INCOME TAXES (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Deferred tax asset:
Tax loss and tax credit carry-forwards	$ 43,076	$ 67,428
Inventories	8,658	8,728
Compensation and benefits	39,231	40,046
Environmental	6,745	4,354
Accrued expenses	19,425	29,514
Amortization	2,364	3,271
Net pensions	63,144	80,901
Other	21,487	31,688
Gross deferred tax asset	204,130	265,930
Valuation allowance	(25,528)	(20,536)
Total deferred tax asset	178,602	245,394
Deferred tax liability:
Amortization	(36,145)	(46,320)
Plant and equipment	(35,321)	(34,798)
Revenue recognition	(6,948)	(1,754)
Undistributed foreign earnings	(78,360)	(10,799)
Other	(419)	(2,817)
Total deferred tax liability	(157,193)	(96,488)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 21,409	$ 148,906