Green Plains (GPRE) 10-Q 30 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 28, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Entity Registrant Name	Green Plains Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1309402
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,949,368
Trading Symbol	gpre

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$405,899	$425,510
Restricted cash	14,647	29,742
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,255 and $1,231, respectively	101,692	138,073
Inventories	269,127	254,967
Prepaid expenses and other	10,853	18,776
Deferred income taxes	1,759	7,495
Derivative financial instruments	36,261	36,347
Total current assets	840,238	910,910
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $289,954 and $274,543, respectively	819,734	825,210
Goodwill	40,877	40,877
Other assets	49,806	51,560
Total assets	1,750,655	1,828,557
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	99,141	170,199
Accrued and other liabilities	31,592	61,118
Income taxes payable		2,907
Unearned revenue	3,683	3,965
Short-term notes payable and other borrowings	239,350	209,886
Current maturities of long-term debt	62,220	63,465
Total current liabilities	435,986	511,540
Long-term debt	398,623	399,440
Deferred income taxes	117,955	115,235
Other liabilities	4,922	4,893
Total liabilities	957,486	1,031,108
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 45,148,068 and 44,808,982 shares issued, and 37,948,068 and 37,608,982 shares outstanding, respectively	45	45
Additional paid-in capital	570,257	569,431
Retained earnings	292,751	299,101
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-4,076	-5,320
Treasury stock, 7,200,000 shares	-65,808	-65,808
Total stockholders’ equity	793,169	797,449
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,750,655	$1,828,557

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$1,255	$1,231
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$289,954	$274,543
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	45,148,068	44,808,982
Common stock, shares outstanding	37,948,068	37,608,982
Treasury stock, shares	7,200,000	7,200,000

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$738,388	$733,889
Cost of goods sold	712,833	633,140
Gross profit	25,555	100,749
Selling, general and administrative expenses	21,451	22,406
Operating income	4,104	78,343
Other income (expense)
Interest income	220	113
Interest expense	-9,158	-9,759
Other, net	-931	1,031
Total other income (expense)	-9,869	-8,615
Income (loss) before income taxes	-5,765	69,728
Income tax expense (benefit)	-2,447	26,525
Net income (loss)	($3,318)	$43,203
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	($0.09)	$1.30
Diluted	($0.09)	$1.04
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	37,803	33,153
Diluted	37,803	43,251
Cash dividend declared per share	$0.08	$0.04

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	($3,318)	$43,203
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during period, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(5,708), and $86,015, respectively	9,755	-137,287
Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on derivatives, net of tax expense (benefit) of $4,980 and $(32,577), respectively	-8,511	51,996
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,244	-85,291
Comprehensive loss	($2,074)	($42,088)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com1

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, tax	($5,708)	$86,015
Income tax (expense) benefit	$4,980	($32,577)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	($3,318)	$43,203
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	15,381	14,627
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	1,962	2,005
Deferred income taxes	8,800	23,791
Stock-based compensation expense	-1,345	2,139
Undistributed equity in (income) loss of affiliates	933	-1,031
Other	24
Changes in operating assets and liabilities before effects of business combinations:
Accounts receivable	36,357	-3,764
Inventories	-14,160	-21,422
Derivative financial instruments	2,062	-127,314
Prepaid expenses and other assets	7,982	2,305
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-99,152	2,804
Income taxes payable	-1,388	2
Unearned revenues	-282	11,625
Other	366	814
Net cash used by operating activities	-45,778	-50,216
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-14,332	-14,777
Distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated subsidiaries	-334	12
Net cash used by investing activities	-14,666	-14,765
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	39,800	127,842
Payments of principal on long-term debt	-41,043	-88,848
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	775,744	802,174
Payments on short-term borrowings	-746,280	-845,244
Payments of cash dividends	-3,032	-1,396
Change in restricted cash	15,095	4,101
Payments of loan fees	-57	-37
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	606	1,396
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	40,833	-12
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-19,611	-64,993
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	425,510	272,027
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	405,899	207,034
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow:
Cash paid for income taxes	3,558	547
Cash paid for interest	5,914	7,990
Supplemental investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued for conversion of 5.75% Notes		$89,950

Basis_Of_Presentation_Descript

Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION, DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	References to the Company
	References to “Green Plains” or the “Company” in the consolidated financial statements and in these notes to the consolidated financial statements refer to Green Plains Inc., an Iowa corporation, and its subsidiaries.
	Consolidated Financial Statements
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on a consolidated basis for reporting purposes. Unconsolidated entities are included in the financial statements on an equity basis. Results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire year.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	The unaudited financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. The adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, except as otherwise noted.
	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that it believes are proper and reasonable under the circumstances. The Company regularly evaluates the appropriateness of estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies, including but not limited to those relating to revenue recognition, depreciation of property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, derivative financial instruments, and accounting for income taxes, are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
	Description of Business
	Green Plains is North America’s fourth largest ethanol producer. The Company operates its business within four segments: (1) production of ethanol and distillers grains, collectively referred to as ethanol production, (2) corn oil production, (3) grain handling and storage and cattle feedlot operations, collectively referred to as agribusiness, and (4) marketing, merchant trading and logistics services for Company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities, and the operation of fuel terminals, collectively referred to as marketing and distribution. The Company also is a partner in a joint venture to commercialize advanced technologies for the growing and harvesting of algal biomass.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are satisfied: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; risk of loss and title transfer to the customer; the price is fixed and determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured.
	For sales of ethanol, distillers grains and other commodities by the Company’s marketing business, revenue is recognized when title to the product and risk of loss transfer to an external customer. Revenues related to marketing operations for third parties are recorded on a gross basis as the Company takes title to the product and assumes risk of loss. Unearned revenue is reflected on the consolidated balance sheets for goods in transit for which the Company has received payment and title has not been transferred to the customer. Revenues from the Company’s fuel terminal operations, which include ethanol transload services, are recognized when these services are completed.
	The Company routinely enters into fixed-price, physical-delivery ethanol sales agreements. In certain instances, the Company intends to settle the transaction by open market purchases of ethanol rather than by delivery from its own production. These transactions are reported net as a component of revenues. Revenues also include realized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments, ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges, and reclassifications of realized gains and losses on effective cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
	Sales of agricultural commodities, including cattle, are recognized when title to the product and risk of loss transfer to the customer, which is dependent on the agreed upon sales terms with the customer. These sales terms provide for passage of title either at the time shipment is made or at the time the commodity has been delivered to its destination and final weights, grades and settlement prices have been agreed upon with the customer. Revenues related to grain merchandising are presented gross in the statements of operations with amounts billed for shipping and handling included in revenues and also as a component of cost of goods sold. Revenues from grain storage are recognized as services are rendered.
	Cost of Goods Sold
	Cost of goods sold includes costs for direct labor, materials and certain plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in the operation of the Company’s ethanol plants. Grain purchasing and receiving costs, other than labor costs for grain buyers and scale operators, are also included in cost of goods sold. Direct materials consist of the costs of corn feedstock, denaturant, and process chemicals. Corn feedstock costs include unrealized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments not designated as cash flow hedges, inbound freight charges, inspection costs and transfer costs. Corn feedstock costs also include realized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments, ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges, and reclassifications of realized gains and losses on effective cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Plant overhead costs primarily consist of plant utilities, plant depreciation and outbound freight charges. Shipping costs incurred directly by the Company, including railcar lease costs, are also reflected in cost of goods sold.
	The Company uses exchange-traded futures and options contracts to minimize the effects of changes in the prices of agricultural commodities on its agribusiness segment’s grain and cattle inventories and forward purchase and sales contracts. Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued at quoted market prices. These contracts are predominantly settled in cash. The Company is exposed to loss in the event of non-performance by the counter-party to forward purchase and forward sale contracts. Grain inventories held for sale, forward purchase contracts and forward sale contracts in the agribusiness segment are valued at market prices, where available, or other market quotes adjusted for differences, primarily transportation, between the exchange-traded market and the local markets on which the terms of the contracts are based. Changes in the fair value of grain inventories held for sale, forward purchase and sale contracts, and exchange-traded futures and options contracts in the agribusiness segment, are recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	To minimize the risk and the effects of the volatility of commodity price changes primarily related to corn, ethanol, cattle and natural gas, the Company uses various derivative financial instruments, including exchange-traded futures, and exchange-traded and over-the-counter options contracts. The Company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy. As such, the Company seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results. The Company may take hedging positions in these commodities as one way to mitigate risk. While the Company attempts to link its hedging activities to purchase and sales activities, there are situations in which these hedging activities can themselves result in losses.
	By using derivatives to hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, the Company has exposures on these derivatives to credit and market risk. The Company is exposed to credit risk that the counterparty might fail to fulfill its performance obligations under the terms of the derivative contract. The Company minimizes its credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties, limiting the amount of financial exposure it has with each counterparty and monitoring the financial condition of its counterparties. Market risk is the risk that the value of the financial instrument might be adversely affected by a change in commodity prices or interest rates. The Company manages market risk by incorporating monitoring parameters within its risk management strategy that limit the types of derivative instruments and derivative strategies the Company uses, and the degree of market risk that may be undertaken by the use of derivative instruments.
	The Company evaluates its contracts that involve physical delivery to determine whether they may qualify for the normal purchase or normal sale exemption and are expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Any contracts that do not meet the normal purchase or sale criteria are recorded at fair value with the change in fair value recorded in operating income unless the contracts qualify for, and the Company elects, hedge accounting treatment.
	Certain qualifying derivatives related to ethanol production and agribusiness segments are designated as cash flow hedges. Prior to entering into cash flow hedges, the Company evaluates the derivative instrument to ascertain its effectiveness. For cash flow hedges, any ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results, while other unrealized gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income until gains and losses from the underlying hedged transaction are realized. In the event that it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company would discontinue cash flow hedge treatment, which would affect earnings. These derivative financial instruments are recognized in current assets or other current liabilities at fair value.
	At times, the Company hedges its exposures to changes in the value of inventories and designates certain qualifying derivatives as fair value hedges. The carrying amount of the hedged inventory is adjusted through current period results for changes in the fair value arising from changes in underlying prices. Any ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results to the extent that the change in the fair value of the inventory is not offset by the change in the fair value of the derivative.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	The Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which replaces existing revenue recognition guidance by requiring revenue recognition to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Financial Accounting Standards Board has proposed deferral of required adoption of the amended guidance by one year, from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2018. Early application beginning January 1, 2017 would be permitted. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the updated standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
	Effective January 1, 2016, the Company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 835-30, Interest - Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amended guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The amendments will be applied on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented will be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	2.  FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES
	The following methods, assumptions and valuation techniques were used in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments:
	Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 1 unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivatives relate to exchange-traded open trade equity and option values in the Company’s brokerage accounts.
	Level 2 – directly or indirectly observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets other than quoted prices included within Level 1; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active; and other inputs that are observable or can be substantially corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Grain inventories held for sale in the agribusiness segment are valued at nearby futures values, plus or minus nearby basis levels.
	Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are a significant component of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The Company currently does not have any recurring Level 3 financial instruments.
	There have been no changes in valuation techniques and inputs used in measuring fair value. The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities by level (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Reclassification for Balance Sheet
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		Presentation		Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	405,899	$	-	$	-	$	405,899
	Restricted cash		14,647		-		-		14,647
	Margin deposits		28,631		-		-28,631		-
	Inventories carried at market		-		22,330		-		22,330
	Unrealized gains on derivatives		7,577		15,235		13,449		36,261
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	456,754	$	37,565	$	-15,182	$	479,137
	Liabilities:
	Unrealized losses on derivatives	$	11,354	$	12,436	$	-15,182	$	8,608
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	11,354	$	12,436	$	-15,182	$	8,608
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Reclassification for Balance Sheet
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		Presentation		Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	425,510	$	-	$	-	$	425,510
	Restricted cash		29,742		-		-		29,742
	Margin deposits		24,488		-		-24,488		-
	Inventories carried at market		-		36,411		-		36,411
	Unrealized gains on derivatives		11,877		18,111		6,359		36,347
	Other assets		118		3		-		121
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	491,735	$	54,525	$	-18,129	$	528,131
	Liabilities:
	Unrealized losses on derivatives	$	18,129	$	28,082	$	-18,129	$	28,082
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	18,129	$	28,082	$	-18,129	$	28,082
	The Company believes the fair value of its debt approximated $702.7 million compared to a book value of $700.2 million at March 31, 2015 and the fair value of its debt approximated $676.5 million compared to a book value of $672.8 million at December 31, 2014. The Company estimates the fair value of its outstanding debt using Level 2 inputs. The Company believes the fair values of its accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated book value, which were $101.7 million and $99.1 million, respectively, at March 31, 2015  and $138.1 million and $170.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014.
	Although the Company currently does not have any recurring Level 3 financial measurements, the fair values of the tangible assets and goodwill acquired and the equity component of convertible debt represent Level 3 measurements and were derived using a combination of the income approach, the market approach and the cost approach as considered appropriate for the specific assets or liabilities being valued.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	3.  SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Company management reviews financial and operating performance in the following four separate operating segments: (1) production of ethanol and distillers grains, collectively referred to as ethanol production, (2) corn oil production, (3) grain handling and storage and cattle feedlot operations, collectively referred to as agribusiness, and (4) marketing, merchant trading and logistics services for Company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities, and the operation of fuel terminals, collectively referred to as marketing and distribution. Selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily consisting of compensation of corporate employees, professional fees and overhead costs not directly related to a specific operating segment, are reflected in the table below as corporate activities.
	During the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions between segments. Examples of these intersegment transactions include, but are not limited to, the ethanol production segment selling ethanol to the marketing and distribution segment and the agribusiness segment selling grain to the ethanol production segment. These intersegment activities are recorded by each segment at prices approximating market and treated as if they are third-party transactions. Consequently, these transactions impact segment performance. However, revenues and corresponding costs are eliminated in consolidation and do not impact the Company’s consolidated results.
	The following tables set forth certain financial data for the Company’s operating segments (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues:
	Ethanol production:
	Revenues from external customers (1)	$	64,094		$	-27,431
	Intersegment revenues		352,859			565,803
	Total segment revenues		416,953			538,372
	Corn oil production:
	Revenues from external customers (1)		-13			7
	Intersegment revenues		16,809			16,384
	Total segment revenues		16,796			16,391
	Agribusiness:
	Revenues from external customers (1)		58,334			18,241
	Intersegment revenues		262,783			304,238
	Total segment revenues		321,117			322,479
	Marketing and distribution:
	Revenues from external customers (1)		615,973			743,072
	Intersegment revenues		39,375			33,465
	Total segment revenues		655,348			776,537
	Revenues including intersegment activity		1,410,214			1,653,779
	Intersegment eliminations		-671,826			-919,890
	Revenues as reported	$	738,388		$	733,889
		-1		Revenues from external customers include realized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Gross profit (loss):
	Ethanol production	$	-6,820		$	71,688
	Corn oil production		10,385			7,815
	Agribusiness		5,212			2,976
	Marketing and distribution		12,154			40,716
	Intersegment eliminations		4,624			-22,446
		$	25,555		$	100,749
	Operating income (loss):
	Ethanol production	$	-13,143		$	66,226
	Corn oil production		10,211			7,708
	Agribusiness		3,210			935
	Marketing and distribution		5,608			32,494
	Intersegment eliminations		4,684			-22,386
	Corporate activities		-6,466			-6,634
		$	4,104		$	78,343
	The following table sets forth revenues by product line (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues:
	Ethanol	$	444,301		$	530,039
	Distillers grains		109,388			136,992
	Corn oil		19,081			17,132
	Grain		99,086			29,201
	Cattle		45,191			-
	Other		21,341			20,525
		$	738,388		$	733,889
	The following table sets forth total assets by operating segment (in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Total assets:
	Ethanol production	$	898,762		$	983,289
	Corn oil production		32,975			31,405
Agribusiness		283,301			234,626
Marketing and distribution		234,055			305,675
Corporate assets		312,984			290,123
Intersegment eliminations		-11,422			-16,561
	$	1,750,655		$	1,828,557

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	4.  INVENTORIES
	Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market, except grain held for sale and fair value hedged inventories, which are valued at market value. The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Finished goods	$	53,137	$	34,639
	Grain held for sale		17,431		23,027
	Raw materials		67,459		78,095
	Work-in-process		110,257		100,221
	Supplies and parts		20,843		18,985
		$	269,127	$	254,967

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	5.  GOODWILL
	The Company did not have any changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, which was $40.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015. Goodwill of $30.3 million is attributable to the ethanol production segment and $10.6 million is attributable to the marketing and distribution segment.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	6.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	At March 31, 2015, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet reflects unrealized losses, net of tax, of $4.1 million in accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company expects that all of the unrealized losses at March 31, 2015 will be reclassified into operating income over the next 12 months as a result of hedged transactions that are forecasted to occur. The amount ultimately realized in operating income, however, will differ as commodity prices change.
	Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
	The following table provides information about the fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the line items on the consolidated balance sheets in which the fair values are reflected (in thousands):
			Asset Derivatives'						Liability Derivatives'
			Fair Value						Fair Value
			March 31,			December 31,			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014			2015			2014
	Derivative financial instruments (1)		$	7,630	-2	$	11,859	-3	$	-		$	-
	Other assets			-			3			-			-
	Accrued and other liabilities			-			-			8,608			28,082
	Total		$	7,630		$	11,862		$	8,608		$	28,082
	(1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $28.6 million and $24.5 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	(2) Balance at March 31, 2015  includes $3.5 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.
	(3)Balance at December 31, 2014 includes $0.6 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.
	Refer to Note 2 - Fair Value Disclosures, which also contains fair value information related to derivative financial instruments.
	Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
	The following tables provide information about gains or losses recognized in income and other comprehensive income on the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the line items in the consolidated financial statements in which such gains and losses are reflected (in thousands):
	Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not		Three Months Ended
			March 31,
	Designated in a Hedging Relationship		2015			2014
	Revenues		$	-4,484		$	18,250
	Cost of goods sold			-5,190			-1,163
	Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax		$	-9,674		$	17,087
	Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness		Three Months Ended
			March 31,
	of Cash Flow Hedges		2015			2014
	Revenues		$	-31		$	-346
	Cost of goods sold			-471			860
	Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax		$	-502		$	514
	Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated		Three Months Ended
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		March 31,
	into Net Income		2015			2014
	Revenues		$	11,849		$	-88,146
	Cost of goods sold			1,642			3,573
	Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax		$	13,491		$	-84,573
	Effective Portion of Cash Flow		Three Months Ended
	Hedges Recognized in		March 31,
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		2015			2014
	Commodity Contracts		$	15,463		$	-223,302
	Gains (Losses) from Fair Value		Three Months Ended
			March 31,
	Hedges of Inventory		2015			2014
	Cost of goods sold (effect of change in inventory value)		$	-1,368		$	3,146
	Cost of goods sold (effect of fair value hedge)			3,083			-2,778
	Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax		$	1,715		$	368
	There were no gains or losses due to the discontinuance of cash flow hedge or fair value hedge treatment during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	The following table summarizes volumes of open commodity derivative positions as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
	31-Mar-15
			Exchange Traded		Non-Exchange Traded
	Derivative Instruments		Net Long & (Short) (1)		Long (2)		(Short) (2)		Unit of Measure		Commodity
	Futures		-5,205						Bushels		Corn, Soybeans and Wheat
	Futures		15,475	-3					Bushels		Corn
	Futures		-8,200	-4					Bushels		Corn
	Futures		89,292						Gallons		Ethanol
	Futures		-31,374	-3					Gallons		Ethanol
	Futures		-2,253						mmBTU		Natural Gas
	Futures		-1,773	-4					mmBTU		Natural Gas
	Futures		2,000						Pounds		Cattle
	Futures		-9,600	-3					Pounds		Cattle
	Futures		-68						Pounds		Soybean Oil
	Options		11,903						Bushels		Corn, Soybeans and Wheat
	Options		4,039						Gallons		Ethanol
	Options		-37						Barrels		Crude Oil
Options		-58						mmBTU		Natural Gas
Options		-4,130						Pounds		Cattle
Forwards				23,333		-7,547		Bushels		Corn and Soybeans
Forwards				2,217		-160,208		Gallons		Ethanol
Forwards				109		-458		Tons		Distillers Grains
Forwards				3,552		-44,692		Pounds		Corn Oil
Forwards				16,113		-7,494		mmBTU		Natural Gas
	-1		Exchange traded futures and options are presented on a net long and (short) position basis. Options are presented on a delta-adjusted basis.
	-2		Non-exchange traded forwards are presented on a gross long and (short) position basis including both fixed-price and basis contracts.
	-3		Futures used for cash flow hedges.
	-4		Futures used for fair value hedges.
Energy trading contracts that do not involve physical delivery are presented net in revenues on the consolidated statements of operations. Included in revenues are net gains of $5.4 million and net losses of $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, on energy trading contracts.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	7.  DEBT
	The principal balances of the components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River:
	$62.5 million term loan	$	38,750	$	40,000
	Green Plains Holdings II:
	$46.8 million term loans		27,760		29,510
	$20.0 million revolving term loan		9,000		6,000
	Green Plains Obion:
	$37.4 million revolving term loan		27,400		27,400
	Economic development grant		1,133		1,156
	Green Plains Processing:
	$225.0 million term loan		213,213		213,775
	Green Plains Superior:
	$15.6 million revolving term loan		14,425		15,025
	Corporate:
	$120.0 million convertible notes		101,947		100,845
	Other		27,215		29,194
	Total long-term debt		460,843		462,905
	Less: current portion of long-term debt		-62,220		-63,465
	Long-term debt	$	398,623	$	399,440
	Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at March 31, 2015 included working capital revolvers at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plains Grain and Green Plains Trade with outstanding balances of $87.9 million, $93.0 million and $58.4 million, respectively. Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at December 31, 2014 included working capital revolvers at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plains Grain and Green Plains Trade with outstanding balances of $77.0 million, $37.0 million and $95.9 million, respectively.
	Ethanol Production Segment
	Term Loans
	Scheduled principal payments are as follows:
	•	Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains
		Wood River	$1.3 million per quarter
	•	Green Plains Holdings II	$1.8 million per quarter
	•	Green Plains Processing	$0.6 million per quarter
	Final maturity dates (at the latest) are as follows:
	•	Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains
		Wood River	27-Nov-15
	•	Green Plains Holdings II	1-Jul-19
	•	Green Plains Processing	30-Jun-20
	Revolving Term Loans – The revolving term loans are generally available for advances throughout the life of the commitment. Allowable advances under the Green Plains Superior loan agreement are reduced by $0.6 million each quarter commencing on October 20, 2014. Allowable advances under the Green Plains Obion loan agreement are reduced by $0.8 million each quarter commencing on August 20, 2014. Interest-only payments are due each month on all revolving term loans until their final respective maturity dates.
	Final maturity dates (at the latest) are as follows:
	•	Green Plains Holdings II	1-Jul-19
	•	Green Plains Obion	20-May-20
	•	Green Plains Superior	20-Oct-19
	Allowable dividends and other non-overhead distributions from each respective subsidiary are subject to certain additional restrictions including compliance with all loan covenants, terms and conditions, as follows:
	•	Green Plains Fairmont and	Up to amounts equal to permitted tax distributions, as defined in the
		Green Plains Wood River	loan agreement
	•	Green Plains Holdings II	Up to 40% of net profit before tax, and unlimited if working capital is greater
			than or equal to $20.0 million
	•	Green Plains Obion	Up to 40% of net profit before tax, and unlimited if working capital is greater
			than or equal to $15.0 million
	•	Green Plains Processing	Amounts may be distributed after quarterly free cash flow payment is made,
			subject to certain limitations, as defined in the loan agreement
	•	Green Plains Superior	Up to 40% of net profit before tax, and unlimited after free cash flow payment
			is made
	Effective February 1, 2015, the Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River $62.5 million term loan was amended to modify various financial covenants. The descriptions and covenants above reflect the most recent amendment.
	Agribusiness Segment
	Green Plains Grain has a $125.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with various lenders to provide for working capital financing. The lenders will make loans up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral. The amount of eligible collateral is determined by a calculated borrowing base value equal to the sum of percentages of eligible cash, eligible receivables and eligible inventories, less certain miscellaneous adjustments. Advances are subject to interest charges at a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin or the base rate plus the applicable margin. The revolving credit facility matures on August 26, 2016. The revolving credit facility includes total revolving credit commitments of $125.0 million and an accordion feature whereby amounts available under the facility may be increased by up to $75.0 million of new lender commitments upon agent approval. The facility also allows for additional seasonal borrowings up to $50.0 million. The total commitments outstanding under the facility cannot exceed $250.0 million. As security for the revolving credit facility, the lender received a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable and other assets owned by subsidiaries within the agribusiness segment. The loan agreement includes affirmative covenants and negative covenants including maintenance of working capital of $18.0 million, maintenance of net worth of $26.3 million, maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00, maintenance of an annual leverage ratio of 6.00 to 1.00 and capital expenditure limitation of $15.0 million annually. In addition to other customary covenants, this revolving credit facility contains restrictions on distributions with respect to capital stock, with exceptions for distributions of up to 40% of net profit before tax, subject to certain conditions.
	Green Plains Cattle has a $100.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with various lenders to provide for working capital financing for the cattle feedlot operations. The lenders will make loans up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral. The amount of eligible collateral is determined by a calculated borrowing base value equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables, eligible inventories and eligible other current assets, less certain miscellaneous adjustments. Advances are subject to interest charges at a variable rate per annum equal to the LIBOR rate for the outstanding period plus 3.00%,  2.50%, or 2.00%, depending upon availability.  The revolving credit facility matures on October 31, 2017. The revolving credit facility includes total revolving credit commitments of $100.0 million and an accordion feature whereby amounts available under the facility may be increased by up to $50.0 million of new lender commitments upon agent approval. The loan agreement includes affirmative covenants and negative covenants including maintenance of working capital of $15.0 million, maintenance of net worth of $20.0 million plus 50% of prior year net income, maintenance of an annual leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 and capital expenditure limitation of $3.0 million annually. As security for the revolving credit facility, the lender received a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable, property and equipment and other assets owned by Green Plains Cattle.
	Marketing and Distribution Segment
	Green Plains Trade has a $150.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with various lenders to provide for working capital financing. The lenders will make loans up to $150.0 million based on eligible collateral. The amount of eligible collateral is determined by a calculated borrowing base value equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables and eligible inventories, less certain miscellaneous adjustments. The outstanding balance, if any, is subject to interest charges at the lender’s floating base rate plus the applicable margin or LIBOR plus the applicable margin. The revolving credit facility matures on November 26, 2019. In addition to other customary covenants, this revolving credit facility contains restrictions on distributions with respect to capital stock, with exceptions for distributions with respect to tax obligations, subject to certain conditions, whereby distributions may be made in an amount up to 50% of net income if (a) undrawn availability under this facility, on a pro forma basis, is greater than $10.0 million for the preceding 30 days and (b) as of the date of the distribution, the borrower would be in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio on a pro forma basis. The loan agreement includes affirmative covenants and negative covenants including maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15 to 1.00 and capital expenditure limitation of $1.0 million annually. At March 31, 2015, Green Plains Trade had $7.8 million presented as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets, the use of which was restricted for repayment towards the outstanding loan balance.
	Corporate Activities
	In September 2013, the Company issued $120.0 million of 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018, or the 3.25% Notes. The 3.25% Notes represent senior, unsecured obligations of the Company, with interest payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. At the time the Company issued the 3.25% Notes, it was only permitted to settle conversions with shares of its common stock. The Company received shareholder approval at its 2014 annual meeting, held in the second quarter, to allow for flexible settlement which gives it the option to settle conversions in cash, shares of common stock, or any combination thereof. The Company intends to satisfy conversion of the 3.25% Notes with cash for the principal amount of the debt and cash or shares of common stock for any related conversion premium. The 3.25% Notes contain liability and equity components which were bifurcated and accounted for separately. The liability component of the 3.25% Notes, as of the issuance date, was calculated by estimating the fair value of a similar liability issued at an 8.21% effective interest rate, which was determined by considering the rate of return investors would require for comparable debt of the Company without conversion rights. The amount of the equity component was calculated by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the principal amount of the 3.25% Notes, resulting in the initial recognition of $24.5 million as debt discount costs recorded in additional paid-in capital. The carrying amount of the 3.25% Notes will be accreted to the principal amount over the remaining term to maturity, and the Company will record a corresponding amount of noncash interest expense. Additionally, the Company incurred debt issuance costs of $5.1 million related to the 3.25% Notes and allocated $4.0 million of debt issuance costs to the liability component of the 3.25% Notes. These costs will be amortized to noncash interest expense over the five-year term of the 3.25% Notes. Prior to April 1, 2018, the 3.25% Notes will not be convertible unless certain conditions are satisfied. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including the payment of a quarterly cash dividend that exceeds $0.04 per share. As a result, the conversion rate was recently adjusted to 48.1383 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 3.25% Notes, which is equal to a current conversion price of approximately $20.77 per share. In addition, the Company may be obligated to increase the conversion rate for any conversion that occurs in connection with certain corporate events, including the Company calling the 3.25% Notes for redemption.
	The Company may redeem for cash all, but not less than all, of the 3.25% Notes at any time on or after October 1, 2016 if the sale price of the Company's common stock equals or exceeds 140% of the applicable conversion price for a specified time period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the date the Company delivers notice of the redemption. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the 3.25% Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, such as a change in control, holders of the 3.25% Notes will have the right, at their option, to require the Company to repurchase their 3.25% Notes in cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 3.25% Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Default with respect to any loan in excess of $10.0 million constitutes an event of default under the 3.25% Notes, which could result in the 3.25% Notes being declared due and payable.
	Covenant Compliance
	The Company, including all of its subsidiaries, was in compliance with its debt covenants as of March 31, 2015.
	Capitalized Interest
	The Company had $175 thousand in capitalized interest during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Restricted Net Assets
At March 31, 2015, there were approximately $633.4 million of net assets at the Company’s subsidiaries that were not available to be transferred to the parent company in the form of dividends, loans or advances due to restrictions contained in the credit facilities of these subsidiaries.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	8.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company has an equity incentive plan which reserves a total of 3.5 million shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to its terms. The plan provides for the granting of shares of stock, including options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights tied to the value of common stock, restricted stock, and restricted and deferred stock unit awards to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The Company measures share-based compensation grants at fair value on the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company records noncash compensation expense related to equity awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. Substantially all of the Company’s existing share-based compensation awards have been determined to be equity awards.
	The following table summarizes exercisable stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
		Shares	Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	339,750	$	10.82	3.1	$	4,763
	Granted	-		-	-		-
	Exercised	-31,000		19.88	-		265
	Forfeited	-		-	-		-
	Expired	-		-	-		-
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015	308,750	$	9.91	3.1	$	5,674
	Exercisable at March 31, 2015 (1)	308,750	$	9.91	3.1	$	5,674
	(1) Includes in-the-money options totaling 308,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $9.91.
	The Company’s option awards allow employees to exercise options through cash payment to the Company for the shares of common stock or through a simultaneous broker-assisted cashless exercise of a share option through which the employee authorizes the exercise of an option and the immediate sale of the option shares in the open market. The Company uses newly-issued shares of common stock to satisfy its share-based payment obligations.
	The following table summarizes non-vested stock award and deferred stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
		Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units	Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term
					(in years)
	Non-Vested at December 31, 2014	678,504	$	16.18
	Granted	426,219		26.50
	Forfeited	-		-
	Vested	-310,916		13.73
	Non-Vested at March 31, 2015	793,807	$	22.68	2.5
	Compensation costs expensed for share-based payment plans described above during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were approximately $1.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively. At March 31, 2015, there were $16.1 million of unrecognized compensation costs from share-based compensation arrangements, which are related to non-vested awards. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.5 years. The potential tax benefit realizable for the anticipated tax deductions of the exercise of share-based payment arrangements generally would approximate 37.4% of these expense amounts.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	9.  EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share, or EPS, is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income on an if-converted basis for the first quarter of 2014, with respect to the 3.25% Notes and the 5.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015, or the 5.75% Notes, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of any outstanding dilutive securities. All of the 5.75% Notes were retired during the first quarter of 2014. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company received shareholder approval to allow for flexible settlement in cash, shares of common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of common stock for the conversion of the 3.25% Notes. The Company intends to settle conversions in cash for the principal amount and cash or shares of the Company’s common stock for any related conversion premium. Accordingly, beginning in the second quarter of 2014, diluted EPS is computed using the treasury stock method by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of any outstanding dilutive securities. The calculations of basic and diluted EPS are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Basic EPS:
	Net income (loss)	$	-3,318	$	43,203
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		37,803		33,153
	EPS - basic	$	-0.09	$	1.30
	Diluted EPS:
	Net income (loss)	$	-3,318	$	43,203
	Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect:
	5.75% Notes		-		576
	3.25% Notes		-		1,379
	Net income (loss) - diluted	$	-3,318	$	45,158
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		37,803		33,153
	Effect of dilutive convertible debt:
	5.75% Notes		-		4,081
	3.25% Notes		-		5,756
	Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards		-		261
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		37,803		43,251
	EPS  - diluted	$	-0.09	$	1.04
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, 1.1 million shares related to stock-based compensation awards and 3.25% Notes were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as the inclusion of these shares would have been antidilutive. Also excluded from the computations of diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were stock-based compensation awards totaling 0.3 million shares, because the exercise prices or the grant-date fair value, as applicable, of the corresponding awards were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during the respective periods.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders Equity	10.  STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Components of stockholders’ equity are as follows (in thousands):
									Accumulated
					Additional				Other					Total
		Common Stock			Paid-in		Retained		Comprehensive		Treasury Stock			Stockholders'
		Shares	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Income (Loss)		Shares	Amount		Equity
	Balance, December 31, 2014	44,809	$	45	$	569,431	$	299,101	$	-5,320	7,200	$	-65,808	$	797,449
	Net loss	-		-		-		-3,318		-	-		-		-3,318
	Cash dividends declared	-		-		-		-3,032		-	-		-		-3,032
	Other comprehensive income,
	before reclassification	-		-		-		-		9,755	-		-		9,755
	Amounts reclassified from accum.
	other comprehensive income	-		-		-		-		-8,511	-		-		-8,511
	Other comprehensive income,
	net of tax	-		-		-		-		1,244	-		-		1,244
	Stock-based compensation	308		-		220		-		-	-		-		220
	Stock options exercised	31		-		606		-		-	-		-		606
	Balance, March 31, 2015	45,148	$	45	$	570,257	$	292,751	$	-4,076	7,200	$	-65,808	$	793,169
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Statements of Operations
		March 31,
		2015			2014			Classification
	Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
	Ethanol commodity derivatives	$	11,849		$	-88,146		Revenues
	Corn commodity derivatives		1,642			3,573		Cost of goods sold
	Total		13,491			-84,573		Income (loss) before income taxes
	Income tax expense (benefit)		4,980			-32,577		Income tax expense (benefit)
	Amounts reclassified from
	accumulated other comprehensive
	income (loss)	$	8,511		$	-51,996

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes
	11.  INCOME TAXES
	The Company records income tax expense or benefit during interim periods based on its best estimate of the annual effective tax rate. Certain items are given discrete period treatment and, as a result, the tax effects of such items are reported in full in the relevant interim period.
	Income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $2.4 million and income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $26.5 million. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to income before income taxes) was approximately 42.4% and 38.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate was due to comparable permanent deductions on lower amounts of income before taxes for the 2015 period compared to the 2014 period.
	The amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $0.3 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Recognition of these benefits would have a favorable impact on the Company’s effective tax rate.
	The 2015 annual effective tax rate can be affected as a result of variances among the estimates and amounts of full-year sources of taxable income (both among the various states and activity types), the realization of tax credits, adjustments that may arise from the resolution of tax matters under review, variances in the release of valuation allowances and the Company’s assessment of its liability for uncertain tax positions.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Operating Leases
	The Company leases certain facilities and parcels of land under agreements that expire at various dates. For accounting purposes, rent expense is based on a straight-line amortization of the total payments required over the lease term. The Company incurred lease expenses of $8.3 million and $6.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Aggregate minimum lease payments under these agreements for the remainder of 2015 and in future fiscal years are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31,	Amount
	2015	$	23,003
	2016		27,026
	2017		16,960
	2018		13,880
	2019		10,033
	Thereafter		8,928
	Total	$	99,830
	Commodities
	As of March 31, 2015 the Company had contracted for future purchases of grain, corn oil, natural gas, ethanol, distillers grains and cattle valued at approximately $282.8 million.
	Legal
	The Company is currently involved in litigation that has arisen in the ordinary course of business, but it does not believe that any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	Commercial Contracts
	Three subsidiaries of the Company have executed separate financing agreements for equipment with AXIS Capital Inc. Gordon F. Glade, President and Chief Executive Officer of AXIS Capital, is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. In March 2014, a subsidiary of the Company entered into $1.4 million of new equipment financing agreements with AXIS Capital with monthly payments beginning in April 2014. Totals of $1.2 million were included in debt at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, under these financing arrangements. Payments, including principal and interest, totaled $69 thousand and $37 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The weighted average interest rate for all financing agreements with AXIS Capital was 6.8%.
	Aircraft Lease
	Effective January 1, 2015, the Company entered into two agreements with an entity controlled by Wayne B. Hoovestol for the lease of two aircrafts. Mr. Hoovestol is Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. In total, the Company agreed to pay $9,766 per month for combined use of up to 125 hours per year of the aircrafts. Any flight time in excess of 125 hours per year will incur additional hourly-based charges. These agreements replaced prior agreements with entities controlled by Mr. Hoovestol for the lease of two aircrafts for $15,834 per month for use of up to 125 hours per year, with any flight time in excess of 125 hours resulting in additional hourly-based charges. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, payments related to these leases totaled $57 thousand and $30 thousand, respectively. The Company had approximately $6 thousand and $2 thousand in outstanding payables related to these agreements at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Basis_Of_Presentation_And_Desc

Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidated Financial Statements	Consolidated Financial Statements
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on a consolidated basis for reporting purposes. Unconsolidated entities are included in the financial statements on an equity basis. Results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire year.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	The unaudited financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. The adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, except as otherwise noted.
Use Of Estimates In The Preparation Of Consolidated Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that it believes are proper and reasonable under the circumstances. The Company regularly evaluates the appropriateness of estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies, including but not limited to those relating to revenue recognition, depreciation of property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, derivative financial instruments, and accounting for income taxes, are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Description Of Business	Description of Business
	Green Plains is North America’s fourth largest ethanol producer. The Company operates its business within four segments: (1) production of ethanol and distillers grains, collectively referred to as ethanol production, (2) corn oil production, (3) grain handling and storage and cattle feedlot operations, collectively referred to as agribusiness, and (4) marketing, merchant trading and logistics services for Company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities, and the operation of fuel terminals, collectively referred to as marketing and distribution. The Company also is a partner in a joint venture to commercialize advanced technologies for the growing and harvesting of algal biomass.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are satisfied: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; risk of loss and title transfer to the customer; the price is fixed and determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured.
	For sales of ethanol, distillers grains and other commodities by the Company’s marketing business, revenue is recognized when title to the product and risk of loss transfer to an external customer. Revenues related to marketing operations for third parties are recorded on a gross basis as the Company takes title to the product and assumes risk of loss. Unearned revenue is reflected on the consolidated balance sheets for goods in transit for which the Company has received payment and title has not been transferred to the customer. Revenues from the Company’s fuel terminal operations, which include ethanol transload services, are recognized when these services are completed.
	The Company routinely enters into fixed-price, physical-delivery ethanol sales agreements. In certain instances, the Company intends to settle the transaction by open market purchases of ethanol rather than by delivery from its own production. These transactions are reported net as a component of revenues. Revenues also include realized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments, ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges, and reclassifications of realized gains and losses on effective cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
	Sales of agricultural commodities, including cattle, are recognized when title to the product and risk of loss transfer to the customer, which is dependent on the agreed upon sales terms with the customer. These sales terms provide for passage of title either at the time shipment is made or at the time the commodity has been delivered to its destination and final weights, grades and settlement prices have been agreed upon with the customer. Revenues related to grain merchandising are presented gross in the statements of operations with amounts billed for shipping and handling included in revenues and also as a component of cost of goods sold. Revenues from grain storage are recognized as services are rendered.
Cost Of Goods Sold	Cost of Goods Sold
	Cost of goods sold includes costs for direct labor, materials and certain plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in the operation of the Company’s ethanol plants. Grain purchasing and receiving costs, other than labor costs for grain buyers and scale operators, are also included in cost of goods sold. Direct materials consist of the costs of corn feedstock, denaturant, and process chemicals. Corn feedstock costs include unrealized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments not designated as cash flow hedges, inbound freight charges, inspection costs and transfer costs. Corn feedstock costs also include realized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments, ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges, and reclassifications of realized gains and losses on effective cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Plant overhead costs primarily consist of plant utilities, plant depreciation and outbound freight charges. Shipping costs incurred directly by the Company, including railcar lease costs, are also reflected in cost of goods sold.
	The Company uses exchange-traded futures and options contracts to minimize the effects of changes in the prices of agricultural commodities on its agribusiness segment’s grain and cattle inventories and forward purchase and sales contracts. Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued at quoted market prices. These contracts are predominantly settled in cash. The Company is exposed to loss in the event of non-performance by the counter-party to forward purchase and forward sale contracts. Grain inventories held for sale, forward purchase contracts and forward sale contracts in the agribusiness segment are valued at market prices, where available, or other market quotes adjusted for differences, primarily transportation, between the exchange-traded market and the local markets on which the terms of the contracts are based. Changes in the fair value of grain inventories held for sale, forward purchase and sale contracts, and exchange-traded futures and options contracts in the agribusiness segment, are recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	To minimize the risk and the effects of the volatility of commodity price changes primarily related to corn, ethanol, cattle and natural gas, the Company uses various derivative financial instruments, including exchange-traded futures, and exchange-traded and over-the-counter options contracts. The Company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy. As such, the Company seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results. The Company may take hedging positions in these commodities as one way to mitigate risk. While the Company attempts to link its hedging activities to purchase and sales activities, there are situations in which these hedging activities can themselves result in losses.
	By using derivatives to hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, the Company has exposures on these derivatives to credit and market risk. The Company is exposed to credit risk that the counterparty might fail to fulfill its performance obligations under the terms of the derivative contract. The Company minimizes its credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties, limiting the amount of financial exposure it has with each counterparty and monitoring the financial condition of its counterparties. Market risk is the risk that the value of the financial instrument might be adversely affected by a change in commodity prices or interest rates. The Company manages market risk by incorporating monitoring parameters within its risk management strategy that limit the types of derivative instruments and derivative strategies the Company uses, and the degree of market risk that may be undertaken by the use of derivative instruments.
	The Company evaluates its contracts that involve physical delivery to determine whether they may qualify for the normal purchase or normal sale exemption and are expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Any contracts that do not meet the normal purchase or sale criteria are recorded at fair value with the change in fair value recorded in operating income unless the contracts qualify for, and the Company elects, hedge accounting treatment.
	Certain qualifying derivatives related to ethanol production and agribusiness segments are designated as cash flow hedges. Prior to entering into cash flow hedges, the Company evaluates the derivative instrument to ascertain its effectiveness. For cash flow hedges, any ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results, while other unrealized gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income until gains and losses from the underlying hedged transaction are realized. In the event that it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company would discontinue cash flow hedge treatment, which would affect earnings. These derivative financial instruments are recognized in current assets or other current liabilities at fair value.
	At times, the Company hedges its exposures to changes in the value of inventories and designates certain qualifying derivatives as fair value hedges. The carrying amount of the hedged inventory is adjusted through current period results for changes in the fair value arising from changes in underlying prices. Any ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results to the extent that the change in the fair value of the inventory is not offset by the change in the fair value of the derivative.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	The Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which replaces existing revenue recognition guidance by requiring revenue recognition to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Financial Accounting Standards Board has proposed deferral of required adoption of the amended guidance by one year, from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2018. Early application beginning January 1, 2017 would be permitted. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the updated standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
	Effective January 1, 2016, the Company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 835-30, Interest - Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amended guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The amendments will be applied on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented will be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance.

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Fair Value
		Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Reclassification for Balance Sheet
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		Presentation		Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	405,899	$	-	$	-	$	405,899
	Restricted cash		14,647		-		-		14,647
	Margin deposits		28,631		-		-28,631		-
	Inventories carried at market		-		22,330		-		22,330
	Unrealized gains on derivatives		7,577		15,235		13,449		36,261
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	456,754	$	37,565	$	-15,182	$	479,137
	Liabilities:
	Unrealized losses on derivatives	$	11,354	$	12,436	$	-15,182	$	8,608
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	11,354	$	12,436	$	-15,182	$	8,608
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Reclassification for Balance Sheet
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		Presentation		Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	425,510	$	-	$	-	$	425,510
	Restricted cash		29,742		-		-		29,742
	Margin deposits		24,488		-		-24,488		-
	Inventories carried at market		-		36,411		-		36,411
	Unrealized gains on derivatives		11,877		18,111		6,359		36,347
	Other assets		118		3		-		121
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	491,735	$	54,525	$	-18,129	$	528,131
	Liabilities:
	Unrealized losses on derivatives	$	18,129	$	28,082	$	-18,129	$	28,082
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	18,129	$	28,082	$	-18,129	$	28,082

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Summary Of Financial Data
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues:
	Ethanol production:
	Revenues from external customers (1)	$	64,094		$	-27,431
	Intersegment revenues		352,859			565,803
	Total segment revenues		416,953			538,372
	Corn oil production:
	Revenues from external customers (1)		-13			7
	Intersegment revenues		16,809			16,384
	Total segment revenues		16,796			16,391
	Agribusiness:
	Revenues from external customers (1)		58,334			18,241
	Intersegment revenues		262,783			304,238
	Total segment revenues		321,117			322,479
	Marketing and distribution:
	Revenues from external customers (1)		615,973			743,072
	Intersegment revenues		39,375			33,465
	Total segment revenues		655,348			776,537
	Revenues including intersegment activity		1,410,214			1,653,779
	Intersegment eliminations		-671,826			-919,890
	Revenues as reported	$	738,388		$	733,889
		-1		Revenues from external customers include realized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Gross profit (loss):
	Ethanol production	$	-6,820		$	71,688
	Corn oil production		10,385			7,815
	Agribusiness		5,212			2,976
	Marketing and distribution		12,154			40,716
	Intersegment eliminations		4,624			-22,446
		$	25,555		$	100,749
	Operating income (loss):
	Ethanol production	$	-13,143		$	66,226
	Corn oil production		10,211			7,708
	Agribusiness		3,210			935
	Marketing and distribution		5,608			32,494
	Intersegment eliminations		4,684			-22,386
	Corporate activities		-6,466			-6,634
		$	4,104		$	78,343
Schedule Of Revenues By Product
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues:
	Ethanol	$	444,301		$	530,039
	Distillers grains		109,388			136,992
	Corn oil		19,081			17,132
	Grain		99,086			29,201
	Cattle		45,191			-
	Other		21,341			20,525
		$	738,388		$	733,889
Summary Of Total Assets For Operating Segments
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Total assets:
	Ethanol production	$	898,762		$	983,289
	Corn oil production		32,975			31,405
	Agribusiness		283,301			234,626
	Marketing and distribution		234,055			305,675
	Corporate assets		312,984			290,123
	Intersegment eliminations		-11,422			-16,561
		$	1,750,655		$	1,828,557

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule Of Inventories
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Finished goods	$	53,137	$	34,639
	Grain held for sale		17,431		23,027
	Raw materials		67,459		78,095
	Work-in-process		110,257		100,221
	Supplies and parts		20,843		18,985
		$	269,127	$	254,967

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule Of Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments
			Asset Derivatives'						Liability Derivatives'
			Fair Value						Fair Value
			March 31,			December 31,			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014			2015			2014
	Derivative financial instruments (1)		$	7,630	-2	$	11,859	-3	$	-		$	-
	Other assets			-			3			-			-
	Accrued and other liabilities			-			-			8,608			28,082
	Total		$	7,630		$	11,862		$	8,608		$	28,082
	(1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $28.6 million and $24.5 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	(2) Balance at March 31, 2015  includes $3.5 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.
	(3)Balance at December 31, 2014 includes $0.6 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.
Schedule of Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Effective Portion of Cash Flow		Three Months Ended
	Hedges Recognized in		March 31,
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		2015			2014
	Commodity Contracts		$	15,463		$	-223,302
Schedule Of Gains (Losses) On Derivative Instruments Not Designated In Hedging Relationship [Member]
Schedule Of Gains (Losses) On Derivative Instruments Not Designated In Hedging Relationship
	Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not		Three Months Ended
			March 31,
	Designated in a Hedging Relationship		2015			2014
	Revenues		$	-4,484		$	18,250
	Cost of goods sold			-5,190			-1,163
	Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax		$	-9,674		$	17,087
Schedule Of Gain (Loss) Due To Ineffectiveness Of Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance
	Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness		Three Months Ended
			March 31,
	of Cash Flow Hedges		2015			2014
	Revenues		$	-31		$	-346
	Cost of goods sold			-471			860
	Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax		$	-502		$	514
Schedule Of Gains (Losses) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Into Net Income (Loss) [Member]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance
	Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated		Three Months Ended
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		March 31,
	into Net Income		2015			2014
	Revenues		$	11,849		$	-88,146
	Cost of goods sold			1,642			3,573
	Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax		$	13,491		$	-84,573
Schedule Of Gain (Loss) From Fair Value Hedges Of Inventory [Member]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance
	Gains (Losses) from Fair Value		Three Months Ended
			March 31,
	Hedges of Inventory		2015			2014
	Cost of goods sold (effect of change in inventory value)		$	-1,368		$	3,146
	Cost of goods sold (effect of fair value hedge)			3,083			-2,778
	Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax		$	1,715		$	368
Schedule Of Volumes of Open Commodity Derivative Positions [Member]
Schedule Of Open Positition Derivative Financial Instruments
	31-Mar-15
			Exchange Traded		Non-Exchange Traded
	Derivative Instruments		Net Long & (Short) (1)		Long (2)		(Short) (2)		Unit of Measure		Commodity
	Futures		-5,205						Bushels		Corn, Soybeans and Wheat
	Futures		15,475	-3					Bushels		Corn
	Futures		-8,200	-4					Bushels		Corn
	Futures		89,292						Gallons		Ethanol
	Futures		-31,374	-3					Gallons		Ethanol
	Futures		-2,253						mmBTU		Natural Gas
	Futures		-1,773	-4					mmBTU		Natural Gas
	Futures		2,000						Pounds		Cattle
	Futures		-9,600	-3					Pounds		Cattle
	Futures		-68						Pounds		Soybean Oil
	Options		11,903						Bushels		Corn, Soybeans and Wheat
	Options		4,039						Gallons		Ethanol
	Options		-37						Barrels		Crude Oil
	Options		-58						mmBTU		Natural Gas
	Options		-4,130						Pounds		Cattle
	Forwards				23,333		-7,547		Bushels		Corn and Soybeans
	Forwards				2,217		-160,208		Gallons		Ethanol
	Forwards				109		-458		Tons		Distillers Grains
	Forwards				3,552		-44,692		Pounds		Corn Oil
	Forwards				16,113		-7,494		mmBTU		Natural Gas
		-1		Exchange traded futures and options are presented on a net long and (short) position basis. Options are presented on a delta-adjusted basis.
		-2		Non-exchange traded forwards are presented on a gross long and (short) position basis including both fixed-price and basis contracts.
		-3		Futures used for cash flow hedges.
		-4		Futures used for fair value hedges.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule Of The Components Of Long-Term Debt
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River:
	$62.5 million term loan	$	38,750	$	40,000
	Green Plains Holdings II:
	$46.8 million term loans		27,760		29,510
	$20.0 million revolving term loan		9,000		6,000
	Green Plains Obion:
	$37.4 million revolving term loan		27,400		27,400
	Economic development grant		1,133		1,156
	Green Plains Processing:
	$225.0 million term loan		213,213		213,775
	Green Plains Superior:
	$15.6 million revolving term loan		14,425		15,025
	Corporate:
	$120.0 million convertible notes		101,947		100,845
	Other		27,215		29,194
	Total long-term debt		460,843		462,905
	Less: current portion of long-term debt		-62,220		-63,465
	Long-term debt	$	398,623	$	399,440
Schedule Of Allowable Dividends [Table text Block]
	•	Green Plains Fairmont and	Up to amounts equal to permitted tax distributions, as defined in the
		Green Plains Wood River	loan agreement
	•	Green Plains Holdings II	Up to 40% of net profit before tax, and unlimited if working capital is greater
			than or equal to $20.0 million
	•	Green Plains Obion	Up to 40% of net profit before tax, and unlimited if working capital is greater
			than or equal to $15.0 million
	•	Green Plains Processing	Amounts may be distributed after quarterly free cash flow payment is made,
			subject to certain limitations, as defined in the loan agreement
	•	Green Plains Superior	Up to 40% of net profit before tax, and unlimited after free cash flow payment
			is made
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule Of Principal Payments Of Long-Term Debt
	•	Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains
		Wood River	$1.3 million per quarter
	•	Green Plains Holdings II	$1.8 million per quarter
	•	Green Plains Processing	$0.6 million per quarter
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt
	•	Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains
		Wood River	27-Nov-15
	•	Green Plains Holdings II	1-Jul-19
	•	Green Plains Processing	30-Jun-20
Revolving Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt
	•	Green Plains Holdings II	1-Jul-19
	•	Green Plains Obion	20-May-20
	•	Green Plains Superior	20-Oct-19

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule Of Stock Option Activity
		Shares	Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	339,750	$	10.82	3.1	$	4,763
	Granted	-		-	-		-
	Exercised	-31,000		19.88	-		265
	Forfeited	-		-	-		-
	Expired	-		-	-		-
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015	308,750	$	9.91	3.1	$	5,674
	Exercisable at March 31, 2015 (1)	308,750	$	9.91	3.1	$	5,674
	(1) Includes in-the-money options totaling 308,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $9.91.
Schedule Of Non-Vested Stock Award And DSU Activity
		Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units	Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term
					(in years)
	Non-Vested at December 31, 2014	678,504	$	16.18
	Granted	426,219		26.50
	Forfeited	-		-
	Vested	-310,916		13.73
	Non-Vested at March 31, 2015	793,807	$	22.68	2.5

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Basic EPS:
	Net income (loss)	$	-3,318	$	43,203
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		37,803		33,153
	EPS - basic	$	-0.09	$	1.30
	Diluted EPS:
	Net income (loss)	$	-3,318	$	43,203
	Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect:
	5.75% Notes		-		576
	3.25% Notes		-		1,379
	Net income (loss) - diluted	$	-3,318	$	45,158
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		37,803		33,153
	Effect of dilutive convertible debt:
	5.75% Notes		-		4,081
	3.25% Notes		-		5,756
	Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards		-		261
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		37,803		43,251
	EPS  - diluted	$	-0.09	$	1.04

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders Equity
									Accumulated
					Additional				Other					Total
		Common Stock			Paid-in		Retained		Comprehensive		Treasury Stock			Stockholders'
		Shares	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Income (Loss)		Shares	Amount		Equity
	Balance, December 31, 2014	44,809	$	45	$	569,431	$	299,101	$	-5,320	7,200	$	-65,808	$	797,449
	Net loss	-		-		-		-3,318		-	-		-		-3,318
	Cash dividends declared	-		-		-		-3,032		-	-		-		-3,032
	Other comprehensive income,
	before reclassification	-		-		-		-		9,755	-		-		9,755
	Amounts reclassified from accum.
	other comprehensive income	-		-		-		-		-8,511	-		-		-8,511
	Other comprehensive income,
	net of tax	-		-		-		-		1,244	-		-		1,244
	Stock-based compensation	308		-		220		-		-	-		-		220
	Stock options exercised	31		-		606		-		-	-		-		606
	Balance, March 31, 2015	45,148	$	45	$	570,257	$	292,751	$	-4,076	7,200	$	-65,808	$	793,169
Reclassification Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		Three Months Ended						Statements of Operations
		March 31,
		2015			2014			Classification
	Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
	Ethanol commodity derivatives	$	11,849		$	-88,146		Revenues
	Corn commodity derivatives		1,642			3,573		Cost of goods sold
	Total		13,491			-84,573		Income (loss) before income taxes
	Income tax expense (benefit)		4,980			-32,577		Income tax expense (benefit)
	Amounts reclassified from
	accumulated other comprehensive
	income (loss)	$	8,511		$	-51,996

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Aggregate Minimum Lease Payments
	Year Ending December 31,	Amount
	2015	$	23,003
	2016		27,026
	2017		16,960
	2018		13,880
	2019		10,033
	Thereafter		8,928
	Total	$	99,830

Basis_Of_Presentation_And_Desc1

Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	segment
Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	4

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Narrati

Fair Value Disclosures (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of debt	$702.70	$676.50
Book Value Of Debt	700.2	672.8
Fair value of accounts receivable	101.7	138.1
Fair value of accounts payable	$99.10	$170.20

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Schedul

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$405,899	$425,510
Restricted cash	14,647	29,742
Inventories carried at market	22,330	36,411
Unrealized gains on derivatives	36,261	36,347
Other assets		121
Total assets measured at fair value	479,137	528,131
Liabilities
Unrealized losses on derivatives	8,608	28,082
Total liabilities measured at fair value	8,608	28,082
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	405,899	425,510
Restricted cash	14,647	29,742
Margin deposits	28,631	24,488
Unrealized gains on derivatives	7,577	11,877
Other assets		118
Total assets measured at fair value	456,754	491,735
Liabilities
Unrealized losses on derivatives	11,354	18,129
Total liabilities measured at fair value	11,354	18,129
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets
Inventories carried at market	22,330	36,411
Unrealized gains on derivatives	15,235	18,111
Other assets		3
Total assets measured at fair value	37,565	54,525
Liabilities
Unrealized losses on derivatives	12,436	28,082
Total liabilities measured at fair value	12,436	28,082
Reclassification For Balance Sheet Presentation [Member]
Assets
Margin deposits	-28,631	-24,488
Unrealized gains on derivatives	13,449	6,359
Total assets measured at fair value	-15,182	-18,129
Liabilities
Unrealized losses on derivatives	-15,182	-18,129
Total liabilities measured at fair value	($15,182)	($18,129)

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	segment
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	4

Segment_Information_Summary_Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Financial Data) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$738,388		$733,889
Gross profit (loss)	25,555		100,749
Operating income (loss)	4,104		78,343
Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	738,388		733,889
Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,410,214		1,653,779
Ethanol Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit (loss)	-6,820		71,688
Operating income (loss)	-13,143		66,226
Ethanol Production [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	64,094	[1]	-27,431	[1]
Ethanol Production [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	352,859		565,803
Ethanol Production [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	416,953		538,372
Corn Oil Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit (loss)	10,385		7,815
Operating income (loss)	10,211		7,708
Corn Oil Production [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	-13	[1]	7	[1]
Corn Oil Production [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	16,809		16,384
Corn Oil Production [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	16,796		16,391
Agribusiness [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit (loss)	5,212		2,976
Operating income (loss)	3,210		935
Agribusiness [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	58,334	[1]	18,241	[1]
Agribusiness [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	262,783		304,238
Agribusiness [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	321,117		322,479
Marketing And Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit (loss)	12,154		40,716
Operating income (loss)	5,608		32,494
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	615,973	[1]	743,072	[1]
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	39,375		33,465
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	655,348		776,537
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit (loss)	4,624		-22,446
Operating income (loss)	4,684		-22,386
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	-671,826		-919,890
Corporate Activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	($6,466)		($6,634)
[1]	Revenues from external customers include realized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments.

Segment_Information_Schedule_O

Segment Information (Schedule Of Revenues By Product) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$738,388	$733,889
Ethanol [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	444,301	530,039
Distillers Grains [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	109,388	136,992
Corn Oil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	19,081	17,132
Grain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	99,086	29,201
Cattle [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	45,191
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$21,341	$20,525

Segment_Information_Summary_Of1

Segment Information (Summary Of Total Assets For Operating Segments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$1,750,655	$1,828,557
Ethanol Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	898,762	983,289
Corn Oil Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	32,975	31,405
Agribusiness [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	283,301	234,626
Marketing And Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	234,055	305,675
Corporate Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	312,984	290,123
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	($11,422)	($16,561)

Inventories_Schedule_Of_Invent

Inventories (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$53,137	$34,639
Grain held for sale	17,431	23,027
Raw materials	67,459	78,095
Work-in-process	110,257	100,221
Supplies and parts	20,843	18,985
Inventories	$269,127	$254,967

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$40,877	$40,877
Ethanol Production [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	30,300
Marketing And Distribution [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$10,600

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($4,076,000)		($5,320,000)
Energy Trading Contracts, gain or loss	$5,400,000	($1,100,000)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	$7,630,000		$11,862,000
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	8,608,000		28,082,000
Margin deposit asset	28,600,000		24,500,000
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	3,500,000		600,000
Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	7,630,000	[1],[2]	11,859,000	[1],[3]
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value			3,000
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value
Accrued And Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	$8,608,000		$28,082,000
[1]	Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $28.6 million and $24.5 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
[2]	Balance at March 31, 2015 includes $3.5 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.
[3]	Balance at December 31, 2014 includes $0.6 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Gain Or Loss Recognized In Income And Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	($9,674)	$17,087
Gain (Loss) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	-502	514
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	13,491	-84,573
Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax	1,715	368
Revenue [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	-4,484	18,250
Gain (Loss) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	-31	-346
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	11,849	-88,146
Cost Of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	-5,190	-1,163
Gain (Loss) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	-471	860
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	1,642	3,573
Cost of Goods Sold (Effect of Change in Inventory Value) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value hedge effect of change in inventory value	-1,368	3,146
Cost of Goods Sold (Effect of Fair Value Hedge) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effect of fair value hedge	$3,083	($2,778)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments (Commodity Contracts) (Details) (Commodity Contracts [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$15,463	($223,302)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen6

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Volumes Of Open Commodity Derivative Positions) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015
	contract
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn, Soybeans And Wheat In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-5,205,000	[1]
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn In Bushels [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	15,475,000	[1],[2]
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn In Bushels [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-8,200,000	[1],[3]
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	89,292,000	[1]
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-31,374,000	[1],[2]
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-2,253,000	[1]
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-1,773,000	[1],[3]
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Cattle [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	2,000,000	[1]
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Cattle [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-9,600,000	[1],[2]
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Soybean Oil [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-68,000	[1]
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn, Soybeans And Wheat In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	11,903,000	[1]
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	4,039,000	[1]
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Crude Oil In Barrels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-37,000	[1]
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-58,000	[1]
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Cattle [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-4,130,000	[1]
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	2,217,000	[4]
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	16,113,000	[4]
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Corn And Soybeans In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	23,333,000	[4]
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Distillers Grains In Tons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	109,000	[4]
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Corn Oil in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	3,552,000	[4]
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-160,208,000	[4]
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-7,494,000	[4]
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Corn And Soybeans In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-7,547,000	[4]
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Distillers Grains In Tons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-458,000	[4]
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Corn Oil in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	-44,692,000	[4]
[1]	Exchange traded futures and options are presented on a net long and (short) position basis. Options are presented on a delta-adjusted basis.
[2]	Futures used for cash flow hedges.
[3]	Futures used for fair value hedges.
[4]	Non-exchange traded forwards are presented on a gross long and (short) position basis including both fixed-price and basis contracts.

Debt_Schedule_Of_The_Component

Debt (Schedule Of The Components Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$460,843,000	$462,905,000
Less: current portion of long-term debt	-62,220,000	-63,465,000
Long-term debt	398,623,000	399,440,000
Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	38,750,000	40,000,000
Debt instrument amount	62,500,000
Green Plains Holdings II [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	27,760,000	29,510,000
Debt instrument amount	46,800,000
Green Plains Holdings II [Member] | Revolving Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	9,000,000	6,000,000
Debt instrument amount	20,000,000
Green Plains Obion [Member] | Revolving Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	27,400,000	27,400,000
Debt instrument amount	37,400,000
Green Plains Obion [Member] | Economic Development Grant [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	1,133,000	1,156,000
Green Plains Processing [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	213,213,000	213,775,000
Debt instrument amount	225,000,000
Green Plains Superior [Member] | Revolving Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	14,425,000	15,025,000
Debt instrument amount	15,600,000
Corporate [Member] | Convertible Notes 120M [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	101,947,000	100,845,000
Debt instrument amount	120,000,000
Other Debt Obligations [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$27,215,000	$29,194,000

Debt_Narrative_Ethanol_Product

Debt (Narrative - Ethanol Production Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$14,647,000	$29,742,000
Minimum Net Worth Required for Compliance	26,300,000
Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	87,900,000	77,000,000
Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument amount	62,500,000
Green Plains Holdings II [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Allowable Dividends As Percentage Of Net Profit Before Tax	40.00%
Minimum Working Capital Required For Compliance	20,000,000
Green Plains Holdings II [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument amount	46,800,000
Green Plains Holdings II [Member] | Revolving Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument amount	20,000,000
Green Plains Obion [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Allowable Dividends As Percentage Of Net Profit Before Tax	40.00%
Minimum Working Capital Required For Compliance	15,000,000
Green Plains Obion [Member] | Revolving Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument amount	37,400,000
Green Plains Superior [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Allowable Dividends As Percentage Of Net Profit Before Tax	40.00%
Green Plains Superior [Member] | Revolving Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument amount	15,600,000
Green Plains Processing [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument amount	225,000,000
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument amount	62,500,000
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Green Plains Obion [Member] | Revolving Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Allowable advances decrease	800,000
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Green Plains Superior [Member] | Revolving Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Allowable advances decrease	$600,000

Debt_Schedule_Of_Principal_Pay

Debt (Schedule Of Principal Payments Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (Term Loan [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Scheduled principal payments, periodic	$1.30
Green Plains Holdings II [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Scheduled principal payments, periodic	1.8
Green Plains Processing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Scheduled principal payments, periodic	$0.60

Debt_Narrative_Agribusiness_Se

Debt (Narrative - Agribusiness Segment, Marketing And Distribution Segment, Corporate Activities, Capitalized Interest, And Restricted Net Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Common stock issued for conversion of 5.75% Notes		$89,950,000
Capitalized interest	175,000
Minimum Net Worth Required for Compliance	26,300,000
Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	93,000,000		37,000,000
Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	87,900,000		77,000,000
Interest rate added to LIBOR or lender's commercial floating rate	2.50%
Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolvers [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to LIBOR or lender's commercial floating rate	3.00%
Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolvers [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate added to LIBOR or lender's commercial floating rate	2.00%
Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	58,400,000		95,900,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual Leverage Ratio	6
Annual Capital Expenditures, Maximum	15,000,000
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.25
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	250,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	250,000,000
Minimum Working Capital Required For Compliance	18,000,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Seasonal Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	50,000,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Allowable Dividends As Percentage Of Net Profit Before Tax	40.00%
Debt instrument amount	125,000,000
Debt maturity dates	26-Aug-16
Additional amounts available under facility	75,000,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual Leverage Ratio	3.5
Percentage Of Net Income Added To Base Net Worth Compliance Limit	50.00%
Annual Capital Expenditures, Maximum	3,000,000
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	100,000,000
Minimum Net Worth Required for Compliance	20,000,000
Minimum Working Capital Required For Compliance	15,000,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional amounts available under facility	50,000,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument amount	100,000,000
Marketing And Distribution Segment [Member] | Green Plains Trade [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual Capital Expenditures, Maximum	1,000,000
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.15
Undrawn Availability of Revolving Credit Facility On A ProForma Basis	10,000,000
Allowable Dividends As Percentage Of Net Profit Before Tax	50.00%
Marketing And Distribution Segment [Member] | Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restricted cash	7,800,000
Marketing And Distribution Segment [Member] | Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	150,000,000
Revolving credit facility expiration date	26-Nov-19
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	150,000,000
Corporate Activities [Member] | 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs Assigned To Liability	4,000,000
Convertible Debt Cross Default Threshold	10,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage	8.21%
Debt instrument amount	120,000,000
Debt instrument stated percentage	3.25%
Debt conversion amount	1,000
Common stock for conversion of 5.75% Notes, shares	48.1383
Debt conversion price	$20.77
Conversion price percentage	140.00%
Principal amount of notes, percentage	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	8.21%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	24,500,000
Debt Issuance Cost	5,100,000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$0.04
Restricted Net Assets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restricted assets	$633,400,000

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of shares authorized	3.5
Compensation costs expensed	$1.70	$3.30
Unrecognized compensation costs	$16.10
Compensation expected to be recognized, weighted-average period in years	2 years 6 months
Potential tax benefit, percentage	37.40%

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014, Shares	339,750
Outstanding at December 31, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$10.82
Outstanding at December 31, 2014, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 1 month 6 days		3 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding at December 31, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$4,763
Exercised, Shares	-31,000
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise price	$19.88
Exercised, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	265
Outstanding at March 31, 2015, Shares	308,750		339,750
Outstanding at March 31, 2015, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.91		$10.82
Outstanding at March 31, 2015, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual	3 years 1 month 6 days		3 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding at March 31, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	5,674		4,763
Exercisable at March 31, 2015, Shares	308,750	[1]
Exercisable at March 31, 2015, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.91	[1]
Exercisable at March 31, 2015, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual	3 years 1 month 6 days	[1]
Exercisable at March 31, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$5,674	[1]
In-the-money options, shares	308,750
In-the-money options, weighted-average exercise price	$9.91
[1]	Includes in-the-money options totaling 308,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $9.91.

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Vested Stock Award And DSU Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Nonvested at December 31, 2014, Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units	678,504
Nonvested at December 31, 2014, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$16.18
Granted, Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units	426,219
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$26.50
Vested, Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units	-310,916
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$13.73
Nonvested at March 31, 2015, Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units	793,807
Nonvested at March 31, 2015, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$22.68
Nonvested at March 31, 2015, Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term (in years)	2 years 6 months

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Out Of Money Stock Based Compensation Awards [Member]
Stock-based compensation awards excluded from computations of diluted EPS	0.3
Antidilutive Securities Net Loss Position Stock Based Compensation Awards [Member]
Stock-based compensation awards excluded from computations of diluted EPS	1.1

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_Of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net income (loss)	($3,318)	$43,203
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	37,803	33,153
Basic	($0.09)	$1.30
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains on an as-if-converted basis	-3,318	45,158
Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards		261
Total potential shares outstanding	37,803	43,251
Diluted	($0.09)	$1.04
3.25% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect		1,379
Effect of dilutive convertible debt		5,756
5.75% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect		$576
Effect of dilutive convertible debt		4,081

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_O

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule Of Stockholders' Equity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$797,449
Net income (loss)	-3,318	43,203
Cash dividends declared	-3,032
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	9,755
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-8,511
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,244	-85,291
Stock-based compensation	220
Stock options exercised, Shares	31,000
Stock options exercised	606
Ending balance	793,169
Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares	44,809,000
Beginning balance	45
Stock-based compensation, Shares	308,000
Stock options exercised, Shares	31,000
Ending balance, Shares	45,148,000
Ending balance	45
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	569,431
Stock-based compensation	220
Stock options exercised	606
Ending balance	570,257
Retained Earnings [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	299,101
Net income (loss)	-3,318
Cash dividends declared	-3,032
Ending balance	292,751
Accum. Other Comp. Income (Loss) [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-5,320
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	9,755
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-8,511
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,244
Ending balance	-4,076
Treasury Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares			7,200,000
Beginning balance			-65,808
Ending balance, Shares	7,200,000		7,200,000
Ending balance	($65,808)		($65,808)

Stockholders_Equity_Reclassifi

Stockholders Equity (Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	$13,491	($84,573)
Income tax expense (benefit)	-4,980	32,577
Gains Losses On Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	13,491	-84,573
Income tax expense (benefit)	4,980	-32,577
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	8,511	-51,996
Revenue [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	11,849	-88,146
Revenue [Member] | Gains Losses On Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	11,849	-88,146
Cost Of Goods Sold [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	1,642	3,573
Cost Of Goods Sold [Member] | Gains Losses On Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	$1,642	$3,573

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	($2,447,000)	$26,525,000
Effective tax rate	42.40%	38.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$300,000

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Lease expenses	$8.30	$6.60
Contracted future deliveries	$282.80

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2015	$23,003
2016	27,026
2017	16,960
2018	13,880
2019	10,033
Thereafter	8,928
Total	$99,830

Related_Party_Transactions_Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Outstanding accounts payable	$99,141,000		$170,199,000
AXIS Capital [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to Related Parties, Current	1,200,000
Outstanding note payable	1,400,000
Principal payments (plus interest)	69,000	37,000
Weighted average interest rate	6.80%
Hoovestol Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aircraft lease amount payable, per month	15,834
Aircraft hours available each month under lease	125
Aircraft Lease [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash payments	57,000	30,000
Outstanding accounts payable	6,000		2,000
Aircraft lease amount payable, per month	$9,766
Aircraft hours available each month under lease	125