Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Changes in Derivative Value Effect on Other Comprehensive Income Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014 Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2014 Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2014 Propane commodity derivatives [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Propane commodity derivatives [Member]	Oct. 31, 2014 Propane commodity derivatives [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Propane commodity derivatives [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2014 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Oct. 31, 2014 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2014 Derivative [Member]	Jul. 31, 2014 Derivative [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Derivative [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Derivative [Member]	Oct. 31, 2014 Derivative [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2014 Derivative [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Derivative [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Derivative [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Beginning balance	$ (8,692)		$ 6,181	$ (8,769)		$ 6,258									$ (8,542)	$ 6,483	$ 11,741	$ 2,066	$ (8,542)	$ 6,483	$ 11,741	$ 2,066
Change in value of risk management derivatives	(13,897)	10,604		(13,897)	10,604		(12,758)	11,617	(12,758)	11,617	(1,139)	(1,013)	(1,139)	(1,013)
Reclassification of gains and losses on commodity hedges to cost of product sold - propane and other gas liquids sales	1,128	(929)		(1,128)	(929)		(1,128)	(929)	(1,128)	(929)
Ending balance	$ (8,692)		$ 6,181	$ (8,769)		$ 6,258									$ (8,542)	$ 6,483	$ 11,741	$ 2,066	$ (8,542)	$ 6,483	$ 11,741	$ 2,066