Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Fair Value Hedge Derivative Effect on Earnings) (Details) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Gain (loss) recognized on derivative	$ 832	$ 724
Interest expense recognized on fixed-rate debt	(5,365)	(5,469)
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Gain (loss) recognized on derivative	832	724
Interest expense recognized on fixed-rate debt	$ (5,365)	$ (5,469)

Amount of increase (decrease) in the fair value of derivatives recognized in the income statement.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4A

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5618551-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4C

-Subparagraph (a),(c),(d),(e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624171-113959

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