Partners' Capital (Declared Cash Distribution) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011
Ferrell Companies [Member]
Cash distribution paid to partners	$ 10,040
FCI Trading Corp. [Member]
Cash distribution paid to partners	98
Ferrell Propane [Member]
Cash distribution paid to partners	26
Mr. Ferrell [Member]
Cash distribution paid to partners	2,179
General Partner [Member]
Cash distribution paid to partners	$ 384