Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests	$ (110)	$ (104)	$ 2,511
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(273)	(85)	174
Unrealized investment losses, net	0	(20)	(18)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(383)	(209)	2,667
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(389)	(189)	290
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Ecology and Environment Inc.	$ (772)	$ (398)	$ 2,957