Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	May 15, 2024
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Central Index Key	0000793306
Entity Registrant Name	BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY CO
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2024
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-15905
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	73-1268729
Entity Address, Address Line One	801 Travis Street, Suite 2100
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77002
City Area Code	713
Local Phone Number	568-4725
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		14,921,968