Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Other Current Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Accrued interest	$ 19,945	$ 19,779
Accrued litigation and insurance	9,061	16,565
Accrued payroll	16,495	12,974
Customer deposits and advances	28,842	19,784
Other	48,324	35,711
Other current liabilities	122,667	104,813
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Accrued interest	17,938	17,773
Accrued litigation and insurance	9,061	16,565
Accrued payroll	16,495	12,974
Customer deposits and advances	28,842	19,784
Other	48,048	35,578
Other current liabilities	$ 120,384	$ 102,674