Goodwill and intangibles Goodwill and intangibles (Tables)
 6 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2016
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reportable segment, are as follows:

 
Propane and related equipment sales
 
Midstream operations - water solutions
 
Midstream operations - crude oil logistics
 
Total
Balance at July 31, 2015
$
256,120

 
$
29,316

 
$
193,311

 
$
478,747

Acquisitions
—

 
—

 
1,892

 
1,892

Measurement period adjustments
—

 
—

 
(5,649
)
 
(5,649
)
Dispositions
(15
)
 
—

 
—

 
(15
)
Impairment
—

 
(29,316
)
 
—

 
(29,316
)
Balance at January 31, 2016
$
256,105

 
$
—

 
$
189,554

 
$
445,659

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]  
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reportable segment, are as follows:

 
Propane and related equipment sales
 
Midstream operations - water solutions
 
Midstream operations - crude oil logistics
 
Total
Balance at July 31, 2015
$
256,120

 
$
29,316

 
$
193,311

 
$
478,747

Acquisitions
—

 
—

 
1,892

 
1,892

Measurement period adjustments
—

 
—

 
(5,649
)
 
(5,649
)
Dispositions
(15
)
 
—

 
—

 
(15
)
Impairment
—

 
(29,316
)
 
—

 
(29,316
)
Balance at January 31, 2016
$
256,105

 
$
—

 
$
189,554

 
$
445,659