Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral	$ 293,163	$ 112,509
Accumulated depreciation	589,705	573,665
Accumulated amortization	314,127	303,360
Common unitholders, units outstanding	78,950,469	75,966,353
General partner unitholder, units outstanding	797,479	767,337
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral	293,163	112,509
Accumulated depreciation	589,705	573,665
Accumulated amortization	$ 314,127	$ 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