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, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013 Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2012 Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Propane commodity derivatives [Member]	Oct. 31, 2012 Propane commodity derivatives [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Propane commodity derivatives [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2012 Propane commodity derivatives [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Oct. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Derivative [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Derivative [Member]	Oct. 31, 2012 Derivative [Member]	Jul. 31, 2012 Derivative [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Derivative [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Derivative [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Oct. 31, 2012 Derivative [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]	Jul. 31, 2012 Derivative [Member] Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Beginning balance	$ 11,155		$ 1,697	$ 11,282		$ 1,728									$ 11,741	$ 2,066	$ (2,332)	$ (12,799)	$ 11,741	$ 2,066	$ (2,332)	$ (12,799)
Change in value of risk management derivatives	10,604	6,276		10,604	6,276		11,617	6,526	11,617	6,526	(1,013)	(250)	(1,013)	(250)
Reclassification of gains and losses on commodity hedges to cost of product sold - propane and other gas liquids sales	(929)	4,191		(929)	4,191		(929)	4,191	(929)	4,191
Ending balance	$ 11,155		$ 1,697	$ 11,282		$ 1,728									$ 11,741	$ 2,066	$ (2,332)	$ (12,799)	$ 11,741	$ 2,066	$ (2,332)	$ (12,799)