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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2019	Sep. 03, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jul. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	BRC
Entity Registrant Name	BRADY CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000746598
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--07-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 2,066,417,510
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Class A Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		49,459,620
Class B Voting Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,538,628

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 279,072	$ 181,427
Accounts receivable—net	158,114	161,282
Inventories	120,037	113,071
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,056	15,559
Total current assets	573,279	471,339
Property, plant and equipment—net	110,048	97,945
Goodwill	410,987	419,815
Other intangible assets	36,123	42,588
Deferred income taxes	7,298	7,582
Other	19,573	17,662
Total	1,157,308	1,056,931
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	64,810	66,538
Accrued compensation and benefits	62,509	67,619
Taxes, other than income taxes	8,107	8,318
Accrued income taxes	6,557	3,885
Other current liabilities	49,796	44,567
Current maturities on long-term debt	50,166	0
Total current liabilities	241,945	190,927
Long-term obligations, less current maturities	0	52,618
Other liabilities	64,589	61,274
Total liabilities	306,534	304,819
Stockholders’ equity:
Class A nonvoting common stock — Issued 51,261,487 shares at July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively (aggregate liquidation preference of $42,803 at July 31, 2019 and 2018)	513	513
Class B voting common stock — Issued and outstanding 3,538,628 shares	35	35
Additional paid-in capital	329,969	325,631
Retained earnings	637,843	553,454
Treasury stock —1,802,646 and 2,867,870 shares at July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, of Class A nonvoting common stock, at cost	(46,332)	(71,120)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(71,254)	(56,401)
Total stockholders’ equity	850,774	752,112
Total	$ 1,157,308	$ 1,056,931

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Class A Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, shares issued	51,261,487	51,261,487
Common Stock Aggregate Liquidation Preference	$ 42,803	$ 42,803
Treasury stock, shares	1,802,646	2,867,870
Class B Voting Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, shares issued	3,538,628	3,538,628
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,538,628	3,538,628

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Net sales	$ 1,160,645	$ 1,173,851	$ 1,113,316
Cost of goods sold	581,967	585,560	555,024
Gross margin	578,678	588,291	558,292
Operating expenses:
Research and development	45,168	45,253	39,624
Selling, general and administrative	371,082	390,342	387,653
Total operating expenses	416,250	435,595	427,277
Operating income	162,428	152,696	131,015
Other income (expense):
Investment and other income	5,046	2,487	1,121
Interest expense	(2,830)	(3,168)	(5,504)
Income before income taxes	164,644	152,015	126,632
Income tax expense	33,386	60,955	30,987
Net income	$ 131,258	$ 91,060	$ 95,645
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	52,596	51,677	51,056
Diluted (in shares)	53,323	52,524	51,956
Class A Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]
Earnings per share:
Net income per share, basic	$ 2.50	$ 1.76	$ 1.87
Net income per share, diluted	2.46	1.73	1.84
Dividends	0.85	0.83	0.82
Class B Voting Common Stock [Member]
Earnings per share:
Net income per share, basic	2.48	1.75	1.86
Net income per share, diluted	2.45	1.72	1.83
Dividends	$ 0.83	$ 0.81	$ 0.80

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 131,258	$ 91,060	$ 95,645
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(13,223)	(13,675)	7,217
Cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	837	966	(225)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	(1,048)	551	486
Total cash flow hedges	(211)	1,517	261
Pension and other post-retirement benefits:
Net (loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	(97)	446	647
Actuarial gain amortization	(569)	(576)	(483)
Total pension and other post-retirement benefits	(666)	(130)	164
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	(14,100)	(12,288)	7,642
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income	(753)	569	2,421
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(14,853)	(11,719)	10,063
Comprehensive income	$ 116,405	$ 79,341	$ 105,708

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Other equity component [Member]
Beginning Balances at Jul. 31, 2016	$ 603,598	$ 548	$ 317,001	$ 453,371	$ (108,714)	$ (54,745)	$ (3,863)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	95,645
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	10,063					10,063
Issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock under stock plan			(5,868)		23,591
Stockholder's equity, other			1,943		(347)		3,863
Tax benefit and withholdings from deferred compensation distributions			37
Stock-based compensation expense	9,495		9,495
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle	0
Payment of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Class A				(39,037)
Payment of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Class B				(2,843)
Ending Balances at Jul. 31, 2017	700,140	548	322,608	507,136	(85,470)	(44,682)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption				(1,869)
Net income	91,060
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(11,719)					(11,719)
Issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock under stock plan			(7,171)		16,234
Stockholder's equity, other					(422)
Tax benefit and withholdings from deferred compensation distributions			214
Stock-based compensation expense	9,980		9,980
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value					1,462
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle	1,869
Payment of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Class A				(39,998)
Payment of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Class B				(2,875)
Ending Balances at Jul. 31, 2018	752,112	548	325,631	553,454	(71,120)	(56,401)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	131,258
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(14,853)					(14,853)
Issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock under stock plan			(7,963)		27,970
Stockholder's equity, other					0
Tax benefit and withholdings from deferred compensation distributions			209
Stock-based compensation expense	12,092		12,092
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(3,182)
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle	0			2,137
Payment of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Class A				(41,784)
Payment of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Class B				(2,948)
Ending Balances at Jul. 31, 2019	$ 850,774	$ 548	$ 329,969	$ 637,843	$ (46,332)	$ (71,254)	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 131,258	$ 91,060	$ 95,645
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	23,799	25,442	27,303
Non-cash portion of stock-based compensation expense	12,092	9,980	9,495
Gain on sale of business, net	0	(4,666)	0
Deferred income taxes	7,825	33,656	(8,618)
Other Noncash Income (Expense)	2,347	(15)	504
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of effects of business acquisitions/divestitures):
Accounts receivable	3,496	(16,612)	766
Inventories	(9,922)	(7,563)	(5,687)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	368	1,747	1,812
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(11,903)	13,106	21,751
Income taxes	2,851	(3,093)	1,061
Net cash provided by operating activities	162,211	143,042	144,032
Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(32,825)	(21,777)	(15,167)
Sale of business, net of cash transferred with business	0	19,141	0
Other	(1,638)	(269)	(86)
Net cash used in investing activities	(34,463)	(2,905)	(15,253)
Financing activities:
Payment of dividends	(44,732)	(42,873)	(41,880)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	23,466	12,099	19,728
Purchase of treasury stock	(3,182)	(1,462)	0
Proceeds from borrowing on credit facilities	13,637	23,221	180,320
Repayment of borrowing on credit facilities	13,568	78,419	244,268
Principal payments on debt	0	0	(49,302)
Other	(3,249)	(3,246)	(839)
Net cash used in financing activities	(27,628)	(90,680)	(136,241)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(2,475)	(1,974)	178
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	97,645	47,483	(7,284)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	181,427	133,944	141,228
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	279,072	181,427	133,944
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	2,651	2,976	5,766
Income taxes	$ 24,335	$ 33,267	$ 31,885

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations — Brady Corporation is a global manufacturer and supplier of identification solutions and workplace safety products that identify and protect premises, products and people. The ability to provide customers with a broad range of proprietary, customized, and diverse products for use in various applications, along with a commitment to quality and service, a global footprint, and multiple sales channels, have made Brady a world leader in many of its markets.

Principles of Consolidation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brady Corporation and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The Company believes the carrying amount of its financial instruments (cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term debt) is a reasonable estimate of the fair value of these instruments due to their short-term nature. See Note 6 for more information regarding the fair value of long-term debt and Note 12 for fair value measurements.

Cash Equivalents — The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents, which are recorded at cost.

Accounts Receivables — Accounts receivables are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $5,005 and $4,471 as of July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2019, 2018, or 2017, or 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of July 31, 2019 or 2018. Specific customer provisions are made during review of significant outstanding amounts, in which customer creditworthiness and current economic trends may indicate that collection is doubtful. In addition, provisions are made for the remainder of accounts receivable based upon the age of the accounts receivable and the Company’s historical collection experience.

Inventories — Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost has been determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for certain inventories in the U.S. (13.4% of total inventories at July 31, 2019, and 15.0% of total inventories at July 31, 2018) and the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods for other inventories. Had all inventories been accounted for on a FIFO basis instead of on a LIFO basis, the carrying value of inventories would have increased by $7,259 and $7,015 as of July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Inventories consist of the following as of July 31:



	2019		2018
Finished products	$	77,532	$	73,133
Work-in-process	20,515		19,903
Raw materials and supplies	21,990		20,035
Total inventories	$	120,037	$	113,071

Goodwill — Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company completes impairment reviews for its reporting units using a fair-value method based on management's judgments and assumptions. The fair value represents the amount at which a reporting unit could be bought or sold in a current transaction between market participants on an arms-length basis. In estimating the fair value, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model and market multiples approach. The estimated fair value is compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. The annual impairment testing performed on May 1, 2019, in accordance with ASC 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other" ("Step One") indicated that all reporting units with remaining goodwill had a fair value substantially in excess of its carrying value. No goodwill impairment charges were recorded during the year ended July 31, 2019.

Long-Lived and Other Intangible Assets — The cost of intangible assets with determinable useful lives is amortized to reflect the pattern of economic benefits consumed on a straight-line basis, over the estimated periods benefited. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives as well as goodwill are not subject to amortization. These assets are assessed for impairment annually or more frequently as deemed necessary.

The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of long-lived and other finite-lived intangible assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of an asset may not be recoverable. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. In fiscal 2019, long-lived and other intangible assets were analyzed for potential impairment. As a result of the analysis, no material impairment charges were recorded. Refer to Note 2, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" for further information.

Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The cost of buildings and improvements, computer systems, and machinery and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives using primarily the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes. The estimated useful lives range from 3 to 33 years as shown below.



Asset Category		Range of Useful Lives
Buildings & Improvements		10 to 33 Years
Computer Systems		5 Years
Machinery & Equipment		3 to 10 Years

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following as of July 31:



	2019			2018
Land	$	9,752		$	6,994
Buildings and improvements	99,685			96,245
Machinery and equipment	266,991			270,989
Construction in progress	7,500			4,495
Property, plant and equipment—gross	383,928			378,723
Accumulated depreciation	(273,880		)	(280,778		)
Property, plant and equipment—net	$	110,048		$	97,945

Fully depreciated assets are retained in property and accumulated depreciation accounts until disposal. Upon disposal, assets and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount, less any proceeds from disposal, is charged to operations. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the respective asset. Depreciation expense was $18,023, $19,009, and $20,190 for the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Catalog Costs and Related Amortization — The Company accumulates all direct costs incurred, net of vendor cooperative advertising payments, in the development, production, and circulation of its catalogs on its balance sheet until such time as the related catalog is mailed. The catalog costs are subsequently amortized into selling, general, and administrative expense over the expected sales realization cycle, which is one year or less. Consequently, any difference between the estimated and actual revenue stream for a particular catalog and the related impact on amortization expense is realized within a period of one year or less. The estimate of the expected sales realization cycle for a particular catalog is based on the Company’s historical sales experience with similar catalogs and an assessment of prevailing economic conditions and various competitive factors. The Company tracks subsequent sales realization, reassesses the marketplace, and compares its findings to the previous estimate, and adjusts the amortization of future catalogs, if necessary. At July 31, 2019 and 2018, $5,617 and $6,154, respectively, of prepaid catalog costs were included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Revenue Recognition — The majority of the Company’s revenue relates to the sale of identification solutions and workplace safety products to customers. Prior to August 1, 2018, the Company's policy was to recognize revenue when title to the product and risk of loss had transferred to the customer, persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, and collection of the sales proceeds was reasonably assured, most of which occurred upon shipment of goods to customers. Effective August 1, 2018, the Company’s policy is to recognize revenue when control of the product or service transfers to the customer in an amount that represents the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those products and services. The Company considers control to have transferred when legal title, physical possession, and the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset have transferred to the customer and the collection of the transaction price is reasonably assured, most of which occur upon shipment or delivery of goods to customers. Given the nature of the Company’s business, revenue recognition practices do not contain estimates that materially affect the results of operations, with the exception of estimated customer returns and credit memos. The Company records an allowance for estimated product returns and credit memos using the expected value method based on historical experience, which is recognized as a deduction from net sales at the time of sale. As of July 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had a reserve for estimated product returns and credit memos of $5,796 and $4,546, respectively.

Sales Incentives — The Company accounts for cash consideration (such as sales incentives, rebates, and cash discounts) given to its customers or resellers as a reduction of revenue. Sales incentives for the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 were $40,811, $40,671, and $37,134, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs — Amounts billed to a customer in a sale transaction related to shipping and handling fees are reported as net sales and the related costs incurred for shipping and handling are reported as cost of goods sold.

Advertising Costs — Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, except catalog and mailing costs as outlined previously. Advertising expense for the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $62,454, $67,429, and $68,268, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation — In accordance with ASC 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation," the Company measures and recognizes the compensation expense for all share-based awards made to employees and directors based on estimated grant-date fair values. The Black-Scholes option valuation model is used to determine the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant. The Company recognizes the compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, of all share-based awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award. If it is determined that it is unlikely the award will vest, the expense recognized to date for the award is reversed in the period in which this is evident and the remaining expense is not recorded.

The Black-Scholes model requires the use of assumptions which determine the fair value of stock-based awards. The Company uses historical data regarding stock option exercise behaviors to estimate the expected term of options granted based on the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s historical dividend payments and historical yield. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the grant date for the length of time corresponding to the expected term of the option. The market value is calculated as the average of the high and the low stock price on the date of the grant.

The Company includes as part of cash flows from operating activities the benefits of tax deductions in excess of the tax-effected compensation of the related stock-based awards for options exercised and restricted shares and RSUs vested during the period. See Note 7, “Stockholders' Equity” for more information regarding the Company’s incentive stock plans.

Research and Development — Amounts expended for R&D are expensed as incurred.

Other Comprehensive Income — Other comprehensive income consists of net unrealized gains and losses from cash flow hedges, the unamortized gain on defined-benefit pension plans net of their related tax effects, and foreign currency translation adjustments, which include net investment hedge and long-term intercompany loan translation adjustments,.

Foreign Currency Translation — Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at end of period rates of exchange, and income and expense accounts are translated at the average rates of exchange for the period. Resulting translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income.

Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 "Income Taxes", which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if sustaining those positions is more likely than not. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which a change in judgment occurs.

Foreign Currency Hedging — The objective of the Company’s foreign currency exchange risk management is to minimize the impact of currency movements on non-functional currency transactions and minimize the foreign currency translation impact on the Company’s foreign operations. While the Company’s risk management objectives and strategies are driven from an economic perspective, the Company attempts, where possible and practical, to ensure that the hedging strategies it engages in qualify for hedge accounting and result in accounting treatment where the earnings effect of the hedging instrument provides substantial offset (in the same period) to the income effect of the hedged item. Generally, these risk management transactions will involve the use of foreign currency derivatives to protect against exposure resulting from transactions in a currency differing from the respective functional currency.

The Company recognizes derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of the derivatives are recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income as "Investment and other income" or as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, as discussed below.

Hedge effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument offset the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. Hedge accounting is permitted only if the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis. Gains or losses on the derivative related to hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current income. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not material for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

See Note 13, "Derivatives and Hedging Activities" for more information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments and hedging activities.

New Accounting Standards — In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities," which simplifies and reduces the complexity of the hedge accounting requirements and better aligns an entity's financial reporting for hedging relationships with its risk management activities. The guidance is effective for interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. This new guidance will require a modified retrospective adoption approach to existing hedging relationships as of the adoption date. The Company adopted ASU 2017-12 effective August 1, 2019, which did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Goodwill and Other, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment," which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment. The new guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance will remain largely unchanged. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods thereafter; however, early adoption is permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company has not adopted this guidance, which will only impact the Company's consolidated financial statements if there is a future impairment of goodwill.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments," which changes the impairment model for most financial instruments. Current guidance requires the recognition of credit losses based on an incurred loss impairment methodology that reflects losses once the losses are probable. Under ASU 2016-13, the Company will be required to use a current expected credit loss model ("CECL") that will immediately recognize an estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the life of the financial instruments that are in the scope of this update, including trade receivables. The CECL model uses a broader range of reasonable and supportable information in the development of credit loss estimates. This guidance becomes effective for interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" ("ASC 842"), which replaces the current lease accounting standards. The update requires, among other items, lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from most leases on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 "Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements," which provides, among other items, an additional transition method allowing a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings during the period of adoption. ASC 842 is effective for interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018.

The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 (and related updates) effective August 1, 2019, using the optional transition method provided in ASU 2018-11 to apply this guidance to the impacted lease population at the date of initial application. Results for reporting periods beginning after August 1, 2019, will be presented under ASU 2016-02, while comparative prior period amounts will not be restated and continue to be presented under accounting standards in effect during those periods. The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted within the new standard, which among other things, allows the Company to carryforward the historical lease accounting of expired or existing leases with respect to lease identification, lease classification and accounting treatment for initial direct costs as of the adoption date. The Company also elected the practical expedient related to lease versus nonlease components, allowing the Company to recognize lease and nonlease components as a single lease. Lastly, the Company elected the hindsight practical expedient, allowing the Company to use hindsight in determining the lease term and assessing impairment of right-of-use assets when transitioning to ASC 842. The Company has made a policy election not to capitalize leases with an initial term of 12 months or less.

The Company expects the adoption of ASC 842 to result in the recording of additional lease assets and liabilities of approximately $60,000 based on the present value of the remaining lease payments as of August 1, 2019, and does not expect the cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings to be material due to the package of practical expedients elected. As the adoption of ASC 842 is non-cash in nature, the Company does not anticipate the standard will have a material impact on its cash flows or operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606"), which eliminates the transaction and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance and replaced it with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition. The new guidance requires revenue recognition when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, replacing the existing guidance which requires revenue recognition when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 (and related updates) effective August 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method to apply this guidance to all contracts at the date of initial application. Results for reporting periods beginning after August 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while comparative prior period amounts have not been restated and continue to be presented under accounting standards in effect in those periods.

The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, business processes, controls, or systems. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of August 1, 2018, which resulted in a decrease to retained earnings of $2,137, net of tax. The adjustment was primarily due to a change in timing of when revenue and the related costs for certain extended service warranties are recognized, as required per ASC 606.

See Note 8, "Revenue Recognition" for additional information and required disclosures under the new standard.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended July 31, 2019 and 2018, were as follows:



	IDS			WPS			Total
Balance as of July 31, 2017	$	391,864		$	45,833		$	437,697
Translation adjustments	(6,340		)	(1,487		)	(7,827		)
Divestiture	—			(10,055		)	(10,055		)
Balance as of July 31, 2018	$	385,524		$	34,291		$	419,815
Translation adjustments	(6,519		)	(2,309		)	(8,828		)
Balance as of July 31, 2019	$	379,005		$	31,982		$	410,987

The annual impairment testing performed on May 1, 2019, in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” (“Step One”) indicated that all of the reporting units with remaining goodwill (IDS Americas & Europe, People ID, and WPS Europe) passed Step One of the goodwill impairment test as each had a fair value substantially in excess of its carrying value.

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets include patents, tradenames, customer relationships, non-compete agreements and other intangible assets with finite lives being amortized in accordance with the accounting guidance for other intangible assets. The net book value of these assets was as follows:



	July 31, 2019								July 31, 2018
	Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value		Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value
Amortized other intangible assets:
Customer relationships and other	9	$	46,595	$	(29,343	)	$	17,252	9	$	61,944	$	(38,872	)	$	23,072
Unamortized other intangible assets:
Tradenames	N/A	18,871		—			18,871		N/A	19,516		—			19,516
Total		$	65,466	$	(29,343	)	$	36,123		$	81,460	$	(38,872	)	$	42,588

The decrease in the gross carrying amount of other intangible assets as of July 31, 2019, compared to July 31, 2018, was primarily due to the effect of currency translations during the fiscal year.

Amortization expense on intangible assets during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $5,776, $6,433 and $7,113, respectively. Amortization expense over each of the next five fiscal years is projected to be $5,166, $5,165, $4,896, $2,025, and $0 for the fiscal years ending July 31, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 respectively.

Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Other comprehensive (loss) income consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, net investment hedge and long-term intercompany loan translation adjustments, net unrealized gains and losses from cash flow hedges, and the unamortized gain on defined-benefit pension plans net of their related tax effects.

The following table illustrates the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the periods presented:



	Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges			Gain on postretirement plans			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Ending balance, July 31, 2017	$	109		$	2,620		$	(47,411	)	$	(44,682	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassification	465			382			(14,242		)	(13,395		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	383			(576		)	—			(193		)
Adoption of accounting standard ASU 2018-02	(94		)	876			1,087			1,869
Ending balance, July 31, 2018	$	863		$	3,302		$	(60,566	)	$	(56,401	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	630			67			(14,195		)	(13,498		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(786		)	(569		)	—			(1,355		)
Ending balance, July 31, 2019	$	707		$	2,800		$	(74,761	)	$	(71,254	)

The increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of July 31, 2019, compared to July 31, 2018, was primarily due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against certain other currencies during the fiscal year. The foreign currency translation adjustments column in the table above includes the impact of foreign currency translation, foreign currency translation on intercompany notes, and settlements of net investment hedges, net of tax. Of the $1,355 reclassified from AOCI, the $786 gain on cash flow hedges was reclassified into cost of goods sold, and the $569 net gain on post-retirement plans was reclassified into "Investment and other income" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income in fiscal 2019.

The following table illustrates the income tax (expense) benefit on the components of other comprehensive (loss) income:



	Years Ended July 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income:
Cash flow hedges	55			(669		)	705
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	164			(64		)	(4		)
Other income tax adjustments and currency translation	(972		)	(567		)	1,720
Adoption of accounting standard ASU 2018-02	—			1,869			—
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(753	)	$	569		$	2,421

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Jul. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans The accounting guidance on defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans requires full recognition of the funded status of defined benefit and other postretirement plans on the balance sheet as an asset or a liability. The guidance also requires that unrecognized prior service costs/credits, gains/losses, and transition obligations/assets be recorded in AOCI, thus not changing the income statement recognition rules for such plans. The Company provides postretirement medical benefits (the “Plan”) for eligible regular full and part-time domestic employees (including spouses) who retired prior to January 1, 2016, as outlined by the Plan. The Plan is unfunded, and the liability, unrecognized gain, and associated income statement impact are immaterial for purposes of disclosure. The liability is recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2019 and 2018. The unrecognized gain is reported as a component of AOCI. The Company sponsors statutory defined benefit pension plans that are primarily unfunded and provide an income benefit upon termination or retirement for certain of its international employees. As of July 31, 2019 and 2018, the accumulated pension obligation related to these plans was $5,314 and $5,383, respectively. As of July 31, 2019 and 2018, pre-tax amounts recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were losses of $329 and $194, respectively. The net periodic benefit cost for these plans was $418, $341, and $665 during the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company also has two deferred compensation plans, the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and the Director Deferred Compensation Plan which allow for compensation to be deferred into either the Company's Class A Nonvoting Common Stock or in other investment funds. Neither plan allows funds to be transferred between the Company's Class A Nonvoting Common Stock and the other investment funds. The Company also has an additional non-qualified deferred compensation plan, the Brady Restoration Plan, which allows an equivalent benefit to the Matched 401(k) Plan and the Funded Retirement Plan for executives' income exceeding the IRS limits of participation in a qualified 401(k) plan. At July 31, 2019 and 2018, $15,744 and $14,383, respectively, of deferred compensation was included in "Other liabilities" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has retirement and profit-sharing plans covering substantially all full-time domestic employees and certain employees of its foreign subsidiaries. Contributions to the plans are determined annually or quarterly, according to the respective plan, based on income of the respective companies and employee contributions. Accrued retirement and profit-sharing contributions of $3,342 and $3,844 were included in "Other current liabilities" on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The amounts charged to expense for these retirement and profit sharing plans were $14,158, $14,395, and $13,750 during the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income before income taxes consists of the following:



	Years Ended July 31,
	2019		2018		2017
United States	$	55,077	$	48,903	$	43,561
Other Nations	109,567		103,112		83,071
Total	$	164,644	$	152,015	$	126,632

Income tax expense consists of the following:



	Years Ended July 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Current income tax expense:
United States	$	2,232		$	2,830		$	15,279
Other Nations	22,445			26,593			23,826
States (U.S.)	913			910			1,163
	$	25,590		$	30,333		$	40,268
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
United States	$	8,451		$	30,267		$	(8,173	)
Other Nations	(667		)	(1,462		)	(1,329		)
States (U.S.)	12			1,817			221
	$	7,796		$	30,622		$	(9,281	)
Total income tax expense	$	33,386		$	60,955		$	30,987

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was enacted. Among the significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, the Tax Reform Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%, imposed a one-time tax on deemed repatriated income of foreign subsidiaries, eliminated the domestic manufacturing deduction and moved to a partial territorial system by providing a 100% dividend received deduction on certain qualified dividends from foreign subsidiaries.

The tax effects of temporary differences are as follows as of July 31, 2019 and 2018:



	July 31, 2019
	Assets			Liabilities			Total
Inventories	$	3,856		$	(1	)	$	3,855
Prepaid catalog costs	—			(631		)	(631		)
Employee compensation and benefits	7,021			(89		)	6,932
Accounts receivable	943			(233		)	710
Fixed assets	3,125			(6,869		)	(3,744		)
Intangible assets	1,432			(31,415		)	(29,983		)
Deferred and equity-based compensation	7,352			—			7,352
Postretirement benefits	2,659			(71		)	2,588
Tax credit and net operating loss carry-forwards	62,966			—			62,966
Less valuation allowance	(60,073		)	—			(60,073		)
Other, net	7,406			(7,961		)	(555		)
Total	$	36,687		$	(47,270	)	$	(10,583	)



	July 31, 2018
	Assets			Liabilities			Total
Inventories	$	3,095		$	(53	)	$	3,042
Prepaid catalog costs	—			(978		)	(978		)
Employee compensation and benefits	3,772			(91		)	3,681
Accounts receivable	828			(1		)	827
Fixed assets	2,959			(4,911		)	(1,952		)
Intangible assets	1,073			(29,630		)	(28,557		)
Deferred and equity-based compensation	10,656			—			10,656
Postretirement benefits	3,280			—			3,280
Tax credit and net operating loss carry-forwards	64,348			—			64,348
Less valuation allowance	(56,866		)	—			(56,866		)
Other, net	8,548			(8,962		)	(414		)
Total	$	41,693		$	(44,626	)	$	(2,933	)

Tax carry-forwards at July 31, 2019 are comprised of:


•	Foreign net operating loss carry-forwards of $100,335, of which $83,826 have no expiration date and the remainder of which expire within the next five years.


•	State net operating loss carry-forwards of $32,986, which expire from 2022 to 2038.


•	Foreign tax credit carry-forwards of $27,343, which expire from 2021 to 2029.


•	State R&D credit carry-forwards of $12,882, which expire from 2020 to 2034.

Rate Reconciliation

A reconciliation of the tax rate computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to income before income taxes to the total income tax expense is as follows:



	Years Ended July 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Tax at statutory rate	21.0	%	26.9	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	0.3	%	1.6	%	1.0	%
International rate differential	2.2	%	(1.1	)%	(6.3	)%
Rate variances arising from foreign subsidiary distributions⁽¹⁾	(0.4	)%	0.8	%	(5.9	)%
Foreign tax credit carryforward valuation allowance⁽²⁾	1.8	%	14.1	%	—	%
Divestiture of business⁽³⁾	—	%	(0.8	)%	—	%
Adjustments to tax accruals and reserves⁽⁴⁾	(3.6	)%	2.2	%	3.6	%
Non-deductible executive compensation⁽⁵⁾	2.3	%	0.5	%	—	%
Research and development tax credits and domestic manufacturer’s deduction	(1.6	)%	(2.0	)%	(1.8	)%
Deferred tax and other adjustments, net	(1.7	)%	(2.1	)%	(1.1	)%
Effective tax rate	20.3	%	40.1	%	24.5	%


(1)	The year ended July 31, 2017, includes the generation of foreign tax credit carryforwards from cash repatriations that occurred during the fiscal year.


(2)	The year ended July 31, 2018, includes the establishment of a valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryforwards as a result of the Tax Reform Act.


(3)	The year ended July 31, 2018, includes the divestiture of the Company's Runelandhs business based in Sweden. Refer to Note 14, "Divestiture" for additional information.


(4)	The years ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, include increases in uncertain tax positions, while the year ended July 31, 2019, includes reductions of uncertain tax positions resulting from the closure of audits and lapses in statutes of limitations.


(5)	The years ended July 31, 2019 and 2018, include non-deductible compensation such as salaries, bonuses, and other equity compensation of the Company's executives (as defined in Internal Revenue Service Code Section 162(m)).

Uncertain Tax Positions

The Company follows the guidance in ASC 740, "Income Taxes" regarding uncertain tax positions. The guidance requires application of a more likely than not threshold to the recognition and de-recognition of income tax positions. A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) is as follows:



Balance at July 31, 2016	$	15,294
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,500
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,124
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(62		)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(663		)
Settlements with tax authorities	(118		)
Cumulative Translation Adjustments and other	287
Balance as of July 31, 2017	$	18,362
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,467
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,586
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(23		)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(489		)
Settlements with tax authorities	(1,277		)
Cumulative Translation Adjustments and other	(196		)
Balance as of July 31, 2018	$	20,430
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,518
Additions for tax positions of prior years	612
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(378		)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(8,140		)
Cumulative Translation Adjustments and other	(201		)
Balance as of July 31, 2019	$	14,841

Of the $14,841 of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, $12,037 would affect the Company's income tax rate. The Company has classified $10,218 and $13,238, excluding interest and penalties, of the reserve for uncertain tax positions in "Other liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company has classified $4,623 and $7,192, excluding interest and penalties, as a reduction of long-term deferred income tax assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Interest expense is recognized on the amount of potentially underpaid taxes associated with the Company's tax positions, beginning in the first period in which interest starts accruing under the respective tax law and continuing until the tax positions are settled. The Company recognized a decrease of $1,013, an increase of $556, and an increase of $674 in interest expense during the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. There was a $2,357 decrease to the reserve for uncertain tax positions for penalties during the year ended July 31, 2019, an increase of $83 during the year ended July 31, 2018, and an increase of $218 during the year end July 31, 2017. These amounts are net of reversals due to reductions for tax positions of prior years, statute of limitations, and settlements. At July 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $1,740 and $2,762, respectively, accrued for interest on unrecognized tax benefits. Penalties are accrued if the tax position does not meet the minimum statutory threshold to avoid the payment of a penalty. At July 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $663 and $3,027, respectively, accrued for penalties on unrecognized tax benefits. Interest expense and penalties are recorded as a component of "Income tax expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company estimates that it is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits may be reduced by $5,429 within 12 months as a result of the resolution of worldwide tax matters, tax audit settlements, amended tax filings, and/or the expiration of statute of limitations, all of which, if recognized, would result in an income tax benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

During the year ended July 31, 2019, the Company recognized $9,797 of tax benefits (including interest and penalties) associated with the lapse of statutes of limitations. The Company also recognized $568 of tax benefits (including interest and penalties) associated with the reduction of tax positions for prior years due to the closure of certain tax audits.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S., various state, and foreign jurisdictions. The following table summarizes the open tax years for the Company's major jurisdictions:



Jurisdiction		Open Tax Years
United States — Federal		F’16 — F’19

Debt

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Obligations

Debt

On August 1, 2019, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an unsecured $200,000 multi-currency revolving loan agreement with a group of five banks that replaced and terminated the Company's previous $300,000 revolving credit agreement that had been entered into on September 25, 2015. Refer to Item 8, Note 16, "Subsequent Events" for information regarding the Company's new revolving loan agreement.

On September 25, 2015, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an unsecured $300,000 multi-currency revolving loan agreement with a group of six banks. Under this revolving loan agreement, which had a final maturity date of September 25, 2020, the Company had the option to select either a base interest rate (based upon the higher of the federal funds rate plus one-half of 1%, the prime rate of Bank of America plus a margin based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, or the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1%) or a Eurocurrency interest rate (at the LIBOR rate plus a margin based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio). At the Company’s option, and subject to certain conditions, the available amount under the revolving loan agreement could have been increased from $300,000 up to $450,000. The maximum amount outstanding on the Company's revolving loan agreement during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019 was $7,901. As of July 31, 2019, there were no borrowings outstanding on the credit facility. There was $296,729 available for future borrowing under the credit facility, which can be increased to $446,729 at the Company's option, subject to certain conditions. The revolving loan agreement had a final maturity date of September 25, 2020.

On May 13, 2010, the Company completed a private placement of €75,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes to accredited institutional investors. The €75,000 of senior notes consisted of €30,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.71% Series 2010-A Senior Notes, which were repaid during fiscal 2017, and €45,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.24% Series 2010-A Senior Notes, due May 13, 2020, with interest payable on the notes semiannually. This private placement was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries. The borrowing is included in "Current maturities on long-term debt" and "Long-term obligations" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Company’s old debt agreements required it to maintain certain financial covenants, including a ratio of debt to the trailing twelve months EBITDA, as defined in the debt agreements, of not more than a 3.25 to 1.0 ratio (leverage ratio) and the trailing twelve months EBITDA to interest expense of not less than a 3.0 to 1.0 ratio (interest expense coverage). The Company’s new debt agreements require it to maintain certain financial covenants, including a ratio of debt to the trailing twelve months EBITDA, as defined in the debt agreements, of not more than a 3.50 to 1.0 ratio (leverage ratio) and the trailing twelve months EBITDA to interest expense of not less than a 3.0 to 1.0 ratio (interest expense coverage). As of July 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with these financial covenants, with the ratio of debt to EBITDA, as defined by the agreements, equal to 0.3 to 1.0 and the interest expense coverage ratio equal to 71.9 to 1.0.

Total debt consists of the following as of July 31:



	2019		2018
Euro-denominated notes payable in 2020 at a fixed rate of 4.24%	$	50,166	$	52,618

The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $3,271 and $3,043 at July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term obligations, including current maturities, was $51,566 and $55,707 at July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, as compared to the carrying value of $50,166 and $52,618 at July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The fair value of the long-term obligations, which was determined using the market approach based upon the interest rates available to the Company for borrowings with similar terms and maturities, was determined to be Level 2 under the fair value hierarchy.

Maturities on long-term debt are as follows:



Years Ending July 31,
2020	$	50,166
Total	$	50,166

Stockholder's Investments

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholder's Investments

Stockholders' Equity

Information as to the Company’s capital stock at July 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:



	July 31, 2019				July 31, 2018
	Shares Authorized	Shares Issued	(thousands) Amount		Shares Authorized	Shares Issued	(thousands) Amount
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value	5,000,000				5,000,000
Cumulative Preferred Stock: 6% Cumulative	5,000				5,000
1972 Series	10,000				10,000
1979 Series	30,000				30,000
Common Stock, $.01 par value: Class A Nonvoting	100,000,000	51,261,487	$	513	100,000,000	51,261,487	$	513
Class B Voting	10,000,000	3,538,628	35		10,000,000	3,538,628	35
			$	548			$	548

Before any dividend may be paid on the Class B Common Stock, holders of the Class A Common Stock are entitled to receive an annual, noncumulative cash dividend of $0.01665 per share. Thereafter, any further dividend in that fiscal year must be paid on each share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock on an equal basis.

Other than as required by law, holders of the Class A Common Stock are not entitled to any vote on corporate matters, unless, in each of the three preceding fiscal years, the $0.01665 preferential dividend described above has not been paid in full. Holders of the Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share for the entire fiscal year immediately following the third consecutive fiscal year in which the preferential dividend is not paid in full. Holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share for the election of directors and for all other purposes.

Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, and after distribution of any amounts due to holders of Preferred Stock, if any, holders of the Class A Common Stock are entitled to receive the sum of $0.835 per share before any payment or distribution to holders of the Class B Common Stock. Thereafter, holders of the Class B Common Stock are entitled to receive a payment or distribution of $0.835 per share. Thereafter, holders of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock share equally in all payments or distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

The preferences in dividends and liquidation rights of the Class A Common Stock over the Class B Common Stock will terminate at any time that the voting rights of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock become equal.

The following is a summary of other activity in stockholders’ equity for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:



	Deferred Compensation			Shares Held in Rabbi Trust, at cost			Total
Balances at July 31, 2016	$	4,624		$	(8,487	)	$	(3,863	)
Shares at July 31, 2016	201,418			347,081
Sale of shares at cost	$	(1,247	)	$	1,288		$	41
Purchase of shares at cost	315			(925		)	(610		)
Effect of plan amendment	4,432			—			4,432
Balances at July 31, 2017	$	8,124		$	(8,124	)	$	—
Shares at July 31, 2017	314,082			314,082
Sale of shares at cost	$	(977	)	$	977		$	—
Purchase of shares at cost	1,075			(1,075		)	—
Balances at July 31, 2018	$	8,222		$	(8,222	)	$	—
Shares at July 31, 2018	299,916			299,916
Sale of shares at cost	$	(928	)	$	928		$	—
Purchase of shares at cost	1,212			(1,212		)	—
Balances at July 31, 2019	$	8,506		$	(8,506	)	$	—
Shares at July 31, 2019	285,533			285,533

Deferred Compensation Plans

The Company has two deferred compensation plans, the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and the Director Deferred Compensation Plan that allow for compensation to be deferred into either the Company's Class A Nonvoting Common Stock or into other investment funds. Both the Director Deferred Compensation Plan and the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan disallow transfers from other investment funds into or out of the Company's Class A Nonvoting Common Stock.

At July 31, 2019, the deferred compensation balance in stockholders’ equity represents the investment at the original cost of shares held in the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock for the deferred compensation plans. The balance of shares held in the Rabbi Trust represents the investment in the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock at the original cost of all the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock held in deferred compensation plans.

Incentive Stock Plans

The Company has an incentive stock plan under which the Board of Directors may grant nonqualified stock options to purchase shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), or restricted and unrestricted shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock to employees and non-employee directors. Certain awards may be subject to pre-established performance goals.

As of July 31, 2019, the Company has reserved 1,941,764 shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock for outstanding stock options, RSUs and restricted shares and 3,682,157 shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock remain for future issuance of stock options, RSUs and restricted and unrestricted shares under the active plans. The Company uses treasury stock or will issue new Class A Nonvoting Common Stock to deliver shares under these plans.

Total stock-based compensation expense recognized by the Company during the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, was $12,092 ($10,628 net of taxes), $9,980 ($7,485 net of taxes), and $9,495 ($5,887 net of taxes), respectively. As of July 31, 2019, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation awards that are expected to vest was $9,652 pre-tax, net of estimated forfeitures, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

Stock Options

The stock options issued under the plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and generally vest ratably over a three-year period, with one-third becoming exercisable one year after the grant date and one-third additional in each of the succeeding two years. Options issued under the plan, referred to herein as “time-based” options, generally expire 10 years from the date of grant.

The Company has estimated the fair value of its time-based stock option awards granted during the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model are reflected in the following table:



Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions	2019			2018			2017
Expected term (in years)	6.20			6.07			6.11
Expected volatility	26.05		%	28.19		%	29.55		%
Expected dividend yield	2.71		%	2.72		%	2.70		%
Risk-free interest rate	3.01		%	1.96		%	1.26		%
Weighted-average market value of underlying stock at grant date	$	43.96		$	36.85		$	35.14
Weighted-average exercise price	$	43.96		$	36.85		$	35.14
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period	$	9.70		$	7.96		$	7.56

The following is a summary of stock option activity for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019:



	Option Price				Options Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance as of July 31, 2018	$	19.96	—	$38.83	2,504,633		$	28.23
Options granted	41.70		—	43.98	276,238		43.96
Options exercised	19.96		—	36.85	(1,154,343	)	27.03
Options canceled	20.95		—	43.98	(31,812	)	37.95
Balance as of July 31, 2019	$	19.96	—	$43.98	1,594,716		$	31.63

The total fair value of options vested during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, was $2,864, $3,006, and $2,911, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, was $20,969, $6,208, and $7,901, respectively.

There were 1,025,811, 1,722,229, and 1,859,959 options exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $27.06, $26.82, and $28.20 at July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The cash received from the exercise of stock options during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, was $23,466, $12,099, and $19,728, respectively. The tax benefit on options exercised during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, was $5,242, $1,893, and $3,002, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at July 31, 2019:



	Options Outstanding				Options Outstanding and Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number of Shares Outstanding at July 31, 2019	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Shares Exercisable at July 31, 2019	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price
$19.96 - $26.99	476,603	5.9	$	20.64	476,603	5.9	$	20.64
$27.00 - $32.99	285,513	2.8	29.71		285,150	2.8	29.71
$33.00 - $43.98	832,600	8.1	38.58		264,058	7.5	35.77
Total	1,594,716	6.5	$	31.63	1,025,811	5.4	$	27.06

As of July 31, 2019, the aggregate intrinsic value (defined as the amount by which the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of an option) of options outstanding and the options exercisable was $31,955 and $25,246, respectively.

RSUs

RSUs issued under the plan have a grant date fair value equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. Shares issued under the plan are referred to herein as either "time-based" or "performance-based" RSUs. The time-based RSUs issued under the plan generally vest ratably over a three-year period, with one-third becoming exercisable one year after the grant date and one-third additional in each of the succeeding two years. The performance-based RSUs granted under the plan vest at the end of a three-year service period provided specified financial performance metrics are met.

The following tables summarize the RSU activity for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019:



Time-Based RSUs	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance as of July 31, 2018	342,856		$	29.05
New grants	84,231		44.20
Vested	(212,788	)	26.73
Forfeited	(25,661	)	31.07
Balance as of July 31, 2019	188,638		$	38.15

The time-based RSUs granted during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2018, had a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $36.80. The total fair value of time-based RSUs vested during the years ended July 31, 2019 and 2018, was $9,859 and $8,237, respectively.



Performance-Based RSUs	Shares	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance as of July 31, 2018	108,097	$	32.57
New grants	50,313	50.70
Balance as of July 31, 2019	158,410	$	38.33

The performance-based RSUs granted during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019, had a weighted-average grant-date fair value determined by a third-party valuation involving the use of a Monte Carlo simulation. The performance-based RSUs granted during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2018, had a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $33.12. The aggregate intrinsic value of unvested time-based and performance-based RSUs outstanding at July 31, 2019 and 2018, and expected to vest, was $17,953 and $17,249, respectively.

Revenue Recognition (Notes)	12 Months Ended
Revenue Recognition (Notes)	Jul. 31, 2019
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when control of the product or service transfers to the customer at an amount that represents the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those products and services. Nature of Products The Company’s revenues are primarily from the sale of identification solutions and workplace safety products that are shipped and billed to customers. All revenue is from contracts with customers and is included in “Net sales” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 9 “Segment Information” for the Company’s disaggregated revenue disclosure. Performance Obligations The Company’s contracts with customers consist of purchase orders, which in some cases are governed by master supply or distributor agreements. For each contract, the Company considers the commitment to transfer tangible products, which are generally capable of being distinct, to be separate performance obligations. The majority of the Company's revenue is earned and recognized at a point in time through ship-and-bill performance obligations where the customer typically obtains control of the product upon shipment or delivery, depending on freight terms. The Company considers control to have transferred if legal title, physical possession, and the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset have transferred to the customer and the Company has a present right to payment. In almost all cases, control transfers once a product is shipped or delivered, as this is when customer is able to direct and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits associated with use of the asset. Transaction Price and Variable Consideration Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the transfer of product to a customer. The transaction price is generally the price stated in the contract specific for each item sold, adjusted for all applicable variable considerations. Variable considerations generally include discounts, returns, credits, rebates, or other allowances that reduce the transaction price. Certain discounts and price assurances are fixed and known at the time of sale. The Company estimates the amount of variable consideration and reduces the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The expected value method is used to estimate expected returns and allowances based on historical experience. The most likely amount method is used to estimate customer rebates, which are offered retrospective and typically defined in the master supply or distributor agreement. Payment Terms While the Company’s standard payment terms are net 30 days, the specific payment terms and conditions in its contracts with customers vary by type and location of the customer. Cash discounts may be offered to certain customers. The Company has payment terms in its contracts with customers of less than one year and has elected the practical expedient applicable to such contracts and does not consider the time value of money. Warranties The Company offers standard warranty coverage on substantially all products which provides the customer with assurance that the product will function as intended. This standard warranty coverage is accounted for as an assurance warranty and is not considered to be a separate performance obligation. The Company records a liability for product warranty obligations at the time of sale based on historical warranty experience that is included in cost of goods sold. The Company also offers extended warranty coverage for certain products, which it accounts for as service warranties. In most cases, the extended service warranty is included in the sales price of the product and is not sold separately. The Company considers the extended service warranty to be a separate performance obligation and allocates a portion of the transaction price to the service warranty based on the estimated stand-alone selling price. At the time of sale, the extended warranty transaction price is recorded as deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the service warranty period. The deferred revenue is considered a contract liability as the Company has a right to payment at the time the product with the related extended service warranty is shipped or delivered and therefore, payment is received in advance of the Company's performance. Contract Balances The balance of contract liabilities associated with service warranty performance obligations was $2,782 and $2,796 as of July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. This also represents the amount of unsatisfied performance obligations related to contracts that extend beyond one year. The current portion and non-current portion of contract liabilities are included in “Other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities," respectively, on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019, the Company recognized revenue of $1,163 that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period from the amortization of extended service warranties. Of the contract liability balance outstanding at July 31, 2019, the Company expects to recognize 41% by the end of fiscal 2020, an additional 28% by the end of fiscal 2021, and the balance thereafter. Practical Expedients The following is a summary of practical expedients the Company has elected to apply under ASC 606. With the exception of the performance obligations related to the extended service warranties, the Company's contracts have an original expected duration of one year or less. As a result, the Company has elected to use the practical expedient to not disclose its remaining performance obligations for contracts that have an original expected length of one year or less. The Company applied the portfolio approach to its ship-and-bill contracts that have similar characteristics as it reasonably expects that the effects on the financial statements of applying this guidance to the portfolio of contracts would not differ materially from applying this guidance to the individual contracts within the portfolio. Sales and use tax, value-added tax, and other similar taxes assessed by governmental authorities and collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from the transaction price. The Company accounts for shipping and handling activities that occur after control of the related products transfers to the customer as fulfillment activities and are therefore recognized as revenue at time of shipping. The Company expenses incremental direct costs of obtaining a contract (e.g., sales commissions) when incurred because the amortization period is generally twelve months or less. Contract costs are included in "Selling, general and administrative expense" on the Consolidated Statements of Inco

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

The Company is organized and managed on a global basis within three operating segments, Identification Solutions ("IDS"), Workplace Safety ("WPS"), and People Identification ("People ID"), which aggregate into two reportable segments that are organized around businesses with consistent products and services: IDS and WPS. The Identification Solutions and People ID operating segments aggregate into the IDS reporting segment, while the WPS reporting segment is comprised solely of the Workplace Safety operating segment.

The Company's internal measure of segment profit and loss reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of allocating resources to the segments and assessing performance includes certain administrative costs, such as the cost of finance, information technology, human resources, and certain other administrative costs. However, interest expense, investment and other income (expense), income tax expense, and certain corporate administrative expenses are excluded when evaluating segment performance.

Following is a summary of segment information for the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:



	2019		2018		2017
Net sales:
ID Solutions
Americas	$	577,156	$	556,172	$	544,330
Europe	193,852		197,737		172,776
Asia	92,092		92,178		83,286
Total	$	863,100	$	846,087	$	800,392
Workplace Safety
Americas	$	98,788	$	106,910	$	109,176
Europe	150,480		170,265		155,957
Australia	48,277		50,589		47,791
Total	$	297,545	$	327,764	$	312,924
Total Company
Americas	$	675,944	$	663,082	$	653,506
Europe	344,332		368,002		328,733
Asia-Pacific	140,369		142,767		131,077
Total	$	1,160,645	$	1,173,851	$	1,113,316
Depreciation & amortization:
ID Solutions	$	21,387	$	22,075	$	23,092
WPS	2,412		3,367		4,211
Total Company	$	23,799	$	25,442	$	27,303
Segment profit:
ID Solutions	$	164,953	$	143,411	$	130,572
WPS	23,025		31,712		25,554
Total Company	$	187,978	$	175,123	$	156,126
Assets:
ID Solutions	$	740,437	$	737,174	$	761,448
WPS	137,799		138,329		154,827
Corporate	279,072		181,428		133,948
Total Company	$	1,157,308	$	1,056,931	$	1,050,223
Expenditures for property, plant & equipment:
ID Solutions	$	17,849	$	17,283	$	12,347
WPS	14,976		4,494		2,820
Total Company	$	32,825	$	21,777	$	15,167

Following is a reconciliation of segment profit to income before income taxes for the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:



	Years Ended July 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Total segment profit	$	187,978		$	175,123		$	156,126
Unallocated costs:
Administrative costs	25,550			27,093			25,111
Gain on sale of business⁽¹⁾	—			(4,666		)	—
Investment and other income	(5,046		)	(2,487		)	(1,121		)
Interest expense	2,830			3,168			5,504
Income before income taxes	$	164,644		$	152,015		$	126,632

(1) Gain on sale of business relates to the WPS segment during the year ended July 31, 2018.



	Revenues* Years Ended July 31,									Long-Lived Assets** As of July 31,
	2019			2018			2017			2019		2018		2017
Geographic information:
United States	$	674,924		$	663,935		$	651,294		$	365,205	$	366,638	$	367,418
Other	546,923			573,652			521,791			191,953		193,710		221,458
Eliminations	(61,202		)	(63,736		)	(59,769		)	—		—		—
Consolidated total	$	1,160,645		$	1,173,851		$	1,113,316		$	557,158	$	560,348	$	588,876

* Revenues are attributed based on country of origin.
** Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, other intangible assets and goodwill.

Segment Information

Following is a summary of segment information for the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:



	2019		2018		2017
Net sales:
ID Solutions
Americas	$	577,156	$	556,172	$	544,330
Europe	193,852		197,737		172,776
Asia	92,092		92,178		83,286
Total	$	863,100	$	846,087	$	800,392
Workplace Safety
Americas	$	98,788	$	106,910	$	109,176
Europe	150,480		170,265		155,957
Australia	48,277		50,589		47,791
Total	$	297,545	$	327,764	$	312,924
Total Company
Americas	$	675,944	$	663,082	$	653,506
Europe	344,332		368,002		328,733
Asia-Pacific	140,369		142,767		131,077
Total	$	1,160,645	$	1,173,851	$	1,113,316
Depreciation & amortization:
ID Solutions	$	21,387	$	22,075	$	23,092
WPS	2,412		3,367		4,211
Total Company	$	23,799	$	25,442	$	27,303
Segment profit:
ID Solutions	$	164,953	$	143,411	$	130,572
WPS	23,025		31,712		25,554
Total Company	$	187,978	$	175,123	$	156,126
Assets:
ID Solutions	$	740,437	$	737,174	$	761,448
WPS	137,799		138,329		154,827
Corporate	279,072		181,428		133,948
Total Company	$	1,157,308	$	1,056,931	$	1,050,223
Expenditures for property, plant & equipment:
ID Solutions	$	17,849	$	17,283	$	12,347
WPS	14,976		4,494		2,820
Total Company	$	32,825	$	21,777	$	15,167

Following is a reconciliation of segment profit to income before income taxes for the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:



	Years Ended July 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Total segment profit	$	187,978		$	175,123		$	156,126
Unallocated costs:
Administrative costs	25,550			27,093			25,111
Gain on sale of business⁽¹⁾	—			(4,666		)	—
Investment and other income	(5,046		)	(2,487		)	(1,121		)
Interest expense	2,830			3,168			5,504
Income before income taxes	$	164,644		$	152,015		$	126,632

(1) Gain on sale of business relates to the WPS segment during the year ended July 31, 2018.



	Revenues* Years Ended July 31,									Long-Lived Assets** As of July 31,
	2019			2018			2017			2019		2018		2017
Geographic information:
United States	$	674,924		$	663,935		$	651,294		$	365,205	$	366,638	$	367,418
Other	546,923			573,652			521,791			191,953		193,710		221,458
Eliminations	(61,202		)	(63,736		)	(59,769		)	—		—		—
Consolidated total	$	1,160,645		$	1,173,851		$	1,113,316		$	557,158	$	560,348	$	588,876

* Revenues are attributed based on country of origin.
** Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, other intangible assets and goodwill.

Net Income per Common Share

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net Earnings per Common Share

Net Income per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income (after deducting the applicable preferential Class A Common Stock dividends) by the weighted average Common Shares outstanding of 52,596 for fiscal 2019, 51,677 for fiscal 2018, and 51,056 for fiscal 2017. The Company utilizes the two-class method to calculate income per share.

Reconciliations of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted per share computations for the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock are summarized as follows:



	Years ended July 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Numerator (in thousands):
Income (Numerator for basic and diluted income per Class A Nonvoting Common Share)	$	131,258		$	91,060		$	95,645
Less:
Preferential dividends	(815		)	(799		)	(788		)
Preferential dividends on dilutive stock options	(13		)	(14		)	(14		)
Numerator for basic and diluted income per Class B Voting Common Share	$	130,430		$	90,247		$	94,843
Denominator (in thousands):
Denominator for basic income per share for both Class A and Class B	52,596			51,677			51,056
Plus: Effect of dilutive equity awards	727			847			900
Denominator for diluted income per share for both Class A and Class B	53,323			52,524			51,956
Net income per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic	$	2.50		$	1.76		$	1.87
Diluted	$	2.46		$	1.73		$	1.84
Net income per Class B Voting Common Share:
Basic	$	2.48		$	1.75		$	1.86
Diluted	$	2.45		$	1.72		$	1.83

Options to purchase 372,255, 751,200, and 669,036 shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share as the impact of the inclusion of the options would have been anti-dilutive.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company has entered into various non-cancellable operating lease agreements. Rental expense charged to operating expenses on a straight-line basis was $19,984, $15,938, and $17,495 for the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Future minimum lease payments required under such leases in effect at July 31, 2019, were as follows:



Years ending July 31,
2020	$	18,450
2021	16,132
2022	13,439
2023	10,065
2024	5,656
Thereafter	3,502
	$	67,244

In the normal course of business, the Company is named as a defendant in various lawsuits in which claims are asserted against the Company. In the opinion of management, the liabilities, if any, which may ultimately result from lawsuits are not expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

The Company follows the guidance in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" as it relates to its financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. The accounting guidance applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, defines fair value based upon an exit price model, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the applicable disclosure requirements. The accounting guidance indicates, among other things, that a fair value measurement assumes that a transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.

The accounting guidance on fair value measurements establishes a fair market value hierarchy for the pricing inputs used to measure fair market value. The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair market value are classified in one of the following categories:

Level 1 — Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments that are accessible as of the measurement date.

Level 2 — Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on other significant pricing inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable.

Level 3 — Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on significant unobservable pricing inputs to the extent little or no market data is available, which result in the use of management's own assumptions.

The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at July 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, according to the valuation techniques the Company used to determine their fair values.



	Inputs Considered As
	Level 1		Level 2		Fair Values		Balance Sheet Classifications
July 31, 2018
Trading securities	$	14,383	$	—	$	14,383	Other assets
Foreign exchange contracts	—		1,077		1,077		Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total Assets	$	14,383	$	1,077	$	15,460
Foreign exchange contracts	$	—	$	3	$	3	Other current liabilities
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	3	$	3
July 31, 2019
Trading securities	$	15,744	$	—	$	15,744	Other assets
Foreign exchange contracts	—		474		474		Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total Assets	$	15,744	$	474	$	16,218
Foreign exchange contracts	$	—	$	5	$	5	Other current liabilities
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	5	$	5

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Trading securities: The Company’s deferred compensation investments consist of investments in mutual funds. These investments were classified as Level 1 as the shares of these investments trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable the Company to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Foreign exchange contracts: The Company’s foreign exchange contracts were classified as Level 2, as the fair value was based on the present value of the future cash flows using external models that use observable inputs, such as interest rates, yield curves and foreign exchange rates. See Note 13, “Derivatives and Hedging Activities” for additional information.

There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities between the fair value hierarchy levels, outlined above, during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018.

The Company’s financial instruments, other than those presented in the disclosures above, include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term and long-term debt. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximated carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. See Note 6 for information regarding the fair value of the Company's short-term and long-term debt.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The Company utilizes forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce the exchange rate risk of specific foreign currency denominated transactions. These contracts typically require the exchange of a foreign currency for U.S. dollars at a fixed rate at a future date, with maturities of less than 18 months, which qualify as cash flow hedges or net investment hedges under the accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The primary objective of the Company’s foreign currency exchange risk management program is to minimize the impact of currency movements due to transactions in other than the respective subsidiaries’ functional currency and to minimize the impact of currency movements on the Company’s net investment denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. To achieve this objective, the Company hedges a portion of known exposures using forward foreign exchange contracts. As of July 31, 2019 and 2018, the notional amount of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts was $29,389 and $32,667, respectively.

The Company hedges a portion of known exposures using forward foreign exchange contracts. Main exposures are related to transactions denominated in the British Pound, Euro, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Mexican Peso, Chinese Yuan, Malaysian Ringgit and Singapore dollar. Generally, these risk management transactions will involve the use of foreign currency derivatives to minimize the impact of currency movements on non-functional currency transactions.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company has designated a portion of its forward foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges and recorded these contracts at fair value in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For these instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and in the cash flow hedge section of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and reclassified into income in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects income. At July 31, 2019 and 2018, unrealized gains of $805 and $1,017 have been included in OCI, respectively. These balances are expected to be reclassified from OCI to income during the next twelve months when the hedged transactions impact income. For the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company reclassified gains of $1,048, losses of $552, and losses of $486 from OCI into cost of goods sold, respectively.

As of July 31, 2019 and 2018, the notional amount of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges was $26,013 and $27,150, respectively.

Net Investment Hedges

The Company has also designated certain third party-foreign currency denominated debt instruments as net investment hedges. On May 13, 2010, the Company completed the private placement of €75,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes consisting of €30,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.71% Series 2010-A Senior Notes, which were repaid during fiscal 2017, and €45,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.24% Series 2010-A Senior Notes, due May 13, 2020. This Euro-denominated debt obligation was designated as a net investment hedge to selectively hedge portions of the Company's net investment in European foreign operations. The Company’s foreign denominated debt obligations are valued under a market approach using publicized spot prices, and the net gains or losses attributable to the changes in spot prices are recorded as cumulative translation within AOCI and are included in the foreign currency translation adjustments section of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. As of July 31, 2019 and 2018, the cumulative balance recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income were gains of $12,440 and $9,961, respectively, on the Euro-denominated debt obligations. The changes recognized in other comprehensive income during the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, were gains of $2,480, $612, and losses of $1,792, respectively, on the Euro-denominated debt obligations.

Non-Designated Hedges

During the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company recognized losses of $52, gains of $24, and losses of $2,508, respectively, in “Investment and other income” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income related to non-designated hedges.

Fair values of derivative and hedging instruments in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:



	July 31, 2019						July 31, 2018
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		Other current liabilities		Current maturities on long-term obligations		Prepaid expenses and other current assets		Other current liabilities		Long-term obligations
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts (cash flow hedges)	$	472	$	—	$	—	$	1,076	$	—	$	—
Foreign currency denominated debt (net investment hedges)	—		—		50,189		—		—		52,668
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	2		5		—		1		3		—
Total derivative instruments	$	474	$	5	$	50,189	$	1,077	$	3	$	52,668

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Jul. 31, 2019
Divestitures [Abstract]
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]	Divestiture On May 31, 2018, the Company sold Runelandhs Försäljnings AB (“Runelandhs”), a business based in Kalmar, Sweden. Runelandhs is a direct marketer of industrial and office equipment. Its products include lifting, transporting, and warehouse equipment; workbenches and material handling supplies; products for environmental protection; and entrance, reception, and office furnishings. The Runelandhs business was part of the Company’s WPS segment and its income was not material. The Company received proceeds of $19,141, net of cash transferred with the business. The transaction resulted in a pre-tax and after-tax gain of $4,666, which was included in SG&A expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended July 31, 2018. The divestiture of the Runelandhs business was part of the Company’s continued long-term growth strategy to focus the Company’s energies and resources on growth of the Company’s core businesses.

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information



	Quarters
	First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
Fiscal 2018
Net sales	$	290,151	$	287,780	$	298,421	$	297,499	$	1,173,851
Gross margin	146,065		143,692		151,082		147,452		588,291
Operating income	35,411		34,796		37,709		44,780		152,696
Net income	25,836		4,273		26,000		34,951		91,060
Net income per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic *	$	0.50	$	0.08	$	0.50	$	0.67	$	1.76
Diluted *	$	0.49	$	0.08	$	0.49	$	0.66	$	1.73
Fiscal 2019
Net sales	$	293,196	$	282,426	$	289,745	$	295,278	$	1,160,645
Gross margin	146,539		139,810		145,749		146,580		578,678
Operating income	40,622		36,030		39,621		46,155		162,428
Net income	30,637		29,227		34,781		36,613		131,258
Net income per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic	$	0.59	$	0.56	$	0.66	$	0.69	$	2.50
Diluted	$	0.58	$	0.55	$	0.65	$	0.68	$	2.46

* The sum of the quarters does not equal the year-to-date total due to the quarterly changes in weighted-average shares outstanding.

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Notes)	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Notes)	Jul. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Events On August 1, 2019, the Company entered into a $200,000 multi-currency revolving loan agreement with a group of five banks that replaced and terminated the Company's previous loan agreement that had been entered into on September 25, 2015. Under the new revolving loan agreement, which has a final maturity date of August 1, 2024, the Company has the option to select either a base interest rate (based upon the higher of the federal funds rate plus one-half of 1%, the prime rate of Bank of Montreal plus a margin based on the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio, or the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1%) or a Eurocurrency interest rate (at the LIBOR rate plus a margin based on the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio). At the Company’s option, and subject to certain conditions, the available amount under the revolving loan agreement may be increased from $200,000 up to $400,000. The new credit agreement is guaranteed by certain of the Corporation’s domestic subsidiaries and contains various financial covenants, including a debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 3.50-to-1.0 and an interest coverage ratio of 3.0-to-1.0. On September 5, 2019, the Company announced an increase in the annual dividend to shareholders of the Company's Class A Common Stock, from $0.85 to $0.87 per share. A quarterly dividend of $0.2175 will be paid on October 31, 2019, to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 10, 2019. This dividend represents an increase of 2.4% and is the 34th consecutive annual increase in dividends.

Schedule II Valuation of Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS



	Year ended July 31,
Description	2019			2018			2017
	(Dollars in thousands)
Valuation accounts deducted in balance sheet from assets to which they apply — Accounts receivable — allowance for doubtful accounts:
Balances at beginning of period	$	4,471		$	4,629		$	5,144
Additions — Charged to expense	587			752			732
Deductions — Bad debts written off, net of recoveries	(53		)	(910		)	(1,247		)
Balances at end of period	$	5,005		$	4,471		$	4,629
Inventory — Reserve for slow-moving inventory:
Balances at beginning of period	$	12,582		$	14,322		$	15,083
Additions — Charged to expense	3,168			2,797			4,608
Deductions — Inventory write-offs	(2,346		)	(4,537		)	(5,369		)
Balances at end of period	$	13,404		$	12,582		$	14,322
Valuation allowances against deferred tax assets:
Balances at beginning of period	$	56,866		$	38,563		$	37,992
Additions during year	5,981			24,184			2,004
Deductions — Valuation allowances reversed/utilized	(2,774		)	(5,881		)	(1,433		)
Balances at end of period	$	60,073		$	56,866		$	38,563

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Cash Equivalents — The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents, which are recorded at cost.

Inventories consist of the following as of July 31:



	2019		2018
Finished products	$	77,532	$	73,133
Work-in-process	20,515		19,903
Raw materials and supplies	21,990		20,035
Total inventories	$	120,037	$	113,071



Asset Category		Range of Useful Lives
Buildings & Improvements		10 to 33 Years
Computer Systems		5 Years
Machinery & Equipment		3 to 10 Years

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following as of July 31:



	2019			2018
Land	$	9,752		$	6,994
Buildings and improvements	99,685			96,245
Machinery and equipment	266,991			270,989
Construction in progress	7,500			4,495
Property, plant and equipment—gross	383,928			378,723
Accumulated depreciation	(273,880		)	(280,778		)
Property, plant and equipment—net	$	110,048		$	97,945

Research and Development — Amounts expended for R&D are expensed as incurred.

See Note 13, "Derivatives and Hedging Activities" for more information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments and hedging activities.

See Note 8, "Revenue Recognition" for additional information and required disclosures under the new standard.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Inventories [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]

Inventories consist of the following as of July 31:



	2019		2018
Finished products	$	77,532	$	73,133
Work-in-process	20,515		19,903
Raw materials and supplies	21,990		20,035
Total inventories	$	120,037	$	113,071

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Property, plant and equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following as of July 31:



	2019			2018
Land	$	9,752		$	6,994
Buildings and improvements	99,685			96,245
Machinery and equipment	266,991			270,989
Construction in progress	7,500			4,495
Property, plant and equipment—gross	383,928			378,723
Accumulated depreciation	(273,880		)	(280,778		)
Property, plant and equipment—net	$	110,048		$	97,945

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended July 31, 2019 and 2018, were as follows:



	IDS			WPS			Total
Balance as of July 31, 2017	$	391,864		$	45,833		$	437,697
Translation adjustments	(6,340		)	(1,487		)	(7,827		)
Divestiture	—			(10,055		)	(10,055		)
Balance as of July 31, 2018	$	385,524		$	34,291		$	419,815
Translation adjustments	(6,519		)	(2,309		)	(8,828		)
Balance as of July 31, 2019	$	379,005		$	31,982		$	410,987

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

Other Intangible Assets



	July 31, 2019								July 31, 2018
	Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value		Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value
Amortized other intangible assets:
Customer relationships and other	9	$	46,595	$	(29,343	)	$	17,252	9	$	61,944	$	(38,872	)	$	23,072
Unamortized other intangible assets:
Tradenames	N/A	18,871		—			18,871		N/A	19,516		—			19,516
Total		$	65,466	$	(29,343	)	$	36,123		$	81,460	$	(38,872	)	$	42,588

Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

The following table illustrates the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the periods presented:



	Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges			Gain on postretirement plans			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Ending balance, July 31, 2017	$	109		$	2,620		$	(47,411	)	$	(44,682	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassification	465			382			(14,242		)	(13,395		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	383			(576		)	—			(193		)
Adoption of accounting standard ASU 2018-02	(94		)	876			1,087			1,869
Ending balance, July 31, 2018	$	863		$	3,302		$	(60,566	)	$	(56,401	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	630			67			(14,195		)	(13,498		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(786		)	(569		)	—			(1,355		)
Ending balance, July 31, 2019	$	707		$	2,800		$	(74,761	)	$	(71,254	)

Other Comprehensive Income, Tax [Table Text Block]

The following table illustrates the income tax (expense) benefit on the components of other comprehensive (loss) income:



	Years Ended July 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income:
Cash flow hedges	55			(669		)	705
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	164			(64		)	(4		)
Other income tax adjustments and currency translation	(972		)	(567		)	1,720
Adoption of accounting standard ASU 2018-02	—			1,869			—
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(753	)	$	569		$	2,421

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of (Loss) Earnings from Continuing Operations

Income before income taxes consists of the following:



	Years Ended July 31,
	2019		2018		2017
United States	$	55,077	$	48,903	$	43,561
Other Nations	109,567		103,112		83,071
Total	$	164,644	$	152,015	$	126,632

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Income tax expense consists of the following:



	Years Ended July 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Current income tax expense:
United States	$	2,232		$	2,830		$	15,279
Other Nations	22,445			26,593			23,826
States (U.S.)	913			910			1,163
	$	25,590		$	30,333		$	40,268
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
United States	$	8,451		$	30,267		$	(8,173	)
Other Nations	(667		)	(1,462		)	(1,329		)
States (U.S.)	12			1,817			221
	$	7,796		$	30,622		$	(9,281	)
Total income tax expense	$	33,386		$	60,955		$	30,987

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The tax effects of temporary differences are as follows as of July 31, 2019 and 2018:



	July 31, 2019
	Assets			Liabilities			Total
Inventories	$	3,856		$	(1	)	$	3,855
Prepaid catalog costs	—			(631		)	(631		)
Employee compensation and benefits	7,021			(89		)	6,932
Accounts receivable	943			(233		)	710
Fixed assets	3,125			(6,869		)	(3,744		)
Intangible assets	1,432			(31,415		)	(29,983		)
Deferred and equity-based compensation	7,352			—			7,352
Postretirement benefits	2,659			(71		)	2,588
Tax credit and net operating loss carry-forwards	62,966			—			62,966
Less valuation allowance	(60,073		)	—			(60,073		)
Other, net	7,406			(7,961		)	(555		)
Total	$	36,687		$	(47,270	)	$	(10,583	)



	July 31, 2018
	Assets			Liabilities			Total
Inventories	$	3,095		$	(53	)	$	3,042
Prepaid catalog costs	—			(978		)	(978		)
Employee compensation and benefits	3,772			(91		)	3,681
Accounts receivable	828			(1		)	827
Fixed assets	2,959			(4,911		)	(1,952		)
Intangible assets	1,073			(29,630		)	(28,557		)
Deferred and equity-based compensation	10,656			—			10,656
Postretirement benefits	3,280			—			3,280
Tax credit and net operating loss carry-forwards	64,348			—			64,348
Less valuation allowance	(56,866		)	—			(56,866		)
Other, net	8,548			(8,962		)	(414		)
Total	$	41,693		$	(44,626	)	$	(2,933	)

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

A reconciliation of the tax rate computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to income before income taxes to the total income tax expense is as follows:



	Years Ended July 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Tax at statutory rate	21.0	%	26.9	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	0.3	%	1.6	%	1.0	%
International rate differential	2.2	%	(1.1	)%	(6.3	)%
Rate variances arising from foreign subsidiary distributions⁽¹⁾	(0.4	)%	0.8	%	(5.9	)%
Foreign tax credit carryforward valuation allowance⁽²⁾	1.8	%	14.1	%	—	%
Divestiture of business⁽³⁾	—	%	(0.8	)%	—	%
Adjustments to tax accruals and reserves⁽⁴⁾	(3.6	)%	2.2	%	3.6	%
Non-deductible executive compensation⁽⁵⁾	2.3	%	0.5	%	—	%
Research and development tax credits and domestic manufacturer’s deduction	(1.6	)%	(2.0	)%	(1.8	)%
Deferred tax and other adjustments, net	(1.7	)%	(2.1	)%	(1.1	)%
Effective tax rate	20.3	%	40.1	%	24.5	%


(1)	The year ended July 31, 2017, includes the generation of foreign tax credit carryforwards from cash repatriations that occurred during the fiscal year.


(2)	The year ended July 31, 2018, includes the establishment of a valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryforwards as a result of the Tax Reform Act.


(3)	The year ended July 31, 2018, includes the divestiture of the Company's Runelandhs business based in Sweden. Refer to Note 14, "Divestiture" for additional information.


(4)	The years ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, include increases in uncertain tax positions, while the year ended July 31, 2019, includes reductions of uncertain tax positions resulting from the closure of audits and lapses in statutes of limitations.


(5)	The years ended July 31, 2019 and 2018, include non-deductible compensation such as salaries, bonuses, and other equity compensation of the Company's executives (as defined in Internal Revenue Service Code Section 162(m)).

Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward

A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) is as follows:



Balance at July 31, 2016	$	15,294
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,500
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,124
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(62		)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(663		)
Settlements with tax authorities	(118		)
Cumulative Translation Adjustments and other	287
Balance as of July 31, 2017	$	18,362
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,467
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,586
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(23		)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(489		)
Settlements with tax authorities	(1,277		)
Cumulative Translation Adjustments and other	(196		)
Balance as of July 31, 2018	$	20,430
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,518
Additions for tax positions of prior years	612
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(378		)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(8,140		)
Cumulative Translation Adjustments and other	(201		)
Balance as of July 31, 2019	$	14,841

Schedule of Open Tax Years by Major Jurisdictions

The following table summarizes the open tax years for the Company's major jurisdictions:



Jurisdiction		Open Tax Years
United States — Federal		F’16 — F’19

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]

Total debt consists of the following as of July 31:



	2019		2018
Euro-denominated notes payable in 2020 at a fixed rate of 4.24%	$	50,166	$	52,618

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt

Maturities on long-term debt are as follows:



Years Ending July 31,
2020	$	50,166
Total	$	50,166

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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+ Details

Stockholder's Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Capital Stock

Information as to the Company’s capital stock at July 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:



	July 31, 2019				July 31, 2018
	Shares Authorized	Shares Issued	(thousands) Amount		Shares Authorized	Shares Issued	(thousands) Amount
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value	5,000,000				5,000,000
Cumulative Preferred Stock: 6% Cumulative	5,000				5,000
1972 Series	10,000				10,000
1979 Series	30,000				30,000
Common Stock, $.01 par value: Class A Nonvoting	100,000,000	51,261,487	$	513	100,000,000	51,261,487	$	513
Class B Voting	10,000,000	3,538,628	35		10,000,000	3,538,628	35
			$	548			$	548

Schedule of Other Activity in Stockholders' Investment

The following is a summary of other activity in stockholders’ equity for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:



	Deferred Compensation			Shares Held in Rabbi Trust, at cost			Total
Balances at July 31, 2016	$	4,624		$	(8,487	)	$	(3,863	)
Shares at July 31, 2016	201,418			347,081
Sale of shares at cost	$	(1,247	)	$	1,288		$	41
Purchase of shares at cost	315			(925		)	(610		)
Effect of plan amendment	4,432			—			4,432
Balances at July 31, 2017	$	8,124		$	(8,124	)	$	—
Shares at July 31, 2017	314,082			314,082
Sale of shares at cost	$	(977	)	$	977		$	—
Purchase of shares at cost	1,075			(1,075		)	—
Balances at July 31, 2018	$	8,222		$	(8,222	)	$	—
Shares at July 31, 2018	299,916			299,916
Sale of shares at cost	$	(928	)	$	928		$	—
Purchase of shares at cost	1,212			(1,212		)	—
Balances at July 31, 2019	$	8,506		$	(8,506	)	$	—
Shares at July 31, 2019	285,533			285,533

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions



Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions	2019			2018			2017
Expected term (in years)	6.20			6.07			6.11
Expected volatility	26.05		%	28.19		%	29.55		%
Expected dividend yield	2.71		%	2.72		%	2.70		%
Risk-free interest rate	3.01		%	1.96		%	1.26		%
Weighted-average market value of underlying stock at grant date	$	43.96		$	36.85		$	35.14
Weighted-average exercise price	$	43.96		$	36.85		$	35.14
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period	$	9.70		$	7.96		$	7.56

Summary of Stock Option Activity under Company's Share-Based Compensation Plans

for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019:



	Option Price				Options Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance as of July 31, 2018	$	19.96	—	$38.83	2,504,633		$	28.23
Options granted	41.70		—	43.98	276,238		43.96
Options exercised	19.96		—	36.85	(1,154,343	)	27.03
Options canceled	20.95		—	43.98	(31,812	)	37.95
Balance as of July 31, 2019	$	19.96	—	$43.98	1,594,716		$	31.63

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at July 31, 2019:



	Options Outstanding				Options Outstanding and Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number of Shares Outstanding at July 31, 2019	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Shares Exercisable at July 31, 2019	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price
$19.96 - $26.99	476,603	5.9	$	20.64	476,603	5.9	$	20.64
$27.00 - $32.99	285,513	2.8	29.71		285,150	2.8	29.71
$33.00 - $43.98	832,600	8.1	38.58		264,058	7.5	35.77
Total	1,594,716	6.5	$	31.63	1,025,811	5.4	$	27.06

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity

The following tables summarize the RSU activity for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019:



Time-Based RSUs	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance as of July 31, 2018	342,856		$	29.05
New grants	84,231		44.20
Vested	(212,788	)	26.73
Forfeited	(25,661	)	31.07
Balance as of July 31, 2019	188,638		$	38.15



Performance-Based RSUs	Shares	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance as of July 31, 2018	108,097	$	32.57
New grants	50,313	50.70
Balance as of July 31, 2019	158,410	$	38.33

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of an entity's stock, including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Stock by class includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks which are not redeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Includes preferred stock with redemption features that are solely within the control of the issuer and mandatorily redeemable stock if redemption is required to occur only upon liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. If more than one issue is outstanding, state the title of each issue and the corresponding dollar amount; dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued and the deduction of subscriptions receivable there from; number of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding.

+ References

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+ Details

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment

Following is a summary of segment information for the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:



	2019		2018		2017
Net sales:
ID Solutions
Americas	$	577,156	$	556,172	$	544,330
Europe	193,852		197,737		172,776
Asia	92,092		92,178		83,286
Total	$	863,100	$	846,087	$	800,392
Workplace Safety
Americas	$	98,788	$	106,910	$	109,176
Europe	150,480		170,265		155,957
Australia	48,277		50,589		47,791
Total	$	297,545	$	327,764	$	312,924
Total Company
Americas	$	675,944	$	663,082	$	653,506
Europe	344,332		368,002		328,733
Asia-Pacific	140,369		142,767		131,077
Total	$	1,160,645	$	1,173,851	$	1,113,316
Depreciation & amortization:
ID Solutions	$	21,387	$	22,075	$	23,092
WPS	2,412		3,367		4,211
Total Company	$	23,799	$	25,442	$	27,303
Segment profit:
ID Solutions	$	164,953	$	143,411	$	130,572
WPS	23,025		31,712		25,554
Total Company	$	187,978	$	175,123	$	156,126
Assets:
ID Solutions	$	740,437	$	737,174	$	761,448
WPS	137,799		138,329		154,827
Corporate	279,072		181,428		133,948
Total Company	$	1,157,308	$	1,056,931	$	1,050,223
Expenditures for property, plant & equipment:
ID Solutions	$	17,849	$	17,283	$	12,347
WPS	14,976		4,494		2,820
Total Company	$	32,825	$	21,777	$	15,167

Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated

Following is a reconciliation of segment profit to income before income taxes for the years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:



	Years Ended July 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Total segment profit	$	187,978		$	175,123		$	156,126
Unallocated costs:
Administrative costs	25,550			27,093			25,111
Gain on sale of business⁽¹⁾	—			(4,666		)	—
Investment and other income	(5,046		)	(2,487		)	(1,121		)
Interest expense	2,830			3,168			5,504
Income before income taxes	$	164,644		$	152,015		$	126,632

(1) Gain on sale of business relates to the WPS segment during the year ended July 31, 2018.



	Revenues* Years Ended July 31,									Long-Lived Assets** As of July 31,
	2019			2018			2017			2019		2018		2017
Geographic information:
United States	$	674,924		$	663,935		$	651,294		$	365,205	$	366,638	$	367,418
Other	546,923			573,652			521,791			191,953		193,710		221,458
Eliminations	(61,202		)	(63,736		)	(59,769		)	—		—		—
Consolidated total	$	1,160,645		$	1,173,851		$	1,113,316		$	557,158	$	560,348	$	588,876

* Revenues are attributed based on country of origin.
** Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, other intangible assets and goodwill.

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas



	Revenues* Years Ended July 31,									Long-Lived Assets** As of July 31,
	2019			2018			2017			2019		2018		2017
Geographic information:
United States	$	674,924		$	663,935		$	651,294		$	365,205	$	366,638	$	367,418
Other	546,923			573,652			521,791			191,953		193,710		221,458
Eliminations	(61,202		)	(63,736		)	(59,769		)	—		—		—
Consolidated total	$	1,160,645		$	1,173,851		$	1,113,316		$	557,158	$	560,348	$	588,876

* Revenues are attributed based on country of origin.
** Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, other intangible assets and goodwill.

Net Income per Common Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliations of Numerator and Denominator of Basic and Diluted Per Share

Reconciliations of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted per share computations for the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock are summarized as follows:



	Years ended July 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Numerator (in thousands):
Income (Numerator for basic and diluted income per Class A Nonvoting Common Share)	$	131,258		$	91,060		$	95,645
Less:
Preferential dividends	(815		)	(799		)	(788		)
Preferential dividends on dilutive stock options	(13		)	(14		)	(14		)
Numerator for basic and diluted income per Class B Voting Common Share	$	130,430		$	90,247		$	94,843
Denominator (in thousands):
Denominator for basic income per share for both Class A and Class B	52,596			51,677			51,056
Plus: Effect of dilutive equity awards	727			847			900
Denominator for diluted income per share for both Class A and Class B	53,323			52,524			51,956
Net income per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic	$	2.50		$	1.76		$	1.87
Diluted	$	2.46		$	1.73		$	1.84
Net income per Class B Voting Common Share:
Basic	$	2.48		$	1.75		$	1.86
Diluted	$	2.45		$	1.72		$	1.83

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases

Future minimum lease payments required under such leases in effect at July 31, 2019, were as follows:



Years ending July 31,
2020	$	18,450
2021	16,132
2022	13,439
2023	10,065
2024	5,656
Thereafter	3,502
	$	67,244

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis



	Inputs Considered As
	Level 1		Level 2		Fair Values		Balance Sheet Classifications
July 31, 2018
Trading securities	$	14,383	$	—	$	14,383	Other assets
Foreign exchange contracts	—		1,077		1,077		Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total Assets	$	14,383	$	1,077	$	15,460
Foreign exchange contracts	$	—	$	3	$	3	Other current liabilities
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	3	$	3
July 31, 2019
Trading securities	$	15,744	$	—	$	15,744	Other assets
Foreign exchange contracts	—		474		474		Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total Assets	$	15,744	$	474	$	16,218
Foreign exchange contracts	$	—	$	5	$	5	Other current liabilities
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	5	$	5

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	Jul. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets	During the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company recognized losses of $52, gains of $24, and losses of $2,508, respective

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information



	Quarters
	First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
Fiscal 2018
Net sales	$	290,151	$	287,780	$	298,421	$	297,499	$	1,173,851
Gross margin	146,065		143,692		151,082		147,452		588,291
Operating income	35,411		34,796		37,709		44,780		152,696
Net income	25,836		4,273		26,000		34,951		91,060
Net income per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic *	$	0.50	$	0.08	$	0.50	$	0.67	$	1.76
Diluted *	$	0.49	$	0.08	$	0.49	$	0.66	$	1.73
Fiscal 2019
Net sales	$	293,196	$	282,426	$	289,745	$	295,278	$	1,160,645
Gross margin	146,539		139,810		145,749		146,580		578,678
Operating income	40,622		36,030		39,621		46,155		162,428
Net income	30,637		29,227		34,781		36,613		131,258
Net income per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic	$	0.59	$	0.56	$	0.66	$	0.69	$	2.50
Diluted	$	0.58	$	0.55	$	0.65	$	0.68	$	2.46

* The sum of the quarters does not equal the year-to-date total due to the quarterly changes in weighted-average shares outstanding.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounts Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	$ 5,005	$ 4,471
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage	10.00%
Percentage Of Maximum Customers Shares In Companys Consolidated Accounts Receivable	10.00%

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished products	$ 77,532	$ 73,133
Work-in-process	20,515	19,903
Raw materials and supplies	21,990	20,035
Inventories	$ 120,037	$ 113,071
Percentage of LIFO Inventory	13.40%	15.00%
Inventory, LIFO Reserve, Effect on Income, Net	$ 7,259	$ 7,015

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land	$ 9,752	$ 6,994
Buildings and improvements	99,685	96,245
Machinery and equipment	266,991	270,989
Construction in progress	7,500	4,495
Property, plant and equipment—gross	383,928	378,723
Accumulated depreciation	(273,880)	(280,778)
Property, plant and equipment—net	110,048	97,945
Depreciation	$ 18,023	$ 19,009	$ 20,190
Building and Building Improvements [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	33 years
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Catalog Costs and Related Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Deferred Advertising Costs	$ 5,617	$ 6,154

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	$ 2,137,000
Contract with Customer, Refund Liability	$ 5,796,000	$ 4,546,000

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Sales Incentives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Sales Incentives	$ 40,811	$ 40,671	$ 37,134

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Advertising Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Advertising Expense	$ 62,454	$ 67,429	$ 68,268

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies New Accounting Pronouncements (Details)	Aug. 01, 2019 USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 60,000,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 419,815	$ 437,697
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(8,828)	7,827
Goodwill, Ending Balance	410,987	419,815
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		(10,055)
Identification Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	385,524	391,864
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(6,519)	6,340
Goodwill, Ending Balance	379,005	385,524
Workplace Safety
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	34,291	45,833
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(2,309)	1,487
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 31,982	34,291
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		(10,055)
Id Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 65,466	$ 81,460
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(29,343)	(38,872)
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	36,123	42,588
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	5,776	$ 6,433	$ 7,113
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	5,166
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	5,165
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	4,896
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	$ 2,025
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	9 years	9 years
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 46,595	$ 61,944
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(29,343)	(38,872)
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	17,252	23,072
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	18,871	19,516
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 18,871	$ 19,516

Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ (56,401)	$ (44,682)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(13,498)	(13,395)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,355)	193
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle	0	1,869	$ 0
Ending balance	(71,254)	(56,401)	(44,682)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	863	109
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	630	465
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(786)	(383)
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle		(94)
Ending balance	707	863	109
Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(60,566)	(47,411)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(14,195)	(14,242)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle		1,087
Ending balance	(74,761)	(60,566)	(47,411)
Gain on post-retirement plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	3,302	2,620
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	67	382
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(569)	576
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle		876
Ending balance	$ 2,800	$ 3,302	$ 2,620

Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income, Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Other Comprehensive Income, Tax [Abstract]
Cash flow hedges	$ 55	$ (669)	$ 705
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	164	(64)	(4)
Other income tax adjustments and currency translation	(972)	(567)	1,720
Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle	0	1,869	0
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income	$ (753)	$ 569	$ 2,421

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Pension and other postretirement benefit expense	$ 14,158	$ 14,395	$ 13,750
Accrued retirement and profit-sharing contributions	3,342	3,844
Deferred Compensation Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, recorded liability	15,744	14,383
Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Accumulated pension obligation	5,314	5,383
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax	329	194
Periodic postretirement benefit cost	$ 418	$ 341	$ 665

Income Taxes - Schedule of (Loss) Earnings from Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ 55,077	$ 48,903	$ 43,561
Other Nations	109,567	103,112	83,071
Income before income taxes	$ 164,644	$ 152,015	$ 126,632

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Current income tax expense:
United States	$ 2,232	$ 2,830	$ 15,279
Other Nations	22,445	26,593	23,826
States (U.S.)	913	910	1,163
Total current income tax expense	25,590	30,333	40,268
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
United States	8,451	30,267	(8,173)
Other Nations	(667)	(1,462)	(1,329)
States (U.S.)	12	1,817	221
Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense	7,796	30,622	(9,281)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	$ 33,386	$ 60,955	$ 30,987

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	$ 47,270	$ 44,626
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	36,687	41,693
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	7,961	8,962
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Other	7,406	8,548
Deferred Tax Liability, Valuation Allowance	0	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	60,073	56,866
Deferred Tax Liabilities Tax Credit Carryforwards And Net Operating Losses	0	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	62,966	64,348
Deferred tax liabilities, deferred tax expense, postretirement benefits	71	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits	2,659	3,280
Deferred Tax Liability, Deferred Expense, Deferred Compensation	0	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost	7,352	10,656
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets	31,415	29,630
Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	1,432	1,073
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	6,869	4,911
Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment	3,125	2,959
Deferred Tax Liabilities Accounts Receivable	233	1
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	943	828
Deferred Tax Liabilities Tax Deferred Expense Compensation And Benefits Employee Benefits	89	91
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits	7,021	3,772
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses	631	978
Deferred Tax Asset Prepaid Catalog Costs	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Inventory	1	53
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	3,856	3,095
Net of liabilities [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits		3,280
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	60,073	56,866
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	62,966	64,348
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits	2,588
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost	7,352	10,656
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets		28,557
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	710	827
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits	6,932	3,681
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	3,855	3,042
Net of assets [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	10,583	2,933
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	555	414
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets	29,983
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	3,744	1,952
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses	$ 631	$ 978

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2019

Jul. 31, 2018

Jul. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Expense

$ 2,357

$ 83

$ 218

Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]

Tax at statutory rate

21.00%

26.90%

35.00%

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

^[1]

0.30%

1.60%

1.00%

International rate differential

2.20%

(1.10%)

(6.30%)

Rate variances arising from foreign subsidiary distributions(1)

(0.40%)

0.80%

(5.90%)

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent

1.80%

14.10%

0.00%

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Business, Percent

0.00%

(0.80%)

0.00%

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Percent

^[2]

(3.60%)

2.20%

3.60%

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Percent

2.30%

0.50%

0.00%

Research and development tax credits and domestic manufacturer’s deduction

(1.60%)

(2.00%)

(1.80%)

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent

(1.70%)

(2.10%)

(1.10%)

Effective tax rate

20.30%

40.10%

24.50%

[1]	The year ended July 31, 2018, includes the establishment of a valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryforwards as a result of the Tax Reform Act.
[2]	The year ended July 31, 2018, includes the divestiture of the Company's Runelandhs business based in Sweden. Refer to Note 14, "Divestiture" for additional information.

Income Taxes - Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefit Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$ 12,037
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense	1,013	$ 556	$ 674
Unrecognized Tax Benefits:
Beginning balance	20,430	18,362	15,294
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,518	2,467	2,500
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	612	1,586	1,124
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(378)	(23)	(62)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(8,140)	(489)	(663)
Settlements with tax authorities		(1,277)	(118)
Ending balance	14,841	20,430	18,362
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation	$ 201	$ 196	$ 287

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 14,841	$ 20,430	$ 18,362	$ 15,294
Foreign Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Dates	five years
State Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Dates	2022 to 2038
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward Expiration Dates	2021 to 2029
State Research And Development Tax Credit Carryforward Expiration Dates	2020 to 2034
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Expense	$ 2,357	83	$ 218
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	1,740	2,762
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	5,429
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued	663	3,027
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Recognized In Other Liabilities	10,218	13,238
Reduction Of Longterm Deferred Income Tax Assets Excluding Interest and Penalties	4,623	$ 7,192
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	9,797
Tax Benefits Associated with Closure of Tax Audits	$ 568
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] \| Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2016
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] \| Tax Year 2019 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2019
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 100,335
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration	83,826
Other Tax Carryforward, Gross Amount	27,343
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	32,986
Other Tax Carryforward, Gross Amount	$ 12,882

Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current maturities on long-term debt	$ 50,166	$ 0
Long-term debt		52,618
Euro-denominated notes payable in 2020 at a fixed rate of 4.24% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current maturities on long-term debt	$ 50,166
Long-term debt		$ 52,618

Debt - Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	$ 50,166
Long-term debt	$ 50,166	$ 0

Debt - Additional Information (Details) € in Thousands, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2020	Jul. 31, 2019 USD ($) Rate	Aug. 01, 2019 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2018 USD ($)	May 13, 2010 EUR (€)
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Letters of credit outstanding		$ 3,271		$ 3,043
Ratio Of debt to EBITDA		equal to 0.3 to 1.0
Interest expense coverage ratio		equal to 71.9 to 1.0
Long-term debt, fair value		$ 51,566		55,707
Current maturities on long-term debt		50,166		0
Long-term debt				52,618
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Line of credit, current borrowing capacity		300,000
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 450,000
Private Placement [Member]
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Debt face amount \| €					€ 75,000
Euro-denominated notes payable in 2017 at a fixed rate of 3.71% [Member]
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Debt face amount \| €					30,000
Long-term debt, fixed interest rate percentage \| Rate		3.71%
Euro-denominated notes payable in 2020 at a fixed rate of 4.24% [Member]
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Debt face amount \| €					€ 45,000
Long-term debt, fixed interest rate percentage \| Rate		4.24%
Current maturities on long-term debt		$ 50,166
Long-term debt				$ 52,618
USD-Denominated Borrowing Credit Revolver [Member]
Line of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum amount outstanding during period		7,901
Line of credit, remaining borrowing capacity		296,729
Line of credit facility, maximum remaining borrowing capacity		$ 446,729
Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Line of credit, current borrowing capacity			$ 200,000
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 400,000
Line of credit facility, expiration date	Sep. 25, 2020

Stockholder's Investments - Schedule of Capital Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Noncumulative Cash Dividend	$ 0.01665
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 548	$ 548
Common Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	51,261,487	51,261,487
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 513	$ 513
Class B Voting Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	3,538,628	3,538,628
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 35	$ 35
Noncumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
6% Cumulative [Member] \| Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	5,000	5,000
1972 Series [Member] \| Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000	10,000
1979 Series [Member] \| Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	30,000	30,000

Stockholder's Investments Stockholder's Investment - Schedule of Stock Option Valuation Assumptions (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	6 years 2 months 12 days	6 years 26 days	6 years 1 month 10 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate	26.05%	28.19%	29.55%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	2.71%	2.72%	2.70%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	3.01%	1.96%	1.26%
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Market Value Of Underlying Stock at Grant Date	$ 43.96	$ 36.85	$ 35.14
Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	43.96	36.85	35.14
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 9.70	$ 7.96	$ 7.56

Stockholder's Investments - Schedule of Other Activity in Stockholders' Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale Of Shares At Cost	$ 0	$ 0	$ (41)
Purchase Of Shares At Cost	0	0	(610)
Ending Balance, Other Stockholders Equity	0	0	0	$ (3,863)
Shares Held Rabbi Trust At Cost [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale Of Shares At Cost	(928)	(977)	(1,288)
Purchase Of Shares At Cost	(1,212)	(1,075)	(925)
Ending Balance, Other Stockholders Equity	$ (8,506)	$ (8,222)	$ (8,124)	$ (8,487)
Ending Balance, Other Stockholders Equity Shares	285,533	299,916	314,082	347,081
Deferred Compensation [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale Of Shares At Cost	$ (928)	$ (977)	$ (1,247)
Purchase Of Shares At Cost	1,212	1,075	315
Ending Balance, Other Stockholders Equity	$ 8,506	$ 8,222	$ 8,124	$ 4,624
Ending Balance, Other Stockholders Equity Shares	285,533	299,916	314,082	201,418

Stockholder's Investments - Summary of Activity under Company's Share-Based Compensation Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Beginning Balance, Price Lower Range	$ 19.96
Options Outstanding, Beginning Balance, Price Upper Range	38.83
Options Granted, Price Lower Range	41.70
Options Granted, Price Upper Range	43.98
Options Exercised, Price Lower Range	19.96
Options Exercised, Price Upper Range	36.85
Options Cancelled, Price Lower Range	20.95
Options Cancelled, Price Upper Range	43.98
Options Outstanding, Ending Balance, Price Lower Range	19.96	$ 19.96
Options Outstanding, Ending Balance, Price Upper Range	$ 43.98	$ 38.83
Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance	2,504,633
Options Granted	276,238
Options Exercised	(1,154,343)
Options Cancelled	(31,812)
Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance	1,594,716	2,504,633
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 28.23
Options Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	43.96	$ 36.85	$ 35.14
Options Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	27.03
Options Cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price	37.95
Options Outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 31.63	$ 28.23
Options Outstanding, Range of Exercise Prices [Abstract]
Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	1,594,716
Exercise Price Range, Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 6 months
Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 31.63
Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	1,025,811
Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 4 months 24 days
Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 27.06
$19.96 - $26.99 [Member]
Options Outstanding, Range of Exercise Prices [Abstract]
Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	476,603
Exercise Price Range, Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 10 months 24 days
Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 20.64
Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	476,603
Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 10 months 24 days
Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 20.64
$27.00 - $32.99 [Member]
Options Outstanding, Range of Exercise Prices [Abstract]
Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	285,513
Exercise Price Range, Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 9 months 18 days
Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 29.71
Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	285,150
Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 9 months 18 days
Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 29.71
$33.00 - $43.98 [Member]
Options Outstanding, Range of Exercise Prices [Abstract]
Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	832,600
Exercise Price Range, Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 1 month 6 days
Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 38.58
Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	264,058
Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 6 months
Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 35.77
Service Based Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 9,859	$ 8,237
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Nonvested, Number	342,856
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Grants in Period	84,231
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Vested in Period	(212,788)
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Forfeited in Period	(25,661)
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Nonvested, Number	188,638	342,856
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 29.05
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	44.20	$ 36.80
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	26.73
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	31.07
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 38.15	$ 29.05
Performance Based Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Nonvested	$ 17,953	$ 17,249
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Nonvested, Number	108,097
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Grants in Period	50,313
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Nonvested, Number	158,410	108,097
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 32.57
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	50.70	$ 33.12
Restricted Shares and RSUs, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 38.33	$ 32.57

Stockholder's Investments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Noncumulative Cash Dividend	$ 0.01665
Annual Amount Entitled to be Received by Class A Common Stock shareholders	$ 0.835
Class A Nonvoting Common Stock Shares Reserved for Outstanding Share-Based Awards	1,941,764
Number of Shares Remaining for Future Issuance of Share-Based Awards	3,682,157
Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 12,092	$ 9,980	$ 9,495
Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	10,628	7,485	5,887
Share-Based Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 9,652
Share-Based Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 9 months 1 day
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	33.33%
Options, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Options, Expiration Period	10 years
Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 2,864	3,006	2,911
Options, Exercised in Period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 20,969	$ 6,208	$ 7,901
Options Exercisable, Number	1,025,811	1,722,229	1,859,959
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 27.06	$ 26.82	$ 28.20
Options, Exercised in Period, Proceeds from Issuance of Shares	$ 23,466	$ 12,099	$ 19,728
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Exercise of Option, Tax Benefit	5,242	$ 1,893	$ 3,002
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	31,955
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 25,246
Service-Based RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options, Award Vesting Period	3 years

Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2021	Jul. 31, 2020	Jul. 31, 2018
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Liability	$ 2,782			$ 2,796
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	$ 1,163
Forecast [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage		28.00%	41.00%

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information By Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 295,278	$ 289,745	$ 282,426	$ 293,196	$ 297,499	$ 298,421	$ 287,780	$ 290,151	$ 1,160,645	$ 1,173,851	$ 1,113,316
Depreciation and amortization									23,799	25,442	27,303
Segment profit									187,978	175,123	156,126
Assets	1,157,308				1,056,931				1,157,308	1,056,931	1,050,223
Expenditures for property, plant & equipment									32,825	21,777	15,167
Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									675,944	663,082	653,506
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									344,332	368,002	328,733
Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									140,369	142,767	131,077
Identification Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									863,100	846,087	800,392
Depreciation and amortization									21,387	22,075	23,092
Segment profit									164,953	143,411	130,572
Assets	740,437				737,174				740,437	737,174	761,448
Expenditures for property, plant & equipment									17,849	17,283	12,347
Identification Solutions \| Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									577,156	556,172	544,330
Identification Solutions \| Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									193,852	197,737	172,776
Identification Solutions \| Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									92,092	92,178	83,286
Workplace Safety
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									297,545	327,764	312,924
Depreciation and amortization									2,412	3,367	4,211
Segment profit									23,025	31,712	25,554
Assets	137,799				138,329				137,799	138,329	154,827
Expenditures for property, plant & equipment									14,976	4,494	2,820
Workplace Safety \| Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									98,788	106,910	109,176
Workplace Safety \| Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									150,480	170,265	155,957
Workplace Safety \| Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									48,277	50,589	47,791
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 279,072				$ 181,428				$ 279,072	$ 181,428	$ 133,948

Segment Information - Net Income Reconciliation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total profit from reportable segments	$ 187,978	$ 175,123	$ 156,126
Unallocated amounts:
Administrative costs	25,550	27,093	25,111
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	0	(4,666)	0
Investment and other income	(5,046)	(2,487)	(1,121)
Interest Expense	2,830	3,168	5,504
Income before income taxes	164,644	152,015	126,632
Workplace Safety
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total profit from reportable segments	23,025	31,712	25,554
Identification Solutions
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total profit from reportable segments	$ 164,953	$ 143,411	$ 130,572

Segment Information Segment Informatin - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 295,278	$ 289,745	$ 282,426	$ 293,196	$ 297,499	$ 298,421	$ 287,780	$ 290,151	$ 1,160,645	$ 1,173,851	$ 1,113,316
Long-Lived Assets	557,158				560,348				557,158	560,348	588,876
UNITED STATES
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									674,924	663,935	651,294
Long-Lived Assets	365,205				366,638				365,205	366,638	367,418
OtherCountries [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									546,923	573,652	521,791
Long-Lived Assets	191,953				193,710				191,953	193,710	221,458
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									(61,202)	(63,736)	(59,769)
Long-Lived Assets	$ 0				$ 0				$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Net Income per Common Share - Reconciliation of Numerator and Denominator of Basic and Diluted Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 36,613	$ 34,781	$ 29,227	$ 30,637	$ 34,951	$ 26,000	$ 4,273	$ 25,836	$ 131,258	$ 91,060	$ 95,645
Cash dividends on Common Stock									$ 44,732	$ 42,873	$ 41,880
Denominator for basic earnings per share for both Class A and Class B									52,596	51,677	51,056
Plus: Effect of dilutive stock options									727	847	900
Denominator for diluted earnings per share for both Class A and Class B									53,323	52,524	51,956
Class A Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net income per share, basic	$ 0.69	$ 0.66	$ 0.56	$ 0.59	$ 0.67	$ 0.50	$ 0.08	$ 0.50	$ 2.50	$ 1.76	$ 1.87
Net income per share, diluted	$ 0.68	$ 0.65	$ 0.55	$ 0.58	$ 0.66	$ 0.49	$ 0.08	$ 0.49	$ 2.46	$ 1.73	$ 1.84
Class B Voting Common Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Earnings from continuing operations									$ 130,430	$ 90,247	$ 94,843
Net income per share, basic									$ 2.48	$ 1.75	$ 1.86
Net income per share, diluted									$ 2.45	$ 1.72	$ 1.83
Preferential Dividends on Class A Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Cash dividends on Common Stock									$ 815	$ 799	$ 788
Preferential Dividends on Dilutive Shares [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Cash dividends on Common Stock									$ 13	$ 14	$ 14

Net Income per Common Share - Additional Informations (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from computations of diluted earnings per share	372,255	751,200
Class A Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from computations of diluted earnings per share			669,036

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 19,984	$ 15,938	$ 17,495
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2020	18,450
2021	16,132
2022	13,439
2023	10,065
2024	5,656
Thereafter	3,502
Total future minimum payments due	$ 67,244

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 16,218	$ 15,460
Total Liabilities	5	3
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Assets	15,744	14,383
Total Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Other assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	15,744	14,383
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Other current liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Assets	474	1,077
Total Liabilities	5	3
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Other assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	474	1,077
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Other current liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 5	$ 3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities - Fair Value Balance Sheet Disclosure (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives Assets	$ 474
Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	5	$ 3
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives Assets		1,077
Current maturities on long-term debt [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	50,189
Long-term Debt [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities		52,668
Foreign currency denominated debt [Member] \| Designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Other current liabilities [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Foreign currency denominated debt [Member] \| Designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives Assets	0	0
Foreign currency denominated debt [Member] \| Designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Current maturities on long-term debt [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	50,189
Foreign currency denominated debt [Member] \| Designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Long-term Debt [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities		52,668
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Not designated as hedging Instruments [Member] \| Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	5	3
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Not designated as hedging Instruments [Member] \| Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives Assets	2	1
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Not designated as hedging Instruments [Member] \| Current maturities on long-term debt [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Not designated as hedging Instruments [Member] \| Long-term Debt [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities		0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Other current liabilities [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives Assets	472	1,076
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Current maturities on long-term debt [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$ 0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Long-term Debt [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities		$ 0

Derivatives and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) € in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019 USD ($) Rate	Jul. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2018 EUR (€)	May 13, 2010 EUR (€)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign exchange contracts	$ 837	$ 966	$ (225)
Derivative maturity	18 months
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	$ (71,254)	(56,401)	(44,682)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimate of Time to Transfer	12 months
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	$ (1,048)	551	486
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	29,389	32,667
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 26,013	27,150
Euro-denominated notes payable in 2017 at a fixed rate of 3.71% [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net investment hedges to hedge portions of net investment \| €					€ 30,000
Long-term debt, fixed interest rate percentage \| Rate	3.71%
Euro-denominated notes payable in 2020 at a fixed rate of 4.24% [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net investment hedges to hedge portions of net investment \| €					€ 45,000
Long-term debt, fixed interest rate percentage \| Rate	4.24%
Designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	$ (1,048)	552	486
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months	(805)	1,017
Designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| EUR denominated unsecured debt [Domain] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign exchange contracts	(2,480)	(612)	1,792
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	12,440			€ 9,961
Not designated as hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	$ (52)	$ 24	$ (2,508)

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition Actual Revenue And Pre Tax Income Loss [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses		$ 19,141,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	$ 0	$ (4,666,000)	$ 0

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Net sales	$ 295,278	$ 289,745	$ 282,426	$ 293,196	$ 297,499	$ 298,421	$ 287,780	$ 290,151	$ 1,160,645	$ 1,173,851	$ 1,113,316
Gross margin	146,580	145,749	139,810	146,539	147,452	151,082	143,692	146,065	578,678	588,291	558,292
Operating income	46,155	39,621	36,030	40,622	44,780	37,709	34,796	35,411	162,428	152,696	131,015
Net income	$ 36,613	$ 34,781	$ 29,227	$ 30,637	$ 34,951	$ 26,000	$ 4,273	$ 25,836	$ 131,258	$ 91,060	$ 95,645
Class A Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per Class A Common Share:
Net income per share, basic	$ 0.69	$ 0.66	$ 0.56	$ 0.59	$ 0.67	$ 0.50	$ 0.08	$ 0.50	$ 2.50	$ 1.76	$ 1.87
Net income per share, diluted	$ 0.68	$ 0.65	$ 0.55	$ 0.58	$ 0.66	$ 0.49	$ 0.08	$ 0.49	$ 2.46	$ 1.73	$ 1.84

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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+ Details

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2020	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2019	Aug. 01, 2019
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit, current borrowing capacity						$ 200,000
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity						$ 400,000
Dividends	$ 0.87
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share					$ 0.2175
Percentage Increase In Dividend	2.40%
Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends		$ 0.85	$ 0.83	$ 0.82

Schedule II Valuation of Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balances at beginning of period	$ 4,471	$ 4,629	$ 5,144
Additions — Charged to expense	587	752	732
Deductions - written off	(53)	(910)	(1,247)
Balances at end of period	5,005	4,471	4,629
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Reserve, Inventory [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balances at beginning of period	12,582	14,322	15,083
Additions — Charged to expense	3,168	2,797	4,608
Deductions - written off	(2,346)	(4,537)	(5,369)
Balances at end of period	13,404	12,582	14,322
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balances at beginning of period	56,866	38,563	37,992
Additions — Charged to expense	5,981	24,184	2,004
Deductions - written off	(2,774)	(5,881)	(1,433)
Balances at end of period	$ 60,073	$ 56,866	$ 38,563