Green Plains (GPRE) 10-Q 3 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
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		38,368,478
Trading Symbol	gpre

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 407,359	$ 384,867
Restricted cash		34,219	27,018
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $342 and $285, respectively		132,574	96,150
Income taxes receivable		4,806	9,104
Inventories		324,287	353,957
Prepaid expenses and other		11,200	10,941
Derivative financial instruments		38,577	30,540
Total current assets		953,022	912,577
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $397,470 and $338,558, respectively		1,139,592	922,070
Goodwill		40,877	40,877
Other assets		43,467	42,396
Total assets	[1]	2,176,958	1,917,920
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		129,317	166,963
Accrued and other liabilities		46,373	32,026
Derivative financial instruments		20,831	8,245
Income taxes payable		4,096
Short-term notes payable and other borrowings		229,086	226,928
Current maturities of long-term debt		13,244	4,507
Total current liabilities		442,947	438,669
Long-term debt		681,182	432,139
Deferred income taxes		80,932	81,797
Other liabilities		6,358	6,406
Total liabilities		1,211,419	959,011
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 46,051,685 and 45,281,571 shares issued, and 38,336,695 and 37,889,871 shares outstanding, respectively		46	45
Additional paid-in capital		656,522	577,787
Retained earnings		269,135	290,974
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(54)	(1,165)
Treasury stock, 7,714,990 and 7,391,700 shares, respectively		(75,816)	(69,811)
Total Green Plains stockholders’ equity		849,833	797,830
Noncontrolling interests		115,706	161,079
Total stockholders’ equity		965,539	958,909
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$ 2,176,958	$ 1,917,920
[1]	Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany payable and receivable balances

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 342	$ 285
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 397,470	$ 338,558
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	46,051,685	45,281,571
Common stock, shares outstanding	38,336,695	37,889,871
Treasury stock, shares	7,714,990	7,391,700

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Product revenues	$ 839,786	$ 740,634	$ 2,472,741	$ 2,219,319
Service revenues	2,066	2,163	6,042	6,356
Total revenues	841,852	742,797	2,478,783	2,225,675
Costs of goods sold	758,883	679,348	2,293,095	2,048,379
Operations and maintenance expenses	8,564	7,715	25,713	21,850
Selling, general and administrative expenses	24,264	19,280	68,225	58,473
Depreciation and amortization expenses	19,286	16,621	56,132	48,634
Total costs and expenses	810,997	722,964	2,443,165	2,177,336
Operating income	30,855	19,833	35,618	48,339
Other income (expense)
Interest income	484	319	1,263	749
Interest expense	(11,819)	(10,196)	(33,117)	(29,918)
Other, net	(1,553)	(519)	(2,050)	(2,484)
Total other expense	(12,888)	(10,396)	(33,904)	(31,653)
Income before income taxes	17,967	9,437	1,714	16,686
Income tax expense (benefit)	5,083	(604)	(4,339)	2,171
Net income	12,884	10,041	6,053	14,515
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,956	3,862	14,072	3,862
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains	$ 7,928	$ 6,179	$ (8,019)	$ 10,653
Earnings per share:
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains - basic	$ 0.21	$ 0.16	$ (0.21)	$ 0.28
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains - diluted	$ 0.20	$ 0.16	$ (0.21)	$ 0.27
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	38,282	38,066	38,301	37,966
Diluted	39,136	38,556	38,301	39,266
Cash dividend declared per share	$ 0.12	$ 0.12	$ 0.36	$ 0.28

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 12,884	$ 10,041	$ 6,053	$ 14,515
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during period, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(1,331), $(2,232), $762 and $(5,554), respectively	1,919	3,682	(1,395)	9,245
Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on derivatives, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(1,144), $547, $(1,369) and $(420), respectively	2,150	(903)	2,506	700
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	4,069	2,779	1,111	9,945
Comprehensive income	16,953	12,820	7,164	24,460
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,956	3,862	14,072	3,862
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Green Plains	$ 11,997	$ 8,958	$ (6,908)	$ 20,598

Consolidated Statements Of Com6

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during period, tax (expense) benefit	$ (1,331)	$ (2,232)	$ 762	$ (5,554)
Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on derivatives, tax expense (benefit)	$ (1,144)	$ 547	$ (1,369)	$ (420)

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 6,053	$ 14,515
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expenses	56,132	48,634
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	7,588	5,756
Deferred income taxes	(16,413)	(39,645)
Stock-based compensation	4,837	3,207
Undistributed equity in loss of affiliates	2,067	2,678
Other	57	104
Changes in operating assets and liabilities before effects of business combinations:
Accounts receivable	(36,431)	(3,051)
Inventories	46,126	(8,045)
Derivative financial instruments	6,279	18,503
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(849)	6,732
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(23,704)	(56,636)
Current income taxes	8,089	(1,532)
Other	1,150	1,300
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	60,981	(7,480)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(35,658)	(44,464)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(252,488)
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries	(1,388)	(3,309)
Net cash used by investing activities	(289,534)	(47,773)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	337,000	178,400
Payments of principal on long-term debt	(40,578)	(194,819)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	2,969,034	2,382,589
Payments on short-term borrowings	(2,967,191)	(2,391,874)
Proceeds from issuance of Green Plains Partners common units, net		157,422
Payments for repurchase of common stock	(6,005)	(4,003)
Payments of cash dividends and distributions	(27,837)	(10,646)
Change in restricted cash	(7,200)	13,085
Payments of loan fees	(7,810)	(5,314)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	1,632	766
Net cash provided by financing activities	251,045	125,606
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	22,492	70,353
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	384,867	425,510
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	407,359	495,863
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow:
Cash paid for income taxes	3,348	43,347
Cash paid for interest	$ 24,280	$ 23,262

Basis Of Presentation, Descript

Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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. Effective April 1, 2016, the company increased its ownership of BioProcess Algae, a joint venture formed in 2008, to 82.8% and consolidated BioProcess Algae in its consolidated financial statements beginning on that date.  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 reclassified 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 third 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 , natural gas 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 , natural gas 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 as sured. 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 where 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 railcar 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 contract. 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 delivery 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 in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying 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 trigger ing liability accounting and 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, 2017, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC 330, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory , which requires inventory to be measured at lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices during the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.  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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 businesses. The partnership’s assets currently include (i) 38 ethanol storage facilities , located at or near the company’s 17 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 lease d railcar fleet of approximately 3,100 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 approximately 1.5 Bgy 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	3. ACQUISITION S  Acquisition of Abengoa Ethanol Plants  On September 23 , 2016, the company acquired three ethanol plants located in Madison, Illinois, Mount Vernon, Indiana, and York, Nebraska from subsidiaries of Abengoa S.A. for approximately $237.4 million for the ethanol plant assets and $15.2 million for working capital acquired or assumed , subject to certain post-closing adjustments . The se ethanol facilities have a combined annual production capacity of 236 mmgy. The company recorded $0.8 million of acquisition costs for the Abengoa ethanol plants to selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2016. The purchase price allocation is based on the preliminary results of an independent valuation. The purchase price and purchase price allocation are preliminary until contractual post-closing working capital adjustments are finalized and the final independent valuation report is issued. The following is a summary of the preliminary purchase price of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):     Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed  Inventory $ 16,456  Accounts receivable, net 1,588  Prepaid expenses and other 457  Property and equipment, net 235,395  Other assets 60   Current liabilities (1,403)  Total identifiable net assets $ 252,553  Concurrently with the company’s acquisition of the Abengoa ethanol plants, on September 23, 2016, the partnership acquired the storage assets of the Abengoa ethanol plants from the company for $90 million in a transfer between entities under common control and entered into amendments to the related commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade.  Disclosure of pro forma combined total revenues and net income (loss) information for the acquisition of the Abengoa ethanol plants is not currently practicable because financial statements for the acquired plants are currently under audit and have not yet been provided by the sellers. The company expects to report pro forma financial information in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2016.  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 the final purchase price 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  Effective January 1, 2016, the partnership acquired the storage and transportation 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.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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 $ 407,359 $ - $ - $ 407,359  Restricted cash 34,219 - - 34,219  Margin deposits 8,792 - (8,792) -  Inventories carried at market - 45,199 - 45,199  Unrealized gains on derivatives 26,098 17,468 (4,989) 38,577  Other assets 116 - - 116  Total assets measured at fair value $ 476,584 $ 62,667 $ (13,781) $ 525,470   Liabilities:  Unrealized losses on derivatives $ 10,938 $ 23,674 $ (13,781) $ 20,831  Other - 15 - 15  Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 10,938 $ 23,689 $ (13,781) $ 20,846      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 $913.8 million compared with a book value of $923.5 million at September 30, 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 Level 2 inputs. The company believes the fair values of its accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated book value, which were $ 132.6 million and $ 129.3 million, respectively , at September 30, 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 the equity component of convertible debt represent Level 3 measurements which were derived using a combination of the income approach, market approach and cost approach for the specific assets or liabilities being valued .

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 , natural gas 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 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 we re 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   Revenues (1) :  Ethanol production:  Revenues from external customers $ 74,892 $ 37,702 $ 222,424 $ 140,640  Intersegment revenues 457,549 352,215 1,249,333 1,145,879  Total segment revenues 532,441 389,917 1,471,757 1,286,519  Agribusiness:  Revenues from external customers 83,615 54,519 242,049 191,495  Intersegment revenues 359,715 255,671 1,058,813 783,388  Total segment revenues 443,330 310,190 1,300,862 974,883  Marketing and distribution:  Revenues from external customers 681,279 648,413 2,008,268 1,887,184  Intersegment revenues 54,704 21,914 165,558 93,176  Total segment revenues 735,983 670,327 2,173,826 1,980,360  Partnership:  Revenues from external customers 2,066 2,163 6,042 6,356  Intersegment revenues 24,139 19,247 69,445 21,895  Total segment revenues 26,205 21,410 75,487 28,251  Revenues including intersegment activity 1,737,959 1,391,844 5,021,932 4,270,013  Intersegment eliminations (896,107) (649,047) (2,543,149) (2,044,338)  Revenues as reported $ 841,852 $ 742,797 $ 2,478,783 $ 2,225,675    (1) Revenues from external customers include realized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments.      Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   Cost of goods sold:  Ethanol production $ 494,225 $ 365,348 $ 1,410,720 $ 1,184,595  Agribusiness 434,582 307,995 1,278,211 962,979  Marketing and distribution 726,323 656,934 2,147,803 1,950,327  Intersegment eliminations (896,247) (650,929) (2,543,639) (2,049,522)  $ 758,883 $ 679,348 $ 2,293,095 $ 2,048,379       Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   Operating income (loss):  Ethanol production $ 15,311 $ 5,528 $ (7,385) $ 43,139  Agribusiness 6,251 365 15,039 5,833  Marketing and distribution 5,252 9,406 13,908 17,446  Partnership 15,084 11,030 42,958 416  Intersegment eliminations 141 1,882 491 5,264  Corporate activities (11,184) (8,378) (29,393) (23,759)  $ 30,855 $ 19,833 $ 35,618 $ 48,339  The following table sets forth third-party r evenues by product line (in thousands):     Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   Revenues:  Ethanol $ 550,724 $ 468,005 $ 1,622,168 $ 1,381,203  Distillers grains 129,345 121,273 357,070 359,164  Corn oil 49,844 28,949 111,727 67,649  Grain 30,003 47,106 145,800 199,982  Cattle 70,012 56,904 201,423 168,381  Service revenues 2,066 2,163 6,042 6,356  Other 9,858 18,397 34,553 42,940  $ 841,852 $ 742,797 $ 2,478,783 $ 2,225,675  The following table sets forth total assets by operating segment (in thousands):    September 30, December 31,  2016 2015   Total assets (1) :  Ethanol production $ 1,199,374 $ 1,002,270  Agribusiness 271,290 300,364  Marketing and distribution 279,368 230,651  Partnership 75,541 81,430  Corporate assets 362,121 314,068  Intersegment eliminations (10,736) (10,863)  $ 2,176,958 $ 1,917,920  (1) Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany payable and receivable balances .

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	6 . INVENTORIES  Inventories are carried at lower of cost or market, except f or commodities held for sale and fair- value hedged inventories, which are reported at market value.  The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):       September 30, December 31,  2016 2015   Finished goods $ 68,654 $ 71,595  Commodities held for sale 35,880 43,936  Raw materials 94,080 116,673  Work-in-process 95,303 96,950  Supplies and parts 30,370 24,803  $ 324,287 $ 353,957   

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	8 . DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  At September 30, 2016 , the company’s consolidated balance sheet reflected unrealized losses of $0.1 million, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) . The company expects these losses will 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  September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Derivative financial instruments (1) $ 29,785 (2) $ 22,882 (3) $ - $ -  Accrued and other liabilities - - 20,831 8,245  Other liabilities - - 15 -  Total $ 29,785 $ 22,882 $ 20,846 $ 8,245  (1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $ 8.8 million and $ 7.7 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (2) Balance at September 30, 2016 includes $ 4.2 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):    Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  Designated in a Hedging Relationship 2016 2015 2016 2015  Revenues $ (1,084) $ (9,431) $ 6,187 $ (9,597)  Cost of goods sold (39) 20,992 (8,740) 2,783  Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ (1,123) $ 11,561 $ (2,553) $ (6,814)     Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  of Cash Flow Hedges 2016 2015 2016 2015  Revenues $ 34 $ 14 $ (5) $ (45)  Cost of goods sold 96 (23) (65) -  Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ 130 $ (9) $ (70) $ (45)     Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  into Net Income 2016 2015 2016 2015  Revenues $ 25,254 $ 935 $ 12,029 $ 4,643  Cost of goods sold (28,548) 515 (15,904) (5,763)  Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ (3,294) $ 1,450 $ (3,875) $ (1,120)     Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized in Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2016 2015 2016 2015  Commodity Contracts $ 3,250 $ 5,914 $ (2,157) $ 14,799     Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  Hedges of Inventory 2016 2015 2016 2015  Revenues (effect of change in inventory value) $ (40) $ - $ 1,379 $ -  Cost of goods sold (effect of change in inventory value) (470) 376 7,712 (1,994)  Revenues (effect of fair value hedge) 40 - (1,379) -  Cost of goods sold (effect of fair value hedge) 918 842 (7,648) 4,742  Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax $ 448 $ 1,218 $ 64 $ 2,748  There were no gains or losses fro m discontinuing cash flow or fair value hedge treatment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 .  The open commodity derivative positions as of September 30, 2016 , are as follows (in thousands):     September 30, 2016  Exchange Traded Non-Exchange Traded  Derivative Instruments Net Long & (Short) (1) Long (2) (Short) (2) Unit of Measure Commodity   Futures (30,405) Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat  Futures 18,905 (3) Bushels Corn  Futures (7,950) (4) Bushels Corn  Futures 13,986 Gallons Ethanol  Futures (95,760) (3) Gallons Ethanol  Futures (7,773) mmBTU Natural Gas  Futures (8,730) (4) mmBTU Natural Gas  Futures (200) Pounds Livestock  Futures (80,440) (3) Pounds Livestock  Futures (966) Barrels Crude Oil  Futures 7,560 Pounds Soybean Oil  Futures 6,342 Gallons Denaturant  Options (488) Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat  Options (23,798) Gallons Ethanol  Options (1,838) Pounds Livestock  Options 96 Barrels Crude Oil  Options 56 mmBTU Natural Gas  Options 340 Pounds Sugar  Forwards 40,871 (1,405) Bushels Corn and Soybeans  Forwards 5,594 (107,750) Gallons Ethanol  Forwards 143 (343) Tons Distillers Grains  Forwards 41,648 (79,215) Pounds Corn Oil  Forwards (4) - (26,993) Pounds Corn Oil  Forwards 15,827 (806) mmBTU Natural Gas  Forwards 1,532 (614) 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 $2.7 million and $5.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively , an d net gains of $2.9 million and $10.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	9 . DEBT  The components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):       September 30, December 31,  2016 2015   Green Plains Partners:  $155.0 million revolving credit facility $ 132,000 $ -  Green Plains Processing:  $345.0 million term loan 303,105 306,439  Corporate:  $120.0 million convertible notes due 2018 107,339 103,072  $170.0 million convertible notes due 2022 125,799 -  Other 26,183 27,135  Total long-term debt 694,426 436,646  Less: current portion of long-term debt (13,244) (4,507)  Long-term debt $ 681,182 $ 432,139  Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at September 30, 2016 , include working capital revolvers at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plains Grain and Green Plains Trade with outstanding balances of $63.0 million, $ 73.0 million and $ 93.1 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 September 30 , 2016, there was $ 13.7 million of debt 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. Effective September 30, 2016, the maximum total leverage ratio is 3.75 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 September 30, 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, 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. The credit facility was amended o n July 27, 2016, extending the maturity date to July 26, 2019. A dvances under the amended credit facility are subject to an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.00% or the lenders’ base rate plus 2.00% . 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 and other assets owned by subsidiaries in the agribusiness segment as security on the credit facility. The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants, including maintaining minimum working capital and tangible net worth. 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 minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00 and a maximum 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 before 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 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 September 30, 2016 , Green Plains T rade had $16.1 million presented as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet, the use of which was restricted for repayment towards the outstanding loan balance.  Partnership Segment  Green Plains Partners, through a wholly owned subsidiary, has a $155.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures in July 2020, to fund working capital, acquisitions, distributions, capital expenditures and other general partnership purposes. The credit facility was amended on September 16, 2016, increasing the revolving credit facility available from $100.0 million to $155.0 million. Advances under this amended 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 1.25% to 2.00% or ( b) a LIBOR rate plus 2.25% to 3.00% . The amended credit facility may be increased up to $100.0 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 , each of which is calculated on a pro forma basis with respect to acquisitions and divestitures occurring during the applicable period .  Corporate Activities  In August 2016, the company issued $170.0 million of 4.125% convertible senior notes due 2022, or the 4.125% notes. The 4.125% notes are senior, unsecured obligations of the company, with interest payable on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The company may settle the 4.125% notes in cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock. The company intends to repay the 4.125% notes with cash for the principal and cash or common stock for the conversion premium.  The 4 . 1 25% n otes contain liability and equity components which were bifurcated and accounted for separately. The liability component of the 4 . 1 25% n otes, as of the issuance date, was calculated by estimating the fair value of a similar liability issued at a 9.31% effective interest rate, which was determined by considering the rate of return investors would require for comparable debt of the c ompany without conversion rights. The amount of the equity component was calculated by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the principal amount of the 4 . 1 25% n otes, resulting in the initial recognition of $40.6 million as debt discount costs recorded in additional paid-in capital. The carrying amount of the 4 . 1 25% n otes will be accreted to the principal amount over the remaining term to maturity, and the c ompany will record a corresponding amount of noncash interest expense. Additionally, the c ompany incurred debt issuance costs of $5.7 million related to the 4 . 1 25% n otes and allocated $4.3 million of debt issuance costs to the liability component of the 4 . 1 25% n otes. These costs will be amortized to noncash interest expense over the six -y ear term of the 4 . 125% n otes.  Prior to March 1, 2022, the 4.125% notes are not convertible unless certain conditions are satisfied. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events , including when the quarterly cash dividend exceeds $0.12 per share and upon redemption of the 4.125% notes . The initial conversion rate is 35.7143 shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal , which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $28.00 per share.  The company may redeem all, but not less than all, of the 4.125% notes at any time on or after September 1, 2020 , 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 4.125% notes have the option to require the company to repurchase the 4.125% 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. If an event of default occurs, it could result in the 4.125% notes being declared due and payable.  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 49.2564 shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal , which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $20.30 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. If an event of default occurs, it 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 September 30, 2016 .  Capitalized Interest  The company had $ 483 thousand and $1.4 million of capitalized interest during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively , and $313 thousand and $707 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively.  Restricted Net Assets  At September 30, 2016 , there were approximately $ 624.5 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	10 . STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION  The company has an equity incentive plan that reserves 3,500,000 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 nine months ended September 30, 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 (140,000) 7.14 - 2,093  Forfeited - - - -  Expired - - - -  Outstanding at September 30, 2016 158,750 $ 12.16 3.1 $ 2,229  Exercisable at September 30, 2016 (1) 158,750 $ 12.16 3.1 $ 2,229 (1) Includes in-the-money options totaling 158,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $ 12.16 .  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 s 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 nine months ended September 30, 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 793,463 13.73  Forfeited (34,789) 18.94  Vested (373,265) 20.36  Non-Vested at September 30, 2016 1,122,137 $ 17.42 1.8  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 2,500,000 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 nine months ended September 30, 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 16,260 15.82  Forfeited (5,333) 14.93  Vested (6,007) 14.69  Non-Vested at September 30, 2016 15,009 $ 15.99 0.8  Compensation costs for stock-based and unit-based payment plans during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we re approximately $ 2.4 million and $7.0 million, respectively , and $ 2.5 million and $6.8 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 . At September 30, 2016 , there was $ 13.3 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 a pproximately 1.8 years. The potential tax benefit related to stock-based payment is approximately 38.0 % of these expe nses .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   Basic EPS:  Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains $ 7,928 $ 6,179 $ (8,019) $ 10,653  Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 38,282 38,066 38,301 37,966  EPS - basic $ 0.21 $ 0.16 $ (0.21) $ 0.28   Diluted EPS:  Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains - diluted $ 7,928 $ 6,179 $ (8,019) $ 10,653   Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 38,282 38,066 38,301 37,966  Effect of dilutive convertible debt - 3.25% notes 760 355 - 1,154  Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards 94 135 - 146  Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 39,136 38,556 38,301 39,266   EPS - diluted $ 0.20 $ 0.16 $ (0.21) $ 0.27  For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, 108 thousand shares related to stock-based compensation awards were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as the inclusion of these shares would have been antidilutive.

Stockholders Equity

Stockholders Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 Interests 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) - - - (8,019) - - - (8,019) 14,072 6,053  Cash dividends and distributions declared - - - (13,820) - - - (13,820) (14,017) (27,837)  Other comprehensive loss, before reclassification - - - - (1,395) - - (1,395) - (1,395)  Amounts reclassified from accum. other comprehensive income - - - - 2,506 - - 2,506 - 2,506  Other comprehensive loss, net of tax - - - - 1,111 - - 1,111 - 1,111  Transfer of assets to Green Plains Partners LP - - 47,389 - - - - 47,389 (47,389) -  Consolidation of BioProcess Algae - - - - - - - - 2,807 2,807  Investment in BioProcess Algae - - 928 - - - - 928 (928) -  Repurchase of common stock - - - - - 323 (6,005) (6,005) - (6,005)  Issuance of 4.125% convertible notes due 2022, net of tax - - 24,350 - - - - 24,350 - 24,350  Stock-based compensation 630 1 4,436 - - - - 4,437 82 4,519  Stock options exercised 140 - 1,632 - - - - 1,632 - 1,632  Balance, September 30, 2016 46,052 $ 46 $ 656,522 $ 269,135 $ (54) 7,715 $ (75,816) $ 849,833 $ 115,706 $ 965,539  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):     Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Statements of Operations  2016 2015 2016 2015 Classification   Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:  Ethanol commodity derivatives $ 25,254 $ 935 $ 12,029 $ 4,643 Revenues  Corn commodity derivatives (28,548) 515 (15,904) (5,763) Cost of goods sold  Total (3,294) 1,450 (3,875) (1,120) Income before income taxes  Income tax expense (benefit) (1,144) 547 (1,369) (420) Income tax expense (benefit)  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ (2,150) $ 903 $ (2,506) $ (700) 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 expense was $ 5.1 million and income tax benefit was $4.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, compared with income tax benefit of $ 0.6 million and income tax expense of $2.2 million for three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively. The variation in tax expense was due primarily to the impact of the noncontrolling interest in the partnership on the consolidated financial results. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $0.2 million as of September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	1 4 . COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  Operating Leases  The company leases certain facilities , equipment 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 $ 9.1 million and $27.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively and $8.0 million and $24.8 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 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 $ 8,422  2017 30,213  2018 22,065  2019 14,872  2020 12,123  Thereafter 20,497  Total $ 108,192  Commodities  As of September 30, 2016 , the company had contracted future purchases of grain, corn oil, natural gas, crude oil, ethanol, distillers grains and cattle, valu ed at approximately $ 383.7 million.  Legal  In November 2013, the company acquired two ethanol plants located in Fairmont, Minnesota and Wood River, Nebraska. There is ongoing litigation related to the consideration for this acquisition. On August 19, 2016, the Delaware Superior Court granted Green Plains’ motion for summary judgment and ordered that the seller’s attempt to disclaim liability for certain shortfall amounts was ineffective. Based on the court order, the company determined that previously accrued contingent liabilities of approximately $6.3 million no longer represent probable losses. These accruals were reversed as a reduction of cost of goods sold during the three months ended September 30, 2016, because the adjustment relates to a reduction in the cost of inventory purchased in the acquisitions. The court has directed the company and the seller to work together to determine the precise total of the shortfall amount due to Green Plains. The company believes the remaining amount due to Green Plains is approximately $5.5 million; however, the seller has the right to dispute the details of the calculation and appeal the underlying Superior Court order. Accordingly, the total amount Green Plains may receive is yet to be determined. The remaining amount due to the company represents a gain contingency which will not be recorded until all contingencies are resolved.  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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 $ 0.9 million and $1.0 million related to these financing arrangements were included in debt at September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Payments, including principal and interest, totaled $ 69 thousand and $207 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, and $69 thousand and $207 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively. The weighted average interest rate for the 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. Payments related to these leases totaled $49 thousand and $137 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively , and $49 thousand and $153 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively. The company had no outstanding payables related to these agreements at September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015 .

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	16 . SUBSEQUENT EVENTS  Acquisition of Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, Inc.  On October 3, 2016, the company, through an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a stock purchase agreement with SCI Ingredients, Stone Canyon Industries LLC and other selling shareholders to purchase all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of SCI Ingredients for $250 million in cash, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. A portion of the purchase price was used to fully repay existing debt. SCI Ingredients is the holding company of Fleischmann’s Vinegar, the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of food-grade industrial vinegar.  The closing of the transaction occurred immediately following the execution of the p urchase a greement, on October 3, 2016. The transaction was financed using $135 million of debt described under “Credit Agreement” below, with the balance paid from cash on hand.  Credit Agreement  On October 3, 2016, in order to partially fund the acquisition of Fleischmann’s Vinegar described above, certain subsidiaries of the company entered into a c redit a greement with a group of lenders, consisting of a t erm l oan and a r evolving loan c ommitment.  The subsidiaries borrowed $130 million under the t erm l oan. The t erm l oan principal is scheduled to be repaid in installments of $325,000 per quarter beginning December 31, 2016 through September 30, 2022, with a final balloon payment of $122.2 million on October 3, 2022. The r evolving l oan c ommitment provides for principal borrowings of up to $15 million through October 3, 2022. The subsidiaries initially borrowed $5 million under the r evolving l oan c ommitment. Both the t erm l oan and loans under the r evolving l oan c ommitment are subject to mandatory prepayments based on, as defined, excess cash flow, extraordinary receipts, asset dispositions and proceeds from equity and debt issuances. Voluntary t erm l oan prepayments and mandatory term loan prepayments based on debt issuances and certain equity issuances are generally subject to prepayment fees of (i) 2.0% if prepaid on or before the first anniversary of the c redit a greement or (ii) 1.0% if prepaid after the first anniversary but on or before the second anniversary of the c redit a greement.  The t erm l oan and loans under the r evolving l oan c ommitment each bear interest at a floating rate based on the consolidated total net leverage ratio for the Fleischmann’s Vinegar operations , adjusted quarterly, equal to (i) for portions of the t erm l oan and/or revolving credit advances designated as b ase r ate loans, the sum of the b ase r ate plus an applicable margin of 5.0% to 6.0% and (ii) for portions of the t erm l oan and/or revolving credit advances designated as LIBOR loans, the sum of the LIBOR r ate , subject to a 1.00% floor, plus an applicable margin of 6.0% to 7.0% . The initial interest rate on both the term loan and revolving loan was 8.0% . The unused portion of the r evolving l oan c ommitment is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.5% per annum.  The obligations under the c redit a greement are secured by a first priority lien on (i) all of the assets of Fleischmann’s Vinegar , and (ii) all of the capital stock of the parent company of Fleischmann’s Vinegar and its subsidiaries .  The c redit a greement contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default. The negative covenants include restrictions on the Fleischmann’s Vinegar operations’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, acquire and sell assets, create liens, make investments, make distributions and enter into transactions with affiliates. The financial covenants include requirements to maintain a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum consolidated total net leverage ratio for the Fleischmann’s Vinegar operations . 

Basis Of Presentation And Descr

Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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. Effective April 1, 2016, the company increased its ownership of BioProcess Algae, a joint venture formed in 2008, to 82.8% and consolidated BioProcess Algae in its consolidated financial statements beginning on that date.  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	Reclassifications  Certain prior year amounts were reclassified 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 third 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 , natural gas 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 , natural gas 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 as sured. 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 where 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	Operations and Maintenance Expenses  In the partnership segment, transportation expenses represent the primary component of operations and maintenance expenses. Transportation expenses includes railcar 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 contract. 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 delivery 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 in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying 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 trigger ing liability accounting and 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, 2017, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC 330, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory , which requires inventory to be measured at lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices during the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.  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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Acquisition of Abengoa Ethanol Plants [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule Of Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed	  Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed  Inventory $ 16,456  Accounts receivable, net 1,588  Prepaid expenses and other 457  Property and equipment, net 235,395  Other assets 60   Current liabilities (1,403)  Total identifiable net assets $ 252,553 
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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Fair Value	  Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 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 $ 407,359 $ - $ - $ 407,359  Restricted cash 34,219 - - 34,219  Margin deposits 8,792 - (8,792) -  Inventories carried at market - 45,199 - 45,199  Unrealized gains on derivatives 26,098 17,468 (4,989) 38,577  Other assets 116 - - 116  Total assets measured at fair value $ 476,584 $ 62,667 $ (13,781) $ 525,470   Liabilities:  Unrealized losses on derivatives $ 10,938 $ 23,674 $ (13,781) $ 20,831  Other - 15 - 15  Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 10,938 $ 23,689 $ (13,781) $ 20,846      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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Information [Abstract]
Summary Of Financial Data	  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   Revenues (1) :  Ethanol production:  Revenues from external customers $ 74,892 $ 37,702 $ 222,424 $ 140,640  Intersegment revenues 457,549 352,215 1,249,333 1,145,879  Total segment revenues 532,441 389,917 1,471,757 1,286,519  Agribusiness:  Revenues from external customers 83,615 54,519 242,049 191,495  Intersegment revenues 359,715 255,671 1,058,813 783,388  Total segment revenues 443,330 310,190 1,300,862 974,883  Marketing and distribution:  Revenues from external customers 681,279 648,413 2,008,268 1,887,184  Intersegment revenues 54,704 21,914 165,558 93,176  Total segment revenues 735,983 670,327 2,173,826 1,980,360  Partnership:  Revenues from external customers 2,066 2,163 6,042 6,356  Intersegment revenues 24,139 19,247 69,445 21,895  Total segment revenues 26,205 21,410 75,487 28,251  Revenues including intersegment activity 1,737,959 1,391,844 5,021,932 4,270,013  Intersegment eliminations (896,107) (649,047) (2,543,149) (2,044,338)  Revenues as reported $ 841,852 $ 742,797 $ 2,478,783 $ 2,225,675    (1) Revenues from external customers include realized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments.      Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   Cost of goods sold:  Ethanol production $ 494,225 $ 365,348 $ 1,410,720 $ 1,184,595  Agribusiness 434,582 307,995 1,278,211 962,979  Marketing and distribution 726,323 656,934 2,147,803 1,950,327  Intersegment eliminations (896,247) (650,929) (2,543,639) (2,049,522)  $ 758,883 $ 679,348 $ 2,293,095 $ 2,048,379       Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   Operating income (loss):  Ethanol production $ 15,311 $ 5,528 $ (7,385) $ 43,139  Agribusiness 6,251 365 15,039 5,833  Marketing and distribution 5,252 9,406 13,908 17,446  Partnership 15,084 11,030 42,958 416  Intersegment eliminations 141 1,882 491 5,264  Corporate activities (11,184) (8,378) (29,393) (23,759)  $ 30,855 $ 19,833 $ 35,618 $ 48,339 
Schedule Of Revenues By Product	  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   Revenues:  Ethanol $ 550,724 $ 468,005 $ 1,622,168 $ 1,381,203  Distillers grains 129,345 121,273 357,070 359,164  Corn oil 49,844 28,949 111,727 67,649  Grain 30,003 47,106 145,800 199,982  Cattle 70,012 56,904 201,423 168,381  Service revenues 2,066 2,163 6,042 6,356  Other 9,858 18,397 34,553 42,940  $ 841,852 $ 742,797 $ 2,478,783 $ 2,225,675 
Summary Of Total Assets For Operating Segments	 September 30, December 31,  2016 2015   Total assets (1) :  Ethanol production $ 1,199,374 $ 1,002,270  Agribusiness 271,290 300,364  Marketing and distribution 279,368 230,651  Partnership 75,541 81,430  Corporate assets 362,121 314,068  Intersegment eliminations (10,736) (10,863)  $ 2,176,958 $ 1,917,920  Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany payable and receivable balances .

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	  September 30, December 31,  2016 2015   Finished goods $ 68,654 $ 71,595  Commodities held for sale 35,880 43,936  Raw materials 94,080 116,673  Work-in-process 95,303 96,950  Supplies and parts 30,370 24,803  $ 324,287 $ 353,957 

Derivative Financial Instrume29

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule Of Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments	  Asset Derivatives' Liability Derivatives'  Fair Value Fair Value  September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Derivative financial instruments (1) $ 29,785 (2) $ 22,882 (3) $ - $ -  Accrued and other liabilities - - 20,831 8,245  Other liabilities - - 15 -  Total $ 29,785 $ 22,882 $ 20,846 $ 8,245  (1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $ 8.8 million and $ 7.7 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (2) Balance at September 30, 2016 includes $ 4.2 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2016 2015 2016 2015  Commodity Contracts $ 3,250 $ 5,914 $ (2,157) $ 14,799 
Schedule Of Gains (Losses) On Derivative Instruments Not Designated In Hedging Relationship [Member]
Schedule Of Gains (Losses) On Derivative Instruments Not Designated In Hedging Relationship	  Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  Designated in a Hedging Relationship 2016 2015 2016 2015  Revenues $ (1,084) $ (9,431) $ 6,187 $ (9,597)  Cost of goods sold (39) 20,992 (8,740) 2,783  Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ (1,123) $ 11,561 $ (2,553) $ (6,814) 
Schedule Of Gain (Loss) Due To Ineffectiveness Of Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	  Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  of Cash Flow Hedges 2016 2015 2016 2015  Revenues $ 34 $ 14 $ (5) $ (45)  Cost of goods sold 96 (23) (65) -  Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ 130 $ (9) $ (70) $ (45) 
Schedule Of Gains (Losses) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Into Net Income (Loss) [Member]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	  Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  into Net Income 2016 2015 2016 2015  Revenues $ 25,254 $ 935 $ 12,029 $ 4,643  Cost of goods sold (28,548) 515 (15,904) (5,763)  Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ (3,294) $ 1,450 $ (3,875) $ (1,120) 
Schedule Of Gain (Loss) From Fair Value Hedges Of Inventory [Member]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	  Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  Hedges of Inventory 2016 2015 2016 2015  Revenues (effect of change in inventory value) $ (40) $ - $ 1,379 $ -  Cost of goods sold (effect of change in inventory value) (470) 376 7,712 (1,994)  Revenues (effect of fair value hedge) 40 - (1,379) -  Cost of goods sold (effect of fair value hedge) 918 842 (7,648) 4,742  Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax $ 448 $ 1,218 $ 64 $ 2,748 
Schedule Of Volumes of Open Commodity Derivative Positions [Member]
Schedule Of Open Position Derivative Financial Instruments	  September 30, 2016  Exchange Traded Non-Exchange Traded  Derivative Instruments Net Long & (Short) (1) Long (2) (Short) (2) Unit of Measure Commodity   Futures (30,405) Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat  Futures 18,905 (3) Bushels Corn  Futures (7,950) (4) Bushels Corn  Futures 13,986 Gallons Ethanol  Futures (95,760) (3) Gallons Ethanol  Futures (7,773) mmBTU Natural Gas  Futures (8,730) (4) mmBTU Natural Gas  Futures (200) Pounds Livestock  Futures (80,440) (3) Pounds Livestock  Futures (966) Barrels Crude Oil  Futures 7,560 Pounds Soybean Oil  Futures 6,342 Gallons Denaturant  Options (488) Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat  Options (23,798) Gallons Ethanol  Options (1,838) Pounds Livestock  Options 96 Barrels Crude Oil  Options 56 mmBTU Natural Gas  Options 340 Pounds Sugar  Forwards 40,871 (1,405) Bushels Corn and Soybeans  Forwards 5,594 (107,750) Gallons Ethanol  Forwards 143 (343) Tons Distillers Grains  Forwards 41,648 (79,215) Pounds Corn Oil  Forwards (4) - (26,993) Pounds Corn Oil  Forwards 15,827 (806) mmBTU Natural Gas  Forwards 1,532 (614) 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.

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule Of The Components Of Long-Term Debt	The components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):       September 30, December 31,  2016 2015   Green Plains Partners:  $155.0 million revolving credit facility $ 132,000 $ -  Green Plains Processing:  $345.0 million term loan 303,105 306,439  Corporate:  $120.0 million convertible notes due 2018 107,339 103,072  $170.0 million convertible notes due 2022 125,799 -  Other 26,183 27,135  Total long-term debt 694,426 436,646  Less: current portion of long-term debt (13,244) (4,507)  Long-term debt $ 681,182 $ 432,139 

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 (140,000) 7.14 - 2,093  Forfeited - - - -  Expired - - - -  Outstanding at September 30, 2016 158,750 $ 12.16 3.1 $ 2,229  Exercisable at September 30, 2016 (1) 158,750 $ 12.16 3.1 $ 2,229 (1) Includes in-the-money options totaling 158,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $ 12.16 .
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 793,463 13.73  Forfeited (34,789) 18.94  Vested (373,265) 20.36  Non-Vested at September 30, 2016 1,122,137 $ 17.42 1.8 
Green Plains Partners LP [Member]
Schedule of Non-vested Unit-based Awards Activity	The non-vested unit-based awards activity for the nine months ended September 30, 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 16,260 15.82  Forfeited (5,333) 14.93  Vested (6,007) 14.69  Non-Vested at September 30, 2016 15,009 $ 15.99 0.8 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   Basic EPS:  Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains $ 7,928 $ 6,179 $ (8,019) $ 10,653  Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 38,282 38,066 38,301 37,966  EPS - basic $ 0.21 $ 0.16 $ (0.21) $ 0.28   Diluted EPS:  Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains - diluted $ 7,928 $ 6,179 $ (8,019) $ 10,653   Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 38,282 38,066 38,301 37,966  Effect of dilutive convertible debt - 3.25% notes 760 355 - 1,154  Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards 94 135 - 146  Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 39,136 38,556 38,301 39,266   EPS - diluted $ 0.20 $ 0.16 $ (0.21) $ 0.27 

Stockholders Equity (Tables)

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 Interests 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) - - - (8,019) - - - (8,019) 14,072 6,053  Cash dividends and distributions declared - - - (13,820) - - - (13,820) (14,017) (27,837)  Other comprehensive loss, before reclassification - - - - (1,395) - - (1,395) - (1,395)  Amounts reclassified from accum. other comprehensive income - - - - 2,506 - - 2,506 - 2,506  Other comprehensive loss, net of tax - - - - 1,111 - - 1,111 - 1,111  Transfer of assets to Green Plains Partners LP - - 47,389 - - - - 47,389 (47,389) -  Consolidation of BioProcess Algae - - - - - - - - 2,807 2,807  Investment in BioProcess Algae - - 928 - - - - 928 (928) -  Repurchase of common stock - - - - - 323 (6,005) (6,005) - (6,005)  Issuance of 4.125% convertible notes due 2022, net of tax - - 24,350 - - - - 24,350 - 24,350  Stock-based compensation 630 1 4,436 - - - - 4,437 82 4,519  Stock options exercised 140 - 1,632 - - - - 1,632 - 1,632  Balance, September 30, 2016 46,052 $ 46 $ 656,522 $ 269,135 $ (54) 7,715 $ (75,816) $ 849,833 $ 115,706 $ 965,539 
Reclassification Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Statements of Operations  2016 2015 2016 2015 Classification   Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:  Ethanol commodity derivatives $ 25,254 $ 935 $ 12,029 $ 4,643 Revenues  Corn commodity derivatives (28,548) 515 (15,904) (5,763) Cost of goods sold  Total (3,294) 1,450 (3,875) (1,120) Income before income taxes  Income tax expense (benefit) (1,144) 547 (1,369) (420) Income tax expense (benefit)  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ (2,150) $ 903 $ (2,506) $ (700) 

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of Aggregate Minimum Lease Payments	  Year Ending December 31, Amount   2016 $ 8,422  2017 30,213  2018 22,065  2019 14,872  2020 12,123  Thereafter 20,497  Total $ 108,192 

Basis Of Presentation And Des35

Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - segment	Apr. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Number of operating segments		4
BioProcess Algae [Member]
Less than wholy owned subsidiary, parent ownership perecentage	82.80%

Green Plains Partners LP (Detai

Green Plains Partners LP (Details) $ / shares in Units, gal in Billions	Jul. 01, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2016itemgal	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of Green Plains Partners common units, net			$ 157,422,000
Number of ethanol storage facilities | item		38
Number of ethanol production plants associated with contributed ethanol storage facilities | item		17
Number of fuel terminal facilities | item		8
Number of leased railcars | item		3,100
Number of gallons of ethanol produced per year | gal		1.5
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) $ in Thousands, gal in Millions	Nov. 12, 2015USD ($)gal	Sep. 23, 2016USD ($)propertygal	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Acquisition of Abengoa Ethanol Plants [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition price		$ 237,400
Number of ethanol plants | property		3
Expected annual ethanol production capacity | gal		236
Property and equipment, net		$ 235,395
Working capital acquired or assumed		15,200
Acquisition related costs			$ 800
Acquisition of Green Plains Hereford [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Expected annual ethanol production capacity | gal	100
Property and equipment, net	$ 78,786
Working capital acquired or assumed	$ 19,400
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | Acquisition of Abengoa Ethanol Plants [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transfer between entities under control		$ 90,000
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | Acquisition of Green Plains Hereford [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transfer between entities under control			$ 62,300

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Ident

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 23, 2016	Nov. 12, 2015
Acquisition of Abengoa Ethanol Plants [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventory	$ 16,456
Accounts receivable, net	1,588
Prepaid expenses and other	457
Property and equipment, net	235,395
Other assets	60
Current liabilities	(1,403)
Total identifiable net assets	$ 252,553
Acquisition of Green Plains Hereford [Member]
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	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of debt	$ 913.8	$ 661.8
Book value of debt	923.5	663.6
Fair value of accounts receivable	132.6	96.2
Fair value of accounts payable	$ 129.3	$ 167

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedul

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 407,359	$ 384,867
Restricted cash	34,219	27,018
Inventories carried at market	45,199	43,936
Unrealized gains on derivatives	38,577	30,540
Other assets	116	117
Total assets measured at fair value	525,470	486,478
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	20,831	8,245
Other	15
Total liabilities measured at fair value	20,846	8,245
Reclassification for Balance Sheet Presentation [Member]
Assets:
Margin deposits	(8,792)	(7,658)
Unrealized gains on derivatives	(4,989)	3,639
Total assets measured at fair value	(13,781)	(4,019)
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	(13,781)	(4,019)
Total liabilities measured at fair value	(13,781)	(4,019)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	407,359	384,867
Restricted cash	34,219	27,018
Margin deposits	8,792	7,658
Unrealized gains on derivatives	26,098	19,756
Other assets	116	117
Total assets measured at fair value	476,584	439,416
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	10,938	4,492
Total liabilities measured at fair value	10,938	4,492
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets:
Inventories carried at market	45,199	43,936
Unrealized gains on derivatives	17,468	7,145
Total assets measured at fair value	62,667	51,081
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives	23,674	7,772
Other	15
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$ 23,689	$ 7,772

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 841,852	$ 742,797	$ 2,478,783	$ 2,225,675
Costs of goods sold		758,883	679,348	2,293,095	2,048,379
Operating income (loss)		30,855	19,833	35,618	48,339
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold		(896,247)	(650,929)	(2,543,639)	(2,049,522)
Operating income (loss)		141	1,882	491	5,264
Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	841,852	742,797	2,478,783	2,225,675
Intersegment Revenue [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	(896,107)	(649,047)	(2,543,149)	(2,044,338)
Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	1,737,959	1,391,844	5,021,932	4,270,013
Ethanol Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold		494,225	365,348	1,410,720	1,184,595
Operating income (loss)		15,311	5,528	(7,385)	43,139
Ethanol Production [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	74,892	37,702	222,424	140,640
Ethanol Production [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	457,549	352,215	1,249,333	1,145,879
Ethanol Production [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	532,441	389,917	1,471,757	1,286,519
Agribusiness [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold		434,582	307,995	1,278,211	962,979
Operating income (loss)		6,251	365	15,039	5,833
Agribusiness [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	83,615	54,519	242,049	191,495
Agribusiness [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	359,715	255,671	1,058,813	783,388
Agribusiness [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	443,330	310,190	1,300,862	974,883
Marketing And Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold		726,323	656,934	2,147,803	1,950,327
Operating income (loss)		5,252	9,406	13,908	17,446
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	681,279	648,413	2,008,268	1,887,184
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	54,704	21,914	165,558	93,176
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	735,983	670,327	2,173,826	1,980,360
Partnership [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)		15,084	11,030	42,958	416
Partnership [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	2,066	2,163	6,042	6,356
Partnership [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	24,139	19,247	69,445	21,895
Partnership [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	26,205	21,410	75,487	28,251
Corporate Activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)		$ (11,184)	$ (8,378)	$ (29,393)	$ (23,759)
[1]	Revenues from external customers include realized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments.

Segment Information (Schedule O

Segment Information (Schedule Of Revenues By Product) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 841,852	$ 742,797	$ 2,478,783	$ 2,225,675
Ethanol [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	550,724	468,005	1,622,168	1,381,203
Distillers Grains [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	129,345	121,273	357,070	359,164
Corn Oil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	49,844	28,949	111,727	67,649
Grain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	30,003	47,106	145,800	199,982
Cattle [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	70,012	56,904	201,423	168,381
Service Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,066	2,163	6,042	6,356
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 9,858	$ 18,397	$ 34,553	$ 42,940

Segment Information (Summary 44

Segment Information (Summary Of Total Assets For Operating Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	$ 2,176,958	$ 1,917,920
Ethanol Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	1,199,374	1,002,270
Agribusiness [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	271,290	300,364
Marketing And Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	279,368	230,651
Partnership [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	75,541	81,430
Corporate Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	362,121	314,068
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	$ (10,736)	$ (10,863)
[1]	Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany payable and receivable balances

Inventories (Schedule Of Invent

Inventories (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 68,654	$ 71,595
Commodities held for sale	35,880	43,936
Raw materials	94,080	116,673
Work-in-process	95,303	96,950
Supplies and parts	30,370	24,803
Inventories	$ 324,287	$ 353,957

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 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 Instrume47

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (54)		$ (54)		$ (1,165)
Energy trading contracts, gain (loss)	$ 2,700	$ 2,900	$ 5,700	$ 10,700

Derivative Financial Instrume48

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value		$ 29,785		$ 22,882
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value		20,846		8,245
Margin deposit asset		8,800		7,700
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges		4,200		(2,300)
Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	[2]	29,785	[1]	22,882	[3]
Accrued and Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value		20,831		$ 8,245
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value		$ 15
[1]	Balance at September 30, 2016 includes $4.2 million of net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.
[2]	Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $8.8 million and $7.7 million at September 30, 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 Instrume49

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Gain Or Loss Recognized In Income And Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	$ (1,123)	$ 11,561	$ (2,553)	$ (6,814)
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	130	(9)	(70)	(45)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	(3,294)	1,450	(3,875)	(1,120)
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	448	1,218	64	2,748
Revenue [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	(1,084)	(9,431)	6,187	(9,597)
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	34	14	(5)	(45)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	25,254	935	12,029	4,643
Revenue (Effect of Change In Inventory Value) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	(40)		1,379
Revenue (Effect of Fair Value Hedge) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	40		(1,379)
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	(39)	20,992	(8,740)	2,783
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	96	(23)	(65)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	(28,548)	515	(15,904)	(5,763)
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	(470)	376	7,712	(1,994)
Cost of Goods Sold (Effect of Fair Value Hedge) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	$ 918	$ 842	$ (7,648)	$ 4,742

Derivative Financial Instrume50

Derivative Financial Instruments (Commodity Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 3,250	$ 5,914	$ (2,157)	$ 14,799

Derivative Financial Instrume51

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Volumes Of Open Commodity Derivative Positions) (Details) contract in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016contract
Corn, Soybeans And Wheat In Bushels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	30,405	[1]
Corn, Soybeans And Wheat In Bushels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	488	[1]
Corn In Bushels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	18,905	[1],[2]
Corn In Bushels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	7,950	[1],[3]
Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	13,986	[1]
Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	23,798	[1]
Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	95,760	[1],[2]
Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	5,594	[4]
Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	107,750	[4]
Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	56	[1]
Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	7,773	[1]
Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	8,730	[1],[3]
Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	15,827	[4]
Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	806	[4]
Livestock in Pounds [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	200	[1]
Livestock in Pounds [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	1,838	[1]
Livestock in Pounds [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	80,440	[1],[2]
Crude Oil In Barrels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	96	[1]
Crude Oil In Barrels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	966	[1]
Crude Oil In Barrels [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	1,532	[4]
Crude Oil In Barrels [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	614	[4]
Soybean Oil in Pounds [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	7,560	[1]
Denaturant In Gallons [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	6,342	[1]
Sugar In Pounds [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	340	[1]
Corn And Soybeans In Bushels [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	40,871	[4]
Corn And Soybeans In Bushels [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	1,405	[4]
Distillers Grains In Tons [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	143	[4]
Distillers Grains In Tons [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	343	[4]
Corn Oil in Pounds [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	41,648	[4]
Corn Oil in Pounds [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	79,215	[4]
Corn Oil in Pounds [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	26,993	[3],[4]
[1]	Exchange traded futures and options are presented on a net long and (short) position basis. Options are presented on a delta-adjusted basis.
[2]	Futures used for cash flow hedges.
[3]	Futures or non-exchange traded forwards used for fair value hedges.
[4]	Non-exchange traded forwards are presented on a gross long and (short) position basis including both fixed-price and basis contracts.

Debt (Schedule Of The Component

Debt (Schedule Of The Components Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 694,426,000	$ 436,646,000
Less: current portion of long-term debt	(13,244,000)	(4,507,000)
Long-term debt	681,182,000	432,139,000
Convertible Notes [Member] | $120.0 Million Convertible Notes [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	107,339,000	103,072,000
Debt instrument, face amount	120,000,000	120,000,000
Convertible Notes [Member] | $170.0 Million Convertible Notes [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	125,799,000
Debt instrument, face amount	170,000,000
Other Debt Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	26,183,000	27,135,000
Partnership [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | $155.0 Million Revoling Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	132,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount	155,000,000
Green Plains Processing [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | $345.0 Million Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	303,105,000	306,439,000
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 345,000,000	$ 345,000,000

Debt (Narrative - Ethanol Produ

Debt (Narrative - Ethanol Production Segment) (Details) - Ethanol Production Segment [Member] - Green Plains Processing [Member] - Term Loan [Member]	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 345,000,000	$ 345,000,000
Interest rate, effective percentage	6.50%	6.50%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate		5.50% 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	4
Total leverage ratio, decreased ratio over the life of the debt	3.25	3.25
Total leverage ratio, period end	3.75	3.75
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]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage		1.00%
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.25	1.25
Percentage of available free cash flow from operations, subject to certain limitations, required to be used toward quarterly special payments		50.00%
LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, 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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Jul. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capitalized interest	$ 483,000	$ 313,000	$ 1,400,000	$ 707,000
Restricted assets	624,500,000		624,500,000
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	13,700,000		13,700,000			$ 11,400,000
Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	73,000,000		73,000,000			77,000,000
Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	63,000,000		63,000,000			69,700,000
Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable	93,100,000		93,100,000			$ 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		$ 125,000,000
Debt maturity dates			Jul. 26, 2019
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Allowable dividends as percentage of net profit before taxes	50.00%		50.00%
Additional amounts available under facility, accordion feature			$ 75,000,000
Annual capital expenditures, maximum			$ 8,000,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage			3.00%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate			LIBOR plus 3.00%
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage			2.00%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate			base rate plus 2.00%
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.25		1.25
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual leverage ratio	6		6
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Seasonal Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 50,000,000		$ 50,000,000
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	100,000,000		100,000,000
Additional amounts available under facility, accordion feature			50,000,000
Minimum working capital required for compliance			15,000,000
Minimum net worth required for compliance	$ 20,300,000		$ 20,300,000
Annual leverage ratio	3.50		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]
Interest rate, 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]
Interest rate, 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]
Interest rate, 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]
Interest rate, 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		$ 150,000,000
Revolving credit facility expiration date			Nov. 26, 2019
Allowable dividends as percentage of net profit before taxes	50.00%		50.00%
Undrawn availability of revolving credit facility on a pro forma basis	$ 10,000,000		$ 10,000,000
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.15		1.15
Annual capital expenditures, maximum			$ 1,500,000
Restricted cash	$ 16,100,000		16,100,000
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	155,000,000		155,000,000		$ 100,000,000
Additional amount available under credit facility without consent of the lenders	$ 100,000,000		$ 100,000,000
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 2.25% to 3.00%
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 1.25% to 2.00%
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest coverage ratio	2.75		2.75
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate, basis points			2.25
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			1.25
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net leverage ratio	3.50		3.50
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate, basis points			3
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			2
Corporate Activities [Member] | 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 120,000,000		$ 120,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	3.25%		3.25%
Common stock, dividends per share, cash paid per share			$ 0.04
Common stock for conversion, shares			49.2564
Debt conversion amount			$ 1,000
Debt conversion price	$ 20.30		$ 20.30
Conversion price percentage			140.00%
Principal amount of notes, percentage			100.00%
Corporate Activities [Member] | 4.125% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 170,000,000		$ 170,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.125%		4.125%
Interest rate, effective percentage	9.31%		9.31%
Debt insturment, unamoritzed discount	$ 40,600,000		$ 40,600,000
Debt issuance costs	$ 5,700,000		$ 5,700,000
Common stock, dividends per share, cash paid per share			$ 0.12
Common stock for conversion, shares			35.7143
Debt conversion amount			$ 1,000
Debt conversion price	$ 28		$ 28
Conversion price percentage			140.00%
Principal amount of notes, percentage			100.00%
Corporate Activities [Member] | 4.125% Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Liability Component [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs	$ 4,300,000		$ 4,300,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares or units authorized	3,500,000		3,500,000
Compensation costs expensed	$ 2.4	$ 2.5	$ 7	$ 6.8
Unrecognized compensation costs	$ 13.3		$ 13.3
Compensation expected to be recognized, weighted-average period in years			1 year 9 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		2,500,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Sched

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 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		3 years 1 month 6 days	2 years 4 months 24 days
Outstanding at December 31, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $		$ 3,866
Exercised, Shares | shares		(140,000)
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise price | $ / shares		$ 7.14
Exercised, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $		$ 2,093
Outstanding at September 30, 2016, Shares | shares		158,750	298,750
Outstanding at September 30, 2016, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares		$ 12.16	$ 9.81
Outstanding at September 30, 2016, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		3 years 1 month 6 days	2 years 4 months 24 days
Outstanding at September 30, 2016, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $		$ 2,229	$ 3,866
Exercisable at September 30, 2016, Shares | shares	[1]	158,750
Exercisable at September 30, 2016, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	[1]	$ 12.16
Exercisable at September 30, 2016, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual	[1]	3 years 1 month 6 days
Exercisable at September 30, 2016, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	[1]	$ 2,229
In-the-money options, shares | shares		158,750
In-the-money options, weighted-average exercise price | $ / shares		12.16
[1]	Includes in-the-money options totaling 158,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $12.16.

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch57

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Vested Stock Award And DSU Activity) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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	793,463
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 13.73
Forfeited, shares or units | shares	(34,789)
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 18.94
Vested, shares or units | shares	(373,265)
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 20.36
Non-vested at September 30, 2016, shares or units | shares	1,122,137
Non-vested at September 30, 2016, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 17.42
Non-vested at September 30, 2016, Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term (in years)	1 year 9 months 18 days

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch58

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Vested Unit-Based Award Activity) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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	793,463
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 13.73
Forfeited, shares or units | shares	(34,789)
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 18.94
Vested, shares or units | shares	(373,265)
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 20.36
Non-vested at September 30, 2016, shares or units | shares	1,122,137
Non-vested at September 30, 2016, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 17.42
Non-vested at September 30, 2016, Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term (in years)	1 year 9 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
Granted, shares or units | shares	16,260
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 15.82
Forfeited, shares or units | shares	(5,333)
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 14.93
Vested, shares or units | shares	(6,007)
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 14.69
Non-vested at September 30, 2016, shares or units | shares	15,009
Non-vested at September 30, 2016, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 15.99
Non-vested at September 30, 2016, Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term (in years)	9 months 18 days

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016shares
Antidilutive Securities Net Loss Position Stock Based Compensation Awards [Member]
Stock-based compensation awards excluded from computations of diluted EPS	108

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains	$ 7,928	$ 6,179	$ (8,019)	$ 10,653
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	38,282	38,066	38,301	37,966
EPS - basic	$ 0.21	$ 0.16	$ (0.21)	$ 0.28
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains - diluted	$ 7,928	$ 6,179	$ (8,019)	$ 10,653
Effect of dilutive convertible debt - 3.25% notes	760	355		1,154
Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation awards	94	135		146
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	39,136	38,556	38,301	39,266
EPS - diluted	$ 0.20	$ 0.16	$ (0.21)	$ 0.27

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule Of Stockholders' Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			$ 958,909
Net income (loss)	$ 12,884	$ 10,041	6,053	$ 14,515
Cash dividends and distributions declared			(27,837)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			(1,395)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			2,506
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	4,069	$ 2,779	1,111	$ 9,945
Consolidation of BioProcess Algae			2,807
Repurchase of common stock			(6,005)
Issuance of 4.125% convertible notes due 2022, net of tax			24,350
Stock-based compensation			$ 4,519
Stock options exercised, Shares			140,000
Stock options exercised			$ 1,632
Ending balance	$ 965,539		$ 965,539
Common Units [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares			45,282,000
Beginning balance			$ 45
Stock-based compensation, Shares			630,000
Stock-based compensation			$ 1
Stock options exercised, Shares			140,000
Ending balance, Shares	46,052,000		46,052,000
Ending balance	$ 46		$ 46
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			577,787
Transfer of assets to Green Plains Partners LP			47,389
Investment in BioProcess Algae			928
Issuance of 4.125% convertible notes due 2022, net of tax			24,350
Stock-based compensation			4,436
Stock options exercised			1,632
Ending balance	656,522		656,522
Retained Earnings [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			290,974
Net income (loss)			(8,019)
Cash dividends and distributions declared			(13,820)
Ending balance	269,135		269,135
Accum. Other Comp. Income (Loss) [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			(1,165)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			(1,395)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			2,506
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax			1,111
Ending balance	$ (54)		$ (54)
Treasury Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares			7,392,000
Beginning balance			$ (69,811)
Repurchase of common stock, Shares			323,000
Repurchase of common stock			$ (6,005)
Ending balance, Shares	7,715,000		7,715,000
Ending balance	$ (75,816)		$ (75,816)
Total Green Plains Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			797,830
Net income (loss)			(8,019)
Cash dividends and distributions declared			(13,820)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			(1,395)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			2,506
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax			1,111
Transfer of assets to Green Plains Partners LP			47,389
Investment in BioProcess Algae			928
Repurchase of common stock			(6,005)
Issuance of 4.125% convertible notes due 2022, net of tax			24,350
Stock-based compensation			4,437
Stock options exercised			1,632
Ending balance	849,833		849,833
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance			161,079
Net income (loss)			14,072
Cash dividends and distributions declared			(14,017)
Transfer of assets to Green Plains Partners LP			(47,389)
Consolidation of BioProcess Algae			2,807
Investment in BioProcess Algae			(928)
Stock-based compensation			82
Ending balance	$ 115,706		$ 115,706

Stockholders Equity (Reclassifi

Stockholders Equity (Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	$ (3,294)	$ 1,450	$ (3,875)	$ (1,120)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(1,144)	547	(1,369)	(420)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,150)	903	(2,506)	(700)
Revenue [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	25,254	935	12,029	4,643
Revenue [Member] | Ethanol Commodity Derivatives [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	25,254	935	12,029	4,643
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(28,548)	515	(15,904)	(5,763)
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	(28,548)	515	(15,904)	(5,763)
Income (loss) before income taxes [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(3,294)	1,450	(3,875)	(1,120)
Income tax expense (benefit) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (1,144)	$ 547	$ (1,369)	$ (420)

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 5,083	$ (604)	$ (4,339)	$ 2,171
Uncategorized tax benefits	$ 200		$ 200		$ 200

Commitments And Contingencies64

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)property	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Lease expenses	$ 9.1	$ 8	$ 27.2	$ 24.8
Contracted future purchases	383.7		$ 383.7
Acquisition Of Fairmont, Minnesota and Wood River, Nebraska Ethanol Plants [Member]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Number of ethanol plants | property			2
Previously accrued contingent liabilities that no longer represent probable losses	6.3		$ 6.3
Gain contingency	$ 5.5		$ 5.5

Commitments And Contingencies65

Commitments And Contingencies (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2,016	$ 8,422
2,017	30,213
2,018	22,065
2,019	14,872
2,020	12,123
Thereafter	20,497
Total	$ 108,192

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)h / yritem	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Outstanding accounts payable	$ 129,317,000		$ 129,317,000		$ 166,963,000
AXIS Capital [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
New equipment financing agreement						$ 1,400,000
Due to related parties, current	900,000		900,000		1,000,000
Principal payments (including interest)	$ 69,000	$ 69,000	$ 207,000	$ 207,000
Weighted average interest rate	6.80%		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	$ 49,000	$ 49,000	$ 137,000	$ 153,000
Outstanding accounts payable	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Acquisition of Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, Inc. [Member} - Subsequent Event [Member]	Oct. 03, 2016USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquisition price	$ 250,000,000
Credit Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 135,000,000
Interest rate, effective percentage	8.00%
Term Loan [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 130,000,000
Principal payments (including interest)	325,000
Final balloon payment	122,200,000
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 15,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Option i [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Prepayment fee percentage	2.00%
Term Loan [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Option ii [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Prepayment fee percentage	1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit, initial borrowings	$ 5,000,000
Unused capacity fee, percentage	0.50%
Base Rate [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis for effective rate	base rate plus an applicable margin of 5.0% to 6.0%
LIBOR [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis for effective rate	LIBOR rate, subject to a 1.00% floor, plus an applicable margin of 6.0% to 7.0%
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage	5.00%
Minimum [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage	6.00%
Interest rate, stated percentage	1.00%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage	6.00%
Maximum [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage	7.00%