Segment Information - Net Income Reconciliation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Jul. 31, 2014
Total profit from reportable segments	$ 242,367	$ 269,631	$ 277,845
Unallocated amounts:
Administrative costs	120,015	121,693	114,098
Restructuring charges	15,012	26,046	6,084
Impairment charges	148,551	204,448	0
Investment and other income	(2,402)	(3,523)	(2,082)
Interest Expense	14,300	16,641	19,090
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	(53,109)	(95,674)	140,655
Workplace Safety [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total profit from reportable segments	66,238	95,241	117,187
Unallocated amounts:
Restructuring charges	5,999	10,176	1,830
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	176,129	174,390	160,658
Unallocated amounts:
Restructuring charges	9,013	15,870	4,254
Impairment charges		$ 21,648