Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral	$ 224,428	$ 121,812
Accumulated depreciation	608,343	597,177
Accumulated amortization	335,627	324,893
Common unitholders, units outstanding	79,015,619	79,006,619
General partner unitholder, units outstanding	798,138	798,047
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Common stock, shares authorized	2,000	2,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,000	1,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,000	1,000
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral	224,428	121,812
Accumulated depreciation	608,343	597,177
Accumulated amortization	$ 335,627	$ 324,893
Ferrellgas Finance Corp. [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Common stock, shares authorized	2,000	2,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,000	1,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,000	1,000