Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Effect on Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	$ 5,783	$ (6,205)	$ 16,387	$ 71
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	(3,826)	(4,434)	(4,755)	(8,625)
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	5,783	(6,205)	16,387	71
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	(3,826)	(4,434)	(4,755)	(8,625)
Propane commodity derivatives [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	5,846	(5,612)	17,463	914
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income			4,755	(8,625)
Propane commodity derivatives [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	5,846	(5,612)	17,463	914
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income			4,755	(8,625)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	(63)	(593)	(1,076)	(843)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	(63)	(593)	(1,076)	(843)
Cost of Product Sold [Member] | Propane commodity derivatives [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	(3,826)	(4,434)	(4,755)	(8,625)
Cost of Product Sold [Member] | Propane commodity derivatives [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	(3,826)	(4,434)	(4,755)	(8,625)
Interest Expense [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	0	0	0	0
Interest Expense [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0