Business Combinations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Aggregate fair value of transactions	$ 39,221	$ 14,034	$ 12,586
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Aggregate fair value of transactions	$ 39,221	$ 14,034	$ 12,586

Amount recognized as of the acquisition date for the assets, including goodwill, in excess of (less than) the aggregate liabilities assumed, less the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4845-128472

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant