of quality or performance of our products at the time of revenue recognition. Most of our products have a one year warranty, although certain medical and life sciences products that require installation may carry a warranty period of up to 24 months. Additionally, many of our consumables, accessories, parts and service have a 90-day warranty. We record provisions for product warranties as a component of cost of sales based upon an estimate of the amounts necessary to settle existing and future claims on products sold.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense is recognized for any option or stock award grant based upon the fair value of the award. Our stock options and time-based stock awards are subject to graded vesting in which portions of the award vest ratably over the vesting period. We recognize compensation expense for the awards with performance conditions using the accelerated attribution method over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award when it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. We record expense for the awards with market conditions ratably over the vesting period regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied. We account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate forfeitures over the course of the vesting period.

We determine the fair value of each time-based stock award and performance-based stock award by using the closing market price of our common stock on the last trading date immediately prior to the date of grant. We determine the fair value of each award with market conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation model on the date of grant. We estimate the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option valuation model. The determination of fair value using valuation models is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of subjective variables. These variables may include, but are not limited to, the expected price volatility over the term of the award, the expected dividend yield, the expected term of the award, the probability of meeting performance objectives and the stock price of our peers in the S&P Healthcare Equipment Index.

Advertising Costs

Our policy is to expense advertising costs as they are incurred.

Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes is based on our current period income, changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities, statutory income tax rates, changes in uncertain tax benefits and the deductibility of expenses or availability of tax credits in various taxing jurisdictions. Tax laws are complex, subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the respective governmental taxing authorities and are subject to future modification, expiration or repeal by government legislative bodies. We use significant judgment on a quarterly basis in determining our annual effective income tax rate and evaluating our tax positions.

We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance, if necessary, based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the recorded deferred tax assets, as adjusted for valuation allowances, will be realized. Additionally, deferred tax liabilities are regularly reviewed to confirm that such amounts are appropriately stated. A review of our deferred tax items considers known future changes in various income tax rates, principally in the U.S. If income tax rates were to change in the future, particularly in the U.S. and to a lesser extent Germany, the U.K. and Italy, our items of deferred tax could be materially affected. All of such evaluations require significant management judgments.

We record liabilities for an unrecognized tax benefit when a tax benefit for an uncertain tax position is taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, but is not recognized in our consolidated financial statements because it does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold that the uncertain tax position would be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority. Any adjustments upon resolution of income tax uncertainties are recognized in our results of operations. Unrecognized tax benefits are analyzed periodically and adjustments are made as events occur to warrant adjustment to the related liability. Historically, we have not had significant unrecognized tax benefits.

Newly Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Newly Adopted Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “(Topic 842) Leases,” (“ASU 2016-02”). The new guidance requires the recording of assets and liabilities arising from leases on our consolidated balance sheet accompanied by enhanced qualitative and quantitative disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2018 (our fiscal year 2020), including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual period. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases,” and ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements,” in December 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20, “Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors” and in March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01, “Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements.” These ASUs provide adjustments relating to ASU 2016-02 and improvements to comparative reporting requirements for initial adoption and for separating components of a contract for lessors. We adopted the collective standard “ASC 842” using the modified retrospective transition approach with optional transition relief and recognized the cumulative effect of applying the new leasing standard to existing contracts on our consolidated balance sheet on August 1, 2019. Therefore, results for reporting periods beginning after August 1, 2019 are presented under the new leasing standard; however, the comparative prior period amounts have not been restated and continue to be reported in accordance with historic accounting under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 840. The most significant effects of adoption of the new leasing standard relate to the recognition of right-of-use assets of $35,842 and lease liabilities of $36,417 for operating leases, which we recorded on our consolidated balance sheet on August 1, 2019. Additionally, the amortization of the right-of-use assets and the cash flow impact from lease liabilities are separately disclosed in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The new leasing standard did not impact our consolidated statements of income. See Note 5, “Leases” for a discussion of the impact to the consolidated balance sheets and related disclosures.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2018-02”) to allow for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings of stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December 2017. ASU 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (our fiscal year 2020), including interim periods within that

reporting period. Accordingly, we adopted ASU 2018-02 on August 1, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2018-02 did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “(Subtopic 470-20): Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options” (“ASU 2020-06”) to address the complexity associated with applying GAAP to certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The ASU includes amendments to the guidance on convertible instruments and the derivative scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity and simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments which include beneficial conversion features or cash conversion features by removing certain separation models in Subtopic 470-20. Additionally, the ASU will require entities to use the “if-converted” method when calculating diluted earnings per share for convertible instruments. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 (our fiscal year 2022), including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-06 on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The impact on our diluted earnings per share could be material upon the adoption of ASU 2020-06.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “(Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting,” (“ASU 2020-04”) to provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 is elective and applies to all entities, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 was subject to election as of March 20, 2020 and can be elected for both interim and annual periods through December 31, 2022. We plan to adopt ASU 2020-04 on August 1, 2020 (our fiscal 2021). The adoption of ASU 2020-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “(Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” (“ASU 2019-12”) to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of ASC 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 (our fiscal year 2022), including interim periods within that reporting period. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract” (“ASU 2018-15”) to help entities evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement (hosting arrangement) by providing guidance for determining when the arrangement includes a software license. ASU 2018-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal year 2021), including interim periods within that reporting period. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”) to modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal year 2021), including interim periods within that reporting period. The adoption of ASU 2018-13 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “(Topic 350) Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” (“ASU 2017-04”) to simplify the test for goodwill impairment. The revised guidance eliminates the existing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test which required an entity to compute the implied fair value of its goodwill at the testing date in order to measure the amount of the impairment charge when the fair value of the reporting unit failed Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. The guidance will be applied on a prospective basis on or after the effective date. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2019 (our fiscal year 2021) and early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” (“ASU 2016-13”) to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments in this ASU replace the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is

effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal year 2021). The adoption of ASU 2016-13 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.