Note 3 - Equity Method Investments (Detail) - The Company’s Investment in Joint Ventures (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011 Interest [Member] Illinois Corn Processings, LLC [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Interest [Member] DMI [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Interest [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Interest [Member] Illinois Corn Processings, LLC [Member]		Dec. 31, 2012 Interest [Member] DMI [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Interest [Member]
Intestments In Joint Ventures	$ 6,898	$ 11,777	[1]	$ 370	$ 12,147	$ 6,898	[1]	$ 403	$ 7,301

[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 December 31, 2012, the Company's ownership percentage in ICP was 30 percent.