Segment Information - Net Income Reconciliation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total profit from reportable segments									$ 266,560	$ 276,614	$ 265,037
Unallocated amounts:
Administrative costs									121,693	114,098	112,827
Restructuring charges	15,573	8,540	1,933		4,107	1,977			26,046	6,084	6,451
Impairment charges	204,448								204,448	0	0
Investment and other income									(3,522)	(2,082)	(3,989)
Interest Expense									16,641	19,090	22,124
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	(176,234)	20,996	(11,364)	25,786	20,869	27,311	26,436	27,855	(98,746)	139,424	127,624
Workplace Safety [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total profit from reportable segments									95,241	117,187	118,913
Unallocated amounts:
Restructuring charges									10,176	1,830	3,555
Impairment charges									182,800
Identification Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total profit from reportable segments									171,319	159,427	146,124
Unallocated amounts:
Restructuring charges									15,870	4,254	2,896
Impairment charges									$ 21,648