Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 264,301	$ 225,291	$ 166,163
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	61,165	60,491	59,232
Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates, net of distributions	(2,380)	(2,585)	183
Deferred income taxes	6,344	1,957	3,025
Tax benefit of equity plans	(10,316)	(9,873)	(4,625)
Stock compensation plan expense	10,553	9,234	8,253
Other, net	(24,346)	(11,991)	(6,110)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses
Accounts receivable	(17,877)	(62,274)	(79,308)
Inventories	(4,149)	(52,999)	(25,826)
Prepaids and other current assets	(17,378)	7,233	(3,970)
Trade accounts payable and other accrued expenses	(6,205)	81,571	85,988
Net cash provided by operating activities	259,712	246,055	203,005
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(78,139)	(60,633)	(43,149)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	969	782	490
Purchase of short-term investments	(99,298)
Acquisitions and divestitures of affiliates		3,493	(250)
Net cash used in investing activities	(176,468)	(56,358)	(42,909)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from long-term debt		6,774	531
Repayments of long-term debt	(46,205)	(13,353)	(5,508)
Change in short-term borrowings	96,715	(36,603)	20,713
Purchase of treasury stock	(130,233)	(108,929)	(66,696)
Dividends paid	(47,684)	(41,013)	(36,242)
Tax benefit of equity plans	10,316	9,873	4,625
Exercise of stock options	13,691	15,899	13,053
Net cash used in financing activities	(103,400)	(167,352)	(69,524)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(27,549)	19,149	(2,259)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(47,705)	41,494	88,313
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	273,494	232,000	143,687
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	225,789	273,494	232,000
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Income taxes	91,915	57,688	40,032
Interest	$ 13,410	$ 12,852	$ 11,446