| Document and Entity Information Document | Feb. 20, 2020 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000746598 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Nonvoting Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Written Communications | false |
| City Area Code | 414 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 6555 West Good Hope Road |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | WI |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 20, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BRADY CORP |
| Entity File Number | 1-14959 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 39-0971239 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Milwaukee, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | WI |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 53223 |
| Local Phone Number | 358-6600 |
| Trading Symbol | BRC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2020 |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q2 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
