Supplemental financial statement information - Shipping and Handling (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2023	Jan. 31, 2022	Jan. 31, 2023	Jan. 31, 2022
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Operating expense - personnel, vehicle, plant and other	$ 157,355	$ 128,013	$ 287,095	$ 245,125
Depreciation and amortization expense	23,069	21,944	45,700	42,239
Operating expense - equipment lease expense	5,586	6,022	11,610	11,712
Shipping and Handling
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Operating expense - personnel, vehicle, plant and other	75,844	58,194	140,016	112,641
Depreciation and amortization expense	5,474	3,801	9,311	6,336
Operating expense - equipment lease expense	1,783	3,132	5,537	7,667
Costs and Expenses, Total	$ 83,101	$ 65,127	$ 154,864	$ 126,644