Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Clean Energy Fuels Corp.	$ (58,733)	$ (93,146)	$ (9,864)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	222,414,790	213,118,694	200,657,912
Dilutive effect of potential common shares from restricted stock units and stock options	0	0	0
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	222,414,790	213,118,694	200,657,912
Basic loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.44)	$ (0.05)
Diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.44)	$ (0.05)