Segment Information (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 Reportable_Business_Segment	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments (business segments)	6
Assets	$ 1,882,291	$ 2,182,304	$ 1,991,440
Plant Nutrient
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	258,772	257,980	268,982
Plant Nutrient | Green Plains Grain Company
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 28,000