Advanced BioEnergy (ABENU) 10-Q 14 May 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	1-May-15
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Registrant Name	ADVANCED BIOENERGY, LLC
Entity Central Index Key	1325740
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,410,851

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$20,192	$21,982
Accounts receivable:
Trade accounts receivable	4,452	4,190
Other receivables	165	77
Inventories	4,374	4,046
Prepaid expenses	1,027	682
Restricted cash	4,744	5,945
Total current assets	34,954	36,922
Property and equipment, net	46,341	49,644
Other assets	984	1,051
Total assets	82,279	87,617
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	5,780	4,263
Accrued expenses	2,684	3,234
Current portion of long-term debt (stated principal amount of $38,118 and $3,117 at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively)	39,563	4,763
Total current liabilities	48,027	12,260
Other liabilities	36	50
Long-term debt (stated principal amount of $40,025 at September 30, 2014)		40,800
Total liabilities	48,063	53,110
Members' equity:
Members' capital, no par value, 25,410,851 units issued and outstanding	48,638	48,638
Accumulated deficit	-14,422	-14,131
Total members' equity	34,216	34,507
Total liabilities and members' equity	$82,279	$87,617

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Current portion of long-term debt (stated principal amount)	$38,118	$3,117
Principal amount of long-term debt		$40,025
Members' capital, par value
Members' capital, units issued	25,410,851	25,410,851
Members' capital, units outstanding	25,410,851	25,410,851

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net sales
Ethanol and related products	$37,110	$51,720	$74,602	$99,707
Other	161	180	411	430
Total net sales	37,271	51,900	75,013	100,137
Cost of goods sold	39,380	45,612	73,842	85,710
Gross profit (loss)	-2,109	6,288	1,171	14,427
Selling, general and administrative expenses	889	1,224	1,640	2,308
Operating income (loss)	-2,998	5,064	-469	12,119
Other income, net	32	121	234	28
Interest income	6	8	12	18
Interest expense	-34	-178	-68	-655
Net Income (loss)	($2,994)	$5,015	($291)	$11,510
Weighted average units outstanding - basic and diluted	25,411	25,411	25,411	25,411
Income (loss) per unit - basic and diluted	($0.12)	$0.20	($0.01)	$0.45

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Members' Equity (USD $)	Total	Member's Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$34,507	$48,638	($14,131)
Beginning Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2014	25,410,851	25,410,851
Net loss	-291		-291
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$34,216	$48,638	($14,422)
Ending Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2015	25,410,851	25,410,851

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	($291)	$11,510
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to operating activities cash flows:
Depreciation	5,470	5,422
Amortization of deferred financing costs	44	45
Amortization of deferred revenue and rent	-14	-15
Amortization of additional carrying value of debt	-792	-1,273
(Gain) on troubled debt restructuring	-183
Change in working capital components:
Accounts receivable	-350	608
Inventories	-328	-716
Prepaid expenses	-345	-228
Accounts payable	1,622	-770
Accrued expenses	-550	-200
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	4,283	14,383
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	-2,272	-389
Proceeds from sale of assets		6
Change in other assets	67	162
Change in restricted cash	1,201	-2,824
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-1,004	-3,045
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on debt	-5,069	-5,882
Distribution to members		-7,877
Net cash (used in) financing activities	-5,069	-13,759
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,790	-2,421
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	21,982	27,796
Ending cash and cash equivalents	20,192	25,375
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$840	$2,564

Organization_and_Significant_A

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Advanced BioEnergy, LLC (“ABE” or the “Company”) and its wholly owned operating subsidiaries, ABE Fairmont, LLC (“ABE Fairmont”) and ABE South Dakota, LLC (“ABE South Dakota”). Substantially all of the assets of ABE Fairmont were sold in December 2012 and the subsidiary is now inactive. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014. The financial information as of March 31, 2015 and the results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015. In the opinion of management, the interim financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary for fair presentation.
	The Company currently operates three ethanol production facilities in the U.S. with a combined production capacity of 85 million gallons per year. The Company acquired existing facilities in Aberdeen, South Dakota (9 million gallons) and Huron, South Dakota (32 million gallons) in November 2006 and began operations at the 44 million gallon Aberdeen expansion facility in January 2008.
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash balances are maintained in bank depositories and periodically exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced losses in these accounts. The Company segregates cash restricted for debt service and has classified these funds according to the future anticipated use of the funds. Restricted cash includes cash held for debt service under the terms of its debt agreements and a deposit for a rail car sublease.
	Receivables
	Credit sales are made to a relatively small numbers of customers with no collateral required. Trade receivables are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. Receivables are written off if deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded when received. There was no allowance for doubtful accounts recorded at March 31, 2015 or September 30, 2014.
	Inventories
	Chemicals and supplies, work in process, ethanol and distillers’ grains inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or market.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives:
	Office equipment	3-7 Years
	Process equipment	10 Years
	Buildings	40 Years
	Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred; major improvements and betterments are capitalized. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount on the asset group may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows from operations are less than the carrying value of the asset group. An impairment loss would be measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value on that date.
	Commodity Sales and Purchase Contracts, Derivative Instruments
	The Company currently does not enter into commodity futures and exchange-traded commodity options contracts for the sale of its products or purchases of its inputs. However, the Company does enter into forward sales contracts for ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil, and purchase contracts for corn and natural gas. The Company classifies these sales and purchase contracts as normal sales and purchase contracts and accordingly are not marked to market. These contracts provide for the sale or purchase of an item other than a financial instrument or derivative instrument that will be delivered in quantities expected to be sold or used over a reasonable period in the normal course of business.
	Revenue Recognition
	Ethanol revenue is recognized when product title and all risk of ownership is transferred to the customer as specified in the contractual agreements with the marketers. Under the terms of the marketing agreements, revenue is recognized when product is loaded into rail cars or trucks for shipment. Revenue from the sale of co-products is recorded when title and all risk of ownership transfers to customers. Co-products are normally shipped free on board (“FOB”) shipping point. In accordance with the Company’s agreements for the marketing and sale of ethanol and related products, commissions due to the marketers are deducted from the gross sale price at the time of payment. Interest income is recognized as earned.
	Income per Unit
	Basic and diluted income per unit is computed using the weighted-average number of units outstanding during each period presented.
	Accounting Estimates
	Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Income Taxes
	The Company has elected to be treated as a partnership for tax purposes and generally does not incur income taxes. Instead, the Company’s earnings and losses are included in the income tax returns of the members. Therefore, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes has been included in these financial statements. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions.
	Risks and Uncertainties
	The supply and demand for ethanol are impacted by federal and state legislation and regulation, most significantly the Renewable Fuels Standard (“RFS”), and any changes in legislation or regulation could cause the demand for ethanol to decline or its supply to increase, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, and the ability to operate at a profit.
	In November 2013, the EPA proposed a 9.7% reduction of the original 2014 statutory corn-based ethanol blending volume requirements to approximately 13.0 billion gallons per year. This would be a reduction from the 2013 requirement of 13.8 billion gallons for corn-based ethanol, and the original 2014 volume per the statute of 14.4 billion gallons. Current ethanol production capacity is approximately 15.1 billion gallons per the RFA. The proposal was originally subject to a 60-day comment period and the EPA planned to release the final version of the 2014 Renewable Volume Obligations (“RVOs”) in June 2014, then extended the planned release date. On April 10, 2015, the EPA entered into a consent decree agreeing to a court-enforced timeline for establishing the RFS RVO numbers for 2014 and 2015. The proposed RVO numbers will be announced by June 1, 2015, and the final 2014 and 2015 RVO’s will be announced by November 30, 2015. The EPA has also committed to finalizing the 2016 RFS RVO numbers in 2015 as well, although this was not part of the consent decree.
	Ethanol has historically traded at a discount to gasoline; however, with the recent decline in gasoline prices, at times ethanol may trade at a premium to gasoline, causing a disincentive for discretionary blending of ethanol beyond the rates required to comply with the RFS. Consequently, there may be a negative impact on ethanol pricing and demand, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	2. Inventories
	A summary of inventories is as follows (in thousands):
		March 31,		September 30,
		2015		2014
	Chemicals	$	533	$	643
	Work in process		907		768
	Ethanol		1,070		840
	Distillers grain		148		145
	Supplies and parts		1,716		1,650
	Total	$	4,374	$	4,046

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	3. Property and Equipment
	A summary of property and equipment is as follows (in thousands):
		March 31,			September 30,
		2015			2014
	Land	$	1,811		$	1,811
	Buildings		10,031			9,886
	Process equipment		106,625			103,833
	Office equipment		1,517			1,329
	Construction in process		35			1,022
			120,019			117,881
	Accumulated depreciation		(73,678	)		(68,237	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	46,341		$	49,644

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	4. Long-term Debt
	A summary of long-term debt is as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
		March 31,			March 31,			September 30,
		2015			2015			2014
		Interest Rate
	ABE South Dakota:
	Senior debt principal - variable		4.27	%	$	35,000		$	40,000
	Restructuring fee		N/A			3,118			3,142
	Additional carrying value of restructured debt		N/A			1,445			2,421
	Total outstanding					39,563			45,563
	Additional carrying value of restructured debt		N/A			(1,445	)		(2,421	)
	Stated principal				$	38,118		$	43,142
	The estimated maturities of debt at March 31 are as follows (in thousands):
		Stated			Restructuring Fee			Amortization of			Total
		Principal						Additional Carrying
								Value of
								Restructured Debt
	2016	$	35,000		$	3,118		$	1,445		$	39,563
	Total debt	$	35,000		$	3,118		$	1,445		$	39,563
	Senior Credit Agreement for the South Dakota Plants
	ABE South Dakota entered into an Amended and Restated Senior Credit Agreement (the “Senior Credit Agreement”), effective as of June 18, 2010, and amended on December 9, 2011, which was accounted for under troubled debt restructuring rules. The Senior Credit Agreement was executed among ABE South Dakota, the lenders from time to time party thereto, and an Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent. The Senior Credit Agreement converted the outstanding principal amount of the loans and certain other amounts under interest rate protection agreements to a senior term loan. The interest accrued on outstanding term and working capital loans under the previous credit agreement were reduced to zero. ABE South Dakota agreed to pay a $3.0 million restructuring fee to the lender due at the earlier of March 31, 2016 and the date on which the loans are repaid in full. ABE South Dakota recorded the restructuring fee as non-interest bearing debt on its consolidated balance sheets. See “Additional Carrying Value of Restructured Debt” below.
	The principal amount of the term loan facility is payable in quarterly payments of $750,000, with the remaining principal amount fully due and payable on March 31, 2016. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, ABE South Dakota made debt sweep payments totaling $250,000 in addition to its scheduled principal payment of $750,000. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, ABE South Dakota made debt sweep payments totaling $3.25 million in addition to its scheduled principal payments of $750,000. ABE South Dakota also paid a waiver fee installment of $68,750 to the senior lenders during the quarter ended March 31, 2015. ABE South Dakota is obligated to pay a remaining waiver fee of $206,250, payable in equal installments over the next three quarterly periods. The Company has recorded this fee as non-interest bearing debt on its consolidated balance sheet and the fee, net of the unamortized discount of $88,520, is included in the Restructuring Fee category in the above Debt tables.
	ABE South Dakota has the option to select the interest rate on the senior term loan between base rate and euro-dollar rates for maturities of one to six months. Base rate loans bear interest at the administrative agent’s base rate plus an applicable margin of 3.0%. Euro-dollar loans bear interest at LIBOR plus the applicable margin of 4.0%. As of March 31, 2015, ABE South Dakota had selected the LIBOR plus 4.0% rate for a period of one month.
	ABE South Dakota’s obligations under the Senior Credit Agreement are secured by a first-priority security interest in the equity and assets of ABE South Dakota.
	ABE South Dakota is allowed to make equity distributions (other than certain tax distributions) to ABE only upon ABE South Dakota meeting certain financial conditions and if there is no more than $25 million of principal outstanding on the senior term loan. Loans outstanding under the Senior Credit Agreement are subject to mandatory prepayment in certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, mandatory prepayments based upon receipt of certain proceeds of asset sales, casualty proceeds, termination payments, and cash flows.
	The Senior Credit Agreement and the related loan documentation include, among other terms and conditions, limitations (subject to specified exclusions) on ABE South Dakota’s ability to make asset dispositions; merge or consolidate with or into another person or entity; create, incur, assume or be liable for indebtedness; create, incur or allow liens on any property or assets; make investments; declare or make specified restricted payments or dividends; enter into new material agreements; modify or terminate material agreements; enter into transactions with affiliates; change its line of business; and establish bank accounts. Substantially all cash of ABE South Dakota is required to be deposited into special, segregated project accounts subject to security interests to secure obligations in connection with the Senior Credit Agreement. The Senior Credit Agreement contains customary events of default and also includes an event of default for defaults on other indebtedness by ABE South Dakota and certain changes of control.
	The Company believes that ABE South Dakota will be able to refinance its debt, or extend the maturity of that debt with its senior lenders or another lender, when the debt becomes due in March 2016. The Company is currently in discussions with outside lenders regarding refinancing the debt.
	Additional Carrying Value of Restructured Debt
	Since the future maximum undiscounted cash payments on the amended and restated senior credit facility (including principal, interest and the restructuring fee) exceeded the adjusted carrying value at the time of the restructuring, no gain for the forgiven interest was recorded, the carrying value was not adjusted and the modification of terms was accounted for on a prospective basis, via a new effective interest calculation, amortized over the life of the note, offsetting interest expense.
	As a result of the debt sweep payments made during fiscal 2014 and the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, the carrying value of the debt exceeded the scheduled principal and interest payments remaining over the term of the loan. As a result of the prepayments made during the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, gains of approximately $11,000 and $183,000 were recognized as other income during the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively. Since the remaining scheduled principal and interest payments are equal to the carrying amount, all remaining payments based on current interest rates will be treated as a reduction in the carrying value of debt. Accordingly, any additional prepayments will create additional gain recognition.
	ABE Letter of Credit
	The Company has a $1.5 million irrevocable and non-transferable standby letter of credit related to a rail car sublease. This letter of credit is collateralized by $1.5 million of cash in a restricted account, which has been classified as restricted cash.

Major_Customers

Major Customers	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Major Customers	5. Major Customers
	ABE South Dakota has marketing agreements (“Ethanol Marketing Agreements”) with NGL Energy Partners, LP (“NGL”), a diversified energy business. The Ethanol Marketing Agreements require that we sell to NGL all of the denatured fuel-grade ethanol produced at the South Dakota plants. The term of the Ethanol Marketing Agreements expires on June 30, 2016.
	ABE South Dakota is party to a co-product marketing agreement with Dakotaland Feeds, LLC (“Dakotaland Feeds”), whereby Dakotaland Feeds markets the local sale of distillers’ grains produced at the ABE South Dakota Huron plant to third parties for an agreed-upon commission. ABE South Dakota has a marketing agreement with Gavilon to market the dried distillers’ grains from the Aberdeen plant through July 31, 2016. ABE South Dakota self-markets the wet distillers’ grains produced at the Aberdeen plant.
	Sales and receivables from the ABE South Dakota’s major customers were as follows (in thousands):
		As of and for		As of and for		As Of
		the Six		the Six
		Months		Months
		Ending		Ending
		March 31,		March 31,		September 30,
		2015		2014		2014
	NGL Energy - Ethanol
	Six months revenues	$	59,185	$	78,366
	Receivable balance at period end		3,426			$	3,566
	Gavilon - Distillers Grains
	Six months revenues	$	7,857	$	10,610
	Receivable balance at period end		496			$	341
	Dakotaland Feeds - Distillers Grains
	Six months revenues	$	6,040	$	6,649
	Receivable balance at period end		436			$	168

Risk_Management

Risk Management	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Risk Management	6. Risk Management
	The Company is exposed to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in commodity prices and interest rates. These financial exposures are monitored and managed by the Company as an integral part of its overall risk management program. The Company’s risk management program seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its current and future operating results. To reduce these effects, the Company generally attempts to fix corn purchase prices and related sale prices of ethanol, distillers’ grains and corn oil, with forward purchase and sale contracts to lock in future operating margins. The Company had entered into the following fixed price forward contracts at March 31, 2015:
	Commodity	Type	Quantity		Amount (in 000’s)		Period Covered Through
	Ethanol	Sale		2,822,400 gallons	$	3,841		30-Apr-15
	Corn	Purchase		520,000 bushels		1,888		31-May-15
	Distillers grains	Sale		27,345 tons		3,851		September 30, 2015
	Corn oil	Sale		47,000 lbs		12		30-Apr-15
	Unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts, in which delivery has not occurred, are deemed “normal purchases and normal sales” and therefore are not marked to market in the financial statements.

Parent_Financial_Statements

Parent Financial Statements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Parent Financial Statements	7. Parent Financial Statements
	The following financial information represents the unconsolidated financial statements of Advanced BioEnergy, LLC (“ABE”) as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, and for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. ABE’s ability to receive distributions from ABE South Dakota is based on the terms and conditions in ABE South Dakota’s credit agreements. ABE South Dakota is allowed to make equity distributions (other than certain tax distributions) to ABE only upon ABE South Dakota meeting certain financial conditions and if there is no more than $25 million of principal outstanding on the senior term loan. There were no distributions from ABE South Dakota during the last three fiscal years.
	Advanced BioEnergy, LLC (Unconsolidated)
	Balance Sheets
	(Unaudited)
		March 31,			September 30,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,682		$	8,988
	Restricted cash		1,500			1,500
	Prepaid expenses		17			5
	Total current assets		10,199			10,493
	Property and equipment, net		272			340
	Other assets:
	Investment in ABE Fairmont		99			109
	Investment in ABE South Dakota		24,406			24,363
	Other assets		32			32
	Total assets	$	35,008		$	35,337
	LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY
	Liabilities:
	Current liabilities, accrued expenses	$	756		$	780
	Other liabilities		36			50
	Total liabilities		792			830
	Members’ equity:
	Members’ capital, no par value, 25,410,851 units issued and outstanding		48,638			48,638
	Accumulated deficit		(14,422	)		(14,131	)
	Total members’ equity		34,216			34,507
	Total liabilities and members’ equity	$	35,008		$	35,337
	Advanced BioEnergy, LLC (Unconsolidated)
	Statements of Operations
	(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,			March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)						(Dollars in thousands)
	Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiary	$	(2,776	)	$	5,284		$	33		$	11,997
	Management fee income from subsidiary		—			388			—			783
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		(224	)		(661	)		(335	)		(1,290	)
	Operating income (loss)		(3,000	)		5,011			(302	)		11,490
	Other income		—			—			—			12
	Interest income		6			4			11			8
	Net Income (loss)		(2,994	)		5,015			(291	)		11,510
	Advanced BioEnergy, LLC (Unconsolidated)
	Statements of Cash Flows
	(Unaudited)
		Six Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)	$	(291	)	$	11,510
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to operating activities cash flows:
	Depreciation		68			78
	Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries		(33	)		(11,997	)
	Distributions from consolidated subsidiaries		—			8,000
	Gain on disposal of fixed assets		—			6
	Amortization of deferred revenue and rent		(14	)		(16	)
	Change in working capital components:
	Accounts receivable		—			(12	)
	Prepaid expenses		(12	)		(28	)
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(24	)		20
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(306	)		7,561
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment		—			(79	)
Net cash (used in) investing activities		—			(79	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Distribution to members		—			(7,877	)
Net cash (used in) financing activities		—			(7,877	)
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(306	)		(395	)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		8,988			6,558
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	8,682		$	6,163

Organization_and_Significant_A1

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash balances are maintained in bank depositories and periodically exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced losses in these accounts. The Company segregates cash restricted for debt service and has classified these funds according to the future anticipated use of the funds. Restricted cash includes cash held for debt service under the terms of its debt agreements and a deposit for a rail car sublease.
Receivables	Receivables
	Credit sales are made to a relatively small numbers of customers with no collateral required. Trade receivables are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. Receivables are written off if deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded when received. There was no allowance for doubtful accounts recorded at March 31, 2015 or September 30, 2014.
Inventories	Inventories
	Chemicals and supplies, work in process, ethanol and distillers’ grains inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or market.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives:
	Office equipment	3-7 Years
	Process equipment	10 Years
	Buildings	40 Years
	Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred; major improvements and betterments are capitalized. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount on the asset group may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows from operations are less than the carrying value of the asset group. An impairment loss would be measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value on that date.
Commodity Sales and Purchase Contracts, Derivative Instruments	Commodity Sales and Purchase Contracts, Derivative Instruments
	The Company currently does not enter into commodity futures and exchange-traded commodity options contracts for the sale of its products or purchases of its inputs. However, the Company does enter into forward sales contracts for ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil, and purchase contracts for corn and natural gas. The Company classifies these sales and purchase contracts as normal sales and purchase contracts and accordingly are not marked to market. These contracts provide for the sale or purchase of an item other than a financial instrument or derivative instrument that will be delivered in quantities expected to be sold or used over a reasonable period in the normal course of business.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Ethanol revenue is recognized when product title and all risk of ownership is transferred to the customer as specified in the contractual agreements with the marketers. Under the terms of the marketing agreements, revenue is recognized when product is loaded into rail cars or trucks for shipment. Revenue from the sale of co-products is recorded when title and all risk of ownership transfers to customers. Co-products are normally shipped free on board (“FOB”) shipping point. In accordance with the Company’s agreements for the marketing and sale of ethanol and related products, commissions due to the marketers are deducted from the gross sale price at the time of payment. Interest income is recognized as earned.
Income per Unit	Income per Unit
	Basic and diluted income per unit is computed using the weighted-average number of units outstanding during each period presented.
Accounting Estimates	Accounting Estimates
	Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company has elected to be treated as a partnership for tax purposes and generally does not incur income taxes. Instead, the Company’s earnings and losses are included in the income tax returns of the members. Therefore, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes has been included in these financial statements. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions.
Risks and Uncertainties	Risks and Uncertainties
	The supply and demand for ethanol are impacted by federal and state legislation and regulation, most significantly the Renewable Fuels Standard (“RFS”), and any changes in legislation or regulation could cause the demand for ethanol to decline or its supply to increase, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, and the ability to operate at a profit.
	In November 2013, the EPA proposed a 9.7% reduction of the original 2014 statutory corn-based ethanol blending volume requirements to approximately 13.0 billion gallons per year. This would be a reduction from the 2013 requirement of 13.8 billion gallons for corn-based ethanol, and the original 2014 volume per the statute of 14.4 billion gallons. Current ethanol production capacity is approximately 15.1 billion gallons per the RFA. The proposal was originally subject to a 60-day comment period and the EPA planned to release the final version of the 2014 Renewable Volume Obligations (“RVOs”) in June 2014, then extended the planned release date. On April 10, 2015, the EPA entered into a consent decree agreeing to a court-enforced timeline for establishing the RFS RVO numbers for 2014 and 2015. The proposed RVO numbers will be announced by June 1, 2015, and the final 2014 and 2015 RVO’s will be announced by November 30, 2015. The EPA has also committed to finalizing the 2016 RFS RVO numbers in 2015 as well, although this was not part of the consent decree.
	Ethanol has historically traded at a discount to gasoline; however, with the recent decline in gasoline prices, at times ethanol may trade at a premium to gasoline, causing a disincentive for discretionary blending of ethanol beyond the rates required to comply with the RFS. Consequently, there may be a negative impact on ethanol pricing and demand, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Organization_and_Significant_A2

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives:
	Office equipment	3-7 Years
	Process equipment	10 Years
	Buildings	40 Years

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Inventories	A summary of inventories is as follows (in thousands):
		March 31,		September 30,
		2015		2014
	Chemicals	$	533	$	643
	Work in process		907		768
	Ethanol		1,070		840
	Distillers grain		148		145
	Supplies and parts		1,716		1,650
	Total	$	4,374	$	4,046

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Property and Equipment	A summary of property and equipment is as follows (in thousands):
		March 31,			September 30,
		2015			2014
	Land	$	1,811		$	1,811
	Buildings		10,031			9,886
	Process equipment		106,625			103,833
	Office equipment		1,517			1,329
	Construction in process		35			1,022
			120,019			117,881
	Accumulated depreciation		(73,678	)		(68,237	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	46,341		$	49,644

Longterm_Debt_Tables

Long-term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Debt	A summary of long-term debt is as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
		March 31,			March 31,			September 30,
		2015			2015			2014
		Interest Rate
	ABE South Dakota:
	Senior debt principal - variable		4.27	%	$	35,000		$	40,000
	Restructuring fee		N/A			3,118			3,142
	Additional carrying value of restructured debt		N/A			1,445			2,421
	Total outstanding					39,563			45,563
	Additional carrying value of restructured debt		N/A			(1,445	)		(2,421	)
	Stated principal				$	38,118		$	43,142
Schedule of Maturities of Long Term Debt	The estimated maturities of debt at March 31 are as follows (in thousands):
		Stated			Restructuring Fee			Amortization of			Total
		Principal						Additional Carrying
								Value of
								Restructured Debt
	2016	$	35,000		$	3,118		$	1,445		$	39,563
	Total debt	$	35,000		$	3,118		$	1,445		$	39,563

Major_Customers_Tables

Major Customers (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Sales and Receivables	Sales and receivables from the ABE South Dakota’s major customers were as follows (in thousands):
		As of and for		As of and for		As Of
		the Six		the Six
		Months		Months
		Ending		Ending
		March 31,		March 31,		September 30,
		2015		2014		2014
	NGL Energy - Ethanol
	Six months revenues	$	59,185	$	78,366
	Receivable balance at period end		3,426			$	3,566
	Gavilon - Distillers Grains
	Six months revenues	$	7,857	$	10,610
	Receivable balance at period end		496			$	341
	Dakotaland Feeds - Distillers Grains
	Six months revenues	$	6,040	$	6,649
	Receivable balance at period end		436			$	168

Risk_Management_Tables

Risk Management (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed Price Forward Contracts	The Company had entered into the following fixed price forward contracts at March 31, 2015:
	Commodity	Type	Quantity		Amount (in 000’s)		Period Covered Through
	Ethanol	Sale		2,822,400 gallons	$	3,841		30-Apr-15
	Corn	Purchase		520,000 bushels		1,888		31-May-15
	Distillers grains	Sale		27,345 tons		3,851		September 30, 2015
	Corn oil	Sale		47,000 lbs		12		30-Apr-15

Parent_Financial_Statements_Ta

Parent Financial Statements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance Sheets	Advanced BioEnergy, LLC (Unconsolidated)
	Balance Sheets
	(Unaudited)
		March 31,			September 30,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,682		$	8,988
	Restricted cash		1,500			1,500
	Prepaid expenses		17			5
	Total current assets		10,199			10,493
	Property and equipment, net		272			340
	Other assets:
	Investment in ABE Fairmont		99			109
	Investment in ABE South Dakota		24,406			24,363
	Other assets		32			32
	Total assets	$	35,008		$	35,337
	LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY
	Liabilities:
	Current liabilities, accrued expenses	$	756		$	780
	Other liabilities		36			50
	Total liabilities		792			830
	Members’ equity:
	Members’ capital, no par value, 25,410,851 units issued and outstanding		48,638			48,638
	Accumulated deficit		(14,422	)		(14,131	)
	Total members’ equity		34,216			34,507
	Total liabilities and members’ equity	$	35,008		$	35,337
Statements of Operations	Advanced BioEnergy, LLC (Unconsolidated)
	Statements of Operations
	(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,			March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)						(Dollars in thousands)
	Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiary	$	(2,776	)	$	5,284		$	33		$	11,997
	Management fee income from subsidiary		—			388			—			783
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		(224	)		(661	)		(335	)		(1,290	)
	Operating income (loss)		(3,000	)		5,011			(302	)		11,490
	Other income		—			—			—			12
	Interest income		6			4			11			8
	Net Income (loss)		(2,994	)		5,015			(291	)		11,510
Statements of Cash Flows	Advanced BioEnergy, LLC (Unconsolidated)
	Statements of Cash Flows
	(Unaudited)
		Six Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)	$	(291	)	$	11,510
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to operating activities cash flows:
	Depreciation		68			78
	Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries		(33	)		(11,997	)
	Distributions from consolidated subsidiaries		—			8,000
	Gain on disposal of fixed assets		—			6
	Amortization of deferred revenue and rent		(14	)		(16	)
	Change in working capital components:
	Accounts receivable		—			(12	)
	Prepaid expenses		(12	)		(28	)
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(24	)		20
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(306	)		7,561
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchase of property and equipment		—			(79	)
	Net cash (used in) investing activities		—			(79	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Distribution to members		—			(7,877	)
	Net cash (used in) financing activities		—			(7,877	)
	Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(306	)		(395	)
	Beginning cash and cash equivalents		8,988			6,558
	Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	8,682		$	6,163

Organization_and_Significant_A3

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
		gal
		Facility
Organization And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of ethanol production facilities		3
Cash and cash equivalents maturity period		Three months or less
Allowance for doubtful accounts		$0	$0
Reduction of percentage in proposed volume requirement		9.70%
Reduction in volume requirement, comment period	60 days
Current ethanol production capacity		15,100,000,000
Proposed Ethanol (Gallons) [Member]
Organization And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proposed volume requirement		13,000,000,000
Prior Year Ethanol (Gallons) [Member]
Organization And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Volume requirement		13,800,000,000
Original Ethanol (Gallons) [Member]
Organization And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Original volume requirement		14,400,000,000
South Dakota [Member]
Organization And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Capacity of production facilities		85,000,000
Aberdeen 1 [Member]
Organization And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Capacity of production facilities		9,000,000
Huron [Member]
Organization And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Capacity of production facilities		32,000,000
Aberdeen 2 [Member]
Organization And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Capacity of production facilities		44,000,000

Organization_and_Significant_A4

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Process Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	40 years
Minimum [Member] | Office Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Office Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	7 years

Inventories_Summary_of_Invento

Inventories - Summary of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of inventories
Chemicals	$533	$643
Work in process	907	768
Ethanol	1,070	840
Distillers grain	148	145
Supplies and parts	1,716	1,650
Total	$4,374	$4,046

Property_and_Equipment_Summary

Property and Equipment - Summary of Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$120,019	$117,881
Accumulated depreciation	-73,678	-68,237
Property and equipment, net	46,341	49,644
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,811	1,811
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	10,031	9,886
Process Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	106,625	103,833
Office Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,517	1,329
Construction in Process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$35	$1,022

Longterm_Debt_Summary_of_Debt_

Long-term Debt - Summary of Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional carrying value of restructured debt	$1,445	$2,421
Total long-term debt	39,563	45,563
Stated principal	38,118	43,142
ABE South Dakota [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restructuring fee	3,118	3,142
Additional carrying value of restructured debt	1,445	2,421
Total long-term debt	39,563	45,563
ABE South Dakota [Member] | Senior Debt Principal - Variable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate variable	4.27%
Total long-term debt	$35,000	$40,000

Longterm_Debt_Schedule_of_Matu

Long-term Debt - Schedule of Maturities of Long Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long Term Debt [Line Items]
Senior Debt Principal	$35,000
Restructuring Fee Payable	3,118
Amortization of Additional Carrying Value of Restructured Debt	1,445	2,421
Total	39,563	45,563
2016 [Member]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long Term Debt [Line Items]
Senior Debt Principal	35,000
Restructuring Fee Payable	3,118
Amortization of Additional Carrying Value of Restructured Debt	1,445
Total	$39,563

Longterm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 18, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restructuring fee paid to the lenders	$3,118,000		$3,118,000
Reduction in accrued interest payable	The interest accrued on outstanding term and working capital loans under the previous credit agreement were reduced to zero
Debt service				0
Principal amount of term loan payable	750,000
Senior term loan maturity period, Start Range	1 month
Senior term loan maturity period, End Range	6 months
Maximum loan limit for dividend payments	25,000,000
Standby Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Irrevocable and non-transferable standby letter of credit	1,500,000		1,500,000
Restricted account collateral for letter of credit	1,500,000		1,500,000
ABE South Dakota [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restructuring fee paid to the lenders	3,000,000		3,000,000
Principal amount of term loan payable	750,000	750,000
Debt sweep payment	250,000	3,250,000
Fee to senior lenders	68,750
Remaining waiver fee	206,250		206,250
Debt instrument, unamortized discount	88,520		88,520
Debt instrument interest percentage	4.00%		4.00%
Interest rate description	LIBOR plus 4.0%
Maximum loan limit for dividend payments	25,000,000
ABE South Dakota [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate description	LIBOR plus the applicable margin of 4.0%
ABE South Dakota [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest percentage	3.00%		3.00%
ABE South Dakota [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Eurodollar Rate Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest percentage	4.00%		4.00%
Other Income [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Recognized gains from the Debt	$183,000,000		$11,000,000

Major_Customers_Additional_Inf

Major Customers - Additional Information (Detail) (ABE South Dakota [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Ethanol Marketing Agreements [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Agreement expiration date	30-Jun-16
Co-product Marketing Agreement [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Agreement expiration date	31-Jul-16

Major_Customers_Sales_and_Rece

Major Customers - Sales and Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
NGL Energy Ethanol [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	$59,185	$78,366
Receivable balance at period end	3,426		3,566
Gavilon Distillers Grains [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	7,857	10,610
Receivable balance at period end	496		341
Dakotaland Feeds Distillers Grains [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	6,040	6,649
Receivable balance at period end	$436		$168

Risk_Management_Fixed_Price_Fo

Risk Management - Fixed Price Forward Contracts (Detail) (Forward Contracts [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
	gal
Ethanol (Gallons) [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Forward contracts, Quantity	2,822,400
Forward contracts, Amount	$3,841
Forward contracts, Period Covered Through	30-Apr-15
Corn (Bushels) [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Forward contracts, Quantity	520,000
Forward contracts, Amount	1,888
Forward contracts, Period Covered Through	31-May-15
Distillers Grains (Tons) [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Forward contracts, Quantity	27,345
Forward contracts, Amount	3,851
Forward contracts, Period Covered Through	30-Sep-15
Corn Oil (Pounds) [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Forward contracts, Quantity	47,000
Forward contracts, Amount	$12
Forward contracts, Period Covered Through	30-Apr-15

Parent_Financial_Statements_Ad

Parent Financial Statements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Maximum principal outstanding on senior term loan for equity distribution	$25,000,000
ABE South Dakota [Member]
Maximum principal outstanding on senior term loan for equity distribution	25,000,000
Distributions from subsidiaries		$0	$0	$0

Parent_Financial_Statements_Ba

Parent Financial Statements - Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$20,192	$21,982	$25,375	$27,796
Restricted cash	4,744	5,945
Prepaid expenses	1,027	682
Total current assets	34,954	36,922
Property and equipment, net	46,341	49,644
Other assets:
Other assets	984	1,051
Total assets	82,279	87,617
Liabilities:
Current liabilities, accrued expenses	2,684	3,234
Other liabilities	36	50
Total liabilities	48,063	53,110
Members' equity:
Members' capital, no par value, 25,410,851 units issued	48,638	48,638
Accumulated deficit	-14,422	-14,131
Total members' equity	34,216	34,507
Total liabilities and members' equity	82,279	87,617
Parent Company [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	8,682	8,988	6,163	6,558
Restricted cash	1,500	1,500
Prepaid expenses	17	5
Total current assets	10,199	10,493
Property and equipment, net	272	340
Other assets:
Other assets	32	32
Total assets	35,008	35,337
Liabilities:
Current liabilities, accrued expenses	756	780
Other liabilities	36	50
Total liabilities	792	830
Members' equity:
Members' capital, no par value, 25,410,851 units issued	48,638	48,638
Accumulated deficit	-14,422	-14,131
Total members' equity	34,216	34,507
Total liabilities and members' equity	35,008	35,337
ABE Fairmont [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Other assets:
Investment in ABE	99	109
ABE South Dakota [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Other assets:
Investment in ABE	$24,406	$24,363

Parent_Financial_Statements_Ba1

Parent Financial Statements - Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Members' capital, par value
Members' capital, units issued	25,410,851	25,410,851
Members' capital, units outstanding	25,410,851	25,410,851
Parent Company [Member]
Members' capital, par value
Members' capital, units issued	25,410,851	25,410,851
Members' capital, units outstanding	25,410,851	25,410,851

Parent_Financial_Statements_St

Parent Financial Statements - Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Selling, general and administrative expenses	($889)	($1,224)	($1,640)	($2,308)
Operating income (loss)	-2,998	5,064	-469	12,119
Other income	32	121	234	28
Net Income (loss)	-2,994	5,015	-291	11,510
Parent Company [Member]
Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiary	-2,776	5,284	33	11,997
Management fee income from subsidiary		388		783
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-224	-661	-335	-1,290
Operating income (loss)	-3,000	5,011	-302	11,490
Other income				12
Interest income	6	4	11	8
Net Income (loss)	($2,994)	$5,015	($291)	$11,510

Parent_Financial_Statements_St1

Parent Financial Statements - Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	($291)	$11,510
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to operating activities cash flows:
Depreciation	5,470	5,422
Amortization of deferred revenue and rent	-14	-15
Change in working capital components:
Accounts receivable	-350	608
Prepaid expenses	-345	-228
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-550	-200
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	4,283	14,383
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	-2,272	-389
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-1,004	-3,045
Cash flows from financing activities:
Distribution to members		-7,877
Net cash (used in) financing activities	-5,069	-13,759
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,790	-2,421
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	21,982	27,796
Ending cash and cash equivalents	20,192	25,375
Parent Company [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	-291	11,510
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to operating activities cash flows:
Depreciation	68	78
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	-33	-11,997
Distributions from consolidated subsidiaries		8,000
Gain on disposal of fixed assets		6
Amortization of deferred revenue and rent	-14	-16
Change in working capital components:
Accounts receivable		-12
Prepaid expenses	-12	-28
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-24	20
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-306	7,561
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment		-79
Net cash (used in) investing activities		-79
Cash flows from financing activities:
Distribution to members		-7,877
Net cash (used in) financing activities		-7,877
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-306	-395
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	8,988	6,558
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$8,682	$6,163