Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 247,377	$ 264,301	$ 225,291
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	64,290	61,165	60,491
Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates, net of distributions	1,637	(2,380)	(2,585)
Deferred income taxes	8,347	6,344	1,957
Tax benefit of equity plans	(11,191)	(10,316)	(9,873)
Stock compensation plan expense	9,148	10,553	9,234
Other, net	(6,175)	(24,346)	(11,991)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses
Accounts receivable	3,705	(17,877)	(62,274)
Inventories	20,142	(4,149)	(52,999)
Prepaids and other current assets	13,495	(17,378)	7,233
Trade accounts payable and other accrued expenses	(34,852)	(6,205)	81,571
Net cash provided by operating activities	315,923	259,712	246,055
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(94,895)	(78,139)	(60,633)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	558	969	782
Purchases of short-term investments	(99,339)	(187,575)	(64,482)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	97,365	88,277	64,482
Acquisitions and divestitures of affiliates			3,493
Net cash used in investing activities	(96,311)	(176,468)	(56,358)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from long-term debt			6,774
Repayments of long-term debt	(1,353)	(46,205)	(13,353)
Change in short-term borrowings	(86,957)	96,715	(36,603)
Purchase of treasury stock	(102,572)	(130,233)	(108,929)
Dividends paid	(60,320)	(47,684)	(41,013)
Tax benefit of equity plans	11,191	10,316	9,873
Exercise of stock options	16,043	13,691	15,899
Net cash used in financing activities	(223,968)	(103,400)	(167,352)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,705	(27,549)	19,149
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,651)	(47,705)	41,494
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	225,789	273,494	232,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	224,138	225,789	273,494
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Income taxes	84,898	91,915	57,688
Interest	$ 13,531	$ 13,410	$ 12,852