INCOME TAXES (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Deferred tax asset:
Tax loss and tax credit carry-forwards	$ 45,375	$ 41,393
Inventories	22,476	32,954
Compensation and benefits	39,220	37,651
Environmental	5,616	4,714
Accrued expenses	27,123	25,999
Amortization	4,767	6,335
Net pensions	58,245	67,970
Other	31,393	20,492
Gross deferred tax asset	234,215	237,508
Valuation allowance	(22,814)	(23,474)
Total deferred tax asset	211,401	214,034
Deferred tax liability:
Amortization	(12,213)	(12,549)
Plant and equipment	(29,222)	(25,990)
Revenue recognition	(5,692)	(16,591)
Undistributed foreign earnings	(7,270)	(3,570)
Other	(4,096)	(2,222)
Total deferred tax liability	(58,493)	(60,922)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 152,908	$ 153,112