PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS Change in Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets, Funded Status (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plans and Postretirement Health Benefits
Fair value of plan assets. end of year	$ 20,108	$ 19,878
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Postretirement Health Benefits
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	31,142	27,994
Service cost	1,324	1,293	1,137
Interest cost	1,617	1,507	1,416
Actuarial loss	8,609	1,071
Benefits paid	(853)	(723)
Benefit obligation, end of year	41,839	31,142	27,994
Fair value of plan assets. beginning of year	19,878	17,287
Actual return on plan assets	15	2,033
Employer contribution	1,068	1,281
Benefits paid	(853)	(723)
Fair value of plan assets. end of year	20,108	19,878	17,287
Funded status, recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheets	(21,731)	(11,264)
Postretirement Health Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Postretirement Health Benefits
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	2,042	1,933
Service cost	104	85	74
Interest cost	105	91	96
Actuarial loss	424	50
Benefits paid	(90)	(117)
Benefit obligation, end of year	2,585	2,042	1,933
Fair value of plan assets. beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contribution	90	117
Benefits paid	(90)	(117)
Fair value of plan assets. end of year	0	0	0
Funded status, recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheets	$ (2,585)	$ (2,042)