Fair Value of Analogic Canada Plan Pension Assets by Asset Category (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013		Jul. 31, 2012		Jul. 31, 2011
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension assets	$ 13,381		$ 10,855		$ 10,536
Mutual Funds
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension assets	13,381	[1]	10,855	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension assets	13,381		10,855
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Mutual Funds
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension assets	$ 13,381	[1]	$ 10,855	[1]

[1] This comprises units of segregated pooled funds with an insurance company. These funds have underlying values primarily derived from mutual funds that have debt and equity securities, which are traded on an active market based on the closing price of each trading day.