Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2018	Oct. 28, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests	$ (115)	$ 688
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(127)	(14)
Unrealized investment losses, net	0	(3)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(242)	671
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	55	(94)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Ecology and Environment Inc.	$ (187)	$ 577