Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Unaudited (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 1,931,142	$ 1,303,075	$ 2,474,238	$ 2,708,342
Foreign currency translation adjustment	195,755	(89,074)	312,747	(275,368)
Unrealized investment gain (loss), net	(2,700)	19,834	37,916	19,612
Comprehensive income	2,124,197	1,233,835	2,824,901	2,452,586
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(44,828)	(839,047)	(340,225)	(1,084,684)
Comprehensive income attributable to Ecology and Environment, Inc.	$ 2,079,369	$ 394,788	$ 2,484,676	$ 1,367,902