Lake Area Corn Processors (LKCRU) 10-Q 13 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 13, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS LLC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001156174	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	29,620,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$13,567,231	$20,706,458
Accounts receivable	3,284,160	3,522,497
Other receivables	18,064	17,707
Inventory	2,853,978	6,874,207
Derivative financial instruments and due from broker	2,346,437	1,502,574
Prepaid expenses	99,309	165,580
Total current assets	22,169,179	32,789,023
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'
Land	676,097	676,097
Land improvements	2,716,368	2,665,358
Buildings	8,277,636	8,277,636
Equipment	39,971,717	39,861,906
Construction in progress	7,193,451	199,302
Gross Property and Equipment	58,835,269	51,680,299
Less accumulated depreciation	-30,716,182	-28,722,235
Net property and equipment	28,119,087	22,958,064
OTHER ASSETS	'	'
Goodwill	10,395,766	10,395,766
Investments	23,034,932	16,078,269
Other	238,870	356,683
Total other assets	33,669,568	26,830,718
TOTAL ASSETS	83,957,834	82,577,805
CURRENT LIABILITIES	'	'
Outstanding checks in excess of bank balance	1,436,470	0
Accounts payable	4,625,298	11,953,957
Accrued liabilities	548,123	613,638
Derivative financial instruments	3,331,758	978,935
Current maturities of notes payable	1,271,797	1,281,760
Other	123,741	123,741
Total current liabilities	11,337,187	14,952,031
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	'	'
Notes payable, net of current maturities	6,313,500	8,764,708
Other	403,884	405,884
Total long-term liabilities	6,717,384	9,170,592
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'	'
MEMBERS' EQUITY (29,620,000 units issued and outstanding)	65,903,263	58,455,182
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY	$83,957,834	$82,577,805

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
MEMBERS' EQUITY, units issued and outstanding	29,620,000	29,620,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
REVENUES	$28,961,413	$36,613,246	$97,721,057	$113,194,531
COSTS OF REVENUES	21,309,028	34,505,581	70,069,939	105,061,703
GROSS PROFIT	7,652,385	2,107,665	27,651,118	8,132,828
OPERATING EXPENSES	843,870	762,794	2,760,821	2,589,099
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	6,808,515	1,344,871	24,890,297	5,543,729
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'	'	'
Interest income	14,532	18,644	41,410	47,950
Equity in net income of investments	2,213,776	120,132	6,501,663	339,248
Interest expense	-77,133	-8,435	-247,017	-51,627
Total other income	2,151,175	130,341	6,296,056	335,571
NET INCOME	$8,959,690	$1,475,212	$31,186,353	$5,879,300
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER UNIT	$0.30	$0.05	$1.05	$0.20
Weighted average number of units outstanding for the calculation of basic & diluted earnings per unit	29,620,000	29,620,000	29,620,000	29,620,000
Distributions Declared Per Unit	$0.35	$0.10	$0.80	$0.20

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net income	$31,186,353	$5,879,300
Changes to net income affecting cash and cash equivalents	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,111,759	2,115,497
Equity in net income of investments	-6,501,663	-339,248
(Increase) decrease in	'	'
Receivables	237,982	967,080
Inventory	4,020,229	4,503,168
Prepaid expenses	66,270	30,672
Derivative financial instruments	1,508,959	2,971,390
Accounts payable	-9,161,420	-8,828,556
Accrued and other liabilities	-67,515	300,705
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	23,400,954	7,600,008
INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Purchase of property and equipment	-5,322,208	-482,495
Purchase of investments	-455,000	-108,990
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-5,777,208	-591,485
FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Increase in outstanding checks in excess of bank balance	1,436,470	0
Principal payments on long-term notes payable	-2,461,171	-393,002
Financing costs paid	0	-54,570
Distributions paid to LACP members	-23,738,272	-5,924,000
NET CASH (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES	-24,762,973	-6,371,572
NET (DECREASE) IN CASH	-7,139,227	636,951
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	20,706,458	7,662,901
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	13,567,231	8,299,852
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'	'
Cash paid during the period for interest	249,937	26,958
Capital expenditures in accounts payable	$1,832,762	$0

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Nature of Operations [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations	'
	NATURE OF OPERATIONS
	Principal Business Activity
	Lake Area Corn Processors, LLC and subsidiary (the Company) is a South Dakota limited liability company.
	The Company owns and manages Dakota Ethanol, LLC. (Dakota Ethanol), a 40 million-gallon (annual nameplate capacity) ethanol plant, located near Wentworth, South Dakota. Dakota Ethanol sells ethanol and related products to customers located in North America.
	In addition, the Company has investment interests in five companies related to ethanol. See note 4 for further details.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	The unaudited financial statements contained herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading.
	In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying financial statements. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.
	These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, contained in the annual report on Form 10-K for 2013.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiary, Dakota Ethanol. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue from the production of ethanol and related products is recorded when title transfers to customers. Generally, ethanol and related products are shipped FOB shipping point, based on written contract terms between Dakota Ethanol and its customers. Collectability of revenue is reasonably assured based on historical evidence of collectability between Dakota Ethanol and its customers. Interest income is recognized as earned.
	Shipping costs incurred by the Company in the sale of ethanol, dried distiller's grains and corn oil are not specifically identifiable and as a result, revenue from the sale of those products is recorded based on the net selling price reported to the Company from the marketer.
	Cost of Revenues
	The primary components of cost of revenues from the production of ethanol and related co-product are corn expense, energy expense (natural gas and electricity), raw materials expense (chemicals and denaturant), and direct labor costs.
	Shipping costs on modified and wet distiller’s grains are included in cost of revenues.
	Inventory Valuation
	Ethanol inventory, raw materials, work-in-process, and parts inventory are valued using methods which approximate the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Distillers grains and related products are stated at net realizable value. In the valuation of inventories and purchase and sale commitments, market is based on current replacement values except that it does not exceed net realizable values and is not less than net realizable values reduced by allowances for approximate normal profit margin.
	Investment in commodities contracts, derivative instruments and hedging activities
	The Company is exposed to certain risks related to our ongoing business operations.  The primary risks that we manage by using forward or derivative instruments are price risk on anticipated purchases of corn, natural gas and the sale of ethanol.
	The Company is subject to market risk with respect to the price and availability of corn, the principal raw material we use to produce ethanol and ethanol by-products.  In general, rising corn prices result in lower profit margins and, therefore, represent unfavorable market conditions.  This is especially true when market conditions do not allow us to pass along increased corn costs to our customers.  The availability and price of corn is subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather conditions, farmer planting decisions, governmental policies with respect to agriculture and international trade and global demand and supply.
	Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted from derivative accounting as normal purchases or normal sales.  Normal purchases and normal sales are contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of something other than a financial instrument or derivative instrument that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business.  Contracts that meet the requirements of normal purchases or sales are documented as normal and exempted from the accounting and reporting requirements of derivative accounting.
	The Company does not apply the normal purchase and sales exemption for forward corn purchase contracts. As of September 30, 2014, we are committed to purchasing 3.2 million bushels of corn on a forward contract basis with an average price of $3.74 per bushel. Dakota Ethanol has a net derivative financial instrument liability of approximately $3,300,000 related to the forward contracted purchases of corn. The corn purchase contracts represent 18% of the annual plant corn usage.
	The Company enters into firm-price purchase commitments with some of our natural gas suppliers under which we agree to buy natural gas at a price set in advance of the actual delivery of that natural gas to us.  Under these arrangements, we assume the risk of a price decrease in the market price of natural gas between the time this price is fixed and the time the natural gas is delivered.  At September 30, 2014, we are not committed to purchasing any natural gas.  We account for these transactions as normal purchases, and accordingly, do not mark these transactions to market.
	The Company enters into short-term forward, option and futures contracts for corn and natural gas as a means of managing exposure to changes in commodity and energy prices. The Company enters into short-term forward, option and futures contracts for sales of ethanol to manage exposure to changes in energy prices. All of our derivatives are designated as non-hedge derivatives, and accordingly are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Although the contracts are considered economic hedges of specified risks, they are not designated as and accounted for as hedging instruments.
	As part of our trading activity, the Company uses futures and option contracts offered through regulated commodity exchanges to reduce risk and we are exposed to risk of loss in the market value of inventories. To reduce that risk, we generally take positions using forward and futures contracts and options.
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Balance Sheet Classification	30-Sep-14			December 31, 2013*
	Forward contracts in gain position	Current Assets	$	456		$	—
	Futures contracts in gain position	Current Assets	989,963			249,688
	Total forward and futures contracts		990,419			249,688
	Cash held by broker		1,356,018			1,252,886
		Current Assets	$	2,346,437		$	1,502,574
	Forward contracts in loss position	(Current Liabilities)	$	(3,331,758	)	$	(978,935	)
	*Derived from audited financial statements.
	Futures contracts and cash held by broker are all with one party and the right of offset exists. Therefore, on the balance sheet, these items are netted in one balance regardless of position.
	Forward contracts are with multiple parties and the right of offset does not exist. Therefore, these contracts are reported at the gross amounts on the balance sheet.
	Realized and unrealized gains and losses related to derivative contracts related to corn and natural gas purchases are included as a component of cost of revenues and derivative contracts related to ethanol sales are included as a component of revenues in the accompanying financial statements.
		Statement of Operations	Three Months Ended September 30,
		Classification	2014			2013
	Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts:
	Futures contracts	Cost of Revenues	$	2,413,385		$	505,990
	Forward contracts	Cost of Revenues	(2,551,374		)	(1,488,342		)
		Statement of Operations	Nine Months Ended September 30,
		Classification	2014			2013
	Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts:
	Futures contracts	Cost of Revenues	$	2,243,407		$	791,483
	Forward contracts	Cost of Revenues	(4,539,397		)	(2,540,438		)
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the fair value of derivative financial instruments, lower of cost or market accounting for inventory and forward purchase contracts and goodwill impairment evaluation.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 660): Summary and Amendments that Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs-Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40). The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the codification. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Inventory

Inventory	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory [Abstract]	'
Inventory	'
	INVENTORY
	Inventory consisted of the following as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		30-Sep-14		December 31, 2013*
	Raw materials	$	854,966	$	3,645,811
	Finished goods	494,866		1,544,426
	Work in process	455,905		748,965
	Parts inventory	1,048,241		935,005
		$	2,853,978	$	6,874,207
	*Derived from audited financial statements.

Investments_Notes

Investments (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	INVESTMENTS
	Dakota Ethanol has a 7% investment interest in the company’s ethanol marketer, Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG).  The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for RPMG is based on RPMG’s June 30, 2014 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $3,050,000 and $2,793,000 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Dakota Ethanol has a 9% investment interest in Prairie Gold Venture Partnership, LLC (PGVP), a venture capital fund investing in cellulosic ethanol production.  The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for PGVP is based on PGVP’s June 30, 2014 unaudited interim financials. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $1,174,000 and $1,174,000 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Dakota Ethanol has a 10% investment interest in Lawrenceville Tanks, LLC (LT), a partnership to construct and operate an ethanol storage terminal in Georgia.  The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for LT is based on LT’s September 30, 2014 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $550,000 and $110,000 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Lake Area Corn Processors has a 10% investment interest in Guardian Hankinson, LLC (GH), a partnership to operate an ethanol plant in North Dakota.  The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for GH is based on GH’s September 30, 2014 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $18,244,000 and $12,000,000 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Lake Area Corn Processors has a 17% investment interest in Guardian Energy Management, LLC (GEM), a partnership to provide management services to ethanol plants.  The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for GEM is based on GEM’s September 30, 2014 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $15,000 as of September 30, 2014. 2014 is the initial investment year.
	Condensed, combined unaudited financial information of the Company’s investments in RPMG, PGVP, LT, GH and GEM is as follows:
	Balance Sheet	30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Current Assets	$	251,593,463	$	165,653,623
	Other Assets	174,705,325		184,749,457
	Current Liabilities	152,552,385		116,462,830
	Long-term Debt	37,933,251		67,216,061
	Members' Equity	235,813,152		166,724,189
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	Income Statement	30-Sep-14		30-Sep-13		30-Sep-14		30-Sep-13
	Revenue	$	79,417,635	$	2,501,852	$	249,195,600	$	7,491,779
	Gross Profit	28,463,658		2,499,878		82,863,893		7,489,805
	Net Income	22,522,147		1,559,748		63,860,622		4,408,258
	The Company recorded equity in net income of approximately $6,244,000 and $2,121,000 from GH for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. 2013 was the initial investment year for GH. The Company recorded equity in net income of approximately $257,000 and $93,000 from our other investments for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

Short_Term_Note_Payable

Short Term Note Payable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Short Term Note Payable [Abstract]	'
Short Term Note Payable	'
	On May 15, 2013, Dakota Ethanol executed a revolving promissory note from Farm Credit Services of America (FCSA) in the amount of $10,000,000 and the amount available is subject to a borrowing base. Interest on the outstanding principal balances will accrue at 310 basis points above the 1 month LIBOR rate and is not subject to a floor. The rate was 3.25% at September 30, 2014. There is a non-use fee of 0.25% on the unused portion of the $10,000,000 availability. The note is collateralized by the ethanol plant and equipment, its accounts receivable and inventory. The note expires on May 31, 2015. On September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Dakota Ethanol had $0 outstanding and $10,000,000 available to be drawn on the revolving promissory note.

Long_Term_Notes_Payable

Long Term Notes Payable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Long Term Note Payable [Abstract]	'
Long Term Notes Payable	'
	LONG-TERM NOTES PAYABLE
	Dakota Ethanol has two long-term notes payable with FCSA. As part of the note payable agreements, Dakota Ethanol is subject to certain restrictive covenants establishing financial reporting requirements, distribution and capital expenditure limits, debt service coverage ratios and minimum working capital requirements. The notes are collateralized by the ethanol plant and equipment, its accounts receivable and inventory.
	On May 15, 2013, Dakota Ethanol executed a revolving promissory note from Farm Credit Services of America (FCSA) in the amount of $5,000,000. Interest on the outstanding principal balance will accrue at 335 basis points above the 1 month LIBOR rate and is not subject to a floor. The rate was 3.50% at September 30, 2014. Dakota Ethanol may elect to borrow any principal amount repaid on the note up to $5,000,000 subject to the terms of the agreement. Should Dakota Ethanol elect not to utilize this feature, the lender will assess a non-use fee of 0.35% on the unused portion of the note. The note matures on May 31, 2018. On September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Dakota Ethanol had $1,000 outstanding and $4,999,000 available to be drawn on the note.
	On December 19, 2013, Dakota Ethanol executed a term note from FCSA in the amount of $10,000,000 to finance the investment in Guardian Hankinson, LLC. Interest on the outstanding principal balance will accrue at 335 basis points above the 1 month LIBOR rate and is not subject to a floor. The rate was 3.50% at September 30, 2014. The note requires quarterly principal payments of $312,500 plus accrued interest. The note matures on December 31, 2021. Dakota Ethanol had $7,562,500 and $10,000,000 outstanding on September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	The balances of the notes payable are as follows:
		30-Sep-14			December 31, 2013*
	Notes payable - FCSA	$	7,563,500		$	10,001,000
	Note payable - Other	21,797			45,468
		7,585,297			10,046,468
	Less current portion	(1,271,797		)	(1,281,760		)
		$	6,313,500		$	8,764,708
	*Derived from audited financial statements
	Minimum principal payments for the next five years are estimated as follows:
	Years Ending September 30,	Amount
	2015	$	1,271,797
	2016	1,250,000
	2017	1,250,000
	2018	1,251,000
	2019	1,250,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Notes

Fair Value Measurements (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The Company complies with the fair value measurements and disclosures standard which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure for those assets and liabilities carried on the balance sheet on a fair value basis.
	The Company’s balance sheet contains derivative financial instruments that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurements and disclosures require that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed according to the process for determining fair value. There are three levels of determining fair value.
	Level 1 uses quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 uses observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
	Level 3 uses unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.
	Derivative financial instruments. Commodity futures and options contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the CBOT and NYMEX markets. Over-the-counter commodity options contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the over-the-counter markets. Forward purchase contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from local grain terminal bid values. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include live trading bids from local elevators and processing plants which are based off the CBOT markets.
	The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	30-Sep-14
	Assets:
	Derivative financial instruments, futures contracts	$	989,963		$	989,963	$	—		$	—
	Derivative financial instruments, forward contracts	$	456		$	—	$	456		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative financial instruments, forward contracts	$	(3,331,758	)	$	—	$	(3,331,758	)	$	—
	December 31, 2013*
	Assets:
	Derivative financial instruments, futures contracts	$	249,688		$	249,688	$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative financial instruments, forward contracts	$	(978,935	)	$	—	$	(978,935	)	$	—
	*Derived from audited financial statements.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company did not make any changes between Level 1 and Level 2 assets and liabilities. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any Level 3 assets or liabilities.
	Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis were not significant at September 30, 2014.
	Disclosure requirements for fair value of financial instruments require disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or non recurring basis are discussed above. The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities are discussed below.
	The Company believes the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents (level 1), accounts receivable (level 2), other receivables (level 2), accounts payable (level 2) and short-term notes payable (level 3) approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
	The carrying amount of long-term notes payable (level 3) approximates fair value based on estimated interest rates for comparable debt.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	Dakota Ethanol has a 7% interest in RPMG, and Dakota Ethanol has entered into an ethanol marketing agreement with RPMG for the exclusive rights to market, sell and distribute the entire ethanol and corn oil inventory as well as all dried distillers grains produced by Dakota Ethanol.  The marketing fees are included in net revenues.
	Sales and marketing fees related to the agreements are as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30				Nine Months Ended September 30
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Revenue - ethanol	$	23,770,949	$	28,061,341	$	78,478,697	$	85,099,394
	Revenue - distiller's grains and corn oil	3,196,584		3,017,840		8,780,414		6,644,211
	Marketing fees - ethanol	32,903		64,152		98,708		192,456
	Marketing fees - distillers grains and corn oil	22,374		14,609		53,248		33,370
		30-Sep-14		December 31, 2013*
	Amounts due included in accounts receivable	$	2,721,716	$	2,382,068

Commitments_Notes

Commitments (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments [Abstract]	'
Commitments	'
	COMMITMENTS
	Dakota Ethanol has committed to contracts to upgrade various components of the plant. The total value of the contracts is approximately $7 million. As of September 30, 2014, we have paid $5 million in costs related to this project. The projects are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2014. Dakota Ethanol will pay for the upgrades with cash flows from operations and the long-term revolving debt currently in place.

Subsequent_Events_Notes

Subsequent Events (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On November 11, 2014, the Company executed a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement (the "Amendment") amending the Company's financing agreements with Farm Credit Services of America, PCA and Farm Credit Services of America, FLCA (collectively "FCSA"). The Amendment replaces the Company's $5 million long-term revolving loan and the Company's $10 million term loan with a new $15 million reducing revolving loan. Interest accrues on the new $15 million reducing revolving loan at a rate of 325 basis points in excess of the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and the Company agreed to pay a fee of 50 basis points for any unused amount of the reducing revolving loan. The amount the Company can borrow on the new $15 million reducing revolving loan decreases by $750,000 semi-annually starting on April 1, 2015 until the maximum balance reaches $7.5 million on October 1, 2019. The Company also agreed to increase the Company's minimum working capital requirement to $6 million and to change the manner in which the Company's debt service coverage ratio is calculated. The Amendment also extends the maturity date of the Company's loans until November 1, 2016 for the $10 million short-term revolving loan and October 1, 2024 for the $15 million reducing revolving loan. Further, the Amendment decreases the interest the Company pays on the $10 million short-term revolving note to 300 basis points in excess of the one-month LIBOR.

Accounting_Policies

Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiary, Dakota Ethanol. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue from the production of ethanol and related products is recorded when title transfers to customers. Generally, ethanol and related products are shipped FOB shipping point, based on written contract terms between Dakota Ethanol and its customers. Collectability of revenue is reasonably assured based on historical evidence of collectability between Dakota Ethanol and its customers. Interest income is recognized as earned.
	Shipping costs incurred by the Company in the sale of ethanol, dried distiller's grains and corn oil are not specifically identifiable and as a result, revenue from the sale of those products is recorded based on the net selling price reported to the Company from the marketer.
Cost of Revenues	'
	Cost of Revenues
	The primary components of cost of revenues from the production of ethanol and related co-product are corn expense, energy expense (natural gas and electricity), raw materials expense (chemicals and denaturant), and direct labor costs.
	Shipping costs on modified and wet distiller’s grains are included in cost of revenues.
Inventory Valuation	'
	Inventory Valuation
	Ethanol inventory, raw materials, work-in-process, and parts inventory are valued using methods which approximate the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Distillers grains and related products are stated at net realizable value. In the valuation of inventories and purchase and sale commitments, market is based on current replacement values except that it does not exceed net realizable values and is not less than net realizable values reduced by allowances for approximate normal profit margin.
Investment in commodities contracts, derivative instruments and hedging activities	'
	Investment in commodities contracts, derivative instruments and hedging activities
	The Company is exposed to certain risks related to our ongoing business operations.  The primary risks that we manage by using forward or derivative instruments are price risk on anticipated purchases of corn, natural gas and the sale of ethanol.
	The Company is subject to market risk with respect to the price and availability of corn, the principal raw material we use to produce ethanol and ethanol by-products.  In general, rising corn prices result in lower profit margins and, therefore, represent unfavorable market conditions.  This is especially true when market conditions do not allow us to pass along increased corn costs to our customers.  The availability and price of corn is subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather conditions, farmer planting decisions, governmental policies with respect to agriculture and international trade and global demand and supply.
	Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted from derivative accounting as normal purchases or normal sales.  Normal purchases and normal sales are contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of something other than a financial instrument or derivative instrument that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business.  Contracts that meet the requirements of normal purchases or sales are documented as normal and exempted from the accounting and reporting requirements of derivative accounting.
	The Company does not apply the normal purchase and sales exemption for forward corn purchase contracts. As of September 30, 2014, we are committed to purchasing 3.2 million bushels of corn on a forward contract basis with an average price of $3.74 per bushel. Dakota Ethanol has a net derivative financial instrument liability of approximately $3,300,000 related to the forward contracted purchases of corn. The corn purchase contracts represent 18% of the annual plant corn usage.
	The Company enters into firm-price purchase commitments with some of our natural gas suppliers under which we agree to buy natural gas at a price set in advance of the actual delivery of that natural gas to us.  Under these arrangements, we assume the risk of a price decrease in the market price of natural gas between the time this price is fixed and the time the natural gas is delivered.  At September 30, 2014, we are not committed to purchasing any natural gas.  We account for these transactions as normal purchases, and accordingly, do not mark these transactions to market.
	The Company enters into short-term forward, option and futures contracts for corn and natural gas as a means of managing exposure to changes in commodity and energy prices. The Company enters into short-term forward, option and futures contracts for sales of ethanol to manage exposure to changes in energy prices. All of our derivatives are designated as non-hedge derivatives, and accordingly are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Although the contracts are considered economic hedges of specified risks, they are not designated as and accounted for as hedging instruments.
	As part of our trading activity, the Company uses futures and option contracts offered through regulated commodity exchanges to reduce risk and we are exposed to risk of loss in the market value of inventories. To reduce that risk, we generally take positions using forward and futures contracts and options.
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Balance Sheet Classification	30-Sep-14			December 31, 2013*
	Forward contracts in gain position	Current Assets	$	456		$	—
	Futures contracts in gain position	Current Assets	989,963			249,688
	Total forward and futures contracts		990,419			249,688
	Cash held by broker		1,356,018			1,252,886
		Current Assets	$	2,346,437		$	1,502,574
	Forward contracts in loss position	(Current Liabilities)	$	(3,331,758	)	$	(978,935	)
	*Derived from audited financial statements.
	Futures contracts and cash held by broker are all with one party and the right of offset exists. Therefore, on the balance sheet, these items are netted in one balance regardless of position.
	Forward contracts are with multiple parties and the right of offset does not exist. Therefore, these contracts are reported at the gross amounts on the balance sheet.
	Realized and unrealized gains and losses related to derivative contracts related to corn and natural gas purchases are included as a component of cost of revenues and derivative contracts related to ethanol sales are included as a component of revenues in the accompanying financial statements.
		Statement of Operations	Three Months Ended September 30,
		Classification	2014			2013
	Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts:
	Futures contracts	Cost of Revenues	$	2,413,385		$	505,990
	Forward contracts	Cost of Revenues	(2,551,374		)	(1,488,342		)
		Statement of Operations	Nine Months Ended September 30,
		Classification	2014			2013
	Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts:
	Futures contracts	Cost of Revenues	$	2,243,407		$	791,483
	Forward contracts	Cost of Revenues	(4,539,397		)	(2,540,438		)
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the fair value of derivative financial instruments, lower of cost or market accounting for inventory and forward purchase contracts and goodwill impairment evaluation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 660): Summary and Amendments that Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs-Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40). The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the codification. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	'
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Balance Sheet Classification	30-Sep-14			December 31, 2013*
	Forward contracts in gain position	Current Assets	$	456		$	—
	Futures contracts in gain position	Current Assets	989,963			249,688
	Total forward and futures contracts		990,419			249,688
	Cash held by broker		1,356,018			1,252,886
		Current Assets	$	2,346,437		$	1,502,574
	Forward contracts in loss position	(Current Liabilities)	$	(3,331,758	)	$	(978,935	)
	*Derived from audited financial statements.
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts	'
		Statement of Operations	Three Months Ended September 30,
		Classification	2014			2013
	Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts:
	Futures contracts	Cost of Revenues	$	2,413,385		$	505,990
	Forward contracts	Cost of Revenues	(2,551,374		)	(1,488,342		)
		Statement of Operations	Nine Months Ended September 30,
		Classification	2014			2013
	Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts:
	Futures contracts	Cost of Revenues	$	2,243,407		$	791,483
	Forward contracts	Cost of Revenues	(4,539,397		)	(2,540,438		)

Inventory_Tables

Inventory (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory	'
	Inventory consisted of the following as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		30-Sep-14		December 31, 2013*
	Raw materials	$	854,966	$	3,645,811
	Finished goods	494,866		1,544,426
	Work in process	455,905		748,965
	Parts inventory	1,048,241		935,005
		$	2,853,978	$	6,874,207
	*Derived from audited financial statements.

Investments_Investments_Tables

Investments Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Equity Method Investments	'
	Balance Sheet	30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Current Assets	$	251,593,463	$	165,653,623
	Other Assets	174,705,325		184,749,457
	Current Liabilities	152,552,385		116,462,830
	Long-term Debt	37,933,251		67,216,061
	Members' Equity	235,813,152		166,724,189
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	Income Statement	30-Sep-14		30-Sep-13		30-Sep-14		30-Sep-13
	Revenue	$	79,417,635	$	2,501,852	$	249,195,600	$	7,491,779
	Gross Profit	28,463,658		2,499,878		82,863,893		7,489,805
	Net Income	22,522,147		1,559,748		63,860,622		4,408,258

Long_Term_Notes_Payable_Tables

Long Term Notes Payable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Long Term Note Payable [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt	'
		30-Sep-14			December 31, 2013*
	Notes payable - FCSA	$	7,563,500		$	10,001,000
	Note payable - Other	21,797			45,468
		7,585,297			10,046,468
	Less current portion	(1,271,797		)	(1,281,760		)
		$	6,313,500		$	8,764,708
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	'
	Years Ending September 30,	Amount
	2015	$	1,271,797
	2016	1,250,000
	2017	1,250,000
	2018	1,251,000
	2019	1,250,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	'
		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	30-Sep-14
	Assets:
	Derivative financial instruments, futures contracts	$	989,963		$	989,963	$	—		$	—
	Derivative financial instruments, forward contracts	$	456		$	—	$	456		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative financial instruments, forward contracts	$	(3,331,758	)	$	—	$	(3,331,758	)	$	—
	December 31, 2013*
	Assets:
	Derivative financial instruments, futures contracts	$	249,688		$	249,688	$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative financial instruments, forward contracts	$	(978,935	)	$	—	$	(978,935	)	$	—

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	'
		Three Months Ended September 30				Nine Months Ended September 30
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Revenue - ethanol	$	23,770,949	$	28,061,341	$	78,478,697	$	85,099,394
	Revenue - distiller's grains and corn oil	3,196,584		3,017,840		8,780,414		6,644,211
	Marketing fees - ethanol	32,903		64,152		98,708		192,456
	Marketing fees - distillers grains and corn oil	22,374		14,609		53,248		33,370
		30-Sep-14		December 31, 2013*
	Amounts due included in accounts receivable	$	2,721,716	$	2,382,068

Nature_of_Operations_Details

Nature of Operations (Details) (Ethanol [Member], Product [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	gal
Ethanol [Member] | Product [Member]	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'
Annual production capacity	40,000,000

Derivative_Instruments_Balance

Derivative Instruments - Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
			Current Assets [Member]	Current Assets [Member]	Future [Member]	Future [Member]	Forward Contracts [Member]	Forward Contracts [Member]	Forward Contracts [Member]	Forward Contracts [Member]	Forward Contracts [Member]
			Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Current Assets [Member]	Current Assets [Member]	Corn [Member]	Natural Gas [Member]	Current Assets [Member]	Current Liabilities [Member]	Current Liabilities [Member]
					Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	bu	MMBTU	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Product usage, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	18.00%	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,200,000	0	'	'	'
Derivative Liability	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,300,000	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Average Price Per Unit	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.74	'	'	'	'
Derivative Assets, Current	'	'	990,419	249,688	989,963	249,688	'	'	456	'	'
Derivative Liabilities, Current	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,331,758	-978,935
Other Receivables from Broker-Dealers and Clearing Organizations	1,356,018	1,252,886	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets	$2,346,437	$1,502,574	$2,346,437	$1,502,574	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Derivative_Instruments_Income_

Derivative Instruments - Income Statement (Details) (Cost of Sales [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Future [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	$2,413,385	$505,990	$2,243,407	$791,483
Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	($2,551,374)	($1,488,342)	($4,539,397)	($2,540,438)

Inventory_Details

Inventory (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory [Abstract]	'	'
Raw Materials	$854,966	$3,645,811
Finished Goods	494,866	1,544,426
Work in Process	455,905	748,965
Parts Inventory	1,048,241	935,005
Inventory	$2,853,978	$6,874,207

Investments_Details

Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	$23,034,932	'	$23,034,932	'	$16,078,269
Equity in net income of investments	2,213,776	120,132	6,501,663	339,248	'
Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	7.00%	'	7.00%	'	'
Investments	3,050,000	'	3,050,000	'	2,793,000
Prairie Gold Venture Partnership, LLC (PGVP) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	9.00%	'	9.00%	'	'
Investments	1,174,000	'	1,174,000	'	1,174,000
Lawrenceville Tanks, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	10.00%	'	10.00%	'	'
Investments	550,000	'	550,000	'	110,000
Guardian Hankinson, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	10.00%	'	10.00%	'	'
Investments	18,244,000	'	18,244,000	'	12,000,000
Equity in net income of investments	6,244,000	'	2,121,000	'	'
Guardian Energy Management [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	17.00%	'	17.00%	'	'
Investments	15,000	'	15,000	'	'
Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity in net income of investments	93,000	'	257,000	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets	251,593,463	'	251,593,463	'	165,653,623
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets	174,705,325	'	174,705,325	'	184,749,457
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities	152,552,385	'	152,552,385	'	116,462,830
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities	37,933,251	'	37,933,251	'	67,216,061
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity	235,813,152	'	235,813,152	'	166,724,189
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	79,417,635	2,501,852	249,195,600	7,491,779	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss)	28,463,658	2,499,878	82,863,893	7,489,805	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	$22,522,147	$1,559,748	$63,860,622	$4,408,258	'

Short_Term_Note_Payable_Detail

Short Term Note Payable (Details) (Farm Credit Services of America [Member], Line of Credit [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Farm Credit Services of America [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.25%	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$10,000,000	'
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	3.25%	'
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	0	0
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$10,000,000	$10,000,000

Long_Term_Note_Payable_Details

Long Term Note Payable (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 11, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	$7,585,297	'	$10,046,468
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	-1,271,797	'	-1,281,760
Notes payable, net of current maturities	6,313,500	'	8,764,708
Farm Credit Services of America [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes Payable	7,563,500	'	10,001,000
Notes Payable to Bank	7,562,500	'	10,000,000
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes Payable	21,797	'	45,468
Farm Credit Services of America [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	5,000,000	7,500,000	'
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	3.50%	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.35%	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	1,000	'	1,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	4,999,000	'	4,999,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.50%	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	15,000,000	'
Farm Credit Services of America [Member] | Term Note [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.50%	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	'	10,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	'	'	3.50%
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal	$312,500	'	'

Long_Term_Notes_Payable_Maturi

Long Term Notes Payable Maturities of Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt, Repayments, 2015	$1,271,797
Long-term Debt, Repayments, 2016	1,250,000
Long-term Debt, Repayments, 2017	1,250,000
Long-term Debt, Repayments, 2018	1,251,000
Long-term Debt, Repayments, 2019	$1,250,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Future [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	$989,963	$249,688
Derivative Liability	-3,331,758	-978,935
Future [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	989,963	249,688
Derivative Liability	0	0
Future [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	-3,331,758	-978,935
Future [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	0	0
Forward Contracts [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	456	'
Forward Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	0	'
Forward Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	456	'
Forward Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	$0	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
			Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]	Ethanol [Member]	Ethanol [Member]	Ethanol [Member]	Ethanol [Member]	Dstiller's Grains and Corn Oil [Member]	Dstiller's Grains and Corn Oil [Member]	Dstiller's Grains and Corn Oil [Member]	Dstiller's Grains and Corn Oil [Member]
				Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]	Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]	Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]	Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]	Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]	Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]	Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]	Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	'	'	7.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from Related Parties	'	'	'	$23,770,949	$28,061,341	$78,478,697	$85,099,394	$3,196,584	$3,017,840	$8,780,414	$6,644,211
Marketing Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	'	'	'	32,903	64,152	98,708	192,456	22,374	14,609	53,248	33,370
Due from Related Parties, Current	$2,721,716	$2,382,068	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Commitments_Details

Commitments (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments [Abstract]	'
Construction in Progress Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$7
Payments for Construction in Process	$5

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Nov. 11, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
					Farm Credit Services of America [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Term Note [Member]
						Farm Credit Services of America [Member]	Farm Credit Services of America [Member]	Farm Credit Services of America [Member]	Farm Credit Services of America [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	'	'	'	$7,500,000	$5,000,000	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,000,000	'	10,000,000
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Cash Distributions Declared	'	'	23,738,272	5,924,000	'	'	'	'	'
Distributions Declared Per Unit	$0.35	$0.10	$0.80	$0.20	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease) for Period, Description	'	'	'	'	'	'750000	'	'	'
Minimum Working Capital	'	'	'	'	$6,000,000	'	'	'	'