SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 682,445	$ 641,190	$ 1,989,193	$ 1,931,245
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
ROTC	11,542	12,824	29,910	21,497
Interest expense, net	4,747	5,298	15,919	10,747
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	104,096	93,754	305,100	300,730
Operating Segments [Member]
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating Income (Loss)	(137,689)	(127,048)	(398,963)	(380,237)
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating Income (Loss)	17,304	15,172	48,034	47,263
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
ROTC	11,542	12,824	29,910	21,497
Interest expense, net	4,747	5,298	15,919	10,747
Life Sciences Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Net sales	368,835	326,097	1,041,011	955,230
Life Sciences Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating Income (Loss)	(88,339)	(81,195)	(252,240)	(233,514)
Industrial Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Net sales	313,610	315,093	948,182	976,015
Industrial Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating Income (Loss)	$ (49,350)	$ (45,853)	$ (146,723)	$ (146,723)