Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. [Member]
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral	$ 139,451	$ 112,509
Accumulated depreciation	581,527	573,665
Accumulated amortization	308,738	303,360
Common unitholders, units outstanding	75,966,353	75,966,353
General partner unitholder, units outstanding	767,337	767,337
Ferrellgas, L.P. And Subsidiaries [Member]
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral	139,451	112,509
Accumulated depreciation	581,527	573,665
Accumulated amortization	$ 308,738	$ 303,360
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	2,000	2,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,000	1,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,000	1,000
Ferrellgas Finance Corp. [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	2,000	2,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,000	1,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,000	1,000