Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 260,224	$ 247,377	$ 264,301
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	67,163	64,290	61,165
Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates, net of distributions	(3,384)	1,637	(2,380)
Deferred income taxes	(7,762)	8,347	6,344
Tax benefit of equity plans	(8,781)	(11,191)	(10,316)
Stock compensation plan expense	11,640	9,148	10,553
Loss on sale of business	905
Other, net	10,041	(6,175)	(24,346)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses
Accounts receivable	(44,851)	3,705	(17,877)
Inventories	(19,273)	20,142	(4,149)
Prepaids and other current assets	(7,769)	13,495	(17,378)
Trade accounts payable and other accrued expenses	59,686	(34,852)	(6,205)
Net cash provided by operating activities	317,839	315,923	259,712
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(97,210)	(94,895)	(78,139)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	395	558	969
Purchases of short-term investments	(108,793)	(99,339)	(187,575)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	81,486	97,365	88,277
Net cash used in investing activities	(124,122)	(96,311)	(176,468)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from long-term debt	125,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(81,898)	(1,353)	(46,205)
Change in short-term borrowings	175,344	(86,957)	96,715
Purchase of treasury stock	(279,395)	(102,572)	(130,233)
Dividends paid	(83,070)	(60,320)	(47,684)
Tax benefit of equity plans	8,781	11,191	10,316
Exercise of stock options	14,437	16,043	13,691
Net cash used in financing activities	(120,801)	(223,968)	(103,400)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(636)	2,705	(27,549)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	72,280	(1,651)	(47,705)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	224,138	225,789	273,494
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	296,418	224,138	225,789
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Income taxes	93,086	84,898	91,915
Interest	$ 11,050	$ 13,531	$ 13,410