4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Gross intangible asset	$ 8,219	$ 8,219
Accumulated Amortization	(4,485)	(3,761)
Net Book Value	3,734	4,458
Kinergy Tradename [Member]
Gross intangible asset	2,678	2,678
Accumulated Amortization
Net Book Value	2,678	2,678
Customer Relationships [Member]
Useful Life (Years)	10 years
Gross intangible asset	4,741	4,741
Accumulated Amortization	(3,685)	(3,211)
Net Book Value	1,056	1,530
Pacific Ethanol Tradename [Member]
Useful Life (Years)	2 years
Gross intangible asset	800	800
Accumulated Amortization	(800)	(550)
Net Book Value		$ 250

Sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388964&loc=d3e16212-109274

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph ((a)(1),(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7658586&loc=d3e16323-109275

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 42, 45

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant