Note 2 - Equity Method Investments (Detail) - The Company’s Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Joint Ventures (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	$ (942)		$ 437
Illinois Corn Processings, LLC [Member]
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	(969)	[1]	473	[1]
D.M. Ingredients GmbH [Member]
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures	$ 27		$ (36)

[1] The Company's ownership percentage of ICP was 50 percent through February 1, 2012, when the Company sold 20 percent of its investment. From February 2, 2012 through March 31, 2012, and until March 31, 2013, the Company's ownership percentage in ICP was 30 percent.