Segment Information - Net Income Reconciliation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Disclosure Segment Information Net Income Reconciliation [Abstract]
Total profit from reportable segments	$ 59,073	$ 70,240	$ 180,608	$ 200,892
Unallocated amounts:
Administrative costs	(29,267)	(30,765)	(91,604)	(94,451)
Restructuring charges	(3,039)	(8,540)	(14,202)	(10,473)
Investment and other income	872	1,133	1,887	2,427
Interest expense	(3,381)	(4,186)	(10,777)	(12,755)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	24,258	27,882	65,912	85,640
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	(4,074)	(6,202)	(17,077)	(48,340)
Earnings from continuing operations	20,184	21,680	48,835	37,300
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	3,904	(17,447)	15,606	(14,564)
Net earnings	$ 24,088	$ 4,233	$ 64,441	$ 22,736