Employee Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2009
Number of employees	0
Non-cash compensation charges	$ 10,157,000	$ 9,322,000	$ 6,755,000
Matching contributions	3,100,000	3,200,000	2,700,000
Other comprehensive income and other liabilities adjustment	200,000	46,000	(6,000)
Ferrellgas, L.P. And Subsidiaries [Member]
Number of employees	0
Non-cash compensation charges	10,157,000	9,322,000	6,755,000
Matching contributions	3,100,000	3,200,000	2,700,000
Other comprehensive income and other liabilities adjustment	$ 200,000	$ 46,000	$ (6,000)