Green Plains (GPRE) 10-Q 31 Jul 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jul. 28, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Entity Registrant Name	Green Plains Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,309,402
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,086,537
Trading Symbol	gpre

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 399,488	$ 425,510
Restricted cash	17,468	29,742
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,335 and $1,231, respectively	116,051	138,073
Income taxes receivable	12,541
Inventories	215,847	254,967
Prepaid expenses and other	13,672	18,776
Deferred income taxes		7,495
Derivative financial instruments	37,772	36,347
Total current assets	812,839	910,910
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $305,650 and $274,543, respectively	819,555	825,210
Goodwill	40,877	40,877
Other assets	52,957	51,560
Total assets	1,726,228	1,828,557
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	98,377	170,199
Accrued and other liabilities	32,438	61,118
Income taxes payable		2,907
Unearned revenue	8,593	3,965
Short-term notes payable and other borrowings	199,591	209,886
Current maturities of long-term debt	9,289	63,465
Current deferred income taxes	1,298
Total current liabilities	349,586	511,540
Long-term debt	443,555	399,440
Deferred income taxes	121,009	115,235
Other liabilities	4,865	4,893
Total liabilities	919,015	1,031,108
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 45,284,888 and 44,808,982 shares issued, and 38,084,888 and 37,608,982 shares outstanding, respectively	45	45
Additional paid-in capital	573,632	569,431
Retained earnings	297,498	299,101
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,846	(5,320)
Treasury stock, 7,200,000 shares	(65,808)	(65,808)
Total stockholders’ equity	807,213	797,449
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,726,228	$ 1,828,557

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 1,335	$ 1,231
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 305,650	$ 274,543
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	45,284,888	44,808,982
Common stock, shares outstanding	38,084,888	37,608,982
Treasury stock, shares	7,200,000	7,200,000

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 744,490	$ 837,858	$ 1,482,878	$ 1,571,747
Cost of goods sold	697,164	759,543	1,409,997	1,392,683
Gross profit	47,326	78,315	72,881	179,064
Selling, general and administrative expenses	22,924	19,369	44,375	41,774
Operating income	24,402	58,946	28,506	137,290
Other income (expense)
Interest income	210	143	430	255
Interest expense	(10,564)	(9,704)	(19,722)	(19,463)
Other, net	(1,034)	704	(1,965)	1,734
Total other income (expense)	(11,388)	(8,857)	(21,257)	(17,474)
Income before income taxes	13,014	50,089	7,249	119,816
Income tax expense	5,222	17,775	2,775	44,299
Net income	$ 7,792	$ 32,314	$ 4,474	$ 75,517
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 0.20	$ 0.86	$ 0.12	$ 2.14
Diluted	$ 0.19	$ 0.82	$ 0.11	$ 1.88
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	38,027	37,467	37,916	35,322
Diluted	40,075	39,359	39,565	41,308
Cash dividend declared per share	$ 0.08	$ 0.04	$ 0.16	$ 0.08

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 7,792	$ 32,314	$ 4,474	$ 75,517
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during period, net of tax (expense) benefit of $2,470, $(12,364), $(3,327) and $72,146, respectively	(4,108)	19,671	5,558	(119,121)
Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on derivatives, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(6,031), $(36,471), $(962) and $(67,543), respectively	10,030	58,020	1,608	111,521
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,922	77,691	7,166	(7,600)
Comprehensive income	$ 13,714	$ 110,005	$ 11,640	$ 67,917

Consolidated Statements Of Com6

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during period, tax (expense) benefit	$ 2,470	$ (12,364)	$ (3,327)	$ 72,146
Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on derivatives, tax expense (benefit)	$ (6,031)	$ (36,471)	$ (962)	$ (67,543)

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 4,474	$ 75,517
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	31,081	29,362
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	3,668	4,549
Deferred income taxes	11,323	9,463
Stock-based compensation	1,054	3,037
Undistributed equity in (income) loss of affiliates	2,159	871
Other	104	52
Changes in operating assets and liabilities before effects of business combinations:
Accounts receivable	21,918	(6,509)
Inventories	39,120	29,018
Derivative financial instruments	10,033	(26,232)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	5,220	1,599
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(100,228)	2,461
Current income taxes	(13,021)	24,035
Unearned revenues	4,628	2,854
Other	1,671	936
Net cash provided by operating activities	23,204	151,013
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(28,690)	(28,935)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		(23,900)
Distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated subsidiaries	(3,309)	(3,277)
Net cash used by investing activities	(31,999)	(56,112)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	178,400	443,767
Payments of principal on long-term debt	(188,744)	(419,699)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	1,568,129	1,782,974
Payments on short-term borrowings	(1,577,555)	(1,822,904)
Payments of cash dividends	(6,077)	(2,893)
Change in restricted cash	12,275	(12,084)
Payments of loan fees	(4,289)	(6,286)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	634	3,576
Net cash used by financing activities	(17,227)	(33,549)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(26,022)	61,352
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	425,510	272,027
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	399,488	333,379
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow:
Cash paid for income taxes	4,552	7,790
Cash paid for interest	$ 19,114	18,117
Supplemental investing and financing activities:
Assets acquired in acquisitions and mergers		25,611
Less: liabilities assumed		(1,711)
Net assets acquired		23,900
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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 energy commodity purchase and sale agreements. In certain instances, the Company intends to settle these transactions by transferring its obligations to other counterparties rather than by physical delivery. 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 approved 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 is 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 amended guidance 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. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 330, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . The amended guidance requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 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 $ $ - $ - $ Restricted cash - - Margin deposits - - Inventories carried at market - - Unrealized gains on derivatives Total assets measured at fair value $ $ $ $ Liabilities: Unrealized losses on derivatives $ $ $ $ Total liabilities measured at fair value $ $ $ $ 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 $ $ - $ - $ Restricted cash - - Margin deposits - - Inventories carried at market - - Unrealized gains on derivatives Other assets - Total assets measured at fair value $ $ $ $ Liabilities: Unrealized losses on derivatives $ $ $ $ Total liabilities measured at fair value $ $ $ $ The Company believes the fair value of its debt approxim ated $654.3 million compa red to a book va lue of $652.4 million at June 30, 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 $ 116.1 million and $ 98.4 million, respectively, at June 30, 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues: Ethanol production: Revenues from external customers (1) $ $ $ $ Intersegment revenues Total segment revenues Corn oil production: Revenues from external customers (1) - - Intersegment revenues Total segment revenues Agribusiness: Revenues from external customers (1) Intersegment revenues Total segment revenues Marketing and distribution: Revenues from external customers (1) Intersegment revenues Total segment revenues Revenues including intersegment activity Intersegment eliminations Revenues as reported $ $ $ $ (1) Revenues from external customers include realized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Gross profit (loss): Ethanol production $ $ $ $ Corn oil production Agribusiness Marketing and distribution Intersegment eliminations $ $ $ $ Operating income (loss): Ethanol production $ $ $ $ Corn oil production Agribusiness Marketing and distribution Intersegment eliminations Corporate activities $ $ $ $ The following table sets forth revenues by product line (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues: Ethanol $ $ $ $ Distillers grains Corn oil Grain Cattle Other $ $ $ $ The following table sets forth total assets by operating segment (in thousands): June 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Total assets: Ethanol production $ $ Corn oil production Agribusiness Marketing and distribution Corporate assets Intersegment eliminations $ $

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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): June 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Finished goods $ $ Grain held for sale Raw materials Work-in-process Supplies and parts $ $

Goodwill

Goodwill	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 six months ended June 30, 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 Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	6. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS At June 30, 2015 , the Company’s consolidated balance she et reflects unrealized gain s, net of tax, of $1.8 million in accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company expects that all of the unrealized gains at June 30, 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 June 30, December 31, June 30, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Derivative financial instruments (1) $ (2) $ (3) $ - $ - Other assets - - - Accrued and other liabilities - - Total $ $ $ $ (1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $ 15.0 million a n d $ 24.5 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. (2) Balance at June 30, 2015 i ncludes $ 1.2 million of net unrealized gains on deri vative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments. (3) Balance at December 31, 2014 includ es $ 0.6 million of net unrealized losses on deri vative 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 reflecte d (in thousands): Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Designated in a Hedging Relationship 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues $ $ $ $ Cost of goods sold Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ $ $ $ Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, of Cash Flow Hedges 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues $ $ $ $ Cost of goods sold Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ $ $ $ Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, into Net Income 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues $ $ $ $ Cost of goods sold Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ $ $ $ Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized in Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Commodity Contracts $ $ $ $ Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Hedges of Inventory 2015 2014 2015 2014 Cost of goods sold (effect of change in inventory value) $ $ $ $ Cost of goods sold (effect of fair value hedge) Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax $ $ $ $ There were no gains or losses due to the discontinuance of cash flow hedge or fair value hedge treatment during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . The following table summarizes volumes of open commodity derivative positions as of June 30, 2015 (in thousands): June 30, 2015 Exchange Traded Non-Exchange Traded Derivative Instruments Net Long & (Short) (1) Long (2) (Short) (2) Unit of Measure Commodity Futures Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat Futures (3) Bushels Corn Futures Gallons Ethanol Futures (3) Gallons Ethanol Futures mmBTU Natural Gas Futures (4) mmBTU Natural Gas Futures Pounds Cattle Futures (3) Pounds Cattle Futures Barrels Crude Oil Futures Pounds Soybean Oil Options Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat Options Gallons Ethanol Options Pounds Cattle Options Barrels Crude Oil Options Pounds Soybean Oil Options mmBTU Natural Gas Forwards Bushels Corn and Soybeans Forwards Gallons Ethanol Forwards Tons Distillers Grains Forwards Pounds Corn Oil Forwards 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 reve nues are net gain s of $2.4 million and $7.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, a nd net losses of $0.2 million and $1.3 million for th e thre e and six months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively, on energy trading contracts.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	7. DEBT The principal balances of the components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands): June 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River: $62.5 million term loan $ - $ Green Plains Holdings II: $46.8 million term loans - $20.0 million revolving term loan - Green Plains Obion: $37.4 million revolving term loan - Green Plains Processing: $345.0 million term loan Green Plains Superior: $15.6 million revolving term loan - Corporate: $120.0 million convertible notes Other Total long-term debt Less: current portion of long-term debt Long-term debt $ $ Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at June 30, 2015 included working capital revolvers at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plains Grain and Green Plains Trade with outstanding b alanc es of $81.4 million, $ 47.0 million and $ 71.2 million, respectively. Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at Decem ber 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 During the second quarter of 2015, Green Plains Processing LLC (“Green Plains Processing”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, amended its senior secured credit facility to increase the outstanding borrowings by $120.0 million. The proceeds were primarily used to refinance debt outstanding, with maturity dates ranging from November 2015 to May 2020, at certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (that are now subsidiaries of the Green Plains Processing), which include Green Plains Holdings II LLC, Green Plains Obion LLC, Green Plains Superior LLC, Green Plains Fairmont LLC and G reen Plains Wood River LLC, to pay fees and expenses in connection therewith and for general corporate purposes. The $345.0 million senior secured credit facility is guaranteed by the Company and each of the subsidiaries of Green Plains Processing , and secured by the stock and substan tially all of the assets of Green Plains Processing and its subsidiaries. The credit facility bears interest at a rate equal to 5.5% plus LIBOR, subject to a 1.0% floor . At June 30, 2015, the interest rate on this term debt was 6.5% . Commencing in the third quarter of 2015, scheduled principal payments are $0.9 million each quarter. The terms of the credit facility require the Borrower to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio at the end of each fiscal quarter of not more than 4.00 to 1.00, initially, decreasing to 3.25 to 1.00 over t he life of the credit facility. The terms of the credit f acility also require a minimum fixed charge coverage r atio of 1.25 to 1.00. The credit facility has a provision that requires the Company to make quarterly special payments of 50% to 75% of the available free cash flow from the entity’s operations subject to certain limitations. 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 e qual to the LIBOR rate plus 2.25% or the base rate plus 3.25% . The revolving cre dit facility matures on August 26, 2016 . The revolvi ng credit facility includes total revolving credit c ommitments 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 Green Plains Grain revolving credit facility, the lender s received a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable a nd other assets owned by subsidiaries within the agribusiness segme nt. The terms of the credit facility include various affirmative covenants and negative covenants , including maintenance of working capital of $19.4 million for 2015 and maintenance of tangible net worth of $26.3 million for 2015. The credit facility also includes a capital expenditure limitation of $8.0 million annually, plus any equity contributions from the Company and any unused amount from the previous year . In addition, the credit facility requires maintenance of a fixed charge coverage r atio at the end of each fiscal quarter of 1.25 to 1.00 and an annual leverage r atio at the end of each fiscal quarter of 6.00 to 1.00. T his revolving credit facility also contains restrictions on distributions with respect to capital stock, with exceptions for distributions of up to 40% of net profit bef ore 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 up on 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. As security for the Green Plains Cattle revolving credit facility, the lender s received a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable, property and equipment and other assets owned by Green Plains Cattle. The terms of the credit facility include affirmative covenants and negative covenants , including maintenance of working capital of $15.0 million for 2015, maintenance of net worth of $20. 3 million for 2015 and maintenance of a total debt to tangible net worth ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 . The credit facility also includes an annual capital expenditure limitation of $3.0 million , plus any unused amount from the previous year. 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 borro wing 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 June 30, 2015 , Green Plains Trade had $11.1 million pr esented as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet , 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 cond itions 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 t o 48.1992 s hares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 3.25% Notes, which is equal to a current conversion price of approxim ately $20.75 per shar e. 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 June 30, 2015 . Capitalized Interest The Compan y had $ 218 thousand and $393 thousand in capitalize d interest during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 . Restricted Net Assets At June 30, 2015 , there were approxim ately $ 701.5 million o f 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.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 six months ended June 30, 2015 : Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 $ 3.1 $ Granted - - - - Exercised - Forfeited - - - - Expired - - - - Outstanding at June 30, 2015 $ 2.8 $ Exercisable at June 30, 2015 (1) $ 2.8 $ (1) Includes in-the-money options tot aling 307,450 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $ 9.88 . 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 six months ended June 30, 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 $ Granted Forfeited - - Vested Non-Vested at June 30, 2015 $ 2.2 Compensation costs expensed for share-based payment plans described above during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were approxim ately $ 2.6 million and $4.3 million, respe cti vely, and during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 were appro ximately $ 1.2 million and $ 4.5 million, respectively. At June 30, 2015 , there were $ 15.0 million o f 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 approxim ately 2.2 years. The potential tax benefit realizable for the anticipated tax deductions of the exercise of share-based payment arrangements generally would approxim ate 37.5 % of these exp ense amounts.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Basic EPS: Net income $ $ $ $ Weighted average shares outstanding - basic EPS - basic $ $ $ $ Diluted EPS: Net income $ $ $ $ Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect: 5.75% Notes - - - 3.25% Notes - - - Net income - diluted $ $ $ $ Weighted average shares outstanding - basic Effect of dilutive convertible debt: 5.75% Notes - - - 3.25% Notes Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted EPS - diluted $ $ $ $ Excluded from the computations of diluted EPS for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were stock-based compensation awards totaling 6 thousand 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 sto ck during the period .

Stockholders Equity

Stockholders Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 $ $ $ $ $ $ Net income - - - - - - Cash dividends declared - - - - - - Other comprehensive income, before reclassification - - - - - - Amounts reclassified from accum. other comprehensive income - - - - - - Other comprehensive income, net of tax - - - - - - Stock-based compensation - - - - - Stock options exercised - - - - - Balance, June 30, 2015 $ $ $ $ $ $ Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Statements of Operations 2015 2014 2015 2014 Classification Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges: Ethanol commodity derivatives $ $ $ $ Revenues Corn commodity derivatives Cost of goods sold Total Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax expense (benefit) Income tax expense (benefit) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ $ $ $

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 t ax expense for th e three and six months ended June 30, 2015 was $ 5.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively, compared to $ 17.8 million and $44.3 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2014. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to income before income taxes) was approximately 40.1% and 38.3% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 respectively , and 35.5% and 37.0% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate was due to comparable permanent differences 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 June 30, 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 i s based on a straight-line amortization of the total payments required over the lease term. The Company incurred lease expen ses of $ 8.6 million and $16.9 million durin g the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respe ctively, and $4.6 million and $11.2 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively . Aggregate minimum lease payments under thes e agreements for the remainder of 2015 and in future fiscal years are as follows (in thousands): Year Ending December 31, Amount 2015 $ 2016 2017 2018 2019 Thereafter Total $ Commodities As of June 30, 2015 the Company had contracted for future purchases of grain, corn oil, natural gas, crude oil, ethanol, distillers grains and cattle valued at approxi mately $ 336.4 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 C ompany entered into $1.4 million of new equipment financing agreements with AXIS Capital with monthly payments beginning in April 2014. Totals of $ 1.1 million and $1.2 million were included in debt at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, under these financing arrangements. Payments, including principal and interest, totaled $ 69 thousand and $138 thousand during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, and $88 thousand and $124 thousand during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. The weighted average interest rate for the 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 i n additional hourly-based charges. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , payments related to these leases total ed $47 thousand and $104 thousand, respectiv ely , and during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, payments related to the aircraft lease tot aled $68 thousand and $ 99 thousand, respectively. Th e Company had no outstanding payables as of June 30, 2015 and approx imately $2 thousand in outs tanding payables related to these agreemen ts at December 31, 2014 .

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Initial Public Offering of Subsidiary On July 1, 2015, Green Plains Partners LP (the “Partnership”), a newly-formed subsidiary of the Company, closed its initial public offering (the “Offering”). In conjunction with the Offering, the Company contributed its downstream ethanol transportation and storage assets to the Partnership. A total of 11.5 million common units representing limited partner interests of the Partnership, which included 1.5 million common units pursuant to the underwriters’ overallotment option, were sold in the Offering at a price to the public of $15.00 per common unit. The Partnership received net proceeds of approximately $157.9 million from the Offering, after deducting the underwriting discount, structuring fees and offering expenses. The Partnership used the net proceeds to make a distribution to the Company of $155.3 million, pay origination fees under the Partnership’s new revolving credit facility and for general partnership purposes. After completion of the Offering, the Company, together with its subsidiaries, owns a 62.5% limited partner interest and a 2% general partner interest in the Partnership and the public owns the remaining 35.5% limited partner interest in the Partnership. As such, the Company will consolidate the Partnership in its financial statements in future periods. In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Partnership entered into a new $100.0 million revolving credit facility, as described below under Liquidity and Capital Resources – Initial Public Offering, and the Company entered into certain fee-based arrangements with the Partnership, as described in the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2015.

Basis Of Presentation And Descr

Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 energy commodity purchase and sale agreements. In certain instances, the Company intends to settle these transactions by transferring its obligations to other counterparties rather than by physical delivery. 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 approved 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 is 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 amended guidance 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. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 330, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . The amended guidance requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Fair Value	Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 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 $ $ - $ - $ Restricted cash - - Margin deposits - - Inventories carried at market - - Unrealized gains on derivatives Total assets measured at fair value $ $ $ $ Liabilities: Unrealized losses on derivatives $ $ $ $ Total liabilities measured at fair value $ $ $ $ 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 $ $ - $ - $ Restricted cash - - Margin deposits - - Inventories carried at market - - Unrealized gains on derivatives Other assets - Total assets measured at fair value $ $ $ $ Liabilities: Unrealized losses on derivatives $ $ $ $ Total liabilities measured at fair value $ $ $ $

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Summary Of Financial Data	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues: Ethanol production: Revenues from external customers (1) $ $ $ $ Intersegment revenues Total segment revenues Corn oil production: Revenues from external customers (1) - - Intersegment revenues Total segment revenues Agribusiness: Revenues from external customers (1) Intersegment revenues Total segment revenues Marketing and distribution: Revenues from external customers (1) Intersegment revenues Total segment revenues Revenues including intersegment activity Intersegment eliminations Revenues as reported $ $ $ $ (1) Revenues from external customers include realized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Gross profit (loss): Ethanol production $ $ $ $ Corn oil production Agribusiness Marketing and distribution Intersegment eliminations $ $ $ $ Operating income (loss): Ethanol production $ $ $ $ Corn oil production Agribusiness Marketing and distribution Intersegment eliminations Corporate activities $ $ $ $
Schedule Of Revenues By Product	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues: Ethanol $ $ $ $ Distillers grains Corn oil Grain Cattle Other $ $ $ $
Summary Of Total Assets For Operating Segments	June 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Total assets: Ethanol production $ $ Corn oil production Agribusiness Marketing and distribution Corporate assets Intersegment eliminations $ $

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule Of Inventories	June 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Finished goods $ $ Grain held for sale Raw materials Work-in-process Supplies and parts $ $

Derivative Financial Instrume26

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Schedule Of Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments	Asset Derivatives' Liability Derivatives' Fair Value Fair Value June 30, December 31, June 30, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Derivative financial instruments (1) $ (2) $ (3) $ - $ - Other assets - - - Accrued and other liabilities - - Total $ $ $ $ (1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $ 15.0 million a n d $ 24.5 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. (2) Balance at June 30, 2015 i ncludes $ 1.2 million of net unrealized gains on deri vative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments. (3) Balance at December 31, 2014 includ es $ 0.6 million of net unrealized losses on deri vative 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 Hedges Recognized in Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Commodity Contracts $ $ $ $
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 June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Designated in a Hedging Relationship 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues $ $ $ $ Cost of goods sold Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ $ $ $
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 June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, of Cash Flow Hedges 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues $ $ $ $ Cost of goods sold Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ $ $ $
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 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, into Net Income 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues $ $ $ $ Cost of goods sold Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ $ $ $
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 June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Hedges of Inventory 2015 2014 2015 2014 Cost of goods sold (effect of change in inventory value) $ $ $ $ Cost of goods sold (effect of fair value hedge) Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax $ $ $ $
Schedule Of Volumes of Open Commodity Derivative Positions [Member]
Schedule Of Open Position Derivative Financial Instruments	June 30, 2015 Exchange Traded Non-Exchange Traded Derivative Instruments Net Long & (Short) (1) Long (2) (Short) (2) Unit of Measure Commodity Futures Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat Futures (3) Bushels Corn Futures Gallons Ethanol Futures (3) Gallons Ethanol Futures mmBTU Natural Gas Futures (4) mmBTU Natural Gas Futures Pounds Cattle Futures (3) Pounds Cattle Futures Barrels Crude Oil Futures Pounds Soybean Oil Options Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat Options Gallons Ethanol Options Pounds Cattle Options Barrels Crude Oil Options Pounds Soybean Oil Options mmBTU Natural Gas Forwards Bushels Corn and Soybeans Forwards Gallons Ethanol Forwards Tons Distillers Grains Forwards Pounds Corn Oil Forwards 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule Of The Components Of Long-Term Debt	June 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River: $62.5 million term loan $ - $ Green Plains Holdings II: $46.8 million term loans - $20.0 million revolving term loan - Green Plains Obion: $37.4 million revolving term loan - Green Plains Processing: $345.0 million term loan Green Plains Superior: $15.6 million revolving term loan - Corporate: $120.0 million convertible notes Other Total long-term debt Less: current portion of long-term debt Long-term debt $ $

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 $ 3.1 $ Granted - - - - Exercised - Forfeited - - - - Expired - - - - Outstanding at June 30, 2015 $ 2.8 $ Exercisable at June 30, 2015 (1) $ 2.8 $ (1) Includes in-the-money options tot aling 307,450 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $ 9.88 .
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 $ Granted Forfeited - - Vested Non-Vested at June 30, 2015 $ 2.2

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Basic EPS: Net income $ $ $ $ Weighted average shares outstanding - basic EPS - basic $ $ $ $ Diluted EPS: Net income $ $ $ $ Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect: 5.75% Notes - - - 3.25% Notes - - - Net income - diluted $ $ $ $ Weighted average shares outstanding - basic Effect of dilutive convertible debt: 5.75% Notes - - - 3.25% Notes Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted EPS - diluted $ $ $ $

Stockholders Equity (Tables)

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 $ $ $ $ $ $ Net income - - - - - - Cash dividends declared - - - - - - Other comprehensive income, before reclassification - - - - - - Amounts reclassified from accum. other comprehensive income - - - - - - Other comprehensive income, net of tax - - - - - - Stock-based compensation - - - - - Stock options exercised - - - - - Balance, June 30, 2015 $ $ $ $ $ $
Reclassification Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Statements of Operations 2015 2014 2015 2014 Classification Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges: Ethanol commodity derivatives $ $ $ $ Revenues Corn commodity derivatives Cost of goods sold Total Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax expense (benefit) Income tax expense (benefit) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ $ $ $

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Aggregate Minimum Lease Payments	Year Ending December 31, Amount 2015 $ 2016 2017 2018 2019 Thereafter Total $

Basis Of Presentation And Des32

Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015segment
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 ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of debt	$ 654.3	$ 676.5
Book value of debt	652.4	672.8
Fair value of accounts receivable	116.1	138.1
Fair value of accounts payable	$ 98.4	$ 170.2

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedul

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 399,488	$ 425,510
Restricted cash	17,468	29,742
Inventories carried at market	13,979	36,411
Unrealized gains on derivatives	37,772	36,347
Other assets		121
Total assets measured at fair value	468,707	528,131
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	10,101	28,082
Total liabilities measured at fair value	10,101	28,082
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	399,488	425,510
Restricted cash	17,468	29,742
Margin deposits	15,037	24,488
Unrealized gains on derivatives	11,519	11,877
Other assets		118
Total assets measured at fair value	443,512	491,735
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	8,261	18,129
Total liabilities measured at fair value	8,261	18,129
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets:
Inventories carried at market	13,979	36,411
Unrealized gains on derivatives	21,968	18,111
Other assets		3
Total assets measured at fair value	35,947	54,525
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	12,592	28,082
Total liabilities measured at fair value	12,592	28,082
Reclassification for Balance Sheet Presentation [Member]
Assets:
Margin deposits	(15,037)	(24,488)
Unrealized gains on derivatives	4,285	6,359
Total assets measured at fair value	(10,752)	(18,129)
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	(10,752)	(18,129)
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$ (10,752)	$ (18,129)

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015segment
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	4

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Financial Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 744,490	$ 837,858	$ 1,482,878	$ 1,571,747
Gross profit (loss)		47,326	78,315	72,881	179,064
Operating income (loss)		24,402	58,946	28,506	137,290
Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		744,490	837,858	1,482,878	1,571,747
Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		1,469,921	1,843,479	2,880,135	3,497,258
Ethanol Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit (loss)		24,284	35,171	17,464	106,859
Operating income (loss)		18,230	30,111	5,087	96,337
Ethanol Production [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	38,856	(71,054)	102,950	(98,486)
Ethanol Production [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		411,582	603,529	764,441	1,169,332
Ethanol Production [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		450,438	532,475	867,391	1,070,846
Corn Oil Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit (loss)		9,625	10,931	20,010	18,746
Operating income (loss)		9,567	10,874	19,778	18,582
Corn Oil Production [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]		(7)	(13)
Corn Oil Production [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		17,027	20,381	33,836	36,765
Corn Oil Production [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		17,027	20,374	33,823	36,765
Agribusiness [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit (loss)		4,006	2,499	9,218	5,475
Operating income (loss)		2,258	1,269	5,468	2,205
Agribusiness [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	78,642	33,488	136,976	51,729
Agribusiness [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		264,935	347,116	527,718	651,354
Agribusiness [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		343,577	380,604	664,694	703,083
Marketing And Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit (loss)		10,714	9,899	22,868	50,615
Operating income (loss)		4,564	4,391	10,172	36,885
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	626,992	875,431	1,242,965	1,618,504
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		31,887	34,595	71,262	68,060
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		658,879	910,026	1,314,227	1,686,564
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit (loss)		(1,303)	19,815	3,321	(2,631)
Operating income (loss)		(1,303)	19,815	3,381	(2,571)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		(725,431)	(1,005,621)	(1,397,257)	(1,925,511)
Corporate Activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)		$ (8,914)	$ (7,514)	$ (15,380)	$ (14,148)
[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 ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 744,490	$ 837,858	$ 1,482,878	$ 1,571,747
Ethanol [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	468,998	618,386	913,299	1,148,427
Distillers Grains [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	128,503	143,695	237,891	280,687
Corn Oil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	19,619	22,196	38,700	39,328
Grain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	53,688	44,172	152,774	73,372
Cattle in Pounds [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	66,287	3,431	111,478	3,431
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 7,395	$ 5,978	$ 28,736	$ 26,502

Segment Information (Summary 38

Segment Information (Summary Of Total Assets For Operating Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 1,726,228	$ 1,828,557
Ethanol Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	875,086	983,289
Corn Oil Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	31,990	31,405
Agribusiness [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	230,037	234,626
Marketing And Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	264,795	305,675
Corporate Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	334,207	290,123
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ (9,887)	$ (16,561)

Inventories (Schedule Of Invent

Inventories (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 43,820	$ 34,639
Grain held for sale	6,653	23,027
Raw materials	39,000	78,095
Work-in-process	104,719	100,221
Supplies and parts	21,655	18,985
Inventories	$ 215,847	$ 254,967

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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 Instrume41

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 1,846		$ 1,846		$ (5,320)
Energy trading contracts, gain (loss)	$ 2,400	$ (200)	$ 7,700	$ (1,300)

Derivative Financial Instrume42

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value		$ 22,735		$ 11,862
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value		10,101		28,082
Margin deposit asset		15,000		24,500
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges		1,200		(600)
Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	[2]	$ 22,735	[1]	11,859	[3]
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value				$ 3
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value
Accrued and Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value		$ 10,101		$ 28,082
[1]	Balance at June 30, 2015 includes $1.2 million of net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.
[2]	Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $15.0 million and $24.5 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
[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 Instrume43

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Gain Or Loss Recognized In Income And Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	$ (7,616)	$ (1,324)	$ (18,375)	$ 15,764
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	466	(1,346)	(36)	(832)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	(16,061)	(94,491)	(2,570)	(179,064)
Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax	(185)	36	1,530	404
Revenue [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	3,617	(4,884)	(166)	13,366
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	(28)	264	(59)	(82)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	(8,141)	(125,177)	3,708	(213,323)
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	(11,233)	3,560	(18,209)	2,398
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	494	(1,610)	23	(750)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	(7,920)	30,686	(6,278)	34,259
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	(1,002)	(693)	(2,370)	2,453
Cost of Goods Sold (Effect of Fair Value Hedge) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value hedge, effect of fair value hedge	$ 817	$ 729	$ 3,900	$ (2,049)

Derivative Financial Instrume44

Derivative Financial Instruments (Commodity Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ (6,578)	$ 32,035	$ 8,885	$ (191,267)

Derivative Financial Instrume45

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Volumes Of Open Commodity Derivative Positions) (Details) contract in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2015contract
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn, Soybeans And Wheat In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1]	(12,220)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn In Bushels [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1],[2]	6,400
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1]	80,556
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1],[2]	(93,660)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Crude Oil In Barrels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1]	12
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1]	(5,473)
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],[3]	(2,540)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Cattle in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1]	2,600
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Cattle in Pounds [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1],[2]	(17,800)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Soybean Oil in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1]	(4,140)
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn, Soybeans And Wheat In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1]	622
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1]	4,506
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Crude Oil In Barrels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1]	(80)
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1]	77
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Cattle in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1]	(35,544)
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Soybean Oil in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[1]	6,540
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[4]	4,950
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[4]	8,047
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Corn And Soybeans In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[4]	24,094
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Distillers Grains In Tons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[4]	135
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Corn Oil in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[4]	16,513
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[4]	(198,922)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[4]	(5,134)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Corn And Soybeans In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[4]	(9,223)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Distillers Grains In Tons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[4]	(423)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Corn Oil in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	[4]	(90,146)
[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 ($)	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 452,844,000	$ 462,905,000
Less: current portion of long-term debt	(9,289,000)	(63,465,000)
Long-term debt	443,555,000	399,440,000
Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		40,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount	62,500,000
Green Plains Holdings II [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		29,510,000
Debt instrument, face amount	46,800,000
Green Plains Holdings II [Member] | Revolving Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		6,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount	20,000,000
Green Plains Obion [Member] | Revolving Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		27,400,000
Debt instrument, face amount	37,400,000
Green Plains Processing [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	321,840,000	213,775,000
Debt instrument, face amount	345,000,000
Green Plains Superior [Member] | Revolving Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		15,025,000
Debt instrument, face amount	15,600,000
Corporate [Member] | Convertible Notes 120M [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	103,072,000	100,845,000
Debt instrument, face amount	120,000,000
Other Debt Obligations [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 27,932,000	$ 30,350,000

Debt (Narrative - Ethanol Produ

Debt (Narrative - Ethanol Production Segment) (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015 - Green Plains Processing [Member] - Term Loan [Member]	USD ($)	USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 345,000,000	$ 345,000,000
Ethanol Production Segment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Increase in outstanding borrowings	120,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 345,000,000	$ 345,000,000
Interest rate, effective percentage	6.50%	6.50%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate		5.5% plus LIBOR, subject to a 1.0% floor
Scheduled periodic principal payments		$ 900,000
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio, initial ratio	4	4
Total leverage ratio, decreased ratio over the life of the debt	3.25	3.25
Percentage of available free cash flow from operations, subject to certain limitations, required to be used toward quarterly special payments		75.00%
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		1.00%
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.25	1.25
Percentage of available free cash flow from operations, subject to certain limitations, required to be used toward quarterly special payments		50.00%
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		5.50%

Debt (Narrative - Agribusiness

Debt (Narrative - Agribusiness Segment, Marketing And Distribution Segment, Corporate Activities, Capitalized Interest, And Restricted Net Assets) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capitalized interest	$ 218,000	$ 393,000
Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	47,000,000	47,000,000	$ 37,000,000
Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	81,400,000	81,400,000	77,000,000
Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	71,200,000	71,200,000	$ 95,900,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	125,000,000	$ 125,000,000
Debt maturity dates		Aug. 26, 2016
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Allowable dividends as percentage of net profit before taxes	40.00%	40.00%
Additional amounts available under facility		$ 75,000,000
Minimum working capital required for compliance		19,400,000
Minimum net worth required for compliance	$ 26,300,000	$ 26,300,000
Annual leverage ratio		6
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.25	1.25
Annual capital expenditures, maximum		$ 8,000,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		2.25%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate		LIBOR rate plus 2.25%
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		3.25%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate		base rate plus 3.25%
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Seasonal Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 50,000,000	$ 50,000,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	100,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		2.50%
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Additional amounts available under facility		50,000,000
Minimum working capital required for compliance		15,000,000
Minimum net worth required for compliance	20,300,000	$ 20,300,000
Annual leverage ratio		3.50
Annual capital expenditures, maximum		$ 3,000,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		3.00%
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		2.00%
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	$ 150,000,000
Revolving credit facility expiration date		Nov. 26, 2019
Allowable dividends as percentage of net profit before taxes	50.00%	50.00%
Undrawn availability of revolving credit facility on a pro forma basis	$ 10,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.15	1.15
Annual capital expenditures, maximum		$ 1,000,000
Restricted cash	$ 11,100,000	11,100,000
Corporate Activities [Member] | 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 120,000,000	$ 120,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	3.25%	3.25%
Interest rate, effective percentage	8.21%	8.21%
Debt insturment, unamoritzed discount	$ 24,500,000	$ 24,500,000
Debt issuance costs		5,100,000
Debt issuance costs assigned to liability	$ 4,000,000	$ 4,000,000
Debt instrument, term		5 years
Common stock, dividends per share, cash paid per share		$ 0.04
Common stock for conversion, shares		48.1992
Debt conversion amount		$ 1,000
Debt conversion price	$ 20.75	$ 20.75
Conversion price percentage		140.00%
Principal amount of notes, percentage		100.00%
Convertible debt, cross default threshold	$ 10,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Restricted Net Assets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restricted assets	$ 701,500,000	$ 701,500,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of shares authorized	3.5		3.5
Compensation costs expensed	$ 2.6	$ 1.2	$ 4.3	$ 4.5
Unrecognized compensation costs	$ 15		$ 15
Compensation expected to be recognized, weighted-average period in years			2 years 2 months 12 days
Potential tax benefit, percentage			37.50%

Stock-Based Compensation (Sched

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014, Shares		339,750
Outstanding at December 31, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares		$ 10.82
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2		2 years 9 months 18 days	3 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding at December 31, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $		$ 4,763
Exercised, Shares		(32,300)
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise price | $ / shares		$ 19.79
Exercised, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $		$ 282
Outstanding at June 30, 2015, Shares		307,450	339,750
Outstanding at June 30, 2015, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares		$ 9.88	$ 10.82
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2		2 years 9 months 18 days	3 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding at June 30, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $		$ 5,356	$ 4,763
Exercisable at June 30, 2015, Shares	[1]	307,450
Exercisable at June 30, 2015, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	[1]	$ 9.88
Exercisable at June 30, 2015, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual	[1]	2 years 9 months 18 days
Exercisable at June 30, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	[1]	$ 5,356
In-the-money options, shares		307,450
In-the-money options, weighted-average exercise price | $ / shares		9.88
[1]	Includes in-the-money options totaling 307,450 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $9.88.

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch51

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Vested Stock Award And DSU Activity) (Details) - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2015 - $ / shares	Total
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	473,289
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 27.03
Vested, Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units	(381,528)
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 15.91
Nonvested at June 30, 2015, Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units	770,265
Nonvested at June 30, 2015, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 22.98
Nonvested at June 30, 2015, Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term (in years)	2 years 2 months 12 days

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015shares
Antidilutive Securities Out Of Money Stock Based Compensation Awards [Member]
Stock-based compensation awards excluded from computations of diluted EPS	6

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Net income	$ 7,792	$ 32,314	$ 4,474	$ 75,517
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	38,027	37,467	37,916	35,322
EPS - basic	$ 0.20	$ 0.86	$ 0.12	$ 2.14
Net income - diluted	$ 7,792	$ 32,314	$ 4,474	$ 77,472
Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards	167	217	169	241
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	40,075	39,359	39,565	41,308
EPS - diluted	$ 0.19	$ 0.82	$ 0.11	$ 1.88
3.25% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect				$ 1,379
Effect of dilutive convertible debt	1,881	1,675	1,480	3,716
5.75% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect				$ 576
Effect of dilutive convertible debt				2,029

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule Of Stockholders' Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			$ 797,449
Net income (loss)	$ 7,792	$ 32,314	4,474	$ 75,517
Cash dividends declared			(6,077)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			5,558
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			1,608
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,922	$ 77,691	7,166	$ (7,600)
Stock-based compensation			$ 3,567
Stock options exercised, Shares			32,300
Stock options exercised			$ 634
Ending balance	$ 807,213		$ 807,213
Common Units [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares			44,809,000
Beginning balance			$ 45
Stock-based compensation, Shares			444,000
Stock options exercised, Shares			32,000
Ending balance, Shares	45,285,000		45,285,000
Ending balance	$ 45		$ 45
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			569,431
Stock-based compensation			3,567
Stock options exercised			634
Ending balance	573,632		573,632
Retained Earnings [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			299,101
Net income (loss)			4,474
Cash dividends declared			(6,077)
Ending balance	297,498		297,498
Accum. Other Comp. Income (Loss) [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			(5,320)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			5,558
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			1,608
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			7,166
Ending balance	$ 1,846		$ 1,846
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 ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	$ (16,061)	$ (94,491)	$ (2,570)	$ (179,064)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(6,031)	(36,471)	(962)	(67,543)
Gains Losses On Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(16,061)	(94,491)	(2,570)	(179,064)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(6,031)	(36,471)	(962)	(67,543)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,030)	(58,020)	(1,608)	(111,521)
Revenue [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(8,141)	(125,177)	3,708	(213,323)
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	(8,141)	(125,177)	3,708	(213,323)
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(7,920)	30,686	(6,278)	34,259
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	$ (7,920)	$ 30,686	$ (6,278)	$ 34,259

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$ 5,222	$ 17,775	$ 2,775	$ 44,299
Effective tax rate	40.10%	35.50%	38.30%	37.00%
Uncategorized tax benefits	$ 300		$ 300		$ 300

Commitments And Contingencies57

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Lease expenses	$ 8.6	$ 4.6	$ 16.9	$ 11.2
Contracted future deliveries	$ 336.4		$ 336.4

Commitments And Contingencies58

Commitments And Contingencies (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2,015	$ 15,381
2,016	27,008
2,017	16,961
2,018	13,880
2,019	10,033
Thereafter	8,928
Total	$ 92,191

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)H / Y	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Outstanding accounts payable	$ 98,377,000		$ 98,377,000		$ 170,199,000
AXIS Capital [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	1,400,000		1,400,000
Due to related parties, current	1,100,000		1,100,000		1,200,000
Principal payments (plus interest)	$ 69,000	$ 88,000	$ 138,000	$ 124,000
Weighted average interest rate	6.80%		6.80%
Board of Directors Chairman [Member] | Aircraft Lease [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aircraft lease amount payable, per month			$ 9,766		15,834
Aircraft hours available each month under lease | H / Y			125
Cash payments	$ 47,000	$ 68,000	$ 104,000	$ 99,000
Outstanding accounts payable					$ 2,000

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Jul. 01, 2015 - Subsequent Event [Member] - USD ($)	Total
Limited Partner [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Ownership interest, public, percentage	35.50%
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Net proceeds received as part of the transaction	$ 157,900,000
Distribution to Green Plains Inc.	155,300,000
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | IPO [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit, current borrowing capacity	$ 100,000,000
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | Common Units [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Offering price per unit sold to the public	$ 15
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | Common Units [Member] | Over-Allotment Option - Included as part of $11.5M common units [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of units issued as part of the transaction	1,500,000
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | Limited Partner [Member] | Common Units [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of units issued as part of the transaction	11,500,000
Green Plains Inc. [Member] | Limited Partner [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Ownership interest, percentage	62.50%
Green Plains Inc. [Member] | General Partner [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Ownership interest, percentage	2.00%