Segment Information - Net Income Reconciliation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Disclosure Segment Information Net Income Reconciliation [Abstract]
Total profit from reportable segments	$ 52,194	$ 58,243	$ 121,535	$ 130,652
Unallocated amounts:
Administrative costs	(29,524)	(34,513)	(62,338)	(63,686)
Restructuring charges	(4,324)	(1,933)	(11,163)	(1,933)
Investment and other income	255	898	1,017	1,294
Interest expense	(3,676)	(4,406)	(7,397)	(8,569)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	14,925	18,289	41,654	57,758
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	(4,408)	(28,960)	(13,002)	(42,138)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	10,517	(10,671)	28,652	15,620
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	5,907	1,987	11,701	2,884
Net earnings (loss)	$ 16,424	$ (8,684)	$ 40,353	$ 18,504