KMG Chemicals 10-Q 10 Dec 13 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Dec. 06, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Oct-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Trading Symbol	'KMG	'
Entity Registrant Name	'KMG CHEMICALS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001028215	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--07-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	11,594,618

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$13,410	$13,949
Accounts receivable	'	'
Trade, net of allowances of $244 at October 31, 2013 and $224 at July 31, 2013	43,608	41,935
Other	3,227	4,210
Inventories, net	48,875	53,387
Current deferred tax assets	615	1,400
Prepaid expenses and other	2,920	3,955
Total current assets	112,655	118,836
Property, plant and equipment, net	97,822	96,688
Deferred tax assets	981	1,069
Goodwill	11,181	10,929
Intangible assets, net	29,087	29,261
Restricted cash	1,000	1,000
Other assets, net	4,228	4,232
Total assets	256,954	262,015
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	26,469	35,492
Accrued liabilities	10,264	8,362
Employee incentive accrual	3,278	1,989
Total current liabilities	40,011	45,843
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	83,000	85,000
Deferred tax liabilities	9,946	11,462
Other long-term liabilities	2,490	2,470
Total liabilities	135,447	144,775
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 11,590,618 shares issued and outstanding at October 31, 2013 and 11,522,321 shares issued and outstanding at July 31, 2013	116	115
Additional paid-in capital	27,810	26,689
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-364	-2,504
Retained earnings	93,945	92,940
Total stockholders' equity	121,507	117,240
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$256,954	$262,015

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowances for accounts receivables	$244	$224
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	11,590,618	11,522,321
Common stock, shares outstanding	11,590,618	11,522,321

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Net sales	$93,560	$65,336
Cost of sales	67,993	45,248
Gross profit	25,567	20,088
Distribution expenses	12,112	7,053
Selling, general and administrative expenses	10,400	5,931
Operating income	3,055	7,104
Other income/ (expense)	'	'
Interest expense, net	-663	-411
Other, net	-315	-50
Total other expense, net	-978	-461
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	2,077	6,643
Provision for income taxes	-725	-2,435
Income from continuing operations	1,352	4,208
Discontinued operations	'	'
Loss from discontinued operations, before income taxes	'	-102
Income tax benefit	'	36
Loss from discontinued operations	'	-66
Net income	$1,352	$4,142
Basic	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.12	$0.36
Loss from discontinued operations	'	'
Net income	$0.12	$0.36
Diluted	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.12	$0.36
Loss from discontinued operations	'	'
Net income	$0.12	$0.36
Weighted average shares outstanding	'	'
Basic	11,575	11,436
Diluted	11,610	11,564

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Net income	$1,352	$4,142
Other comprehensive income	'	'
Foreign currency translation gain	2,140	1,072
Total other comprehensive income	2,140	1,072
Total comprehensive income	$3,492	$5,214

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net income	$1,352	$4,142
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	3,464	1,757
Amortization of loan costs included in interest expense	15	17
Stock-based compensation expense	1,243	181
Bad debt expense	111	73
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory	-41	-209
Loss on disposal of property	4	9
Loss on sale of animal health business	'	57
Deferred income tax benefit	-820	-221
Tax benefit from stock-based awards	-217	'
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	'	'
Accounts receivable - trade	-1,182	2,723
Accounts receivable - other	999	-315
Inventories	4,890	-5,038
Other current and noncurrent assets	1,910	310
Accounts payable	-9,806	1,901
Accrued liabilities and other	2,068	945
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,990	6,332
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-2,665	-1,523
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,665	-1,523
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Net payments under revolving credit agreement	-2,000	-2,000
Tax benefit from stock-based awards	217	'
Payment of dividends	-347	-342
Net cash used in financing activities	-2,130	-2,342
Effect of exchange rate changes of cash	266	80
Net increase/ (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-539	2,547
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	13,949	1,633
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	13,410	4,180
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information	'	'
Cash paid for interest	669	394
Cash paid for income taxes	160	295
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment through accounts payable	$815	'

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated balance sheet as of July 31, 2013, which has been derived from audited consolidated financial statements, and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim reporting. As permitted under those requirements, certain footnotes or other financial information that are normally required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading and in the opinion of management reflect all adjustments, including those of a normal recurring nature, that are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results of operations to be expected for the full year. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2013.
	These condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared using certain estimates by management and include the accounts of KMG Chemicals, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Acquisitions	'
	2. Acquisitions
	On May 31, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of the ultra pure chemicals (“UPC”) business subsidiaries of OM Group, with facilities located in the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Singapore. The purchase price was $62.6 million. The subsidiaries sell high purity and ultra purity, wet process chemicals to the semiconductor industry.
	The following table summarizes the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and the preliminary acquisition accounting for the fair value of the assets and liabilities recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at the acquisition date (in thousands):
	Cash	$	689
	Accounts receivable		14,698
	Inventory		11,047
	Other current assets		1,963
	Property, plant and equipment		28,939
	Intangible assets:
	Value of product qualifications		12,800
	Non-compete agreement		1,900
	Transition services		154
	Total intangible assets		14,854
	Total assets acquired		72,190
	Current liabilities		11,401
	Other long-term liabilities		5,326
	Total liabilities assumed		16,727
	Net assets acquired	$	55,463
	The Company recognized goodwill associated with the acquisition which represented the value of the assembled workforce and expected synergies from combining operations. The goodwill recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets is as follows (in thousands):
	Carrying value at July 31, 2013	$	7,150
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		253
	Carrying value at October 31, 2013	$	7,403

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
	3. Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share have been computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share have been computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding plus potentially dilutive common shares. The following table presents information necessary to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share for periods indicated:
		Three Months Ended
		October 31,
		2013		2012
		(Amounts in thousands, except
		per share data)
	Income from continuing operations	$	1,352	$	4,208
	Loss from discontinued operations		—		(66	)
	Net income	$	1,352	$	4,142
	Weighted average shares outstanding-basic		11,575		11,436
	Dilutive effect of options and stock awards		35		128
	Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted		11,610		11,564
	Basic earnings per share
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.12	$	0.36
	Basic earnings per share on loss from discontinued operations		—		—
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.12	$	0.36
	Diluted earnings per share
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.12	$	0.36
	Diluted earnings per share on loss from discontinued operations		—		—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.12	$	0.36
	Outstanding stock-based awards are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share under the treasury stock method, if including them would be anti-dilutive. There were 12,065 shares of potentially dilutive securities not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended October 31, 2013, and there were no such shares not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended October 31, 2012.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Inventories	'
	4. Inventories
	Inventories are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
		October 31,			July 31,
		2013			2013
	Raw materials	$	8,927		$	8,003
	Work in process		1,290			1,382
	Supplies		1,725			1,730
	Finished products		37,139			42,452
	Less reserve for inventory obsolescence		(206	)		(180	)
	Inventories, net	$	48,875		$	53,387

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	5. Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		October 31,			July 31,
		2013			2013
	Land	$	16,022		$	15,620
	Buildings and improvements		42,459			41,273
	Equipment		68,965			66,807
	Leasehold improvements		143			143
			127,589			123,843
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(40,107	)		(36,933	)
			87,482			86,910
	Construction-in-progress		10,340			9,778
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	97,822		$	96,688

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	6. Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has stock-based incentive plans which are described in more detail in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2013. The Company recognized stock-based compensation costs of approximately $1.2 million and $181,000 for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company also recognized the related tax benefits of $436,000 and $66,000 for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Stock-based compensation costs are recorded under selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income.
	As of October 31, 2013, the unrecognized compensation costs related to stock-based awards was approximately $763,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.
	A summary of stock option and stock activity is presented below.
	Stock Options
	A summary of activity for the three months ended October 31, 2013 is presented below. No options were granted in the first three months of fiscal years 2014 or 2013:
			Shares			Weighted-
						Average
						Exercise Price
	Outstanding on August 1, 2013			58,000		$	4.03
	Granted			—			—
	Exercised			(33,000	)		4.37
	Forfeited/expired			—			—
	Outstanding on October 31, 2013			25,000			3.58
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at October 31, 2013 based on fully vested (currently exercisable) stock option awards:
			Options			Weighted-		Weighted-		Aggregate
			Outstanding			Average		Average		Intrinsic Value
			and Fully			Exercise Price		Remaining		(in thousands) (1)
			Vested					Contractual
								Term (years)
	Total outstanding and fully vested			25,000			3.58		3.95	$	410
	-1	The aggregate intrinsic value is computed based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on October 31, 2013.
	There were 33,000 options exercised in the three months ended October 31, 2013, with an intrinsic value of $625,000, but there were no options exercised in the three months ended October 31, 2012.
	Performance Shares
	On August 1, 2013, there were 154,758 non-vested performance shares outstanding which reflected the maximum number of shares under the awards. There were no performance shares granted or vested during the three months ended October 31, 2013. As of October 31, 2013, the non-vested performance-based stock awards consisted of Series 1 and Series 2 awards granted to certain executives and employees in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, as summarized below.
	Date of Grant		Series			Maximum		Grant Date		Measurement		Expected			Shares Expected
			Award			Award		Fair Value		Period Ending		Percentage of			to Vest
						(Shares)(1)						Vesting
	Fiscal Year 2013 Award
	12/4/12			Series 1			61,350	$	18.75		7/31/15		15	%		9,203
							61,350									9,203
	Fiscal Year 2012 Awards
	2/27/12			Series 1			300	$	18.08		7/31/14		10	%		30
	2/27/12			Series 2			200	$	18.08		7/31/14		0	%		—
							500									30
	10/28/11			Series 1			15,300	$	15.3		7/31/14		10	%		1,530
	10/28/11			Series 2			10,200	$	15.3		7/31/14		0	%		—
							25,500									1,530
	10/11/11			Series 1			16,658	$	14.16		7/31/14		10	%		1,666
	10/11/11			Series 2			11,105	$	14.16		7/31/14		0	%		—
							27,763									1,666
	Total						115,113									12,429
	-1	The table does not include awards to John V. Sobchak of 20,492 and 11,492 in Series 1 awards in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 7,661 in Series 2 awards in fiscal year 2012, all of which will be forfeited upon the effective date of his resignation as previously announced in the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2013.
	Series 1: For the fiscal year 2012 award, vesting for the Series 1 awards is subject to a performance requirement composed of certain earnings per share or revenue growth objectives and average annual return on invested capital measured across a three year period. For the fiscal year 2013 award vesting is subject to performance requirements composed of certain objectives including average annual return on invested capital and annual compound growth rate in the Company’s diluted earnings per share. These objectives are measured quarterly using the Company’s budget, actual results and long-term projections. For each of the Series 1 awards, the expected percentage of vesting is evaluated through October 31, 2013, and reflects the percentage of shares projected to vest for the respective awards at the end of their measurement periods.
	Series 2: Vesting for the Series 2 awards is subject to performance requirements pertaining to the growth rate in the Company’s basic earnings per share over a three year period. The achievement of performance requirements is measured quarterly using the Company’s budget, actual results and long-term projections. For fiscal year 2012 awards, the expected percentage of vesting is evaluated through October 31, 2013, and reflects the percentage of shares projected to vest for the respective awards at the end of their measurement periods.
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value of performance awards outstanding was $17.71 and $17.66 at October 31, 2013 and August 1, 2013, respectively.
	Time Based Shares
	A summary of activity for time-based stock awards for the three months ended October 31, 2013 is presented below:
			Shares			Weighted-Average
						Grant-Date
						Fair Value
	Non-vested on August 1, 2013			—
	Granted (1)			39,128		$	22.01
	Vested			(9,128	)		21.82
	Non-vested on October 31, 2013			30,000			22.07
	-1	Reflects 5,128 shares and 4,000 shares granted to non-employee directors on August 27, 2013, and October 31, 2013 respectively, for service for the three and two month periods ended August 31, 2013 and October 31, 2013 respectively. The shares vest on the date of grant and the Company recognizes compensation expense related to the awards over the respective service periods in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, the Company granted a time-based award for 30,000 shares to Christopher T. Fraser, when he became the Company’s full-time President and CEO on September 24, 2013. These time-based shares vest in equal installments of 6,000 shares each over one, two, three, four and five years from the date of grant. Compensation expense will be recorded over the vesting period using the straight-line method. The September 24, 2013 grant date fair value was $662,000 using the Company’s closing stock price of $22.07 on the grant date.
	Mr. Fraser was also granted 50,000 shares upon becoming President and CEO. The shares vested on the date of grant on September 24, 2013, and the Company recognized compensation expense of the grant date fair value of $1.1 million based on the closing stock price on that date.
	The total fair value of shares vested during the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $1.3 million and $121,000, respectively.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets	'
	7. Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		Number of Years		31-Oct-13
		Weighted		Original		Accumulated			Foreign		Carrying
		Average		Cost		Amortization			Currency		Amount
		Amortization							Translation
		Period							Adjustment
	Intangible assets subject to amortization: (range of useful life):
	Electronic chemicals-related contracts (5-8 years)		6.6	$	2,204	$	(370	)	$	—	$	1,834
	Electronic chemicals-related trademarks and patents (10-15 years)		12		117		(59	)		—		58
	Electronic chemicals-value of product qualifications (5-15 years)		14.1		14,100		(1,458	)		449		13,091
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization		13.1	$	16,421	$	(1,887	)	$	449		14,983
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
	Creosote product registrations											5,339
	Penta product registrations											8,765
	Total intangible assets not subject to amortization											14,104
	Total intangible assets, net										$	29,087
		Number of Years		31-Jul-13
		Weighted		Original		Accumulated			Carrying
		Average		Cost		Amortization			Amount
		Amortization
		Period
	Intangible assets subject to amortization: (range of useful life):
	Electronic chemicals-related contracts (5-8 years)		6.5	$	2,297	$	(253	)	$	2,044
	Electronic chemicals-related trademarks and patents (10-15 years)		12		117		(57	)		60
	Electronic chemicals-value of product qualifications (5-15 years)		14.1		14,100		(1,047	)		13,053
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization		13	$	16,514	$	(1,357	)		15,157
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
	Creosote product registrations									5,339
	Penta product registrations									8,765
	Total intangible assets not subject to amortization									14,104
	Total intangible assets, net								$	29,261
	Intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Amortization expense was approximately $487,000 and $77,000 for the three month periods ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Dividends

Dividends	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Dividends	'
	8. Dividends
	Dividends of approximately $347,000 ($0.03 per share) and $342,000 ($0.03 per share) were declared and paid in the first quarter of fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Information	'
	9. Segment Information
	The Company has two reportable segments — electronic chemicals and wood treating chemicals.
			Three Months Ended
			October 31,
			2013			2012
			(Amounts in thousands)
	Sales
	Electronic chemicals		$	64,452		$	39,507
	Wood treating chemicals			29,064			25,700
	Total sales for reportable segments		$	93,516		$	65,207
	Depreciation and amortization
	Electronic chemicals		$	3,247		$	1,550
	Wood treating chemicals			98			107
	Other			119			100
	Total consolidated depreciation and amortization		$	3,464		$	1,757
	Segment income from operations (1)
	Electronic chemicals		$	3,338		$	5,072
	Wood treating chemicals			2,505			3,366
	Total segment income from operations		$	5,843		$	8,438
	-1	Segment income from operations includes allocated corporate overhead expenses.
	Corporate overhead expenses allocated to segment income from operations for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			October 31,
			2013			2012
	Electronic chemicals		$	1,973		$	1,403
	Wood treating chemicals			1,060			1,145
	Total corporate overhead expense allocation		$	3,033		$	2,548
	A reconciliation of total segment information to consolidated amounts is as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			October 31,
			2013			2012
			(Amounts in thousands)
	Sales
	Total sales for reportable segments		$	93,516		$	65,207
	Other			44			129
	Net sales		$	93,560		$	65,336
	Segment income from operations
	Total segment income from operations		$	5,843		$	8,438
	Other corporate expense (1)			(2,788	)		(1,334	)
	Operating income			3,055			7,104
	Interest expense, net			(663	)		(411	)
	Other expense, net			(315	)		(50	)
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	2,077		$	6,643
	-1	Other corporate expense primarily represents employee stock-based compensation expenses and those public entity expenses such as board compensation, audit expense, fees related to the listing of our stock, and expenses incurred to pursue acquisition opportunities. Other corporate expenses includes $1.3 million of other professional services and $1.2 million of stock based compensation in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, and includes $577,000 of acquisition related expenses for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Long-Term Debt	'
	10. Long-Term Debt
	The Company’s debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
		October 31,			July 31,
		2013			2013
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Senior secured debt:
	Note purchase agreement, maturing on December 31, 2014, interest rate of 7.43%	$	20,000		$	20,000
	Revolving loan facility, maturing on April 30, 2018, variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus 1.50% at October 31, 2013 and July 31, 2013		63,000			65,000
	Total debt		83,000			85,000
	Current maturities of long-term debt		—			—
	Long-term debt, net of current maturities	$	83,000		$	85,000
	To finance the acquisition of the electronic chemicals business in December 2007, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement and a note purchase agreement. The amended and restated credit agreement is now with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and with Bank of America, N.A. The note purchase agreement is now with The Prudential Insurance Company of America and Pruco Life Insurance Company.
	Initially, the amended and restated credit agreement included a revolving loan facility and a term loan facility. The term loan was paid off in fiscal year 2012, and that aspect of the facility has been removed. The Company amended these facilities several times, most recently in April and in May 2013 to increase the amount that may be borrowed under the revolving loan up to $110.0 million, to include an accordion feature that allows for an additional revolving loan increase of up to $25.0 million with approval from the Company’s lenders, and to extend the maturity date of the revolving loan facility to April 30, 2018, with mandatory reduction in revolving loan commitment of $10.0 million each year from September 30, 2014 to September 30, 2017 totaling $40.0 million. The matrix for the calculation of interest payable on the revolving loan facility and the method for the calculation of the fixed charge coverage ratio were also revised.
	The revolving loan bears interest at a varying rate of LIBOR plus a margin based on our funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).
	Ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA	Margin
	Equal to or greater than 2.5 to 1.0		2.25	%
	Equal to or greater than 2.0 to 1.0, but less than 2.5 to 1.0		2	%
	Equal to or greater than 1.5 to 1.0, but less than 2.0 to 1.0		1.75	%
	Less than 1.5 to 1.0		1.5	%
	Advances outstanding under the revolving loan bear interest at 1.67% and 1.69% as of October 31, 2013 and July 31, 2103, respectively. The amount outstanding on the revolving loan at October 31, 2013 was 63.0 million, and an additional $3.5 million is reserved for outstanding letters of credit.
	The note purchase agreement is for $20.0 million. Advances under the note purchase agreement mature on December 31, 2014, and bear interest at 7.43% per annum. Principal is payable at maturity. At October 31, 2013, $20.0 million was outstanding under the note purchase agreement.
	Loans under the amended and restated credit agreement and the note purchase agreement are secured by the Company’s assets, including inventory, accounts receivable, equipment, intangible assets, and real property. The credit facility and the note purchase agreement have restrictive covenants, including that the Company must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.5 to 1.0 or below, a ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (as adjusted for extraordinary items, with lender consent) of 3.0 to 1.0 or below, and a current ratio of at least 1.5 to 1.0.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	11. Income Taxes
	Income tax expense for the interim periods was computed using the effective tax rate based on the application of an estimated annual effective income tax rate applied to year-to-date income before income tax expense. In determining the estimated annual effective income tax rate, we analyze various factors, including forecasts of projected annual earnings and the ability to use tax credits and net operating loss carry forwards. The overall effective income tax rate for the three month period ended October 31, 2013 was 34.9%. For the three months ended October 31, 2012, the effective rate for continuing operations was 36.7%. In general, differences between these effective tax rates and the rate of 35.0% are primarily due to foreign and state income taxes.

Litigation_and_Other_Contingen

Litigation and Other Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Litigation and Other Contingencies	'
	12. Litigation and Other Contingencies
	The Company is subject to contingencies, including litigation relating to environmental laws and regulations, commercial disputes and other matters. Certain of these contingencies are discussed below. The ultimate resolution of these contingencies is subject to significant uncertainty, and should the Company fail to prevail in any of them or should several of them be resolved against the Company in the same reporting period, these matters could, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the consolidated financial statements. The ultimate outcome of these matters, however, cannot be determined at this time, nor can the amount of any potential loss be reasonably estimated, and as a result except where indicated no amounts have been recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	The Company records legal costs associated with loss contingencies as expenses in the period in which they are incurred.
	A lawsuit was filed against the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, KMG de Mexico, relating to the title to the land on which its facility in Matamoros is located. The plaintiffs claim that their title to the land is superior to the person from whom our subsidiary bought the land. The plaintiffs are seeking to have our subsidiary’s purchase overturned, and to recover the land and certain improvements or their value. The lawsuit was initially filed in 1998 in Matamoros, Mexico under Adolfo Cazares Rosas, et al vs. KMG de Mexico and Guillermo Villarreal. In January 2008, the case was sent by the appeals court back to the lower court to obtain additional factual information, and on April 20, 2009 the plaintiffs were required to re-file the case in the First Civil Court in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico as Adolfo Cazares, Luis Escudero and Juan Cue vs. KMG de Mexico and Guillermo Villarreal. In June 2011 the lower court ruled against KMG de Mexico, and held that the plaintiffs had superior title to the land, but that verdict was overturned on appeal in May 2012, and the case will be returned to the trial court for further action. The Company intends to continue to vigorously defend KMG de Mexico.
	The Company’s subsidiary in Italy has filed suit with the Provincial Tax Court in Milan, Italy to contest assessments by the taxing authority in Italy pertaining to the three year period ended July 31, 2011. In the aggregate, the amount of the assessments, including interest and penalties, is €1.7 million. If all the adjustments are sustained, the additional liability for the years 2009 through 2011 would total approximately $2.3 million, including interest and penalties through October 31, 2013 (at an exchange rate of 1.364 $/€). The Company recorded a liability for an uncertain tax position for items in the amount of $437,000. The Company intends to vigorously pursue its position before the court, but the ultimate outcome of this litigation is subject to uncertainty.
	The Company’s subsidiary in Italy plans to file suit in Provincial Court in Milan, Italy to contest the assessment of additional registration tax against the Company’s subsidiary in Italy based on an increased valuation of assets purchased from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. in December 2007. The amount of the assessment, including interest and penalties through October 31, 2013, is €778,000 (or approximately $1.1 million, at an exchange rate of 1.364 $/€). The ultimate outcome of this assessment is subject to uncertainty.
	The Company and OM Group dispute the proper calculation of the post-closing, working capital adjustment to the purchase price for the UPC subsidiaries. Each company asserts that the other owes it approximately $700,000. The parties are continuing to negotiate to resolve the dispute, but no resolution has yet been reached.
	The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations and potential liabilities relating to the protection of the environment and human health and safety including, among other things, the cleanup of contaminated sites, the treatment, storage and disposal of wastes, the emission of substances into the air or waterways, and various health and safety matters. The Company expects to incur substantial costs for ongoing compliance with such laws and regulations. The Company may also face governmental or third-party claims, or otherwise incur costs, relating to cleanup of, or for injuries resulting from, contamination at sites associated with past and present operations. The Company accrues for environmental liabilities when a determination can be made that they are probable and reasonably estimable.

Restructuring_Events

Restructuring Events	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Restructuring Events	'
	13. Restructuring Events
	In October 2013, the Company announced that as part of global restructuring of its electronic chemicals operations, the Fremont, California manufacturing site acquired in the acquisition from OM Group will be closed, and production shifted primarily to the Company’s Hollister, California and Pueblo, Colorado facilities. In November 2013, the Company announced that it will close its manufacturing facility in Milan, Italy, and shift production to facilities in France and the United Kingdom. The Company will continue to operate the warehouse facility in Milan.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Summary of Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities and Preliminary Acquisition Accounting for Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Recognized	'
	The following table summarizes the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and the preliminary acquisition accounting for the fair value of the assets and liabilities recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at the acquisition date (in thousands):
	Cash	$	689
	Accounts receivable		14,698
	Inventory		11,047
	Other current assets		1,963
	Property, plant and equipment		28,939
	Intangible assets:
	Value of product qualifications		12,800
	Non-compete agreement		1,900
	Transition services		154
	Total intangible assets		14,854
	Total assets acquired		72,190
	Current liabilities		11,401
	Other long-term liabilities		5,326
	Total liabilities assumed		16,727
	Net assets acquired	$	55,463
Goodwill Recognized	'
	The goodwill recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets is as follows (in thousands):
	Carrying value at July 31, 2013	$	7,150
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		253
	Carrying value at October 31, 2013	$	7,403

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table presents information necessary to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share for periods indicated:
		Three Months Ended
		October 31,
		2013		2012
		(Amounts in thousands, except
		per share data)
	Income from continuing operations	$	1,352	$	4,208
	Loss from discontinued operations		—		(66	)
	Net income	$	1,352	$	4,142
	Weighted average shares outstanding-basic		11,575		11,436
	Dilutive effect of options and stock awards		35		128
	Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted		11,610		11,564
	Basic earnings per share
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.12	$	0.36
	Basic earnings per share on loss from discontinued operations		—		—
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.12	$	0.36
	Diluted earnings per share
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.12	$	0.36
	Diluted earnings per share on loss from discontinued operations		—		—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.12	$	0.36

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Inventories	'
	Inventories are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
		October 31,			July 31,
		2013			2013
	Raw materials	$	8,927		$	8,003
	Work in process		1,290			1,382
	Supplies		1,725			1,730
	Finished products		37,139			42,452
	Less reserve for inventory obsolescence		(206	)		(180	)
	Inventories, net	$	48,875		$	53,387

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment and Related Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	'
	Property, plant and equipment and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		October 31,			July 31,
		2013			2013
	Land	$	16,022		$	15,620
	Buildings and improvements		42,459			41,273
	Equipment		68,965			66,807
	Leasehold improvements		143			143
			127,589			123,843
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(40,107	)		(36,933	)
			87,482			86,910
	Construction-in-progress		10,340			9,778
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	97,822		$	96,688

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Stock Option Activity Associated with Employee Compensation	'
	A summary of activity for the three months ended October 31, 2013 is presented below. No options were granted in the first three months of fiscal years 2014 or 2013:
			Shares			Weighted-
						Average
						Exercise Price
	Outstanding on August 1, 2013			58,000		$	4.03
	Granted			—			—
	Exercised			(33,000	)		4.37
	Forfeited/expired			—			—
	Outstanding on October 31, 2013			25,000			3.58
Stock Options Outstanding And Fully Vested	'
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at October 31, 2013 based on fully vested (currently exercisable) stock option awards:
			Options			Weighted-		Weighted-		Aggregate
			Outstanding			Average		Average		Intrinsic Value
			and Fully			Exercise Price		Remaining		(in thousands) (1)
			Vested					Contractual
								Term (years)
	Total outstanding and fully vested			25,000			3.58		3.95	$	410
	-1	The aggregate intrinsic value is computed based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on October 31, 2013.
Summary of Performance Based Stock Awards Granted	'
	There were no performance shares granted or vested during the three months ended October 31, 2013. As of October 31, 2013, the non-vested performance-based stock awards consisted of Series 1 and Series 2 awards granted to certain executives and employees in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, as summarized below.
	Date of Grant		Series			Maximum		Grant Date		Measurement		Expected			Shares Expected
			Award			Award		Fair Value		Period Ending		Percentage of			to Vest
						(Shares)(1)						Vesting
	Fiscal Year 2013 Award
	12/4/12			Series 1			61,350	$	18.75		7/31/15		15	%		9,203
							61,350									9,203
	Fiscal Year 2012 Awards
	2/27/12			Series 1			300	$	18.08		7/31/14		10	%		30
	2/27/12			Series 2			200	$	18.08		7/31/14		0	%		—
							500									30
	10/28/11			Series 1			15,300	$	15.3		7/31/14		10	%		1,530
	10/28/11			Series 2			10,200	$	15.3		7/31/14		0	%		—
							25,500									1,530
	10/11/11			Series 1			16,658	$	14.16		7/31/14		10	%		1,666
	10/11/11			Series 2			11,105	$	14.16		7/31/14		0	%		—
							27,763									1,666
	Total						115,113									12,429
	-1	The table does not include awards to John V. Sobchak of 20,492 and 11,492 in Series 1 awards in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 7,661 in Series 2 awards in fiscal year 2012, all of which will be forfeited upon the effective date of his resignation as previously announced in the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2013.
Summary of Activity for Time-Based Stock Awards	'
	A summary of activity for time-based stock awards for the three months ended October 31, 2013 is presented below:
			Shares			Weighted-Average
						Grant-Date
						Fair Value
	Non-vested on August 1, 2013			—
	Granted (1)			39,128		$	22.01
	Vested			(9,128	)		21.82
	Non-vested on October 31, 2013			30,000			22.07
	-1	Reflects 5,128 shares and 4,000 shares granted to non-employee directors on August 27, 2013, and October 31, 2013 respectively, for service for the three and two month periods ended August 31, 2013 and October 31, 2013 respectively. The shares vest on the date of grant and the Company recognizes compensation expense related to the awards over the respective service periods in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, the Company granted a time-based award for 30,000 shares to Christopher T. Fraser, when he became the Company’s full-time President and CEO on September 24, 2013. These time-based shares vest in equal installments of 6,000 shares each over one, two, three, four and five years from the date of grant. Compensation expense will be recorded over the vesting period using the straight-line method. The September 24, 2013 grant date fair value was $662,000 using the Company’s closing stock price of $22.07 on the grant date.

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible assets are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		Number of Years		31-Oct-13
		Weighted		Original		Accumulated			Foreign		Carrying
		Average		Cost		Amortization			Currency		Amount
		Amortization							Translation
		Period							Adjustment
	Intangible assets subject to amortization: (range of useful life):
	Electronic chemicals-related contracts (5-8 years)		6.6	$	2,204	$	(370	)	$	—	$	1,834
	Electronic chemicals-related trademarks and patents (10-15 years)		12		117		(59	)		—		58
	Electronic chemicals-value of product qualifications (5-15 years)		14.1		14,100		(1,458	)		449		13,091
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization		13.1	$	16,421	$	(1,887	)	$	449		14,983
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
	Creosote product registrations											5,339
	Penta product registrations											8,765
	Total intangible assets not subject to amortization											14,104
	Total intangible assets, net										$	29,087
		Number of Years		31-Jul-13
		Weighted		Original		Accumulated			Carrying
		Average		Cost		Amortization			Amount
		Amortization
		Period
	Intangible assets subject to amortization: (range of useful life):
	Electronic chemicals-related contracts (5-8 years)		6.5	$	2,297	$	(253	)	$	2,044
	Electronic chemicals-related trademarks and patents (10-15 years)		12		117		(57	)		60
	Electronic chemicals-value of product qualifications (5-15 years)		14.1		14,100		(1,047	)		13,053
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization		13	$	16,514	$	(1,357	)		15,157
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
	Creosote product registrations									5,339
	Penta product registrations									8,765
	Total intangible assets not subject to amortization									14,104
	Total intangible assets, net								$	29,261

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Revenues	'
			Three Months Ended
			October 31,
			2013			2012
			(Amounts in thousands)
	Sales
	Electronic chemicals		$	64,452		$	39,507
	Wood treating chemicals			29,064			25,700
	Total sales for reportable segments		$	93,516		$	65,207
	Depreciation and amortization
	Electronic chemicals		$	3,247		$	1,550
	Wood treating chemicals			98			107
	Other			119			100
	Total consolidated depreciation and amortization		$	3,464		$	1,757
	Segment income from operations (1)
	Electronic chemicals		$	3,338		$	5,072
	Wood treating chemicals			2,505			3,366
	Total segment income from operations		$	5,843		$	8,438
	-1	Segment income from operations includes allocated corporate overhead expenses.
Overhead Expenses Allocated to Segment Income	'
	Corporate overhead expenses allocated to segment income from operations for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			October 31,
			2013			2012
	Electronic chemicals		$	1,973		$	1,403
	Wood treating chemicals			1,060			1,145
	Total corporate overhead expense allocation		$	3,033		$	2,548
Reconciliation of Total Segment to Consolidated Amounts	'
	A reconciliation of total segment information to consolidated amounts is as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			October 31,
			2013			2012
			(Amounts in thousands)
	Sales
	Total sales for reportable segments		$	93,516		$	65,207
	Other			44			129
	Net sales		$	93,560		$	65,336
	Segment income from operations
	Total segment income from operations		$	5,843		$	8,438
	Other corporate expense (1)			(2,788	)		(1,334	)
	Operating income			3,055			7,104
	Interest expense, net			(663	)		(411	)
	Other expense, net			(315	)		(50	)
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	2,077		$	6,643
	-1	Other corporate expense primarily represents employee stock-based compensation expenses and those public entity expenses such as board compensation, audit expense, fees related to the listing of our stock, and expenses incurred to pursue acquisition opportunities. Other corporate expenses includes $1.3 million of other professional services and $1.2 million of stock based compensation in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, and includes $577,000 of acquisition related expenses for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Debt	'
	The Company’s debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
		October 31,			July 31,
		2013			2013
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Senior secured debt:
	Note purchase agreement, maturing on December 31, 2014, interest rate of 7.43%	$	20,000		$	20,000
	Revolving loan facility, maturing on April 30, 2018, variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus 1.50% at October 31, 2013 and July 31, 2013		63,000			65,000
	Total debt		83,000			85,000
	Current maturities of long-term debt		—			—
	Long-term debt, net of current maturities	$	83,000		$	85,000
Ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA	'
	The revolving loan bears interest at a varying rate of LIBOR plus a margin based on our funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).
	Ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA	Margin
	Equal to or greater than 2.5 to 1.0		2.25	%
	Equal to or greater than 2.0 to 1.0, but less than 2.5 to 1.0		2	%
	Equal to or greater than 1.5 to 1.0, but less than 2.0 to 1.0		1.75	%
	Less than 1.5 to 1.0		1.5	%

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (Om Group Incorporation, USD $)	31-May-13
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Om Group Incorporation	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business acquisition, purchase price	$62.60

Summary_of_Acquired_Assets_and

Summary of Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities and Preliminary Acquisition Accounting for Fair Value of Assets Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Cash	$689
Accounts receivable	14,698
Inventory	11,047
Other current assets	1,963
Property, plant and equipment	28,939
Intangible assets:	'
Value of product qualifications	12,800
Non-compete agreement	1,900
Transition services	154
Total intangible assets	14,854
Total assets acquired	72,190
Current liabilities	11,401
Other long-term liabilities	5,326
Total liabilities assumed	16,727
Net assets acquired	$55,463

Goodwill_Recognized_Detail

Goodwill Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Om Group Incorporation
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying value at July 31, 2013	$11,181	$10,929	$7,150
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	253
Carrying value at October 31, 2013	$11,181	$10,929	$7,403

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Per

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Components Of Basic And Diluted Earning Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$1,352	$4,208
Loss from discontinued operations	'	-66
Net income	$1,352	$4,142
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	11,575	11,436
Dilutive effect of options and stock awards	35	128
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	11,610	11,564
Basic earnings per share	'	'
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$0.12	$0.36
Basic earnings per share on loss from discontinued operations	'	'
Basic earnings per share	$0.12	$0.36
Diluted earnings per share	'	'
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$0.12	$0.36
Diluted earnings per share on loss from discontinued operations	'	'
Diluted earnings per share	$0.12	$0.36

Earnings_per_Share_Additional_

Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Number of shares potentially dilutive securities not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share	12,065	0

Inventories_Detail

Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Net [Line Items]	'	'
Raw materials	$8,927	$8,003
Work in process	1,290	1,382
Supplies	1,725	1,730
Finished products	37,139	42,452
Less reserve for inventory obsolescence	-206	-180
Inventories, net	$48,875	$53,387

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_a

Property, Plant, and Equipment and Related Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Land	$16,022	$15,620
Buildings and improvements	42,459	41,273
Equipment	68,965	66,807
Leasehold improvements	143	143
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	127,589	123,843
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-40,107	-36,933
Property Plant And Equipment Excluding Construction In Progress, Total	87,482	86,910
Construction-in-progress	10,340	9,778
Property, plant and equipment, net	$97,822	$96,688

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 30, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Dec. 04, 2012

Feb. 27, 2012

Oct. 28, 2011

Oct. 11, 2011

Jul. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Sep. 24, 2013

Sep. 24, 2013

Performance Shares

Performance Shares

Performance Shares

Performance Shares

Performance Shares

Performance Shares

Outstanding Stock Option

President And Chief Executive Officer

President And Chief Executive Officer

Common Stock

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recognized stock based compensation cost

$1,243,000

'

$181,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share based compensation, related tax benefits

436,000

'

66,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation costs related to outstanding stock awards

763,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average period for recognition of compensation cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 7 months 6 days

'

'

Number of options exercised

33,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intrinsic value of option exercised

625,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Performance shares outstanding, non vested

'

'

'

154,758

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average grant date fair value

'

'

'

$17.71

'

'

'

'

$17.66

'

'

'

Share based compensation award grants in period

'

'

'

115,113

[1]

61,350

[1]

500

[1]

25,500

[1]

27,763

[1]

'

'

'

50,000

Grant date fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,100,000

'

Total fair value of shares vested

$1,300,000

'

$121,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The table does not include awards to John V. Sobchak of 20,492 and 11,492 in Series 1 awards in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 7,661 in Series 2 awards in fiscal year 2011, all of which will be forfeited upon the effective date of his resignation as previously announced in the Company's report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2013.

Stock_Option_Activity_Associat

Stock Option Activity Associated with Employee Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 30, 2012
Shares	'	'
Outstanding on August 1, 2013	58,000	'
Granted	'	'
Exercised	-33,000	0
Forfeited/expired	'	'
Outstanding on October 31, 2013	25,000	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'
Outstanding on August 1, 2013	$4.03	'
Granted	'	'
Exercised	$4.37	'
Forfeited/expired	'	'
Outstanding on October 31, 2013	$3.58	'

Stock_Options_Outstanding_And_

Stock Options Outstanding And Fully Vested (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Options Outstanding and Fully Vested	'
Total outstanding and fully vested	25,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'
Total outstanding and fully vested	$3.58
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	'
Total outstanding and fully vested	'3 years 11 months 12 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'
Total outstanding and fully vested	$410	[1]
[1]	The aggregate intrinsic value is computed based on the closing price of the Company's stock on October 31, 2013.

Summary_of_Performance_Based_S

Summary of Performance Based Stock Awards Granted (Detail) (Performance Shares, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013		Dec. 04, 2012		Feb. 27, 2012		Oct. 28, 2011		Oct. 11, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Maximum Award (Shares)	115,113	[1]	61,350	[1]	500	[1]	25,500	[1]	27,763	[1]
Actual Shares Vested or Shares Projected to Vest	12,429		9,203		30		1,530		1,666
Series Award One	'		'		'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Grant Dates	'		4-Dec-12		27-Feb-12		28-Oct-11		11-Oct-11
Maximum Award (Shares)	'		61,350	[1]	300	[1]	15,300	[1]	16,658	[1]
Grant date fair value	'		18.75		18.08		15.3		14.16
Measurement Period Ending	'		31-Jul-15		31-Jul-14		31-Jul-14		31-Jul-14
Actual or Expected Percentage of Vesting	'		15.00%		10.00%		10.00%		10.00%
Actual Shares Vested or Shares Projected to Vest	'		9,203		30		1,530		1,666
Series Award Two	'		'		'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Grant Dates	'		'		27-Feb-12		28-Oct-11		11-Oct-11
Maximum Award (Shares)	'		'		200	[1]	10,200	[1]	11,105	[1]
Grant date fair value	'		'		18.08		15.3		14.16
Measurement Period Ending	'		'		31-Jul-14		31-Jul-14		31-Jul-14
Actual or Expected Percentage of Vesting	'		'		0.00%		0.00%		0.00%
[1]	The table does not include awards to John V. Sobchak of 20,492 and 11,492 in Series 1 awards in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 7,661 in Series 2 awards in fiscal year 2011, all of which will be forfeited upon the effective date of his resignation as previously announced in the Company's report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2013.

Summary_of_Performance_Based_S1

Summary of Performance Based Stock Awards Granted (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Series Award One	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum Award (Shares)	20,492	11,492
Series Award Two	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum Award (Shares)	'	7,661

Summary_of_Activity_for_TimeBa

Summary of Activity for Time-Based Stock Awards (Detail) (Time Based Shares, USD $)	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 24, 2013
Time Based Shares	'	'		'	'
Non-vested Shares	'	'		'	'
Non-vested on August 1, 2012	'	'		'	'
Granted	4,000	39,128	[1]	5,128	'
Vested	'	-9,128		'	'
Non-vested on October 31, 2013	30,000	30,000		'	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	'	'		'	'
Non-vested on August 1, 2012	'	'		'	$662,000
Granted	'	$22.01	[1]	'	'
Vested	'	$21.82		'	'
Non-vested on October 31, 2013	$22.07	$22.07		'	$662,000
[1]	5,128 shares and 4,000 shares granted to non-employee directors on August 27, 2013, and October 31, 2013 respectively, for service for the three and two month periods ended August 31, 2013 and October 31, 2013 respectively. The shares vest on the date of grant and the Company recognizes compensation expense related to the awards over the respective service periods in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, the Company granted a time-based award for 30,000 shares to Christopher T. Fraser, when he became the Company's full-time President and CEO on September 24, 2013. These time-based shares vest in equal installments of 5,000 shares each over one, two, three, four and five years from the date of grant. The September 24, 2013 grant date fair value was $662,000 using the Company's closing stock price of $22.07 on the grant date.

Summary_of_Activity_for_TimeBa1

Summary of Activity for Time-Based Stock Awards (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Time Based Shares, USD $)	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended					1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 24, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Sep. 24, 2013
							President And Chief Executive Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'		'	'	'	'
Granted	4,000	39,128	[1]	5,128	'	'	30,000
Grant Date	31-Oct-13	31-Oct-13		27-Aug-13	'	'	'
Share based compensation award vesting period	'	'		'	'	'	'5 years
Share based compensation award grants in period	$22.07	$22.07		'	$662,000	'	'
Closing stock price	'	'		'	$22.07	'	'
Time-based shares vest in equal installment of shares each over one, two, three, four and five years	'	6,000		'	'	'	'
[1]	5,128 shares and 4,000 shares granted to non-employee directors on August 27, 2013, and October 31, 2013 respectively, for service for the three and two month periods ended August 31, 2013 and October 31, 2013 respectively. The shares vest on the date of grant and the Company recognizes compensation expense related to the awards over the respective service periods in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, the Company granted a time-based award for 30,000 shares to Christopher T. Fraser, when he became the Company's full-time President and CEO on September 24, 2013. These time-based shares vest in equal installments of 5,000 shares each over one, two, three, four and five years from the date of grant. The September 24, 2013 grant date fair value was $662,000 using the Company's closing stock price of $22.07 on the grant date.

Intangible_Assets_Detail

Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Years Weighted Average Amortization Period	'13 years 1 month 6 days	'13 years
Original Cost	$16,421	$16,514
Accumulated Amortization	-1,887	-1,357
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	449	'
Carrying Amount	14,983	15,157
Total intangible assets, net	29,087	29,261
Creosote product registrations	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization	5,339	5,339
Penta product registrations	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization	8,765	8,765
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization	14,104	14,104
Electronic chemicals-related contracts	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Years Weighted Average Amortization Period	'6 years 7 months 6 days	'6 years 6 months
Original Cost	2,204	2,297
Accumulated Amortization	-370	-253
Carrying Amount	1,834	2,044
Electronic chemicals-related contracts | Minimum	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Range of useful life	'5 years	'5 years
Electronic chemicals-related contracts | Maximum	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Range of useful life	'8 years	'8 years
Electronic chemicals-related trademarks and patents	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Years Weighted Average Amortization Period	'12 years	'12 years
Original Cost	117	117
Accumulated Amortization	-59	-57
Carrying Amount	58	60
Electronic chemicals-related trademarks and patents | Minimum	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Range of useful life	'10 years	'10 years
Electronic chemicals-related trademarks and patents | Maximum	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Range of useful life	'15 years	'15 years
Electronic chemicals-value of product qualifications	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Years Weighted Average Amortization Period	'14 years 1 month 6 days	'14 years 1 month 6 days
Original Cost	14,100	14,100
Accumulated Amortization	-1,458	-1,047
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	449	'
Carrying Amount	$13,091	$13,053
Electronic chemicals-value of product qualifications | Minimum	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Range of useful life	'5 years	'5 years
Electronic chemicals-value of product qualifications | Maximum	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Range of useful life	'15 years	'15 years

Intangible_Asset_Additional_In

Intangible Asset - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Amortization expense	$487,000	$77,000

Dividends_Additional_Informati

Dividends - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Dividends [Line Items]	'	'
Dividend paid	$347,000	$342,000
Dividend per share	$0.03	$0.03

Segment_Information_Detail

Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	$93,560		$65,336
Total consolidated depreciation and amortization	3,464		1,757
Total segment income from operations	3,055		7,104
Electronic Chemicals	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	64,452		39,507
Total consolidated depreciation and amortization	3,247		1,550
Total segment income from operations	3,338	[1]	5,072	[1]
Wood Treating Chemicals	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	29,064		25,700
Total consolidated depreciation and amortization	98		107
Total segment income from operations	2,505	[1]	3,366	[1]
Reportable Segments	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	93,516		65,207
Total segment income from operations	5,843	[1]	8,438	[1]
Other	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Total consolidated depreciation and amortization	$119		$100
[1]	Segment income from operations includes allocated corporate overhead expenses.

Overhead_Expenses_Allocated_to

Overhead Expenses Allocated to Segment Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total corporate overhead expense allocation	$3,033	$2,548
Electronic Chemicals	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total corporate overhead expense allocation	1,973	1,403
Wood Treating Chemicals	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total corporate overhead expense allocation	$1,060	$1,145

Reconciliation_of_Total_Segmen

Reconciliation of Total Segment to Consolidated Amounts (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	$93,560		$65,336
Other corporate expense	-2,788	[1]	-1,334	[1]
Operating income	3,055		7,104
Interest expense, net	-663		-411
Other expense, net	-315		-50
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	2,077		6,643
Reportable Segments	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	93,516		65,207
Operating income	5,843	[2]	8,438	[2]
All Other Segments	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	$44		$129
[1]	Other corporate expense primarily represents employee stock-based compensation expenses and those public entity expenses such as board compensation, audit expense, fees related to the listing of our stock, and expenses incurred to pursue acquisition opportunities. Other corporate expenses primarily include $577,000 of acquisition related expenses for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, and $1.3 million of other professional services and $1.2 million of stock based compensation in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.
[2]	Segment income from operations includes allocated corporate overhead expenses.

Reconciliation_of_Total_Segmen1

Reconciliation of Total Segment to Consolidated Amounts (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
sharebased compensation	$1,243,000	$181,000
Other corporate expense	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Other expenses	'	577,000
Professional fees	1,300,000	'
sharebased compensation	$1,200,000	'

Debt_Detail

Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$83,000	$85,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	83,000	85,000
Senior Secured Debt | Note Purchase Agreement	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	20,000	20,000
Senior Secured Debt | Revolving Loan Facility	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$63,000	$65,000

Debt_Parenthetical_Detail

Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Senior Secured Debt)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
	Note Purchase Agreement	Revolving Loan Facility	Revolving Loan Facility	Revolving Loan Facility
			LIBOR	LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Loan maturity date	31-Dec-14	30-Apr-18	'	'
Note purchase agreement interest rate	7.43%	'	'	'
Variable interest rate	'	'	1.50%	1.50%

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$83,000,000	$85,000,000
Ratio of funded debt to EBITDA maximum	300.00%	'
Ratio of funded debt to EBITDA minimum	1	'
Fixed charge coverage ratio maximum	1.5	'
Fixed charge coverage ratio minimum	1	'
Current ratio	150.00%	'
Revolving Loan Facility	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Amount to be borrowed under revolving loan facility	110,000,000	'
Reduction in revolving loan commitment	40,000,000	'
Revolving Loan Facility | Issuance of Debt	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility additional revolving loan increase	25,000,000	'
Loan maturity date	30-Apr-18	'
Senior Secured Debt | Revolving Loan Facility	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Loan maturity date	30-Apr-18	'
Debt instrument variable rate	1.67%	1.69%
Letter of credit outstanding	3,500,000	'
Revolving loan outstanding including letter of credit	63,000,000	'
Long-term debt	63,000,000	65,000,000
Senior Secured Debt | Note Purchase Agreement	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Loan maturity date	31-Dec-14	'
Long-term debt	20,000,000	20,000,000
Note purchase agreement interest rate	7.43%	'
Each year from September 30, 2014 to September 30, 2017 | Revolving Loan Facility	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Reduction in revolving loan commitment	$10,000,000	'

Ratio_of_Funded_Debt_to_Ebitda

Ratio of Funded Debt to Ebitda (Detail)	Oct. 31, 2013
Equal to or greater than 2.5 to 1.0	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Margin	2.25%
Equal to or greater than 2.0 to 1.0, but less than 2.5 to 1.0	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Margin	2.00%
Equal to or greater than 1.5 to 1.0, but less than 2.0 to 1.0	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Margin	1.75%
Less than 1.5 to 1.0	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Margin	1.50%

Ratio_of_Funded_Debt_to_Ebitda1

Ratio of Funded Debt to Ebitda (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Equal to or greater than 2.5 to 1.0 | Minimum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA	250.00%
Equal to or greater than 2.0 to 1.0, but less than 2.5 to 1.0 | Minimum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA	200.00%
Equal to or greater than 2.0 to 1.0, but less than 2.5 to 1.0 | Maximum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA	250.00%
Equal to or greater than 1.5 to 1.0, but less than 2.0 to 1.0 | Minimum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA	150.00%
Equal to or greater than 1.5 to 1.0, but less than 2.0 to 1.0 | Maximum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA	200.00%
Less than 1.5 to 1.0 | Maximum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA	150.00%

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Effective tax rate for continuing operations	34.90%	36.70%
Statutory tax rate	35.00%	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	EUR (€)	Air Products and Chemicals, Inc	Air Products and Chemicals, Inc
			USD ($)	EUR (€)
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Proposed adjustment from taxing authorities resulting additional income tax	$2,300,000	€ 1,700,000	$1,100,000	€ 778,000
Foreign currency exchange rate, translation	1.364	1.364	'	'
Liability for uncertain tax positions in Italy	437,000	'	'	'
Post-closing, working capital adjustment	$700,000	'	'	'