Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 27, 2019	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 27, 2019	Apr. 28, 2018
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests	$ (954)	$ 165	$ (1,379)	$ 325
Foreign currency translation adjustments	11	(37)	(69)	0
Unrealized investment losses, net	0	(10)	0	(26)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(943)	118	(1,448)	299
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(73)	(62)	(10)	(185)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Ecology and Environment Inc.	$ (1,016)	$ 56	$ (1,458)	$ 114