FutureFuel (FF) 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 07, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'FUTUREFUEL CORP.	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	43,342,830
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001337298	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$97,442	$58,737
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $0 and $0 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	28,166	22,782
Accounts receivable – related parties	6,122	'
Inventory	47,692	41,992
Prepaid expenses	342	1,595
Prepaid expenses – related parties	32	32
Marketable securities	103,917	87,768
Other current assets	1,992	1,030
Total current assets	285,705	213,936
Property, plant and equipment, net	126,141	138,865
Other assets	2,452	2,436
Total noncurrent assets	128,593	141,301
Total Assets	414,298	355,237
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	'	'
Accounts payable	25,235	12,589
Accounts payable – related parties	3,180	3,887
Income taxes payable	1,134	620
Current deferred income tax liability	8,271	6,953
Deferred revenue – short-term	6,715	6,071
Contingent liability – short-term	1,468	2,521
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	8,577	3,593
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities – related parties	155	'
Total current liabilities	54,735	36,234
Deferred revenue – long-term	12,909	27,684
Other noncurrent liabilities	966	948
Noncurrent deferred income tax liability	29,370	30,037
Total noncurrent liabilities	43,245	58,669
Total liabilities	97,980	94,903
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized, 43,342,830 and 41,739,569 issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	4	4
Accumulated other comprehensive income	6,047	2,597
Additional paid in capital	276,373	257,041
Retained earnings	33,894	692
Total stockholders’ equity	316,318	260,334
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$414,298	$355,237

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable net allowances (in Dollars)	$0	$0
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock shares issued	43,342,830	41,739,569
Common stock shares outstanding	43,342,830	41,739,569

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues	$118,758	$81,983	$313,560	$264,429
Revenues – related parties	2,361	6,293	5,787	12,811
Cost of goods sold	92,721	63,866	227,510	221,288
Cost of goods sold – related parties	1,238	1,263	13,583	3,001
Distribution	1,047	1,084	2,905	3,424
Distribution – related parties	95	100	324	363
Gross profit	26,018	21,963	75,025	49,164
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense (inclusive of $22 of stock based compensation for the three months ended 2012)	864	841	2,805	2,655
Other expense	671	951	1,939	2,390
Related party expense	102	36	268	157
Research and development expenses	866	954	2,573	2,626
	2,503	2,782	7,585	7,828
Income from operations	23,515	19,181	67,440	41,336
Interest and dividend income	1,370	1,144	4,212	3,431
Interest expense	-6	-6	-18	-21
(Loss)/gain on marketable securities	-198	83	1,891	281
Other (expense) / income	-38	68	-72	112
	1,128	1,289	6,013	3,803
Income before income taxes	24,643	20,470	73,453	45,139
Provision for income taxes	9,346	7,921	25,950	17,004
Net income	15,297	12,549	47,503	28,135
Other comprehensive (loss)/income from unrealized (losses)/gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of ($60) in 2013 and of $2,134 in 2012	-93	3,423	3,450	3,376
Comprehensive income	$15,204	$15,972	$50,953	$31,511
Earnings per common share	'	'	'	'
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$0.35	$0.30	$1.10	$0.68
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$0.35	$0.30	$1.10	$0.68
Weighted average shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Basic (in Shares)	43,339,000	41,320,427	43,202,022	41,318,123
Diluted (in Shares)	43,394,369	41,471,373	43,236,765	41,472,775

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock based compensation	'	$22	'	$281
Other comprehensive (loss)/income from unrealized (losses)/gains on available-for-sale securities, tax	($60)	$2,134	$2,150	$2,105

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows provided by operating activities	'	'
Net income	$47,503	$28,135
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	8,050	7,789
(Benefit from)/provision for deferred income taxes	-1,499	42
Change in fair value of derivative instruments	715	-855
Other than temporary impairment of marketable securities	336	'
Gain on the sale of investments	-2,227	-281
Impairment of fixed assets	17,963	'
Loss on disposals of fixed assets	87	62
Stock based compensation	'	281
Noncash interest expense	18	18
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-5,384	15,668
Accounts receivable – related parties	-6,122	-824
Inventory	-5,700	8,361
Prepaid expenses	1,253	1,050
Prepaid expenses – related parties	'	-32
Accrued interest on marketable securities	109	'
Other assets	-230	-62
Accounts payable	12,646	-2,556
Accounts payable – related parties	-707	-1,939
Income taxes payable	514	3,670
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	4,984	2,214
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities – related parties	155	-29
Deferred revenue	-15,184	1,427
Net cash provided by operating activities	57,280	62,139
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Collateralization of derivative instruments	-1,572	1,212
Purchase of marketable securities	-39,565	-37,389
Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities	30,907	17,638
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets	55	247
Capital expenditures	-13,431	-6,724
Net cash used in investing activities	-23,606	-25,016
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from the issuance of stock	19,292	100
Excess tax benefits associated with stock options	40	21
Payment of dividends	-14,301	-12,396
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	5,031	-12,275
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	38,705	24,848
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	58,737	89,745
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	97,442	114,593
Cash paid for interest	'	3
Cash paid for income taxes	$26,900	$13,539

Note_1_Nature_of_operations_an

Note 1 - Nature of operations and basis of presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	'
	1)            Nature of operations and basis of presentation
	Organization
	FutureFuel Corp. (“FutureFuel”), through its wholly-owned subsidiary, FutureFuel Chemical Company (“FutureFuel Chemical”), owns and operates a chemical production facility located on approximately 2,200 acres of land six miles southeast of Batesville in north central Arkansas fronting the White River (the “Batesville Plant”). FutureFuel Chemical manufactures diversified chemical products, biobased products comprised of biofuels, and biobased specialty chemical products. FutureFuel Chemical’s operations are reported in two segments: chemicals and biofuels.
	The chemicals segment manufactures a diversified listing of chemical products that are sold to third party customers. The majority of the revenues from the chemical segment are derived from the custom manufacturing of specialty chemicals for specific customers. Historically, the chemicals segment has relied upon two customers for a substantial amount of its revenues.
	The biofuels segment was established in 2005 as an initiative of the then site management to leverage the Batesville Plant’s technical and operational expertise as well as available manufacturing capacity to pursue business growth opportunities. Design capacity is 59 million gallons of biodiesel per year with the current annual capacity in excess of 50 million gallons. While we continue to develop our regional fuel business, a substantial portion of our biodiesel currently is sold to a single major U.S. refiner.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by FutureFuel in accordance and consistent with the accounting policies stated in FutureFuel’s 2012 audited consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the 2012 audited consolidated financial statements of FutureFuel.
	In the opinion of FutureFuel, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the unaudited consolidated financial statements. The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in compliance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with instructions to Form 10-Q adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements, and do include amounts that are based upon management estimates and judgments. Future actual results could differ from such current estimates. The unaudited consolidated financial statements include assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses of FutureFuel and its wholly owned subsidiaries, FutureFuel Chemical, FFC Grain, L.L.C., FutureFuel Warehouse Company, L.L.C., and Legacy Regional Transport, L.L.C. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Note_2_Inventory

Note 2 - Inventory	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	2)            Inventory
	The carrying values of inventory were as follows as of:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	At average cost (approximates current cost)
	Finished goods	$	21,637		$	15,803
	Work in process		1,604			1,304
	Raw materials and supplies		37,532			37,086
			60,773			54,193
	LIFO reserve		(13,081	)		(12,201	)
	Total inventory	$	47,692		$	41,992

Note_3_Derivative_instruments

Note 3 - Derivative instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	3)            Derivative instruments
	FutureFuel is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. Commodity price risk is the primary risk managed by using derivative instruments. Regulated fixed price futures and option contracts are utilized to manage the price risk associated with future purchases of feedstock used in FutureFuel’s biodiesel production along with physical feedstock and finished product inventories attributed to this process.
	FutureFuel recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in its consolidated balance sheet. FutureFuel’s derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting under the specific guidelines of ASC 815-20-25, Derivatives and Hedging, Hedging-General, Recognition. While management believes these instruments are entered into in order to effectively manage various risks, none of the derivative instruments are designated and accounted for as hedges primarily as a result of the extensive record keeping requirements.
	The fair value of FutureFuel’s derivative instruments is determined based on the closing prices of the derivative instruments on relevant commodity exchanges at the end of an accounting period. Changes in fair value of the derivative instruments are recorded in the statement of operations as a component of cost of goods sold, and in addition to the realized gain/losses on settled derivative transactions amounted to a loss of $(1,947) and a loss of $(2,154) for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and gains of $1,719 and a gain of $3,065 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The volumes and carrying values of FutureFuel’s derivative instruments were as follows at:
		Asset/(Liability)
		30-Sep-13						31-Dec-12
		Quantity (Contracts) Long/ (Short)			Fair Value			Quantity (Contracts) Long/ (Short)			Fair Value
	Regulated options, included in other current assets		(400	)	$	(1,467	)		(150	)	$	(726	)
	Regulated fixed price future commitments, included in other current assets		(200	)	$	(195	)		(50	)	$	(221	)
	The margin account maintained with a broker to collateralize these derivative instruments carried an account balance of $3,424 and $1,853 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The carrying values of the margin account and of the derivative instruments are included, net, in other current assets.

Note_4_Marketable_securities

Note 4 - Marketable securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block]	'
	4)            Marketable securities
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, FutureFuel had investments in certain preferred stock, trust preferred securities, and other equity instruments. Additionally, at December 31, 2012, FutureFuel had investments in certain auction rate securities, and at September 30, 2013 had investments in certain exchange traded debt instruments. These investments are classified as current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. FutureFuel has designated these securities as being available-for-sale. Accordingly, they are recorded at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as a component of stockholders’ equity. These securities were comprised of the following at:
		30-Sep-13
		Adjusted Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
				Gains		Losses
	Equity instruments	$	55,329	$	9,064	$	(6	)	$	64,387
	Preferred stock		19,919		697		(216	)		20,400
	Trust preferred securities		17,797		547		(194	)		18,150
	Exchange traded debt securities		990		-		(10	)		980
	Total	$	94,035	$	10,308	$	(426	)	$	103,917
		31-Dec-12
		Adjusted Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
				Gains		Losses
	Equity instruments	$	46,842	$	4,307	$	(1,550	)	$	49,599
	Preferred stock		20,418		1,068		-			21,486
	Trust preferred securities		15,143		402		(12	)		15,533
	Auction rate securities		1,150		-		-			1,150
	Total	$	83,553	$	5,777	$	(1,562	)	$	87,768
	The aggregate fair value of instruments with unrealized losses totaled $19,167 and $22,818 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, FutureFuel had a total of $1,915 invested in marketable securities that were in an unrealized loss position for a greater than 12-month period. At September 30, 2013, FutureFuel had no investments in marketable securities that were in an unrealized loss position for a greater than 12-month period.

Note_5_Accrued_expenses_and_ot

Note 5 - Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block]	'
	5)            Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, including those associated with related parties, consisted of the following at:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Accrued employee liabilities	$	6,425	$	2,073
	Accrued property, use, motor fuel and franchise taxes		1,486		1,472
	Other		821		48
	Total	$	8,732	$	3,593

Note_6_Borrowings

Note 6 - Borrowings	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	6)            Borrowings
	Effective June 30, 2013, FutureFuel Chemical extended the term of its $50 million credit agreement with a commercial bank. The loan is a revolving facility the proceeds of which may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, and the general corporate purposes of FutureFuel Chemical. The facility terminates on June 30, 2018. Advances are made pursuant to a borrowing base comprised of 85% of eligible accounts receivables plus 60% of eligible direct inventory plus 50% of eligible indirect inventory. Advances are secured by a perfected first priority security interest in accounts receivable and inventory. The interest rate floats at certain margins over the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or base rate based upon the leverage ratio from time to time as set forth in the following table.
	Leverage	Base Rate		LIBOR
	Ratio	Margin		Margin
	> 3		-0.55%		1.70%
	> 2 < 3		-0.70%		1.50%
	> 1 < 2		-1.00%		1.25%
	< 1		-1.00%		1.00%
	There is an unused commitment fee of 0.25% per annum. On the last day of each fiscal quarter, the ratio of EBITDA to fixed charges may not be less than 3:1. FutureFuel has guaranteed FutureFuel Chemical’s obligations under this credit agreement.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, borrowings under this credit agreement totaled $0 and $0, respectively.

Note_7_Provision_for_income_ta

Note 7 - Provision for income taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	7)             Provision for income taxes
	The following table summarizes the provision for income taxes.
		For the three months ended						For the nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Provision for income taxes	$	9,346		$	7,921		$	25,950		$	17,004
	Effective tax rate		37.9	%		38.7	%		35.3	%		37	%
	The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 reflects FutureFuel’s expected tax rate on reported operating earnings before income tax and the full anticipated impact of the retroactive reinstatement of the 2012 agri-biodiesel production tax credit, which was recognized in the first quarter of 2013 as a discrete item. As a result of this treatment, FutureFuel’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is lower than it otherwise would be and is not expected to continue at this rate for the remainder of 2013.
	Unrecognized tax benefits totaled $0 and $0 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	FutureFuel records interest and penalties net as a component of income tax expense. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, FutureFuel recorded $0 and $0 in accruals for interest and tax penalties.
	FutureFuel and its subsidiaries file U.S. federal tax returns and various state returns. FutureFuel is no longer subject to U.S., state, and local examinations by tax authorities for 2009 and prior years.

Note_8_Earnings_per_share

Note 8 - Earnings per share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	8)             Earnings per share
	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share was as follows:
		For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	15,297	$	12,549	$	47,503	$	28,135
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		43,339,000		41,320,427		43,202,022		41,318,123
	Effect of stock options		55,369		150,946		34,743		154,652
	Weighted average diluted number of common shares outstanding		43,394,369		41,471,373		43,236,765		41,472,775
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.35	$	0.3	$	1.1	$	0.68
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.35	$	0.3	$	1.1	$	0.68
	Certain options to purchase shares of FutureFuel’s common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as they were anti-dilutive. The weighted average number of options excluded on this basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 240,000 and 200,000, respectively. No options to purchase shares of FutureFuel’s common stock were excluded for the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Note_9_Segment_information

Note 9 - Segment information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	9)            Segment information
	FutureFuel has two reportable segments organized along product lines – chemicals and biofuels.
	Chemicals
	FutureFuel’s chemicals segment manufactures diversified chemical products that are sold externally to third party customers. This segment comprises two components: “custom manufacturing” (manufacturing chemicals for specific customers); and “performance chemicals” (multi-customer specialty chemicals).
	Biofuels
	FutureFuel’s biofuels business segment primarily manufactures and markets biodiesel. Biodiesel revenues are generated through the sale of biodiesel to customers through FutureFuel’s distribution network at the Batesville Plant, through distribution facilities available at leased oil storage facilities, and through a network of remotely located tanks. Results of the biofuels business segment also reflect the sale of biodiesel blends, RINs, biodiesel production byproducts and the purchase and sale of other petroleum products.
	Summary of long-lived assets and revenues by geographic area
	All of FutureFuel’s long-lived assets are located in the U.S.
	Most of FutureFuel’s sales are transacted with title passing at the time of shipment from the Batesville Plant, although some sales are transacted based on title passing at the delivery point. While many of FutureFuel’s chemicals are utilized to manufacture products that are shipped, further processed, and/or consumed throughout the world, the chemical products, with limited exceptions, generally leave the United States only after ownership has transferred from FutureFuel to the customer. Rarely is FutureFuel the exporter of record, never is FutureFuel the importer of record into foreign countries, and FutureFuel is not always aware of the exact quantities of its products that are moved into foreign markets by its customers. FutureFuel does track the addresses of its customers for invoicing purposes and uses this address to determine whether a particular sale is within or without the United States. FutureFuel’s revenues attributable to the United States and foreign countries (based upon the billing addresses of its customers) were as follows:
	Three Months Ended	United States			All Foreign Countries			Total
	30-Sep-13	$	116,472		$	4,647		$	121,119
	30-Sep-12	$	85,763		$	2,513		$	88,276
	Nine Months Ended	United States			All Foreign Countries			Total
	30-Sep-13	$	307,351		$	11,996		$	319,347
	30-Sep-12	$	267,169		$	10,071		$	277,240
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, revenues from Mexico accounted for 3% and 2% of total revenues, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, revenues from Mexico accounted for 3% and 3%, respectively, of total revenues. Other than Mexico, revenues from a single foreign country during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 did not exceed 1% of total revenues.
	Summary of business by segment
		For the three months ended						For the nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Chemicals	$	43,685		$	40,327		$	125,847		$	119,628
	Biofuels		77,434			47,949			193,500			157,612
	Revenues	$	121,119		$	88,276		$	319,347		$	277,240
	Segment gross profit
	Chemicals	$	13,827		$	15,357		$	41,678		$	38,277
	Biofuels		12,191			6,606			33,347			10,887
	Segment gross margins		26,018			21,963			75,025			49,164
	Corporate expenses		(2,503	)		(2,782	)		(7,585	)		(7,828	)
	Income before interest and taxes		23,515			19,181			67,440			41,336
	Interest and other income		1,370			1,295			6,103			3,824
	Interest and other expenses		(242	)		(6	)		(90	)		(21	)
	Provision for income taxes		(9,346	)		(7,921	)		(25,950	)		(17,004	)
	Net income	$	15,297		$	12,549		$	47,503		$	28,135
	Depreciation is allocated to segment costs of goods sold based on plant usage. The total assets and capital expenditures of FutureFuel have not been allocated to individual segments as large portions of these assets are shared to varying degrees by each segment, causing such an allocation to be of little value.

Note_10_Fair_value_measurement

Note 10 - Fair value measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	10)          Fair value measurements
	Fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. Fair value accounting pronouncements also include a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of FutureFuel. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect FutureFuel’s assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	The following tables provide information by level for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value, on a recurring basis, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
		Asset/(Liability)
		Fair Value at September 30,			Fair Value Measurements Using
					Inputs Considered as
	Description	2013			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Derivative instruments	$	(1,662	)	$	(1,662	)	$	-	$	-
	Preferred stock, trust preferred securities, and other equity instruments	$	103,917		$	103,917		$	-	$	-
		Asset/(Liability)
		Fair Value at December 31,			Fair Value Measurements Using
					Inputs Considered as
	Description	2012			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Derivative instruments	$	(947	)	$	(947	)	$	-	$	-
	Preferred stock, trust preferred securities, auction rate securities, and other equity instruments	$	87,768		$	87,768		$	-	$	-

Note_11_Reclassifications_from

Note 11 - Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Reclassifications [Text Block]	'
	11)     Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income
	The following tables summarize the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income from unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013
	(net of tax)
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	6,140
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(142	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		49
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss - three months ended September 30, 2013		(93	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	6,047
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013
	(net of tax)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	2,597
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			2,755
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			695
	Net current-period other comprehensive gian - nine months ended September 30, 2013			3,450
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	6,047
	The following table summarizes amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Affected Line Item in Statement of Operations
			30-Sep-13			30-Sep-13
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		$	80		$	1,129		Gain on marketable
									securities
	Total before tax			80			1,129
	Tax expense			(31	)		(434	)
	Total reclassifications		$	49		$	695

Note_12_Legal_matters

Note 12 - Legal matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]	'
	12)           Legal matters
	From time to time, FutureFuel and its operations are parties to, or targets of, lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings, which are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. While FutureFuel is unable to predict the outcomes of these matters, it does not believe, based upon currently available facts, that the ultimate resolution of any such pending matters will have a material adverse effect on its overall financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. However, adverse developments could negatively impact earnings or cash flows in a particular future period.

Note_13_Related_party_transact

Note 13 - Related party transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	13)          Related party transactions
	FutureFuel enters into transactions with companies affiliated with or controlled by a director and significant shareholder. Revenues, expenses, prepaid amounts, and unpaid amounts related to these transactions are captured in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as related party line items.
	Related party revenues are the result of sales of biodiesel, petrodiesel, blends, other petroleum products and other similar or related products to these related parties.
	Related party cost of goods sold and distribution are the result of sales of biodiesel, petrodiesel, blends, and other petroleum products to these related parties along with the associated expense from the purchase of natural gas, storage and terminalling services, and income tax and consulting services by FutureFuel from these related parties.

Note_14_Asset_impairment

Note 14 - Asset impairment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	'
	14)           Asset impairment
	On July 29, 2013, FutureFuel received notice from a chemicals segment customer for the intermediate anode powder that the customer will terminate the contract in accordance with its terms effective August 9, 2014. FutureFuel does not expect additional material to be produced or sold in 2013 or 2014 under that agreement. Termination of this sales contract also may affect the terms of the grant received by FutureFuel from the U.S. Department of Energy related to construction of the equipment utilized to produce the intermediate anode powder. As a result of this notice, FutureFuel assessed the carrying values of its fixed assets and deferred revenue associated with this product and recorded an impairment loss of $17,580 for the equipment based on the scrap value method less disposition costs and recorded a reduction of deferred revenue as an element of cost of goods sold in the amount of $16,160 in the three months ended September 30, 2013. The net impact of this impairment recorded in cost of goods sold for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was $1,420. FutureFuel’s customer remains liable for the payment of a minimum take or pay quantity per the terms of the sales agreement through the termination date.

Note_2_Inventory_Tables

Note 2 - Inventory (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	At average cost (approximates current cost)
	Finished goods	$	21,637		$	15,803
	Work in process		1,604			1,304
	Raw materials and supplies		37,532			37,086
			60,773			54,193
	LIFO reserve		(13,081	)		(12,201	)
	Total inventory	$	47,692		$	41,992

Note_3_Derivative_instruments_

Note 3 - Derivative instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
		Asset/(Liability)
		30-Sep-13						31-Dec-12
		Quantity (Contracts) Long/ (Short)			Fair Value			Quantity (Contracts) Long/ (Short)			Fair Value
	Regulated options, included in other current assets		(400	)	$	(1,467	)		(150	)	$	(726	)
	Regulated fixed price future commitments, included in other current assets		(200	)	$	(195	)		(50	)	$	(221	)

Note_4_Marketable_securities_T

Note 4 - Marketable securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	'
		30-Sep-13
		Adjusted Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
				Gains		Losses
	Equity instruments	$	55,329	$	9,064	$	(6	)	$	64,387
	Preferred stock		19,919		697		(216	)		20,400
	Trust preferred securities		17,797		547		(194	)		18,150
	Exchange traded debt securities		990		-		(10	)		980
	Total	$	94,035	$	10,308	$	(426	)	$	103,917
		31-Dec-12
		Adjusted Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
				Gains		Losses
	Equity instruments	$	46,842	$	4,307	$	(1,550	)	$	49,599
	Preferred stock		20,418		1,068		-			21,486
	Trust preferred securities		15,143		402		(12	)		15,533
	Auction rate securities		1,150		-		-			1,150
	Total	$	83,553	$	5,777	$	(1,562	)	$	87,768

Note_5_Accrued_expenses_and_ot1

Note 5 - Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Accrued employee liabilities	$	6,425	$	2,073
	Accrued property, use, motor fuel and franchise taxes		1,486		1,472
	Other		821		48
	Total	$	8,732	$	3,593

Note_6_Borrowings_Tables

Note 6 - Borrowings (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	Leverage	Base Rate		LIBOR
	Ratio	Margin		Margin
	> 3		-0.55%		1.70%
	> 2 < 3		-0.70%		1.50%
	> 1 < 2		-1.00%		1.25%
	< 1		-1.00%		1.00%

Note_7_Provision_for_income_ta1

Note 7 - Provision for income taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
		For the three months ended						For the nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Provision for income taxes	$	9,346		$	7,921		$	25,950		$	17,004
	Effective tax rate		37.9	%		38.7	%		35.3	%		37	%

Note_8_Earnings_per_share_Tabl

Note 8 - Earnings per share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
		For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	15,297	$	12,549	$	47,503	$	28,135
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		43,339,000		41,320,427		43,202,022		41,318,123
	Effect of stock options		55,369		150,946		34,743		154,652
	Weighted average diluted number of common shares outstanding		43,394,369		41,471,373		43,236,765		41,472,775
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.35	$	0.3	$	1.1	$	0.68
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.35	$	0.3	$	1.1	$	0.68

Note_9_Segment_information_Tab

Note 9 - Segment information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]	'
	Three Months Ended	United States			All Foreign Countries			Total
	30-Sep-13	$	116,472		$	4,647		$	121,119
	30-Sep-12	$	85,763		$	2,513		$	88,276
	Nine Months Ended	United States			All Foreign Countries			Total
	30-Sep-13	$	307,351		$	11,996		$	319,347
	30-Sep-12	$	267,169		$	10,071		$	277,240
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
		For the three months ended						For the nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Chemicals	$	43,685		$	40,327		$	125,847		$	119,628
	Biofuels		77,434			47,949			193,500			157,612
	Revenues	$	121,119		$	88,276		$	319,347		$	277,240
	Segment gross profit
	Chemicals	$	13,827		$	15,357		$	41,678		$	38,277
	Biofuels		12,191			6,606			33,347			10,887
	Segment gross margins		26,018			21,963			75,025			49,164
	Corporate expenses		(2,503	)		(2,782	)		(7,585	)		(7,828	)
	Income before interest and taxes		23,515			19,181			67,440			41,336
	Interest and other income		1,370			1,295			6,103			3,824
	Interest and other expenses		(242	)		(6	)		(90	)		(21	)
	Provision for income taxes		(9,346	)		(7,921	)		(25,950	)		(17,004	)
	Net income	$	15,297		$	12,549		$	47,503		$	28,135

Note_10_Fair_value_measurement1

Note 10 - Fair value measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
		Asset/(Liability)
		Fair Value at September 30,			Fair Value Measurements Using
					Inputs Considered as
	Description	2013			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Derivative instruments	$	(1,662	)	$	(1,662	)	$	-	$	-
	Preferred stock, trust preferred securities, and other equity instruments	$	103,917		$	103,917		$	-	$	-
		Asset/(Liability)
		Fair Value at December 31,			Fair Value Measurements Using
					Inputs Considered as
	Description	2012			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Derivative instruments	$	(947	)	$	(947	)	$	-	$	-
	Preferred stock, trust preferred securities, auction rate securities, and other equity instruments	$	87,768		$	87,768		$	-	$	-

Note_11_Reclassifications_from1

Note 11 - Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013
	(net of tax)
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	6,140
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(142	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		49
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss - three months ended September 30, 2013		(93	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	6,047
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013
	(net of tax)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	2,597
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			2,755
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			695
	Net current-period other comprehensive gian - nine months ended September 30, 2013			3,450
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	6,047
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Affected Line Item in Statement of Operations
			30-Sep-13			30-Sep-13
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities		$	80		$	1,129		Gain on marketable
									securities
	Total before tax			80			1,129
	Tax expense			(31	)		(434	)
	Total reclassifications		$	49		$	695

Note_1_Nature_of_operations_an1

Note 1 - Nature of operations and basis of presentation (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Number of Operating Segments	2

Note_2_Inventory_Details_Carry

Note 2 - Inventory (Details) - Carrying Values Inventory (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Values Inventory [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$21,637	$15,803
Work in process	1,604	1,304
Raw materials and supplies	37,532	37,086
	60,773	54,193
LIFO reserve	-13,081	-12,201
Total inventory	$47,692	$41,992

Note_3_Derivative_instruments_1

Note 3 - Derivative instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	($1,947)	($2,154)	$1,719	$3,065	'
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$3,424	'	$3,424	'	$1,853

Note_3_Derivative_instruments_2

Note 3 - Derivative instruments (Details) - Derivative Instruments (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Future [Member]	Future [Member]	Other Current Assets [Member]	Accrued Liabilities [Member]
	Other Current Assets [Member]	Accrued Liabilities [Member]	Commodity Option [Member]	Commodity Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other current assets/liabilities - Quantity	-50	-200	-150	-400
Other current assets/liabilities - Fair Value (in Dollars)	($221)	($195)	($726)	($1,467)

Note_4_Marketable_securities_D

Note 4 - Marketable securities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	$19,167	$22,818
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	'	$1,915

Note_4_Marketable_securities_D1

Note 4 - Marketable securities (Details) - Marketable Securities (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 4 - Marketable securities (Details) - Marketable Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Adjusted Cost	$94,035	$83,553
Unrealized Gains	10,308	5,777
Unrealized Losses	-426	-1,562
Fair Value	103,917	87,768
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Marketable securities (Details) - Marketable Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Adjusted Cost	55,329	46,842
Unrealized Gains	9,064	4,307
Unrealized Losses	-6	-1,550
Fair Value	64,387	49,599
Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Marketable securities (Details) - Marketable Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Adjusted Cost	19,919	20,418
Unrealized Gains	697	1,068
Unrealized Losses	-216	'
Fair Value	20,400	21,486
Preferred Non-Convertible Stock [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Marketable securities (Details) - Marketable Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Adjusted Cost	17,797	15,143
Unrealized Gains	547	402
Unrealized Losses	-194	-12
Fair Value	18,150	15,533
Exchange Traded Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Marketable securities (Details) - Marketable Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Adjusted Cost	990	'
Unrealized Losses	-10	'
Fair Value	980	'
Auction Rate Securities [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Marketable securities (Details) - Marketable Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Adjusted Cost	'	1,150
Fair Value	'	$1,150

Note_5_Accrued_expenses_and_ot2

Note 5 - Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Details) - Accrued Liabilities (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued employee liabilities	$6,425	$2,073
Accrued property, use, motor fuel and franchise taxes	1,486	1,472
Other	821	48
Total	$8,732	$3,593

Note_6_Borrowings_Details

Note 6 - Borrowings (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)	$50,000,000	'
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity, Description	'Advances are made pursuant to a borrowing base comprised of 85% of eligible accounts receivables plus 60% of eligible direct inventory plus 50% of eligible indirect inventory. Advances are secured by a perfected first priority security interest in accounts receivable and inventory.	'
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Base, Percentage of Eligible Accounts Receivable	60.00%	'
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%	'
Ratio of EBITDA to Fixed Charges	3	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding (in Dollars)	$0	$0

Note_6_Borrowings_Details_Leve

Note 6 - Borrowings (Details) - Leverage Ratio of Interest Rate	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Base Rate Margin [Member] | Leverage Ratio 1 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Leverage Ratio	-0.55%
Base Rate Margin [Member] | Leverage Ratio 2 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Leverage Ratio	-0.70%
Base Rate Margin [Member] | Leverage Ratio 3 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Leverage Ratio	-1.00%
Base Rate Margin [Member] | Leverage Ratio 4 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Leverage Ratio	-1.00%
LIBOR Margin [Member] | Leverage Ratio 1 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Leverage Ratio	1.70%
LIBOR Margin [Member] | Leverage Ratio 2 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Leverage Ratio	1.50%
LIBOR Margin [Member] | Leverage Ratio 3 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Leverage Ratio	1.25%
LIBOR Margin [Member] | Leverage Ratio 4 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Leverage Ratio	1.00%

Note_7_Provision_for_income_ta2

Note 7 - Provision for income taxes (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$0	$0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	$0	$0

Note_7_Provision_for_income_ta3

Note 7 - Provision for income taxes (Details) - Summary of Provision for Income Taxes (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of Provision for Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Provision for income taxes (in Dollars)	$9,346	$7,921	$25,950	$17,004
Effective tax rate	37.90%	38.70%	35.30%	37.00%

Note_8_Earnings_per_share_Deta

Note 8 - Earnings per share (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	240,000	200,000

Note_8_Earnings_per_share_Deta1

Note 8 - Earnings per share (Details) - Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income available to common stockholders (in Dollars)	$15,297	$12,549	$47,503	$28,135
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	43,339,000	41,320,427	43,202,022	41,318,123
Effect of stock options	55,369	150,946	34,743	154,652
Weighted average diluted number of common shares outstanding	43,394,369	41,471,373	43,236,765	41,472,775
Basic earnings per share (in Dollars per share)	$0.35	$0.30	$1.10	$0.68
Diluted earnings per share (in Dollars per share)	$0.35	$0.30	$1.10	$0.68

Note_9_Segment_information_Det

Note 9 - Segment information (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Note 9 - Segment information (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of Reportable Segments	'	'	2	'
Mexico [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 9 - Segment information (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	3.00%	2.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Foreign Countries Other Than Mexico [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 9 - Segment information (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%

Note_9_Segment_information_Det1

Note 9 - Segment information (Details) - Revenue Attributable to the United States and Foreign Countries (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Note 9 - Segment information (Details) - Revenue Attributable to the United States and Foreign Countries [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales Revenue, Net	$121,119	$88,276	$319,347	$277,240
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 9 - Segment information (Details) - Revenue Attributable to the United States and Foreign Countries [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales Revenue, Net	116,472	85,763	307,351	267,169
All Foreign Countries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 9 - Segment information (Details) - Revenue Attributable to the United States and Foreign Countries [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales Revenue, Net	$4,647	$2,513	$11,996	$10,071

Note_9_Segment_information_Det2

Note 9 - Segment information (Details) - Summary of Business by Segment (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$121,119	$88,276	$319,347	$277,240
Segment gross profit	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit	26,018	21,963	75,025	49,164
Corporate expenses	-2,503	-2,782	-7,585	-7,828
Income before interest and taxes	23,515	19,181	67,440	41,336
Interest and other income	1,370	1,295	6,103	3,824
Interest and other expenses	-242	-6	-90	-21
Provision for income taxes	-9,346	-7,921	-25,950	-17,004
Net income	15,297	12,549	47,503	28,135
Chemicals [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Revenues	43,685	40,327	125,847	119,628
Segment gross profit	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit	13,827	15,357	41,678	38,277
Biofuels [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Revenues	77,434	47,949	193,500	157,612
Segment gross profit	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit	$12,191	$6,606	$33,347	$10,887

Note_10_Fair_value_measurement2

Note 10 - Fair value measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'	'
Note 10 - Fair value measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments	($1,662)	($947)
Preferred stock, trust preferred securities, auction rate securities, and other equity instruments	103,917	87,768
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Note 10 - Fair value measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments	-1,662	-947
Preferred stock, trust preferred securities, auction rate securities, and other equity instruments	103,917	87,768
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Note 10 - Fair value measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments	'	'
Preferred stock, trust preferred securities, auction rate securities, and other equity instruments	'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Note 10 - Fair value measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments	'	'
Preferred stock, trust preferred securities, auction rate securities, and other equity instruments	'	'

Note_11_Reclassifications_from2

Note 11 - Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Balance	$6,140	$2,597
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-142	2,755
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	49	695
Net current-period other comprehensive loss - three months ended June 30, 2013	-93	3,450
Balance	$6,047	$6,047

Note_11_Reclassifications_from3

Note 11 - Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) - Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	$80	$1,129
Total before tax	80	1,129
Tax expense	-31	-434
Total reclassifications	$49	$695

Note_14_Asset_impairment_Detai

Note 14 - Asset impairment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Note 14 - Asset impairment (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue	'	'	($15,184)	$1,427
Cost of Goods Sold	92,721	63,866	227,510	221,288
Equipment Used to Produce Anode Powder [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 14 - Asset impairment (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	17,580	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue	-16,160	'	'	'
Cost of Goods Sold	$1,420	'	'	'