Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 151,849	$ 187,268
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	55,455	50,245
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding effect of acquisition	(60,653)	(5,764)
Tax benefit of equity plans	(6,473)	(8,119)
Stock compensation plan expense	9,238	9,474
Deferred taxes	(706)	(7,649)
Loss on sale of business		905
Other, net	12,657	3,746
Net cash provided by operating activities	161,367	230,106
Investing Activities
Net expenditures on property, plant, and equipment	(72,601)	(66,046)
Purchases of short-term investments	(27,040)	(108,864)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	114,514	61,179
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(96,651)
Net cash used in investing activities	(81,778)	(113,731)
Financing Activities
Purchase of treasury stock	(201,167)	(165,871)
Proceeds from long-term debt	25,000	125,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(3,367)	(81,586)
Change in short-term borrowings	100,530	54,693
Dividends paid	(68,242)	(59,675)
Tax benefit of equity plans	6,473	8,119
Exercise of stock options	10,457	13,035
Net cash used in financing activities	(130,316)	(106,285)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(23,353)	3,994
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(74,080)	14,084
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	296,418	224,138
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 222,338	$ 238,222