Schedule II Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 3,812	$ 4,310	$ 5,010
Charged to cost / expenses	2,066	4,822	5,174
Other	(2,271)	(5,320)	(6,874)
Balance at end of period	3,607	3,812	4,310
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	3,812	4,310	5,010
Charged to cost / expenses	2,066	4,822	5,174
Other	(2,271)	(5,320)	(6,874)
Balance at end of period	3,607	3,812	4,310
Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Other			1,000
Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Other			$ 1,000