Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral	$ 121,812	$ 112,509
Allowance for doubtful accounts	3,812	4,310
Common unitholders, units outstanding	79,006,619	75,966,353
General partner unitholder, units outstanding	798,047	767,337
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Common stock, shares authorized	2,000	2,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,000	1,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,000	1,000
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral	121,812	112,509
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 3,812	$ 4,310
Ferrellgas Finance Corp. [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Common stock, shares authorized	2,000	2,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,000	1,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,000	1,000