Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 15,228	$ 159,504	$ 43,391
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during period, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(4,413), $138,874 and $53,068, respectively	7,169	(160,810)	(85,521)
Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on derivatives, net of tax expense (benefit) of $1,855, $(139,754) and $(46,941), respectively	(3,014)	161,829	75,647
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,155	1,019	(9,874)
Comprehensive Income	19,383	160,523	33,517
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	8,164
Comprehensive income attributable to Green Plains	$ 11,219	$ 160,523	$ 33,517