SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
SALES:
Net sales	$ 641,190	$ 657,976	$ 1,931,245	$ 1,949,285
SEGMENT PROFIT:
Operating profit (loss)	111,876	98,420	332,974	314,610
ROTC	12,824	2,861	21,497	31,001
Interest expense, net	5,298	6,351	10,747	17,682
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	93,754	89,208	300,730	265,927
Operating Segments [Member]
SEGMENT PROFIT:
Operating profit (loss)	127,048	114,817	380,237	364,386
Life Sciences [Member]
SALES:
Net sales	326,097	317,969	955,230	918,954
SEGMENT PROFIT:
Operating profit (loss)	81,195	75,386	233,514	233,191
Industrial [Member]
SALES:
Net sales	315,093	340,007	976,015	1,030,331
SEGMENT PROFIT:
Operating profit (loss)	45,853	39,431	146,723	131,195
Corporate Services Group [Member]
SEGMENT PROFIT:
Operating profit (loss)	$ (15,172)	$ (16,397)	$ (47,263)	$ (49,776)