Debt Debt (Components of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Schedule of Capitalization, Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,332,089	$ 1,292,214
Short-term borrowings	122,230	69,519
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,150,089	1,110,214
Short-term borrowings	$ 122,230	$ 69,519
Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	3.00%	3.40%
Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate	3.00%	3.40%