Contingencies And Commitments (Contractual Operating Lease Commitments And Buyouts) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012
Operating Lease Obligations [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2013	$ 23,236
2014	17,423
2015	14,003
2016	11,572
2017	8,869
Thereafter	8,925
Operating Lease Obligations [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2013	23,236
2014	17,423
2015	14,003
2016	11,572
2017	8,869
Thereafter	8,925
Operating Lease Buyouts [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2013	1,428
2014	1,876
2015	795
2016	1,017
2017	1,221
Thereafter	5,631
Operating Lease Buyouts [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2013	1,428
2014	1,876
2015	795
2016	1,017
2017	1,221
Thereafter	$ 5,631