Note 3 - Investment in Joint Ventures (Detail) - The Company’s Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Joint Ventures (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	$ (143)		$ (2,296)		$ 294		$ (2,172)
Illinois Corn Processings, LLC [Member]
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	(110)	[1]	(2,313)	[1]	363	[1]	(2,234)	[1]
D.M. Ingredients GmbH [Member]
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	$ (33)		$ 17		$ (69)		$ 62

[1] The Company's ownership percentage of ICP was 50 percent through February 1, 2012, when the Company sold a 20 percent interest of its investment. From February 2, 2012 through June 30, 2012, the Company's ownership percentage in ICP was 30 percent.