Green Plains (GPRE) 10-Q 5 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Nov. 02, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
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		37,889,871
Trading Symbol	gpre

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 495,863	$ 425,510
Restricted cash	16,658	29,742
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,335 and $1,231, respectively	141,020	138,073
Income taxes receivable	5,236
Inventories	263,012	254,967
Prepaid expenses and other	12,184	18,776
Deferred income taxes		7,495
Derivative financial instruments	33,792	36,347
Total current assets	967,765	910,910
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $321,418 and $274,543, respectively	820,600	825,210
Goodwill	40,877	40,877
Other assets	51,627	51,560
Total assets	1,880,869	1,828,557
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	140,595	170,199
Accrued and other liabilities	38,266	65,083
Income taxes payable	4,168	2,907
Short-term notes payable and other borrowings	199,732	209,886
Current maturities of long-term debt	4,499	63,465
Current deferred income taxes	2,854
Total current liabilities	390,114	511,540
Long-term debt	443,396	399,440
Deferred income taxes	70,227	115,235
Other liabilities	5,942	4,893
Total liabilities	909,679	1,031,108
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 45,283,060 and 44,808,982 shares issued, and 37,891,360 and 37,608,982 shares outstanding, respectively	45	45
Additional paid-in capital	575,915	569,431
Retained earnings	299,108	299,101
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,625	(5,320)
Treasury stock, 7,391,700 and 7,200,000 shares, respectively	(69,811)	(65,808)
Total Green Plains stockholders’ equity	809,882	797,449
Noncontrolling interests	161,308
Total stockholders’ equity	971,190	797,449
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,880,869	$ 1,828,557

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 1,335	$ 1,231
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 321,418	$ 274,543
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	45,283,060	44,808,982
Common stock, shares outstanding	37,891,360	37,608,982
Treasury stock, shares	7,391,700	7,200,000

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Product Revenues	$ 740,634	$ 831,779	$ 2,219,319	$ 2,399,384
Service Revenues	2,163	2,146	6,356	6,288
Total revenues	742,797	833,925	2,225,675	2,405,672
Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization	679,348	716,188	2,048,379	2,072,141
Operations and maintenance expenses	7,715	6,895	21,850	18,509
Selling, general and administrative expenses	19,280	20,217	58,473	56,898
Depreciation and amortization	16,621	15,570	48,634	45,779
Total costs and expenses	722,964	758,870	2,177,336	2,193,327
Operating income	19,833	75,055	48,339	212,345
Other income (expense)
Interest income	319	164	749	420
Interest expense	(10,196)	(10,288)	(29,918)	(29,751)
Other, net	(519)	1,068	(2,484)	2,802
Total other income (expense)	(10,396)	(9,056)	(31,653)	(26,529)
Income before income taxes	9,437	65,999	16,686	185,816
Income tax expense	(604)	24,250	2,171	68,550
Net income	10,041	41,749	14,515	117,266
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,862		3,862
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains	$ 6,179	$ 41,749	$ 10,653	$ 117,266
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 0.16	$ 1.11	$ 0.28	$ 3.25
Diluted	$ 0.16	$ 1.03	$ 0.27	$ 2.90
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	38,066	37,588	37,966	36,101
Diluted	38,556	40,542	39,266	41,130
Cash dividend declared per share	$ 0.12	$ 0.08	$ 0.28	$ 0.16

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 10,041	$ 41,749	$ 14,515	$ 117,266
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during period, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(2,232), $15,668, $(5,554) and $90,605, respectively	3,682	(24,836)	9,245	(141,166)
Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on derivatives, net of tax expense (benefit) of $547, $(31,428), $(420) and $(101,762), respectively	(903)	49,819	700	158,549
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,779	24,983	9,945	17,383
Comprehensive income	12,820	66,732	24,460	134,649
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,862		3,862
Comprehensive income attributable to Green Plains	$ 8,958	$ 66,732	$ 20,598	$ 134,649

Consolidated Statements Of Com6

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during period, tax (expense) benefit	$ (2,232)	$ 15,668	$ (5,554)	$ 90,605
Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on derivatives, tax expense (benefit)	$ 547	$ (31,428)	$ (420)	$ (101,762)

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 14,515	$ 117,266
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	48,634	45,779
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	5,756	6,905
Deferred income taxes	(39,645)	11,655
Stock-based compensation	3,207	4,396
Undistributed equity in (income) loss of affiliates	2,678	2,511
Other	104	1,047
Changes in operating assets and liabilities before effects of business combinations:
Accounts receivable	(3,051)	4,938
Inventories	(8,045)	(24,359)
Derivative financial instruments	18,503	14,212
Prepaid expenses and other assets	6,732	5,116
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(56,636)	28,288
Current income taxes	(1,532)	10,891
Other	1,300	(3,078)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	(7,480)	225,567
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(44,464)	(44,242)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		(23,900)
Distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated subsidiaries	(3,309)	(3,460)
Net cash used by investing activities	(47,773)	(71,602)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	178,400	493,892
Payments of principal on long-term debt	(194,819)	(475,866)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	2,382,589	2,716,499
Payments on short-term borrowings	(2,391,874)	(2,767,575)
Proceeds from issuance of Green Plains Partners common units, net	157,422
Payments for repurchase of common stock	(4,003)
Payments of cash dividends	(10,646)	(5,899)
Change in restricted cash	13,085	16,033
Payments of loan fees	(5,314)	(6,387)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	766	4,424
Net cash used by financing activities	125,606	(24,879)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	70,353	129,086
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	425,510	272,027
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	495,863	401,113
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow:
Cash paid for income taxes	43,347	42,503
Cash paid for interest	$ 27,248	26,134
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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 R eferences 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 company’s accounts and all significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Unconsolidated entities are included in the financial statements on an equity basis. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance 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. Because they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP, 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 adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. The adjustments are normal and recurring in nature, unless otherwise noted. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not affect total revenues, costs and expenses, net income or stockholders’ equity. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements P reparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The company bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions it believes are proper and reasonable under the circumstances. The company regularly evaluates the appropriateness of these estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies, including those related to revenue recognition, depreciation of property and equipment, asset retirement obligations, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, derivative financial instruments and accounting for income taxes are affected by judgments, assumptions and estimates used to prepare the consolidated financial statements. Description of Business Green Plains is the fourth largest ethanol producer in North America. The company operates within four business segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil, (2) agribusiness, which includes grain handling and storage and cattle feedlot operations, (3) marketing and distribution, which includes marketing and merchant trading for company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities, and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services. The company is also a partner in a joint venture focused on developing technology to grow and harvest algae in commercially viable quantities. Revenue Recognition The company recognizes revenue when the following criteria are satisfied: persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, title of product and risk of loss are transferred to the customer, price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Sales of ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities by the company’s marketing business are recognized when title of product and risk of loss are transferred to an external customer. Revenues related to marketing for third parties are presented on a gross basis when the company takes title of the product and assumes risk of loss. Unearned revenue is recorded for goods in transit when the company has received payment but the title has not yet been transferred to the customer. Revenues for receiving, storing, transferring and transporting ethanol and other fuels are recognized when the product is delivered to the customer. The company routinely enters into fixed-price, physical-delivery energy commodity purchase and sale agreements. At times, the company settles these transactions by transferring its obligations to other counterparties rather than delivering the physical commodity. 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 or loss. Sales of agricultural commodities, including cattle, are recognized when title of product and risk of loss are transferred to the customer, which depends on the agreed upon terms. The sales terms provide passage of title when shipment is made or the commodity is delivered and the customer has agreed to final weights, grades and settlement prices. Revenues related to grain merchandising are presented gross and include shipping and handling, which is also a component of cost of goods sold. Revenues from grain storage are recognized when services are rendered. Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold includes direct labor, materials and plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in ethanol plant operations. Grain purchasing and receiving costs, excluding labor costs for grain buyers and scale operators, are also included in cost of goods sold. Materials include the cost 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 as well as 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 or loss. Plant overhead consists primarily of plant utilities, depreciation and outbound freight charges. Shipping costs incurred 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 effect of price changes on the 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 and settled predominantly in cash. The company is exposed to loss when counterparties default on forward purchase and sale contracts. Grain inventories held for sale and forward purchase and sale contracts are valued at market prices when available or other market quotes adjusted for differences, primarily in transportation, between the exchange-traded market and local markets where 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 are recognized as a component of cost of goods sold. Derivative Financial Instruments T he company uses various derivative financial instruments, including exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and over-the-counter options contracts, to minimize risk and the effect of price changes related to corn, ethanol, cattle and natural gas. The company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy to reduce the adverse effect market volatility may have on its operating results. The company may hedge these commodities as one way to mitigate risk, however, there may be situations when these hedging activities 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’s exposure to credit risk includes the counterparty’s failure 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 their financial condition. 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 parameters to monitor exposure within its risk management strategy which limits the types of derivative instruments and derivative strategies the company can use and the degree of market risk it can take by the use of derivative instruments. The company evaluates its physical delivery contracts to determine if they qualify for normal purchase or sale exemption s and are expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Contracts that do not meet the normal purchase or sale criteria are recorded at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in operating income unless the contracts qualify for, and the company elects, hedge accounting treatment. Certain qualifying derivatives related to the ethanol production and agribusiness segments are designated as cash flow hedges. The company evaluates the derivative instrument to ascertain its effectiveness prior to entering into cash flow hedges. Ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results, while other unrealized gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income until the gain or loss from the underlying hedged transaction is realized. When it becomes probable a forecasted transaction will not occur, the cash flow hedge treatment is discontinued, which affects earnings. These derivative financial instruments are recognized in current assets or other current liabilities at fair value. At times, the company hedges its exposure to changes in the value of inventories and designates qualifying derivatives as fair value hedges. The carrying amount of the hedged inventory is adjusted in current period results for changes in fair value. Ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results to the extent the change in fair value of the inventory is not offset by the change in fair value of the derivative. Recent Accounting Pronouncements 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 , which requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to 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, and the balance sheet of each individual period presented will be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of the new guidance. Effective January 1, 2016, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 810, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis , which reduces the number of consolidation models and simplifies the guidance by placing more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest, reducing the frequency of related-party guidance when determining a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity, and changing consolidation conclusions for companies in industries that typically make use of limited partnerships or variable interest entities. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively. Effective January 1, 2017, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 330, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory , which requires inventory to be measured at 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. E ffective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which requires revenue recognition to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard permits either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. 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.

Green Plains Partners LP

Green Plains Partners LP	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Green Plains Partners LP	2. GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP Initial Public Offering of Subsidiary On July 1, 2015, Green Plains Partners LP, or the partnership, a newly formed subsidiary of the c ompany, closed its initia l public offering, or the IPO . In conjunction with the IPO, the c ompany contributed its downstream ethanol transporta tion and storage assets to the p artnership. A total of 11,500,000 common units , representing li mited partner interests including 1,500,000 common units pursuant to the underwriters’ overallotment o ption, were sold to the public for $15.00 per common unit. The p artnership received net proceeds of approximately $157.4 million, after deducting underwriting discount s , structuring f ees and offering expenses. The p artnership used the proceeds to make a distribution to the c ompany of $155.3 million and to pay approximately $0.9 million in origination fees under its new $100.0 million revolving credit facility . The remaining $1.2 million was retained for general partnership purposes. The c ompany now owns a 62.5% limited partner interest , c onsisting of 4,389,642 common units and 15,889,642 subordinated units , and a 2.0% g eneral partner interest in the p artnership . The public owns the remaining 35.5% l imited partner interest in the p artnership . As such, the p art nership is consolidated in the c ompany’s financial statements. During the subordinati on period, which is described in the partnership a greement for Green Plains Partners , holders of the subordinated units are not entitled to receive distribution s until the common units have received the minimum quarterly distribution plus any arrearages of the minimum quarterly distributio n from prior quarters. If the p artnership does not pay distributions on the subordinated units, the subordinated units will not accrue arrearages for those unpaid distributions. Each subordinated unit will convert into one common unit at the end of the subordination period. The p artnership is a fee-based master limited partnership formed by Green Plains to provide fuel storage and transportation services by owning, operating, developing and acquiring ethanol and fuel storage tanks, terminals, transportation assets and other related assets and businesses. The p artnership’s initial assets include (i) 27 ethanol storage fac ilities, located at or near the c ompany’s 12 ethanol production plants , which have the ability to efficiently and effectively store and load railcars and tanker trucks with all of the ethanol produced at the c ompany’s ethanol production plants, (ii) eight fuel terminal facilities , located near m ajor rail lines, which enable the p artnership to receive, store and deliver fuels from and to markets that seek access to renewable fuels, and (iii) transportation assets, including a leased railcar fleet of approximately 2,200 railcars with an aggregate capacity of 66.3 million gallons, or mmg, as of September 30, 2015 which is contracted to transport ethanol from the c ompany’s ethanol p roduction plants to refineries throughout the United States and international export terminals. The partnership expects to be the c ompany’s primary downstream logistics provider to support i ts over one billion gallons per year, or bgy, ethanol marketing and dis tribution business since the p artnership’s assets are the principal method of storing and delivering the ethanol the c ompany produces. A substantial portion of the p artnership’s revenue s are derived from long-term, fee-based commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade, a subsidiary of the c ompany. In connection with the IPO, the p artnership (1) entered into (i) a ten -year fee-based storage and throughput agreement; (ii) a six -year fee-based rail transportation services agreement; and (iii) a one -year fee-based trucking transportation agreement, and (2) assumed (i) an approximately 2.5 -year terminal services agreement for the p artnership’s Birmingham, Alabama-unit train terminal; and (ii) various other terminal services agreements for its other fuel terminal facilities, eac h with Green Plains Trade. The p artnership’s storage and throughput agreement, and certain terminal services agreements, including the terminal services agreement for the Birmingham facility, are supported by minimum volume commitments . The partnership’s rail transportation services agreement is supported by minimum take-or-pay capacity commitments. The c ompany also has agreements which establish fees for general and administrative , and operational and maintenance services it provides . These transactions are eliminated when the c ompany consolidates its financial results . Noncontrolling Interest Green Plains owns a 62.5% limited partner interest , a 2 .0 % g eneral partner interest in the p artnership and all of the p artnership’s incentive distribution rights, with the remaining 35.5% limited partner inter est owned by public common unit holders as of September 30, 2015. The c ompany consolidates the financial results of the p artnership and records a noncontrolling interest in the p artnership held by public common unit holders. Noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statements of operations includes the portion of net income attributable to the economic interest held by the partnership’s public common unit holders. Noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets includes the portion of net assets attributable to the partnership’s public common un it holders.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	3 . FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES The following methods, assumptions and valuation techniques were used to es timate the fair value of the c ompany’s financial instruments: Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities the c ompany can access at the measurement date. Level 1 unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivatives relate to exchange-traded open trade e quity and option values in the c ompany’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 through correlation or other means. Grain inventories held for sale in the agribusiness segment are valued at nearby futures values, plus or minus nearby basis. Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and comprise a significant component of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The c ompany 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 c ompany’s assets and liabilities by level are as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at September 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 $ $ $ $ Other - - 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 c ompany believes the fair value of its debt was approximate ly $646.0 million compared with a book value of $647.6 million at September 30, 2015 and the fair value of its debt was approximate ly $676.5 million comp ared with a book value of $672.8 million at December 31, 2014 . Th e company estimated the fair value of its outstanding debt using Level 2 inputs. The c ompany believes the fair values of its accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated book value, which were $ 141.0 million and $ 140.6 million, respectively, at September 30, 2015 and $ 138.1 million and $ 170.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 . Although the c ompany currently does not have any recurring Level 3 financial measurements, the fair values of tangible assets and goodwill acquired and equity component of convertible debt represent Level 3 measurements which were derived using a combination of the income approach, market approach and cost approach for the specific assets or liabilities being valued.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	4. SEGMENT INFORMATION As a result of the IPO, the company implemented organizational changes during the third quarter of 2015. Company management now reviews the financial and operating performance of the following four operating segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil, (2) agribusiness, which includes grain handling and storage and cattle feedlot operations, (3) marketing and distribution, which includes marketing and merchant trading for company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities, and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the revised segment presentation. When transferring assets between entities under common control under GAAP, the entity receiving the net assets initially recognizes the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities at the date of transfer. The transferee’s prior period financial statements are restated for all periods its operations were part of the parent’s consolidated financial statements. On July 1, 2015, Green Plains Partners received ethanol storage and railcar assets and liabilities in a transfer between entities under common control. The transferred assets and liabilities are recognized at the company’s historical cost and reflected retroactively in the segment information of the consolidated financial statements presented in this Form 10-Q. The assets of Green Plains Partners were previously included in the ethanol production and marketing and distribution segments. Expenses related to the ethanol storage and railcar assets, such as depreciation, amortization and railcar lease expenses, are also reflected retroactively in the following segment information. There are no revenues related to the operation of these ethanol storage and railcar assets in the partnership seg ment prior to July 1, 2015, the date the related commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade became effective. Corporate activities include selling , general and administrative expenses, consisting primarily of corporate employee compensation, professional fees and overhead costs not directly related to a specific operating segment. During the normal course of business, the operating segments do business with each other. For example, the ethanol production segment sells ethanol to the marketing and distribution segment, the agribusiness segment sells grain to the ethanol production segment and the partnership segment provides fuel storage and transportation services for the marketing and distribution segment. These intersegment activities are treated like third-party transactions and recorded at market values. Consequently, these transactions affect segment performance; however, they do not impact the company’s consolidated results since the revenues and corresponding costs are eliminated in consolidation . Revenues, cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization , and operating income by segments are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues: Ethanol 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 Partnership: 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization: Ethanol production $ $ $ $ Agribusiness Marketing and distribution Partnership - - - - Intersegment eliminations $ $ $ $ Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Operating income (loss): Ethanol production $ $ $ $ Agribusiness Marketing and distribution Partnership Intersegment eliminations Corporate activities $ $ $ $ Revenues by product are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues: Ethanol $ $ $ $ Distillers grains Corn oil Grain Cattle Service revenues Other $ $ $ $ Total assets by segment are as follows (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Total assets (1) : Ethanol production $ $ Agribusiness Marketing and distribution Partnership Corporate assets Intersegment eliminations $ $ (1) Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany payable and receivable balances .

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	5 . INVENTORIES Inventories are carried at lower of cost or market, except for grain held for sale and fair value hedged inventories, which are reported at market value. The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Finished goods $ $ Grain held for sale Raw materials Work-in-process Supplies and parts $ $

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	6 . GOODWILL The c ompany did not have any changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, which was $ 40.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . Goodwill of $ 30.3 million is attributable to the ethanol production segment and $ 10.6 million is attributable to the partnership segment.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	7 . DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS At September 30, 2015 , the c ompany’s consolidated balance she et reflect ed unrealized gains of $4.6 million, net of tax, in accumulated o ther comprehensive income. The c ompany expects these gains w ill be reclassified as operating income over the next 12 months as a result of hedged transactions that are forecasted to occur. The amount reali zed in operating income , will differ as commodity prices change. Fair Values of Derivative Instruments The fair values of the c ompany’s derivative financial instruments and the line items on the consolidated balance sheets where they are reported are as follows (in thousands): Asset Derivatives' Liability Derivatives' Fair Value Fair Value September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Derivative financial instruments (1) $ (2) $ (3) $ - $ - Other assets - - - Accrued and other liabilities - - Other liabilities - - - Total $ $ $ $ (1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $ 13.8 million and $ 24.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. (2) Balance at September 30, 2015 includes $ 2.3 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 3 - Fair Value Disclosures , which 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 gains or losses recognized in income and oth er comprehensive income related to the c ompany’s derivative financial instruments and the line items on the consolidated financial statements where they are reported are as follows (in thousands): Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Commodity Contracts $ $ $ $ Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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 from discontinuing cash flow or fair value hedge treatment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . The open commodity derivative positions as of September 30, 2015 , are as follows (in thousands): September 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 (4) Bushels Corn Futures Gallons Ethanol Futures (3) Gallons Ethanol Futures Pounds Cattle Futures (3) Pounds Cattle Futures mmBTU Natural Gas Futures (4) mmBTU Natural Gas Futures Barrels Crude Oil Futures Pounds Soybean Oil Options Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat Options Gallons Ethanol Options Pounds Cattle Options mmBTU Natural Gas Options Barrels Crude Oil Forwards Bushels Corn and Soybeans Forwards Gallons Ethanol Forwards Tons Distillers Grains Forwards Pounds Corn Oil Forwards mmBTU Natural Gas Forwards Barrels Crude Oil (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 gains of $2.9 million and $10.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively, and net losses of $0.3 million and $7.1 million for th e three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively, on energy trading contracts.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	8 . DEBT The components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands): September 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 September 30, 2015 , include working capital revolvers at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plains Grain an d Green Plains Trade with outstanding balances of $58.0 million, $ 60.0 million and $ 81.7 million, respectively. Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at Decem ber 31, 2014 , include 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 Green Plains Processing has a $345.0 million senior secured credit facility , which is guaranteed by the company and subsidiaries of Green Plains Processing and secured by the stock and substan tially all of the assets of Green Plains Processing . The interest rate is 5.50% plus LIBOR, subject to a 1.00% floor . The terms of t he credit facility require the b orrower to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio of 4.00 to 1.00 at the end of each quarter , decreasing to 3.25 to 1.00 over t he life of the credit facility and a minimum fixed charge coverage r atio of 1.25 to 1.00. The credit facility also has a prov ision requiring the c ompany to make special quarterly payments of 50% to 75% of its available free cash flow , subject to certain limitations . At September 30, 2015 , t he interest rate on this term debt was 6.50% . Commencing in the third quarter of 2015, scheduled principal payments are $0.9 million each quarter. Agribusiness Segment Green Plains Grain has a $ 125.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility , which matures on August 26, 2016 , to finance working capital up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral equal to the sum of percentages of eligible cash, receivables and inventories, less miscellaneous adjustments. Advances are subject to an annual interest rate e qual to LIBOR plus 2.25% or the base rate plus 3.25% . The credit facility also includes an accordion feature that enables the facility to be increased by up to $ 75.0 million with agent approval. The credit facility can also be increased by up to $50.0 million for seasonal borrowings. T otal commitments outstanding cannot exceed $250.0 million. L ender s receive a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable a nd other assets owned by subsidiaries in the agribusiness segme nt as security on the credit facility . The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants , including maintaining working capital of $19.4 million and tangible net worth of $26.3 million for 2015. C apital expenditure s are limited to $8.0 million per year under the credit facility, plus equity contributions from the company and unused amounts from the previous year . In addition, the credit facility requires the company to maintain a fixed charge coverage r atio of 1.25 to 1.00 and an annual leverage r atio of 6.00 to 1.00 at the end of each quarter. T h e credit facility also contains restrictions on distributions related to capital stock, wit h exceptions for distributions 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, which matures on October 31, 2017, to finance working capital for the cattle feedlot operations up to the maximum commitment based on eligible collateral equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables, inventories and other current assets, less miscellaneous adjustments. Advances are subject to variable annual interest rate s e qual to LIBOR plus 3.00% , 2.50% or 2.00% , depending upon availability . The credit facility also includes an accordion feature that enables the credit facility to be increased by up to $50.0 million with agent approval. L enders receive a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable, property and equipment and other assets owned by Green Plains Cattle as security on the credit facility. The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants , including maintaining working capital of $15.0 million and net worth of $20.3 million for 2015 and maintain a total debt to tangible net worth ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 . C apital expenditure s are limited to $3.0 million per year under the credit facility, plus unused amount s from the previous year. Marketing and Distribution Segment Green Plains Trade has a $ 150.0 million senior secured asset- based revolving credit facility, which matures on November 26, 2019 , to finance working capital for marketing and distribution activities up to $150.0 million based on eligible collateral equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables and inventories, less miscellaneous adjustments. The outstanding balance is subject to the lender’s floating base rate plus the applicable margin or LIBOR plus the applicable margin. The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants , including maintaining a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15 to 1.00 . C apital expenditure s are limited to $1.5 million per year under the credit facility . The credit facility also contains restrictions on distributions related to capital stock, with exceptions for distributions up to 50% of net income if on a pro forma basis, (a) availability has been greater than $10.0 million for the last 30 days and (b) the borrower would be in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio on the distribution date . At September 30, 2015 , Green Plains Trade had $9.4 million presented as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet , the use of which was restricted for repayment towards the outstanding loan balance. Partnership Segment On July 1, 2015, the p artnership’s primary operating subsidiary, Green Plains Operating Company, entered into a five -year $100.0 million revolving credit facility to fund working capital, acquisitions, distributions, capital expenditures and other general p artnership purposes , which matures in July 2020 . The credit facility contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The negative covenan ts include restricting the p artnership’s ability to incur additional debt , acquire and sell assets, create liens, invest capital, pay distri butions and materially amend the p artnership’s commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade. The credit facility may be increased up to $50.0 million without the consent of the lenders. The credit facility is available for revolving loans with sublimits of $15.0 million for swing line loans and $15.0 mill ion for letters of credit. The p artnership’s obligations under the credit facility are secured by a first priority lien o n (i) the capital stock of the p artnership’s present and future subsidiaries, (ii) all of the p artnership’s present and future personal property, such as investment property, general intangibles and contract rig hts, including rights under agreements with Green Plains Trade, and (iii) all proceeds and products of the equity interests of the p artnership’s present a nd future subsidiaries and its personal property. The p artnership and its existing and future domestic subsidiaries also guarantee the credit facility . Loans under this credit facility are subject to a floating interest rate based on the p artnership’s maximum consolidated net leverage ratio equal to (a) a base rate plus 75 to 175 basis points per year or (b) a LIBOR rate plus 175 to 275 basis points . Th e unused portion of the credit facility is subject to a commitment fee based on the maximum consolidated net leverage ratio ranging from 30 to 50 basi s points per year. The credit facility requires the p artnership to maintain a maximum consol idated net leverage ratio of no more than 3.50 to 1.00 , and a minimum consolidate d interest coverage ratio of no less than 2.75 to 1.00. Corporate Activities In September 2013, the c ompany issued $120.0 million of 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2018, or the 3.25% n otes. The 3.25% n otes are senior, unsecured obligatio ns of the c ompany, with interest payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. At the time the company issued the 3.25% n otes, it was only permitted to settle conversions with s hares of its common stock. At the 2014 annual meeting, shareholders approved flexible settlement , which gives the company the option to settle the 3.25% notes in cash, common stock o r a combination of cash and common stock. The c ompany intends to convert the 3.25% n otes with cash for the principal and cash or common stock for the conversion premium. The 3.25% n otes contain liability and equity components that are bifurcated and accounted for separately. The liability component, as of the issuance date, was calculated by estimating the fair value of a similar liability issued at an 8.21% effective interest rate. The equity component was calculated by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the principal , which resulted in debt discount costs of $24.5 million recorded as additional paid-in capital. Th e carrying amount of the 3.25% n otes will accrete to the principal over the remai ning term until maturity, and the c ompany will record a corresponding noncash inter est expense. Additionally, the c ompany incurred $5.1 million of debt issuance costs and allocated $4.0 million to the li ability component of the 3.25% n otes. These costs will be amortized as noncash interest expense over the five -year term of the 3.25% n otes. Pri or to April 1, 2018, the 3.25% n otes are not convertible unless certain cond itions are satisfied. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment when the quarterly cash dividend exceeds $0.04 per share. T he conversion rate was recently adjusted t o 48.4199 shar es of common stock per $1,000 of principal which is equal to a conversion price of approxim ate ly $20.65 per shar e. The c ompany may be obligated to increase the conversion rate in certain events, including redemption of the 3.25% notes . The c ompany may redeem all of the 3.25% n otes at any time on or after October 1, 2016 if the company’s common stock equals or exceeds 140% of the applicable conversion price for a specified time period ending on the trading day imm ediately prior to the date the c ompany delivers notice of the redemption. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Holders of the 3.25% n otes have the option to require the company to repurchase the 3.25% n otes in cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal plus accrued and unpaid interest when there is a fundamental change, such as change in control . Default on any loan in excess of $10.0 million constitutes an event of default , which could result in the 3.25% n otes being declared due and payable. Covenant Compliance The c ompany was in compliance with its debt covenants as of September 30, 2015 . Capitalized Interest The c ompany had $ 313 thousand and $707 thousand of capitalized interest during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively. Restricted Net Assets At September 30, 2015 , there were approximately $ 711.0 million of net assets at the c ompany’s subsidiaries that could not 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	9 . STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION The c ompany has an equity incentive plan that reserves 3.5 million shares of common stock for issuance. The plan provides for shares, 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 be granted to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The c ompany measures share-based compensation at fair value on the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The c ompany records noncash compensation expense related to equity awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite period on a straight-line basis. Substanti ally all of the existing stock -based compensation has been equity awards. The exercisable stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , is as follows: 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 September 30, 2015 $ 2.7 $ Exercisable at September 30, 2015 (1) $ 2.7 $ (1) Includes in-the-money options totaling 298,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $ 9.81 . O ption awards allow employees to exercise optio ns through cash payment for the shares of common stock or simultaneous broker-assisted transactions in which the employee authorizes the exercise and immediate sale of the option in the open market. The c ompany uses newly issued shares of common stock to satisfy its share-based payment obligations. The non-vested stock award and deferred stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , are as follows: 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 September 30, 2015 $ 2.0 Compensation costs for share-based payment plans during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we re approximately $ 2.5 million and $6.8 million, respectively, and approximately $ 1.3 million and $5.8 million, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. At September 30, 2015 , there were $ 12.5 million of unrecognized compensation costs from share-based compensation related to non-vested awards. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.0 years. The potential tax benefit related to stock-based payment is approximately 37.9 % of these exp enses. Green Plains Partners The board of directors of the general partner adopted Green Plains Partners’ 2015 Long-Term Incentive Pla n upon completion of the IPO . The incentive plan is intended t o promote the interests of the p artnership, its general partner and affiliates by providing incentive compensation based on units to employees, consultants and directors to encourage superior performance. The incentive plan reserves 2.5 million common units for issuance in the form of options, restricted units, phantom units, distributable equivalent rights, substitute awards, unit appreciation rights, unit awards, profits interest units or other unit-based awards . The p artnership measures unit-based compensation related to equity awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis . In August 2015, the p artnership granted 10,089 restricted unit awards , vesting on July 1, 2016, with a weighted average price of $14.93 to certain directors of the general partner as compensation under the incentive plan . Compensation costs of approximately $24 thousand were expensed during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. At September 30, 2015, there were $127 thousand of unrecognized compensation costs from unit-based compensation.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	10 . 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, associated with the 3.25% notes and 5.75% convertible senior notes due 2015, or the 5.75% n otes, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of any outstanding dilutiv e securities. All of the 5.75% n otes were retired during the first quarter of 2014. During t he second quarter of 2014, shareholder s approved flexible settlement , which gives the company the option to settle the 3.25% notes in cash, common stock or a combination of cash and com mon stock . The c ompany intends to convert the 3.25% notes with cash for the principal and cash or common stock for the conversion premium. Accordingly, 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 basic and diluted EPS are calculated as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Basic EPS: Net income attributable to Green Plains $ $ $ $ Weighted average shares outstanding - basic EPS - basic $ $ $ $ Diluted EPS: Net income attributable to Green Plains $ $ $ $ Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect: 5.75% notes - - - 3.25% notes - - - Net income attributable to Green Plains - 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 $ $ $ $ There was no stock-based compensation awards excluded from the computations of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, and 2014 due to the exercise prices or grant-date fair value of the corresponding awards exceeding t he average market price of the c ompany’s common stock during the period.

Stockholders Equity

Stockholders Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders Equity	11 . STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Components of stockholders’ equity are as follows (in thousands): Accum. Other Total Additional Comp. Green Plains Non- Total Common Stock Paid-in Retained Income Treasury Stock Stockholders' Controlling Stockholders' Shares Amount Capital Earnings (Loss) Shares Amount Equity Interest 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 - - - - - - - Repurchase of common stock - - - - - - Net proceeds from issuance of common units - Green Plains Partners LP - - - - - - - - Stock-based compensation - - - - - - Stock options exercised - - - - - - Balance, September 30, 2015 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	1 2 . 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 the tax effect of those items are reported in full in the relevant interim period. Green Plains Partners is a master limited partnership, which is treated as a flow-through entity for federal income tax purposes and is not subject to income taxes. As a result, the company’s consolidated financial statements do not reflect any benefit or provision for income taxes on pre-tax income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the partnership. Income tax benefit was $ 0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and income tax expense was $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared with income tax expense of $ 24.3 million and $68.6 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The effective tax rate , calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to income before income taxes , was approximately (6.4)% and 13.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 respectively , and 36.7% and 36.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was due primarily to the impact of the noncontrolling interest in Green Plains Partners on the consolidated financial results. This was partially offset by a change in estimate related to the company’s filing position in various jurisdictions as well as comparable permanent differences on lower amounts of income before taxes for the 2015 period s compared with the 2014 period s . The amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $0.3 million as of September 30, 2015 , and December 31, 2014 . Recognition of these benefits would have a favorable impact on the c ompany’ s effective tax rate. The 2015 annual effective tax rate can be affected by variances among the estimates and amounts of full-year sources of taxable income among the various states , entities and activity types , realization of tax credits, adjustments from resolution of tax matters under review, valuation allowances and the c ompany’s assessment of its liability for uncertain tax positions.

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Operating Leases The company leases certain facilities and parcels of land under agreements that expire at various dates. For accounting purposes, rent expense is based on a straight-line amortization of the total payments required over the lease. The company incurred lease expenses of $ 8.0 million and $24.8 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respe ctively, and $8.3 million and $23.5 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively . Aggregate minimum lease payments under these agreements for the remainder of 2015 and in future years are as follows (in thousands): Year Ending December 31, Amount 2015 $ 2016 2017 2018 2019 Thereafter Total $ Commodities As of September 30, 2015 , the company had contracted future purchases of grain, corn oil, natural gas, crude oil, ethanol, distillers grains and cattle, valued at approximately $ 297.9 million. Legal The company is currently involved in litigation that has arisen in the ordinary course of business, but does not believe any current or pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Insurance Recoveries In March 2014, the Green Plains Otter Tail ethanol plant was damaged by a fire, which caused substantial property damage and business interruption costs. The company had property damage and business interruption insurance coverage and, as a result, the incident did not have a material adverse impact on the company’s financial results. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the company recorded a gain of $3.3 million in other income representing partial recovery in excess of the book value of the damaged property and equipment. The company also received insurance proceeds of $8.5 million as of September 30, 2014, related to the business interruption portion of the claim, which reimbursed a majority of lost profits, net of deductible, while the equipment was being repaired. These proceeds were recorded as a reduction of cost of goods sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The insurance claims for property damage and business interruption were finalized and the remaining amount was paid by the insurance carrier during the fourth quarter of 2014.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	14 . RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Commercial Contracts Three subsidiaries of the c ompany have executed separate financing agreements for equipment w ith AXIS Capital Inc. Gordon Glade, president and chief executive o fficer of AX IS Capital, is a member of the company’s board of d irectors. In M arch 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. Balances of $ 1.1 million and $1.2 million related to these financing arrangements were included in debt at September 30, 2015 , and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Payments, including principal and interest, totaled $ 69 thousand and $207 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively, and $69 thousand and $194 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , res pectively. The weighted average interest rate for the financing agreements with AXIS Capital was 6.8 %. Aircraft Lease Effective January 1, 2015, the c ompany entered into two agreements with an entity contro lled by Wayne Hoovestol for the lease of two aircrafts. Mr . Hoovestol is chairman of the company’s b oard of directors. The c ompany agreed to pay $ 9,766 per month for the combined use of up to 125 hours per year of the aircrafts. F light time in excess of 125 hours per ye ar will incur additional hourly 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 flight time in excess of 125 hours per year incurring additional hourly charges. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , payments related to these leases totaled $49 thousand and $153 thousand, respectively , and $68 thousand and $166 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. Th e c ompany had approximately $48 thousand and $2 thousand in outstanding payables related to these agreements at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively.

Basis Of Presentation And Descr

Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 company’s accounts and all significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Unconsolidated entities are included in the financial statements on an equity basis. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance 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. Because they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP, 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 adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. The adjustments are normal and recurring in nature, unless otherwise noted. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not affect total revenues, costs and expenses, net income or stockholders’ equity.
Use Of Estimates In The Preparation Of Consolidated Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements P reparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The company bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions it believes are proper and reasonable under the circumstances. The company regularly evaluates the appropriateness of these estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies, including those related to revenue recognition, depreciation of property and equipment, asset retirement obligations, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, derivative financial instruments and accounting for income taxes are affected by judgments, assumptions and estimates used to prepare the consolidated financial statements.
Description Of Business	Description of Business Green Plains is the fourth largest ethanol producer in North America. The company operates within four business segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil, (2) agribusiness, which includes grain handling and storage and cattle feedlot operations, (3) marketing and distribution, which includes marketing and merchant trading for company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities, and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services. The company is also a partner in a joint venture focused on developing technology to grow and harvest algae in commercially viable quantities.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The company recognizes revenue when the following criteria are satisfied: persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, title of product and risk of loss are transferred to the customer, price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Sales of ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities by the company’s marketing business are recognized when title of product and risk of loss are transferred to an external customer. Revenues related to marketing for third parties are presented on a gross basis when the company takes title of the product and assumes risk of loss. Unearned revenue is recorded for goods in transit when the company has received payment but the title has not yet been transferred to the customer. Revenues for receiving, storing, transferring and transporting ethanol and other fuels are recognized when the product is delivered to the customer. The company routinely enters into fixed-price, physical-delivery energy commodity purchase and sale agreements. At times, the company settles these transactions by transferring its obligations to other counterparties rather than delivering the physical commodity. 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 or loss. Sales of agricultural commodities, including cattle, are recognized when title of product and risk of loss are transferred to the customer, which depends on the agreed upon terms. The sales terms provide passage of title when shipment is made or the commodity is delivered and the customer has agreed to final weights, grades and settlement prices. Revenues related to grain merchandising are presented gross and include shipping and handling, which is also a component of cost of goods sold. Revenues from grain storage are recognized when services are rendered.
Cost Of Goods Sold	Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold includes direct labor, materials and plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in ethanol plant operations. Grain purchasing and receiving costs, excluding labor costs for grain buyers and scale operators, are also included in cost of goods sold. Materials include the cost 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 as well as 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 or loss. Plant overhead consists primarily of plant utilities, depreciation and outbound freight charges. Shipping costs incurred 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 effect of price changes on the 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 and settled predominantly in cash. The company is exposed to loss when counterparties default on forward purchase and sale contracts. Grain inventories held for sale and forward purchase and sale contracts are valued at market prices when available or other market quotes adjusted for differences, primarily in transportation, between the exchange-traded market and local markets where 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 are recognized as a component of cost of goods sold.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments T he company uses various derivative financial instruments, including exchange-traded futures and exchange-traded and over-the-counter options contracts, to minimize risk and the effect of price changes related to corn, ethanol, cattle and natural gas. The company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy to reduce the adverse effect market volatility may have on its operating results. The company may hedge these commodities as one way to mitigate risk, however, there may be situations when these hedging activities 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’s exposure to credit risk includes the counterparty’s failure 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 their financial condition. 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 parameters to monitor exposure within its risk management strategy which limits the types of derivative instruments and derivative strategies the company can use and the degree of market risk it can take by the use of derivative instruments. The company evaluates its physical delivery contracts to determine if they qualify for normal purchase or sale exemption s and are expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Contracts that do not meet the normal purchase or sale criteria are recorded at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in operating income unless the contracts qualify for, and the company elects, hedge accounting treatment. Certain qualifying derivatives related to the ethanol production and agribusiness segments are designated as cash flow hedges. The company evaluates the derivative instrument to ascertain its effectiveness prior to entering into cash flow hedges. Ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results, while other unrealized gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income until the gain or loss from the underlying hedged transaction is realized. When it becomes probable a forecasted transaction will not occur, the cash flow hedge treatment is discontinued, which affects earnings. These derivative financial instruments are recognized in current assets or other current liabilities at fair value. At times, the company hedges its exposure to changes in the value of inventories and designates qualifying derivatives as fair value hedges. The carrying amount of the hedged inventory is adjusted in current period results for changes in fair value. Ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results to the extent the change in fair value of the inventory is not offset by the change in fair value of the derivative.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements 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 , which requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to 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, and the balance sheet of each individual period presented will be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of the new guidance. Effective January 1, 2016, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 810, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis , which reduces the number of consolidation models and simplifies the guidance by placing more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest, reducing the frequency of related-party guidance when determining a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity, and changing consolidation conclusions for companies in industries that typically make use of limited partnerships or variable interest entities. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively. Effective January 1, 2017, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 330, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory , which requires inventory to be measured at 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. E ffective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which requires revenue recognition to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard permits either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. 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.

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Fair Value	Fair Value Measurements at September 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 $ $ $ $ Other - - 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Summary Of Financial Data	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues: Ethanol 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 Partnership: 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization: Ethanol production $ $ $ $ Agribusiness Marketing and distribution Partnership - - - - Intersegment eliminations $ $ $ $ Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Operating income (loss): Ethanol production $ $ $ $ Agribusiness Marketing and distribution Partnership Intersegment eliminations Corporate activities $ $ $ $
Schedule Of Revenues By Product	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Revenues: Ethanol $ $ $ $ Distillers grains Corn oil Grain Cattle Service revenues Other $ $ $ $
Summary Of Total Assets For Operating Segments	September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Total assets (1) : Ethanol production $ $ Agribusiness Marketing and distribution Partnership Corporate assets Intersegment eliminations $ $ Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany payable and receivable balances .

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	September 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule Of Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments	Asset Derivatives' Liability Derivatives' Fair Value Fair Value September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Derivative financial instruments (1) $ (2) $ (3) $ - $ - Other assets - - - Accrued and other liabilities - - Other liabilities - - - Total $ $ $ $ (1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $ 13.8 million and $ 24.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. (2) Balance at September 30, 2015 includes $ 2.3 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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	September 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 (4) Bushels Corn Futures Gallons Ethanol Futures (3) Gallons Ethanol Futures Pounds Cattle Futures (3) Pounds Cattle Futures mmBTU Natural Gas Futures (4) mmBTU Natural Gas Futures Barrels Crude Oil Futures Pounds Soybean Oil Options Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat Options Gallons Ethanol Options Pounds Cattle Options mmBTU Natural Gas Options Barrels Crude Oil Forwards Bushels Corn and Soybeans Forwards Gallons Ethanol Forwards Tons Distillers Grains Forwards Pounds Corn Oil Forwards mmBTU Natural Gas Forwards Barrels Crude Oil (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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule Of The Components Of Long-Term Debt	September 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2015 $ 2.7 $ Exercisable at September 30, 2015 (1) $ 2.7 $ (1) Includes in-the-money options totaling 298,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $ 9.81 .
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 September 30, 2015 $ 2.0

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Basic EPS: Net income attributable to Green Plains $ $ $ $ Weighted average shares outstanding - basic EPS - basic $ $ $ $ Diluted EPS: Net income attributable to Green Plains $ $ $ $ Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect: 5.75% notes - - - 3.25% notes - - - Net income attributable to Green Plains - 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders Equity	Accum. Other Total Additional Comp. Green Plains Non- Total Common Stock Paid-in Retained Income Treasury Stock Stockholders' Controlling Stockholders' Shares Amount Capital Earnings (Loss) Shares Amount Equity Interest 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 - - - - - - - Repurchase of common stock - - - - - - Net proceeds from issuance of common units - Green Plains Partners LP - - - - - - - - Stock-based compensation - - - - - - Stock options exercised - - - - - - Balance, September 30, 2015 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Reclassification Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Aggregate Minimum Lease Payments	Year Ending December 31, Amount 2015 $ 2016 2017 2018 2019 Thereafter Total $

Green Plains Partners LP (Detai

Green Plains Partners LP (Details) $ / shares in Units, gal in Millions	Jul. 01, 2015USD ($)item$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)gal
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of Green Plains Partners common units, net		$ 157,422,000
Contributed assets, number of ethanol storage facilities | item	27
Number of ethanol production plants associated with contributed ethanol storage facilities | item	12
Contributed assets, number of fuel terminal facilities | item	8
Contributed assets, number of leased railcars | item	2,200
Contributed assets, leased railcars, aggregate capacity (in gallons) | gal		66.3
IPO [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Ethanol storage and throughput agreement	10 years
Rail transportation services agreement	6 years
Trucking transportation agreement	1 year
Terminaling agreement	2 years 6 months
Limited Partner [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Ownership interest, public, percentage	35.50%
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of Green Plains Partners common units, net	$ 157,400,000
Distribution to Green Plains Inc.	155,300,000
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | IPO [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Line of credit, current borrowing capacity	100,000,000
Origination fees	$ 900,000
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | Common Units [Member] | Over-Allotment Option - Included as part of 11.5M common units [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Number of units issued as part of the transaction | shares	1,500,000
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | Limited Partner [Member] | Common Units [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Number of units issued as part of the transaction | shares	11,500,000
Offering price per unit sold to the public | $ / shares	$ 15
Green Plains Inc. [Member] | Limited Partner [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Ownership interest, percentage	62.50%
Green Plains Inc. [Member] | Limited Partner [Member] | Common Units [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Number of units issued as part of the transaction | shares	4,389,642
Green Plains Inc. [Member] | Limited Partner [Member] | Subordinated Units [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Number of units issued as part of the transaction | shares	15,889,642
Green Plains Inc. [Member] | General Partner [Member] | IPO [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Ownership interest, percentage	2.00%

Fair Value Disclosures (Narrati

Fair Value Disclosures (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of debt	$ 646	$ 676.5
Book value of debt	647.6	672.8
Fair value of accounts receivable	141	138.1
Fair value of accounts payable	$ 140.6	$ 170.2

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedul

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 495,863	$ 425,510
Restricted cash	16,658	29,742
Inventories carried at market	19,802	36,411
Unrealized gains on derivatives	33,792	36,347
Other assets		121
Total assets measured at fair value	566,115	528,131
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	6,908	28,082
Other	26
Total liabilities measured at fair value	6,934	28,082
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	495,863	425,510
Restricted cash	16,658	29,742
Margin deposits	13,752	24,488
Unrealized gains on derivatives	13,286	11,877
Other assets		118
Total assets measured at fair value	539,559	491,735
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	2,261	18,129
Total liabilities measured at fair value	2,261	18,129
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets:
Inventories carried at market	19,802	36,411
Unrealized gains on derivatives	12,307	18,111
Other assets		3
Total assets measured at fair value	32,109	54,525
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	10,200	28,082
Other	26
Total liabilities measured at fair value	10,226	28,082
Reclassification for Balance Sheet Presentation [Member]
Assets:
Margin deposits	(13,752)	(24,488)
Unrealized gains on derivatives	8,199	6,359
Total assets measured at fair value	(5,553)	(18,129)
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	(5,553)	(18,129)
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$ (5,553)	$ (18,129)

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Financial Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 742,797	$ 833,925	$ 2,225,675	$ 2,405,672
Cost Of Goods Sold, Excluding Depreciation And Amortization	679,348	716,188	2,048,379	2,072,141
Operating income (loss)	19,833	75,055	48,339	212,345
Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	742,797	833,925	2,225,675	2,405,672
Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,391,844	1,735,277	4,270,013	5,224,247
Ethanol Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	5,528	72,836	43,139	198,359
Ethanol Production [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	37,702	34,593	140,640	(63,893)
Ethanol Production [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	352,215	568,938	1,145,879	1,764,734
Ethanol Production [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	389,917	603,531	1,286,519	1,700,841
Agribusiness [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	365	1,136	5,833	3,341
Agribusiness [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	54,519	23,747	191,495	75,476
Agribusiness [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	255,671	290,543	783,388	941,897
Agribusiness [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	310,190	314,290	974,883	1,017,373
Marketing And Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	9,406	8,378	17,446	43,446
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	648,413	773,439	1,887,184	2,387,801
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	21,914	40,616	93,176	108,677
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	670,327	814,055	1,980,360	2,496,478
Partnership [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	11,030	(5,268)	416	(14,054)
Partnership [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,163	2,146	6,356	6,288
Partnership [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	19,247	1,255	21,895	3,267
Partnership [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	21,410	3,401	28,251	9,555
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	1,882	6,842	5,264	4,270
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(649,047)	(901,352)	(2,044,338)	(2,818,575)
Corporate Activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	$ (8,378)	$ (8,869)	$ (23,759)	$ (23,017)

Segment Information (Schedule O

Segment Information (Schedule Of Revenues By Product) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 742,797	$ 833,925	$ 2,225,675	$ 2,405,672
Ethanol [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	468,005	617,130	1,381,203	1,765,561
Distillers Grains [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	121,273	132,233	359,164	412,920
Corn Oil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	28,949	24,866	67,649	64,198
Grain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	47,106	42,085	199,982	115,448
Cattle in Pounds [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	56,904	12,728	168,381	16,158
Service Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,163	2,146	6,356	6,288
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 18,397	$ 2,737	$ 42,940	$ 25,099

Segment Information (Summary 37

Segment Information (Summary Of Total Assets For Operating Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 1,880,869	$ 1,828,557
Ethanol Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	866,871	991,260
Agribusiness [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	238,611	234,626
Marketing And Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	259,342	259,246
Partnership [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	77,630	76,762
Corporate Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	445,938	290,123
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ (7,523)	$ (23,460)

Inventories (Schedule Of Invent

Inventories (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 51,953	$ 34,639
Grain held for sale	5,401	23,027
Raw materials	94,129	78,095
Work-in-process	88,348	100,221
Supplies and parts	23,181	18,985
Inventories	$ 263,012	$ 254,967

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 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 Instrume40

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 4,625		$ 4,625		$ (5,320)
Energy trading contracts, gain (loss)	$ 2,900	$ (300)	$ 10,700	$ (7,100)

Derivative Financial Instrume41

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	$ 20,040	$ 11,862
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	6,934	28,082
Margin deposit asset	13,800	24,500
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	2,300	(600)
Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	$ 20,040	11,859
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	$ 6,908	$ 28,082
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	$ 26

Derivative Financial Instrume42

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Gain Or Loss Recognized In Income And Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	$ 11,561	$ 12,046	$ (6,814)	$ 27,809
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	(9)	899	(45)	67
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	1,450	(81,247)	(1,120)	(260,311)
Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax	1,218	104	2,748	585
Revenue [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	(9,431)	11,627	(9,597)	24,992
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	14	(196)	(45)	(278)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	935	(15,484)	4,643	(228,806)
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	20,992	419	2,783	2,817
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	(23)	1,095		345
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	515	(65,763)	(5,763)	(31,505)
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	376	(611)	(1,994)	1,842
Cost of Goods Sold (Effect of Fair Value Hedge) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value hedge, effect of fair value hedge	$ 842	$ 715	$ 4,742	$ (1,257)

Derivative Financial Instrume43

Derivative Financial Instruments (Commodity Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 5,914	$ (40,504)	$ 14,799	$ (231,771)

Derivative Financial Instrume44

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Volumes Of Open Commodity Derivative Positions) (Details) contract in Thousands	Sep. 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	(11,150)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn In Bushels [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(3,045)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn In Bushels [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(10,885)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	21,714
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(43,092)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Crude Oil In Barrels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(226)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(5,943)
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	(5,088)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Cattle in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(2,800)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Cattle in Pounds [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(37,560)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Soybean Oil in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	7,500
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn, Soybeans And Wheat In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(5,304)
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	12,882
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Crude Oil In Barrels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	1
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	106
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Cattle in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(5,271)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	22,738
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Crude Oil In Barrels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	561
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	10,829
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Corn And Soybeans In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	20,587
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Distillers Grains In Tons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	114
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Corn Oil in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	19,044
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(146,698)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Crude Oil In Barrels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(489)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(2,254)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Corn And Soybeans In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(6,437)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Distillers Grains In Tons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(346)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Corn Oil in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(84,560)

Debt (Schedule Of The Component

Debt (Schedule Of The Components Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 447,895,000	$ 462,905,000
Less: current portion of long-term debt	(4,499,000)	(63,465,000)
Long-term debt	443,396,000	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	316,167,000	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	104,221,000	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	$ 27,507,000	$ 30,350,000

Debt (Narrative - Ethanol Produ

Debt (Narrative - Ethanol Production Segment) (Details) - Green Plains Processing [Member] - Term Loan [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 345,000,000
Ethanol Production Segment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 345,000,000
Interest rate, effective percentage	6.50%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate	5.50% plus LIBOR, subject to a 1.00% floor
Scheduled periodic principal payments	$ 900,000
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio, initial ratio	4
Total leverage ratio, decreased ratio over the life of the debt	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, percentage	1.00%
Fixed charge coverage ratio	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, percentage	5.50%

Debt (Narrative - Agribusiness

Debt (Narrative - Agribusiness Segment, Marketing And Distribution Segment, Corporate Activities, Capitalized Interest, And Restricted Net Assets) (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capitalized interest	$ 313,000	$ 707,000
Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	60,000,000	60,000,000	$ 37,000,000
Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	58,000,000	58,000,000	77,000,000
Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	81,700,000	81,700,000	$ 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, accordion feature		$ 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, percentage		2.25%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate		LIBOR 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, percentage		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, percentage		2.50%
Additional amounts available under facility, accordion feature		$ 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, percentage		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, percentage		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		$ 1,500,000
Restricted cash	$ 9,400,000	9,400,000
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	100,000,000	100,000,000
Additional amount available under credit facility without consent of the lenders	50,000,000	50,000,000
Sublimit available for swing line loans under credit facility	15,000,000	15,000,000
Sublimit available for letters of credit under credit facility	$ 15,000,000	$ 15,000,000
Debt instrument, term	5 years
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis for effective rate	LIBOR rate plus 175 to 275 basis points
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis for effective rate	base rate plus 75 to 175 basis points per year
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net leverage ratio, basis points per annum	50	50
Net leverage ratio	3.50	3.50
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate, basis points	275
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate, basis points	175
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net leverage ratio, basis points per annum	30	30
Interest coverage ratio	2.75	2.75
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate, basis points	175
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate, basis points	75
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 | $ / shares		$ 0.04
Common stock for conversion, shares | shares		48.4199
Debt conversion amount		$ 1,000
Debt conversion price | $ / shares	$ 20.65	$ 20.65
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	$ 711,000,000	$ 711,000,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares or units authorized		3,500,000		3,500,000
Compensation costs expensed		$ 2,500	$ 1,300	$ 6,800	$ 5,800
Unrecognized compensation costs		$ 12,500		$ 12,500
Compensation expected to be recognized, weighted-average period in years				2 years
Potential tax benefit, percentage				37.90%
Green Plains Partners LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares or units authorized		2,500,000		2,500,000
Compensation costs expensed		$ 24		$ 24
Unrecognized compensation costs		$ 127		$ 127
Restricted unit awards [Member] | Green Plains Partners LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of units granted during period	10,089
Units granted during period, weighted average price per unit	$ 14.93

Stock-Based Compensation (Sched

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 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
Outstanding at December 31, 2014, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 8 months 12 days	3 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding at December 31, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 4,763
Exercised, Shares	(41,000)
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise price | $ / shares	$ 18.24
Exercised, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 363
Outstanding at September 30, 2015, Shares	298,750	339,750
Outstanding at September 30, 2015, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 9.81	$ 10.82
Outstanding at September 30, 2015, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 8 months 12 days	3 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding at September 30, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 2,811	$ 4,763
Exercisable at September 30, 2015, Shares	298,750
Exercisable at September 30, 2015, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 9.81
Exercisable at September 30, 2015, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual	2 years 8 months 12 days
Exercisable at September 30, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 2,811
In-the-money options, shares	298,750
In-the-money options, weighted-average exercise price | $ / shares	9.81

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch50

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Vested Stock Award And DSU Activity) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015$ / sharesshares
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 | $ / shares	$ 16.18
Granted, Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units	483,289
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 26.94
Forfeited, Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units	(5,116)
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 21.38
Vested, Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units	(418,460)
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 16.58
Nonvested at September 30, 2015, Non-Vested Shares and Deferred Stock Units	738,217
Nonvested at September 30, 2015, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 22.96
Nonvested at September 30, 2015, Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term (in years)	2 years

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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net income (loss)	$ 6,179	$ 41,749	$ 10,653	$ 117,266
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	38,066	37,588	37,966	36,101
EPS - basic	$ 0.16	$ 1.11	$ 0.28	$ 3.25
Net income - diluted	$ 6,179	$ 41,749	$ 10,653	$ 119,221
Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards	135	202	146	232
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	38,556	40,542	39,266	41,130
EPS - diluted	$ 0.16	$ 1.03	$ 0.27	$ 2.90
3.25% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect				$ 1,379
Effect of dilutive convertible debt	355	2,752	1,154	3,452
5.75% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Interest and amortization on convertible debt, net of tax effect				$ 576
Effect of dilutive convertible debt				1,345

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule Of Stockholders' Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			$ 797,449
Net income (loss)	$ 10,041	$ 41,749	14,515	$ 117,266
Cash dividends declared			(10,646)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			9,245
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			700
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,779	$ 24,983	9,945	$ 17,383
Repurchase of common stock			(4,003)
Net proceeds from issuance of common units - Green Plains Partners LP			157,446
Stock-based compensation			$ 5,718
Stock options exercised, Shares			41,000
Stock options exercised			$ 766
Ending balance	$ 971,190		$ 971,190
Common Units [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares			44,809,000
Beginning balance			$ 45
Stock-based compensation, Shares			433,000
Stock options exercised, Shares			41,000
Ending balance, Shares	45,283,000		45,283,000
Ending balance	$ 45		$ 45
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			569,431
Stock-based compensation			5,718
Stock options exercised			766
Ending balance	575,915		575,915
Retained Earnings [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			299,101
Net income (loss)			10,653
Cash dividends declared			(10,646)
Ending balance	299,108		299,108
Accum. Other Comp. Income (Loss) [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			(5,320)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			9,245
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			700
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			9,945
Ending balance	$ 4,625		$ 4,625
Treasury Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares			7,200,000
Beginning balance			$ (65,808)
Repurchase of common stock, Shares			192,000
Repurchase of common stock			$ (4,003)
Ending balance, Shares	7,392,000		7,392,000
Ending balance	$ (69,811)		$ (69,811)
Total Green Plains Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			797,449
Net income (loss)			10,653
Cash dividends declared			(10,646)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			9,245
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			700
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			9,945
Repurchase of common stock			(4,003)
Stock-based compensation			5,718
Stock options exercised			766
Ending balance	809,882		809,882
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Net income (loss)			3,862
Net proceeds from issuance of common units - Green Plains Partners LP			157,446
Ending balance	$ 161,308		$ 161,308

Stockholders Equity (Reclassifi

Stockholders Equity (Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	$ 1,450	$ (81,247)	$ (1,120)	$ (260,311)
Income tax expense (benefit)	547	(31,428)	(420)	(101,762)
Gains Losses On Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	1,450	(81,247)	(1,120)	(260,311)
Income tax expense (benefit)	547	(31,428)	(420)	(101,762)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	903	(49,819)	(700)	(158,549)
Revenue [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	935	(15,484)	4,643	(228,806)
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	935	(15,484)	4,643	(228,806)
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	515	(65,763)	(5,763)	(31,505)
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	$ 515	$ (65,763)	$ (5,763)	$ (31,505)

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$ (604)	$ 24,250	$ 2,171	$ 68,550
Effective tax rate	(6.40%)	36.70%	13.00%	36.90%
Uncategorized tax benefits	$ 300		$ 300		$ 300

Commitments And Contingencies55

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Lease expenses	$ 8	$ 8.3	$ 24.8	$ 23.5
Contracted future deliveries	$ 297.9		$ 297.9
Green Plains Otter Tail [Member]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Gain on insurance recovery				3.3
Insurance proceeds received related to business interruption portion of claim				$ 8.5

Commitments And Contingencies56

Commitments And Contingencies (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2,015	$ 7,850
2,016	27,315
2,017	16,897
2,018	13,828
2,019	9,912
Thereafter	8,930
Total	$ 84,732

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)H / Y	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Outstanding accounts payable	$ 140,595,000		$ 140,595,000		$ 170,199,000
Payments for repurchase of common stock			4,003,000
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	$ 69,000	$ 207,000	$ 194,000
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	$ 49,000	$ 68,000	$ 153,000	$ 166,000
Outstanding accounts payable	$ 48,000		$ 48,000		$ 2,000

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member] gal in Millions, $ in Millions	Oct. 28, 2015USD ($)gal	Oct. 26, 2015USD ($)gal
Hopewell Acquisition [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Expected annual ethanol production (in gallons) | gal		60
Acquisition price		$ 18.3
Hereford Acquisition [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Expected annual ethanol production (in gallons) | gal	100
Acquisition price	$ 93.8
Acquisition price, ethanol production facility value	$ 78.5