Granite Falls Energy (GFGY) 10-K 30 Jan 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Jan. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Granite Falls Energy, LLC
Entity Central Index Key	1,181,749
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Oct. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,606
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 20,094,000

Balance Sheets

Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Current Assets
Cash	$ 13,797,857	$ 12,696,536
Accounts receivable	6,654,994	9,667,472
Inventory	18,341,413	12,212,025
Commodity derivative instruments	1,228,926	677,149
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	325,989	259,862
Total current assets	40,349,179	35,513,044
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property and Equipment, net	78,968,016	84,304,162
Goodwill	1,372,473	1,372,473
Other Assets	781,254	821,402
Total Assets	121,470,922	122,011,081
Current Liabilities
Less: amounts due within one year	490,057	517,957
Checks drawn in excess of bank balance	1,866,683	1,836,682
Accounts payable	5,624,840	4,643,130
Corn payable to FCE	5,358,111	1,486,247
Commodity derivative instruments		1,114
Accrued expenses	997,319	654,550
Total current liabilities	14,337,010	9,139,680
Long-term Debt, less current portion	1,393,669	6,711,975
Commitments and Contingencies
Members' equity attributable to Granite Falls Energy, LLC consists of 30,606 units authorized, issued, and outstanding	83,684,529	84,602,607
Non-controlling interest	22,055,714	21,556,819
Total members' equity	105,740,243	106,159,426
Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity	$ 121,470,922	$ 122,011,081

Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)

Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - shares	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Condensed Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	30,606	30,606
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	30,606	30,606
Common stock, shares outstanding	30,606	30,606

Statements of Operations

Statements of Operations - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Condensed Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 215,526,226	$ 231,254,508	$ 300,954,984
Cost of Goods Sold	198,627,132	208,654,190	237,433,629
Gross Profit	16,899,094	22,600,318	63,521,355
Operating Expenses	5,325,569	5,175,915	5,150,506
Operating Income	11,573,525	17,424,403	58,370,849
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense), net	99,735	38,169	242,920
Interest income	8,400	9,369	8,886
Interest expense	(453,398)	(525,108)	(485,238)
Settlement of debt premium			953,086
Total other income (expense), net	(345,263)	(477,570)	719,654
Net Income	11,228,262	16,946,833	59,090,503
Less: Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interest	2,505,454	3,360,083	10,316,612
Net Income Attributable to Granite Falls Energy, LLC	$ 8,722,808	$ 13,586,750	$ 48,773,891
Weighted Average Units Outstanding - Basic and Diluted	30,606	30,606	30,606
Net Income Per Unit - Basic and Diluted	$ 285	$ 443.92	$ 1,593.61
Distributions Per Unit - Basic and Diluted	$ 315	$ 1,050	$ 180

Statement of Changes in Members

Statement of Changes in Members' Equity - USD ($)	Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member]	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Members' Equity at Oct. 31, 2013	$ 59,887,346	$ 68,368,003	$ 8,480,657
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(5,509,080)	(5,509,080)
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders		84,807	84,807
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance		3,936,000	3,936,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		10,316,612	10,316,612	$ (10,316,612)
Cancellation of accrued distribution to noncontrolling interest				84,807
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	48,773,891	48,773,891		48,773,891
Members' Equity at Oct. 31, 2014	103,152,157	125,970,233	22,818,076
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Cash Distributions Paid	(32,136,300)	(36,757,640)	(4,621,340)	(5,509,080)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		3,360,083	3,360,083	(3,360,083)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	13,586,750	13,586,750		13,586,750
Members' Equity at Oct. 31, 2015	84,602,607	106,159,426	21,556,819
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Cash Distributions Paid	(9,640,886)	(11,647,445)	(2,006,559)	(32,136,000)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		2,505,454	2,505,454	(2,505,454)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	8,722,808	8,722,808		$ 8,722,808
Members' Equity at Oct. 31, 2016	$ 83,684,529	$ 105,740,243	$ 22,055,714

Statements of Cash Flows

Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 11,228,262	$ 16,946,833	$ 59,090,503
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	9,681,148	9,650,226	9,267,367
Change in fair value of commodity derivative instruments	(581,400)	(303,925)	(1,134,402)
Loss on sale of equipment and other			137,397
Settlement of debt premium			(953,086)
Change in operating assets and liabilities
Restricted cash		492,099	(98,349)
Commodity derivative instruments	28,509	923,628	(236,449)
Accounts receivable	3,012,478	(385,771)	(2,831,007)
Inventory	(6,129,388)	(1,486,881)	1,645,133
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(66,127)	138,611	698,010
Accounts payable	5,276,025	(1,017,508)	269,699
Accrued expenses	342,769	4,556	37,943
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	22,792,276	24,961,868	65,892,759
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Payments for capital expenditures	(4,727,305)	(8,824,669)	(5,788,698)
Proceeds from sale or disposal of assets			80,285
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(4,727,305)	(8,824,669)	(5,708,413)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from long-term debt	9,820,222	13,440,989
Payments on long-term debt	(15,166,428)	(9,169,704)	(28,418,030)
Issuance of (payments on) subsidiary convertible subordinated debt			207,000
Proceeds from checks drawn in excess of bank balance	30,001	1,836,682
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(2,006,559)	(4,621,340)
Member distributions paid	(9,640,886)	(32,136,300)	(5,509,080)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	(16,963,650)	(30,649,673)	(34,134,110)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash	1,101,321	(14,512,474)	26,050,236
Cash - Beginning of Period	12,696,536	27,209,010	1,158,774
Cash - End of Period	13,797,857	12,696,536	27,209,010
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest Expense	$ 453,398	525,108	1,485,331
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing, Operating and Financing Activities
Conversion of subsidiary subordinated convertible notes			3,936,000
Cancellation of accrued distribution to noncontrolling interest			84,807
Capital expenditures and construction in process included in accounts payable		$ 422,451	$ 3,359,225

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Account Policies	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICAN Nature of Business Granite Falls Energy, LLC (“GFE”) is a Minnesota limited liability company currently producing fuel-grade ethanol, distillers’ grains, and crude corn oil near Granite Falls, Minnesota and sells these products, pursuant to marketing agreements, throughout the continental U.S. and on the international market. GFE’s plant has an approximate annual production capacity of 60 million gallons, but is currently permitted to produce up to 70 million gallons of undenatured ethanol on a twelve month rolling sum basis. Additionally, GFE owns a majority interest in Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC (“HLBE”). HLBE is a Minnesota limited liability company currently producing fuel-grade ethanol, distillers’ grains, and crude corn oil near Heron Lake, Minnesota and sells these products, pursuant to marketing agreements, throughout the continental U.S. HLBE’s plant has an approximate annual production capacity of 60 million gallons, but is currently permitted to produce up to 72.3 million gallons per year of undenatured ethanol on a twelve month rolling sum basis. Additionally, HLBE, through a majority owned subsidiary, operates a natural gas pipeline that provides natural gas to the HLBE’s ethanol production facility and other customers. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements consolidate the operating results and financial position of GFE, and its approximately 50.6% owned subsidiary, HLBE (through GFE’s 100% ownership of Project Viking, L.L.C.). Given GFE’s control over the operations of HLBE and its majority voting interest, GFE consolidates the financial statements of HLBE with its consolidated financial statements. The remaining approximately 49.4% ownership of HLBE is included in the consolidated financial statements as a non-controlling interest. HLBE, through its wholly owned subsidiary, HLBE Pipeline Company, LLC, owns 73.0% of Agrinatural Gas, LLC (“Agrinatural”). Given HLBE’s control over the operations of Agrinatural and its majority voting interest, HLBE consolidates the financial statements of Agrinatural with its consolidated financial statements, with the remaining approximately 27.0% ownership of HLBE attributed to the non-controlling interest. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. All references to “we”, “us”, “our”, and the “Company” collectively refer to GFE and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. Fiscal Reporting Period The Company’s fiscal year end for reporting financial operations is October 31 for financial reporting purposes. Accounting Estimates Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. of America. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. The Company uses estimates and assumptions in accounting for the following significant matters, among others: economic lives of property, and equipment, valuation of commodity derivatives, inventory, and inventory purchase and sale commitments, and the assumptions used in the impairment analysis of long-lived assets, which includes goodwill. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. The Company periodically reviews estimates and assumptions, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period in which the revision is made. Revenue Recognition The Company generally sells ethanol and related products pursuant to marketing agreements. Revenues from the production of ethanol and the related products are recorded when the customer has taken title and assumed the risks and rewards of ownership, prices are fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Ethanol and related products are generally shipped free on board (FOB) shipping point. The Company believes there are no ethanol sales, during any given month, which should be considered contingent and recorded as deferred revenue. In accordance with the Company’s agreements for the marketing and sale of ethanol and related products, marketing fees and commissions due to the marketers are deducted from the gross sales price as earned. These fees and commissions are recorded net of revenues, as they do not provide an identifiable benefit that is sufficiently separable from the sale of ethanol and related products. Shipping costs paid by the Company to the marketer in the sale of ethanol are not specifically identifiable and, as a result, are recorded based on the net selling price reported to the Company from the marketer. Shipping costs incurred by the Company in the sale of distillers’ grains and corn oil are included in cost of goods sold. Agrinatural recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the fee for the arrangement is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Cash The Company maintains its accounts primarily at multiple financial institutions, of which one is a member of the Company. At times throughout the year, the Company’s cash balances may exceed amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on its cash balances. Restricted Cash The Company is periodically required to maintain at its broker cash balances related to open commodity derivative instrument positions as discussed in Note 6. Accounts Receivable Credit terms are extended to customers in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral. Accounts receivable are recorded at their estimated net realizable value. Accounts are considered past due if payment is not made on a timely basis in accordance with the Company’s credit terms. Accounts considered uncollectible are written off. The Company follows a policy of providing an allowance for doubtful accounts; however, based on historical experience, and its evaluation of the current status of receivables, the Company is of the belief that such accounts will be collectible in all material respects and thus an allowance was not necessary at October 31, 2016 or 2015. It is at least possible this estimate will change in the future. Inventory Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-11 issued in July 2015. Cost for all inventories is determined using the first in first out method. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Inventory consists of raw materials, work in process, finished goods, and supplies. Corn is the primary raw material along with other raw materials. Finished goods consist of ethanol, distillers’ grains, and corn oil. Derivative Instruments From time to time, the Company enters into derivative transactions to hedge its exposures to commodity price fluctuations. The Company is required to record these derivatives in the balance sheets at fair value. In order for a derivative to qualify as a hedge, specific criteria must be met and appropriate documentation maintained. Gains and losses from derivatives that do not qualify as hedges, or are undesignated, must be recognized immediately in earnings. If the derivative does qualify as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will be either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivatives are recorded in earnings. Additionally, the Company is required to evaluate its contracts to determine whether the contracts are derivatives. Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted 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 normal sales are documented as normal and exempted from accounting and reporting requirements, and therefore, are not marked to market in our consolidated financial statements. In order to reduce the risks caused by market fluctuations, the Company occasionally hedges its anticipated corn, natural gas, and denaturant purchases and ethanol sales by entering into options and futures contracts. These contracts are used with the intention to fix the purchase price of anticipated requirements for corn in the Company’s ethanol production activities and the related sales price of ethanol. The fair value of these contracts is based on quoted prices in active exchange-traded or over-the-counter market conditions. Although the Company believes its commodity derivative positions are economic hedges, none have been formally designated as a hedge for accounting purposes and derivative positions are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair market value, with changes in fair value recognized in current period earnings or losses. The Company does not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company has adopted authoritative guidance related to “Derivatives and Hedging,” and has included the required enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosure about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses from derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. See further discussion in Note 6. Other Intangibles Other intangibles are stated at cost and include road improvements located near the HLBE plant in which the Company has a beneficial interest in but does not own the road. The Company amortizes the assets over the economic useful life of 15 years. The Company recorded amortization expense in the amount of approximately $38,000, $38,000, and $58,000 during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided over the following estimated useful lives by use of the straight-line method. Asset Description Years Land improvements 5 - 20 years Railroad improvements 5 - 20 years Process equipment and tanks 5 - 40 years Administration building 10 - 40 years Office equipment 3 - 10 years Rolling stock 5 - 10 years Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; major improvements and betterments are capitalized. Construction in progress expenditures will be depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives once the assets are placed into service. Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When determining impairment losses, a long lived asset should be groupled with other assets or liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets or liabilities. If circumstances require a long-lived asset be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including, but not limited to, discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. No indicators of impairment existed during fiscal 2016, 2015, or 2014 that would have triggered impairment testing, and therefore, no impairment expense was recorded during fiscal 2016, 2015, or 2014. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s accounting for fair value measurements of assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring or nonrecurring basis adhere to the FASB fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The Company has adopted guidance for fair value measurement related to nonfinancial items that are recognized and disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to measurements involving significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: · Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. · Level 2 inputs include: 1. Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities. 2. Quoted prices in markets that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. 3. Inputs that derived primarily from or corroborated by observable market date by correlation or other means. · Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Except for those assets and liabilities which are required by authoritative accounting guidance to be recorded at fair value in our balance sheets, the Company has elected not to record any other assets or liabilities at fair value. No events occurred during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, or 2014 that required adjustment to the recognized balances of assets or liabilities, which are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service for corn derivative contracts. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the Chicago Board of Trade and New York Mercantile Exchange markets. The fair value of the long-term debt is estimated based on anticipated interest rates which management believes would currently be available to the Company for similar issues of debt, taking into account the current credit risk of the Company and other market factors. The Company believes the carrying value of the debt instruments approximate fair value. Income Taxes The Company is treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes, and generally does not incur income taxes. Instead its earnings and losses are included in the income tax returns of its members. Therefore, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes has been included in these financial statements. Differences between financial statement basis of assets and tax basis of assets is related to capitalization and amortization of organization and start-up costs for tax purposes, whereas these costs are expensed for financial statement purposes. In addition, the Company uses the alternative depreciation system for tax depreciation instead of the straight-line method that is used for book depreciation, which also causes temporary differences. The Company’s tax year end is December 31. The Company had no significant uncertain tax positions as of October 31, 2016 or 2015 that would require disclosure, primarily due to the partnership tax status. The Company recognizes and measures tax benefits when realization of the benefits is uncertain under a two-step approach. The first step is to determine whether the benefit meets the more-likely-than-not condition for recognition and the second step is to determine the amount to be recognized based on the cumulative probability that exceeds 50%. Primarily due to the Company’s tax status as a partnership, the adoption of this guidance had no material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and Minnesota state jurisdictions. For years before 2013, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal or state income tax examinations. Net Income per Unit Basic net income per unit is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of members’ units outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per unit is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of members’ units and members’ unit equivalents outstanding during the period. There were no member unit equivalents outstanding during the periods presented; accordingly, for all periods presented, the calculations of the Company’s basic and diluted net income per unit are the same. Correction Of An Immaterial Error The Company revised the consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, to correct for non-cash acquisitions of property and equipment resulting in an increase in cash provided by operating activities of approximately $ 3,359,000 and $606,000, respectively, and a corresponding increase in net cash used in investing activities. Environmental Liabilities The Company’s operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations adopted by various governmental entities in the jurisdiction in which it operates. These laws require the Company to investigate and remediate the effects of the release or disposal of materials at its location. Accordingly, the Company has adopted policies, practices, and procedures in the areas of pollution control, occupational health, and the production, handling, storage, and use of hazardous materials to prevent material environmental or other damage, and to limit the financial liability, which could result from such events. Environmental liabilities are recorded when the liability is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. No expense has been recorded for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, or 2014. Goodwill Goodwill represents the cost in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired. The Company conducts impairment assessments annually or when events indicate a triggering event has occurred. No indicators of impairment existed during fiscal 2016, 2015, or 2014 that would have triggered impairment testing, and therefore, no impairment expense was recorded during 2016, 2015, or 2014. Reportable Operating Segments Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes the standards for reporting information about segments in financial statements. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Therefore, in applying the criteria set forth in ASC 280, the Company determined that based on the nature of the products and production process and the expected financial results, the Company’s operations at GFE’s ethanol plant and HLBE’s plant, including the production and sale of ethanol and its co-products, are aggregated into one reporting segment. Additionally, the Company also realizes relatively immaterial revenue from natural gas pipeline operations at Agrinatural, HLBE’s majority owned subsidiary. Before and after accounting for intercompany eliminations, these revenues from Agrinatural’s represent less than less than 1% of our consolidated revenues and have little to no impact on the overall performance of the Company. Therefore, the Company does not separately review Agrinatural’s revenues, cost of sales or other operating performance information. Rather, the Company reviews Agrinatural’s natural gas pipeline financial data on a consolidated basis with the Company’s ethanol production operating segment. The Company believes that the presentation of separate operating performance information for Agrinatural’s natural gas pipeline operations would not provide meaningful information to a reader of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and would not achieve the basic principles and objectives of ASC 280. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Contract Revenue Recognition (Evaluating) In May 2014 and amended in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 which amended the Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) of the Accounting Standards Codification. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration the entity receives or expects to receive. The guidance will be effective for the Company beginning November 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance and its effect on its consolidated financial statements. Leases (Evaluating) In February 2016, the FASB adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which provides guidance for accounting for leases. The new guidance requires companies to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leased assets, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. The accounting guidance for lessors is largely unchanged. The guidance will be effective for the Company beginning November 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. Restricted Cash (Evaluating) In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Restricted Cash , which amended Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) of the Accounting Standards Codification. The new guidance will require amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows. The amendments will be effective for the Company beginning November 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements .

Risks and Uncertainties

Risks and Uncertainties	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Item 2 Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Risks and Uncertainties	2. RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES The Company has certain risks and uncertainties that it experiences during volatile market conditions. These volatilities can have a severe impact on operations. The Company’s revenues are derived primarily from the sale and distribution of ethanol, distillers’ grains and corn oil, which comprises less than 1% of total revenue, to customers primarily located in the U.S. Corn for the production process is supplied to our plants primarily from local agricultural producers and from purchases on the open market. Ethanol sales typically average 75-90% of total revenues and corn costs typically average 65-85% of cost of goods sold. The Company’s operating and financial performance is largely driven by the prices at which they sell ethanol and the net expense of corn. The price of ethanol is influenced by factors such as supply and demand, the weather, government policies and programs, and unleaded gasoline prices and the petroleum markets as a whole. Excess ethanol supply in the market, in particular, puts downward pressure on the price of ethanol. Our largest cost of production is corn. The cost of corn is generally impacted by factors such as supply and demand, the weather, government policies and programs, and our risk management program used to protect against the price volatility of these commodities. The supply and demand for ethanol are impacted by federal and state legislation and regulation, most significantly the Renewable Fuels Standard (“RFS”), and any changes in legislation or regulation could cause the demand for ethanol to decline or its supply to increase, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, and the ability to operate at a profit. On November 30, 2015, the EPA announced final Renewable Volume Obligation (“RVO”) requirements for the RFS for calendar years 2014, 2015 and 2016. Although the new RVO requirements set are above the proposed reductions, they are below the original requirements set by the RFS. Opponents of ethanol such as large oil companies will likely continue their efforts to repeal or reduce the RFS through lawsuits or lobbying of Congress. Successful reduction or repeal of the blending requirements of the RFS could result in a significant decrease in ethanol demand. U.S. ethanol production is expected to remain flat in 2017 at approximately 15.2 billion gallons according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political uncertainty under a new administration could lead to a reduction of blending requirements which could reduce the demand for and price of ethanol. If demand for ethanol decreases, it could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Ethanol has historically traded at a discount to gasoline, however with the recent decline in oil prices, ethanol is currently trading at an approximately equivalent price to gasoline causing a disincentive for discretionary blending of ethanol beyond the required blend rate. Consequently, there may be a negative impact on ethanol pricing and demand, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value	3. FAIR VALUE The following table provides information on those derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at October 31, 2016: Fair Value Measurement Using Quoted Prices Significant Other Significant Carrying Amount in Active Markets Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs Financial Asset: in Balance Sheet (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Commodity Derivative Instruments - Corn $ $ $ — $ — Commodity Derivative Instruments - Ethanol $ $ $ — $ — The following table provides information on those derivative assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at October 31, 2015: Fair Value Measurement Using Quoted Prices Significant Other Significant Carrying Amount in Active Markets Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs Financial Asset: in Balance Sheet (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Commodity Derivative Instruments - Corn $ $ $ — $ — Financial Liabilities: Commodity Derivative Instruments - Corn $ $ $ — $ — We determine the fair value of commodity derivative instruments by obtaining 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 Chicago Board of Trade market and New York Mercantile Exchange.

Concentrations

Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Concentrations [Abstract]
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	4. CONCENTRATIONS Granite Falls Energy GFE sold all of the ethanol, distillers’ grains, and corn oil produced at its plant to two customers under marketing agreements during its fiscal year ended October 31, 2016. The percentage of GFE’s total revenues attributable to each of its two major customers for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were as follows: October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014 Eco-Energy, Inc. - Ethanol RPMG, Inc. - Distillers' Grains & Corn Oil The percentage of GFE’s total accounts receivable attributable to each of its two major customers at October 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 Eco-Energy, Inc. - Ethanol RPMG, Inc. - Distillers' Grains & Corn Oil Heron Lake BioEnergy HLBE sold all of the ethanol, distillers’ grains, and corn oil produced at its plant to three customers under marketing agreements during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016. The percentage of HLBE’s total revenues attributable to each of HLBE’s three major customers for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were as follows: October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014 Eco-Energy, Inc. - Ethanol Gavilon Ingredients, LLC - Distillers' Grains RPMG, Inc. - Corn Oil The percentage of HLBE’s total accounts receivable attributable to each of HLBE’s three major customers at October 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 Eco-Energy, Inc. - Ethanol Gavilon Ingredients, LLC - Distillers' Grains RPMG, Inc. - Corn Oil

Inventory

Inventory	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Inventory [Abstract]
Inventory	5. INVENTORY Inventory consists of the following: October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 Raw materials $ $ Supplies Work in process Finished goods Totals $ $

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS As of October 31, 2016, the total notional amount of GFE’s outstanding corn derivative instruments was approximately 5,220,000 bushels, comprised of long corn positions on 3,300,000 bushels that were entered into to hedge forecasted ethanol sales through March 2017, and short corn positions on 1,920,000 bushels that were entered into to hedge forecasted corn purchases through December 2016. There may be offsetting positions that are not shown on a net basis that could lower the notional amount of positions outstanding. As of October 31, 2016, GFE did not have any cash collateral (restricted cash) related to corn derivatives held by a broker. As of October 31, 2016, the total notional amount of HLBE’s outstanding corn derivative instruments was approximately 4,285,000 bushels, comprised of long corn positions on 3,100,000 bushels that were entered into to hedge forecasted ethanol sales through March 2017, and short corn positions on 1,185,000 bushels that were entered into to hedge forecasted corn purchases through August 2017. There may be offsetting positions that are not shown on a net basis that could lower the notional amount of positions outstanding. As of October 31, 2016, HLBE did not have any cash collateral (restricted cash) related to corn derivatives held by a broker. The following tables provide details regarding the Company’s derivative instruments at October 31, 2016, none of which were designated as hedging instruments: Balance Sheet location Assets Liabilities Corn contracts - GFE Commodity derivative instruments $ $ — Corn contracts - HLBE Commodity derivative instruments — Ethanol contracts - GFE Commodity derivative instruments — Ethanol contracts - HLBE Commodity derivative instruments — Totals $ $ — As of October 31, 2015, the total notional amount of the Company’s outstanding corn derivative instruments was approximately 2,615,000 bushels, comprised of 740,000 and 1,875,000 bushel equivalent positions held by GFE and HLBE, respectively, that were entered into to hedge forecasted corn purchases through December 2016. There may be offsetting positions that are not shown on a net basis that could lower the notional amount of positions outstanding as disclosed above. The following tables provide details regarding the Company’s derivative instruments at October 31, 2015, none of which were designated as hedging instruments: Balance Sheet location Assets Liabilities Corn contracts - GFE Commodity derivative instruments $ — $ Corn contracts - HLBE Commodity derivative instruments — Totals $ $ The following tables provide details regarding the gains (losses) from Company’s derivative instruments in statements of operations, none of which are designated as hedging instruments: Statement of Fiscal Year Ended October 31, Operations Location 2016 2015 2014 Corn contracts Cost of Goods Sold $ $ $ Ethanol contracts Revenues — — Natural gas contracts Cost of Goods Sold — — Total gain $ $ $

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT A summary of property and equipment: October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 Land and improvements $ $ Railroad improvements Process equipment and tanks Administration building Office equipment Rolling stock Construction in progress Less: accumulated depreciation Net property and equipment $ $ Depreciation expense totaled approximately $9,641,000, $9,612,000, and $5,209,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Debt Facilities

Debt Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	8. DEBT FACILITIES Granite Falls Energy GFE has a credit facility with a lender. This is a revolving term loan facility in the amount of $18,000,000. However, the amount available for borrowing under this facility reduces by $2,000,000 semi-annually beginning September 1, 2014, with final payment due March 1, 2018. GFE had no outstanding balance on the revolving term loan at October 31, 2016. Therefore, the aggregate principal amount available for borrowing by GFE under this revolving term loan facility at October 31, 2016 is $10,000,000. The interest rate is based on the bank’s One Month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) Index Rate, plus 3.05%, which was 3.25% at both October 31, 2016, and October 31, 2015. The credit facility requires GFE to comply with certain financial covenants at various times calculated monthly, quarterly or annually, including restriction of the payment of dividends and maintenance of certain financial ratios including minimum working capital, minimum net worth and a debt service coverage ratio as defined by the credit facility. Failure to comply with the protective loan covenants or maintain the required financial ratios may cause acceleration of the outstanding principal balances on the revolving term loan and/or the imposition of fees, charges or penalties. As of October 31, 2016 and 2015, GFE was in compliance with these financial covenants and expects to be in compliance throughout fiscal 2017. The credit facility is secured by substantially all assets of GFE. There are no savings account balance collateral requirements as part of this credit facility. Heron Lake BioEnergy HLBE has a revolving term loan with a lender with a maximum principal commitment initially totaling $28,000,000. Amounts borrowed by HLBE under the revolving term loan and repaid or prepaid may be re-borrowed at any time prior to the March 1, 2022 maturity date, subject to the maximum principal commitment. Under the terms of the credit facility, the revolving term loan commitment declines by $3,500,000 annually, starting March 1, 2015 and continues each anniversary thereafter until maturity. As a result, the aggregate principal commitment of this facility at October 31, 2016 was $21,000,000. HLBE had no outstanding balance on the revolving term loan at October 31, 2016 and approximately $4,823,000 oustanding at October 31, 2015. Therefore, after accounting for amounts outstanding under this facility at October 31, 2016 and 2015, the aggregate principal amount available to the Company for borrowing was approximately $21,000,000 and $19,677,000, respectively. Interest on the revolving term loan accrues at a variable rate equal to 3.25% above the One-Month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) Index rate. HLBE may elect to enter into a fixed interest rate on this loan at various times throughout the term of the loan as provided in the loan agreements. The interest rate on the revolving term loan was 3.45% at both October 31, 2016, and October 31, 2015. HLBE also agreed to pay an unused commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving term loan commitment at the rate of 0.50% per annum. The revolving term loan is subject to a prepayment fee for any prepayment on the term loan prior to July 1, 2016 due to refinancing. The loan is secured by substantially all of the Company assets including a subsidiary guarantee. The credit facility contains customary covenants, including restrictions on the payment of dividends and loans and advances to Agrinatural, and maintenance of certain financial ratios including minimum working capital, minimum net worth and a debt service coverage ratio as defined by the credit facility. Failure to comply with the protective loan covenants or maintain the required financial ratios may cause acceleration of the outstanding principal balances on the revolving term loan and/or the imposition of fees, charges or penalties. As of October 31, 2016 and 2015, HLBE was in compliance with these financial covenants and expects to be in compliance throughout fiscal 2017. As part of the Credit Facility closing, HLBE entered into an Administrative Agency Agreement with CoBank, ACP (“CoBank”). CoBank purchased a participation interest in the AgStar loans and was appointed the administrative agent for the purpose of servicing the loans. As a result, CoBank will act as the agent for AgStar with respect to the Credit Facility. HLBE agreed to pay CoBank an annual fee of $2,500 as the agent for Ag Star. Long-term debt consists of the following: October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 GRANITE FALLS ENERGY: Revolving Term Loan $ — $ — HERON LAKE BIOENERGY: Revolving term note payable to lending institution, see terms above. — Assessment payable as part of water treatment agreement, due in semi-annual installments of $189,393 with interest at 6.55%, enforceable by statutory lien, with the final payment due in 2021. HLBE made deposits for one years' worth of debt service payments of approximately $364,000, which is included with other assets that are held on deposit to be applied with the final payments of the assessment. Assessment payable as part of water treatment agreement, due in semi-annual installments of $25,692 with interest at 0.50%, enforceable by statutory lien, with the final payment due in 2016. — Assessment payable as part of water supply agreement, due in monthly installments of $3,942 with interest at 8.73%, enforceable by statutory lien. Note payable to electrical company with monthly payments of $6,250 with interest at 0.00% and a 1.00% maintenance fee due each October, due September 2017. The electrical company is a member of HLBE. Note payable to non-controlling interest member of Agrinatural. Interest is at One Month LIBOR plus 4.0%, which was approximately 4.53% and 4.19% at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The note is considered due on demand with payments due at Agrinatural's Board of Managers' discretion. Totals Less: amounts due within one year Net long-term debt $ $ Estimated maturities of long-term debt at October 31, 2016 are as follows: 2016 $ 2017 2018 2019 2020 Total debt $

Members' Equity

Members' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Members' Equity [Abstract]
Members' Equity	9. MEMBERS’ EQUITY Granite Falls Energy GFE has one class of membership units. The units have no par value and have identical rights, obligations and privileges. Income and losses are allocated to all members based upon their respective percentage of units held. As of October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, GFE had 30,606 membership units authorized, issued, and outstanding, respectively. Subsequent to fiscal year end, in December 2016, GFE’s Board of Governors declared a cash distribution of $365 per unit or approximately $11,171,000 for GFE unit holders of record as of December 21, 2016 to be paid by GFE in January 2017. In December 2015, GFE’s Board of Governors declared a cash distribution of $315 per unit or approximately $9,641,000 for GFE unit holders of record as of December 17, 2015 was paid by GFE on January 25, 2016. In December 2014, GFE’s Board of Governors declared a cash distribution of $1,050 per unit or approximately $32,136,000 for GFE unit holders of record as of December 18, 2014. This distribution was paid by GFE on January 9, 2015. In December 2013, GFE’s Board of Governors declared a cash distribution of $180 per unit or approximately $5,509,080 for GFE unit holders of record as of December 19, 2013. The distribution was paid by GFE on December 31, 2013. Heron Lake BioEnergy On December 17, 2015, HLBE’s board of governors declared a distribution of $0.05 per membership unit for a total of approximately $3,897,000 to be paid to HLBE unit holders of record as of December 18, 2015. The distribution was paid in January 2016. At December 17, 2015, GFE owned 39,420,949 Class A membership units and 15,000,000 Class B units of HLBE, and received an aggregate distribution from HLBE of $1,971,000. The remaining $1,926,000 was distributed by HLBE to the non-controlling interest. On December 18, 2014, HLBE’s board of governors declared a distribution of $0.12 per membership unit for a total of approximately $9,352,000 to be paid to HLBE unit holders of record as of December 18, 2014. The distribution was paid by HLBE in January 2015. At December 18, 2014, GFE owned 39,420,949 Class A membership units and 15,000,000 Class B units of HLBE, and received an aggregate distribution from HLBE of $4,731,000. The remaining $4,621,000 was distributed by HLBE to the non-controlling interest.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	10. LEASES Granite Falls Energy GFE has lease agreements with leasing companies for 219 rail cars for the transportation of GFE’s ethanol with various maturity dates through December 2026. The rail car lease payments are due monthly in the aggregate amount of approximately $155,000. GFE has lease agreements with leasing companies for 115 hopper cars to assist with the transport of the distillers’ grains by rail with various maturity dates through November 2025. The rail car lease payments are due monthly in the amount of approximately $76,000. Rent expense for GFE’s leases was approximately $2,985,000, $2,204,000 and $2,387,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Heron Lake BioEnergy HLBE has lease agreements with leasing companies for 145 rail cars for the transportation of HLBE’s ethanol with various maturity dates through January 2027. The rail car lease payments are due monthly in the aggregate amount of approximately $123,000. HLBE has a lease agreement with a leasing company for 50 hopper cars to assist with the transport of the distillers’ grains by rail with a maturity date of May 2017. The rail car lease payments are due monthly in the amount of approximately $35,000. Rent expense for HLBE’s leases was approximately $2,570,000, $1,969,000 and $1,829,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. At October 31, 2016, the Company had the following commitments for payments of rentals under operating leases which at inception had a non-cancelable term of more than one year: November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017 $ November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018 November 1, 2018 to October 31, 2019 November 1, 2019 to October 31, 2020 November 1, 2020 to October 31, 2021 Thereafter Total minimum lease commitments $

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS GFE has a defined contribution plan available to all of its qualified employees. GFE contributes a match of 50% of the participant’s salary deferral up to a maximum of 3% of the employee’s salary. GFE contributions totaled approximately $63,000, $57,000, and $51,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. HLBE has a defined contribution plan available to all of its qualified employees. HLBE contributes a match of 50% of the participant’s salary deferral up to a maximum of 4% of the employee’s salary. HLBE contributions totaled approximately $85,000, $81,000, and $81,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax	12. INCOME TAXES The differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets are based on the following: October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 Financial statement basis of assets $ $ Organization & start-up costs capitalized for tax purposes, net Tax depreciation greater than book depreciation Unrealized derivatives (gains) losses Capitalized inventory Net effect of consolidation of acquired subsidiary Income tax basis of assets $ $ There were no significant differences between the consolidated financial statement basis of liabilities and the income tax basis of liabilities at October 31, 2016 and 2015.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS GFE Corn Storage and Grain Handling Agreement GFE has a corn storage and grain handling agreement with Farmers Cooperative Elevator (“FCE”), a member of GFE. Under the agreement, GFE agrees to purchase all of the corn needed for the operation of the plant from FCE. The price of the corn purchased will be the bid price FCE establishes for the plant plus a set fee of per bushel. GFE purchased approximately $78,865,000 of corn from FCE during fiscal 2016, of which approximately $5,358,000 is included in corn payable at October 31, 2016. GFE purchased approximately $75,018,000 of corn from FCE during fiscal 2015, of which approximately $1,486,000 is included in corn payable at October 31, 2015. The Company purchased approximately $82,955,000 of corn from FCE during fiscal 2014. HLBE Corn Purchases - Members HLBE purchased approximately $15,008,000, $11,032,000, and $14,860,000 of corn from its board members, during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. Agrinatural During 2013, HLBE borrowed $300,000 from the non-controlling interest member of Agrinatural. Total interest paid in relation to this note payable amounted to approximately $20,000 for each of the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and approximately $16,000 for each of the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014. Swan Engineering On March 27, 2015, Agrinatural executed a new management and operating agreement with Swan Engineering, Inc. (“SEI”). SEI, together with an unrelated third party owns Rural Energy Solutions, LLC (“RES”), the 27% minority owner of Agrinatural. Under the new management and operating agreement, SEI will continue to provide Agrinatural with day-to-day management and operation of Agrinatural’s pipeline distribution business. In exchange for these services, Agrinatural will pay SEI an aggregate management fee equal to the fixed monthly base fee plus the variable customer management fee based on the number of customers served on the pipeline less the agreed monthly fee reduction of $4,500. For the year ended October 31, 2016, Agrinatural paid approximately $32,000 and $149,000 for the monthly base fee and variable customer management fee, respectively. For the year ended October 31, 2015, Agrinatural paid approximately $18,000 and $83,000 for the monthly base fee and variable customer management fee, respectively. The new management and operating agreement with SEI expires July 1, 2019 unless earlier terminated for cause as defined in the agreement. On March 27, 2015, Agrinatural also executed a new project management agreement with SEI. Pursuant to the new project management agreement, SEI will continue to supervise all of Agrinatural’s pipeline construction projects. These projects are constructed by unrelated third-party pipeline construction companies. Under the new project management agreement, Agrinatural will pay SEI a total of 10% of the actual capital expenditures for construction projects approved by Agrinatural’s Board of Directors, excluding capitalized marketing costs. For the year ended October 31, 2016, the Company incurred approximately $28,000 for project management fees. For the year ended October 31, 2015, the Company paid approximately $19,000 for project management fees. The new project management with SEI expires June 30, 2019 unless earlier terminated for cause as defined in the agreement. Amounts due to SEI from Agrinatural included in accounts payable on the consolidated balance sheets totaled approximately $131,000 and $340,000 at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Corn Purchase Commitments At October 31, 2016, GFE had 1,920,000 bushels of stored corn totaling approximately $6,194,000 with FCE, a related party, that is included in inventory. Additionally, GFE had basis contracts for 900,000 bushels of corn for delivery in November 2016. At October 31, 2016, GFE had cash and basis contracts for forward corn purchase commitments for approximately 3,183,000 bushels for deliveries through August 2017. At October 31, 2016, HLBE had cash and basis contracts for forward corn purchase commitments for approximately 2,898,000 bushels for deliveries through August 2017. Ethanol Marketing Agreement GFE currently has an ethanol marketing agreement with Eco-Energy, Inc., an unrelated party (“Eco-Energy”). Pursuant to this marketing agreement, Eco-Energy agrees to purchase the entire ethanol output of GFE’s ethanol plant and to arrange for the transportation of ethanol; however, GFE is responsible for securing all of the rail cars necessary for the transport of ethanol by rail except for 43 rail cars leased to GFE by Eco-Energy under the marketing agreement. GFE pays Eco-Energy a marketing fee per gallon of ethanol sold in consideration of Eco-Energy’s services, as well as a fixed lease fee for rail cars leased from Eco-Energy to the GFE. During the third quarter of 2016, GFE amended its marketing agreement extending the term of the marketing agreement to December 31, 2019, with automatic renewals for additional three terms of three year periods unless terminated by either party by providing written notice to the other party at least 90 days prior to the end of the then current term. A dditionally, the amendment provides for certain negotiated changes to the marketing fees payable to Eco-Energy by GFE and the timing of payments by Eco-Energy to GFE for the ethanol Eco-Energy purchases from GFE. The changes to the marketing fee and timing of payments by Eco-Energy were negotiated based on prevailing market-rate conditions for comparable ethanol marketing services. HLBE has an ethanol marketing agreement with Eco-Energy, an unrelated party, for the sale of ethanol. Under this marketing agreement, Eco-Energy purchases, markets and resells 100% of the ethanol produced at HLBE’s ethanol production facility and arranges for the transportation of HLBE’s ethanol. HLBE pays Eco-Energy a marketing fee per gallon of ethanol sold, as well as a fixed lease fee for rail cars leased from Eco-Energy to the HLBE. During the third quarter of 2016, HLBE entered into an amendment with Eco-Energy extending the term of the marketing agreement to December 31, 2019, with automatic renewals for additional three terms of three year periods unless terminated by either party by providing written notice to the other party at least 90 days prior to the end of the then current term. A dditionally, the amendment provides for certain negotiated changes to the marketing fees payable to Eco-Energy by HLBE and the timing of payments by Eco-Energy to GFE for the ethanol Eco-Energy purchases from GFE. The changes to the marketing fee and timing of payments by Eco-Energy were negotiated based on prevailing market-rate conditions for comparable ethanol marketing services. Ethanol marketing fees and commissions totaled approximately $1,256,000, $1,234,000 and $1,318,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 respectively, and are included net within revenues. Ethanol Contracts At October 31, 2016, GFE had fixed and basis contracts to sell approximately $18,801,000 of ethanol for various delivery periods through March 2017, which approximates 51% of its anticipated ethanol sales for this that period. At October 31, 2016, HLBE had fixed and basis contracts to sell approximately $18,621,000 of ethanol for various delivery periods through March 2017, which approximates 51% of its anticipated ethanol sales for this that period. Distillers Grain Marketing Agreement GFE has a distillers’ grains marketing agreement with RPMG, Inc., an unrelated party. for the purpose of marketing and selling all distillers’ grains produced by GFE. The contract commenced on February 1, 2011 with an initial term of one year, and will continue to remain in effect until terminated by either party at its unqualified option, by providing written notice of not less than 90 days to the other party. Distillers’ grains commissions to RPMG totaled approximately $335,000, $421,000 and $518,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 respectively, and are included net within revenues. At October 31, 2016, GFE had forward contracts to sell approximately $1,595,000 of distillers’ grain for deliveries in through January 2017, which approximates 40% of its anticipated distillers’ grain sales during that period. HLBE has a distillers’ grains off-take agreement with Gavilon Ingredients, LLC (“Gavilon”), an unrelated party. Under this agreement, Gavilon purchases all of the distillers’ grains produced at HLBE’s ethanol plant in exchange for a service fee. The contract commenced on November 1, 2013 with an initial term of six months, and will continue to remain in effect until terminated by either party at its unqualified option, by providing written notice of not less than 60 days to the other party. Distillers’ grains service fees to Gavilon totaled approximately $283,000, $308,000 and $293,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 respectively, and are included net within revenues. At October 31, 2016, HLBE had forward contracts to sell approximately $2,863,000 of distillers’ grains for delivery in March 2017, which approximates 40% of its anticipated distillers’ grain sales during that period. Corn Oil Marketing Agreement GFE has a corn oil marketing agreement with RPMG, an unrelated party, for the purpose of marketing and selling all corn oil produced by GFE. The contract commenced on April 29, 2010 with an initial term of one year, and will continue to remain in effect until terminated by either party at its unqualified option, by providing written notice of not less than 90 days to the other party. HLBE has a corn oil marketing agreement with RPMG, an unrelated party, for the purpose of marketing and selling all corn oil produced by HLBE. The contract commenced on November 1, 2013 with an initial term of one year, and will continue to remain in effect until terminated by either party at its unqualified option, by providing written notice of not less than 90 days to the other party. Corn oil commissions totaled approximately $166,000, $125,000 and $112,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 respectively, and are included net within revenues. At October 31, 2016, GFE had forward contracts to sell approximately $490,000 of corn oil for delivery through December 2016, which approximates 57% of its anticipated corn oil sales for this that period. At October 31, 2016, HLBE had forward contracts to sell approximately $630,000 of corn oil for delivery through December 2016, which approximates 76% of its anticipated corn oil sales for this that period. Contract for Natural Gas Pipeline to Plant HLBE has a facilities agreement with Northern Border Pipeline Company which allows us access to an existing interstate natural gas pipeline located approximately 16 miles north from the HLBE plant. Agrinatural was formed to own and operate the pipeline and transports gas to the Company pursuant to a transportation agreement The Company also has a base agreement for the sale and purchase of natural gas with Constellation NewEnergy-Gas Division, LLC (“Constellation”). HLBE has a base agreement for the sale and purchase of natural gas with Constellation NewEnergy-Gas Division, LLC pursuant to which it buys all of its natural gas from Constellation. This agreement runs until March 31, 2017. GFE has an agreement with an unrelated company for the construction of and maintenance of 9.5 miles of natural gas pipeline that will serve the GFE plant. The agreement requires the Company to receive a minimum of 1,400,000 DT of natural gas annually through the term of the agreement. The Company is charged a fee based on the amount of natural gas delivered through the pipeline. Water Agreements In October 2003, HLBE entered into an industrial water supply development and distribution agreement with the City of Heron Lake for 15 years. HLBE has the exclusive rights to the first 6000 gallons per minute of capacity that is available from the well, and provides for HLBE, combined with an unrelated company, to approve any other supply contracts that the City may enter into. In consideration, HLBE will pay one half of the City’s water well bond payments of $735,000, plus a 5% administrative fee, totaling approximately $594,000, and operating costs, relative to HLBE’s water usage, plus a 10% profit. These costs will be paid as water usage fees. HLBE recorded an assessment of approximately $367,000 with long-term debt as described in Note 8. HLBE pays operating and administrative expenses of approximately $12,000 per year. In May 2006, HLBE entered into a water treatment agreement with the City of Heron Lake and Jackson County for 30 years. HLBE will pay for operating and maintenance costs of the plant in exchange for receiving treated water. In addition, HLBE agreed to an assessment for a portion of the capital costs of the water treatment plant. HLBE recorded assessments with long-term debt of $500,000 and $3,550,000 in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively, as described in Note 8. HLBE paid operating and maintenance expenses of approximately $24,000, $57,000, and $114,000 in fiscal 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Subsequent to GFE’s fiscal year end, on November 1, 2016, GFE subscribed to purchase 1,500 capital units of Ring-neck Energy & Feed, LLC (“Ring-neck”) at a price of $5,000 per unit for a total of $7,500,000. GFE paid a down payment of $750,000 in connection with the subscription, and signed a promissory note for $6,750,000 for the remaining balance of the subscription. If Ring-neck accepts GFE’s subscription, GFE will be required to pay Ring-neck the entire amount due under the promissory note within 20 days of receiving notice from Ring-neck that it is due. If GFE fails to pay the entire amount due, GFE will be charged 12% interest per year, and Ring-neck may seek legal action to force GFE to pay. If Ring-neck does not meet certain conditions of its offering or rejects GFE’s subscription, GFE expects that its promissory note will be cancelled and our down payment will be refunded to us. Ring-neck is a South Dakota limited liability company that intends to build an 80 million gallon per year ethanol manufacturing plant in outside of Onida, South Dakota in Sully County. If Ring-neck accepts our subscription, our investment is sufficient to secure the Company the right to appoint one director to the board of directors of Ring-neck. Subsequent to GFE’s fiscal year end and i n connection with the subscription, GFE entered into a credit facility with Fagen Energy, LLC, a related party (“Fagen Energy”), which allows GFE to borrow up to $7.5 million of variable-rate, amortizing fully non-recourse debt from Fagen Energy using the Ring-neck investment as collateral. Fagen Energy is an affiliate of Fagen, Inc., the design-builder for the Company’s ethanol plants and a member of GFE. The Fagen Energy loan bears interest from date funds are first advanced on the loan through maturity, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (x) the One Month LIBOR Index Rate plus (y) 3.05% per annum, with an interest rate floor of 3.55%. The Fagen Energy loan requires annual interest payments only for the first two years of the loan and monthly principal and interest payments for years 3 through 9 based on a 7-year amortization period. The monthly amortized payments will be re-amortized following any change in interest rate. The entire outstanding principal balance of the loan, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, is due and payable in full on November 1, 2025. GFE is permitted to voluntarily prepay all or any portion of the outstanding balance of this loan at any time without premium or penalty. Pursuant to a pledge agreement and commercial security agreement entered into in connection with the Fagen Energy loan , GFE’s obligations are secured by all of its right, title, and interest in its investment in Ring-neck, including the 1,500 units subscribed for by GFE. The loan is non-recourse to all of GFE’s other assets, meaning that in the event of default, the only remedy available to Fagen Energy will be to foreclose and seize all of GFE’s right, title and interest in its investment in Ring-neck. GFE expects to use the proceeds of the loan to finance its balance of its investment in Ring-neck. As of January 30, 2017, there were no amounts outstanding under this credit facility.

Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Legal Proceedings [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings	16. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS From time to time in the ordinary course of business, the Company may be named as a defendant in legal proceedings related to various issues, including without limitation, workers’ compensation claims, tort claims, or contractual disputes. We are not currently a party to any material pending legal proceedings and we are not currently aware of any such proceedings contemplated by governmental authorities.

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	17. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Summary quarterly results are as follows: First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 Revenues $ $ $ $ Gross profit Operating income Net income attributable to GFE Basic and diluted earnings per unit attributable to GFE $ $ $ First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 Revenues $ $ $ $ Gross profit Operating income Net income attributable to GFE Basic and diluted earnings per unit attributable to GFE $ $ $ $ First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Fiscal year ended October 31, 2014 Revenues $ $ $ $ Gross profit Operating income Net income attributable to GFE Basic and diluted earnings per unit attributable to GFE $ $ $ $ The above quarterly financial data is unaudited, but in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the selected data for these periods presented have been included.

Summary of Significant Accoun24

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Business	Nature of Business Granite Falls Energy, LLC (“GFE”) is a Minnesota limited liability company currently producing fuel-grade ethanol, distillers’ grains, and crude corn oil near Granite Falls, Minnesota and sells these products, pursuant to marketing agreements, throughout the continental U.S. and on the international market. GFE’s plant has an approximate annual production capacity of 60 million gallons, but is currently permitted to produce up to 70 million gallons of undenatured ethanol on a twelve month rolling sum basis. Additionally, GFE owns a majority interest in Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC (“HLBE”). HLBE is a Minnesota limited liability company currently producing fuel-grade ethanol, distillers’ grains, and crude corn oil near Heron Lake, Minnesota and sells these products, pursuant to marketing agreements, throughout the continental U.S. HLBE’s plant has an approximate annual production capacity of 60 million gallons, but is currently permitted to produce up to 72.3 million gallons per year of undenatured ethanol on a twelve month rolling sum basis. Additionally, HLBE, through a majority owned subsidiary, operates a natural gas pipeline that provides natural gas to the HLBE’s ethanol production facility and other customers.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements consolidate the operating results and financial position of GFE, and its approximately 50.6% owned subsidiary, HLBE (through GFE’s 100% ownership of Project Viking, L.L.C.). Given GFE’s control over the operations of HLBE and its majority voting interest, GFE consolidates the financial statements of HLBE with its consolidated financial statements. The remaining approximately 49.4% ownership of HLBE is included in the consolidated financial statements as a non-controlling interest. HLBE, through its wholly owned subsidiary, HLBE Pipeline Company, LLC, owns 73.0% of Agrinatural Gas, LLC (“Agrinatural”). Given HLBE’s control over the operations of Agrinatural and its majority voting interest, HLBE consolidates the financial statements of Agrinatural with its consolidated financial statements, with the remaining approximately 27.0% ownership of HLBE attributed to the non-controlling interest. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. All references to “we”, “us”, “our”, and the “Company” collectively refer to GFE and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries.
Fiscal Reporting Period	Fiscal Reporting Period The Company’s fiscal year end for reporting financial operations is October 31 for financial reporting purposes.
Accounting Estimates	Accounting Estimates Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. of America. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. The Company uses estimates and assumptions in accounting for the following significant matters, among others: economic lives of property, and equipment, valuation of commodity derivatives, inventory, and inventory purchase and sale commitments, and the assumptions used in the impairment analysis of long-lived assets, which includes goodwill. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. The Company periodically reviews estimates and assumptions, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period in which the revision is made.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company generally sells ethanol and related products pursuant to marketing agreements. Revenues from the production of ethanol and the related products are recorded when the customer has taken title and assumed the risks and rewards of ownership, prices are fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Ethanol and related products are generally shipped free on board (FOB) shipping point. The Company believes there are no ethanol sales, during any given month, which should be considered contingent and recorded as deferred revenue. In accordance with the Company’s agreements for the marketing and sale of ethanol and related products, marketing fees and commissions due to the marketers are deducted from the gross sales price as earned. These fees and commissions are recorded net of revenues, as they do not provide an identifiable benefit that is sufficiently separable from the sale of ethanol and related products. Shipping costs paid by the Company to the marketer in the sale of ethanol are not specifically identifiable and, as a result, are recorded based on the net selling price reported to the Company from the marketer. Shipping costs incurred by the Company in the sale of distillers’ grains and corn oil are included in cost of goods sold. Agrinatural recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the fee for the arrangement is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.
Cash	Cash The Company maintains its accounts primarily at multiple financial institutions, of which one is a member of the Company. At times throughout the year, the Company’s cash balances may exceed amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on its cash balances.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash The Company is periodically required to maintain at its broker cash balances related to open commodity derivative instrument positions as discussed in Note 6.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Credit terms are extended to customers in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral. Accounts receivable are recorded at their estimated net realizable value. Accounts are considered past due if payment is not made on a timely basis in accordance with the Company’s credit terms. Accounts considered uncollectible are written off. The Company follows a policy of providing an allowance for doubtful accounts; however, based on historical experience, and its evaluation of the current status of receivables, the Company is of the belief that such accounts will be collectible in all material respects and thus an allowance was not necessary at October 31, 2016 or 2015. It is at least possible this estimate will change in the future.
Inventory	Inventory Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-11 issued in July 2015. Cost for all inventories is determined using the first in first out method. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Inventory consists of raw materials, work in process, finished goods, and supplies. Corn is the primary raw material along with other raw materials. Finished goods consist of ethanol, distillers’ grains, and corn oil.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments From time to time, the Company enters into derivative transactions to hedge its exposures to commodity price fluctuations. The Company is required to record these derivatives in the balance sheets at fair value. In order for a derivative to qualify as a hedge, specific criteria must be met and appropriate documentation maintained. Gains and losses from derivatives that do not qualify as hedges, or are undesignated, must be recognized immediately in earnings. If the derivative does qualify as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will be either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivatives are recorded in earnings. Additionally, the Company is required to evaluate its contracts to determine whether the contracts are derivatives. Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted 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 normal sales are documented as normal and exempted from accounting and reporting requirements, and therefore, are not marked to market in our consolidated financial statements. In order to reduce the risks caused by market fluctuations, the Company occasionally hedges its anticipated corn, natural gas, and denaturant purchases and ethanol sales by entering into options and futures contracts. These contracts are used with the intention to fix the purchase price of anticipated requirements for corn in the Company’s ethanol production activities and the related sales price of ethanol. The fair value of these contracts is based on quoted prices in active exchange-traded or over-the-counter market conditions. Although the Company believes its commodity derivative positions are economic hedges, none have been formally designated as a hedge for accounting purposes and derivative positions are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair market value, with changes in fair value recognized in current period earnings or losses. The Company does not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company has adopted authoritative guidance related to “Derivatives and Hedging,” and has included the required enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosure about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses from derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. See further discussion in Note 6.
Other Intangibles	Other Intangibles Other intangibles are stated at cost and include road improvements located near the HLBE plant in which the Company has a beneficial interest in but does not own the road. The Company amortizes the assets over the economic useful life of 15 years. The Company recorded amortization expense in the amount of approximately $38,000, $38,000, and $58,000 during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided over the following estimated useful lives by use of the straight-line method. Asset Description Years Land improvements 5 - 20 years Railroad improvements 5 - 20 years Process equipment and tanks 5 - 40 years Administration building 10 - 40 years Office equipment 3 - 10 years Rolling stock 5 - 10 years Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; major improvements and betterments are capitalized. Construction in progress expenditures will be depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives once the assets are placed into service.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When determining impairment losses, a long lived asset should be groupled with other assets or liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets or liabilities. If circumstances require a long-lived asset be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including, but not limited to, discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. No indicators of impairment existed during fiscal 2016, 2015, or 2014 that would have triggered impairment testing, and therefore, no impairment expense was recorded during fiscal 2016, 2015, or 2014.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s accounting for fair value measurements of assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring or nonrecurring basis adhere to the FASB fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The Company has adopted guidance for fair value measurement related to nonfinancial items that are recognized and disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to measurements involving significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: · Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. · Level 2 inputs include: 1. Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities. 2. Quoted prices in markets that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. 3. Inputs that derived primarily from or corroborated by observable market date by correlation or other means. · Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Except for those assets and liabilities which are required by authoritative accounting guidance to be recorded at fair value in our balance sheets, the Company has elected not to record any other assets or liabilities at fair value. No events occurred during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, or 2014 that required adjustment to the recognized balances of assets or liabilities, which are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service for corn derivative contracts. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the Chicago Board of Trade and New York Mercantile Exchange markets. The fair value of the long-term debt is estimated based on anticipated interest rates which management believes would currently be available to the Company for similar issues of debt, taking into account the current credit risk of the Company and other market factors. The Company believes the carrying value of the debt instruments approximate fair value.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company is treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes, and generally does not incur income taxes. Instead its earnings and losses are included in the income tax returns of its members. Therefore, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes has been included in these financial statements. Differences between financial statement basis of assets and tax basis of assets is related to capitalization and amortization of organization and start-up costs for tax purposes, whereas these costs are expensed for financial statement purposes. In addition, the Company uses the alternative depreciation system for tax depreciation instead of the straight-line method that is used for book depreciation, which also causes temporary differences. The Company’s tax year end is December 31. The Company had no significant uncertain tax positions as of October 31, 2016 or 2015 that would require disclosure, primarily due to the partnership tax status. The Company recognizes and measures tax benefits when realization of the benefits is uncertain under a two-step approach. The first step is to determine whether the benefit meets the more-likely-than-not condition for recognition and the second step is to determine the amount to be recognized based on the cumulative probability that exceeds 50%. Primarily due to the Company’s tax status as a partnership, the adoption of this guidance had no material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and Minnesota state jurisdictions. For years before 2013, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal or state income tax examinations.
Net Income Per Unit	Net Income per Unit Basic net income per unit is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of members’ units outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per unit is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of members’ units and members’ unit equivalents outstanding during the period. There were no member unit equivalents outstanding during the periods presented; accordingly, for all periods presented, the calculations of the Company’s basic and diluted net income per unit are the same.
Correction Of An Immaterial Error	Correction Of An Immaterial Error The Company revised the consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, to correct for non-cash acquisitions of property and equipment resulting in an increase in cash provided by operating activities of approximately $ 3,359,000 and $606,000, respectively, and a corresponding increase in net cash used in investing activities.
Environmental Liabilities	Environmental Liabilities The Company’s operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations adopted by various governmental entities in the jurisdiction in which it operates. These laws require the Company to investigate and remediate the effects of the release or disposal of materials at its location. Accordingly, the Company has adopted policies, practices, and procedures in the areas of pollution control, occupational health, and the production, handling, storage, and use of hazardous materials to prevent material environmental or other damage, and to limit the financial liability, which could result from such events. Environmental liabilities are recorded when the liability is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. No expense has been recorded for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, 2015, or 2014.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents the cost in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired. The Company conducts impairment assessments annually or when events indicate a triggering event has occurred. No indicators of impairment existed during fiscal 2016, 2015, or 2014 that would have triggered impairment testing, and therefore, no impairment expense was recorded during 2016, 2015, or 2014.

Summary of Significant Accoun25

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided over the following estimated useful lives by use of the straight-line method. Asset Description Years Land improvements 5 - 20 years Railroad improvements 5 - 20 years Process equipment and tanks 5 - 40 years Administration building 10 - 40 years Office equipment 3 - 10 years Rolling stock 5 - 10 years

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following table provides information on those derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at October 31, 2016: Fair Value Measurement Using Quoted Prices Significant Other Significant Carrying Amount in Active Markets Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs Financial Asset: in Balance Sheet (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Commodity Derivative Instruments - Corn $ $ $ — $ — Commodity Derivative Instruments - Ethanol $ $ $ — $ — The following table provides information on those derivative assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at October 31, 2015: Fair Value Measurement Using Quoted Prices Significant Other Significant Carrying Amount in Active Markets Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs Financial Asset: in Balance Sheet (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Commodity Derivative Instruments - Corn $ $ $ — $ — Financial Liabilities: Commodity Derivative Instruments - Corn $ $ $ — $ —

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Inventory in Process [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	Inventory consists of the following: October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 Raw materials $ $ Supplies Work in process Finished goods Totals $ $

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	The following tables provide details regarding the Company’s derivative instruments at October 31, 2016, none of which were designated as hedging instruments: Balance Sheet location Assets Liabilities Corn contracts - GFE Commodity derivative instruments $ $ — Corn contracts - HLBE Commodity derivative instruments — Ethanol contracts - GFE Commodity derivative instruments — Ethanol contracts - HLBE Commodity derivative instruments — Totals $ $ — As of October 31, 2015, the total notional amount of the Company’s outstanding corn derivative instruments was approximately 2,615,000 bushels, comprised of 740,000 and 1,875,000 bushel equivalent positions held by GFE and HLBE, respectively, that were entered into to hedge forecasted corn purchases through December 2016. There may be offsetting positions that are not shown on a net basis that could lower the notional amount of positions outstanding as disclosed above. The following tables provide details regarding the Company’s derivative instruments at October 31, 2015, none of which were designated as hedging instruments: Balance Sheet location Assets Liabilities Corn contracts - GFE Commodity derivative instruments $ — $ Corn contracts - HLBE Commodity derivative instruments — Totals $ $
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	The following tables provide details regarding the gains (losses) from Company’s derivative instruments in statements of operations, none of which are designated as hedging instruments: Statement of Fiscal Year Ended October 31, Operations Location 2016 2015 2014 Corn contracts Cost of Goods Sold $ $ $ Ethanol contracts Revenues — — Natural gas contracts Cost of Goods Sold — — Total gain $ $ $

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided over the following estimated useful lives by use of the straight-line method. Asset Description Years Land improvements 5 - 20 years Railroad improvements 5 - 20 years Process equipment and tanks 5 - 40 years Administration building 10 - 40 years Office equipment 3 - 10 years Rolling stock 5 - 10 years

Debt Facilities (Tables)

Debt Facilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	Long-term debt consists of the following: October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 GRANITE FALLS ENERGY: Revolving Term Loan $ — $ — HERON LAKE BIOENERGY: Revolving term note payable to lending institution, see terms above. — Assessment payable as part of water treatment agreement, due in semi-annual installments of $189,393 with interest at 6.55%, enforceable by statutory lien, with the final payment due in 2021. HLBE made deposits for one years' worth of debt service payments of approximately $364,000, which is included with other assets that are held on deposit to be applied with the final payments of the assessment. Assessment payable as part of water treatment agreement, due in semi-annual installments of $25,692 with interest at 0.50%, enforceable by statutory lien, with the final payment due in 2016. — Assessment payable as part of water supply agreement, due in monthly installments of $3,942 with interest at 8.73%, enforceable by statutory lien. Note payable to electrical company with monthly payments of $6,250 with interest at 0.00% and a 1.00% maintenance fee due each October, due September 2017. The electrical company is a member of HLBE. Note payable to non-controlling interest member of Agrinatural. Interest is at One Month LIBOR plus 4.0%, which was approximately 4.53% and 4.19% at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The note is considered due on demand with payments due at Agrinatural's Board of Managers' discretion. Totals Less: amounts due within one year Net long-term debt $ $
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Estimated maturities of long-term debt at October 31, 2016 are as follows: 2016 $ 2017 2018 2019 2020 Total debt $

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	At October 31, 2016, the Company had the following commitments for payments of rentals under operating leases which at inception had a non-cancelable term of more than one year: November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017 $ November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018 November 1, 2018 to October 31, 2019 November 1, 2019 to October 31, 2020 November 1, 2020 to October 31, 2021 Thereafter Total minimum lease commitments $

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Taxable Income Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets are based on the following: October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 Financial statement basis of assets $ $ Organization & start-up costs capitalized for tax purposes, net Tax depreciation greater than book depreciation Unrealized derivatives (gains) losses Capitalized inventory Net effect of consolidation of acquired subsidiary Income tax basis of assets $ $

Quarterly Financial Data (Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Summary quarterly results are as follows: First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 Revenues $ $ $ $ Gross profit Operating income Net income attributable to GFE Basic and diluted earnings per unit attributable to GFE $ $ $ First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 Revenues $ $ $ $ Gross profit Operating income Net income attributable to GFE Basic and diluted earnings per unit attributable to GFE $ $ $ $ First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Fiscal year ended October 31, 2014 Revenues $ $ $ $ Gross profit Operating income Net income attributable to GFE Basic and diluted earnings per unit attributable to GFE $ $ $ $

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details) gal in Millions	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)gal	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)
Correction of immaterial error, amount | $	$ 3,359,000		$ 606,000
Environmental liability expense | $				$ 0
Impairment of goodwill | $				$ 0
Other Intangibles
Economic useful life of other intangibles	15 years
Amortization of Intangible Assets | $	$ 38,000	$ 38,000	$ 58,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.60%			50.60%
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	49.40%			49.40%
Plant production capacity | gal	60
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Plant production capacity | gal	72.3
Agrinatural, LLC [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	73.00%			73.00%
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	27.00%			27.00%
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member]
Plant production capacity | gal	60
Production (Actual) | gal	70
Measurement, Rolling Twelve Months	twelve

Summary of Significant Accoun35

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies P,P, And E Useful Life (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 9,641,000	$ 9,612,000	$ 5,209,000
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 0
Land Improvements | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Land Improvements | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Railroad Improvements | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Railroad Improvements | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Process Equipment and Tanks | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Process Equipment and Tanks | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Administration Building | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Administration Building | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Office Equipment | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Office Equipment | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Rolling Stock | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Rolling Stock | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years

Risks and Uncertainties Narrati

Risks and Uncertainties Narrative (Details) gal in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016gal
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net, Percentage	1.00%
UNITED STATES
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Expected ethanol production capacity	15.2
Minimum [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net, Percentage	75.00%
Minimum [Member] | Corn Contracts [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percent of Cost of Goods Sold	65.00%
Maximum [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net, Percentage	90.00%
Percent of Cost of Goods Sold	85.00%

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Corn Contracts [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset		$ 677,149
Derivative Liabilities		1,114
Corn Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	$ 451,575
Corn Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset		677,149
Derivative Liabilities		$ 1,114
Corn Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	451,575
Corn Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset
Corn Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset
Ethanol Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	777,351
Ethanol Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	777,351
Ethanol Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset
Ethanol Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset

Concentrations (Details)

Concentrations (Details) - customer	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues attributable to major customer	1.00%
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	2
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of major customers	3
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Eco-Energy, Inc. [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues attributable to major customer	78.50%	76.90%	79.70%
Ethanol [Member] | Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Eco-Energy, Inc. [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues attributable to major customer	80.30%	79.10%	80.50%
Percentage of accounts receivable	70.20%	88.70%
Ethanol [Member] | Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Eco-Energy, Inc. [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of accounts receivable	78.60%	68.90%
Distillers' Grains & Corn Oil [Member] | Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | RPMG, Inc. [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues attributable to major customer	19.70%	20.70%	19.20%
Percentage of accounts receivable	26.50%	10.20%
Distillers' Grains [Member] | Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Gavilon Ingredients, LLC [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues attributable to major customer	15.40%	19.20%	16.30%
Percentage of accounts receivable	11.10%	24.10%
Corn Oil [Member] | Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | RPMG, Inc. [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues attributable to major customer	4.40%	2.40%	2.10%
Percentage of accounts receivable	3.30%	1.50%

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Inventory [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 9,098,492	$ 4,504,388
Supplies	2,755,958	2,631,452
Work in process	1,347,754	1,445,084
Finished goods	5,139,209	3,631,101
Total inventory, net	$ 18,341,413	$ 12,212,025

Derivative Instrument - Asset A

Derivative Instrument - Asset And Liabilities (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)itembu	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)bu
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	$ 1,228,926	$ 677,149
Derivative Liabilities, Current		$ 1,114
Corn Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total notional amount outstanding, in bushels | bu		2,615,000
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Corn Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total notional amount outstanding, in bushels | bu	5,220,000	740,000
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Corn Contracts [Member] | Long position
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instrument notional amount | item	3,300,000
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Corn Contracts [Member] | Short position
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instrument notional amount | item	1,920,000
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Corn Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	$ 63,050
Derivative Liabilities, Current		$ 1,114
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Ethanol Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	$ 503,538
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Corn Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total notional amount outstanding, in bushels | bu	4,285,000	1,875,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Corn Contracts [Member] | Long position
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instrument notional amount | item	3,100,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Corn Contracts [Member] | Short position
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative instrument notional amount | item	1,185,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Corn Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	$ 388,525	$ 677,149
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Ethanol Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	$ 273,813

Derivative Instrument - Income

Derivative Instrument - Income Statement (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	$ 581,400	$ 303,925	$ 1,134,402
Cost of Sales [Member] | Corn Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative cost of goods	708,364	$ 303,925	$ 1,134,402
Cost of Sales [Member] | Natural Gas Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative cost of goods	32,358
Sales [Member] | Ethanol Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative cost of goods	$ (159,322)

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 9,641,000	$ 9,612,000	$ 5,209,000
Land and Land Improvements	13,693,713	13,348,732
Railroad Improvements	8,005,523	8,005,523
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	128,822,845	123,405,024
Furniture and Fixtures, Gross	569,328	569,328
Vehicles	2,018,049	1,777,863
Administration building	907,652	907,652
Construction in Progress, Gross	315,631	2,013,765
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	154,332,741	150,027,887
Less: accumulated depreciation	(75,364,725)	(65,723,725)
Net property and equipment	$ 78,968,016	$ 84,304,162

Debt Facilities - Granite Falls

Debt Facilities - Granite Falls Energy And Heron Lake BioEnergy (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 1,883,726	$ 7,229,932
Less: amounts due within one year	490,057	517,957
Net long term debt	$ 1,393,669	6,711,975
Assessments payable as part of water supply agreement, with interest at 8.73%, due in 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.73%
Semi-annual payment	$ 3,942
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount	10,000,000
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Revolving Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Reduction, Amount	2,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	0
Long-term Debt	18,000,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount	21,000,000	19,677,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Revolving Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Reduction, Amount	3,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	0
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 21,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.50%
Debt Instrument, Fee Amount	$ 2,500
Long-term Debt	$ 28,000,000	4,822,777
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Assessments payable as part of water treatment agreement, with interest at 6.55%, due in 2021
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.55%
Long-term Debt	$ 1,517,046	1,775,828
Semi-annual payment	$ 189,393
Period of worth of debt	1 year
Deposit on debt service payments	$ 364,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Assessments payable as part of water treatment agreement, with interest at 0.50%, due in 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.50%
Long-term Debt		51,199
Semi-annual payment	$ 25,692
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Assessments payable as part of water supply agreement, with interest at 8.73%, due in 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 97,930	136,378
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Note payable to electrical company, due September 2017
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%
Long-term Debt	$ 68,750	143,750
Maintenance fee (as a percent)	1.00%
Monthly payment	$ 6,250
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Note payable to noncontrolling interest member of Agrinatural, Interest One Month LIBOR plus 4.0 %
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	4.00%
Long-term Debt	$ 200,000	$ 300,000
Minimum [Member] | Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	LIBOR
Minimum [Member] | Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.45%	3.45%
Maximum [Member] | Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.25%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.05%

Debt Facilities - Estimated Ann

Debt Facilities - Estimated Annual Maturities (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	$ 490,057
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	432,183
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	319,139
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	326,798
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	315,549
Long-term Debt	1,883,726	$ 7,229,932
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Revolving Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	18,000,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Revolving Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 28,000,000	$ 4,822,777

Members' Equity (Details)

Members' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 19, 2015	Dec. 17, 2015	Dec. 18, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Membership Units, Par value					$ 0
Membership Units, Authorized					30,606	30,606	30,606
Membership Units, Issued					30,606	30,606	30,606
Membership Units, Outstanding					30,606	30,606	30,606
Distribution Made to Membership, Cash Distribution Paid per Unit	$ 315			$ 365	$ 1,050	$ 180
Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid	$ 9,641,000			$ 11,171,000	$ 32,136,000	$ 5,509,080
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid					$ 2,006,559	$ 4,621,340
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member]
Distribution Made to Membership, Cash Distribution Paid per Unit		$ 0.05	$ 0.12
Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid		$ 3,897,000	$ 9,352,000
Distributions received		1,971,000	4,731,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid		$ 1,926,000	$ 4,621,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Capital Unit, Class A [Member]
Membership Units, Outstanding		39,420,949	39,420,949
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Capital Unit, Class B [Member]
Membership Units, Outstanding		15,000,000	15,000,000

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)item	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014USD ($)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$ 4,607,334
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	3,984,816
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	3,726,500
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	3,589,800
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	3,589,800
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	13,540,650
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	33,038,900
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 2,985,000	$ 2,204,000	$ 2,387,000
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Rail Cars [Member]
Equipment Lease, Quantity | item	219
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Rail Cars [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 155,000
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Hopper Cars [Member]
Equipment Lease, Quantity | item	115
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 76,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 2,570,000	$ 1,969,000	$ 1,829,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Rail Cars [Member]
Equipment Lease, Quantity | item	145
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Rail Cars [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 123,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Hopper Cars [Member]
Equipment Lease, Quantity | item	50
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 35,000

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member]
Deferred Salary, Company Match	50.00%
Description of Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	3.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 63,000	$ 57,000	$ 51,000
Heron Lake Bio-energy LLC [Member]
Deferred Salary, Company Match	50.00%
Description of Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 85,000	$ 81,000	$ 81,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance	$ 121,470,922	$ 122,011,081
Capitalized start-up costs	357,554	446,943
Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	(17,884,622)	(19,655,009)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	(566,588)	1,114
Capitalized inventory	41,467	30,294
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Net	(36,496,913)	(26,322,082)
Net Income, Tax Basis of Assets	$ 66,921,820	$ 76,512,341

Related Party Transactions - (D

Related Party Transactions - (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 1,883,726	$ 7,229,932		$ 7,229,932
Management fee reduction	4,500
Monthly base fee	32,000	18,000
Monthly variable fee	$ 149,000	83,000
Capital expenditure reimbursement	10.00%
Project management fees	$ 28,000	19,000
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current	5,358,111	1,486,247		1,486,247
Agrinatural Gas [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term Debt					$ 300,000
Interest Expense, Debt	20,000
Swan Engineering Inc S E I [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current	131,000	340,000		340,000
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount of corn purchased from members	78,865,000	75,018,000	$ 82,955,000
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Majority Shareholder [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management Fee, Amount Paid	5,358,000	1,486,000
Heron Lake Bio-energy LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount of corn purchased from members	$ 15,008,000	$ 11,032,000	$ 14,860,000
Agrinatural, LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Debt				$ 16,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	27.00%

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013USD ($)gal	Oct. 31, 2005	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)MMBTUbu	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)mi	Oct. 31, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013USD ($)gal	Oct. 31, 2007USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2006USD ($)
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Selling and Marketing Expense				$ 1,256,000	$ 1,234,000	$ 1,318,000
Percentage of revenues attributable to major customer				1.00%
Construction in Progress, Gross				$ 315,631	$ 2,013,765
Administrative fee to be paid as water usage fees (as a percent)		594000.00%
Natural Gas [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Future Commitment, Pipeline | mi					9.5
Future Commitment, DT | MMBTU				1,400,000
Corn Oil [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Fees and Commissions				$ 166,000	$ 125,000	112,000
Distillers' Grains [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Written Notice				P90D
Contract, Initial Length				P1Y
Fees and Commissions				$ 335,000	421,000	518,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Distillers' Grains [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Initial term of ethanol marketing agreement				6 months
Maximum period of written cancellation notice by either party				60 days
Distillers' grains commissions				$ 283,000	308,000	293,000
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Corn Oil [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Future Commitment, Dollar				$ 490,000
Future commitment, percent of anticipated usage				57.00%
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Ethanol Contracts [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Future Commitment, Dollar				$ 18,801,000
Revenue Concentration, Future Commitment				51.00%
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Initial Length [Member] | Ethanol Contracts [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Written Notice				December 31, 2019
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Renewal Notice [Member] | Ethanol Contracts [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Written Notice				P90M
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Corn Oil [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Written Notice				P90D
Contract, Initial Length				P1Y
Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member] | Distillers' Grains [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Future Commitment, Dollar				$ 1,595,000
Revenue Concentration, Future Commitment				40.00%
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
City's water well bond payments		$ 735,000					$ 735,000
Operating and administrative/maintenance expenses paid		$ 12,000
Distance of the natural gas pipeline from the ethanol plant				$ 16
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Water supply development and distribution agreement
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Term of agreement		15 years
Initial volume per minute of capacity that is available from the well for which the entity has exclusive rights (in gallons) | gal		6,000					6,000
Administrative fee to be paid as water usage fees (as a percent)		5.00%
Percentage of profit to be paid as water usage fees		10.00%
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Water treatment agreement
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Term of agreement			30 years
Long-term debt		$ 367,000						$ 500,000	$ 3,550,000
Operating and administrative/maintenance expenses paid					$ 24,000	$ 57,000	$ 114,000
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Marketing, corn supply and corn storage agreements
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Percentage of ethanol and distillers grains products produced by the entity to be purchased, marketed and resold by Gavilon				100.00%
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Corn Oil [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Written Notice				P90D
Future Commitment, Dollar				$ 630,000
Future commitment, percent of anticipated usage				76.00%
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Ethanol Contracts [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Future Commitment, Dollar				$ 18,621,000
Revenue Concentration, Future Commitment				51.00%
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Corn Oil [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Written Notice				P90D
Contract, Initial Length				P1Y
Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member] | Distillers' Grains [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Future Commitment, Dollar				$ 2,863,000
Corn Contracts [Member] | Granite Falls Energy, LLC [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Inventory Dollars, Outside Storage				6,194,000
forward contracts	$ 900,000
Purchases For Inventory				$ 2,898,000
Inventory, Outside storage | bu				1,920,000
Corn Contracts [Member] | Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Inventory, Outside storage | bu				3,183,000

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member] $ / shares in Thousands, gal in Millions	Nov. 01, 2016USD ($)$ / sharessharesgal	Jan. 30, 2017USD ($)
Fagen Energy, LLC Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Credit facility terms		The Fagen Energy loan bears interest from date funds are first advanced on the loan through maturity, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (x) the One Month LIBOR Index Rate plus (y) 3.05% per annum, with an interest rate floor of 3.55%.  The Fagen Energy loan  requires annual interest payments only for the first two years of the loan and monthly principal and interest payments for years 3 through 9 based on a 7-year amortization period.  The monthly amortized payments will be re-amortized following any change in interest rate. The entire outstanding principal balance of the loan, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, is due and payable in full on November 1, 2025. GFE is permitted to voluntarily prepay all or any portion of the outstanding balance of this loan at any time without premium or penalty.
Credit facility maximum		$ 7,500,000
Maximum period of interest payments		2 years
Debt instrument amortization period after first two years		7 years
Amounts outstanding under the credit facility		$ 0
Fagen Energy, LLC Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, period of moving average on variable rate		1 month
Spread above variable interest rate		3.05%
Fagen Energy, LLC Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate		3.55%
Ring-neck Energy & Feed, LLC [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Down payment	$ 750,000
Promissory note	$ 6,750,000
Period of written notice of creditor for promissory note to become due	20 days
Interest rate if promissory note amount is not paid in full when due	12.00%
Ethanol production capacity | gal	80
Capital Units [Member] | Ring-neck Energy & Feed, LLC [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subscribe to purchase capital units, in units | shares	1,500
Price per unit paid | $ / shares	$ 5
Total price	$ 7,500,000

Quarterly Financial Data (Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 55,531,621	$ 58,018,553	$ 50,974,398	$ 51,001,654	$ 54,823,174	$ 58,671,723	$ 59,067,109	$ 58,692,502	$ 63,783,301	$ 78,383,846	$ 81,324,024	$ 77,463,813	$ 215,526,226	$ 231,254,508	$ 300,954,984
Gross Profit	6,890,645	6,301,875	2,273,697	1,432,877	2,631,235	8,795,890	5,545,088	5,628,105	14,844,764	16,043,874	18,212,259	14,420,458	16,899,094	22,600,318	63,521,355
Operating Income (Loss)	5,739,434	5,017,859	784,201	32,031	1,551,398	7,494,444	4,173,843	4,204,718	13,580,276	14,833,232	16,832,384	13,124,957	$ 11,573,525	$ 17,424,403	$ 58,370,849
Net Income (Loss) Available to Members	$ 4,518,946	$ 3,492,822	$ 699,514	$ 11,526	$ 1,199,256	$ 5,440,763	$ 3,179,639	$ 3,767,092	$ 10,951,485	$ 13,018,046	$ 14,249,413	$ 10,554,947
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 147.65	$ 114.12	$ 22.86	$ 0.38	$ 39.18	$ 177.77	$ 103.89	$ 123.08	$ 357.82	$ 425.34	$ 465.58	$ 344.87	$ 285	$ 443.92	$ 1,593.61