Debt Debt (Scheduled Annual Principal Payments On Long-term Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	$ 820
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	2,519
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	177,155
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	358,180
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	501,030
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	975,414
Long-term Debt, Gross	2,015,118
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	820
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	2,519
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	177,155
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	1,180
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	501,030
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	975,414
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 1,658,118