Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Shipping And Handling Expenses) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	$ 197,289	$ 202,785	$ 203,405
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	197,289	202,785	203,405
Operating Expense [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	177,903	183,899	183,612
Operating Expense [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	177,903	183,899	183,612
Depreciation And Amortization Expense [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	6,545	6,063	5,601
Depreciation And Amortization Expense [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	6,545	6,063	5,601
Equipment Lease Expense [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	12,841	12,823	14,192
Equipment Lease Expense [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	$ 12,841	$ 12,823	$ 14,192