Green Plains (GPRE) 10-Q 5 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	May. 02, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Entity Registrant Name	Green Plains Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,309,402
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,464,374
Trading Symbol	gpre

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 383,442	$ 384,867
Restricted cash	17,263	27,018
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $388 and $285, respectively	106,083	96,150
Income taxes receivable	5,627	9,104
Inventories	363,519	353,957
Prepaid expenses and other	9,748	10,941
Derivative financial instruments	32,485	30,540
Total current assets	918,167	912,577
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $357,795 and $338,558, respectively	920,451	922,070
Goodwill	40,877	40,877
Other assets	39,917	42,396
Total assets	1,919,412	1,917,920
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	104,513	166,963
Accrued and other liabilities	51,253	40,271
Short-term notes payable and other borrowings	277,355	226,928
Current maturities of long-term debt	4,513	4,507
Total current liabilities	437,634	438,669
Long-term debt	484,004	432,139
Deferred income taxes	61,459	81,797
Other liabilities	6,493	6,406
Total liabilities	989,590	959,011
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 45,859,074 and 45,281,571 shares issued, and 38,467,374 and 37,889,871 shares outstanding, respectively	46	45
Additional paid-in capital	577,679	577,787
Retained earnings	262,221	290,974
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,066)	(1,165)
Treasury stock, 7,391,700 shares	(69,811)	(69,811)
Total Green Plains stockholders’ equity	769,069	797,830
Noncontrolling interests	160,753	161,079
Total stockholders’ equity	929,822	958,909
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,919,412	$ 1,917,920

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 388	$ 285
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 357,795	$ 338,558
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	45,859,074	45,281,571
Common stock, shares outstanding	38,467,374	37,889,871
Treasury stock, shares	7,391,700	7,391,700

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Product revenues	$ 747,183	$ 736,303
Service revenues	2,021	2,085
Total revenues	749,204	738,388
Costs of goods sold	724,688	692,429
Operations and maintenance expenses	8,645	7,032
Selling, general and administrative expenses	20,372	18,976
Depreciation and amortization expenses	18,145	15,847
Total costs and expenses	771,850	734,284
Operating income (loss)	(22,646)	4,104
Other income (expense)
Interest income	410	220
Interest expense	(10,798)	(9,158)
Other, net	(1,675)	(931)
Total other expense	(12,063)	(9,869)
Loss before income taxes	(34,709)	(5,765)
Income tax benefit	(14,893)	(2,447)
Net loss	(19,816)	(3,318)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	4,322
Net loss attributable to Green Plains	$ (24,138)	$ (3,318)
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ (0.63)	$ (0.09)
Diluted	$ (0.63)	$ (0.09)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	38,197	37,803
Diluted	38,197	37,803
Cash dividend declared per share	$ 0.12	$ 0.08

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (19,816)	$ (3,318)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains on derivatives arising during period, net of tax expense of $756 and $5,708, respectively	1,526	9,755
Reclassification of realized gains on derivatives, net of tax expense of $707 and $4,980, respectively	(1,427)	(8,511)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	99	1,244
Comprehensive loss	(19,717)	(2,074)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,322
Comprehensive loss attributable to Green Plains	$ (24,039)	$ (2,074)

Consolidated Statements Of Com6

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during period, tax (expense) benefit	$ (756)	$ (5,708)
Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on derivatives, tax expense (benefit)	$ 707	$ 4,980

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (19,816)	$ (3,318)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expenses	18,145	15,847
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	3,665	1,962
Deferred income taxes	(20,387)	8,800
Stock-based compensation	147	(1,345)
Undistributed equity in (income) loss of affiliates	1,675	933
Other	103	24
Changes in operating assets and liabilities before effects of business combinations:
Accounts receivable	(10,036)	36,357
Inventories	(9,562)	(14,160)
Derivative financial instruments	(1,797)	2,062
Prepaid expenses and other assets	760	7,982
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(49,190)	(99,434)
Current income taxes	3,216	(1,388)
Other	1,154	(100)
Net cash used by operating activities	(81,923)	(45,778)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(18,571)	(14,332)
Distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated subsidiaries	260	(334)
Net cash used by investing activities	(18,311)	(14,666)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	56,000	39,800
Payments of principal on long-term debt	(5,947)	(41,043)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	954,363	775,744
Payments on short-term borrowings	(906,115)	(746,280)
Payments of cash dividends and distributions	(9,248)	(3,032)
Change in restricted cash	9,756	15,095
Payments of loan fees		(57)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options		606
Net cash provided by financing activities	98,809	40,833
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(1,425)	(19,611)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	384,867	425,510
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	383,442	405,899
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow:
Cash paid for income taxes	2,276	3,558
Cash paid for interest	$ 9,343	$ 5,914

Basis Of Presentation, Descript

Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION, DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  References to the Company  References to “Green Plains” or the “company” in the consolidated financial statements and in these notes to the consolidated financial statements refer to Green Plains Inc., an Iowa corporation, and its subsidiaries.  Consolidated Financial Statements  The consolidated financial statements include the 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 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, 2015 .  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 r eclassified to conform to 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  The p reparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The company bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions it believes are proper and reasonable under the circumstances and regularly evaluates the appropriateness of its estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies, including but not limited to those relating to revenue recognition, depreciation of property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, derivative financial instruments, and accounting for income taxes, are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.  Description of Business  Green Plains is 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. 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.  A substantial portion of the partnership revenues are derived from fixed-fee commercial agreements for storage, terminal or transportation services. The partnership recognizes revenue when there is evidence an arrangement exists; risk of loss and title transfer to the customer; the price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably ensured. Revenues from base storage, terminal or transportation services are recognized once these services are performed, which occurs when the product is delivered to the customer.  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 and cattle feedlot 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, process chemicals, cattle and veterinary supplies. 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 and feedlot utilities, repairs and maintenance, yard expenses and outbound freight charges. Shipping costs incurred by the company, including railcar 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 market wher e the terms of the contract is 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.  Operations and Maintenance Expenses  In the partnership segment, transportation expenses represent the primary component of operations and maintenance expenses. Transportation expenses includes rail car leases, freight and shipping of the company’s ethanol and co-products, as well as costs incurred storing ethanol at destination terminals.  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 the hedging activities themselves result in losses.  By using derivatives to hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, the company is exposed 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 cont ract. The company minimizes 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 strategies the company can use and the degree of market risk it can take using derivative instruments.  The company evaluates its physical deliver y contracts to determine if they qualify for normal purchase or sale exemptions which 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 to use , 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 adopted 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 i n the balance sheet as a deduction from the carryi ng amount of the debt , consistent with debt discounts. The amended guidance has been applied on a retrospective basis, and the balance sheet of each individual period presented has been adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of the new guidance.  Effective January 1, 2017, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation , which requires all income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or settle. The amended guidance also will allow an employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares than it can currently for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. Early application is permitted. The company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the amended guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC 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 does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  Effective January 1, 2019 , the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC 842, Leases , which aims to make leasing activities more transparent and comparable and requires substantially all leases to be recognized by lessees on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability, including leases currently accounted for as operating leases. Early application is permitted. The company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the amended guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Green Plains Partners LP

Green Plains Partners LP	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 company, closed its initial public offering, or the IPO. In conjunction with the IPO, the company contributed its downstream ethanol transportation and storage assets to the partnership. A total of 11,500,000 common units, representing limited partner interests including 1,500,000 common units pursuant to the underwriters’ overallotment option, were sold to the public for $15.00 per common unit. The partnership received net proceeds of approximately $157.5 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, structuring fees and offering expenses. The partnership used the proceeds to make a distribution to the company 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 $1.3 million was retained for general partnership purposes. The company now owns a 62.5% limited partner interest, consisting of 4,389,642 common units and 15,889,642 subordinated units, and a 2.0% general partner interest in the partnership. The public owns the remaining 35.5% limited partner interest in the partnership. As such, the partnership is consolidated in the company’s financial statements.  The partnership 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 busine sses. The partnership’s assets include (i) 30 ethanol storage facilities, located at or near the company’s 14 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 company’s ethanol production plants, (ii) eight fuel terminal facilities, located near major rail lines, which enable the partnership to receive, store and deliver fuels from and to markets that seek a ccess to renewable fuels, and (iii) transportation assets, including a leased railcar fleet of approximately 2,600 railcars , which is contracted to transport ethanol from the company’s ethanol p roduction plants to refineries throughout the United States and international export terminals. The partnership expects to be the company’s primary downstream logistics provider to support its over one billion gallons per year ethanol marketing and distribution business since the partnership’s assets are the principal method of storing and delivering the ethanol the company produces.  A substantial portion of the partnership’s revenues are derived from long-term, fee-based commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade, a subsidiary of the company. In connection with the IPO, the partnership (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 partnership’s Birmingham, Alabama-unit train terminal; and (ii) various other terminal services agreements for its other fuel terminal facilities, each with Green Plains Trade. The partnership’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 company also has agreements which establish fees for general and administrative, and operational and maintenance services it provides. These transactions are eliminated in the presentation of consolidated financial results.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	3. ACQUISITION  Acquisition of Hereford Ethanol Plant On November 12, 2015, the company acquired an ethanol production facility in Hereford, Texas, with an annual production capacity of approximately 100 mmgy for approximately $78.8 million for the ethanol plant assets, as well as working capital acquired or assumed of approximately $19.4 million. The following is a summary of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):      Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed  Inventory $ 20,487  Derivative financial instruments 2,625  Property and equipment, net 78,786   Current liabilities (2,542)  Other liabilities (1,128)  Total identifiable net assets $ 98,228  

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	4 . FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES  The following methods, assumptions and valuation techniques were used to estimate the fair value of the company’s financial instruments:  Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities the company can access at the measurement date. Level 1 unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivatives relate to exchange-traded open trade equity and option values in the company’s brokerage accounts.  Level 2 – directly or indirectly observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets other than quoted prices included within Level 1, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, and other inputs that are observable or can be substantially corroborated by observable market data 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 company currently does not have any recurring Level 3 financial instruments.  There have been no changes in valuation techniques and inputs used in measuring fair value. The company’s assets and liabilities by level are as follows (in thousands):     Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2016  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 $ 383,442 $ - $ - $ 383,442  Restricted cash 17,263 - - 17,263  Margin deposits 11,858 - (11,858) -  Inventories carried at market - 37,749 - 37,749  Unrealized gains on derivatives 13,013 11,656 7,816 32,485  Other assets 116 - - 116  Total assets measured at fair value $ 425,692 $ 49,405 $ (4,042) $ 471,055   Liabilities:  Unrealized losses on derivatives $ 3,298 $ 21,563 $ (4,042) $ 20,819  Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 3,298 $ 21,563 $ (4,042) $ 20,819     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Reclassification for Balance Sheet  (Level 1) (Level 2) Presentation Total   Assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ 384,867 $ - $ - $ 384,867  Restricted cash 27,018 - - 27,018  Margin deposits 7,658 - (7,658) -  Inventories carried at market - 43,936 - 43,936  Unrealized gains on derivatives 19,756 7,145 3,639 30,540  Other assets 117 - - 117  Total assets measured at fair value $ 439,416 $ 51,081 $ (4,019) $ 486,478   Liabilities:  Unrealized losses on derivatives $ 4,492 $ 7,772 $ (4,019) $ 8,245  Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 4,492 $ 7,772 $ (4,019) $ 8,245  The company believes the fair value of its debt was approximately $765.6 million compared with a book value of $765.9 million at March 31, 2016 , and the fair value of its debt was approximately $661.8 million compared with a book value of $663.6 million at December 31, 2015 . The company estimated the fair value of its outstanding debt using Leve l 2 inputs. The company believes the fair values of its ac counts receivable and accounts payable approximated book value, which were $ 106.1 million and $ 104.5 million, respectively , at March 31, 2016 , and $ 96.2 million and $ 167.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2015 .  Although the company 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	5 . SEGMENT INFORMATION  Company management r eports the financ ial and operating performance in 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.  Under GAAP, when transferring assets between entities under common control, 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. Effective January 1, 2016, the partnership acquired the storage and transportati on assets of the Hereford and Hopewell production facilities in a transfer between entities under common control for approximately $62.3 million and entered into amendments to the related commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade . The transferred assets and liabilities are recognized at our 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 the ethanol storage and railcar assets in the partnership segment prior to their respective transfers to the partnership, when th e related commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade became effective.  Corporate activities include selling , general and administrative expenses, consisting primarily of 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.  The following tables set forth certain financial data for the company’s operating segments (in thousands):    Three Months Ended March 31,  2016 2015   Revenues (1) :  Ethanol production:  Revenues from external customers $ 82,483 $ 64,082  Intersegment revenues 341,107 367,640  Total segment revenues 423,590 431,722  Agribusiness:  Revenues from external customers 65,051 58,334  Intersegment revenues 320,341 262,783  Total segment revenues 385,392 321,117  Marketing and distribution:  Revenues from external customers 599,649 613,887  Intersegment revenues 67,067 39,375  Total segment revenues 666,716 653,262  Partnership:  Revenues from external customers 2,021 2,085  Intersegment revenues 21,768 1,311  Total segment revenues 23,789 3,396  Revenues including intersegment activity 1,499,487 1,409,497  Intersegment eliminations (750,283) (671,109)  Revenues as reported $ 749,204 $ 738,388    (1) Revenues from external customers include realized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments.      Three Months Ended March 31,  2016 2015   Cost of goods sold:  Ethanol production $ 433,670 $ 408,332  Agribusiness 379,882 315,665  Marketing and distribution 665,523 644,226  Partnership - -  Intersegment eliminations (754,387) (675,794)  $ 724,688 $ 692,429      Three Months Ended March 31,  2016 2015   Operating income (loss):  Ethanol production $ (33,317) $ 3,419  Agribusiness 3,228 3,210  Marketing and distribution (1,904) 4,405  Partnership 13,071 (5,148)  Intersegment eliminations 4,104 4,684  Corporate activities (7,828) (6,466)  $ (22,646) $ 4,104  The following table sets forth third-party r evenues by product line (in thousands):     Three Months Ended March 31,  2016 2015   Revenues:  Ethanol $ 499,050 $ 444,206  Distillers grains 112,218 110,832  Corn oil 20,875 19,081  Grain 51,055 98,922  Cattle 56,232 45,251  Service revenues 2,021 2,085  Other 7,753 18,011  $ 749,204 $ 738,388  The following table sets forth total assets by operating segment (in thousands):    March 31, December 31,  2016 2015   Total assets (1) :  Ethanol production $ 965,028 $ 1,002,270  Agribusiness 326,764 300,364  Marketing and distribution 230,739 230,651  Partnership 69,740 81,430  Corporate assets 333,057 314,068  Intersegment eliminations (5,916) (10,863)  $ 1,919,412 $ 1,917,920  (1) Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany payable and receivable balances .

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	6 . INVENTORIES  Inventories are carried at lower of cost or market, except f or grain held for sale and fair- value hedged inventories, which are reported at market value.  The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):      March 31, December 31,  2016 2015   Finished goods $ 80,962 $ 71,595  Commodities held for sale 35,989 43,936  Raw materials 117,711 116,673  Work-in-process 102,373 96,950  Supplies and parts 26,484 24,803  $ 363,519 $ 353,957  

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	7 . GOODWILL  The company did not have any changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, which was $ 40.9 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	8 . DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  At March 31, 2016 , the company’s consolidated balance she et reflect ed unrealized losses of $1.1 million, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income. The company expects these losses w i ll be reclassified in operating income over the next 12 months as a result of hedged transactions that are forecasted to occur. The amount realized in operating income, will differ as commodity prices change.  Fair Values of Derivative Instruments  The fair values of the company’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  March 31, December 31, March 31, December 31,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Derivative financial instruments (1) $ 20,627 (2) $ 22,882 (3) $ - $ -  Accrued and other liabilities - - 20,819 8,245  Total $ 20,627 $ 22,882 $ 20,819 $ 8,245  (1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit asse ts of $ 11.9 million and $ 7.7 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (2) Balance at March 31, 2016 includes $ 0.5 million of net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments. (3) Balance at December 31, 2015 includ es $ 2.3 million of net unrealized losses on deri vative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.   Refer to Note 4 - 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 other comprehensive income related to the company’s derivative financial instruments and the line items on the consolidated financial statements where they are reported are as follows (in thousands):    Losses on Derivative Instruments Not Three Months Ended March 31,  Designated in a Hedging Relationship 2016 2015  Revenues $ (2,794) $ (3,781)  Cost of goods sold (5,846) (6,975)  Net decrease recognized in earnings before tax $ (8,640) $ (10,756)     Losses Due to Ineffectiveness Three Months Ended March 31,  of Cash Flow Hedges 2016 2015  Revenues $ - $ (31)  Cost of goods sold - (471)  Net decrease recognized in earnings before tax $ - $ (502)     Gains Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Three Months Ended March 31,  into Net Income 2016 2015  Revenues $ 245 $ 11,849  Cost of goods sold 1,889 1,642  Net increase recognized in earnings before tax $ 2,134 $ 13,491     Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized in Three Months Ended March 31,  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2016 2015  Commodity Contracts $ 2,282 $ 15,463     Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Three Months Ended March 31,  Hedges of Inventory 2016 2015  Revenues (effect of change in inventory value) $ 1,760 $ -  Cost of goods sold (effect of change in inventory value) (4,898) (1,368)  Revenues (effect of fair value hedge) (1,760) -  Cost of goods sold (effect of fair value hedge) 5,808 3,083  Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax $ 910 $ 1,715  There were no gains or losses from discontinuing cash flow or fair value hedge treatment during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 .  The open commodity derivative positions as of March 31, 2016 , are as follows (in thousands):      March 31, 2016  Exchange Traded Non-Exchange Traded  Derivative Instruments Net Long & (Short) (1) Long (2) (Short) (2) Unit of Measure Commodity   Futures (3,375) Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat  Futures 5,950 (3) Bushels Corn  Futures (18,910) (4) Bushels Corn  Futures 13,566 Gallons Ethanol  Futures (630) (3) Gallons Ethanol  Futures 160 Pounds Livestock  Futures (64,770) (3) Pounds Livestock  Futures 920 mmBTU Natural Gas  Futures (7,343) (4) mmBTU Natural Gas  Futures (736) Barrels Crude Oil  Futures (6,600) Pounds Soybean Oil  Options 2,348 Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat  Options 9,340 Gallons Ethanol  Options (8,228) Pounds Livestock  Options 44 mmBTU Natural Gas  Options (14) Barrels Crude Oil  Forwards 21,444 (10,303) Bushels Corn and Soybeans  Forwards 25,896 (203,257) Gallons Ethanol  Forwards 156 (327) Tons Distillers Grains  Forwards 35,235 (212,277) Pounds Corn Oil  Forwards - (44,000) (4) Pounds Corn Oil  Forwards 10,586 (385) mmBTU Natural Gas  Forwards 1,189 (803) 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 or non-exchange traded forwards used for fair value hedges.   Energy trading contracts that do not involve physical delivery are presented net in revenues on the consolidated statements of operations. Included in revenues are net gains on energy trading contracts of $3.4 million and $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	9 . DEBT  The components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):        March 31, December 31,  2016 2015   Green Plains Partners:  $100.0 million revolving credit facility $ 51,000 $ -  Green Plains Processing:  $345.0 million term loan 306,010 306,439  Corporate:  $120.0 million convertible notes 104,467 103,072  Other 27,040 27,135  Total long-term debt 488,517 436,646  Less: current portion of long-term debt (4,513) (4,507)  Long-term debt $ 484,004 $ 432,139  Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at March 31, 2016 , include working capital revolvers at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plains Grain an d Green Plains Trade with outstanding balance s of $74.0 million, $ 112.0 million and $ 91.4 million, respectively. Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at December 31, 2015 , include working capital revolvers at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plains Grain and Green Plains Trade with outstanding balances of $69.7 million, $ 77.0 million and $ 80.2 million, respectively.  Effective January 1, 2016, the company adopted ASC 835-30, Interest - Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which resulted in the reclassification of approximately $11.4 million from other assets to long-term debt within the balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2016, there is $10.8 million of deb t issuance costs recorded as a reduction of the carrying value of the company’s long-term debt.  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 substantially 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 the credit facility require the borrower 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 the life of the credit facility and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00. The credit facility also has a provision requiring the company to make special quarterly payments of 50% to 75% of its available free cash flow, subject to certain limitations.  At March 31, 2016 , the interest rate on this term debt was 6.50% . 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 interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.25% or the base rate plus 2.25% . 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. Total commitments outstanding cannot exceed $250.0 million.  Lenders receive a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable a nd other assets owned by subsidiaries in the agribusiness segment as security on the credit facility. The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants, including maintaining working capital of $20.3 million and tangible net worth of $26.3 million for 2016. Capital expenditures 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 ratio of 1.25 to 1.00 and an annual leverage ratio of 6.00 to 1.00 at the end of each quarter. The credit facility also contains restrictions on distributions related to capital stock, with exceptions for distributions up to 50% 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 interest rates equal to LIBOR plus 2.00% to 3.00% , or the base rate plus 0.00% to 0.25% , 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.  Lenders 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 tangible net worth of $20.3 million for 2016 and maintain a total debt to tangible net worth ratio of 3.50 to 1.00. Capital expenditures are limited to $3.0 million per year under the credit facility, plus unused amounts 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 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. Capital expenditures 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 March 31, 2016 , Green Plains T rade had $6.9 million pr esented as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet, the use of which was restricted for repayment towards the outstanding loan balance.  Partnership Segment  Green Plains Partners, through a wholly owned subsidiary, has a $100.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures in July 2020, to fund working capital, acquisitions, distributions, capital expenditures and other general partnership purposes. Advances under this credit facility are subject to a floating interest rate based on the partnership’s maximum consolidated net leverage ratio equal to (a) a base rate plus 0.75% to 1.75% or ( b) a LIBOR rate plus 1.75% to 2.75% . The credit facility may be increased up to $50.0 million without the consent of the lenders.  The partnership’s obligations under the credit facility are secured by a first priority lien on (i) the capital stock of the partnership’s present and future subsidiaries, (ii) all of the partnership’s present and future personal property, such as investment property, general intangibles and contract rights, including rights under agreements with Green Plains Trade, and (iii) all proceeds and products of the equity interests of the partnership’s present and future subsidiaries and its personal property. The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants including restricting the partnership’s ability to incur additional debt, acquire and sell assets, create liens, invest capital, pay distributions and materially amend the partnership’s commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade. The credit facility also requires the partnership to maintain a maximum consolidated net leverage ratio of no more than 3.50 to 1.00 , and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of no less than 2.75 to 1.00.  Corporate Activities  In September 2013, the company issued $120.0 million of 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2018, or the 3.25% notes. The 3.25% notes are senior, unsecured obligations of the company, with interest payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. T he company may settle the 3.25% notes in cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock . The company intends to repay the 3.25% notes with cash for the principal and cash or common stock for the conversion premium.  Prior to April 1, 2018, the 3.25% notes 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. The conversion rate was recently adjusted to 48.8834 shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $20.46 per share. The company may be obligated to increase the conversion rate in certain events, including redemption of the 3.25% notes .  The company may redeem all of the 3.25% notes 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 immediately prior to the date the company 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% notes have the option to require the company to repurchase the 3.25% notes 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% notes being declared due and payable.  Covenant Compliance  The company was in compliance with its debt covenants as of March 31, 2016 .  Capitalized Interest  The company had $ 358 thousand and $175 thousand of capitalized interest during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.  Restricted Net Assets  At March 31, 2016 , there were approximatel y $ 674.3 million of net assets at the company’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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	10 . STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION  The company has an equity incentive plan that reserves 3.5 million shares of common stock for issuance to its directors and employees . 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 company measures stock -based compensation at fair value on the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The company records noncash compensation expense related to equity awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite period on a straight-line basis. Substantially all of the existing stock-based compensation has been equity awards.  The activity related to the exercisable stock option s for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , is as follows:       Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)   Outstanding at December 31, 2015 298,750 $ 9.81 2.4 $ 3,866  Granted - - - -  Exercised - - - -  Forfeited - - - -  Expired - - - -  Outstanding at March 31, 2016 298,750 $ 9.81 2.2 $ 1,777  Exercisable at March 31, 2016 (1) 298,750 $ 9.81 2.2 $ 1,777 (1) Includes in-the-money options totaling 288,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $ 9.56 .  Option awards allow employees to exercise options 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 company uses newly issued shares of common stock to satisfy its stock-based payment obligations.  The non-vested stock award and deferred stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , is 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, 2015 736,728 $ 22.96  Granted 707,512 13.47  Forfeited (6,333) 18.81  Vested (331,552) 19.59  Non-Vested at March 31, 2016 1,106,355 $ 17.92 2.3  Green Plains Partners  Green Plains Partners has adopted the LTIP , an incentive plan intended to promote the interests of the partnership, 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 partnership measures unit-based compensation related to equity awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis.  The non-vested unit-based awards activity for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , is 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, 2015 10,089 $ 14.93  Granted - -  Forfeited (5,333) 14.93  Vested - -  Non-Vested at March 31, 2016 4,756 $ 14.93 0.3  Compensation costs for stock-based and unit based payment plans during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , we re approximately $ 2.3 million and $ 1.7 million, respectively. At March 31, 2016 , there were $ 16.3 million of unrecognized compensation costs from stock-based and unit-based compensation related to non-vested awards. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.3 years. The potential tax benefit related to stock-based payment is approximately 38.0 % of these expenses .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	11 . 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 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 March 31,  2016 2015   Basic EPS:  Net loss attributable to Green Plains $ (24,138) $ (3,318)  Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 38,197 37,803  EPS - basic $ (0.63) $ (0.09)   Diluted EPS:  Net loss attributable to Green Plains - diluted $ (24,138) $ (3,318)   Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 38,197 37,803  Effect of dilutive convertible debt - -  Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards - -  Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 38,197 37,803   EPS - diluted $ (0.63) $ (0.09)  For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, 108 thousand and 1.1 million shares, respectively , related to stock-based compensation awards and convertible debt were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as the inclusion of these shares would have been antidilutive. Also excluded from the computations of diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , were stock-based compensation awards totaling 337 thousand and 253 thousand shares, respectively, because the exercise prices or the grant-date fair value, as applicable, of the corresponding awards were greater than the average market price of the company’s common stock during the respective periods.

Stockholders Equity

Stockholders Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders Equity	12 . 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, 2015 45,282 $ 45 $ 577,787 $ 290,974 $ (1,165) 7,392 $ (69,811) $ 797,830 $ 161,079 $ 958,909  Net income (loss) - - - (24,138) - - - (24,138) 4,322 (19,816)  Cash dividends and distributions declared - - - (4,615) - - - (4,615) (4,633) (9,248)  Other comprehensive income, before reclassification - - - - 1,526 - - 1,526 - 1,526  Amounts reclassified from accum. other comprehensive income - - - - (1,427) - - (1,427) - (1,427)  Other comprehensive income, net of tax - - - - 99 - - 99 - 99  Stock-based compensation 577 1 (108) - - - - (107) (15) (122)  Balance, March 31, 2016 45,859 $ 46 $ 577,679 $ 262,221 $ (1,066) 7,392 $ (69,811) $ 769,069 $ 160,753 $ 929,822  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):      Three Months Ended March 31, Statements of Operations  2016 2015 Classification   Gains on cash flow hedges:  Ethanol commodity derivatives $ 245 $ 11,849 Revenues  Corn commodity derivatives 1,889 1,642 Cost of goods sold  Total 2,134 13,491 Income before income taxes  Income tax expense 707 4,980 Income tax expense  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income $ 1,427 $ 8,511  

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	13. INCOME TAXES  B eginn ing in 2016, the company records actual income tax expense or benefit during interim periods rather than on an annual effective tax rate method . Certain items are given discrete period treatment and the tax effect of those items are reported in full in the relevant interim period. Gr een Plains Partners is a limited partnership, which is treated as a flow-through entity for federal income tax purposes and is not subject to federal income taxes. The partnership is subject to state income taxes in certain states. As a result, the company’s consolidated financial statements reflect a benefit or provision for income taxes on pre-tax income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the partnership.  Income tax benefit was $ 14.9 million three months ended March 31, 2016 , compared with $ 2.4 million for three months ended March 31, 2015 . The effective tax rate, calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to income before income taxes, was approximately 42.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , and 42.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 . The amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $0.2 million as of March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . Recognition of these benefits would have a favorable impact on the company’ s effective tax rate.  The 2016 effective tax rate can be affected by variances among the estimates and amounts 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 company’s assessment of its liability for uncertain tax positions.

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	1 4 . 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 $ 9.4 million and $8.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.  Aggregate minimum lease payments under these agreements for the remainder of 2016 and in future years are as follows (in thousands):      Year Ending December 31, Amount   2016 $ 23,286  2017 21,915  2018 17,642  2019 12,756  2020 10,222  Thereafter 17,003  Total $ 102,824  Commodities  As of March 31, 2016 , the company had contracted future purchases of grain, corn oil, natural gas, crude oil, ethanol, distillers grains and cattle, valued at approximately $ 312.8 million.  Legal  In November 2013, the company acquired ethanol plants located in Fairmont, Minnesota and Wood River, Nebraska. There is ongoing litigation related to the consideration for this acquisition. If the litigation is resolved favorably, the company will recognize a gain in a future period. In the event of a negative outcome, there will be no impact to the company.  In addition to the above-described proceeding, t he company is currently involved in litigation that has arisen in the ordinary course of business, but does not believe any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows .

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	15 . RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS  Commercial Contracts  Three subsidiaries of the company have executed separate financing ag reements for equipment with Axis Capital Inc. Gordon Glade, Vice Chairman/Founder of Axis Capital, is a member of the company’s board of directors. In March 2014, a subsidiary of the c ompany entered into $1.4 million of new equipmen t financing agreements with Axis Capital with monthly payments beginning in April 2014. Balances of approximately $ 1.0 million related to these financing arrangements were included in debt at March 31, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 . Payments, including principal and interest, totaled $ 69 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 . The weighted average interest rate for th e financing agreements with Axis Capital was 6.8 %.  Aircraft Leases  Effective January 1, 2015, the company entered into two agreements with an entity controlled by Wayne Hoovestol for the lease of two aircrafts. Mr. Hoovestol is chairman of the company’s board of directors. The company agreed to pay $ 9,766 per month for the combined use of up to 125 hours per year of the aircrafts. Flight time in excess of 125 hours per year will incur additional hourly charges. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, payments related to these leases totaled $48 thousand and $57 thousand. The company had no outstanding payables related to these agreements at March 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015 .

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS  Effective April 1, 2016, the company increased its ownership of BioProcess Algae, a joint venture formed in 2008, to 82.8% and will consolidate BioProcess Algae in its consolidated financial statements beginning on that date. The joint venture is focused on developing technology to grow and harvest algae in commercially viable quantities, using the carbon dioxide that is created as part of the ethanol production process.

Basis Of Presentation And Descr

Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 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, 2015 .  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 r eclassified to conform to 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  The p reparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The company bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions it believes are proper and reasonable under the circumstances and regularly evaluates the appropriateness of its estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies, including but not limited to those relating to revenue recognition, depreciation of property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, derivative financial instruments, and accounting for income taxes, are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Description Of Business	Description of Business  Green Plains is 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. 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.  A substantial portion of the partnership revenues are derived from fixed-fee commercial agreements for storage, terminal or transportation services. The partnership recognizes revenue when there is evidence an arrangement exists; risk of loss and title transfer to the customer; the price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably ensured. Revenues from base storage, terminal or transportation services are recognized once these services are performed, which occurs when the product is delivered to the customer.
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 and cattle feedlot 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, process chemicals, cattle and veterinary supplies. 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 and feedlot utilities, repairs and maintenance, yard expenses and outbound freight charges. Shipping costs incurred by the company, including railcar 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 market wher e the terms of the contract is 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.  Operations and Maintenance Expenses  In the partnership segment, transportation expenses represent the primary component of operations and maintenance expenses. Transportation expenses includes rail car leases, freight and shipping of the company’s ethanol and co-products, as well as costs incurred storing ethanol at destination terminals.
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 the hedging activities themselves result in losses.  By using derivatives to hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, the company is exposed 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 cont ract. The company minimizes 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 strategies the company can use and the degree of market risk it can take using derivative instruments.  The company evaluates its physical deliver y contracts to determine if they qualify for normal purchase or sale exemptions which 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 to use , 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 adopted 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 i n the balance sheet as a deduction from the carryi ng amount of the debt , consistent with debt discounts. The amended guidance has been applied on a retrospective basis, and the balance sheet of each individual period presented has been adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of the new guidance.  Effective January 1, 2017, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation , which requires all income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or settle. The amended guidance also will allow an employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares than it can currently for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. Early application is permitted. The company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the amended guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC 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 does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  Effective January 1, 2019 , the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC 842, Leases , which aims to make leasing activities more transparent and comparable and requires substantially all leases to be recognized by lessees on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability, including leases currently accounted for as operating leases. Early application is permitted. The company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the amended guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Acquisition of Green Plains Hereford [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule Of Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed	   Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed  Inventory $ 20,487  Derivative financial instruments 2,625  Property and equipment, net 78,786   Current liabilities (2,542)  Other liabilities (1,128)  Total identifiable net assets $ 98,228 

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Fair Value	   Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2016  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 $ 383,442 $ - $ - $ 383,442  Restricted cash 17,263 - - 17,263  Margin deposits 11,858 - (11,858) -  Inventories carried at market - 37,749 - 37,749  Unrealized gains on derivatives 13,013 11,656 7,816 32,485  Other assets 116 - - 116  Total assets measured at fair value $ 425,692 $ 49,405 $ (4,042) $ 471,055   Liabilities:  Unrealized losses on derivatives $ 3,298 $ 21,563 $ (4,042) $ 20,819  Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 3,298 $ 21,563 $ (4,042) $ 20,819     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Reclassification for Balance Sheet  (Level 1) (Level 2) Presentation Total   Assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ 384,867 $ - $ - $ 384,867  Restricted cash 27,018 - - 27,018  Margin deposits 7,658 - (7,658) -  Inventories carried at market - 43,936 - 43,936  Unrealized gains on derivatives 19,756 7,145 3,639 30,540  Other assets 117 - - 117  Total assets measured at fair value $ 439,416 $ 51,081 $ (4,019) $ 486,478   Liabilities:  Unrealized losses on derivatives $ 4,492 $ 7,772 $ (4,019) $ 8,245  Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 4,492 $ 7,772 $ (4,019) $ 8,245 

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Information [Abstract]
Summary Of Financial Data	  Three Months Ended March 31,  2016 2015   Revenues (1) :  Ethanol production:  Revenues from external customers $ 82,483 $ 64,082  Intersegment revenues 341,107 367,640  Total segment revenues 423,590 431,722  Agribusiness:  Revenues from external customers 65,051 58,334  Intersegment revenues 320,341 262,783  Total segment revenues 385,392 321,117  Marketing and distribution:  Revenues from external customers 599,649 613,887  Intersegment revenues 67,067 39,375  Total segment revenues 666,716 653,262  Partnership:  Revenues from external customers 2,021 2,085  Intersegment revenues 21,768 1,311  Total segment revenues 23,789 3,396  Revenues including intersegment activity 1,499,487 1,409,497  Intersegment eliminations (750,283) (671,109)  Revenues as reported $ 749,204 $ 738,388    (1) Revenues from external customers include realized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments.      Three Months Ended March 31,  2016 2015   Cost of goods sold:  Ethanol production $ 433,670 $ 408,332  Agribusiness 379,882 315,665  Marketing and distribution 665,523 644,226  Partnership - -  Intersegment eliminations (754,387) (675,794)  $ 724,688 $ 692,429      Three Months Ended March 31,  2016 2015   Operating income (loss):  Ethanol production $ (33,317) $ 3,419  Agribusiness 3,228 3,210  Marketing and distribution (1,904) 4,405  Partnership 13,071 (5,148)  Intersegment eliminations 4,104 4,684  Corporate activities (7,828) (6,466)  $ (22,646) $ 4,104 
Schedule Of Revenues By Product	  Three Months Ended March 31,  2016 2015   Revenues:  Ethanol $ 499,050 $ 444,206  Distillers grains 112,218 110,832  Corn oil 20,875 19,081  Grain 51,055 98,922  Cattle 56,232 45,251  Service revenues 2,021 2,085  Other 7,753 18,011  $ 749,204 $ 738,388 
Summary Of Total Assets For Operating Segments	  March 31, December 31,  2016 2015   Total assets (1) :  Ethanol production $ 965,028 $ 1,002,270  Agribusiness 326,764 300,364  Marketing and distribution 230,739 230,651  Partnership 69,740 81,430  Corporate assets 333,057 314,068  Intersegment eliminations (5,916) (10,863)  $ 1,919,412 $ 1,917,920  Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany payable and receivable balances .

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	   March 31, December 31,  2016 2015   Finished goods $ 80,962 $ 71,595  Commodities held for sale 35,989 43,936  Raw materials 117,711 116,673  Work-in-process 102,373 96,950  Supplies and parts 26,484 24,803  $ 363,519 $ 353,957 

Derivative Financial Instrume29

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Schedule Of Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments	  Asset Derivatives' Liability Derivatives'  Fair Value Fair Value  March 31, December 31, March 31, December 31,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Derivative financial instruments (1) $ 20,627 (2) $ 22,882 (3) $ - $ -  Accrued and other liabilities - - 20,819 8,245  Total $ 20,627 $ 22,882 $ 20,819 $ 8,245  (1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit asse ts of $ 11.9 million and $ 7.7 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (2) Balance at March 31, 2016 includes $ 0.5 million of net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments. (3) Balance at December 31, 2015 includ es $ 2.3 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 March 31,  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2016 2015  Commodity Contracts $ 2,282 $ 15,463 
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	  Losses on Derivative Instruments Not Three Months Ended March 31,  Designated in a Hedging Relationship 2016 2015  Revenues $ (2,794) $ (3,781)  Cost of goods sold (5,846) (6,975)  Net decrease recognized in earnings before tax $ (8,640) $ (10,756) 
Schedule Of Gain (Loss) Due To Ineffectiveness Of Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	  Losses Due to Ineffectiveness Three Months Ended March 31,  of Cash Flow Hedges 2016 2015  Revenues $ - $ (31)  Cost of goods sold - (471)  Net decrease recognized in earnings before tax $ - $ (502) 
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 Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Three Months Ended March 31,  into Net Income 2016 2015  Revenues $ 245 $ 11,849  Cost of goods sold 1,889 1,642  Net increase recognized in earnings before tax $ 2,134 $ 13,491 
Schedule Of Gain (Loss) From Fair Value Hedges Of Inventory [Member]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	  Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Three Months Ended March 31,  Hedges of Inventory 2016 2015  Revenues (effect of change in inventory value) $ 1,760 $ -  Cost of goods sold (effect of change in inventory value) (4,898) (1,368)  Revenues (effect of fair value hedge) (1,760) -  Cost of goods sold (effect of fair value hedge) 5,808 3,083  Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax $ 910 $ 1,715 
Schedule Of Volumes of Open Commodity Derivative Positions [Member]
Schedule Of Open Position Derivative Financial Instruments	   March 31, 2016  Exchange Traded Non-Exchange Traded  Derivative Instruments Net Long & (Short) (1) Long (2) (Short) (2) Unit of Measure Commodity   Futures (3,375) Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat  Futures 5,950 (3) Bushels Corn  Futures (18,910) (4) Bushels Corn  Futures 13,566 Gallons Ethanol  Futures (630) (3) Gallons Ethanol  Futures 160 Pounds Livestock  Futures (64,770) (3) Pounds Livestock  Futures 920 mmBTU Natural Gas  Futures (7,343) (4) mmBTU Natural Gas  Futures (736) Barrels Crude Oil  Futures (6,600) Pounds Soybean Oil  Options 2,348 Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat  Options 9,340 Gallons Ethanol  Options (8,228) Pounds Livestock  Options 44 mmBTU Natural Gas  Options (14) Barrels Crude Oil  Forwards 21,444 (10,303) Bushels Corn and Soybeans  Forwards 25,896 (203,257) Gallons Ethanol  Forwards 156 (327) Tons Distillers Grains  Forwards 35,235 (212,277) Pounds Corn Oil  Forwards - (44,000) (4) Pounds Corn Oil  Forwards 10,586 (385) mmBTU Natural Gas  Forwards 1,189 (803) 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 or non-exchange traded forwards used for fair value hedges.

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2015 298,750 $ 9.81 2.4 $ 3,866  Granted - - - -  Exercised - - - -  Forfeited - - - -  Expired - - - -  Outstanding at March 31, 2016 298,750 $ 9.81 2.2 $ 1,777  Exercisable at March 31, 2016 (1) 298,750 $ 9.81 2.2 $ 1,777 (1) Includes in-the-money options totaling 288,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $ 9.56 .
Schedule of Non-Vest Stock Award and Deferred Stock Unit 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, 2015 736,728 $ 22.96  Granted 707,512 13.47  Forfeited (6,333) 18.81  Vested (331,552) 19.59  Non-Vested at March 31, 2016 1,106,355 $ 17.92 2.3 
Green Plains Partners LP [Member]
Schedule of Non-vested Unit-based Awards 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, 2015 10,089 $ 14.93  Granted - -  Forfeited (5,333) 14.93  Vested - -  Non-Vested at March 31, 2016 4,756 $ 14.93 0.3 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	   Three Months Ended March 31,  2016 2015   Basic EPS:  Net loss attributable to Green Plains $ (24,138) $ (3,318)  Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 38,197 37,803  EPS - basic $ (0.63) $ (0.09)   Diluted EPS:  Net loss attributable to Green Plains - diluted $ (24,138) $ (3,318)   Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 38,197 37,803  Effect of dilutive convertible debt - -  Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards - -  Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 38,197 37,803   EPS - diluted $ (0.63) $ (0.09) 

Stockholders Equity (Tables)

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2015 45,282 $ 45 $ 577,787 $ 290,974 $ (1,165) 7,392 $ (69,811) $ 797,830 $ 161,079 $ 958,909  Net income (loss) - - - (24,138) - - - (24,138) 4,322 (19,816)  Cash dividends and distributions declared - - - (4,615) - - - (4,615) (4,633) (9,248)  Other comprehensive income, before reclassification - - - - 1,526 - - 1,526 - 1,526  Amounts reclassified from accum. other comprehensive income - - - - (1,427) - - (1,427) - (1,427)  Other comprehensive income, net of tax - - - - 99 - - 99 - 99  Stock-based compensation 577 1 (108) - - - - (107) (15) (122)  Balance, March 31, 2016 45,859 $ 46 $ 577,679 $ 262,221 $ (1,066) 7,392 $ (69,811) $ 769,069 $ 160,753 $ 929,822 
Reclassification Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	   Three Months Ended March 31, Statements of Operations  2016 2015 Classification   Gains on cash flow hedges:  Ethanol commodity derivatives $ 245 $ 11,849 Revenues  Corn commodity derivatives 1,889 1,642 Cost of goods sold  Total 2,134 13,491 Income before income taxes  Income tax expense 707 4,980 Income tax expense  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income $ 1,427 $ 8,511 

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Aggregate Minimum Lease Payments	   Year Ending December 31, Amount   2016 $ 23,286  2017 21,915  2018 17,642  2019 12,756  2020 10,222  Thereafter 17,003  Total $ 102,824 

Basis Of Presentation And Des34

Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016segment
Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	4

Green Plains Partners LP (Detai

Green Plains Partners LP (Details)	Jul. 01, 2015USD ($)item$ / sharesshares
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Number of ethanol storage facilities | item	30
Number of ethanol production plants associated with contributed ethanol storage facilities | item	14
Number of fuel terminal facilities | item	8
Number of leased railcars | item	2,600
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	$ 157,500,000
Proceeds from issuance of Green Plains Partners common units, retained for general partnership purposes	1,300,000
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%

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Detai

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - Acquisition of Green Plains Hereford [Member] $ in Thousands, gal in Millions	Nov. 12, 2015USD ($)gal
Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Line Items]
Expected annual ethanol production capacity | gal	100
Property and equipment, net	$ 78,786
Working capital acquired or assumed	$ 19,400

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Ident

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - Acquisition of Green Plains Hereford [Member] $ in Thousands	Nov. 12, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventory	$ 20,487
Derivative financial instruments	2,625
Property and equipment, net	78,786
Current liabilities	(2,542)
Other liabilities	(1,128)
Total identifiable net assets	$ 98,228

Fair Value Disclosures (Narrati

Fair Value Disclosures (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of debt	$ 765.6	$ 661.8
Book value of debt	765.9	663.6
Fair value of accounts receivable	106.1	96.2
Fair value of accounts payable	$ 104.5	$ 167

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedul

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 383,442	$ 384,867
Restricted cash	17,263	27,018
Inventories carried at market	37,749	43,936
Unrealized gains on derivatives	32,485	30,540
Other assets	116	117
Total assets measured at fair value	471,055	486,478
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	20,819	8,245
Total liabilities measured at fair value	20,819	8,245
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	383,442	384,867
Restricted cash	17,263	27,018
Margin deposits	11,858	7,658
Unrealized gains on derivatives	13,013	19,756
Other assets	116	117
Total assets measured at fair value	425,692	439,416
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	3,298	4,492
Total liabilities measured at fair value	3,298	4,492
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets:
Inventories carried at market	37,749	43,936
Unrealized gains on derivatives	11,656	7,145
Total assets measured at fair value	49,405	51,081
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	21,563	7,772
Total liabilities measured at fair value	21,563	7,772
Reclassification for Balance Sheet Presentation [Member]
Assets:
Margin deposits	(11,858)	(7,658)
Unrealized gains on derivatives	7,816	3,639
Total assets measured at fair value	(4,042)	(4,019)
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	(4,042)	(4,019)
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$ (4,042)	$ (4,019)

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016segment
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	4

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Financial Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 749,204	$ 738,388
Costs of goods sold	724,688	692,429
Operating income (loss)	(22,646)	4,104
Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	749,204	738,388
Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,499,487	1,409,497
Ethanol Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold	433,670	408,332
Operating income (loss)	(33,317)	3,419
Ethanol Production [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	82,483	64,082
Ethanol Production [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	341,107	367,640
Ethanol Production [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	423,590	431,722
Agribusiness [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold	379,882	315,665
Operating income (loss)	3,228	3,210
Agribusiness [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	65,051	58,334
Agribusiness [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	320,341	262,783
Agribusiness [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	385,392	321,117
Marketing And Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold	665,523	644,226
Operating income (loss)	(1,904)	4,405
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	599,649	613,887
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	67,067	39,375
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	666,716	653,262
Partnership [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	13,071	(5,148)
Partnership [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,021	2,085
Partnership [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	21,768	1,311
Partnership [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	23,789	3,396
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold	(754,387)	(675,794)
Operating income (loss)	4,104	4,684
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(750,283)	(671,109)
Corporate Activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	$ (7,828)	$ (6,466)

Segment Information (Schedule O

Segment Information (Schedule Of Revenues By Product) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 749,204	$ 738,388
Ethanol [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	499,050	444,206
Distillers Grains [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	112,218	110,832
Corn Oil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	20,875	19,081
Grain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	51,055	98,922
Cattle in Pounds [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	56,232	45,251
Service Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,021	2,085
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 7,753	$ 18,011

Segment Information (Summary 43

Segment Information (Summary Of Total Assets For Operating Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 1,919,412	$ 1,917,920
Ethanol Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	965,028	1,002,270
Agribusiness [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	326,764	300,364
Marketing And Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	230,739	230,651
Partnership [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	69,740	81,430
Corporate Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	333,057	314,068
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ (5,916)	$ (10,863)

Inventories (Schedule Of Invent

Inventories (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 80,962	$ 71,595
Commodities held for sale	35,989	43,936
Raw materials	117,711	116,673
Work-in-process	102,373	96,950
Supplies and parts	26,484	24,803
Inventories	$ 363,519	$ 353,957

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 40,877	$ 40,877
Ethanol Production [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	30,300	30,300
Partnership [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 10,600	$ 10,600

Derivative Financial Instrume46

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (1,066)		$ (1,165)
Energy trading contracts, gain (loss)	$ 3,400	$ 5,400

Derivative Financial Instrume47

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value		$ 20,627		$ 22,882
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value		20,819		8,245
Margin deposit asset		11,900		7,700
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges		500		(2,300)
Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	[2]	20,627	[1]	22,882	[3]
Accrued and Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value		$ 20,819		$ 8,245
[1]	Balance at March 31, 2016 includes $0.5 million of net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.
[2]	Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $11.9 million and $7.7 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
[3]	Balance at December 31, 2015 includes $2.3 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

Derivative Financial Instrume48

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Gain Or Loss Recognized In Income And Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	$ (8,640)	$ (10,756)
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges		(502)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	2,134	13,491
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	910	1,715
Revenue [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	(2,794)	(3,781)
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges		(31)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	245	11,849
Revenue (Effect of Change In Inventory Value) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	1,760
Revenue (Effect of Fair Value Hedge) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	(1,760)
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	(5,846)	(6,975)
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges		(471)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	1,889	1,642
Cost of Goods Sold (Effect of Change in Inventory Value) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	(4,898)	(1,368)
Cost of Goods Sold (Effect of Fair Value Hedge) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	$ 5,808	$ 3,083

Derivative Financial Instrume49

Derivative Financial Instruments (Commodity Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 2,282	$ 15,463

Derivative Financial Instrume50

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Volumes Of Open Commodity Derivative Positions) (Details) contract in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016contract
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn, Soybeans And Wheat In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(3,375)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn In Bushels [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	5,950
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn In Bushels [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(18,910)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	13,566
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(630)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Crude Oil In Barrels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(736)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	920
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	(7,343)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Livestock in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	160
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Livestock in Pounds [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(64,770)
Futures [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Soybean Oil in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(6,600)
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Corn, Soybeans And Wheat In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	2,348
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	9,340
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Crude Oil In Barrels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(14)
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	44
Options [Member] | Exchange Traded Net Long & Short [Member] | Livestock in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(8,228)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	25,896
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Crude Oil In Barrels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	1,189
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	10,586
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Corn And Soybeans In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	21,444
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Distillers Grains In Tons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	156
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Long [Member] | Corn Oil in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	35,235
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Ethanol In Gallons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(203,257)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Crude Oil In Barrels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(803)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(385)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Corn And Soybeans In Bushels [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(10,303)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Distillers Grains In Tons [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(327)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Corn Oil in Pounds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(212,277)
Forwards [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Short [Member] | Corn Oil in Pounds [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	(44,000)

Debt (Schedule Of The Component

Debt (Schedule Of The Components Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 488,517,000	$ 436,646,000
Less: current portion of long-term debt	(4,513,000)	(4,507,000)
Long-term debt	484,004,000	432,139,000
Other Debt Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	27,040,000	27,135,000
Partnership [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | $100.0 Million Revoling Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	51,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount	100,000,000	100,000,000
Green Plains Processing [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | $345.0 Million Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	306,010,000	306,439,000
Debt instrument, face amount	345,000,000	345,000,000
Corporate [Member] | Convertible Notes [Member] | $120.0 Million Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	104,467,000	103,072,000
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 120,000,000	$ 120,000,000

Debt (Narrative - Ethanol Produ

Debt (Narrative - Ethanol Production Segment) (Details) - Ethanol Production Segment [Member] - Green Plains Processing [Member] - Term Loan [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
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
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%
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%
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) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capitalized interest	$ 358,000	$ 175,000
Restricted assets	674,300,000
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New accounting pronouncement, reclassification of debt issuance costs from other assets to long-term debt	10,800,000		$ 11,400,000
Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	112,000,000		77,000,000
Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	74,000,000		69,700,000
Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	91,400,000		$ 80,200,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 125,000,000
Debt maturity dates	Aug. 26, 2016
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 250,000,000
Allowable dividends as percentage of net profit before taxes	50.00%
Additional amounts available under facility, accordion feature	$ 75,000,000
Minimum working capital required for compliance	20,300,000
Minimum net worth required for compliance	$ 26,300,000
Annual leverage ratio	6
Fixed charge coverage ratio	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	3.25%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate	LIBOR plus 3.25%
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	2.25%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate	base rate plus 2.25%
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Seasonal Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 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
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
Annual leverage ratio	3.50
Annual capital expenditures, maximum	$ 3,000,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis for effective rate	LIBOR plus 2.00% to 3.00%
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis for effective rate	base rate plus 0.00% to 0.25%
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate, percentage	2.00%
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate, percentage	0.00%
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | LIBOR [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] | Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate, percentage	0.25%
Marketing and Distribution Segment [Member] | Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 150,000,000
Revolving credit facility expiration date	Nov. 26, 2019
Allowable dividends as percentage of net profit before taxes	50.00%
Undrawn availability of revolving credit facility on a pro forma basis	$ 10,000,000
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.15
Annual capital expenditures, maximum	$ 1,500,000
Restricted cash	6,900,000
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	100,000,000
Additional amount available under credit facility without consent of the lenders	$ 50,000,000
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 1.75% to 2.75%
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 0.75% to 1.75%
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest coverage ratio	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	1.75
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	0.75
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net leverage ratio	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	2.75
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	1.75
Corporate Activities [Member] | 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 120,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	3.25%
Common stock, dividends per share, cash paid per share	$ 0.04
Common stock for conversion, shares	48.8834
Debt conversion amount	$ 1,000
Debt conversion price	$ 20.46
Conversion price percentage	140.00%
Principal amount of notes, percentage	100.00%
Convertible debt, cross default threshold	$ 10,000,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares or units authorized	3,500,000
Compensation costs expensed	$ 2.3	$ 1.7
Unrecognized compensation costs	$ 16.3
Compensation expected to be recognized, weighted-average period in years	2 years 3 months 18 days
Potential tax benefit, percentage	38.00%
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

Stock-Based Compensation (Sched

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Outstanding at December 31, 2015, Shares | shares	298,750
Outstanding at December 31, 2015, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 9.81
Outstanding at December 31, 2015, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 2 months 12 days	2 years 4 months 24 days
Outstanding at December 31, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 3,866
Outstanding at March 31, 2016, Shares | shares	298,750	298,750
Outstanding at March 31, 2016, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 9.81	$ 9.81
Outstanding at March 31, 2016, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 2 months 12 days	2 years 4 months 24 days
Outstanding at March 31, 2016, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 1,777	$ 3,866
Exercisable at March 31, 2016, Shares | shares	298,750
Exercisable at March 31, 2016, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 9.81
Exercisable at March 31, 2016, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual	2 years 2 months 12 days
Exercisable at March 31, 2016, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 1,777
In-the-money options, shares | shares	288,750
In-the-money options, weighted-average exercise price | $ / shares	9.56

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch56

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Vested Stock Award And DSU Activity) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Non-vested at December 31, 2015, shares or units | shares	736,728
Non-vested at December 31, 2015, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 22.96
Granted, shares or units | shares	707,512
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 13.47
Forfeited, shares or units | shares	(6,333)
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 18.81
Vested, shares or units | shares	(331,552)
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 19.59
Non-vested at March 31, 2016, shares or units | shares	1,106,355
Non-vested at March 31, 2016, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 17.92
Non-vested at March 31, 2016, Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term (in years)	2 years 3 months 18 days

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch57

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Vested Unit-Based Award Activity) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Non-vested at December 31, 2015, shares or units | shares	736,728
Non-vested at December 31, 2015, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 22.96
Granted, shares or units | shares	707,512
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 13.47
Forfeited, shares or units | shares	(6,333)
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 18.81
Vested, shares or units | shares	(331,552)
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 19.59
Non-vested at March 31, 2016, shares or units | shares	1,106,355
Non-vested at March 31, 2016, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 17.92
Non-vested at March 31, 2016, Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term (in years)	2 years 3 months 18 days
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | Green Plains Partners LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted unit awards [Member]
Non-vested at December 31, 2015, shares or units | shares	10,089
Non-vested at December 31, 2015, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 14.93
Forfeited, shares or units | shares	(5,333)
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 14.93
Non-vested at March 31, 2016, shares or units | shares	4,756
Non-vested at March 31, 2016, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 14.93
Non-vested at March 31, 2016, Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term (in years)	3 months 18 days

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Out of Money Stock Based Compensation Awards [Member]
Stock-based compensation awards excluded from computations of diluted EPS	337	253
Antidilutive Securities Net Loss Position Stock Based Compensation Awards [Member]
Stock-based compensation awards excluded from computations of diluted EPS	108	1,100

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
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Green Plains	$ (24,138)	$ (3,318)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	38,197	37,803
EPS - basic	$ (0.63)	$ (0.09)
Net loss attributable to Green Plains - diluted	$ (24,138)	$ (3,318)
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	38,197	37,803
EPS - diluted	$ (0.63)	$ (0.09)

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule Of Stockholders' Equity) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 958,909
Net income (loss)	(19,816)	$ (3,318)
Cash dividends and distributions declared	(9,248)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	1,526
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(1,427)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	99	$ 1,244
Stock-based compensation	(122)
Ending balance	$ 929,822
Common Units [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares	45,282
Beginning balance	$ 45
Stock-based compensation, Shares	577
Stock-based compensation	$ 1
Ending balance, Shares	45,859
Ending balance	$ 46
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	577,787
Stock-based compensation	(108)
Ending balance	577,679
Retained Earnings [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	290,974
Net income (loss)	(24,138)
Cash dividends and distributions declared	(4,615)
Ending balance	262,221
Accum. Other Comp. Income (Loss) [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(1,165)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	1,526
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(1,427)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	99
Ending balance	$ (1,066)
Treasury Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares	7,392
Beginning balance	$ (69,811)
Ending balance, Shares	7,392
Ending balance	$ (69,811)
Total Green Plains Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	797,830
Net income (loss)	(24,138)
Cash dividends and distributions declared	(4,615)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	1,526
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(1,427)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	99
Stock-based compensation	(107)
Ending balance	769,069
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	161,079
Net income (loss)	4,322
Cash dividends and distributions declared	(4,633)
Stock-based compensation	(15)
Ending balance	$ 160,753

Stockholders Equity (Reclassifi

Stockholders Equity (Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	$ 2,134	$ 13,491
Income tax expense (benefit)	707	4,980
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,427	8,511
Revenue [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	245	11,849
Revenue [Member] | Ethanol Commodity Derivatives [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	245	11,849
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	1,889	1,642
Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Corn Commodity Derivatives [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	1,889	1,642
Income (loss) before income taxes [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	2,134	13,491
Income tax expense (benefit) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 707	$ 4,980

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (14,893)	$ (2,447)
Effective tax rate	42.90%	42.40%
Uncategorized tax benefits	$ 200		$ 200

Commitments And Contingencies63

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Lease expenses	$ 9.4	$ 8.3
Contracted future purchases	$ 312.8

Commitments And Contingencies64

Commitments And Contingencies (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2,016	$ 23,286
2,017	21,915
2,018	17,642
2,019	12,756
2,020	10,222
Thereafter	17,003
Total	$ 102,824

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)h / yritem	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Outstanding accounts payable	$ 104,513,000		$ 166,963,000
AXIS Capital [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	1,400,000
Due to related parties, current	1,000,000		$ 1,000,000
Principal payments (including interest)	$ 69,000
Weighted average interest rate	6.80%
Board of Directors Chairman [Member] | Aircraft Lease [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of related party transaction agreements | item	2
Number of leased aircrafts | item	2
Aircraft lease amount payable, per month	$ 9,766
Aircraft hours available each year under lease | h / yr	125
Cash payments	$ 48,000	$ 57,000

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details)	Apr. 01, 2016
Subsequent Event [Member] | BioProcess Algae [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Less than wholy owned subsidiary, parent ownership perecentage	82.80%