Business combinations Business combinations (Pro Forma Information) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2015
Jan. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue $ 751,229 $ 1,279,841
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) $ 83,344 $ 46,826
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic $ 0.85 $ 0.56
Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]    
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue $ 751,229 $ 1,279,841
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) $ 87,382 $ 54,896