Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Short-term borrowings	$ 72,678,000	$ 95,730,000
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Short-term borrowings	72,678,000	95,730,000
Letter Of Credit [Member]
Letters of credit outstanding	62,600,000	64,500,000
Letter of credit facility, remaining capacity	137,400,000	135,500,000
Letter Of Credit [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Letters of credit outstanding	62,600,000	64,500,000
Letter of credit facility, remaining capacity	137,400,000	135,500,000
Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Total borrowings outstanding, line of credit facility	159,500,000	160,000,000
Amount classified as long-term debt	86,800,000	64,300,000
Weighted average interest rate of debt	4.10%	4.20%
Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Total borrowings outstanding, line of credit facility	159,500,000	160,000,000
Amount classified as long-term debt	$ 86,800,000	$ 64,300,000
Weighted average interest rate of debt	4.10%	4.20%