| Cover | Sep. 14, 2020 | Jul. 31, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 14, 2020 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | BRADY CORP | |
| Entity File Number | 1-14959 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 6555 West Good Hope Road | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Milwaukee | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | WI | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 53223 | |
| City Area Code | 414 | |
| Local Phone Number | 358-6600 | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000746598 | |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2020 | |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY | |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --07-31 | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | WI | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 39-0971239 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Nonvoting Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | |
| Trading Symbol | BRC | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
