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				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	$ (130)		$ (2,830)		$ 164		$ (5,002)
Illinois Corn Processings, LLC [Member]
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	(134)	[1]	(2,867)	[1]	229	[1]	(5,101)	[1]
D.M. Ingredients GmbH [Member]
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	$ 4		$ 37		$ (65)		$ 99

[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 September 30, 2012, the Company's ownership percentage in ICP was 30 percent.