Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013 MMBbls	Jul. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
gain or loss in earnings related to hedge ineffectiveness	$ 0	$ 0
Reclassification of net gain to earnings during next 12 months	800,000
Reclassification of gain (loss) to earnings from discontinuance of cash flow hedges	0	0
Number of barrels of propane covered by cash flow hedges	1,600,000
Derivative amount of credit risk	1,300,000
Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value	0
Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value	0
Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value	0
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
gain or loss in earnings related to hedge ineffectiveness	0	0
Reclassification of net gain to earnings during next 12 months	800,000
Reclassification of gain (loss) to earnings from discontinuance of cash flow hedges	0	0
Number of barrels of propane covered by cash flow hedges	1,600,000
Derivative amount of credit risk	1,300,000
Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value	0
Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value	0
Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value	$ 0