Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Effect on Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	$ 660	$ 1,032	$ 17,047	$ 1,103
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	(3,885)	(1,723)	(8,640)	(10,348)
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	660	1,032	17,047	1,103
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	(3,885)	(1,723)	(8,640)	(10,348)
Propane commodity derivatives [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	(165)	1,130	17,298	2,044
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income			8,640	(10,348)
Propane commodity derivatives [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	(165)	1,130	17,298	2,044
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income			8,640	(10,348)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	825	(98)	(251)	(941)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	825	(98)	(251)	(941)
Cost of Product Sold [Member] | Propane commodity derivatives [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	(3,885)	(1,723)	(8,640)	(10,348)
Cost of Product Sold [Member] | Propane commodity derivatives [Member] | Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	(3,885)	(1,723)	(8,640)	(10,348)
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