Business Combinations (Schedule Of Funding Of Acquisitions) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Cash payments	$ 10,387	$ 7,298	$ 36,497
Issuance of liabilities and other costs and considerations	2,347	2,348	5,556
Common units, net of issuance cost	1,300	2,940	3,061
Aggregate fair value of transactions	14,034	12,586	45,114
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Cash payments	10,400	7,298	36,497
Issuance of liabilities and other costs and considerations	2,334	2,348	5,556
Common units, net of issuance cost	1,300	2,940	3,061
Aggregate fair value of transactions	$ 14,034	$ 12,586	$ 45,114