Business Combinations (Aggregate Fair Value) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2009
Goodwill	$ 5
Aggregate value of assets acquired	12,586	45,114	9,950
Ferrellgas, L.P. And Subsidiaries [Member] | Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Aggregate value of assets acquired	1,684	3,271	1,438
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Aggregate value of assets acquired	1,684	3,271	1,438
Ferrellgas, L.P. And Subsidiaries [Member] | Customer Lists [Member]
Aggregate value of assets acquired	3,151	27,136	5,475
Customer Lists [Member]
Aggregate value of assets acquired	3,151	27,136	5,475
Ferrellgas, L.P. And Subsidiaries [Member] | Working Capital [Member]
Aggregate value of assets acquired			6
Working Capital [Member]
Aggregate value of assets acquired			6
Ferrellgas, L.P. And Subsidiaries [Member] | Customer Tanks, Buildings, Land And Other [Member]
Aggregate value of assets acquired	7,746	14,707	3,031
Customer Tanks, Buildings, Land And Other [Member]
Aggregate value of assets acquired	7,746	14,707	3,031
Ferrellgas, L.P. And Subsidiaries [Member]
Goodwill	5
Aggregate value of assets acquired	$ 12,586	$ 45,114	$ 9,950