Green Plains (GPRE) 10-Q 4 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	May 01, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Entity Registrant Name	Green Plains Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,309,402
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		40,010,035
Trading Symbol	gpre

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 256,468	$ 304,211
Restricted cash		38,974	51,979
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $288 and $266, respectively		96,986	147,495
Income taxes receivable		10,201	10,379
Inventories		464,994	422,181
Prepaid expenses and other		18,337	17,095
Derivative financial instruments		33,918	47,236
Total current assets		919,878	1,000,576
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $442,058 and $417,993, respectively		1,171,728	1,178,706
Goodwill		183,696	183,696
Other assets		145,844	143,514
Total assets	[1]	2,421,146	2,506,492
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		129,100	192,275
Accrued and other liabilities		46,147	67,473
Derivative financial instruments		7,131	8,916
Short-term notes payable and other borrowings		335,695	291,223
Current maturities of long-term debt		6,171	35,059
Total current liabilities		524,244	594,946
Long-term debt		782,957	782,610
Deferred income taxes		136,448	140,262
Other liabilities		8,848	9,483
Total liabilities		1,452,497	1,527,301
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 46,380,727 and 46,079,108 shares issued, and 38,665,737 and 38,364,118 shares outstanding, respectively		46	46
Additional paid-in capital		657,901	659,200
Retained earnings		275,110	283,214
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(5,629)	(4,137)
Treasury stock, 7,714,990 shares		(75,816)	(75,816)
Total Green Plains stockholders’ equity		851,612	862,507
Noncontrolling interests		117,037	116,684
Total stockholders’ equity		968,649	979,191
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$ 2,421,146	$ 2,506,492
[1]	Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany receivable balances

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 288	$ 266
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 442,058	$ 417,993
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	46,380,727	46,079,108
Common stock, shares outstanding	38,665,737	38,364,118
Treasury stock, shares	7,714,990	7,714,990

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Product revenues	$ 886,212	$ 747,183
Service revenues	1,472	2,021
Total revenues	887,684	749,204
Costs of goods sold	811,896	724,687
Operations and maintenance expenses	8,531	8,645
Selling, general and administrative expenses	23,782	20,373
Depreciation and amortization	26,083	18,145
Total costs and expenses	870,292	771,850
Operating income (loss)	17,392	(22,646)
Other income (expense)
Interest income	364	410
Interest expense	(18,496)	(10,798)
Other, net	10	(1,675)
Total other expense	(18,122)	(12,063)
Loss before income taxes	(730)	(34,709)
Income tax benefit	(2,381)	(14,893)
Net income (loss)	1,651	(19,816)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,248	4,322
Net loss attributable to Green Plains	$ (3,597)	$ (24,138)
Earnings per share:
Net loss attributable to Green Plains - basic	$ (0.09)	$ (0.63)
Net loss attributable to Green Plains - diluted	$ (0.09)	$ (0.63)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	38,420	38,197
Diluted	38,420	38,197
Cash dividend declared per share	$ 0.12	$ 0.12

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 1,651	$ (19,816)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains on derivatives arising during period, net of tax expense of $968 and $756, respectively	1,642	1,526
Reclassification of realized gains on derivatives, net of tax expense of $1,848 and $707, respectively	(3,134)	(1,427)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,492)	99
Comprehensive income (loss)	159	(19,717)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,248	4,322
Comprehensive loss attributable to Green Plains	$ (5,089)	$ (24,039)

Consolidated Statements Of Com6

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Unrealized gains on derivatives arising during period, tax expense	$ 968	$ 756
Reclassification of realized gains on derivatives, tax expense	$ 1,848	$ 707

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 1,651	$ (19,816)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	26,083	18,145
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	4,020	3,665
Deferred income taxes	(2,934)	(20,387)
Stock-based compensation	2,511	2,263
Undistributed equity in loss of affiliates		1,675
Other	23	103
Changes in operating assets and liabilities before effects of business combinations:
Accounts receivable	50,486	(10,036)
Inventories	(41,911)	(9,562)
Derivative financial instruments	9,138	(1,797)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,228)	760
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(86,420)	(49,190)
Current income taxes	178	3,216
Other	(9)	1,154
Net cash used by operating activities	(38,412)	(79,807)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(14,902)	(18,571)
Acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired	(4,074)
Distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated subsidiaries	(2,399)	260
Net cash used by investing activities	(21,375)	(18,311)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	14,700	56,000
Payments of principal on long-term debt	(46,845)	(5,947)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	1,100,076	954,363
Payments on short-term borrowings	(1,055,664)	(906,115)
Payments of cash dividends and distributions	(9,461)	(9,248)
Change in restricted cash	12,989	9,756
Payments related to tax withholdings for stock-based compensation	(3,801)	(2,116)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	50
Net cash provided by financing activities	12,044	96,693
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(47,743)	(1,425)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	304,211	384,867
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	256,468	383,442
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow
Cash paid for income taxes	336	2,276
Cash paid for interest	$ 15,804	$ 9,343

Basis Of Presentation, Descript

Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION, DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  References to the Company  References to “Green Plains” or the “company” in the consolidated financial statements and in these notes to the consolidated financial statements refer to Green Plains Inc., an Iowa corporation, and its subsidiaries.  Consolidated Financial Statements  The consolidated financial statements include the company’s accounts and all significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Unconsolidated entities are included in the financial statements on an equity basis. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year. The company owns a 62.5% limited partner interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in Green Plains Partners LP. Public investors own the remaining 35.5% limited partner interest in the partnership. The partnership is consolidated in the company’s financial statements. 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, 2016 .  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 North America’s second largest consolidated owner of ethanol plants. The company operates within four business segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil, (2) agribusiness and energy services, which includes grain handling and storage and marketing and merchant trading for company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, natural gas and other commodities, (3) food and ingredients, which includes the cattle feedlot, vinegar production and food-grade corn oil operations, and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services.  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 products, including agricultural commodities, cattle and vinegar, are recognized when title of product and risk of loss are transferred to the customer, which depends on the agreed upon terms. The sales terms provide passage of title when shipment is made or the commodity is delivered. Revenues related to grain merchandising are presented gross and include shipping and handling, which is also a component of cost of goods sold. Revenues from grain storage are recognized when services are rendered.  A substantial portion of the partnership revenues are derived from fixed-fee commercial agreements for storage, terminal or transportation services. The partnership recognizes revenue when there is evidence an arrangement exists; risk of loss and title transfer to the customer; the price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably ensured. Revenues from base storage, terminal or transportation services are recognized once these services are performed, which occurs when the product is delivered to the customer.  Cost of Goods Sold  Cost of goods sold includes direct labor, materials and plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in ethanol plant, vinegar 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 and energy services and food and ingredients segments’ 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  The 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, natural gas and crude oil. The company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy to reduce the adverse effect market volatility may have on its operating results. The company may hedge these commodities as one way to mitigate risk, however, there may be situations when these hedging activities themselves result in losses.  By using derivatives to hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, the company 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 its credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties, limiting the amount of financial exposure it has with each counterparty and monitoring their financial condition. Market risk is the risk that the value of the financial instrument might be adversely affected by a change in commodity prices or interest rates. The company manages market risk by incorporating parameters to monitor exposure within its risk management strategy, which limits the types of derivative instruments and 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, hedge accounting treatment.  Certain qualifying derivatives related to the ethanol production, agribusiness and energy services and food and ingredients 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 of the hedges 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, 2017, the company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 330, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory , which requires inventory to be measured at lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices during the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amended guidance was applied prospectively.  Effective January 1, 2017, the company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , 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 allows an employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares than it can currently for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The amended guidance requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement was applied prospectively. The amended guidance related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements. The amended guidance related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows was applied retrospectively. This change resulted in a $2.1 million increase in cash flows from operating activities and a decrease in cash flows from financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur. This change did not have a material impact on the financial statements.  Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash , which requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amended guidance will be applied retrospectively.  Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which requires revenue recognition to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard permits either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early application beginning January 1, 2017, is permitted. The company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets other than Inventory , which requires the recognition of current and deferred income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The amended guidance will be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption.  Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business , which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist companies and other reporting organizations with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.  Effective January 1, 2019, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 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.  Effective January 1, 2020, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which simplifies the measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual goodwill impairment test will be performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	2. ACQUISITIONS  Acquisition of Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company  On October 3, 2016, the company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of SCI Ingredients, the holding company of Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, Inc., for $258.3 million in cash. A portion of the purchase price was used to repay existing debt. Fleischmann’s Vinegar is one of the world’s largest producers of food-grade industrial vinegar.  The purchase price allocation is based on the preliminary results of independent valuations. The purchase price and purchase price allocation are preliminary until contractual post-closing working capital adjustments are finalized and the final independent valuation reports are 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  Cash $ 4,148  Inventory 9,308  Accounts receivable, net 13,919  Prepaid expenses and other 1,054  Property and equipment 43,011  Intangible assets 94,500   Current liabilities (9,689)  Income taxes payable (330)  Deferred tax liabilities (40,421)  Total identifiable net assets 115,500   Goodwill 142,819  Purchase price $ 258,319  As of March 31, 2017 , based on the preliminary valuations, the company’s customer relationship intangible asset recognized in connection with the Fleischmann’s acquisition is $81.2 million, net of $2.8 million of accumulated amortization, and has a 15 -year weighted-average amortization period. As of March 31, 2017 , the company also has an indefinite-lived trade name intangible asset of $10.5 million. The company recognized $1.4 million of amortization expense associated with the amortizing customer relationship intangible asset during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and estimated amortization expense for the next five years is $5.6 million per annum. The excess of the purchase price over the intangibles fair values was allocated to goodwill, none of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition.  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 $234.9 million for the ethanol plant assets, and $19.1 million for working capital acquired and liabilities assumed. These ethanol facilities have a combined annual production capacity of approximately 230 mmgy.  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 $ 16,904  Accounts receivable, net 1,826  Prepaid expenses and other 2,224  Property and equipment, net 234,947  Other assets 3,885   Current maturities of long-term debt (406)  Current liabilities (2,580)  Long-term debt (2,763)  Total identifiable net assets $ 254,037  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 $90.0 million in a transfer between entities under common control and entered into amendments to the related commercial agreements with Green Plains Trade.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	3 . FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES  The following methods, assumptions and valuation techniques were used to estimate the fair value of the company’s financial instruments:  Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities the company can access at the measurement date. Level 1 unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivatives relate to exchange-traded open trade equity and option values in the company’s brokerage accounts.  Level 2 – directly or indirectly observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets other than quoted prices included within Level 1, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, and other inputs that are observable or can be substantially corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means. Grain inventories held for sale in the agribusiness segment are valued at nearby futures values, plus or minus nearby basis.  Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and comprise a significant component of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The company currently does not have any recurring Level 3 financial instruments.  There have been no changes in valuation techniques and inputs used in measuring fair value. The company’s assets and liabilities by level are as follows (in thousands):    Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2017  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 $ 256,468 $ - $ - $ 256,468  Restricted cash 38,974 - - 38,974  Margin deposits 28,878 - (28,878) -  Inventories carried at market - 196,925 - 196,925  Unrealized gains on derivatives 10,823 9,417 13,678 33,918  Other assets 115 1 - 116  Total assets measured at fair value $ 335,258 $ 206,343 $ (15,200) $ 526,401   Liabilities:  Accounts payable (1) $ - $ 25,291 $ - $ 25,291  Unrealized losses on derivatives 15,200 7,131 (15,200) 7,131  Other - 59 - 59  Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 15,200 $ 32,481 $ (15,200) $ 32,481     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Reclassification for Balance Sheet  (Level 1) (Level 2) Presentation Total   Assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ 304,211 $ - $ - $ 304,211  Restricted cash 51,979 - - 51,979  Margin deposits 50,601 - (50,601) -  Inventories carried at market (2) - 154,022 - 154,022  Unrealized gains on derivatives 8,272 14,818 24,146 47,236  Other assets 116 - - 116  Total assets measured at fair value $ 415,179 $ 168,840 $ (26,455) $ 557,564   Liabilities:  Accounts payable (1) $ - $ 35,288 $ - $ 35,288  Unrealized losses on derivatives 26,455 8,916 (26,455) 8,916  Other liabilities - 81 - 81  Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 26,455 $ 44,285 $ (26,455) $ 44,285  (1) Accounts payable is generally stated at historical amounts with the exception of $25.3 million and $ 35.3 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, related to certain delivered inventory for which the payable fluctuates based on changes in commodity prices. These payables are hybrid financial instruments for which the company has elected the fair value option. (2) Inventories carried at market have been revised from previously reported results to include $77.0 million of inventories held under a fair value hedging relationship. There was no impact to the financial statements resulting from this revision.  The company believes the fair value of its debt was approximately $1.1 billion compared with a book value of $1.1 billion at March 31, 2017 , and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The company estimated the fair value of its outstanding debt using Level 2 inputs. The company believes the fair values of its accounts receivable approximated book value, which was $ 97.0 million and $ 147.5 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.  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 issued represent Level 3 measurements which were derived using a combination of the income approach, market approach and cost approach for the specific assets or liabilities being valued.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	4. SEGMENT INFORMATION  As a result of acquisitions during 2016, the company implemented organizational segment changes during the fourth quarter of 2016, whereby the company management now reports the financial 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 and energy services, which includes grain handling and storage and marketing and merchant trading for company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities, (3) food and ingredients, which includes the cattle feedlot, vinegar production and food-grade corn oil operations and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the revised segment presentation.  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 conduct business with each other. For example, the agribusiness and energy services segment procures grain and natural gas and sells products, including ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil for the ethanol production segment. The partnership segment provides fuel storage and transportation services for the agribusiness and energy services segment. These intersegment activities are treated like third-party transactions with origination, marketing and storage fees charged at estimated 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.  The following tables set forth certain financial data for the company’s operating segments (in thousands):    Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Revenues:  Ethanol production:  Revenues from external customers $ 619,879 $ 528,328  Intersegment revenues 1,496 -  Total segment revenues 621,375 528,328  Agribusiness and energy services:  Revenues from external customers 168,311 160,144  Intersegment revenues 9,492 7,409  Total segment revenues 177,803 167,553  Food and ingredients:  Revenues from external customers 98,022 58,711  Intersegment revenues 38 37  Total segment revenues 98,060 58,748  Partnership:  Revenues from external customers 1,472 2,021  Intersegment revenues 25,757 21,768  Total segment revenues 27,229 23,789  Revenues including intersegment activity 924,467 778,418  Intersegment eliminations (36,783) (29,214)  Revenues as reported $ 887,684 $ 749,204        Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Cost of goods sold:  Ethanol production $ 599,138 $ 534,498  Agribusiness and energy services 166,394 159,415  Food and ingredients 83,035 59,254  Partnership - -  Intersegment eliminations (36,671) (28,480)  $ 811,896 $ 724,687       Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Operating income (loss):  Ethanol production $ (6,598) $ (29,565)  Agribusiness and energy services 6,369 3,737  Food and ingredients 9,626 (1,363)  Partnership 16,619 13,071  Intersegment eliminations (75) (698)  Corporate activities (8,549) (7,828)  $ 17,392 $ (22,646)     Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Depreciation and amortization:  Ethanol production $ 20,342 $ 15,780  Agribusiness and energy services 660 306  Food and ingredients 2,880 271  Partnership 1,254 1,217  Corporate activities 947 571  $ 26,083 $ 18,145  The following table sets forth third-party revenues by product line (in thousands):     Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Revenues:  Ethanol $ 597,407 $ 499,050  Distillers grains 118,696 112,218  Corn oil 40,697 20,875  Grain 26,024 51,055  Food and ingredients 90,485 56,232  Service revenues 1,472 2,021  Other 12,903 7,753  $ 887,684 $ 749,204  The following table sets forth total assets by operating segment (in thousands):    March 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Total assets (1) :  Ethanol production $ 1,161,730 $ 1,206,155  Agribusiness and energy services 527,974 579,977  Food and ingredients 415,790 406,429  Partnership 74,149 74,999  Corporate assets 258,654 257,652  Intersegment eliminations (17,151) (18,720)  $ 2,421,146 $ 2,506,492  (1) Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany receivable balances .

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	5. INVENTORIES  Inventories are carried at lower of cost or net realizable value, except for commodities held for sale and fair-value hedged inventories, which are reported at market value. The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):       March 31, December 31,  2017 2016   Finished goods $ 137,490 $ 99,009  Commodities held for sale 54,646 65,926  Raw materials 145,747 135,516  Work-in-process 93,645 91,093  Supplies and parts 33,466 30,637  $ 464,994 $ 422,181  

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	6. GOODWILL  The company did not have any changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, which was $ 183.7 million at March 31, 2017 , and December 31, 2016 . Goodwill of $ 30.3 million, $142.8 million and $ 10.6 million is attributable to the ethanol production segment, food and ingredients segment and the partnership segment, respectively. 

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  At March 31, 2017 , the company’s consolidated balance sheet reflected unrealized losses of $5.6 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  March 31, December 31, March 31, December 31,  2017 2016 2017 2016  Derivative financial instruments (1) $ 5,040 (2) $ 14,818 (3) $ - $ -  Other assets 1 - - -  Accrued and other liabilities - - 7,131 27,099  Other liabilities - - 59 81  Total $ 5,041 $ 14,818 $ 7,190 $ 27,180  (1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $ 28.9 million and $ 50.6 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (2) Balance at March 31, 2017 includes $ 6.8 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments. (3) Balance at December 31, 2016 includ es $ 17.0 million of net unrealized losses on deri vative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.   Refer to Note 3 - Fair Value Disclosures , which contains fair value information related to derivative financial instruments.  Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income  The gains or losses recognized in income and 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 March 31,  Designated in a Hedging Relationship 2017 2016  Revenues $ (5,048) $ (2,794)  Cost of goods sold 11,936 (5,846)  Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ 6,888 $ (8,640)     Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness Three Months Ended March 31,  of Cash Flow Hedges 2017 2016  Revenues $ (133) $ -  Cost of goods sold - -  Net decrease recognized in earnings before tax $ (133) $ -     Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Three Months Ended March 31,  into Net Income 2017 2016  Revenues $ 4,152 $ 245  Cost of goods sold 830 1,889  Net increase recognized in earnings before tax $ 4,982 $ 2,134     Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized in Three Months Ended March 31,  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2017 2016  Commodity Contracts $ 2,610 $ 2,282     Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Three Months Ended March 31,  Hedges of Inventory 2017 2016  Revenues (effect of change in inventory value) $ 1,421 $ 1,760  Cost of goods sold (effect of change in inventory value) (1,928) (4,898)  Revenues (effect of fair value hedge) (1,095) (1,760)  Cost of goods sold (effect of fair value hedge) 3,039 5,808  Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax $ 1,437 $ 910  There were no gains or losses from discontinuing cash flow or fair value hedge treatment during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 .  The open commodity derivative positions as of March 31, 2017 , are as follows (in thousands):     March 31, 2017  Exchange Traded Non-Exchange Traded  Derivative Instruments Net Long & (Short) (1) Long (2) (Short) (2) Unit of Measure Commodity   Futures (72,350) Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat  Futures 340 (3) Bushels Corn  Futures 21,915 (4) Bushels Corn  Futures 164,112 Gallons Ethanol  Futures (5,880) (3) Gallons Ethanol  Futures (12,390) (4) Gallons Ethanol  Futures (1,470) MmBTU Natural Gas  Futures (6,660) (4) MmBTU Natural Gas  Futures 6,800 Pounds Livestock  Futures (123,240) (3) Pounds Livestock  Futures (229) Barrels Crude Oil  Futures (43) (4) Barrels Crude Oil  Futures 3,444 (3) Gallons Natural Gasoline  Options 1,414 Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat  Options (22,203) Gallons Ethanol  Options (4,718) Pounds Livestock  Options 120 Barrels Crude Oil  Forwards 18,298 (1,751) Bushels Corn and Soybeans  Forwards 34,105 (337,535) Gallons Ethanol  Forwards 105 (323) Tons Distillers Grains  Forwards 30,437 (152,923) Pounds Corn Oil  Forwards 18,246 (1,599) MmBTU Natural Gas  Forwards 873 (670) 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 $8.2 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , and 2016, respectively.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	8. DEBT  The components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):       March 31, December 31,  2017 2016   Green Plains Processing:  $345.0 million term loan $ 264,798 $ 294,011  Fleischmann's Vinegar:  $130.0 million term loan 125,460 125,609  $15.0 million revolving credit facility 4,500 4,000  Green Plains Partners:  $155.0 million revolving credit facility 126,500 129,000  Corporate:  $120.0 million convertible notes due 2018 110,323 108,817  $170.0 million convertible notes due 2022 128,711 127,239  Other 28,836 28,993  Total long-term debt 789,128 817,669  Less: current portion of long-term debt (6,171) (35,059)  Long-term debt $ 782,957 $ 782,610  Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at March 31, 2017 , include working capital revolvers at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plai ns Grain and Green Plains Trade with outstanding balances of $63.5 million, $ 112.0 million and $ 109.3 million, respectively. Green Plains Grain also had $50.9 million in outstanding short-term inventory financing arrangements at March 31, 2017. Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at December 31, 2016 , include working capital revolvers at Green Plains Cattle, Green Plains Grain and Green Plains Trade with outstanding balances of $63.5 million, $ 102.0 million and $ 125.7 million, respectively.  Ethanol Production Segment  Green Plains Processing has a $345.0 million senior secured credit facility, which is guaranteed by the company and subsidiaries of Green Plains Processing and secured by the stock and substantially all of the assets of Green Plains Processing. The interest rate is LIBOR, subject to a 1.00% floor, plus 5.50% and matures on June 30, 2020. The terms of the credit facility require the borrower to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio of 4.00x at the end of each quarter, decreasing to 3.25x over the life of the credit facility, and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25x . As of March 31, 2017, the maximum total leverage ratio was 3.75x . The credit facility also has a provision requiring the company to make special quarterly payments of 50% to 75% of its available free cash flow, subject to certain limitations.  At March 31, 2017 , the interest rate on this term debt was 6.50% . Scheduled principal payments are $0.9 million each quarter until maturity.  Agribusiness and Energy Services 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 matures on July 26, 2019. Advances 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 Green Plains Grain as security on the credit facility. The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants, including maintaining minimum working capital of $20.0 million and tangible net worth of $26.3 million for 2017 . Capital expenditures are limited to $8.0 million per year under the credit facility, plus equity contributions from the company and unused amounts of up to $8.0 million 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 fixed charge coverage ratio and long-term capitalization ratio apply only if the company has long-term indebtedness on the date of calculation. As of March 31, 2017, Green Plains Grain had no long-term indebtedness. 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 Grain has entered into short-term inventory financing agreements with a financial institution. At March 31, 2017, 14.8 million bushels of corn had been designated as collateral under these agreements at initial values totaling $49.6 million. The company has accounted for the agreements as short-term notes, rather than sales, and has elected the fair value option to offset fluctuations in market prices of the inventory. At March 31, 2017, the short-term notes payable were valued at $50.9 million and were measured using Level 2 inputs.  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. Advances are subject to variable interest rates equal to LIBOR plus 2.50% or the base rate plus 1.50% . The unused portion of the credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.5% per annum.  The terms impose affirmative and negative covenants, including maintaining a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15x . Capital expenditures are limited to $1.5 million per year under the credit facility. The credit facility also restricts distributions related to capital stock, with an exception for distributions up to 50% of net income if, on a pro forma basis, (a) availability has been greater than $10.0 million for the last 30 days and (b) the borrower would be in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio on the distribution date.  At March 31, 2017 , Green Plains T rade had restricted cash of $22.0 million on the consolidated balance sheet, the use of which was restricted for repayment towards the outstanding loan balance.  Food and Ingredients Segment  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 the preceding three months’ excess borrowing 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. The unused portion of the credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.20% to 0.25% per annum, depending on the preceding three months’ excess borrowing availability. Subsequent to March 31, 2017, the company amended the revolving credit facility, discussed in Note 15 – Subsequent Events .  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 $22.7 million for 2017 and a total debt to tangible net worth ratio of 3.50x . Capital expenditures are limited to $3.0 million per year under the credit facility, plus $5.0 million per year if funded by a contribution from parent, plus any unused amounts from the previous year.  Fleischmann’s Vinegar has a $130.0 million senior secured term loan and a $15.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which mature on October 3, 2022, to finance the purchase of Fleischmann’s Vinegar and to fund working capital for its vinegar manufacturing operations. Beginning January 1, 2017, the term loan is subject to mandatory prepayments based on the preceding fiscal year’s excess cash flow. Term loan prepayments are generally subject to prepayment fees of 1.0% to 2.0% if prepaid before the second anniversary of the credit agreement. The term loan and loans under the revolving credit facility each bear interest at a floating rate based on the consolidated total net leverage ratio, adjusted quarterly beginning September 30, 2017, to either a base rate plus an applicable margin of 5.0% to 6.0% or to LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 6.0% to 7.0% . The unused portion of the Revolving Loan Commitment is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.5% per annum.  The credit agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default. The negative covenants include restrictions on the 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 ranging from 1.00x to 1.10x and a maximum consolidated total net leverage ratio ranging from 5.00x to 7.00x . The consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio is calculated by summing the four preceding fiscal quarters’ EBITDA less capital expenditures and dividing that sum by the sum of the four preceding fiscal quarters’ cash interest and taxes, scheduled principal payments and parent management fees. The consolidated total net leverage ratio is calculated by dividing total net indebtedness by the sum of the four preceding fiscal quarters’ EBITDA. Beginning in 2017, the credit facility also has a provision requiring the company to make special annual payments of 0% to 50% of its available free cash flow, subject to certain limitations.  Partnership Segment  Green Plains Partners, through a wholly owned subsidiary, has a $155.0 million revolving credit facility, as amended, which matures on July 1, 2020, to fund working capital, acquisitions, distributions, capital expenditures and other general partnership purposes. Advances under the credit facility are subject to a floating interest rate based on the preceding fiscal quarter’s consolidated leverage ratio at a base rate plus 1.25% to 2.00% or LIBOR plus 2.25% to 3.00% . The credit facility may be increased up to $100.0 million without the consent of the lenders. The unused portion of the credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.35% to 0.50% , depending on the preceding fiscal quarter’s consolidated leverage ratio.  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 3.50x , and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of no less than 2.75x , 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.  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. The company may settle the 3.25% notes in cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock.  Prior to April 1, 2 018, the 3.25% notes are not convertible unless certain conditions 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 49.5785 shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal, which is equal to a conversion price of approximately $20.17 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 , 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.  On Ap ril 12, 2017, the company entered into a privately negotiated agreement with a holder, on behalf of certain beneficial owners, of the company’s 3.25% notes. Under the agreement, 1,344,298 shares of the company’s common stock and cash in the amount of accrued but unpaid interest on the 3.25% notes were exchanged for approximately $24.1 million in aggregate principal amount of the 3.25% notes. Following the closing of the agreement, $95.9 million aggregate principal amount of the 3.25% notes remain outstanding.  Covenant Compliance  The company was in compliance with its debt covenants as of March 31, 2017 .  Capitalized Interest  The compa ny had $ 11 thousand and $358 thousand of capitalized interest during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , and 2016, respectively.  Restricted Net Assets  At March 31, 2017 , there were approximately $ 886.9 million of net assets at the company’s subsidiaries that could not be transferred to the parent company in the form of dividends, loans or advances due to restrictions contained in the credit facilities of these subsidiaries.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION  The company has an equity incentive plan that reserves 3,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance to its directors and employees. The company is seeking shareholder approval to increase the number of shares reserved for the equity incentive plan to 4,110,000 at its 2017 annual meeting. 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 options for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , is as follows:      Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)   Outstanding at December 31, 2016 148,750 $ 12.36 2.8 $ 2,305  Granted - - - -  Exercised (5,000) 10.00 - 78  Forfeited - - - -  Expired - - - -  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 143,750 $ 12.44 2.6 $ 1,770  Exercisable at March 31, 2017 (1) 143,750 $ 12.44 2.6 $ 1,770  (1) Includes in-the-money options totaling 143,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $ 12.44 .  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 options in the open market. The company uses newly issued shares of common stock to satisfy its stock-based payment obligations.  The non-vested stock award and deferred stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , 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, 2016 1,139,560 $ 17.65  Granted 485,143 24.30  Forfeited (27,717) 17.90  Vested (426,163) 19.07  Non-Vested at March 31, 2017 1,170,823 $ 19.89 2.3  Green Plains Partners  Green Plains Partners has adopted the LTIP, an incentive plan intended to promote the interests of the partnership, its general partner and affiliates by providing incentive compensation based on units to employees, consultants and directors to encourage superior performance. The incentive plan reserves 2,500,000 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 three months ended March 31, 2017 , 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, 2016 15,009 $ 15.99  Granted - -  Forfeited - -  Vested - -  Non-Vested at March 31, 2017 15,009 $ 15.99 0.3  Compensation costs for stock-based and unit-based payment plans during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 were approximately $ 2.5 million and $ 2.3 million, respectively. At March 31, 2017 , there was $ 20.9 million of unrecognized compensation costs from stock-based and unit-based compensation related to non-vested awards. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.3 years. The pote ntial tax benefit related to stock-based payment is approximately 37.7 % of these expe nses .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	10. EARNINGS PER SHARE  Basic earnings per share, or EPS, is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS was computed using the treasury stock method for the first quarter of 2016, 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. During the first quarter of 2017, the company changed its method for calculating dilutive EPS for its convertible debt instruments from the treasury stock method to the if-converted method, as the company changed its financial strategy with respect to cash settlement of the convertible debt instruments. As such, the company computed EPS for the first quarter of 2017 by dividing net income on an if-converted basis, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of any outstanding dilutive securities.  The basic and diluted EPS are calculated as follows (in thousands):    Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016   Basic EPS:  Net loss attributable to Green Plains $ (3,597) $ (24,138)  Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 38,420 38,197  EPS - basic $ (0.09) $ (0.63)   EPS - diluted $ (0.09) $ (0.63)  Ten thousand shares of stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2016, because the exercise prices of the corresponding awards were greater than the average market price of the company’s common stock during the period. Also excluded from the computation of diluted EPS were 12.1 million shares and 108 thousand shares related to the effect of the convertible debt and stock-based compensation awards for the three months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016, respectively, as the inclusion of these shares would have been antidilutive.

Stockholders Equity

Stockholders Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders Equity	11. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  Components of stockholders’ equity are as follows (in thousands):       Accum.  Other Total  Additional Comp. Green Plains Non- Total  Common Stock Paid-in Retained Income Treasury Stock Stockholders' Controlling Stockholders'  Shares Amount Capital Earnings (Loss) Shares Amount Equity Interests Equity   Balance, December 31, 2016 46,079 $ 46 $ 659,200 $ 283,214 $ (4,137) 7,715 $ (75,816) $ 862,507 $ 116,684 $ 979,191  Net income (loss) - - - (3,597) - - - (3,597) 5,248 1,651  Cash dividends and distributions declared - - - (4,507) - - - (4,507) (4,954) (9,461)  Other comprehensive income, before reclassification - - - - 1,642 - - 1,642 - 1,642  Amounts reclassified from accum. other comprehensive income - - - - (3,134) - - (3,134) - (3,134)  Other comprehensive loss, net of tax - - - - (1,492) - - (1,492) - (1,492)  Stock-based compensation 297 - (1,349) - - - - (1,349) 59 (1,290)  Stock options exercised 5 - 50 - - - - 50 - 50  Balance, March 31, 2017 46,381 $ 46 $ 657,901 $ 275,110 $ (5,629) 7,715 $ (75,816) $ 851,612 $ 117,037 $ 968,649  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):     Three Months Ended March 31, Statements of Operations  2017 2016 Classification   Gains on cash flow hedges:  Ethanol commodity derivatives $ 4,152 $ 245 Revenues  Corn commodity derivatives 830 1,889 Cost of goods sold  Total 4,982 2,134 Income before income taxes  Income tax expense 1,848 707 Income tax expense  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income $ 3,134 $ 1,427  

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	12. INCOME TAXES  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. Green 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. As a result, the consolidated financial statements do not reflect such income taxes on pre-tax income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the partnership.  The amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $0.2 million as of March 31, 2017 , and December 31, 2016 . Recognition of these benefits would have a favorable impact on the company’ s effective tax rate.  The 2017 effective tax rate can be affected by variances among the estimates and amounts of taxable income among the various states, entities and activity types, realization of tax credits, adjustments from resolution of tax matters under review, valuation allowances and the company’s assessment of its liability for uncertain tax positions.

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	13. 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 $ 10.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , and $9.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 .  Aggregate minimum lease payments under these agreements for the remainder of 2017 and in future years are as follows (in thousands):     Year Ending December 31, Amount   2017 $ 27,309  2018 27,009  2019 17,903  2020 12,385  2021 5,957  Thereafter 21,590  Total $ 112,153  Commodities  As of March 31, 2017 , the company had contracted future purchases of grain, corn oil, natural gas, crude oil, ethanol, distillers grains and cattle, valu ed at approximately $ 461.3 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 in part and held that the seller’s attempt to disclaim liability for certain shortfall amounts through the use of a disclaimer provision was ineffective. Based on the court order, the company determined that previously accrued contingent liabilities of approximately $6.3 million no longer represented probable losses. These accruals were reversed as a reduction of cost of goods sold during the year ended December 31, 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, the company is currently involved in litigation that has arisen in the ordinary course of business, but does not believe any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS  Commercial Contracts  Three subsidiaries of the company have executed separate financing agreements for equipment with Amur Equipment Finance. Gordon Glade, a director of Amur Equipment Finance, is a member of the company’s board of directors. Balances of approximately $ 752 thousand and $808 thousand related to these financing arrangements were included in debt at March 31, 2017 , and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Payments, including principal and interest, totaled $ 69 thousand during each of the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. The weighted average interest rate for the financing agreements with Amur Equipment Finance 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 $60 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , and $48 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2016 . The company had no outstanding payables related to these agreements at March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016 .

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS  On April 26, 2017, the company entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire two cattle-feeding operations from Cargill Cattle Feeders, LLC for $36.7 million, plus certain working capital adjustments. The transaction includes the feed yards located in Leoti, Kansas and Yuma, Colorado and will add combined feedlot capacity of 155,000 head of cattle to the company’s operations. The transaction is anticipated to be completed in May of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction will be financed using cash on hand.  As part of the transaction, the company will also enter into a long-term cattle supply agreement with Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation. Under the cattle supply agreement, all cattle placed in the Leoti, Yuma and the company’s existing Kismet, Kansas feedlots will be sold exclusively to Cargill Meat Solutions under an agreed upon production and pricing arrangement.  On April 28, 2017, the company entered into an amendment of its Green Plains Cattle senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with a group of lenders led by Bank of the West and ING Capital LLC. The amendment was completed to fund the additional working capital requirements related to the pending acquisition of two cattle feedlots. The amendment increases the maximum commitment from $100.0 million to $200.0 million until July 31, 2017, when it increases to $300.0 million. The maturity date is extended from October 31, 2017 to April 30, 2020.  Advances under the revolving credit facility, as amended, are subject to variable interest rates equal to LIBOR plus 2.0% to 3.0% or the base rate plus 1.0% to 2.0% , depending on the preceding three months’ excess borrowing availability. The amended credit facility also includes an accordion feature that enables the credit facility to be increased by up to $100.0 million with agent approval. The unused portion of the credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.20% to 0.30% per annum, depending on the preceding three months’ excess borrowing availability. Interest is payable as required, but no t less than quarterly in arrears and principal is due upon maturity.  The amended terms impose affirmative and negative covenants, including maintaining working capital of 15% of the commitment amount, tangible net worth of 20% of the commitment amount and a total debt to tangible net worth ratio of 3.50x . Capital expenditures are limited to $10.0 million per year under the credit facility, plus $10.0 million per year if funded by a contribution from the parent, plus unused amounts from the previous year. 

Basis Of Presentation And Descr

Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Basis Of Presentation, Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidated Financial Statements	Consolidated Financial Statements  The consolidated financial statements include the company’s accounts and all significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Unconsolidated entities are included in the financial statements on an equity basis. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year. The company owns a 62.5% limited partner interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in Green Plains Partners LP. Public investors own the remaining 35.5% limited partner interest in the partnership. The partnership is consolidated in the company’s financial statements. 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, 2016 .  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 North America’s second largest consolidated owner of ethanol plants. The company operates within four business segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil, (2) agribusiness and energy services, which includes grain handling and storage and marketing and merchant trading for company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, natural gas and other commodities, (3) food and ingredients, which includes the cattle feedlot, vinegar production and food-grade corn oil operations, and (4) partnership, which includes fuel storage and transportation services.
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 products, including agricultural commodities, cattle and vinegar, are recognized when title of product and risk of loss are transferred to the customer, which depends on the agreed upon terms. The sales terms provide passage of title when shipment is made or the commodity is delivered. Revenues related to grain merchandising are presented gross and include shipping and handling, which is also a component of cost of goods sold. Revenues from grain storage are recognized when services are rendered.  A substantial portion of the partnership revenues are derived from fixed-fee commercial agreements for storage, terminal or transportation services. The partnership recognizes revenue when there is evidence an arrangement exists; risk of loss and title transfer to the customer; the price is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably ensured. Revenues from base storage, terminal or transportation services are recognized once these services are performed, which occurs when the product is delivered to the customer. 
Cost Of Goods Sold	Cost of Goods Sold  Cost of goods sold includes direct labor, materials and plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in ethanol plant, vinegar 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 and energy services and food and ingredients segments’ 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  The 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, natural gas and crude oil. The company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy to reduce the adverse effect market volatility may have on its operating results. The company may hedge these commodities as one way to mitigate risk, however, there may be situations when these hedging activities themselves result in losses.  By using derivatives to hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, the company 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 its credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties, limiting the amount of financial exposure it has with each counterparty and monitoring their financial condition. Market risk is the risk that the value of the financial instrument might be adversely affected by a change in commodity prices or interest rates. The company manages market risk by incorporating parameters to monitor exposure within its risk management strategy, which limits the types of derivative instruments and 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, hedge accounting treatment.  Certain qualifying derivatives related to the ethanol production, agribusiness and energy services and food and ingredients 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 of the hedges 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, 2017, the company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 330, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory , which requires inventory to be measured at lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices during the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amended guidance was applied prospectively.  Effective January 1, 2017, the company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , 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 allows an employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares than it can currently for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The amended guidance requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement was applied prospectively. The amended guidance related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements. The amended guidance related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows was applied retrospectively. This change resulted in a $2.1 million increase in cash flows from operating activities and a decrease in cash flows from financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur. This change did not have a material impact on the financial statements.  Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash , which requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amended guidance will be applied retrospectively.  Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which requires revenue recognition to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard permits either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early application beginning January 1, 2017, is permitted. The company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets other than Inventory , which requires the recognition of current and deferred income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The amended guidance will be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption.  Effective January 1, 2018, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business , which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist companies and other reporting organizations with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.  Effective January 1, 2019, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 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.  Effective January 1, 2020, the company will adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which simplifies the measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual goodwill impairment test will be performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The amended guidance will be applied prospectively.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Acquisition of Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, Inc. [Member}
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule Of Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed	  Amounts of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed  Cash $ 4,148  Inventory 9,308  Accounts receivable, net 13,919  Prepaid expenses and other 1,054  Property and equipment 43,011  Intangible assets 94,500   Current liabilities (9,689)  Income taxes payable (330)  Deferred tax liabilities (40,421)  Total identifiable net assets 115,500   Goodwill 142,819  Purchase price $ 258,319 
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 $ 16,904  Accounts receivable, net 1,826  Prepaid expenses and other 2,224  Property and equipment, net 234,947  Other assets 3,885   Current maturities of long-term debt (406)  Current liabilities (2,580)  Long-term debt (2,763)  Total identifiable net assets $ 254,037 

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Fair Value	The company’s assets and liabilities by level are as follows (in thousands):    Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2017  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 $ 256,468 $ - $ - $ 256,468  Restricted cash 38,974 - - 38,974  Margin deposits 28,878 - (28,878) -  Inventories carried at market - 196,925 - 196,925  Unrealized gains on derivatives 10,823 9,417 13,678 33,918  Other assets 115 1 - 116  Total assets measured at fair value $ 335,258 $ 206,343 $ (15,200) $ 526,401   Liabilities:  Accounts payable (1) $ - $ 25,291 $ - $ 25,291  Unrealized losses on derivatives 15,200 7,131 (15,200) 7,131  Other - 59 - 59  Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 15,200 $ 32,481 $ (15,200) $ 32,481     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Reclassification for Balance Sheet  (Level 1) (Level 2) Presentation Total   Assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ 304,211 $ - $ - $ 304,211  Restricted cash 51,979 - - 51,979  Margin deposits 50,601 - (50,601) -  Inventories carried at market (2) - 154,022 - 154,022  Unrealized gains on derivatives 8,272 14,818 24,146 47,236  Other assets 116 - - 116  Total assets measured at fair value $ 415,179 $ 168,840 $ (26,455) $ 557,564   Liabilities:  Accounts payable (1) $ - $ 35,288 $ - $ 35,288  Unrealized losses on derivatives 26,455 8,916 (26,455) 8,916  Other liabilities - 81 - 81  Total liabilities measured at fair value $ 26,455 $ 44,285 $ (26,455) $ 44,285  (1) Accounts payable is generally stated at historical amounts with the exception of $25.3 million and $ 35.3 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, related to certain delivered inventory for which the payable fluctuates based on changes in commodity prices. These payables are hybrid financial instruments for which the company has elected the fair value option. (2) Inventories carried at market have been revised from previously reported results to include $77.0 million of inventories held under a fair value hedging relationship. There was no impact to the financial statements resulting from this revision.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Summary Of Financial Data	The following tables set forth certain financial data for the company’s operating segments (in thousands):    Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Revenues:  Ethanol production:  Revenues from external customers $ 619,879 $ 528,328  Intersegment revenues 1,496 -  Total segment revenues 621,375 528,328  Agribusiness and energy services:  Revenues from external customers 168,311 160,144  Intersegment revenues 9,492 7,409  Total segment revenues 177,803 167,553  Food and ingredients:  Revenues from external customers 98,022 58,711  Intersegment revenues 38 37  Total segment revenues 98,060 58,748  Partnership:  Revenues from external customers 1,472 2,021  Intersegment revenues 25,757 21,768  Total segment revenues 27,229 23,789  Revenues including intersegment activity 924,467 778,418  Intersegment eliminations (36,783) (29,214)  Revenues as reported $ 887,684 $ 749,204        Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Cost of goods sold:  Ethanol production $ 599,138 $ 534,498  Agribusiness and energy services 166,394 159,415  Food and ingredients 83,035 59,254  Partnership - -  Intersegment eliminations (36,671) (28,480)  $ 811,896 $ 724,687       Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Operating income (loss):  Ethanol production $ (6,598) $ (29,565)  Agribusiness and energy services 6,369 3,737  Food and ingredients 9,626 (1,363)  Partnership 16,619 13,071  Intersegment eliminations (75) (698)  Corporate activities (8,549) (7,828)  $ 17,392 $ (22,646)     Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Depreciation and amortization:  Ethanol production $ 20,342 $ 15,780  Agribusiness and energy services 660 306  Food and ingredients 2,880 271  Partnership 1,254 1,217  Corporate activities 947 571  $ 26,083 $ 18,145 
Schedule Of Revenues By Product	  Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016  Revenues:  Ethanol $ 597,407 $ 499,050  Distillers grains 118,696 112,218  Corn oil 40,697 20,875  Grain 26,024 51,055  Food and ingredients 90,485 56,232  Service revenues 1,472 2,021  Other 12,903 7,753  $ 887,684 $ 749,204 
Summary Of Total Assets For Operating Segments	  March 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Total assets (1) :  Ethanol production $ 1,161,730 $ 1,206,155  Agribusiness and energy services 527,974 579,977  Food and ingredients 415,790 406,429  Partnership 74,149 74,999  Corporate assets 258,654 257,652  Intersegment eliminations (17,151) (18,720)  $ 2,421,146 $ 2,506,492  Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany receivable balances .

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	  March 31, December 31,  2017 2016   Finished goods $ 137,490 $ 99,009  Commodities held for sale 54,646 65,926  Raw materials 145,747 135,516  Work-in-process 93,645 91,093  Supplies and parts 33,466 30,637  $ 464,994 $ 422,181 

Derivative Financial Instrume28

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Schedule Of Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments	  Asset Derivatives' Liability Derivatives'  Fair Value Fair Value  March 31, December 31, March 31, December 31,  2017 2016 2017 2016  Derivative financial instruments (1) $ 5,040 (2) $ 14,818 (3) $ - $ -  Other assets 1 - - -  Accrued and other liabilities - - 7,131 27,099  Other liabilities - - 59 81  Total $ 5,041 $ 14,818 $ 7,190 $ 27,180  (1) Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets are net of related margin deposit assets of $ 28.9 million and $ 50.6 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (2) Balance at March 31, 2017 includes $ 6.8 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments. (3) Balance at December 31, 2016 includ es $ 17.0 million of net unrealized losses on deri vative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.
Schedule of Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	  Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized in Three Months Ended March 31,  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2017 2016  Commodity Contracts $ 2,610 $ 2,282 
Schedule Of Gains (Losses) On Derivative Instruments Not Designated In Hedging Relationship [Member]
Schedule Of Gains (Losses) On Derivative Instruments Not Designated In Hedging Relationship	  Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Three Months Ended March 31,  Designated in a Hedging Relationship 2017 2016  Revenues $ (5,048) $ (2,794)  Cost of goods sold 11,936 (5,846)  Net increase (decrease) recognized in earnings before tax $ 6,888 $ (8,640) 
Schedule Of Gain (Loss) Due To Ineffectiveness Of Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	  Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness Three Months Ended March 31,  of Cash Flow Hedges 2017 2016  Revenues $ (133) $ -  Cost of goods sold - -  Net decrease recognized in earnings before tax $ (133) $ - 
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 March 31,  into Net Income 2017 2016  Revenues $ 4,152 $ 245  Cost of goods sold 830 1,889  Net increase recognized in earnings before tax $ 4,982 $ 2,134 
Schedule Of Gain (Loss) From Fair Value Hedges Of Inventory [Member]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	  Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Three Months Ended March 31,  Hedges of Inventory 2017 2016  Revenues (effect of change in inventory value) $ 1,421 $ 1,760  Cost of goods sold (effect of change in inventory value) (1,928) (4,898)  Revenues (effect of fair value hedge) (1,095) (1,760)  Cost of goods sold (effect of fair value hedge) 3,039 5,808  Ineffectiveness recognized in earnings before tax $ 1,437 $ 910 
Schedule Of Volumes of Open Commodity Derivative Positions [Member]
Schedule Of Open Position Derivative Financial Instruments	  March 31, 2017  Exchange Traded Non-Exchange Traded  Derivative Instruments Net Long & (Short) (1) Long (2) (Short) (2) Unit of Measure Commodity   Futures (72,350) Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat  Futures 340 (3) Bushels Corn  Futures 21,915 (4) Bushels Corn  Futures 164,112 Gallons Ethanol  Futures (5,880) (3) Gallons Ethanol  Futures (12,390) (4) Gallons Ethanol  Futures (1,470) MmBTU Natural Gas  Futures (6,660) (4) MmBTU Natural Gas  Futures 6,800 Pounds Livestock  Futures (123,240) (3) Pounds Livestock  Futures (229) Barrels Crude Oil  Futures (43) (4) Barrels Crude Oil  Futures 3,444 (3) Gallons Natural Gasoline  Options 1,414 Bushels Corn, Soybeans and Wheat  Options (22,203) Gallons Ethanol  Options (4,718) Pounds Livestock  Options 120 Barrels Crude Oil  Forwards 18,298 (1,751) Bushels Corn and Soybeans  Forwards 34,105 (337,535) Gallons Ethanol  Forwards 105 (323) Tons Distillers Grains  Forwards 30,437 (152,923) Pounds Corn Oil  Forwards 18,246 (1,599) MmBTU Natural Gas  Forwards 873 (670) 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule Of The Components Of Long-Term Debt	The components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):       March 31, December 31,  2017 2016   Green Plains Processing:  $345.0 million term loan $ 264,798 $ 294,011  Fleischmann's Vinegar:  $130.0 million term loan 125,460 125,609  $15.0 million revolving credit facility 4,500 4,000  Green Plains Partners:  $155.0 million revolving credit facility 126,500 129,000  Corporate:  $120.0 million convertible notes due 2018 110,323 108,817  $170.0 million convertible notes due 2022 128,711 127,239  Other 28,836 28,993  Total long-term debt 789,128 817,669  Less: current portion of long-term debt (6,171) (35,059)  Long-term debt $ 782,957 $ 782,610 

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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, 2016 148,750 $ 12.36 2.8 $ 2,305  Granted - - - -  Exercised (5,000) 10.00 - 78  Forfeited - - - -  Expired - - - -  Outstanding at March 31, 2017 143,750 $ 12.44 2.6 $ 1,770  Exercisable at March 31, 2017 (1) 143,750 $ 12.44 2.6 $ 1,770  Includes in-the-money options totaling 143,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $ 12.44 .
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, 2016 1,139,560 $ 17.65  Granted 485,143 24.30  Forfeited (27,717) 17.90  Vested (426,163) 19.07  Non-Vested at March 31, 2017 1,170,823 $ 19.89 2.3 
Green Plains Partners LP [Member]
Schedule of Non-vested Unit-based Awards Activity	The non-vested unit-based awards activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , 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, 2016 15,009 $ 15.99  Granted - -  Forfeited - -  Vested - -  Non-Vested at March 31, 2017 15,009 $ 15.99 0.3 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	  Three Months Ended March 31,  2017 2016   Basic EPS:  Net loss attributable to Green Plains $ (3,597) $ (24,138)  Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 38,420 38,197  EPS - basic $ (0.09) $ (0.63)   EPS - diluted $ (0.09) $ (0.63) 

Stockholders Equity (Tables)

Stockholders Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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, 2016 46,079 $ 46 $ 659,200 $ 283,214 $ (4,137) 7,715 $ (75,816) $ 862,507 $ 116,684 $ 979,191  Net income (loss) - - - (3,597) - - - (3,597) 5,248 1,651  Cash dividends and distributions declared - - - (4,507) - - - (4,507) (4,954) (9,461)  Other comprehensive income, before reclassification - - - - 1,642 - - 1,642 - 1,642  Amounts reclassified from accum. other comprehensive income - - - - (3,134) - - (3,134) - (3,134)  Other comprehensive loss, net of tax - - - - (1,492) - - (1,492) - (1,492)  Stock-based compensation 297 - (1,349) - - - - (1,349) 59 (1,290)  Stock options exercised 5 - 50 - - - - 50 - 50  Balance, March 31, 2017 46,381 $ 46 $ 657,901 $ 275,110 $ (5,629) 7,715 $ (75,816) $ 851,612 $ 117,037 $ 968,649 
Reclassification Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	  Three Months Ended March 31, Statements of Operations  2017 2016 Classification   Gains on cash flow hedges:  Ethanol commodity derivatives $ 4,152 $ 245 Revenues  Corn commodity derivatives 830 1,889 Cost of goods sold  Total 4,982 2,134 Income before income taxes  Income tax expense 1,848 707 Income tax expense  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income $ 3,134 $ 1,427 

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of Aggregate Minimum Lease Payments	  Year Ending December 31, Amount   2017 $ 27,309  2018 27,009  2019 17,903  2020 12,385  2021 5,957  Thereafter 21,590  Total $ 112,153 

Basis Of Presentation And Des34

Basis Of Presentation And Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)segment	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Number of operating segments | segment			4
Increase in cash flows from operating activities			$ (38,412)	$ (79,807)
Decrease in cash flows from financing activities			$ 12,044	96,693
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Increase in cash flows from operating activities				2,100
Decrease in cash flows from financing activities				$ (2,100)
BioProcess Algae [Member]
Less than wholy owned subsidiary, parent ownership perecentage	82.80%
IPO [Member] | Limited Partner [Member]
Ownership interest, public, percentage		35.50%
IPO [Member] | Limited Partner [Member] | Green Plains Inc. [Member]
Ownership interest, percentage		62.50%
IPO [Member] | General Partner [Member] | Green Plains Inc. [Member]
Ownership interest, percentage		2.00%

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Detai

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands, gal in Millions	Oct. 03, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 23, 2016USD ($)propertygal
Acquisition of Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, Inc. [Member}
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition price	$ 258,319
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	81,200
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 2,800
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	15 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, for the quarter	$ 1,400
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	5,600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	5,600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	5,600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	5,600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	5,600
Property and equipment, net	43,011
Acquisition of Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, Inc. [Member} | Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	$ 10,500
Acquisition of Abengoa Ethanol Plants [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of ethanol plants | property		3
Expected annual ethanol production capacity | gal		230
Property and equipment, net		$ 234,947
Working capital acquired or assumed		19,100
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | Acquisition of Abengoa Ethanol Plants [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transfer between entities under control		$ 90,000

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Ident

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 23, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 183,696	$ 183,696
Acquisition of Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company, Inc. [Member}
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash	$ 4,148
Inventory	9,308
Accounts receivable, net	13,919
Prepaid expenses and other	1,054
Property and equipment, net	43,011
Intangible assets	94,500
Current liabilities	(9,689)
Income taxes payable	(330)
Deferred tax liabilities	(40,421)
Total identifiable net assets	115,500
Goodwill	142,819
Acquisition price	$ 258,319
Acquisition of Abengoa Ethanol Plants [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventory				$ 16,904
Accounts receivable, net				1,826
Prepaid expenses and other				2,224
Property and equipment, net				234,947
Other assets				3,885
Current maturities of long-term debt				(406)
Current liabilities				(2,580)
Long-term debt				(2,763)
Total identifiable net assets				$ 254,037

Fair Value Disclosures (Narrati

Fair Value Disclosures (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of debt		$ 1,100,000	$ 1,100,000
Book value of debt		1,100,000	1,100,000
Accounts receivable, book value		96,986	147,495
Fair value of accounts payable	[1]	$ 25,291	$ 35,288
[1]	Accounts payable is generally stated at historical amounts with the exception of $25.3 million and $35.3 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, related to certain delivered inventory for which the payable fluctuates based on changes in commodity prices. These payables are hybrid financial instruments for which the company has elected the fair value option.

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedul

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 256,468	$ 304,211
Restricted cash		38,974	51,979
Inventories carried at market		196,925	154,022	[1]
Unrealized gains on derivatives		33,918	47,236
Other assets		116	116
Total assets measured at fair value		526,401	557,564
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	[2]	25,291	35,288
Unrealized losses on derivatives		7,131	8,916
Other		59	81
Total liabilities measured at fair value		32,481	44,285
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Assets:
Inventories carried at market			77,000
Reclassification for Balance Sheet Presentation [Member]
Assets:
Margin deposits		(28,878)	(50,601)
Unrealized gains on derivatives		13,678	24,146
Total assets measured at fair value		(15,200)	(26,455)
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives		(15,200)	(26,455)
Total liabilities measured at fair value		(15,200)	(26,455)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		256,468	304,211
Restricted cash		38,974	51,979
Margin deposits		28,878	50,601
Unrealized gains on derivatives		10,823	8,272
Other assets		115	116
Total assets measured at fair value		335,258	415,179
Liabilities:
Unrealized losses on derivatives		15,200	26,455
Total liabilities measured at fair value		15,200	26,455
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets:
Inventories carried at market		196,925	154,022	[1]
Unrealized gains on derivatives		9,417	14,818
Other assets		1
Total assets measured at fair value		206,343	168,840
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	[2]	25,291	35,288
Unrealized losses on derivatives		7,131	8,916
Other		59	81
Total liabilities measured at fair value		$ 32,481	$ 44,285
[1]	Inventories carried at market have been revised from previously reported results to include $77.0 million of inventories held under a fair value hedging relationship. There was no impact to the financial statements resulting from this revision.
[2]	Accounts payable is generally stated at historical amounts with the exception of $25.3 million and $35.3 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, related to certain delivered inventory for which the payable fluctuates based on changes in commodity prices. These payables are hybrid financial instruments for which the company has elected the fair value option.

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017segment
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	4

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Financial Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 887,684	$ 749,204
Costs of goods sold	811,896	724,687
Operating income (loss)	17,392	(22,646)
Depreciation and amortization	26,083	18,145
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold	(36,671)	(28,480)
Operating income (loss)	(75)	(698)
Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	887,684	749,204
Intersegment Revenue [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(36,783)	(29,214)
Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	924,467	778,418
Ethanol Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold	599,138	534,498
Operating income (loss)	(6,598)	(29,565)
Depreciation and amortization	20,342	15,780
Ethanol Production [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	619,879	528,328
Ethanol Production [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,496
Ethanol Production [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	621,375	528,328
Agribusiness And Energy Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold	166,394	159,415
Operating income (loss)	6,369	3,737
Depreciation and amortization	660	306
Agribusiness And Energy Services [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	168,311	160,144
Agribusiness And Energy Services [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	9,492	7,409
Agribusiness And Energy Services [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	177,803	167,553
Food And Ingredients [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold	83,035	59,254
Operating income (loss)	9,626	(1,363)
Depreciation and amortization	2,880	271
Food And Ingredients [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	98,022	58,711
Food And Ingredients [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	38	37
Food And Ingredients [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	98,060	58,748
Partnership [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Costs of goods sold
Operating income (loss)	16,619	13,071
Depreciation and amortization	1,254	1,217
Partnership [Member] | Revenue From External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,472	2,021
Partnership [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	25,757	21,768
Partnership [Member] | Revenue Including Intersegment Activity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	27,229	23,789
Corporate Activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(8,549)	(7,828)
Depreciation and amortization	$ 947	$ 571

Segment Information (Schedule O

Segment Information (Schedule Of Revenues By Product) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 887,684	$ 749,204
Ethanol [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	597,407	499,050
Distillers Grains [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	118,696	112,218
Corn Oil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	40,697	20,875
Grain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	26,024	51,055
Food And Ingredients [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	90,485	56,232
Service Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,472	2,021
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 12,903	$ 7,753

Segment Information (Summary 42

Segment Information (Summary Of Total Assets For Operating Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	$ 2,421,146	$ 2,506,492
Ethanol Production [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	1,161,730	1,206,155
Agribusiness And Energy Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	527,974	579,977
Food And Ingredients [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	415,790	406,429
Partnership [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	74,149	74,999
Corporate Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	258,654	257,652
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	[1]	$ (17,151)	$ (18,720)
[1]	Asset balances by segment exclude intercompany receivable balances

Inventories (Schedule Of Invent

Inventories (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 137,490	$ 99,009
Commodities held for sale	54,646	65,926
Raw materials	145,747	135,516
Work-in-process	93,645	91,093
Supplies and parts	33,466	30,637
Inventories	$ 464,994	$ 422,181

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 183,696	$ 183,696
Ethanol Production [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	30,300	30,300
Food And Ingredients [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	142,800	142,800
Partnership [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 10,600	$ 10,600

Derivative Financial Instrume45

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (5,629)		$ (4,137)
Energy trading contracts, gain (loss)	$ 8,200	$ 3,400

Derivative Financial Instrume46

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value		$ 5,041		$ 14,818
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value		7,190		27,180
Margin deposit asset		28,900		50,600
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges		(6,800)		(17,000)
Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	[2]	5,040	[1]	14,818	[3]
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value		1
Accrued and Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value		7,131		27,099
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value		$ 59		$ 81
[1]	Balance at March 31, 2017 includes $6.8 million of net unrealized losses 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 $28.9 million and $50.6 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
[3]	Balance at December 31, 2016 includes $17.0 million of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

Derivative Financial Instrume47

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Gain Or Loss Recognized In Income And Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	$ 6,888	$ (8,640)
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	(133)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	4,982	2,134
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	1,437	910
Revenue [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	(5,048)	(2,794)
Gains (Losses) Due to Ineffectiveness of Cash Flow Hedges	(133)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	4,152	245
Revenue (Effect of Change In Inventory Value) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	1,421	1,760
Revenue (Effect of Fair Value Hedge) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	(1,095)	(1,760)
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Not Designated in a Hedging Relationship	11,936	(5,846)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Net Income	830	1,889
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	(1,928)	(4,898)
Cost of Goods Sold (Effect of Fair Value Hedge) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Hedges of Inventory	$ 3,039	$ 5,808

Derivative Financial Instrume48

Derivative Financial Instruments (Commodity Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 2,610	$ 2,282

Derivative Financial Instrume49

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Volumes Of Open Commodity Derivative Positions) (Details) contract in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017contract
Corn, Soybeans And Wheat In Bushels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	1,414	[1]
Corn, Soybeans And Wheat In Bushels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	72,350	[1]
Corn In Bushels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	340	[1],[2]
Corn In Bushels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	21,915	[1],[3]
Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	164,112	[1]
Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	22,203	[1]
Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	5,880	[1],[2]
Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	12,390	[1],[3]
Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	34,105	[3],[4]
Ethanol In Gallons [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	337,535	[3],[4]
Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	1,470	[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	6,660	[1],[3]
Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	18,246	[3],[4]
Natural Gas In mmBTU [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	1,599	[3],[4]
Livestock in Pounds [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	6,800	[1]
Livestock in Pounds [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	4,718	[1]
Livestock in Pounds [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	123,240	[1],[2]
Crude Oil In Barrels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	120	[1]
Crude Oil In Barrels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	229	[1]
Crude Oil In Barrels [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	43	[1],[3]
Crude Oil In Barrels [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	873	[3],[4]
Crude Oil In Barrels [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	670	[3],[4]
Denaturant In Gallons [Member] | Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	3,444	[1],[2]
Corn And Soybeans In Bushels [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	18,298	[3],[4]
Corn And Soybeans In Bushels [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	1,751	[3],[4]
Distillers Grains In Tons [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	105	[3],[4]
Distillers Grains In Tons [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	323	[3],[4]
Corn Oil in Pounds [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Long [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	30,437	[3],[4]
Corn Oil in Pounds [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded [Member] | Short [Member] | Forwards [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Volumes of open commodity derivatives	152,923	[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 ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 789,128,000	$ 817,669,000
Less: current portion of long-term debt	(6,171,000)	(35,059,000)
Long-term debt	782,957,000	782,610,000
Convertible Notes [Member] | $120.0 Million Convertible Notes [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	110,323,000	108,817,000
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	128,711,000	127,239,000
Debt instrument, face amount	170,000,000	170,000,000
Other Debt Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	28,836,000	28,993,000
Green Plains Processing [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | $345.0 Million Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	264,798,000	294,011,000
Debt instrument, face amount	345,000,000	345,000,000
Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | $130.0 Million Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	125,460,000	125,609,000
Debt instrument, face amount	130,000,000	130,000,000
Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | $130.0 Million Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	130,000,000
Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | $15.0 Million Revoling Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	4,500,000	4,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount	15,000,000	15,000,000
Partnership [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | $155.0 Million Revoling Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	126,500,000	129,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 155,000,000	$ 155,000,000

Debt (Narrative - Ethanol Produ

Debt (Narrative - Ethanol Production Segment) (Details) - Ethanol Production Segment [Member] - Green Plains Processing [Member] - Term Loan [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 345,000,000
Interest rate, effective percentage	6.50%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate	LIBOR, subject to a 1.00% floor, plus
Scheduled periodic principal payments	$ 900,000
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio, initial ratio	4
Total leverage ratio, decreased ratio over the life of the debt	3.25
Total leverage ratio, period end	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
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) $ / shares in Units, item in Millions	Apr. 24, 2017USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesitemshares	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capitalized interest		$ 11,000	$ 358,000
Restricted assets		886,900,000
Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable		112,000,000		$ 102,000,000
Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable		63,500,000		63,500,000
Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding note payable		109,300,000		125,700,000
Agribusiness And Energy Services Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 125,000,000
Debt maturity dates		Jul. 26, 2019
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 250,000,000
Allowable dividends as percentage of net profit before taxes		50.00%
Additional amounts available under facility, accordion feature		$ 75,000,000
Minimum working capital required for compliance		20,000,000
Minimum net worth required for compliance		26,300,000
Annual capital expenditures, maximum		$ 8,000,000
Agribusiness And Energy Services 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 And Energy Services 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 And Energy Services Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio		1.25
Agribusiness And Energy Services Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual leverage ratio		6
Agribusiness And Energy Services Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Inventory Financing Arrangements [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term inventory financing arrangements		$ 49,600,000
Number of bushels of corn | item		14.8
Agribusiness And Energy Services Segment [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Seasonal Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 50,000,000
Agribusiness And Energy Services Segment [Member] | Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused capacity fee, percentage		0.50%
Agribusiness And Energy Services Segment [Member] | Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage		2.50%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate		LIBOR plus 2.50%
Agribusiness And Energy Services Segment [Member] | Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage		1.50%
Interest rate, basis for effective rate		base rate plus 1.50%
Marketing and Distribution Segment [Member] | Green Plains Trade [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 150,000,000
Revolving credit facility expiration date		Nov. 26, 2019
Allowable dividends as percentage of net profit before taxes		50.00%
Undrawn availability of revolving credit facility on a pro forma basis		$ 10,000,000
Fixed charge coverage ratio		1.15
Annual capital expenditures, maximum		$ 1,500,000
Restricted cash		22,000,000
Food And Ingredients Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		100,000,000
Additional amounts available under facility, accordion feature		50,000,000
Minimum working capital required for compliance		15,000,000
Minimum net worth required for compliance		$ 22,700,000
Annual leverage ratio		3.50
Annual capital expenditures, maximum		$ 3,000,000
Annual capital expenditures, maximum, funded by parent		$ 5,000,000
Food And Ingredients 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%
Food And Ingredients 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%
Food And Ingredients Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused capacity fee, percentage		0.20%
Food And Ingredients 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%
Food And Ingredients 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%
Food And Ingredients Segment [Member] | Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused capacity fee, percentage		0.25%
Food And Ingredients 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%
Food And Ingredients 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%
Food And Ingredients Segment [Member] | Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused capacity fee, percentage		0.50%
Food And Ingredients Segment [Member] | Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis for effective rate		LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 6.0% to 7.0%
Food And Ingredients Segment [Member] | Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis for effective rate		base rate plus an applicable margin of 5.0% to 6.0%
Food And Ingredients Segment [Member] | Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage		6.00%
Prepayment fees		1.00%
Net leverage ratio		5
Interest coverage ratio		1
Percentage of available free cash flow from operations, subject to certain limitations, required to be used toward annual special payments		0.00%
Food And Ingredients Segment [Member] | Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage		5.00%
Food And Ingredients Segment [Member] | Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage		6.00%
Prepayment fees		2.00%
Net leverage ratio		7
Interest coverage ratio		1.10
Percentage of available free cash flow from operations, subject to certain limitations, required to be used toward annual special payments		50.00%
Food And Ingredients Segment [Member] | Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage		7.00%
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 155,000,000
Additional amount available under credit facility without consent of the lenders		$ 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 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		1.25% to 2.00%
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused capacity fee, percentage		0.35%
Interest coverage ratio		2.75
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate, basis points		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]
Unused capacity fee, percentage		0.50%
Net leverage ratio		3.50
Partnership [Member] | Green Plains Operating Company LLC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate, basis points		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
Interest rate, stated percentage		3.25%
Common stock, dividends per share, cash paid per share | $ / shares		$ 0.04
Common stock for conversion, shares | shares		49.5785
Debt conversion amount		$ 1,000
Debt conversion price | $ / shares		$ 20.17
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
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.125%
Common stock, dividends per share, cash paid per share | $ / shares		$ 0.12
Common stock for conversion, shares | shares		35.7143
Debt conversion amount		$ 1,000
Debt conversion price | $ / shares		$ 28
Conversion price percentage		140.00%
Principal amount of notes, percentage		100.00%
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Green Plains Grain [Member] | Inventory Financing Arrangements [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term inventory financing arrangements		$ 50,900,000
$130.0 Million Term Loan [Member] | Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		130,000,000
$130.0 Million Term Loan [Member] | Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		130,000,000		130,000,000
$15.0 Million Revoling Credit Facility [Member] | Fleischmanns Vinegar Company [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 15,000,000		$ 15,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Corporate Activities [Member] | 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 95,900,000
Common stock for conversion, shares | shares	1,344,298
Debt conversion amount	$ 24,100,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares or units authorized	3,000,000
Units granted during period, weighted average price per unit
Compensation costs expensed	$ 2.5	$ 2.3
Unrecognized compensation costs	$ 20.9
Compensation expected to be recognized, weighted-average period in years	2 years 3 months 18 days
Potential tax benefit, percentage	37.70%
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares or units authorized	4,110,000
Green Plains Partners LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares or units authorized	2,500,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Sched

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Outstanding, Shares | shares		148,750
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares		$ 12.36
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		2 years 7 months 6 days	2 years 9 months 18 days
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $		$ 2,305
Granted, Shares | shares
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise price | $ / shares
Exercised, Shares | shares		(5,000)
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise price | $ / shares		$ 10
Exercised, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $		$ 78
Forfeited, Shares | shares
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares
Expired, Shares | shares
Expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares
Outstanding, Shares | shares		143,750	148,750
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares		$ 12.44	$ 12.36
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		2 years 7 months 6 days	2 years 9 months 18 days
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $		$ 1,770	$ 2,305
Exercisable, Shares | shares	[1]	143,750
Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	[1]	$ 12.44
Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual	[1]	2 years 7 months 6 days
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	[1]	$ 1,770
In-the-money options, shares | shares		143,750
In-the-money options, weighted-average exercise price | $ / shares		12.44
[1]	SharesWeighted-Average Exercise PriceWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)Outstanding at December 31, 2016 148,750$12.362.8$ 2,305Granted - -- -Exercised (5,000) 10.00- 78Forfeited - -- -Expired - -- -Outstanding at March 31, 2017 143,750$12.442.6$ 1,770Exercisable at March 31, 2017 (1) 143,750$12.442.6$ 1,770Includes in-the-money options totaling 143,750 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $12.44.

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch55

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Vested Stock Award And DSU Activity) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Non-vested, shares or units | shares	1,139,560
Non-vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 17.65
Granted, shares or units | shares	485,143
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 24.30
Forfeited, shares or units | shares	(27,717)
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 17.90
Vested, shares or units | shares	(426,163)
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 19.07
Non-vested, shares or units | shares	1,170,823
Non-vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 19.89
Non-vested, Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term (in years)	2 years 3 months 18 days

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch56

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Vested Unit-Based Award Activity) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Non-vested, shares or units | shares	1,139,560
Non-vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 17.65
Granted, shares or units | shares	485,143
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 24.30
Forfeited, shares or units | shares	(27,717)
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 17.90
Vested, shares or units | shares	(426,163)
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 19.07
Non-vested, shares or units | shares	1,170,823
Non-vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 19.89
Non-vested, Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term (in years)	2 years 3 months 18 days
Green Plains Partners LP [Member] | Green Plains Partners LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted unit awards [Member]
Non-vested, shares or units | shares	15,009
Non-vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 15.99
Granted, shares or units | shares
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares
Forfeited, shares or units | shares
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares
Vested, shares or units | shares
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares
Non-vested, shares or units | shares	15,009
Non-vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 15.99
Non-vested, Weighted-Average Remaining Vesting Term (in years)	3 months 18 days

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stock-based compensation awards excluded from computations of diluted EPS		10
Convertible Debt Securities [Member]
Stock-based compensation awards excluded from computations of diluted EPS	12,100	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
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Green Plains	$ (3,597)	$ (24,138)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	38,420	38,197
EPS - basic	$ (0.09)	$ (0.63)
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	38,420	38,197
EPS - diluted	$ (0.09)	$ (0.63)

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule Of Stockholders' Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 979,191
Net income (loss)	1,651	$ (19,816)
Cash dividends and distributions declared	(9,461)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	1,642
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,134)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,492)	$ 99
Stock-based compensation	$ (1,290)
Stock options exercised, Shares	5,000
Stock options exercised	$ 50
Ending balance	$ 968,649
Common Units [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares	46,079,000
Beginning balance	$ 46
Stock-based compensation, Shares	297,000
Stock options exercised, Shares	5,000
Ending balance, Shares	46,381,000
Ending balance	$ 46
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	659,200
Stock-based compensation	(1,349)
Stock options exercised	50
Ending balance	657,901
Retained Earnings [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	283,214
Net income (loss)	(3,597)
Cash dividends and distributions declared	(4,507)
Ending balance	275,110
Accum. Other Comp. Income (Loss) [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(4,137)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	1,642
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,134)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,492)
Ending balance	$ (5,629)
Treasury Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares	7,715,000
Beginning balance	$ (75,816)
Ending balance, Shares	7,715,000
Ending balance	$ (75,816)
Total Green Plains Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	862,507
Net income (loss)	(3,597)
Cash dividends and distributions declared	(4,507)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	1,642
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,134)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,492)
Stock-based compensation	(1,349)
Stock options exercised	50
Ending balance	851,612
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	116,684
Net income (loss)	5,248
Cash dividends and distributions declared	(4,954)
Stock-based compensation	59
Ending balance	$ 117,037

Stockholders Equity (Reclassifi

Stockholders Equity (Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	$ 4,982	$ 2,134
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,848	707
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,134)	(1,427)
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,134	1,427
Revenue [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	4,152	245
Revenue [Member] | Ethanol Commodity Derivatives [Member] | Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	4,152	245
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	830	1,889
Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | Corn Commodity Derivatives [Member] | Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	830	1,889
Income (loss) before income taxes [Member] | Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	4,982	2,134
Income tax expense (benefit) [Member] | Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 1,848	$ 707

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (2,381)	$ (14,893)
Uncategorized tax benefits	$ 200		$ 200

Commitments And Contingencies62

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)property	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Lease expenses	$ 10.3	$ 9.4
Contracted future purchases	$ 461.3
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
Gain contingency	$ 5.5

Commitments And Contingencies63

Commitments And Contingencies (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2,017	$ 27,309
2,018	27,009
2,019	17,903
2,020	12,385
2,021	5,957
Thereafter	21,590
Total	$ 112,153

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)h / yritem	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Outstanding accounts payable	$ 129,100,000		$ 192,275,000
AXIS Capital [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to related parties, current	752,000		808,000
Principal payments (including interest)	$ 69,000	$ 69,000
Weighted average interest rate	6.80%
Board of Directors Chairman [Member] | Aircraft Lease [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of related party transaction agreements | item	2
Number of leased aircrafts | item	2
Aircraft lease amount payable, per month	$ 9,766
Aircraft hours available each year under lease | h / yr	125
Cash payments	$ 60,000	$ 48,000
Outstanding accounts payable	$ 0		$ 0

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details)	Apr. 28, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 26, 2017USD ($)item	Aug. 01, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Asset Purchase Agreement With Cargill Cattle Feeders, LLC [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of cattle-feeding operations | item		2
Acquisition price		$ 36,700,000
Feedlot capacity, head of cattle | item		155,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount					$ 100,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 300,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Additional amounts available under facility, accordion feature	$ 100,000,000
Working Capital As A Percentage Of The Commitment Amount	15.00%
Tangible Net Worth As A Percentage Of The Commitment Amount	20.00%
Total leverage ratio, initial ratio	3.50
Annual capital expenditures, maximum	$ 10,000,000
Annual capital expenditures, maximum, funded by parent	$ 10,000,000
Base Rate [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis for effective rate	base rate plus 1.0% to 2.0%
LIBOR [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis for effective rate	LIBOR plus 2.0% to 3.0%
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Unused capacity fee, percentage	0.20%
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage	1.00%
Minimum [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage	2.00%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Unused capacity fee, percentage	0.30%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage	2.00%
Maximum [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate, percentage	3.00%