Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Other Current Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012
Accrued interest	$ 25,084	$ 19,945
Accrued litigation and insurance	10,391	9,061
Accrued payroll	13,970	16,495
Customer deposits and advances	42,190	28,842
Other	40,441	48,324
Other current liabilities	132,076	122,667
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Accrued interest	19,153	17,938
Accrued litigation and insurance	10,391	9,061
Accrued payroll	13,970	16,495
Customer deposits and advances	42,190	28,842
Other	40,103	48,048
Other current liabilities	$ 125,807	$ 120,384