Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Apr. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. [Member]
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral	$ 163,897	$ 0
Accumulated depreciation	569,715	546,891
Accumulated amortization	297,956	281,590
Common unitholders, units outstanding	75,900,760	69,521,818
General partner unitholder, units outstanding	766,674	702,241
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	2,000	2,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,000	1,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,000	1,000
Ferrellgas, L.P. and Subsidiaries [Member]
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral	163,897	0
Accumulated depreciation	569,715	546,891
Accumulated amortization	$ 297,956	$ 281,590
Ferrellgas Finance Corp. [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	2,000	2,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,000	1,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,000	1,000