Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	$ 35,515	$ 0	$ 35,515	$ 0
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	52,200		52,200
Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure	32,100		32,100
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivables			4,300
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	1,728,300		1,728,300		$ 1,966,600
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	35,515	$ 0	35,515	$ 0
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	52,200		52,200
Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure	32,100		32,100
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivables			4,300
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 1,410,600		$ 1,410,600		$ 1,645,300