Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

	Year ended July 31,
Description	2011			2010			2009
	(Dollars in thousands)
Valuation accounts deducted in balance sheet from assets to which they apply — Accounts receivable — allowance for doubtful accounts:
Balances at beginning of period	$	7,137		$	7,931		$	10,059
Additions — Charged to expense		1,287			2,005			1,278
Due to acquired businesses		52			80			—
Deductions — Bad debts written off, net of recoveries		(2,293	)		(2,879	)		(3,406	)
Balances at end of period	$	6,183		$	7,137		$	7,931
Inventory — reserve for slow-moving inventory:
Balances at beginning of period	$	15,944		$	22,288		$	22,148
Additions — Charged to expense		3,750			1,646			5,138
Due to acquired businesses		632			129			—
Deductions — Inventory write-offs		(7,317	)		(8,119	)		(4,998	)
Balances at end of period	$	13,009		$	15,944		$	22,288