Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Shipping And Handling Expenses) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	$ 52,690	$ 52,192	$ 101,153	$ 99,318
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	52,690	52,192	101,153	99,318
Operating Expense [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	47,937	47,614	91,725	89,898
Operating Expense [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	47,937	47,614	91,725	89,898
Depreciation And Amortization Expense [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	1,700	1,489	3,284	2,970
Depreciation And Amortization Expense [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	1,700	1,489	3,284	2,970
Equipment Lease Expense [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	3,053	3,089	6,144	6,450
Equipment Lease Expense [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Supplemental Financial Statement Information [Line Items]
Shipping and handling expenses	$ 3,053	$ 3,089	$ 6,144	$ 6,450