Guarantees (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2015
Jan. 31, 2014
Jan. 31, 2015
Jan. 31, 2014
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]        
Contingent liability for standby letters of credit, issued and outstanding $ 7,900,000   $ 7,900,000  
Amount drawn upon letters of credit 0   0  
Advanced Filtration Systems, Inc. [Member]        
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]        
Outstanding debt of joint venture 23,100,000   23,100,000  
Joint venture investment earnings 600,000 700,000 1,500,000 1,300,000
Royalty income $ 1,500,000 $ 1,800,000 $ 3,100,000 $ 3,300,000