Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Significant Cash And Non-Cash Activities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Interest	$ 88,696	$ 94,553	$ 90,305
Income taxes	764	591	1,550
Issuance of common units in connection with acquisitions			3,123
Issuance of liabilities in connection with acquisitions	2,321	2,290	5,494
Property, plant and equipment additions	233	807	593
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Interest	72,999	72,211	66,223
Income taxes	756	575	1,524
Issuance of common units in connection with acquisitions		2,970	3,092
Issuance of liabilities in connection with acquisitions	2,321	2,290	5,494
Property, plant and equipment additions	233	807	593
Common Unitholders [Member]
Issuance of common units in connection with acquisitions			3,061
Common Unitholders [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Issuance of common units in connection with acquisitions		$ 2,940	$ 3,061