GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012		Jul. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	$ 246,974		$ 140,337
Accumulated Amortization	88,664		78,602
Net	158,310	[1]	61,735
Patents and unpatented technology [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	133,333		102,372
Accumulated Amortization	69,406		64,921
Net	63,927	[1]	37,451
Customer-related intangibles [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	95,371		26,478
Accumulated Amortization	11,414		6,598
Net	83,957	[1]	19,880
Trademarks [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	13,207		6,802
Accumulated Amortization	5,104		4,684
Net	8,103	[1]	2,118
Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	5,063		4,685
Accumulated Amortization	2,740		2,399
Net	$ 2,323	[1]	$ 2,286

[1] (b) The amount for intangible assets as of April 30, 2012 excludes intangible assets, net, that is classified as held for sale of $567. See Note 16, Discontinued Operations, for further details.