Schedule II Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 4,310	$ 5,010	$ 4,294
Charged to cost / expenses	4,822	5,174	7,821
Other additions	(5,320)	(6,874)	(7,105)
Balance at end of period	3,812	4,310	5,010
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	4,310	5,010	4,294
Charged to cost / expenses	4,822	5,174	7,821
Deductions (amounts charged-off)	(5,320)	(6,874)	(7,105)
Balance at end of period	3,812	4,310	5,010
Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Other additions		1,000
Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Deductions (amounts charged-off)		$ 1,000