Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 26, 2019	Jan. 27, 2018	Jan. 26, 2019	Jan. 27, 2018
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests	$ (310)	$ (528)	$ (425)	$ 160
Foreign currency translation adjustments	47	51	(80)	37
Unrealized investment losses, net	0	(13)	0	(16)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(263)	(490)	(505)	181
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	8	(29)	63	(123)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Ecology and Environment, Inc.	$ (255)	$ (519)	$ (442)	$ 58