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PENSION AND PROFIT SHARING PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS (Details Textuals) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2011
Jul. 31, 2010
Jul. 31, 2009
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 37,133 $ 28,541 $ 23,240
Target allocations for the plan assets (based on a weighted average) 50.00%    
Target allocations for the plan assets (based on a weighted average) 30.00%    
Target allocations for the plan assets (based on a weighted average) 20.00%    
Estimated cash requirements for the defined benefit plans 20,643    
Expected benefit payments for the defined benefit plans 7,290    
Expected company contributions for the defined benefit plans 13,353    
Defined Benefit Plan, Investment Policies and Strategies Narrative Description The Company's investment objective for defined benefit plan assets is to meet the plans' benefit obligations, while preserving plan assets. The investment strategies focus on asset class diversification, liquidity to meet benefit payments and an appropriate balance of long-term return and risk. Plan assets are diversified across several investment managers and are generally invested in liquid funds that track broad market equity and bond indices. The target allocations for the plan assets (based on a weighted average) are 50% equity securities, 30% corporate and government securities, 20% to all other types of investments. Equity securities include investments in domestic and international companies. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries and U.S. and foreign government treasury securities. Other types of investments include investments in a limited partnership, insurance contracts, commingled funds (which primarily represent investments in common collective trusts and fund of funds) and a longevity derivative which follow several different strategies. Plan fiduciaries oversee the investment allocation process, which includes selecting investment managers, commissioning periodic asset-liability studies, setting long-term strategic targets and monitoring asset allocations.    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets at Fair Value, Valuation Techniques and Inputs The Plan's investments in cash equivalents and equity securities are valued using quoted market prices and, as such, are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Plan's investments in debt securities, have been valued utilizing third party pricing services. The pricing services use inputs to determine fair value which are derived from observable market sources including reportable trades, benchmark curves, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers, and other industry and economic events. These investments are included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Plan's other investments included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy have been reported primarily using the net asset value per share of the investment as the practical expedient for measuring fair value as permitted for these types of investments. The fair value of the Plan's other investments included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy have been valued using unobservable inputs and in some cases are subject to various redemption restrictions. Other receivables and payables are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.    
U.S. Plans [Member]
     
Fair value of the company's asset relating to the defined benefit plans 75,012 61,685  
Fair value of the company's liability relating to the defined benefit plans 99,169 85,361  
Expense associated with plan 5,964 6,010 6,134
Foreign Plans [Member]
     
Fair value of the company's asset relating to the defined benefit plans 20,992 19,753  
Fair value of the company's liability relating to the defined benefit plans 55,859 52,063  
Expense associated with plan $ 14,764 $ 12,178 $ 9,544