Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2009
Current expense	$ 490	$ 1,477	$ 1,904
Deferred expense (benefit)	751	439	388
Income tax expense	1,241	1,916	2,292
Ferrellgas, L.P. And Subsidiaries [Member]
Current expense	474	1,451	1,820
Deferred expense (benefit)	751	439	388
Income tax expense	$ 1,225	$ 1,890	$ 2,208