EARNINGS PER SHARE. (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Loss Numerator
Net loss attributed to Pacific Ethanol, Inc.	$ (12,908)	$ (8,841)	$ (20,749)	$ (21,477)
Less: Preferred stock dividends	(315)	(315)	(627)	(627)
Basic and diluted loss per share:
Net loss available to common stockholders	$ (13,223)	$ (9,156)	$ (21,376)	$ (22,104)
Shares Denominator
Shares available to common stockholders - basic	43,285	42,295	43,098	42,334
Shares available to common stockholders - diluted	43,285	42,295	43,098	42,334
Per-Share Amount
Per-Share amount - basic	$ (0.31)	$ (0.22)	$ (0.50)	$ (0.52)
Per-Shares amount - diluted	$ (0.31)	$ (0.22)	$ (0.50)	$ (0.52)