Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Shipping And Handling Expenses) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	$ 48,815	$ 48,463
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	48,815	48,463
Operating Expense [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	43,901	43,788
Operating Expense [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	43,901	43,788
Depreciation And Amortization Expense [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	1,527	1,584
Depreciation And Amortization Expense [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	1,527	1,584
Equipment Lease Expense [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	3,387	3,091
Equipment Lease Expense [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	$ 3,387	$ 3,091