Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Other Current Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Accrued interest	$ 19,779	$ 20,412
Accrued litigation and insurance	16,565	7,928
Accrued payroll	12,974	20,464
Customer deposits and advances	19,784	23,280
Other	35,711	35,970
Other current liabilities	104,813	108,054
Ferrellgas, L.P. And Subsidiaries [Member]
Accrued interest	17,773	17,324
Accrued litigation and insurance	16,565	7,928
Accrued payroll	12,974	20,464
Customer deposits and advances	19,784	23,280
Other	35,578	35,739
Other current liabilities	$ 102,674	$ 104,735