Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Changes in Derivative Value Effect on Other Comprehensive Income Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified					12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013 Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2012 Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Commodity Derivatives Propane [Member]	Jul. 31, 2012 Commodity Derivatives Propane [Member]	Jul. 31, 2011 Commodity Derivatives Propane [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Commodity Derivatives Propane [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2012 Commodity Derivatives Propane [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2011 Commodity Derivatives Propane [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Jul. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Jul. 31, 2011 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2011 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Derivative [Member]	Jul. 31, 2012 Derivative [Member]	Jul. 31, 2011 Derivative [Member]	Jul. 31, 2010 Derivative [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Derivative [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2012 Derivative [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2011 Derivative [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2010 Derivative [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Beginning balance	$ 1,697	$ (13,159)	$ 1,728	$ (13,280)													$ 2,066	$ (12,799)	$ 5,161	$ (157)	$ 2,066	$ (12,799)	$ 5,161	$ (157)
Change in value on risk management derivatives					2,032	(23,290)	22,676	2,032	(23,290)	22,676	2,220	(1,778)	0	2,220	(1,778)	0	4,252	(25,068)			4,252	(25,068)
Reclassification of gains and losses of commodity hedges to cost of product sold - propane and other gas liquids sales					10,613	7,108	(17,358)	10,613	7,108	(17,358)							10,613	7,108			10,613	7,108
Ending balance	$ 1,697	$ (13,159)	$ 1,728	$ (13,280)													$ 2,066	$ (12,799)	$ 5,161	$ (157)	$ 2,066	$ (12,799)	$ 5,161	$ (157)

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

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