Renewable Energy (REGI) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 25, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Renewable Energy Group, Inc.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001463258	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$358,842,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	38,787,018	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$153,227	$66,785
Accounts receivable, net (includes amounts owed by related parties of $426 and $771, respectively)	82,911	18,768
Inventories	85,814	45,206
Deferred income taxes	0	2,512
Prepaid expenses and other assets	25,568	15,812
Total current assets	347,520	149,083
Property, plant and equipment, net	286,044	242,885
Property, plant and equipment, net—variable interest entities	5,180	5,405
Goodwill	84,864	84,864
Intangible assets, net	4,867	4,609
Deferred income taxes	'	969
Investments	7,351	2,618
Other assets (includes amounts owed by related party of $35 and $692, respectively)	5,029	5,351
TOTAL ASSETS	740,855	495,784
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Revolving line of credit	10,986	0
Current maturities of notes payable	6,729	4,955
Current maturities of notes payable—variable interest entities	300	283
Accounts payable (includes amounts owed to related parties of $552 and $2,950, respectively)	48,727	28,131
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	12,305	6,475
Deferred income taxes	3,687	0
Deferred revenue	15,503	0
Total current liabilities	98,237	39,844
Unfavorable lease obligation	7,905	9,035
Deferred income taxes	-2,691	0
Notes payable	23,422	27,776
Notes payable—variable interest entities	3,729	4,030
Other liabilities	6,838	7,292
Total liabilities	142,822	87,977
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 21)	'	'
Company stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock ($.0001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 36,506,221 and 30,559,935 shares outstanding, respectively)	4	3
Common stock—additional paid-in-capital	359,671	273,989
Warrants—additional paid-in-capital	147	147
Retained earnings	238,134	53,823
Treasury stock (530,898 and 462,985 shares, respectively)	-3,886	-3,198
Total equity	594,070	324,764
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	740,855	495,784
Series B Preferred Stock	'	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Series B Preferred Stock ($.0001 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized; 143,313 and 2,995,106 shares outstanding, redemption amount $3,583 and $74,878, respectively)	$3,963	$83,043

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 24, 2012	Jan. 03, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, amounts owed by related parties	$426	$771	'	'
Other assets, amounts owed by related party	35	692	'	'
Accounts payable, amounts owed to related parties	552	2,950	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00	'	0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000	'	450,000,000
Common stock, shares, outstanding	36,506,221	30,559,935	'	'
Treasury stock, shares outstanding	530,898	462,985	'	'
Series B Preferred Stock	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000	'	3,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	143,313	2,995,106,000	'	'
Preferred stock redemption amount	$3,583	$74,878	$74,987	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
REVENUES:	'	'	'
Biodiesel sales	$1,207,618	$1,006,465	$752,826
Biodiesel sales—related parties	0	6	5,161
Biodiesel government incentives	290,393	8,326	65,822
Total biodiesel sales	1,498,011	1,014,797	823,809
Services	127	237	222
Total revenue	1,498,138	1,015,034	824,031
COSTS OF GOODS SOLD:	'	'	'
Biodiesel	1,209,191	902,084	433,060
Biodiesel—related parties	49,358	54,364	263,562
Services	156	263	198
Total cost of goods sold	1,258,705	956,711	696,820
GROSS PROFIT	239,433	58,323	127,211
SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (includes related party amounts of $37, $158, and $1,505, respectively)	46,123	42,422	34,479
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	193,310	15,901	92,732
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET:	'	'	'
Change in fair value of preferred stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	0	11,975	7,939
Change in fair value of Seneca Holdco liability	0	349	-2,097
Other income	388	167	930
Interest expense (includes related party amounts of $30, $32, and $761, respectively)	-2,397	-4,679	-8,095
Total other income (expenses)	-2,009	7,812	-1,323
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INCOME FROM EQUITY INVESTMENTS	191,301	23,713	91,409
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	-4,935	-1,454	-2,982
INCOME FROM EQUITY INVESTMENTS	0	0	442
NET INCOME	186,366	22,259	88,869
EFFECTS OF RECAPITALIZATION	0	39,107	0
LESS—ACCRETION OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK TO REDEMPTION VALUE	0	-1,808	-25,343
LESS—CHANGES IN UNDISTRIBUTED DIVIDENDS ALLOCATED TO PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS	0	-823	-12,723
LESS—DISTRIBUTED DIVIDENDS TO PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS	-2,055	-3,156	0
LESS—EFFECT OF PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK	-16,272	-8,952	-4,186
LESS—EFFECT OF PARTICIPATING SHARE-BASED AWARDS	-2,785	-3,145	-3,864
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$165,254	$43,482	$42,753
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$5	$1.53	$3.14
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$5	$0.27	$3.14
Weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share attributable to common stockholders:	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	33,045,164	28,381,676	13,607,840
Diluted (in shares)	33,052,879	34,340,466	13,607,840

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$37	$158	$1,505
Interest expense	$30	$32	$761

Consolidated_Statements_of_Red

Consolidated Statements of Redeemable Preferred Stock and Equity Statement (USD $)

Total

Initial public offering

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Redeemable Preferred Stock

Redeemable Preferred Stock

Redeemable Preferred Stock

Redeemable Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Common Stock- Additional Paid-in Capital

Common Stock- Additional Paid-in Capital

Common Stock- Additional Paid-in Capital

Common Stock- Additional Paid-in Capital

Warrants- Additional Paid-in Capital

Warrants- Additional Paid-in Capital

Warrants- Additional Paid-in Capital

Warrants- Additional Paid-in Capital

Retained Earnings

Retained Earnings

Retained Earnings

Retained Earnings

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Initial public offering

USD ($)

Initial public offering

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

USD ($)

Initial public offering

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

USD ($)

Initial public offering

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

USD ($)

Initial public offering

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

USD ($)

Initial public offering

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

USD ($)

Initial public offering

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

USD ($)

Initial public offering

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010

$35,116

'

'

'

'

$122,436

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1

'

'

'

$82,636

'

'

'

$4,820

'

'

'

($52,341)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2010

'

'

'

'

'

13,455,522

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,251,264

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock in acquisition

16,350

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,350

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock in acquisition, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

673,544

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock compensation expense

5,934

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,934

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants exercised

48

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

128

'

'

'

-80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants exercised, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,383

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants expired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,042

'

'

'

-1,042

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase of treasury stock related to restricted stock unit conversion

-398

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-398

'

'

'

Purchase of treasury stock related to restricted stock unit conversion, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,036

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of restricted stock issuance, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-50,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accretion of preferred stock to redemption value

-25,343

'

'

'

'

25,343

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-25,343

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

88,869

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

88,869

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011

120,576

'

'

'

'

147,779

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

80,747

'

'

'

3,698

'

'

'

36,528

'

'

'

-398

'

'

'

Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011

'

'

'

'

'

13,455,522

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,962,155

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock in acquisition

4,329

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,329

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock in acquisition, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derecognition of Series A Preferred Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

149,587

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derecognition of Series A Preferred Stock, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-13,455,522

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of Class A common stock/Series B Preferred Stock to common stock

'

'

'

122

'

'

'

'

-122

2

'

'

'

-2

'

'

'

'

'

'

123

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1

'

'

'

'

Conversion of Class A common stock/Series B Preferred Stock to common stock, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,387

21,598,408

'

'

8,957

-21,598,408

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock in initial public offering, net of issuance cost of $8,892

'

59,919

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

59,918

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock in initial public offering, net of issuance cost of $8,892, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,200,000

'

'

'

-342,860

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock

3,958

'

'

108,245

'

'

'

'

83,165

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

3,958

'

'

111,795

'

'

'

-3,551

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock, Shares

'

'

'

7,660,612

'

'

'

'

2,999,493

'

'

'

'

318,501

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock compensation expense

13,119

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,119

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase of treasury stock related to restricted stock unit conversion

-2,800

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,800

'

'

'

Purchase of treasury stock related to restricted stock unit conversion, Shares

-441,949,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of restricted stock issuance, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-852,570

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accretion of preferred stock to redemption value

'

'

-1,808

'

'

'

'

1,808

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,808

'

'

'

'

'

Series B preferred stock dividends paid

'

'

'

-3,155

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,155

'

'

'

'

Net income

22,259

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,259

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012

324,764

'

'

'

'

83,043

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

273,989

'

'

'

147

'

'

'

53,823

'

'

'

-3,198

'

'

'

Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012

'

'

'

'

'

2,995,106

'

'

'

30,559,935

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of Class A common stock/Series B Preferred Stock to common stock

79,844

'

'

'

'

-79,080

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79,843

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of Class A common stock/Series B Preferred Stock to common stock, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

-2,851,793

'

'

'

5,763,508

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock

423

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

423

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

58,501

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock compensation expense

5,416

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,416

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase of treasury stock related to restricted stock unit conversion

-688

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-688

'

'

'

Purchase of treasury stock related to restricted stock unit conversion, Shares

-67,913

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of restricted stock issuance, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-124,277

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Series B preferred stock dividends paid

-2,055

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,055

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

186,366

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

186,366

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013

$594,070

'

'

'

'

$3,963

'

'

'

$4

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

$359,671

'

'

'

$147

'

'

'

$238,134

'

'

'

($3,886)

'

'

'

Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013

'

'

'

'

'

143,313

'

'

'

36,506,221

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Red1

Consolidated Statements of Redeemable Preferred Stock and Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Treasury stock purchased	441,949,000
Issuance of common stock in initial public offering, net of issuance cost	$8,892

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income	$186,366	$22,259	$88,869
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	9,705	8,024	7,184
Amortization expense of assets and liabilities, net	-463	-103	2,291
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	815	0	0
Provision for doubtful accounts	309	563	1,389
Stock compensation expense	5,416	13,119	5,934
(Income) from equity method investees	0	0	-442
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	9,859	2,986	-4,967
Change in fair value of preferred stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	0	-11,975	-7,939
Change in fair value of Seneca Holdco liability	0	-249	1,497
Premium paid for Seneca Landlord investment	0	-7,063	0
Expense settled with stock issuance	0	1,898	0
Forgiveness of note payable	0	0	-86
Changes in asset and liabilities, net of effects from mergers and acquisitions:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-64,460	32,014	-35,421
Inventories	-40,608	-3,096	-13,047
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-9,984	-394	-11,951
Accounts payable	22,386	-4,002	14,153
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	4,801	-2,614	6,321
Deferred revenue	15,503	-6,748	-2,591
Net cash flows provided from operating activities	139,645	44,619	51,194
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Cash paid for purchase of property, plant and equipment	-39,053	-12,654	-4,806
Cash proceeds from involuntary disposal of fixed assets	330	0	0
Change in restricted cash	0	-64	2,664
Cash paid for investments	-4,733	-37	0
Consolidation of Bell, LLC	0	0	22
Cash paid for acquisitions	-10,933	-1,791	0
Net cash flows used in investing activities	-54,389	-14,546	-2,120
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Borrowings on line of credit	1,538,615	1,331,557	40,564
Repayments on line of credit	-1,527,629	-1,335,592	-46,079
Cash received for issuance of note payable	3,000	0	10,000
Cash paid on notes payable	-10,999	-44,509	-20,695
Cash paid for debt issuance costs	-203	-138	-1,443
Repayment of investment in Seneca Landlord	0	-4,000	0
Cash received from initial public offering	0	63,747	0
Cash paid for issuance of common stock and preferred stock	-25	-1,699	-2,153
Cash received upon exercise of warrant	0	0	48
Cash paid for treasury stock	-282	-3,074	0
Cash paid for preferred stock dividends	-1,291	-3,155	0
Net cash flows provided from (used in) financing activities	1,186	3,137	-19,758
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	86,442	33,210	29,316
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	66,785	33,575	4,259
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	153,227	66,785	33,575
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:	'	'	'
Cash paid (received) for income taxes	-7,475	3,537	-7,172
Cash paid for interest	2,336	3,984	5,418
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Effects of recapitalization	0	39,107	0
Accretion of preferred stock to redemption value	0	1,808	25,343
Common stock repurchased included in accrued expenses and other liabilities	529	124	398
Amounts included in period-end accounts payable for:	'	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	2,037	3,884	898
Debt issuance costs	16	48	85
Equity issuance costs	89	'	999
Incentive common stock liability for supply agreement	583	423	1,469
Removal of equity method investee as a result of consolidation	'	'	1,613
Issuance of common stock per exercise of Seneca Landlord put/call option	'	591	'
Issuance of common stock for dividends	764	1	'
In-kind contribution through acquisition	'	1,336	'
Issuance of note payable for acquisition	$5,135	'	'

Organization_Presentation_and_

Organization, Presentation, and Nature of the Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization, Presentation, and Nature of the Business	'
	ORGANIZATION, PRESENTATION, AND NATURE OF THE BUSINESS
	Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (the "Company") is a leading North American biodiesel producer with a nationwide distribution and logistics system. The Company participates in each aspect of biodiesel production, from acquiring feedstock, managing construction and operating biodiesel production facilities, to marketing, selling and distributing biodiesel and its co-products.
	The Company operates a network of eight operating biodiesel production facilities with aggregate nameplate production capacity of 257 million gallons per year, or mmgy. A number of these plants are “multi-feedstock capable” which allows them to use a broad range of lower cost feedstocks, such as inedible corn oil, used cooking oil and inedible animal fats in addition to vegetable oils, such as soybean oil and canola oil.
	The Company also has three partially constructed production facilities and one non-operational production facility. In 2007, the Company commenced construction of two 60 mmgy production facilities, one near New Orleans, Louisiana and the other in Emporia, Kansas. In 2008, the Company halted construction of these facilities as a result of conditions in the biodiesel industry and the credit markets. Construction of the New Orleans facility is approximately 45% complete and construction of the Emporia facility is approximately 20% complete. In September 2010, the Company acquired a 15 mmgy production facility in Clovis, New Mexico which is approximately 50% complete. Currently, the Clovis facility is being operated as a terminal. In November 2012, the Company completed our acquisition of Bulldog Biodiesel, LLC, a 15 mmgy production facility near Atlanta, Georgia, that was non-operational at the time the Company purchased it and will remain idled until certain repairs or upgrades are made. The Company will need to raise additional capital to complete construction of these plants and fund working capital requirements. It is uncertain when or if financing will be available.
	The biodiesel industry and the Company’s business have benefited from the continuation of certain federal and state incentives. The federal blenders tax credit expired on December 31, 2013 and it is uncertain whether it will be reinstated. This revocation along with other amendments of any one or more of those laws, could adversely affect the financial results of the Company.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and entities which it controls. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated for consolidated reporting purposes.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consists of money market funds and demand deposits with financial institutions. The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable are carried at invoiced amount less allowance for doubtful accounts. Management estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on existing economic conditions, the financial conditions of customers, and the amount and age of past due accounts. Receivables are considered past due if full payment is not received by the contractual due date. Past due accounts are generally written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts only after reasonable collection attempts have been exhausted. Activity regarding the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:
	Balance, January 1, 2011	$	316
	Amount charged to selling, general and administrative expenses	1,389
	Charge-offs, net of recovery	(270		)
	Balance, December 31, 2011	1,435
	Amount charged to selling, general and administrative expenses	563
	Charge-offs, net of recovery	(26		)
	Balance, December 31, 2012	1,972
	Amount charged to selling, general and administrative expenses	309
	Charge-offs, net of recovery	(157		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	2,124
	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. There were no lower of cost or market adjustments made to the inventory values reported as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Cost is determined based on the first-in, first-out method.
	Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs)
	When the Company produces and sells a gallon of biodiesel, 1.5 RINs per gallon are generated. RINs are used to track compliance with Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS2). RFS2 allows the Company to attach between zero and 2.5 RINs to any gallon of biodiesel. When the Company sells a gallon of biodiesel, 1.5 RINs are generally attached. As a result, a portion of the selling price for a gallon of biodiesel is generally attributable to RFS2 compliance. However, RINs that the Company generates are a form of government incentive and not a result of the physical attributes of the biodiesel production. Therefore, no cost is allocated to the RIN when it is generated, regardless of whether the RIN is transferred with the biodiesel produced or held by the Company pending attachment to other biodiesel production sales. In addition, the Company also obtains RINs from third parties who have separated the RINs from gallons of biomass-based diesel. From time to time, the Company holds varying amounts of these separated RINs for resale. RINs obtained from third parties are initially recorded at their cost and are subsequently revalued at the lower of cost or market as of the last day of each accounting period and the resulting adjustments are reflected in costs of goods sold for the period. The value of RINs obtained from third parties is reflected in “Prepaid expenses and other assets” on the consolidated balance sheet. The cost of goods sold related to the sale of these RINs is determined using the average cost method, while market prices are determined by RIN values, as reported by the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS).
	Derivative Instruments
	Derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in current period earnings.
	Valuation of Series A Preferred Stock Conversion Feature Embedded Derivatives
	The conversion feature of the Series A Preferred Stock was accounted for as an embedded derivative prior to the conversion of Series A Preferred Stock in January 2012. This embedded derivative was a liability representing the estimated fair value of Series A Preferred Stock holders right to receive the fair market value of the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock on the redemption date. The value of this derivative was adjusted each quarter based on changes in the estimated fair value, and a corresponding income or expense was recorded in change in fair value of the Preferred Stock conversion feature embedded derivatives in the Company’s statements of operations. The Company used the Black-Scholes options pricing model to estimate the fair value and assumptions included the expected volatility of the value of the Company’s equity, the expected conversion date, an appropriate risk-free interest rate and the estimated fair value of the Company’s equity.
	Valuation of Seneca Holdco Liability
	The Company recorded a liability (Seneca Holdco Liability) at fair value, with changes in value recognized currently in earnings, for its obligation under a Put/Call Agreement with Seneca Holdco, LLC (Seneca Holdco) to purchase Seneca Landlord, LLC (Seneca Landlord) whose assets consisted primarily of a 60 mmgy biodiesel production facility in Seneca, Illinois (Seneca Facility) until the Company exercised its option and acquired the Seneca Facility in January 2012. Seneca Landlord was indirectly owned by three significant stockholders of the Company or their affiliates: Bunge North America, Inc. USRG Holdco IX, LLC, and West Central Cooperative.
	The fair value of the Seneca Holdco Liability was determined by probability weighting the present value of gains or losses realized under each option in the Put/Call Agreement. The Put/Call Agreement had a term of seven years and was exercisable by either party at a price based on a pre-defined formula. The valuation required the development and use of highly subjective assumptions including (i) the value of the Landlord’s equity, (ii) expectations regarding future changes in the value of the Landlord’s equity, (iii) expectations about the probability of either option being exercised, including the Company’s ability to list its securities on an exchange or complete a public offering and (iv) an appropriate risk-free rate. Company management considered current public equity markets, relevant regulatory issues, industry conditions and the Company’s position within the industry when estimating the probability that the Company would raise additional capital.
	Preferred Stock Accretion
	The Company accreted the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock to its redemption value until January 2012 when it was converted in connection with the Initial Public Offering (IPO). Accretion of $1,808 and $25,343 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was recognized as a reduction to income available to common stockholders in accordance with paragraph 15 of ASC Topic 480-10-S99.
	The Company recorded the Series B Preferred Stock at fair value, which was a premium over its redemption value; therefore no accretion is recorded for the Series B Preferred Stock.
	Non-monetary Exchanges
	The Company records assets acquired and liabilities assumed through the exchange of non-monetary assets based on the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired or the fair value of the consideration exchanged, whichever is more readily determinable.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation expense is computed on a straight-line method based upon estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Automobiles and trucks	5 years
	Computers and office equipment	5 years
	Office furniture and fixtures	7 years
	Machinery and equipment	5-30 years
	Leasehold improvements	the lesser of the lease term or 30 years
	Buildings and improvements	30-40 years
	As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company capitalized interest incurred on debt during the construction of assets of $335, $33 and $0, respectively.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill is tested for impairment annually on July 31 or when impairment indicators exist. Goodwill is allocated and tested for impairment by reporting units. The Company’s reporting units consist of its two operating segments, the biodiesel operating segment and services operating segment. The analysis is based on a comparison of the carrying value of the reporting unit to its fair value, determined utilizing both a discounted cash flow methodology and a market comparable methodology. The determination of whether or not the asset has become impaired involves a significant level of judgment in the assumptions underlying the approach used to determine the value of the Company’s reporting units. Changes in estimates of future cash flows caused by items such as unforeseen events or sustained unfavorable changes in market conditions could negatively affect the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill asset and result in an impairment charge. The annual impairment test determined that the fair value of the biodiesel operating segment exceeded its carrying value by approximately 43% and the services operating segment exceeded its carrying value by approximately 20%. There was no impairment of goodwill recorded in any of the periods presented.
	The following table summarizes goodwill for the Company’s business segments:
		Biodiesel			Services		Total
	Beginning balance - January 1, 2012	$	68,784		$	16,080	$	84,864
	Acquisitions	—			—		—
	Ending balance - December 31, 2012	68,784			16,080		84,864
	Acquisitions	—			—		—
	Ending balance - December 31, 2013	$	68,784		$	16,080	$	84,864
	Impairment of Assets
	The Company tests its long-lived assets for recoverability when events or circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Significant assumptions used in the undiscounted cash flow analysis include the projected demand for biodiesel based on annual renewable fuel volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS2), the Company's capacity to meet that demand, the market price of biodiesel and the cost of feedstock used in the manufacturing process. For facilities under construction, estimates also include the capital expenditures necessary to complete construction of the plant. The Company’s facilities under construction are expected to have substantially similar operating capabilities and results as the current operating facilities. Such operating capabilities would include similar feedstock capabilities, similar access to low cost feedstocks, proximity to shipping from our vendors and to our customers and our ability to transfer best practices among the Company's various operating facilities to maximize production volumes and reduce operating costs. There were no asset impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Investments
	The Company has made investments in several biofuels businesses. These investments are recorded at cost and assessed for impairment at each reporting period. There were no impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Unfavorable Lease Obligation
	The Company assumed a ground lease of a terminal facility in Houston, Texas as part of an acquisition which required the Company to pay above market rentals through the remainder of the lease term expiring in 2021. The unfavorable lease obligation is amortized over the contractual period the Company is required to make rental payments under the lease. The amount expected to be amortized each year for the remainder of the contract is $1,129.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenues from the following sources:
	•	the sale of biodiesel and its co-products, as well as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) and raw material feedstocks, purchased or produced by the Company at owned manufacturing facilities and manufacturing facilities with which the Company has tolling arrangements;
	•	the resale of biodiesel, RINs and raw material feedstocks acquired from third parties;
	•	fees received under toll manufacturing agreements with third parties;
	•	incentives received from federal and state programs for renewable fuels; and
•	fees received for the marketing and sales of biodiesel produced by third parties and from managing operations of third party facilities.
Biodiesel, including RINs, and raw material feedstock revenues are recognized where there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred, the price has been fixed or is determinable and collectability can be reasonably assured.
Fees received under toll manufacturing agreements with third parties are generally established as an agreed upon amount per gallon of biodiesel produced. The fees are recognized where there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred, the price has been fixed or is determinable and collectability can be reasonably assured.
Revenues associated with the governmental incentive programs are recognized when the amount to be received is determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and the sale of product giving rise to the incentive has been recognized. The Company received funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the amount of $2,813, $1,161 and $9,913 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company records amounts when it has received notification of a payment from the USDA or is in receipt of the funds and records the awards under the Program in "Biodiesel government incentives" as they are closely associated with the Company's biodiesel production activities.
While in general the Company has not historically offered sales incentives to customers, the uncertainty around the reinstatement of the federal blenders tax credit led to the introduction of such an incentive during 2012. Specifically, during 2012 the Company negotiated contracts with certain customers to allow such customers to share in the value of federal blenders tax payments if the law were to be reinstated. The federal blenders tax credit was reinstated on January 2, 2013 and the Company recognized $69,534 of cash payments owed to customers as a reduction of Biodiesel sales revenue. The Company did not have similar contracts before 2012.
Freight
Amounts billed to customers for freight are included in biodiesel sales. Costs incurred for freight are included in costs of goods sold.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are charged to expense as they are incurred. Advertising and promotional expenses were $648, $485 and $251 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Research and Development
The Company expenses research and development costs as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $258, $14 and $22 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Employee Benefits Plan
The Company sponsors an employee savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company makes matching contributions equal to 50% of the participant’s pre-tax contribution up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s eligible earnings. Total expense related to the Company’s defined contribution plan was approximately $533, $456 and $323 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant-date fair value of the award and recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period.
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the years in which differences are expected to reverse. Consideration is given to positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets and valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. Significant judgment is required in making this assessment.
Recapitalization
In connection with the Company's IPO on January 24, 2012, the Company gave effect to the one-time conversion of Series A Preferred Stock and certain common stock warrants into 7,660,612 shares of newly-issued Common Stock and 2,999,493 shares of $74,987 aggregate liquidation preference Series B Preferred Stock with cumulative dividends of 4.5% per annum. All Series A Preferred Stock was converted and no Series A Preferred Stock remains outstanding. The Company recorded the effects from the exchange of Series A Preferred Stock for Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock as an extinguishment in accordance with ASC Topic 260-10-S99-2.
Accordingly, the Company recognized an addition to the income available to common shareholders in the amount of $39,107. This amount was determined by comparing the fair value of the Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock issued of $152,327 to the carrying amount of the Series A preferred shares that were redeemed of $191,434. The excess of the carrying amount of Series A Preferred Stock that were redeemed over the fair value of the Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock that were issued was recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital and was added to net earnings available to common shareholders of $39,107. The Series B Preferred Stock fair value was determined using Monte Carlo simulation methodology with the assistance of external third-party experts to calculate the fair-value using the Company's common stock at time of conversion. The significant assumptions included the volatility rate and risk-free rate based upon the yield of the U.S. Industrials B curve.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company uses both quantitative and qualitative analysis when evaluating its variable interest entities (VIE’s) and determining the primary beneficiary (PB) of a VIE. The Company consolidates a VIE if it has both (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Concentrations
Certain customers represented greater than 10% of the total consolidated revenues of the Company for the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. All customer amounts disclosed in the table are related to biodiesel sales:
	2013			2012		2011
Customer A	$	243,258		$	363,372	$	189,773
The Company maintains cash balances at financial institutions, which may at times exceed the $250 coverage by the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Company.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. These estimates are based on information that is currently available to management and on various assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (Topic 740). The amendments to ASU 2013-11 provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company will reflect the impact of these amendments beginning with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2014. The Company does not anticipate a material impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.

Stockholders_Equity_of_the_Com

Stockholders' Equity of the Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity of the Company	'
	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY OF THE COMPANY
	Common Stock
	The Company has authorized capital stock consisting of 450,000,000 shares, all with a par value of $.0001 per share, which includes 300,000,000 shares of Common Stock (the class of common stock offered in the IPO), 140,000,000 shares of Common Stock A and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock including 3,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock.
	Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Subject to preferences that may apply to shares of previously outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and currently outstanding Series B Preferred Stock as outlined below, the holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends. After the payment of all preferential amounts required to the holders of Series B Preferred Stock, all of the remaining assets of the Company available for distribution shall be distributed ratably among the holders of Common Stock.
	On January 3, 2012, the Company effected a one-for-2.5 reverse stock split on the shares issued and outstanding. All numbers of common shares and per share data in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes have been retroactively adjusted.
	On January 24, 2012, the Company completed an IPO of shares of Common Stock in which it sold 7,200,000 shares at a price to the public of $10 per share, which included 342,860 shares of Common Stock from selling shareholders. The IPO raised approximately $59,919 net of underwriting fees and offering costs. In connection with the Company’s IPO on January 24, 2012, the Company gave effect to the one-time conversion of Series A Preferred Stock and certain common stock warrants into 7,660,612 shares of newly issued Class A Common Stock and 2,999,493 shares of $74,987 aggregate liquidation preference Series B Preferred Stock with cumulative dividends of 4.50% per annum.
	During the third quarter 2013, the Company's closing sale price of its Common Stock exceeded $15.00 for at least 20 days in a 30 consecutive trading day period with the average daily trading volume exceeding 200,000 shares. Therefore, the Company opted to cause 50% of the then-outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be converted as provided for in the preferred stock shareholder agreement. The Company converted 518,365 shares of Series B Preferred Stock into 1,047,465 shares of Common Stock.
	Common Stock Warrants
	Under the Company’s outstanding warrants, the holder may purchase the number of shares of Common Stock underlying each warrant held for a purchase price of $11.16 per share. The warrant holder may “net exercise” the warrants and use the common shares received upon exercise of the warrants outstanding as the consideration for payment of the exercise price.
	The warrant holders are generally protected from anti-dilution by adjustments for any stock dividends, stock split, combination, or other recapitalization.
	On January 24, 2012, certain common stock warrant holders were converted to Class A Common Stock as part of the stock recapitalization. Warrant holders converted 287,561 common stock warrants to 134,181 shares of Common Stock.
	The following table summarizes the number of shares reserved for the exercise of common stock purchase warrants as of December 31:
	Issued to	Issuance Date	Expiration Date	Exercise		Warrants Outstanding	Warrants Outstanding
				Price Per		2013	2012
				Share
	Blackhawk warrant holders	February 26, 2010	February 25, 2015	$	11.16	17,916	17,916
	No common stock warrants were issued during 2013 or 2012.
	Stock Issuance Costs
	In addition to the warrants, other direct costs of obtaining capital by issuing the common and preferred stock were deducted from related proceeds with the net amount recorded as preferred stock or stockholders’ equity. Direct costs incurred for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $114, $700 and $3,152, respectively.

Redeemable_Preferred_Stock

Redeemable Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Preferred Stock	'
	REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
	The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to and imposed on the preferred stock are set forth below. The holders of preferred stock are generally protected from anti-dilution by adjustments for any stock dividends, stock split, combination or other recapitalization.
	In connection with the Company’s IPO on January 24, 2012, the Company gave effect to the one-time conversion of Series A Preferred Stock and certain common stock warrants into 7,660,612 shares of newly-issued Common Stock and 2,999,493 shares of $74,987 aggregate liquidation preference Series B Preferred Stock with cumulative dividends of 4.5% per annum. Prior to conversion, Series A Preferred Stock accrued dividends at the rate of $0.88 per share per annum, was entitled to voting rights on an as converted basis, had liquidation preference over common stock, and had certain redemption rights. All Series A Preferred Stock was converted and no Series A Preferred Stock remains outstanding.
	Series B Preferred Stock
	Dividend Provisions
	The holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Company Board, cumulative dividends on each outstanding share of Series B Preferred Stock at the annual rate of 4.50% of the stated value. Dividends are payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of each year. The Company may, at its option, defer a regularly scheduled dividend payment and instead pay accumulated and unpaid dividends on the following dividend payment date. The Company can only defer two such dividend payments and may not defer consecutive dividend payments. The Company will pay any dividend in cash, by delivering shares of Common Stock or through any combination of cash and shares of Common Stock. During May 2012, the Company Board declared its first dividend with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock in the amount of $0.49 per share in cash. Total dividends paid on June 30, 2012 were $1,470. The payment was pro-rated to give effect to the fact that the Series B Preferred Stock was not issued until January 24, 2012. During December 2012, the Company Board declared its second dividend with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock in the amount of $0.5625 per share in cash. The second dividend was paid in December 2012 in the amount of $1,685. The Company declared and paid dividends in 2013 with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock in the amount of $0.5625 per share cash. The dividends were paid in June 2013 and December 2013 in the amount of $1,205 and $80, respectively.
	Liquidation Rights
	In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of affairs, a holder of Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to be paid, before any distribution or payment may be made to any holders of junior stock, an amount per share of Series B Preferred Stock, ( the "Liquidation Preference"), equal to the sum of the stated value of a share of Series B Preferred Stock of $25.00, (the "Stated Value"), plus the amount of any accumulated and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, to, but excluding, the date of payment.
	If upon any liquidation or dissolution, the remaining net assets of the Company are insufficient to pay the amount that the Series B preferred stockholders are due as indicated above, the holders of Series B Preferred Stock will share ratably in any distribution of the remaining assets of the Company.
	Conversion Rights
	At any time following the lock-up expiration date, the holder of any shares of Series B Preferred Stock will have the right to convert such shares, together with accumulated and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) into shares of Common Stock at a conversion rate in effect at such time. The initial conversion rate for each $25.00 of Liquidation Preference will be equal to $25.00 divided by a price that is 125% of the public offering price in the IPO.
	The conversion rate is subject to adjustment from time to time upon the following events: a distribution or dividend of Common Stock, certain subdivisions and combinations of the Common Stock, the issuance to holders of Common Stock of certain rights or warrants to purchase Common Stock, certain dividends or distributions of capital stock, evidences of indebtedness, other assets or cash to holders of Common Stock, or, under certain circumstances, a payment the Company makes in respect of a tender offer or exchange offer for Common Stock.
	If, at any time following the lock-up expiration date, the closing sale price of the Common Stock exceeds $15.00 for at least 20 trading days in any 30 consecutive trading day period and the average daily trading volume of the Common Stock for at least 20 trading days in such period exceeds 200,000 shares or $2,500, then the Company may, at its option, cause up to 50% of the then-outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, and corresponding accumulated and unpaid dividends, to be converted into shares of Common Stock at the then-applicable conversion rate. This occurred and was affected in 2013. If, at any time following the lock-up expiration date, the closing sale price of the Common Stock exceeds $16.00 for at least 20 trading days in any 30 consecutive trading day period and the average daily trading volume of the Common Stock for at least 20 trading days in such period exceeds 200,000 shares or $2,500, the Company may, at its option, cause up to all of the then-outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, and corresponding accumulated and unpaid dividends, to be converted into shares of Common Stock at the then-applicable conversion rate.
	Voting Rights
	Each holder of the Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to vote their shares of Series B Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis on any matters presented to holders of Common Stock. Except as required by law, holders of Series B Preferred Stock will vote on an as-converted basis together with the holders of Common Stock and with the holders of any other class or series of the Company’s capital stock entitled to vote with the Common Stock, as a single class.
	The vote or consent of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, shall be necessary to amend, alter or repeal the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock so as to adversely affect the powers, preferences or rights of the Series B Preferred Stock.
	Redemption Rights
	Except as set forth below, the Company may not redeem the Series B Preferred Stock prior to the date, (the "Initial Optional Redemption Date") which is 18 months following the lock-up expiration date. On or after the Initial Optional Redemption Date, the Series B Preferred Stock may be redeemed at the Company’s option, in whole or in part, for cash at a price per share equal to the Stated Value, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends (the "Redemption Price"). If a change of control transaction occurs any time before the Initial Optional Redemption Date, then the Company may elect to redeem all, but not part, of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock for cash at the Redemption Price plus a “make-whole” payment for each share of Series B Preferred Stock equal to $2.25 less the amount of any dividends paid on such share since the original issuance date of the Series B Preferred Stock.
	If before March 31, 2015, the Company conducts an equity offering or offerings for cash that results in aggregate net proceeds in excess of $20,000, then, subject to the Company having legally available funds, the Company will offer to purchase or redeem the maximum number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock at a price equal to the Stated Value plus the amount of any accumulated and unpaid dividends to, but excluding, the purchase date that may be purchased or redeemed using 25% of those net proceeds. Before the Initial Optional Redemption Date, the Company will use those net proceeds to offer to purchase, in a tender offer, Series B Preferred Stock, and after the Initial Optional Redemption Date, the Company will use those net proceeds to redeem Series B Preferred Stock.
	On June 30, 2015, each holder of Series B Preferred Stock will have the right to require the Company to redeem its shares at the Redemption Price, subject to the Company having legally available funds. If at any time dividends on any shares of Series B Preferred Stock are unpaid as of the specific dividend payment date and the non-payment continues for a period of 30 days, then the holders of not less than 25% of the then-outstanding Series B Preferred Stock may require the Company, subject to our having legally available funds, to redeem all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock at the Redemption Price.

Acquisitions_and_Equity_Transa

Acquisitions and Equity Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions and Equity Transactions	'
	ACQUISITIONS AND EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
	SoyMor Biodiesel, LLC
	On July 12, 2011, the Company and REG Albert Lea, LLC (REG Albert Lea), a subsidiary of the Company, completed its asset acquisition of SoyMor. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 8, 2011, the Company issued 673,544 shares of Common Stock in exchange for the transfer of substantially all the assets of SoyMor and assumed certain liabilities. The assets of SoyMor consisted primarily of a 30 mmgy nameplate capacity biodiesel facility located in Albert Lea, Minnesota, as well as, a co-located soy lecithin production facility. The Company recorded a gain from the equity investment of $661 due to step-up acquisition accounting for SoyMor. The equity investment gain was recorded in income (loss) from equity investments on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
	The Company determined that the SoyMor assets did not constitute a business as defined under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (ASC Topic 805), on the basis that the SoyMor assets were not an integrated set of activities or assets that were capable of being conducted or managed in a manner that would provide any economic benefit or return to the Company. As a result, the Company accounted for the SoyMor assets as an asset acquisition. Neither goodwill nor a gain from a bargain purchase was recognized in conjunction with the acquisition, and no significant contingent assets or liabilities were acquired or assumed in the acquisition.
	The following table summarized the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
		Allocation at
		July 12,
		2011
	Assets (liabilities) acquired:
	Inventory	$	78
	Property, plant and equipment	18,886
	Debt	(1,001		)
	Fair value of investment prior to allocation	(1,613		)
	Fair value of common stock issued	$	16,350
	The acquisition price is summarized as follows:
		Value at July 12, 2011
		Fair Value			Fair Value per
					Share
	Fair value of stock issued:
	Common Stock	$	16,350		$	24.28
	Seneca Landlord, LLC
	On January 24, 2012, the Company acquired the Seneca Facility pursuant to the exercise of its option under the Funding, Investor Fee and Put/Call Agreement (Put/Call Agreement). Pursuant to the Put/Call Agreement, the Company acquired all of the equity interest of Seneca Landlord, which owned the Seneca Facility, in exchange for $12,000, of which approximately $937 was previously paid, and 60,000 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock.
	Seneca Landlord was determined to be a consolidated variable interest entity (VIE) prior to the exercise of the option available under the Put/Call Agreement, thus the basis of the assets recorded were not impacted by its exercise. The payment of cash and Class A Common Stock shown below was used to relieve the Company’s obligation reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as the Seneca Holdco Liability.
	A summary of the acquisition price is as follows:
		Value at
		January 24, 2012
		Fair Value			Fair Value per
					Share
	Fair value of consideration issued:
	Cash	$	11,063
	Class A Common Stock	591			$	9.85
	Total	$	11,654
	North Texas Bio Energy, LLC
	On October 26, 2012, the Company and REG New Boston, LLC (New Boston), a subsidiary of the Company, completed its acquisition of North Texas Bio Energy, LLC (NTBE). Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of NTBE in exchange for 900,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and $324 in cash. The assets of NTBE consisted of an idled 15 mmgy nameplate capacity biodiesel facility and related assets, located in New Boston, Texas.
	The Company determined that the NTBE assets did not constitute a business as defined under ASC Topic 805 on the basis that the NTBE assets were not an integrated set of activities or assets that were capable of being conducted or managed in a manner that would provide any economic benefit or return to the Company. As a result, the Company accounted for the NTBE assets as an asset acquisition. Neither goodwill nor a gain from a bargain purchase was recognized in conjunction with the acquisition, and no significant contingent assets or liabilities were acquired or assumed in the acquisition.
	The following table summarized the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition:
		Allocation at
		October 26,
		2012
	Assets acquired:
	Other current assets	$	17
	Property, plant and equipment	4,636
	Fair value of common stock issued	$	4,653
	The acquisition price is summarized as follows:
		Value at October 26, 2012
		Fair Value			Fair Value per
					Share
	Fair value of consideration issued:
	Cash	$	324
	Class A Common Stock	4,329			$	4.81
	Total	$	4,653
	BullDog Biodiesel, LLC
	On November 16, 2012, the Company and REG Atlanta, LLC (Atlanta), a subsidiary of the Company, completed its acquisition of BullDog Biodiesel, LLC. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of BullDog in exchange for $1,323 in cash and $1,336 of in-kind contribution. The assets of BullDog consisted of an idled 15 mmgy nameplate capacity biodiesel facility and related assets, located near Atlanta, Georgia. The facility had been idled prior to our acquisition and will remain so until certain repairs or upgrades are made.
	The Company determined that the BullDog assets were not a business as defined under ASC Topic 805 on the basis that the BullDog assets were not an integrated set of activities or assets that were capable of being conducted or managed in a manner that would provide any economic benefit or return to the Company. As a result, the Company accounted for the BullDog assets as an asset acquisition. Neither goodwill nor a gain from a bargain purchase was recognized in conjunction with the acquisition, and no significant contingent assets or liabilities were acquired or assumed in the acquisition.
	The following table summarized the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition:
		Allocation at
		November 16,
		2012
	Assets acquired:
	Other current assets	$	13
	Property, plant and equipment	2,646
	Total	$	2,659
	The acquisition price is summarized as follows:
	Value at
	November 16,
	2012
Fair value of consideration issued:
Cash	$	1,323
In-kind contribution	1,336
Total	$	2,659
Soy Energy, LLC
On July 30, 2013, the Company and REG Mason City, LLC (REG Mason City), a subsidiary of the Company, completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Soy Energy, LLC's (Soy Energy) assets in exchange for $10,933 cash and the issuance of a $5,135 promissory note to Soy Energy. The assets of Soy Energy consisted of a 30 mmgy nameplate capacity biodiesel facility and related assets, located in Mason City, Iowa.
The Company determined that the Soy Energy assets were not a business as defined under ASC Topic 805, on the basis that the assets were not an integrated set of activities or assets that were capable of being conducted or managed in a manner that would provide any economic benefit to the Company. As a result, the Company accounted for the Soy Energy assets as an asset acquisition. Neither goodwill nor a gain from a bargain purchase was recognized in conjunction with the acquisition.
The allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition is as follows:
	Allocation at
	July 30,
	2013
Assets (liabilities) acquired:
Property, plant and equipment	$	16,085
Other current liabilities	(17		)
Total	$	16,068

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entities	'
	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
	The Company has a 50% ownership in 416 S. Bell, LLC (Bell, LLC), a VIE joint venture that owns and leases to the Company its corporate office building in Ames, Iowa. Commencing January 1, 2011, the Company has the right to execute a call option with the joint venture member, Dayton Park, LLC (Dayton Park), to purchase Bell, LLC and commencing on January 1, 2013, Dayton Park has the right to execute a put option with the Company to sell Bell, LLC. The Company determined it was the primary beneficiary of Bell, LLC and has consolidated Bell, LLC into the Company’s financial statements since January 1, 2011. The Company is the primary beneficiary due to its ownership interest and having an exercisable call option that allows the Company to direct the activities that most significantly impact Bell, LLC’s economic performance and gives the Company the majority of the benefit from the use of Bell, LLC’s assets. Through the initial consolidation of Bell, LLC, the Company had an outstanding promissory note balance of $4,757 with interest accrued monthly at a rate of 5.7% per annum, with a maturity date of February 15, 2013. During February 2013, the Bell, LLC promissory note was amended to reflect the current interest rate of 3.5% per annum and maturity date of January 14, 2018. The note is secured by a mortgage interest in the office building.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets and liabilities recorded by the Company as a result of the consolidation of Bell, LLC:
		Allocation at
		January 1,
		2011
	Assets (liabilities) acquired:
	Cash	$	22
	Property, plant and equipment	5,881
	Noncurrent assets	4
	Other current liabilities	(17		)
	Debt	(4,757		)
	Other noncurrent liabilities	(567		)
	Carrying value of previously held equity method investment	$	566

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	INVENTORIES
	Inventories consist of the following at December 31:
		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	13,393	$	9,835
	Work in process	1,456		448
	Finished goods	70,965		34,923
	Total	$	85,814	$	45,206

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Company owned property, plant and equipment consists of the following at December 31:
		2013			2012
	Land	$	2,442		$	987
	Building and improvements	72,453			50,688
	Leasehold improvements	6,887			6,879
	Machinery and equipment	166,552			127,167
		248,334			185,721
	Accumulated depreciation	(37,362		)	(28,097		)
		210,972			157,624
	Construction in process	75,072			85,261
	Total	$	286,044		$	242,885
	Property, plant and equipment of consolidated VIE’s consists of the following at December 31:
		2013			2012
	Land	$	404		$	404
	Building and improvements	6,290			6,290
		6,694			6,694
	Accumulated depreciation	(1,514		)	(1,289		)
	Total	$	5,180		$	5,405

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Amortizing intangible assets consist of the following at December 31:
		2013			2012
	Raw material supply agreement intangibles	$	5,502		$	4,919
	Ground lease	200			200
	Accumulated amortization	(835		)	(510		)
	Total intangible assets	$	4,867		$	4,609
	The raw material supply agreement acquired is amortized over its 15 year term based on actual usage under the agreement and expires in 2025. The Company determined the estimated amount of raw materials to be purchased over the life of the agreement to calculate a per pound rate of consumption. The rate is then multiplied by the actual usage each period for expense reporting purposes.
	Amortization expense of $325, $252 and $200 for intangible assets is included in cost of goods sold – biodiesel in the statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Estimated amortization expense for fiscal years ended December 31 is as follows:
	2014	$	418
	2015	479
	2016	492
	2017	506
	2018	521
	Thereafter	2,451
	Total	$	4,867

Other_Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Assets	'
	OTHER ASSETS
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following at December 31:
		2013		2012
	Commodity derivatives and related collateral, net	$	13,675	$	7,637
	Prepaid insurance	1,804		1,109
	Prepaid service contracts	610		552
	Prepaid storage	—		515
	Deposits	293		857
	RIN inventory	6,455		99
	Income taxes receivable	2,197		4,735
	Other	534		308
	Total	$	25,568	$	15,812
	RIN inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market and consists of (i) RINs the Company generates in connection with its production of biodiesel and (ii) RINs acquired from third parties. RINs generated by the Company are recorded at no cost, as these RINs are government incentives and not a tangible output from its biodiesel production. The cost of RINs acquired from third parties is determined using the average cost method. RIN market value is based upon pricing as reported by the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS). Since RINs generated by the Company have zero cost associated to them, the lower of cost or market adjustment in RIN inventory reflects only the value of RINs obtained from third parties. RIN inventory values were adjusted in the amount of $1,277 and $21 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to reflect the lower of cost or market.
	Other noncurrent assets consist of the following at December 31:
		2013		2012
	Debt issuance costs (net of accumulated amortization of $715 and $923, respectively)	$	832	$	946
	Spare parts inventory	3,671		3,546
	Other	526		859
	Total	$	5,029	$	5,351

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Lia

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	'
	ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following at December 31:
		2013		2012
	Accrued property taxes	$	1,271	$	1,201
	Accrued employee compensation	8,138		3,375
	Accrued interest	109		47
	Unfavorable lease obligation, current portion	1,129		1,129
	Incentive stock liability	583		423
	Excise tax payable	545		136
	Other	530		164
	Total	$	12,305	$	6,475
	Other noncurrent liabilities consist of the following at December 31:
		2013		2012
	Fair value of interest rate swap	$	19	$	46
	Liability for unrecognized tax benefits	1,900		1,900
	Deferred grant revenue	745		745
	Straight-line lease liability	3,581		4,011
	Bell, LLC member investment on consolidation	593		590
	Total	$	6,838	$	7,292

Borrowings

Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Borrowings	'
	BORROWINGS
	The Company’s term borrowings at December 31 are as follows:
		2013			2012
	REG Danville term loan	$	5,626		$	10,060
	REG Newton term loan	18,143			21,175
	REG Mason City term loan	5,135			—
	Other	1,247			1,496
	Total notes payable	$	30,151		$	32,731
	Bell, LLC promissory note - variable interest entity	$	4,029		$	4,313
	REG Danville, LLC
	On November 3, 2011, REG Danville, LLC entered into an Amended and Restated Loan Agreement with Fifth Third Bank (Fifth Third Loan). The renewed Fifth Third Loan had a three year term with an automatic one year extension upon certain cumulative principal payment thresholds being met. The loan requires monthly principal payments of $150 and interest based on a rate of LIBOR plus 5% per annum. The effective rate was 5.17% at December 31, 2013. The loan is secured by the Company's Danville facility. The loan agreement contains various loan covenants that restrict REG Danville’s ability to take certain actions, including prohibiting it in certain circumstances from making payments to the Company. The Fifth Third Loan requires semi-annual excess cash flow payments which began on December 31, 2011. REG Danville must pay Fifth Third a principal payment in the amount equal to 50% of REG Danville's Excess Cash Flow. The Fifth Third Loan agreement defines excess cash flow as REG Danville’s EBITDA plus certain affiliate payments less principal payments, interest expense, taxes and unfunded maintenance capital expenditures. The excess cash flow payment required for December 31, 2013 and 2012 are $1,425 and $1,429, respectively.
	On March 4, 2013, REG Danville entered into the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (First Amendment) with Fifth Third Bank. The First Amendment includes changes to the debt covenants based upon the Company executing a tax sharing agreement with REG Danville. The tax sharing agreement provides that REG Danville will share the liability for income taxes via an allocation based upon a separate-return approach. Although the Company is not directly compensated for the use of carry-forward attributes, the tax sharing agreement allows each affiliate to benefit from net operating losses and tax credits that each generates.
	On January 28, 2014, REG Danville received approval from Fifth Third Bank of extending the maturity date of its debt to November 3, 2015 based on meeting requirements of cumulative principal payments of $6,400 towards the debt.
	REG Newton, LLC
	On December 4, 2013, REG Newton, LLC entered into an Amended and Restated Master Loan Agreement, effective December 1, 2013, with AgStar Financial Services, PCA (AgStar) which replaced the existing Master Loan Agreement, dated March 8, 2010. The Amended and Restated Agreement extends the maturity of the existing term loan by five years until December 1, 2018 and increases the term loan by $5,000. The REG Newton term debt is secured by all plant assets owned by REG Newton. Interest is to be accrued based on 30-day LIBOR plus 400 basis points (effective rate at December 31, 2013 was 4.17%). REG Newton is required to make monthly principal and interest payments of approximately $270. The loan agreement requires REG Newton to make an annual payment equal to 50% of its Excess Cash Flow calculated based upon the prior year’s audited financial statements within 120 days of the fiscal year end. The AgStar Loan agreement defines Excess Cash Flow as EBITDA, less the sum of required debt payments, interest expense, up to $500 in maintenance capital expenditure and allowed distributions. There were no required excess cash flow payments for 2013 or 2012.
	REG Mason City, LLC
	On July 30, 2013, REG Mason City entered into an agreement with Soy Energy (Soy Energy Loan). The Soy Energy Loan has a six-year term and is secured by the Mason City facility. The loan requires interest only payments for the first eight months and monthly principal and interest payments of approximately $92 starting in April 2014. Interest is based on a fixed rate of 5%. The loan agreement contains a covenant that restricts REG Mason City's ability to take certain actions, including prohibiting it in certain circumstances from making payments to the Company. The Soy Energy Loan requires annual excess cash flow payments equal to 50% of its excess cash flow. The agreement defines excess cash flow as REG Mason City's EBITDA less principal payments, interest expense, and maintenance capital expenditures. There was no required excess cash flow payment for 2013.
	REG Marketing & Logistics Group, LLC & REG Services Group, LLC
	The Company’s revolving borrowings at December 31 are as follows:
		2013			2012
	Total revolving loans (current)	$	10,986		$	—
	The Company has a revolving credit facility that two of the Company’s subsidiaries entered into on December 23, 2011 with a bank group and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as agent, (the "Wells Fargo Revolver"). The Company guaranteed the obligations of its subsidiaries under the Wells Fargo Revolver, which provides for the extension of revolving loans in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $40,000, based on eligible inventory, accounts receivable and blenders tax credits of the subsidiary borrowers and the inventory of certain affiliates. There is the opportunity for additional lender increases up to a maximum commitment of $60,000. The Wells Fargo Revolver has a stated maturity date of December 23, 2016. Amounts borrowed under the Wells Fargo Revolver bear interest, in the case of LIBOR rate loans, at a per annum rate equal to the LIBOR rate plus the LIBOR Rate Margin (as defined), which may range from 2.50% to 3.25%. All other amounts borrowed that are not LIBOR rate loans bear interest at a rate equal to the greatest of (i) 1.75% per annum, (ii) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, (iii) the LIBOR Rate plus 1.5%, or (iv) the “prime rate” plus 1.00% to 1.75%. The effective interest rate was 3.75% at December 31, 2013.
	The Wells Fargo Revolver contains various loan covenants that restrict each subsidiary borrower’s ability to take certain actions, including restrictions on incurrence of indebtedness, creation of liens, mergers or consolidations, dispositions of assets, repurchase or redemption of capital stock, making certain investments, entering into certain transactions with affiliates or changing the nature of the subsidiary’s business. In addition, the subsidiary borrowers are required to maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Wells Fargo Revolver) of at least 1.0 to 1.0 and to have Excess Availability (as defined in the Wells Fargo Revolver) of at least $4,000. The new revolving credit agreement is secured by the subsidiary borrowers’ membership interests and substantially all of their assets, and the inventory of certain subsidiaries, subject to a $25,000 limitation.
	The credit agreements of the subsidiaries mentioned above contain various customary affirmative and negative covenants. Many of the agreements, but not all, also contain certain financial covenants, including a current ratio, net worth ratio, fixed charge coverage ratio, maximum funded debt to earnings before interest depreciation and amortization ratio and a maximum capital expenditure limitation. Negative covenants include restrictions on incurring certain liens; making certain payments, such as distributions and dividend payments; making certain investments; transferring or selling assets; making certain acquisitions; and incurring additional indebtedness. The agreements generally provide that the payment of obligations may be accelerated upon the occurrence of customary events of default, including, but not limited to, non-payment, change of control or insolvency.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all restrictive financial covenants associated with its borrowings.
	Maturities of the term borrowings are as follows for the years ending December 31:
	2014	$	7,029
	2015	6,699
	2016	4,380
	2017	4,218
	2018	11,223
	Thereafter	631
	Total	34,180
	Less: current portion	(7,029		)
		$	27,151

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The Company historically included revenue from certain government incentive payments in taxable income on its federal and state income tax returns. In connection with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service audits of the 2011 and 2010 years, the Company proposed that these government incentive payments should be excluded from taxable income. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service accepted this position and on August 1, 2013, the Company received notification from the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation approving the audit results and associated refund claim. Based on information obtained in connection with these audits, the Company changed its position related to these government incentive payments to exclude them from taxable income for years 2008 through the current year. This change had a significant impact on the Company’s provision for income taxes in 2013 since this change reduced taxable income in each year between 2008 and 2013. The majority of this reduction increased the Company's net operating loss carry forwards available to offset future taxable income rather than resulting in a refund of taxes previously paid. As a result of excluding these government incentive payments, the Company currently has cumulative losses in recent years and has established a valuation allowance to reduce its total deferred tax assets to the amount more-likely-than-not to be realized
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
		2013						2012
		Current			Noncurrent			Current			Noncurrent
	Deferred Tax Assets:
	Goodwill	$	—		$	10,791		$	—		$	11,999
	Net operating loss carryforwards	—			81,761			—			4,806
	Tax credit carryforwards	—			3,068			—			3,068
	Start-up costs	—			1,231			—			1,362
	Stock-based compensation	—			2,137			—			1,214
	Houston terminal lease	—			1,892			—			2,139
	Accrued compensation	2,908			—			1,113			—
	Inventory capitalization	1,053			—			985			—
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	866			—			802			—
	Other	150			1,064			236			678
	Deferred tax assets	4,977			101,944			3,136			25,266
	Deferred Tax Liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses	(949		)	—			(596		)	—
	Property, plant and equipment	—			(30,568		)	—			(23,425		)
	Deferred revenue	(4,127		)	—			—			—
	Other	(8		)	(731		)	(28		)	(872		)
	Deferred tax liabilities	(5,084		)	(31,299		)	(624		)	(24,297		)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	(107		)	70,645			2,512			969
	Valuation allowance	(3,580		)	(73,336		)	—			—
	Net deferred taxes	$	(3,687	)	$	(2,691	)	$	2,512		$	969
	In evaluating available evidence, the Company considers, among other factors, historical financial performance, expectation of future earnings, length of statutory carry forward periods and ability to carry back losses to prior periods, experience with operating loss and tax credit carry forwards not expiring unused, tax planning strategies and timing for the of reversals of temporary differences. In evaluating losses, management considers the nature, frequency and severity of losses in light of the conditions giving rise to those losses. As a result of excluding government incentive payments, the Company currently has cumulative losses in recent years and has established a valuation allowance of to reduce its total deferred tax assets to the amount more-likely-than-not to be realized. Activity regarding the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Beginning of year balance	$	—		$	7,337		$	38,662
	Changes in valuation allowance charged to income	76,916			(7,337		)	(31,325		)
	End of year balance	$	76,916		$	—		$	7,337
	At December 31, 2013, the Company has recorded a deferred tax asset of $81,761 reflecting the benefit of federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards. Federal net operating losses total $208,129 and will begin to expire in 2028, while the amount and expiration dates of state net operating losses vary by jurisdiction. Changes in ownership of the Company, as defined by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, may limit the utilization of federal and state net operating losses and credit carry forwards in any one year. The Company has performed a study to determine the impact of changes in ownership on utilization of carry forward attributes, the results of which have been incorporated into our financial statements.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had federal small agri-biodiesel producer tax credit carry-forwards of approximately $3,068. If not utilized, these small agri-biodiesel producer tax credits will expire at various times between 2026 and 2028.
	Income tax benefit (expense) for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax benefit (expense)
	Federal	$	2,432		$	(912	)	$	(4,883	)
	State	2,492			(588		)	(3,066		)
		4,924			(1,500		)	(7,949		)
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
	Federal	15,297			(9,857		)	(4,709		)
	State	3,736			(1,187		)	(1,703		)
	Net operating loss carryforwards created (utilized)	48,024			3,753			(19,946		)
		67,057			(7,291		)	(26,358		)
	Income tax benefit (expense) before valuation allowances	71,981			(8,791		)	(34,307		)
	Deferred tax valuation allowances	(76,916		)	7,337			31,325
	Income tax expense	$	(4,935	)	$	(1,454	)	$	(2,982	)
	A reconciliation of the reported amount of income tax expense to the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to earnings from continuing operations before income taxes is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	U.S. Federal income tax expense at a statutory rate of 35 percent	$	(66,955	)	$	(8,256	)	$	(32,090	)
	State taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	6,905			(684		)	(3,020		)
	Tax position on government incentives	131,829			—			—
	Loss on embedded derivative	—			4,191			2,779
	Reduction in stock-based compensation deferred tax asset	—			(3,686		)	—
	Domestic production activities deduction	—			—			307
	Seneca Landlord	—			200			(1,701		)
	Unrecognized tax benefits	—			(400		)	—
	Other	202			(156		)	(582		)
	Total (expense) benefits for income taxes before valuation allowances	71,981			(8,791		)	(34,307		)
	Valuation allowances	(76,916		)	7,337			31,325
	Total expense for income taxes	$	(4,935	)	$	(1,454	)	$	(2,982	)
	In accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, the Company periodically reviews its portfolio of uncertain tax positions. An uncertain tax position represents the Company’s expected treatment of a tax position taken in a filed tax return, or planned to be taken in a tax return not yet filed, that has not been reflected in measuring income tax expense for financial reporting purposes. The Company does not recognize income tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions where it is determined that it is not more-likely-than-not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination.
	A reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31 is as follows:
	2013			2012			2011
Beginning of year balance	$	1,900		$	1,500		$	1,500
Increases to tax positions expected to be taken	—			—			—
Increases to tax positions taken during prior years	—			400			—
Decreases to tax positions taken during prior years	—			—			—
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations	—			—			—
End of year balance	$	1,900		$	1,900		$	1,500
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if the tax benefits were recognized was $0, $1,428 and $1,041 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The remaining liability for unrecognized tax benefits is related to tax positions for which there is a related deferred tax asset. The Company does not believe it is reasonably possible that the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits existing as of December 31, 2013 will significantly increase or decrease over the next twelve months. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense. The Company has not recorded any such amounts in the periods presented.
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has examined the Company's federal income tax returns through 2008, as well as 2010 and 2011. All other years are subject to examination, while various state income tax returns also remain subject to examination by state taxing authorities.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	On October 26, 2011, the stockholders approved the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2009 Plan) which authorizes up to 4,160,000 shares of Company Common Stock to be issued for the award of restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSU’s) and stock appreciation rights (SAR’s) at the discretion of the Company Board as compensation to employees, consultants of the Company and to non-employee directors. The expense is measured at the grant-date fair value of the award and recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period, which is the vesting period. There was no cash flow impact resulting from the grants of these awards. The 2009 Plan is generally protected from anti-dilution via adjustments for any stock dividends, stock split, combination or other recapitalization.
	The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $5,416, $13,119 and $5,934 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The stock-based compensation costs were included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. At December 31, 2013, there was $7,655 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested awards, which is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 3.7 years.
	Stock Options
	The following table summarizes information about Common Stock options granted, exercised, forfeited, vested and exercisable:
		Number			Weighted  Average		Weighted
		of Options			Exercise		Average
					Price		Contractual
							Term
	Options outstanding - January 1, 2011	87,526			23.75		5.6 years
	Granted	—
	Exercised	—
	Forfeited	(500	)		23.75
	Options outstanding - December 31, 2011	87,026			23.75		4.6 years
	Granted	—
	Exercised	—
	Forfeited	—
	Options outstanding - December 31, 2012	87,026			23.75		3.6 years
	Granted	—
	Exercised	—
	Forfeited	—
	Options outstanding - December 31, 2013	87,026			23.75		2.6 years
	Options exercisable - December 31, 2013	87,026			23.75		2.6 years
	All stock options that remain outstanding are fully vested and exercisable. There was no intrinsic value of options granted, exercised or outstanding during the periods presented.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The following table summarizes information about the Company’s Common Stock RSU’s granted, vested, exercised and forfeited:
		Number of			Weighted
		Awards			Average Issue
					Price
	Awards outstanding - January 1, 2011	1,154,086				$12.50
	Issued	299,033				$33.75
	Vested and restriction lapsed	(50,000	)			$33.75
	Forfeited	(6,400	)			$12.53
	Awards outstanding - December 31, 2011	1,396,719				$16.29
	Issued	411,456				$8.93
	Vested and restriction lapsed	(1,294,519	)			$13.65
	Forfeited	(8,040	)			$10.51
	Awards outstanding - December 31, 2012	505,616				$17.14
	Issued	204,183				$11.96
	Vested and restriction lapsed	(192,190	)			$15.72
	Forfeited	(16,681	)			$9.98
	Awards outstanding - December 31, 2013	500,928				$15.81
	The RSU’s convert into one share of common stock upon vesting. RSU’s cliff vest at the earlier of expressly provided service or performance conditions. The service period for these RSU awards, excluding those issued to the Company’s Board of Directors (one year) and certain executive management (four year), is a three year period from the grant date. The performance conditions provide for accelerated vesting upon various conditions including a change in control or other common stock liquidity events. As a result of the Company’s IPO on January 24, 2012 (see “Note 3— Stockholders’ Equity of the Company”) a common stock liquidity-related performance condition was satisfied and 1,294,519 shares vested in relation to this event during 2012.
	Stock Appreciation Rights
	The following table summarizes information about SAR’s granted, forfeited, vested and exercisable:
		Number of			Weighted  Average		Weighted
		SAR’s			Exercise		Average
					Price		Contractual
							Term
	SAR's outstanding - January 1, 2012	—
	Granted	1,055,805			9.47
	Exercised	—
	Forfeited	(1,960	)		9.19
	SAR's outstanding - December 31, 2012	1,053,845			9.47		9.3 years
	Granted	335,057			12.85
	Exercised	(5,106	)		8.92
	Forfeited	(10,727	)		10.85
	SAR's outstanding - December 31, 2013	1,373,069			10.28		8.6 years
	SAR's exercisable - December 31, 2013	250,370			9.49		8.6 years
	SAR's expected to vest - December 31, 2013	1,136,280			10.45		8.6 years
	The SAR’s vest 25% annually on each of the four anniversary dates following the grant date and expire after ten years. The fair value of each SAR grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model as set forth in the table below:
		2013		2012
	The weighted average fair value of stock appreciation rights issued (per unit)	$2.54 - $6.51		$2.73 - $3.99
Dividend yield	—%		—%
Weighted average risk-free interest rate	0.7% - 1.8%		0.7% - 0.9%
Weighted average expected volatility	40%		40%
Expected life in years	6.25		6.25
There was no intrinsic value of options granted, exercised or outstanding during the periods presented.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	Related parties include certain investors as well as entities in which the Company has an equity method investment or an investment combined with a MOSA or board seat. Investors defined as related parties include (i) the investor having ten percent or more ownership, including convertible preferred stock, in the Company or (ii) the investor holding a board seat on the Company Board. After the IPO, the number of related parties decreased due to the dilution of ownership of prior investors as well as the reduction of the number of board seats on the Company Board held by related party investors. The Company will report related party transactions before and after the IPO based on the related party characteristics mentioned above.
	Summary of Related Party Transactions - Consolidated Statements of Operations
			2013		2012		2011
		Revenues - Biodiesel sales (a)	$	—	$	6	$	5,161
		Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel (b)	$	49,358	$	54,364	$	263,562
		Selling, general and administrative expenses (c)	$	37	$	158	$	1,505
		Interest expense (d)	$	30	$	32	$	761
	(a)	Represents transactions with related parties as follows:
		West Central	$	—	$	6	$	11
		Bunge	—		—		2,124
		ED & F Man	—		—		3,026
			$	—	$	6	$	5,161
	(b)	Represents transactions with related parties as follows:
		West Central	$	49,358	$	50,415	$	48,510
		Bunge	—		3,949		203,092
		ED & F Man	—		—		11,960
			$	49,358	$	54,364	$	263,562
	(c)	Represents transactions with related parties as follows:
		West Central	$	37	$	45	$	102
		Bunge	—		113		1,403
			$	37	$	158	$	1,505
	(d)	Represents transactions with related parties as follows:
		West Central	$	30	$	23	$	96
		Bunge	—		9		308
		USRG	—		—		357
			$	30	$	32	$	761
	Summary of Related Party Balances - Consolidated Balance Sheets
			2013		2012
		Accounts receivable (a)	$	426	$	771
		Other assets (a)	$	35	$	692
		Accounts payable (a)	$	552	$	2,950
	(a)	Represents balances with West Central
	West Central Cooperative
	The Company purchases once-refined soybean oil from West Central Cooperative (West Central) and is required to pay interest for amounts owed on extended trade terms. The Company also had biodiesel and co-product sales to West Central.
	West Central leases the land under the Company’s production facility at Ralston, Iowa to the Company at an annual cost of one dollar. The Company is responsible for the property taxes, insurance, utilities and repairs for the facility relating to this lease. The lease has an initial term of twenty years and the Company has options to renew the lease for an additional thirty years.
	In 2006, the Company executed an asset use agreement with West Central to provide for the use of certain assets, such as office space, maintenance equipment and utilities. The agreement requires the Company to pay West Central its proportionate share of certain costs incurred by West Central. This agreement has the same term as the land lease. During February 2012, the Company renegotiated the asset use agreement. The new agreement provides for the use of certain assets, such as buildings, equipment and utilities, which will be charged to the Company based on fixed and variable components.
	At the time of the signing of the contribution agreement, the Company entered into a contract for services with West Central, to provide certain corporate and administrative services such as human resources, information technology and accounting. The agreement requires the Company to pay West Central the proportionate share of the costs associated with the provision of services, plus a 15% margin. The agreement had an initial one-year term and is cancellable thereafter upon six months’ notice by either party. As part of the renegotiated asset usage agreement, the services agreement was cancelled in February 2012.
	In connection with the SoyMor acquisition, REG Albert Lea, LLC (REG Albert Lea) assumed a loan with West Central. REG Albert Lea was required to make monthly interest payments. The loan was paid off in May 2012.
	Bunge North America
	Prior to 2012, the Company purchased feedstocks from Bunge North America, Inc. (Bunge) for the production of biodiesel. The costs associated with the purchased feedstocks were reflected in costs of goods sold – biodiesel when sold to the end customer. The Company also made sales of biodiesel and raw materials to Bunge.
	The Company entered into an agreement for Bunge to provide services related to the procurement of raw materials and the purchase and resale of biodiesel produced by the Company. The Company was required to pay interest for the aggregate outstanding amounts owed to Bunge. Also, as part of the agreement, the Company was required to pay an incentive fee to Bunge for meeting certain hedging goals utilizing Bunge’s advice. On November 8, 2011, the Company gave notice of termination to Bunge in accordance with the agreement. The agreement expired May 2012.
	ED & F Man Holdings Ltd.
	In August 2006, the Company entered into a glycerin marketing agreement and various terminal lease agreements with one of ED & F Man Holdings Ltd’s (ED & F Man) then wholly-owned subsidiaries, Westway Feed Products, Inc. (Westway). This contract was terminated and expired in August 2011.
	The Company also entered into a tolling agreement with ED & F Man for biodiesel to be produced out of the Company’s Houston, Texas biodiesel production facility during 2010. Additionally, the Company purchased biodiesel from ED & F Man for resale and had raw material sales to ED & F Man. There has been no activity or agreements in place during 2013 or 2012.
	USRG Holdco IX, LLC
	In August 2011, REG Albert Lea entered into a loan with USRG in the amount of $10,000 for the purpose of purchasing feedstocks and chemicals for REG Albert Lea’s biodiesel production facility. REG Albert Lea was required to pay interest monthly for the aggregate amount owned to USRG. The loan was repaid in due course prior to maturity in December 2011.

Operating_Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases, Operating [Abstract]	'
Operating Leases	'
	OPERATING LEASES
	The Company leases certain land and equipment under operating leases. Total rent expense under operating leases was $12,549, $11,114 and $7,299 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For each of the next five calendar years and thereafter, future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:
		Total
		Payments
	2014	$	11,948
	2015	9,401
	2016	8,856
	2017	8,339
	2018	8,001
	Thereafter	30,243
	Total minimum payments	$	76,788
	The Company's leases consist primarily of access to distribution terminals, biodiesel storage facilities, railcars and vehicles. At the end of the lease term the Company, generally, has the option to (a) return the leased equipment to the lessor, (b) purchase the property at its then fair value or (c) renew its lease at the then fair rental value on a year-to-year basis or for an agreed upon term. Certain leases allow for adjustment to minimum rentals in future periods as determined by the Consumer Price Index.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	The Company has entered into derivatives to hedge its exposure to price risk related to feedstock inventory and biodiesel finished goods inventory. Additionally, the Company has entered into an interest rate swap with the objective of managing risk caused by fluctuations in interest rates associated with the REG Danville note payable. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for trading purposes.
	All of the Company’s derivatives are designated as non-hedge derivatives and are utilized to manage cash flow. Although the contracts may be effective economic hedges of specified risks, they are not designated as, nor accounted for, as hedging instruments. Unrealized gains and losses on commodity futures, swaps and options contracts used to hedge feedstock purchases or biodiesel inventory are recognized as a component of biodiesel costs of goods sold reflected in current results of operations. Commodity hedge gains and losses are generally offset by other corresponding changes in gross margin through changes in either biodiesel sales price and/or feedstock price. Unrealized gains and losses on the interest rate swap are recorded in other income (expense), net in the Company’s statements of operations. All derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company has entered into heating oil and soybean oil derivative instruments and an interest rate swap agreement. The Company has entered into heating oil and soy oil commodity-based derivatives in order to protect gross profit margins from potentially adverse effects of price volatility on biodiesel sales where the prices are set at a future date. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had 1,076 open commodity contracts. In addition, the Company manages interest rate risk associated with the REG Danville variable interest rate note payable using a fixed rate swap. The interest rate swap agreement has an outstanding notional value of $3,295 as of December 31, 2013. The agreement effectively fixes the variable component of the interest rate on the Term Loan at 0.92% through July 2015. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was $19 and $46 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is recorded in the other noncurrent liabilities.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company posted $13,896 of collateral associated with its commodity-based derivatives with a net liability position of $221.
	The Company’s preferred stock embedded conversion feature related to the Series A Preferred Stock that was converted upon our IPO is further discussed in “Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”
	The following tables provide details regarding the Company’s derivative financial instruments:
		As of December 31, 2013
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet		Fair				Balance Sheet		Fair
		Location		Value				Location		Value
	Interest rate swap			$	—			Other liabilities		$	19
	Commodity futures	Prepaid expenses and other assets		62				Prepaid expenses and other assets		—
	Commodity swaps	Prepaid expenses and other assets		75				Prepaid expenses and other assets		491
	Commodity options	Prepaid expenses and other assets		188				Prepaid expenses and other assets		55
	Total derivatives			$	325					$	565
		As of December 31, 2012
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet		Fair				Balance Sheet		Fair
		Location		Value				Location		Value
	Interest rate swap			$	—			Other liabilities		$	46
	Commodity swaps	Prepaid expenses and other assets		305				Prepaid expenses and other assets		476
	Commodity options	Prepaid expenses and other assets		143				Prepaid expenses and other assets		388
	Total derivatives			$	448					$	910
			2013				2012				2011
		Location of Gain (Loss)	Amount of				Amount of				Amount of
		Recognized in Income	Gain (Loss)				Gain (Loss)				Gain (Loss)
			Recognized				Recognized				Recognized
			in Income on				in Income on				in Income on
			Derivatives				Derivatives				Derivatives
	Embedded derivative	Change in fair value of preferred stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	$	—			$	11,975			$	7,939
	Interest rate swap	Other income (loss)	26				(5		)		571
	Commodity futures	Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	258				(4		)		(97		)
	Commodity swaps	Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	(5,775		)		(4,254		)		2,557
	Commodity options	Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	(139		)		(364		)		567
	Total		$	(5,630	)		$	7,348			$	11,537
	The tables below represent the amounts subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement not otherwise disclosed:
		2013
		Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
	Gross amounts recognized	$	14,221			$	565
	Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(325		)		(325		)
	Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Position	13,896				240
	Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(13,896		)		—
	Net amount	$	—			$	240
		2012
		Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
	Gross amounts recognized	$	8,501			$	910
	Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(448		)		(448		)
	Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Position	8,053				462
	Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(8,053		)		—
	Net amount	$	—			$	462

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
	The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
	•	Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	•	Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations, in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
	•	Level 3—Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	A summary of assets (liabilities) measured at fair value is as follows:
		As of December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Interest rate swap	$	(19	)	$	—		$	(19	)	$	—
	Commodity futures	62			—			62			—
	Commodity swaps	(416		)	—			(416		)	—
	Commodity options	133			—			133			—
		$	(240	)	$	—		$	(240	)	$	—
		As of December 31, 2012
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Interest rate swap	$	(46	)	$	—		$	(46	)	$	—
	Commodity swaps	(171		)	—			(171		)	—
	Commodity options	(245		)	—			(245		)	—
		$	(462	)	$	—		$	(462	)	$	—
	The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended as follows:
		Preferred			Seneca
		Stock			Holdco
		Embedded			Liability
		Derivatives
	Ending balance - January 1, 2011	$	(61,761	)	$	(10,406	)
	Total unrealized gains (losses)	7,939			(2,097		)
	Purchase accounting consolidation	—			600
	Ending balance - December 31, 2011	(53,822		)	(11,903		)
	Total realized gains	11,975			349
	Purchases	—			—
	Issuance	—			—
	Settlements	41,847			11,554
	Ending balance - December 31, 2012	—			—
	Total unrealized gains (losses)	—			—
	Purchases	—			—
	Issuance	—			—
	Settlements	—			—
	Ending balance - December 31, 2013	$	—		$	—
	The Company used the following methods and assumptions to estimate fair value of its financial instruments:
	Valuation of Preferred Stock embedded conversion feature derivatives: The estimated fair value of the derivative instruments embedded in the Company’s outstanding preferred stock was determined using the option pricing method to allocate the fair value of the underlying stock to the various components comprising the security, including the embedded derivative. The allocation was performed based on each class of preferred stock’s liquidation preference and relative seniority. Derivative liabilities are adjusted to reflect fair value at each period end. The effects of interactions between embedded derivatives are calculated and accounted for in arriving at the overall fair value of the financial instruments.
	Interest rate swap: The fair value of the interest swap was determined based on a discounted cash flow approach using market observable swap curves.
	Commodity derivatives: The instruments held by the Company consist primarily of futures contracts, swap agreements, purchased put options and written call options. The fair value of contracts based on quoted prices of identical assets in an active exchange-traded market is reflected in Level 1. Contract fair value is determined based on quoted prices of similar contracts in over-the-counter markets and are reflected in Level 2.
	Seneca Holdco liability: The liability represents the combination of the Call Option and the Put Option related to the purchase of membership interest of Seneca Landlord. The fair value of the Seneca Holdco liability was determined using an option pricing model and represents the probability weighted present value of the gain that is realized upon exercise of each option.
	Notes payable and lines of credit: The fair value of long-term debt and lines of credit was established using discounted cash flow calculations and current market rates reflecting Level 2 inputs.
	The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which are not recorded at fair value are as follows as of December 31:
		2013						2012
		Asset (Liability)			Estimated Fair Value			Asset (Liability)			Estimated Fair Value
		Carrying Amount						Carrying Amount
	Financial Liabilities:
	Notes payable and lines of credit	$	(45,166	)	$	(45,094	)	$	(37,044	)	$	(37,000	)

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Share	'
	NET INCOME PER SHARE
	Basic net income per common share is presented in conformity with the two-class method required for participating securities. Participating securities include, or have included, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and RSU's. Under the two-class method, net income is reduced for distributed and undistributed dividends earned in the current period. The remaining earnings are then allocated to common stock and the participating securities.
	The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock accrued dividends at the rate of $0.88 per share per annum. Dividends were cumulative, accrued on a daily basis from the date of issuance and compounded annually from the date of issuance. If dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock had not been paid or declared, the deficiency would have paid or declared before any dividend is declared for Common Stock. Dividends in arrears did not bear interest. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock were allowed to participate in the dividends to common stockholders in the event that dividends on Common Stock exceed that of the Series A Preferred Stock as if the Series A Preferred Stock had been converted to Common Stock at the beginning of the year. Series A Preferred Stock was converted to common shares at the time of the Company's initial public offering.
	The holders of the Series B Preferred Stock accrue dividends at a rate of $1.125 per share per annum. Dividends are cumulative, accrue on a daily basis from the date of issuance and compound annually from the date of issuance. If dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock have not been paid or declared, the deficiency shall be paid or declared before any dividend is declared for Common Stock. Dividends in arrears do not bear interest. Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are allowed to participate in the dividends to common stockholders in the event that dividends on Common Stock exceed that of the Series B Preferred Stock as if the Series B Preferred Stock had been converted to Common Stock at the beginning of the year.
	The Company calculates the effects of participating securities on diluted earnings per share (EPS) using both the “if-converted or treasury stock” and "two-class" methods and discloses the method which results in a more dilutive effect. The effects of Common Stock options, warrants, and stock appreciation rights on diluted EPS are calculated using the treasury stock method unless the effects are anti-dilutive to EPS.
	The following potentially dilutive weighted average securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders during the periods presented as the effect was anti-dilutive:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Options to purchase common stock	87,026			87,026			87,207
	Restricted stock units	—			754,359			1,230,092
	Stock appreciation rights	1,030,926			1,196,975			—
	Warrants to purchase common stock	—			35,987			355,886
	Redeemable preferred shares	—			—			5,382,209
	Total	1,117,952			2,074,347			7,055,394
	The following table presents the calculation of diluted net income per share for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the effect from all convertible securities were anti-dilutive (in thousands, except share and per share data):
		2013				2012
	Net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders - Basic	$	165,254			$	43,482
	Less: effects of recapitalization	—				(39,107		)
	Plus: change in undistributed dividends allocated to preferred stockholders	—				823
	Plus: distributed dividends to Preferred Stockholders	2,055				3,156
	Plus: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock to redemption value	—				1,808
	Plus: (gain) loss due to change in fair value of Series A Preferred Stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	—				(11,975		)
	Plus: effect of participating securities	19,057				12,097
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	186,366				10,284
	Less: effect of participating securities	(21,108		)		(1,108		)
	Net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders - Diluted	$	165,258			$	9,176
	Shares:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - Basic	33,045,164				28,381,676
	Adjustment to reflect conversion of preferred stock	—				5,958,790
	Adjustment to reflect stock appreciation right conversions	7,065				—
	Adjustment to reflect warrants to purchase common stock	650				—
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - Diluted	33,052,879				34,340,466
	Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - Diluted	$	5			$	0.27

Reportable_Segments

Reportable Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reportable Segments	'
	REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
	The Company reports its reportable segments based on services provided to customers, which includes Biodiesel, Services and Corporate and other activities. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company has chosen to differentiate the reportable segments based on the products and services each segment offers.
	The Biodiesel segment processes waste vegetable oils, animal fats, virgin vegetable oils and other feedstocks and methanol into biodiesel. The Biodiesel segment also includes the Company’s purchases and resale of biodiesel produced by third parties. Revenue is derived from the purchases and sales of biodiesel, RINs and raw material feedstocks acquired from third parties, sales of biodiesel produced under toll manufacturing arrangements with third party facilities, sales of processed biodiesel from Company facilities, related by-products and renewable energy government incentive payments. The Services segment offers services for managing the construction of biodiesel production facilities and managing ongoing operations of third party plants and collects fees related to the services provided. The Company does not allocate items that are of a non-operating nature or corporate expenses to the business segments. Intersegment revenues are reported by the Services segment, which manages the construction and operations of facilities included in the Biodiesel segment. Revenues are recorded by the Services segment at cost. Corporate expenses consist of corporate office expenses including compensation, benefits, occupancy and other administrative costs, including management service expenses.
	The following table represents the significant items by reportable segment for the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		2013			2012			2011
	Net sales:
	Biodiesel	$	1,498,011		$	1,014,797		$	823,809
	Services	63,980			38,031			13,027
	Intersegment revenues	(63,853		)	(37,794		)	(12,805		)
		$	1,498,138		$	1,015,034		$	824,031
	Income before income taxes and income from equity investments:
	Biodiesel	$	239,462		$	58,349		$	127,187
	Services	(29		)	(26		)	24
	Corporate and other (a)	(48,132		)	(34,610		)	(35,802		)
		$	191,301		$	23,713		$	91,409
	Depreciation and amortization expense, net:
	Biodiesel	$	8,199		$	7,111		$	8,833
	Services	120			38			4
	Corporate and other (a)	923			772			638
		$	9,242		$	7,921		$	9,475
	Cash paid for purchases of property, plant and equipment:
	Biodiesel	$	36,770		$	11,409		$	3,823
	Services	504			396			53
	Corporate and other (a)	1,779			849			930
		$	39,053		$	12,654		$	4,806
		2013			2012			2011
	Goodwill:
	Biodiesel	$	68,784		$	68,784		$	68,784
	Services	16,080			16,080			16,080
		$	84,864		$	84,864		$	84,864
	Assets:
	Biodiesel	$	444,945		$	357,305		$	341,863
	Services	20,542			20,033			20,474
	Corporate and other (b)	275,368			118,446			122,110
		$	740,855		$	495,784		$	484,447
	(a)	Corporate and other includes income/(expense) not associated with the reportable segments, such as corporate general and administrative expenses, shared service expenses, interest expense and interest income, all reflected on an accrual basis of accounting.
	(b)	Corporate and other includes cash and other assets not associated with the reportable segments, including investments.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	The Company is involved in legal proceedings in the normal course of business. The Company currently believes that any ultimate liability arising out of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Supplemental_Quarterly_Informa

Supplemental Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	'
	SUPPLEMENTAL QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
	The following table represents the significant items for the results of operations on a quarterly basis for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Three Months			Three Months			Three Months			Three Months
		Ended			Ended			Ended			Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2013			2013			2013
	Revenues	$	264,368		$	384,735		$	458,444		$	390,591
	Gross profit	86,695			50,181			57,849			44,708
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses	9,644			11,226			12,686			12,567
	Income from operations	77,051			38,955			45,163			32,141
	Other income (expense), net	(459		)	(511		)	(511		)	(528		)
	Net income	46,403			23,130			86,703			30,130
	Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - basic	1.25			0.63			2.32			0.81
	Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted	1.25			0.62			2.31			0.8
		Three Months			Three Months			Three Months			Three Months
		Ended			Ended			Ended			Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		2012			2012			2012			2012
	Revenues	$	188,247		$	271,927		$	322,912		$	231,948
	Gross profit	17,034			30,949			2,791			7,549
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses	12,962			11,014			9,902			8,544
	Income (loss) from operations	4,072			19,935			(7,111		)	(995		)
	Other income (expense), net	11,308			(1,031		)	(1,094		)	(1,371		)
	Net income (loss)	14,017			14,433			(6,040		)	(151		)
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - basic	1.6			0.39			(0.24		)	(0.03		)
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted	0.06			0.39			(0.24		)	(0.03		)

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On December 17, 2013, the Company and REG Synthetic Fuels, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Syntroleum Corporation (Syntroleum) to acquire substantially all assets, including all of Syntroleum's intellectual property and its 50% equity interest in Dynamic Fuels, LLC. As consideration for the asset sale, REG Synthetic Fuels will assume substantially all material assets and liabilities of Syntroleum and Syntroleum will receive 3,796,000 shares of the Company's common stock, subject to downward adjustment (based on the value of the Company's Common Stock at closing, as calculated under the Asset Purchase Agreement) to the extent that Syntroleum’s cash on hand at closing is less than $3,200; provided, that, if the per share value of the Company’s Common Stock at closing (as calculated under the Asset Purchase Agreement) is equal to or greater than $12.91, then the number of shares of the Company's common stock will be equal to (i) $49,000, divided by (ii) the Company's Common Stock value at closing (as calculated under the Asset Purchase Agreement). The closing of the transaction is conditioned upon Syntroleum’s receipt of the approval of the holders of a majority of Syntroleum’s outstanding shares of common stock and other specified closing conditions. Accordingly, this transaction is not reflected in the Company's financial statements as of December 31, 2013.
	On January 22, 2014, REG Life Sciences, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of LS9, Inc. (LS9) as part of its strategy to expand into the production of renewable chemicals, additional advanced biofuels and other products. LS9 is a research and development stage company focused on harnessing the power of microbial fermentation to develop and produce renewable chemicals, fuels and other products. The assets acquired consist mainly of in-process research and development, intellectual property and fixed assets. The Company has not completed its initial accounting for this business combination as the valuation of the assets acquired and contingent consideration has not been finalized.
	As consideration for the asset sale, LS9 received (i) $15,275 in cash and (ii) 2,230,559 shares of the Company’s Common Stock (LS9 Stock Consideration) and may receive over a six-year period earnout payments, if any, with a value of up to a maximum amount of $21,500 (LS9 Earnout Payments), subject to achievement of certain milestones related to the development and commercialization of products from LS9’s technology. Of the LS9 Stock Consideration, 541,288 shares will be held in escrow for 18 months and applied towards the indemnification obligations of LS9 and certain of its securityholders.
	The Earnout Payments will be payable, at REG Life Sciences’ election, as follows: (i) by the delivery to LS9 of shares of the Company’s Common Stock equal to the amount of the applicable Earnout Payment divided by the average closing sales price of the Company’s Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for the 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day preceding the date of the applicable Earnout Payment, (ii) by delivery to LS9 by wire transfer of immediately available funds of an amount in dollars equal to the applicable Earnout Payment, or (iii) by delivery to LS9 of any combination of shares of the Company’s Common Stock and amounts in dollars.
	On February 24, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company, at management's discretion, to redeem all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The Company plans to execute the cash redemption prior to the end of first quarter 2014.

Schedule_I_Financial_Informati

Schedule I - Financial Information of Parent Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule I - Financial Information of Parent Company	'
	RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP, INC.
	FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY
	CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
	(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
		2013			2012
	ASSETS
	CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,581		$	11,287
	Notes receivable	—			8,618
	Deferred income taxes	7,018			—
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	2,668			5,518
	Total current assets	11,267			25,423
	Property, plant and equipment, net	3,823			2,193
	Intangible assets, net	4,749			4,476
	Investment in subsidiaries	614,330			403,549
	Intercompany receivables	1,177			721
	Long term note receivables	—			14,093
	Other assets	122			11
	TOTAL ASSETS	$	635,468		$	450,466
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable	$	2,083		$	3,799
	Accrued expenses	2,728			1,392
	Deferred income taxes	—			529
	Total current liabilities	4,811			5,720
	Deferred income taxes	32,624			36,939
	Total liabilities	37,435			42,659
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK ($.0001 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized; 143,313 and 2,995,106 shares outstanding, respectively; redemption amount $3,583 and $74,878, respectively)	3,963			83,043
	EQUITY:
	Company stockholders' equity:
	Common stock ($.0001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 36,506,221 and 30,559,935 shares outstanding, respectively)	4			3
	Common stock - additional paid-in-capital	359,671			273,989
	Warrants - additional paid-in-capital	147			147
	Retained earnings	238,134			53,823
	Treasury stock (530,898 and 462,985 shares outstanding, respectively)	(3,886		)	(3,198		)
	Total stockholders' equity	594,070			324,764
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	635,468		$	450,466
	See notes to the Renewable Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries consolidated financial statements elsewhere herein.
	SCHEDULE I
	RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP, INC.
	FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
	(IN THOUSANDS)
		2013			2012			2011
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries of continuing operations	$	178,100		$	20,071		$	98,432
	Income from services provided to subsidiaries	4,760			5,138			500
	Total income	182,860			25,209			98,932
	General and administrative expenses	(17,404		)	(25,473		)	(13,019		)
	Change in fair value of preferred stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	—			11,975			7,939
	Change in fair value of Seneca Holdco liability	—			349			(2,097		)
	Other income	39			109			35
	Interest expense	(2		)	(199		)	(14		)
	Interest income	1,504			414			134
	Income before income taxes and income (loss) from equity investments	166,997			12,384			91,910
	Income tax benefit (expense)	19,369			9,804			(2,982		)
	Income (loss) from equity investments	—			71			(59		)
	Net income	186,366			22,259			88,869
	Effects of recapitalization	—			39,107			—
	Less - accretion of Series A preferred stock to redemption value	—			(1,808		)	(25,343		)
	Less - changes in undistributed dividends allocated to preferred stockholders	—			(823		)	(12,723		)
Less - distributed dividends to preferred stockholders	(2,055		)	(3,156		)	—
Less - effects of participating preferred stock	(16,272		)	(8,952		)	(4,186		)
Less - effect of participating share-based awards	(2,785		)	(3,145		)	(3,864		)
Net income attributable to the company's common stockholders	$	165,254		$	43,482		$	42,753
See notes to the Renewable Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries consolidated financial statements elsewhere herein.
SCHEDULE I
RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP, INC.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
(IN THOUSANDS)
	2013			2012			2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	186,366		$	22,259		$	88,869
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Equity in earnings of continuing operations	(178,100		)	(20,071		)	(98,432		)
Depreciation expense	255			157			410
Amortization expense	314			240			189
Provision for doubtful accounts	—			12			—
Stock compensation expense	5,416			13,119			5,934
(Income) loss from equity method investees	—			(71		)	59
Deferred tax benefit	(12,239		)	(7,794		)	(4,967		)
Change in fair value of preferred stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	—			(11,975		)	(7,939		)
Change in fair value of Seneca Holdco liability	—			(249		)	2,097
Expense settled with stock issuance	—			1,898			—
Dividends received from subsidiary	162,969			—			6,802
Premium paid for Seneca Landlord investment	—			(7,063		)	—
Changes in asset and liabilities, net of effects from mergers and acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(514		)	675			(564		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	2,849			(4,978		)	(204		)
Accounts payable	(1,246		)	2,254			674
Accrued expenses	770			(973		)	1,818
Net cash flows provided from (used in) operating activities	166,840			(12,560		)	(5,254		)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Change in investments in subsidiaries	(153,343		)	(352		)	(158		)
Cash paid for purchase of property, plant and equipment	(2,444		)	(666		)	(679		)
Cash paid for acquisitions	(10,933		)	(1,647		)	—
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(166,720		)	(2,665		)	(837		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid on note receivable to subsidiaries	(35,982		)	(22,711		)	(1,482		)
Cash received on note receivable from subsidiaries	27,754			—			4,671
Cash paid on note payable from subsidiaries	—			(3,846		)	—
Cash received on note payable from subsidiaries	—			1,250			2,596
Repayment of investment in Seneca Landlord	—			(4,000		)	—
Cash received upon exercise of warrants	—			—			48
Cash received from initial public offering	—			63,747			—
Cash paid for issuance cost of common and preferred stock	(25		)	(1,699		)	(1,199		)
Cash paid for treasury stock	(282		)	(3,074		)	—
Cash paid for preferred stock dividends	(1,291		)	(3,155		)	—
Net cash flows provided from (used in) financing activities	(9,826		)	26,512			4,634
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(9,706		)	11,287			(1,457		)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	11,287			—			1,457
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	$	1,581		$	11,287		$	—
See notes to the Renewable Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries consolidated financial statements elsewhere herein.
SCHEDULE I
RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT COMPANY
For The Three Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying condensed financial statements (the Parent Company Financial Statements) of Renewable Energy Group, Inc., including the notes thereto, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Renewable Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) and the notes thereto. The condensed financial statements and notes thereto are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and do not contain certain information included in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
The condensed financial information of Renewable Energy Group, Inc. includes only the financial information for the Registrant, Renewable Energy Group, Inc., excluding all of its consolidated subsidiaries. The accompanying financial statement information reflects the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant on a separate, parent company basis. All subsidiaries of Renewable Energy Group, Inc. are reflected as investments accounted for using the equity method. In accordance with Rule 12-04 of Regulation S-X, these parent-only financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.) for annual financial statements. Because these parent-only financial statements and notes do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP in the U.S. for annual financial statements, these parent-only financial statements and other information included should be read in conjunction with Renewable Energy Group, Inc.’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2013. The schedule is required based upon the limitations on dividends and distributions that its subsidiaries can make to the Registrant under the terms of their debt agreements as described in the Note 12 — Borrowings to the consolidated financial statements.
The preparation of the Parent Company Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the condensed financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
NOTE 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
See notes to the Renewable Energy Group, Inc. and subsidiaries consolidated financial statements for additional accounting policies.
NOTE 3—INCOME TAXES
The Parent Company Financial Statements recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis assets and liabilities at the financial statement date using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect in the year the differences are expected to reverse. The Parent Company Financial Statements are included in the Company’s consolidated income tax return. However, the Parent Company Financial Statement’s income tax assets and liabilities are computed on a stand-alone basis.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Consolidation	'
	Basis of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and entities which it controls. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated for consolidated reporting purposes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consists of money market funds and demand deposits with financial institutions. The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable are carried at invoiced amount less allowance for doubtful accounts. Management estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on existing economic conditions, the financial conditions of customers, and the amount and age of past due accounts. Receivables are considered past due if full payment is not received by the contractual due date. Past due accounts are generally written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts only after reasonable collection attempts have been exhausted. Activity regarding the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:
	Balance, January 1, 2011	$	316
	Amount charged to selling, general and administrative expenses	1,389
	Charge-offs, net of recovery	(270		)
	Balance, December 31, 2011	1,435
	Amount charged to selling, general and administrative expenses	563
	Charge-offs, net of recovery	(26		)
	Balance, December 31, 2012	1,972
	Amount charged to selling, general and administrative expenses	309
	Charge-offs, net of recovery	(157		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	2,124
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. There were no lower of cost or market adjustments made to the inventory values reported as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Cost is determined based on the first-in, first-out method.
Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs)	'
	Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs)
	When the Company produces and sells a gallon of biodiesel, 1.5 RINs per gallon are generated. RINs are used to track compliance with Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS2). RFS2 allows the Company to attach between zero and 2.5 RINs to any gallon of biodiesel. When the Company sells a gallon of biodiesel, 1.5 RINs are generally attached. As a result, a portion of the selling price for a gallon of biodiesel is generally attributable to RFS2 compliance. However, RINs that the Company generates are a form of government incentive and not a result of the physical attributes of the biodiesel production. Therefore, no cost is allocated to the RIN when it is generated, regardless of whether the RIN is transferred with the biodiesel produced or held by the Company pending attachment to other biodiesel production sales. In addition, the Company also obtains RINs from third parties who have separated the RINs from gallons of biomass-based diesel. From time to time, the Company holds varying amounts of these separated RINs for resale. RINs obtained from third parties are initially recorded at their cost and are subsequently revalued at the lower of cost or market as of the last day of each accounting period and the resulting adjustments are reflected in costs of goods sold for the period. The value of RINs obtained from third parties is reflected in “Prepaid expenses and other assets” on the consolidated balance sheet. The cost of goods sold related to the sale of these RINs is determined using the average cost method, while market prices are determined by RIN values, as reported by the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS).
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative Instruments
	Derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in current period earnings.
Valuation of Series A Preferred Stock Conversion Feature Embedded Derivatives	'
	Valuation of Series A Preferred Stock Conversion Feature Embedded Derivatives
	The conversion feature of the Series A Preferred Stock was accounted for as an embedded derivative prior to the conversion of Series A Preferred Stock in January 2012. This embedded derivative was a liability representing the estimated fair value of Series A Preferred Stock holders right to receive the fair market value of the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock on the redemption date. The value of this derivative was adjusted each quarter based on changes in the estimated fair value, and a corresponding income or expense was recorded in change in fair value of the Preferred Stock conversion feature embedded derivatives in the Company’s statements of operations. The Company used the Black-Scholes options pricing model to estimate the fair value and assumptions included the expected volatility of the value of the Company’s equity, the expected conversion date, an appropriate risk-free interest rate and the estimated fair value of the Company’s equity.
Valuation of Seneca Holdco Liability	'
	Valuation of Seneca Holdco Liability
	The Company recorded a liability (Seneca Holdco Liability) at fair value, with changes in value recognized currently in earnings, for its obligation under a Put/Call Agreement with Seneca Holdco, LLC (Seneca Holdco) to purchase Seneca Landlord, LLC (Seneca Landlord) whose assets consisted primarily of a 60 mmgy biodiesel production facility in Seneca, Illinois (Seneca Facility) until the Company exercised its option and acquired the Seneca Facility in January 2012. Seneca Landlord was indirectly owned by three significant stockholders of the Company or their affiliates: Bunge North America, Inc. USRG Holdco IX, LLC, and West Central Cooperative.
	The fair value of the Seneca Holdco Liability was determined by probability weighting the present value of gains or losses realized under each option in the Put/Call Agreement. The Put/Call Agreement had a term of seven years and was exercisable by either party at a price based on a pre-defined formula. The valuation required the development and use of highly subjective assumptions including (i) the value of the Landlord’s equity, (ii) expectations regarding future changes in the value of the Landlord’s equity, (iii) expectations about the probability of either option being exercised, including the Company’s ability to list its securities on an exchange or complete a public offering and (iv) an appropriate risk-free rate. Company management considered current public equity markets, relevant regulatory issues, industry conditions and the Company’s position within the industry when estimating the probability that the Company would raise additional capital.
Preferred Stock Accretion	'
	Preferred Stock Accretion
	The Company accreted the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock to its redemption value until January 2012 when it was converted in connection with the Initial Public Offering (IPO). Accretion of $1,808 and $25,343 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was recognized as a reduction to income available to common stockholders in accordance with paragraph 15 of ASC Topic 480-10-S99.
	The Company recorded the Series B Preferred Stock at fair value, which was a premium over its redemption value; therefore no accretion is recorded for the Series B Preferred Stock.
Non-monetary Exchanges	'
	Non-monetary Exchanges
	The Company records assets acquired and liabilities assumed through the exchange of non-monetary assets based on the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired or the fair value of the consideration exchanged, whichever is more readily determinable.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation expense is computed on a straight-line method based upon estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Automobiles and trucks	5 years
	Computers and office equipment	5 years
	Office furniture and fixtures	7 years
	Machinery and equipment	5-30 years
	Leasehold improvements	the lesser of the lease term or 30 years
	Buildings and improvements	30-40 years
	As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company capitalized interest incurred on debt during the construction of assets of $335, $33 and $0, respectively.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	Goodwill is tested for impairment annually on July 31 or when impairment indicators exist. Goodwill is allocated and tested for impairment by reporting units. The Company’s reporting units consist of its two operating segments, the biodiesel operating segment and services operating segment. The analysis is based on a comparison of the carrying value of the reporting unit to its fair value, determined utilizing both a discounted cash flow methodology and a market comparable methodology. The determination of whether or not the asset has become impaired involves a significant level of judgment in the assumptions underlying the approach used to determine the value of the Company’s reporting units. Changes in estimates of future cash flows caused by items such as unforeseen events or sustained unfavorable changes in market conditions could negatively affect the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill asset and result in an impairment charge. The annual impairment test determined that the fair value of the biodiesel operating segment exceeded its carrying value by approximately 43% and the services operating segment exceeded its carrying value by approximately 20%. There was no impairment of goodwill recorded in any of the periods presented.
	The following table summarizes goodwill for the Company’s business segments:
		Biodiesel			Services		Total
	Beginning balance - January 1, 2012	$	68,784		$	16,080	$	84,864
	Acquisitions	—			—		—
	Ending balance - December 31, 2012	68,784			16,080		84,864
	Acquisitions	—			—		—
	Ending balance - December 31, 2013	$	68,784		$	16,080	$	84,864
Impairment of Assets	'
	Impairment of Assets
	The Company tests its long-lived assets for recoverability when events or circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Significant assumptions used in the undiscounted cash flow analysis include the projected demand for biodiesel based on annual renewable fuel volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS2), the Company's capacity to meet that demand, the market price of biodiesel and the cost of feedstock used in the manufacturing process. For facilities under construction, estimates also include the capital expenditures necessary to complete construction of the plant. The Company’s facilities under construction are expected to have substantially similar operating capabilities and results as the current operating facilities. Such operating capabilities would include similar feedstock capabilities, similar access to low cost feedstocks, proximity to shipping from our vendors and to our customers and our ability to transfer best practices among the Company's various operating facilities to maximize production volumes and reduce operating costs. There were no asset impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Investments	'
	Investments
	The Company has made investments in several biofuels businesses. These investments are recorded at cost and assessed for impairment at each reporting period. There were no impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Unfavorable Lease Obligation	'
	Unfavorable Lease Obligation
	The Company assumed a ground lease of a terminal facility in Houston, Texas as part of an acquisition which required the Company to pay above market rentals through the remainder of the lease term expiring in 2021. The unfavorable lease obligation is amortized over the contractual period the Company is required to make rental payments under the lease. The amount expected to be amortized each year for the remainder of the contract is $1,129.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenues from the following sources:
	•	the sale of biodiesel and its co-products, as well as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) and raw material feedstocks, purchased or produced by the Company at owned manufacturing facilities and manufacturing facilities with which the Company has tolling arrangements;
	•	the resale of biodiesel, RINs and raw material feedstocks acquired from third parties;
	•	fees received under toll manufacturing agreements with third parties;
	•	incentives received from federal and state programs for renewable fuels; and
	•	fees received for the marketing and sales of biodiesel produced by third parties and from managing operations of third party facilities.
	Biodiesel, including RINs, and raw material feedstock revenues are recognized where there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred, the price has been fixed or is determinable and collectability can be reasonably assured.
	Fees received under toll manufacturing agreements with third parties are generally established as an agreed upon amount per gallon of biodiesel produced. The fees are recognized where there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred, the price has been fixed or is determinable and collectability can be reasonably assured.
	Revenues associated with the governmental incentive programs are recognized when the amount to be received is determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and the sale of product giving rise to the incentive has been recognized. The Company received funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the amount of $2,813, $1,161 and $9,913 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company records amounts when it has received notification of a payment from the USDA or is in receipt of the funds and records the awards under the Program in "Biodiesel government incentives" as they are closely associated with the Company's biodiesel production activities.
	While in general the Company has not historically offered sales incentives to customers, the uncertainty around the reinstatement of the federal blenders tax credit led to the introduction of such an incentive during 2012. Specifically, during 2012 the Company negotiated contracts with certain customers to allow such customers to share in the value of federal blenders tax payments if the law were to be reinstated. The federal blenders tax credit was reinstated on January 2, 2013 and the Company recognized $69,534 of cash payments owed to customers as a reduction of Biodiesel sales revenue. The Company did not have similar contracts before 2012.
Freight	'
	Freight
	Amounts billed to customers for freight are included in biodiesel sales. Costs incurred for freight are included in costs of goods sold.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are charged to expense as they are incurred. Advertising and promotional expenses were $648, $485 and $251 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Research and Development	'
	Research and Development
	The Company expenses research and development costs as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $258, $14 and $22 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Employee Benefits Plan	'
	Employee Benefits Plan
	The Company sponsors an employee savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company makes matching contributions equal to 50% of the participant’s pre-tax contribution up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s eligible earnings. Total expense related to the Company’s defined contribution plan was approximately $533, $456 and $323 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant-date fair value of the award and recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the years in which differences are expected to reverse. Consideration is given to positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets and valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. Significant judgment is required in making this assessment.
Recapitalization	'
	Recapitalization
	In connection with the Company's IPO on January 24, 2012, the Company gave effect to the one-time conversion of Series A Preferred Stock and certain common stock warrants into 7,660,612 shares of newly-issued Common Stock and 2,999,493 shares of $74,987 aggregate liquidation preference Series B Preferred Stock with cumulative dividends of 4.5% per annum. All Series A Preferred Stock was converted and no Series A Preferred Stock remains outstanding. The Company recorded the effects from the exchange of Series A Preferred Stock for Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock as an extinguishment in accordance with ASC Topic 260-10-S99-2.
	Accordingly, the Company recognized an addition to the income available to common shareholders in the amount of $39,107. This amount was determined by comparing the fair value of the Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock issued of $152,327 to the carrying amount of the Series A preferred shares that were redeemed of $191,434. The excess of the carrying amount of Series A Preferred Stock that were redeemed over the fair value of the Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock that were issued was recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital and was added to net earnings available to common shareholders of $39,107. The Series B Preferred Stock fair value was determined using Monte Carlo simulation methodology with the assistance of external third-party experts to calculate the fair-value using the Company's common stock at time of conversion. The significant assumptions included the volatility rate and risk-free rate based upon the yield of the U.S. Industrials B curve.
Variable Interest Entities	'
	Variable Interest Entities
	The Company uses both quantitative and qualitative analysis when evaluating its variable interest entities (VIE’s) and determining the primary beneficiary (PB) of a VIE. The Company consolidates a VIE if it has both (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Concentrations	'
	Concentrations
	Certain customers represented greater than 10% of the total consolidated revenues of the Company for the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. All customer amounts disclosed in the table are related to biodiesel sales:
		2013			2012		2011
	Customer A	$	243,258		$	363,372	$	189,773
	The Company maintains cash balances at financial institutions, which may at times exceed the $250 coverage by the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Company.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. These estimates are based on information that is currently available to management and on various assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (Topic 740). The amendments to ASU 2013-11 provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company will reflect the impact of these amendments beginning with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2014. The Company does not anticipate a material impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
Fair Value Measurement	'
	The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
	•	Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	•	Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations, in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
	•	Level 3—Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Activity regarding the allowance for doubtful accounts	'
	Activity regarding the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:
	Balance, January 1, 2011	$	316
	Amount charged to selling, general and administrative expenses	1,389
	Charge-offs, net of recovery	(270		)
	Balance, December 31, 2011	1,435
	Amount charged to selling, general and administrative expenses	563
	Charge-offs, net of recovery	(26		)
	Balance, December 31, 2012	1,972
	Amount charged to selling, general and administrative expenses	309
	Charge-offs, net of recovery	(157		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	2,124
Estimated useful lives	'
	Depreciation expense is computed on a straight-line method based upon estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Automobiles and trucks	5 years
	Computers and office equipment	5 years
	Office furniture and fixtures	7 years
	Machinery and equipment	5-30 years
	Leasehold improvements	the lesser of the lease term or 30 years
	Buildings and improvements	30-40 years
Goodwill for Company's business segments	'
	The following table summarizes goodwill for the Company’s business segments:
		Biodiesel			Services		Total
	Beginning balance - January 1, 2012	$	68,784		$	16,080	$	84,864
	Acquisitions	—			—		—
	Ending balance - December 31, 2012	68,784			16,080		84,864
	Acquisitions	—			—		—
	Ending balance - December 31, 2013	$	68,784		$	16,080	$	84,864
Concentration risk by customer	'
	Certain customers represented greater than 10% of the total consolidated revenues of the Company for the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. All customer amounts disclosed in the table are related to biodiesel sales:
		2013			2012		2011
	Customer A	$	243,258		$	363,372	$	189,773

Stockholders_Equity_of_the_Com1

Stockholders' Equity of the Company (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Summary of the number of shares reserved for the exercise of common stock purchase warrants	'
	The following table summarizes the number of shares reserved for the exercise of common stock purchase warrants as of December 31:
	Issued to	Issuance Date	Expiration Date	Exercise		Warrants Outstanding	Warrants Outstanding
				Price Per		2013	2012
				Share
	Blackhawk warrant holders	February 26, 2010	February 25, 2015	$	11.16	17,916	17,916

Acquisitions_and_Equity_Transa1

Acquisitions and Equity Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SoyMor Biodiesel, LLC	'
Summary of allocations of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition	'
	The following table summarized the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
		Allocation at
		July 12,
		2011
	Assets (liabilities) acquired:
	Inventory	$	78
	Property, plant and equipment	18,886
	Debt	(1,001		)
	Fair value of investment prior to allocation	(1,613		)
	Fair value of common stock issued	$	16,350
Summary of acquisition price	'
	The acquisition price is summarized as follows:
		Value at July 12, 2011
		Fair Value			Fair Value per
					Share
	Fair value of stock issued:
	Common Stock	$	16,350		$	24.28
Seneca Landlord, LLC	'
Summary of acquisition price	'
	A summary of the acquisition price is as follows:
		Value at
		January 24, 2012
		Fair Value			Fair Value per
					Share
	Fair value of consideration issued:
	Cash	$	11,063
	Class A Common Stock	591			$	9.85
	Total	$	11,654
North Texas Bio Energy, LLC	'
Summary of allocations of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition	'
	The following table summarized the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition:
		Allocation at
		October 26,
		2012
	Assets acquired:
	Other current assets	$	17
	Property, plant and equipment	4,636
	Fair value of common stock issued	$	4,653
Summary of acquisition price	'
	The acquisition price is summarized as follows:
		Value at October 26, 2012
		Fair Value			Fair Value per
					Share
	Fair value of consideration issued:
	Cash	$	324
	Class A Common Stock	4,329			$	4.81
	Total	$	4,653
BullDog Biodiesel, LLC	'
Summary of allocations of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition	'
	The following table summarized the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition:
		Allocation at
		November 16,
		2012
	Assets acquired:
	Other current assets	$	13
	Property, plant and equipment	2,646
	Total	$	2,659
Summary of acquisition price	'
	The acquisition price is summarized as follows:
		Value at
		November 16,
		2012
	Fair value of consideration issued:
	Cash	$	1,323
	In-kind contribution	1,336
	Total	$	2,659
Soy Energy, LLC	'
Summary of allocations of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition	'
	Neither goodwill nor a gain from a bargain purchase was recognized in conjunction with the acquisition.
	The allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition is as follows:
		Allocation at
		July 30,
		2013
	Assets (liabilities) acquired:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	16,085
	Other current liabilities	(17		)
	Total	$	16,068

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]	'
Fair values of the assets and liabilities recorded by the Company	'
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets and liabilities recorded by the Company as a result of the consolidation of Bell, LLC:
		Allocation at
		January 1,
		2011
	Assets (liabilities) acquired:
	Cash	$	22
	Property, plant and equipment	5,881
	Noncurrent assets	4
	Other current liabilities	(17		)
	Debt	(4,757		)
	Other noncurrent liabilities	(567		)
	Carrying value of previously held equity method investment	$	566
	A summary of assets (liabilities) measured at fair value is as follows:
		As of December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Interest rate swap	$	(19	)	$	—	$	(19	)	$	—
	Commodity futures	62			—		62			—
	Commodity swaps	(416		)	—		(416		)	—
	Commodity options	133			—		133			—
		$	(240	)	$	—	$	(240	)	$	—
		As of December 31, 2012
		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Interest rate swap	$	(46	)	$	—	$	(46	)	$	—
	Commodity swaps	(171		)	—		(171		)	—
	Commodity options	(245		)	—		(245		)	—
		$	(462	)	$	—	$	(462	)	$	—

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories consist of the following at December 31:
		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	13,393	$	9,835
	Work in process	1,456		448
	Finished goods	70,965		34,923
	Total	$	85,814	$	45,206

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, plant and equipment	'
	Company owned property, plant and equipment consists of the following at December 31:
		2013			2012
	Land	$	2,442		$	987
	Building and improvements	72,453			50,688
	Leasehold improvements	6,887			6,879
	Machinery and equipment	166,552			127,167
		248,334			185,721
	Accumulated depreciation	(37,362		)	(28,097		)
		210,972			157,624
	Construction in process	75,072			85,261
	Total	$	286,044		$	242,885
	Property, plant and equipment of consolidated VIE’s consists of the following at December 31:
		2013			2012
	Land	$	404		$	404
	Building and improvements	6,290			6,290
		6,694			6,694
	Accumulated depreciation	(1,514		)	(1,289		)
	Total	$	5,180		$	5,405

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Intangible assets	'
	Amortizing intangible assets consist of the following at December 31:
		2013			2012
	Raw material supply agreement intangibles	$	5,502		$	4,919
	Ground lease	200			200
	Accumulated amortization	(835		)	(510		)
	Total intangible assets	$	4,867		$	4,609
Estimated amortization expense	'
	Estimated amortization expense for fiscal years ended December 31 is as follows:
	2014	$	418
	2015	479
	2016	492
	2017	506
	2018	521
	Thereafter	2,451
	Total	$	4,867

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of prepaid expense and other current assets	'
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following at December 31:
		2013		2012
	Commodity derivatives and related collateral, net	$	13,675	$	7,637
	Prepaid insurance	1,804		1,109
	Prepaid service contracts	610		552
	Prepaid storage	—		515
	Deposits	293		857
	RIN inventory	6,455		99
	Income taxes receivable	2,197		4,735
	Other	534		308
	Total	$	25,568	$	15,812
Summary of other noncurrent assets	'
	Other noncurrent assets consist of the following at December 31:
		2013		2012
	Debt issuance costs (net of accumulated amortization of $715 and $923, respectively)	$	832	$	946
	Spare parts inventory	3,671		3,546
	Other	526		859
	Total	$	5,029	$	5,351

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Lia1

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Summary of accrued expenses and other liabilities	'
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following at December 31:
		2013		2012
	Accrued property taxes	$	1,271	$	1,201
	Accrued employee compensation	8,138		3,375
	Accrued interest	109		47
	Unfavorable lease obligation, current portion	1,129		1,129
	Incentive stock liability	583		423
	Excise tax payable	545		136
	Other	530		164
	Total	$	12,305	$	6,475
Summary of other noncurrent liabilities	'
	Other noncurrent liabilities consist of the following at December 31:
		2013		2012
	Fair value of interest rate swap	$	19	$	46
	Liability for unrecognized tax benefits	1,900		1,900
	Deferred grant revenue	745		745
	Straight-line lease liability	3,581		4,011
	Bell, LLC member investment on consolidation	593		590
	Total	$	6,838	$	7,292

Borrowings_Tables

Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Company's borrowings	'
	The Company’s term borrowings at December 31 are as follows:
		2013			2012
	REG Danville term loan	$	5,626		$	10,060
	REG Newton term loan	18,143			21,175
	REG Mason City term loan	5,135			—
	Other	1,247			1,496
	Total notes payable	$	30,151		$	32,731
	Bell, LLC promissory note - variable interest entity	$	4,029		$	4,313
Summary of company's revolving borrowings	'
	The Company’s revolving borrowings at December 31 are as follows:
		2013			2012
	Total revolving loans (current)	$	10,986		$	—
Summary of maturities of the term borrowings	'
	Maturities of the term borrowings are as follows for the years ending December 31:
	2014	$	7,029
	2015	6,699
	2016	4,380
	2017	4,218
	2018	11,223
	Thereafter	631
	Total	34,180
	Less: current portion	(7,029		)
		$	27,151

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
		2013						2012
		Current			Noncurrent			Current			Noncurrent
	Deferred Tax Assets:
	Goodwill	$	—		$	10,791		$	—		$	11,999
	Net operating loss carryforwards	—			81,761			—			4,806
	Tax credit carryforwards	—			3,068			—			3,068
	Start-up costs	—			1,231			—			1,362
	Stock-based compensation	—			2,137			—			1,214
	Houston terminal lease	—			1,892			—			2,139
	Accrued compensation	2,908			—			1,113			—
	Inventory capitalization	1,053			—			985			—
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	866			—			802			—
	Other	150			1,064			236			678
	Deferred tax assets	4,977			101,944			3,136			25,266
	Deferred Tax Liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses	(949		)	—			(596		)	—
	Property, plant and equipment	—			(30,568		)	—			(23,425		)
	Deferred revenue	(4,127		)	—			—			—
	Other	(8		)	(731		)	(28		)	(872		)
	Deferred tax liabilities	(5,084		)	(31,299		)	(624		)	(24,297		)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	(107		)	70,645			2,512			969
	Valuation allowance	(3,580		)	(73,336		)	—			—
	Net deferred taxes	$	(3,687	)	$	(2,691	)	$	2,512		$	969
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	'
	Activity regarding the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Beginning of year balance	$	—		$	7,337		$	38,662
	Changes in valuation allowance charged to income	76,916			(7,337		)	(31,325		)
	End of year balance	$	76,916		$	—		$	7,337
Income tax benefit (expense)	'
	Income tax benefit (expense) for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax benefit (expense)
	Federal	$	2,432		$	(912	)	$	(4,883	)
	State	2,492			(588		)	(3,066		)
		4,924			(1,500		)	(7,949		)
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
	Federal	15,297			(9,857		)	(4,709		)
	State	3,736			(1,187		)	(1,703		)
	Net operating loss carryforwards created (utilized)	48,024			3,753			(19,946		)
		67,057			(7,291		)	(26,358		)
	Income tax benefit (expense) before valuation allowances	71,981			(8,791		)	(34,307		)
	Deferred tax valuation allowances	(76,916		)	7,337			31,325
	Income tax expense	$	(4,935	)	$	(1,454	)	$	(2,982	)
Effective income tax rate continuing operations tax rate reconciliation	'
	A reconciliation of the reported amount of income tax expense to the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to earnings from continuing operations before income taxes is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	U.S. Federal income tax expense at a statutory rate of 35 percent	$	(66,955	)	$	(8,256	)	$	(32,090	)
	State taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	6,905			(684		)	(3,020		)
	Tax position on government incentives	131,829			—			—
	Loss on embedded derivative	—			4,191			2,779
	Reduction in stock-based compensation deferred tax asset	—			(3,686		)	—
	Domestic production activities deduction	—			—			307
	Seneca Landlord	—			200			(1,701		)
	Unrecognized tax benefits	—			(400		)	—
	Other	202			(156		)	(582		)
	Total (expense) benefits for income taxes before valuation allowances	71,981			(8,791		)	(34,307		)
	Valuation allowances	(76,916		)	7,337			31,325
	Total expense for income taxes	$	(4,935	)	$	(1,454	)	$	(2,982	)
Reconciliation of total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31 is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Beginning of year balance	$	1,900		$	1,500		$	1,500
	Increases to tax positions expected to be taken	—			—			—
	Increases to tax positions taken during prior years	—			400			—
	Decreases to tax positions taken during prior years	—			—			—
	Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations	—			—			—
	End of year balance	$	1,900		$	1,900		$	1,500

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Common Stock options granted, exercised, forfeited, vested and exercisable	'
	The following table summarizes information about Common Stock options granted, exercised, forfeited, vested and exercisable:
		Number			Weighted  Average		Weighted
		of Options			Exercise		Average
					Price		Contractual
							Term
	Options outstanding - January 1, 2011	87,526			23.75		5.6 years
	Granted	—
	Exercised	—
	Forfeited	(500	)		23.75
	Options outstanding - December 31, 2011	87,026			23.75		4.6 years
	Granted	—
	Exercised	—
	Forfeited	—
	Options outstanding - December 31, 2012	87,026			23.75		3.6 years
	Granted	—
	Exercised	—
	Forfeited	—
	Options outstanding - December 31, 2013	87,026			23.75		2.6 years
	Options exercisable - December 31, 2013	87,026			23.75		2.6 years
Summary about the Company's Common Stock restricted stock units granted, vested, exercised and forfeited	'
	The following table summarizes information about the Company’s Common Stock RSU’s granted, vested, exercised and forfeited:
		Number of			Weighted
		Awards			Average Issue
					Price
	Awards outstanding - January 1, 2011	1,154,086				$12.50
	Issued	299,033				$33.75
	Vested and restriction lapsed	(50,000	)			$33.75
	Forfeited	(6,400	)			$12.53
	Awards outstanding - December 31, 2011	1,396,719				$16.29
	Issued	411,456				$8.93
	Vested and restriction lapsed	(1,294,519	)			$13.65
	Forfeited	(8,040	)			$10.51
	Awards outstanding - December 31, 2012	505,616				$17.14
	Issued	204,183				$11.96
	Vested and restriction lapsed	(192,190	)			$15.72
	Forfeited	(16,681	)			$9.98
	Awards outstanding - December 31, 2013	500,928				$15.81
Summary about the stock appreciate rights granted, forfeited, vested and exercisable	'
	The following table summarizes information about SAR’s granted, forfeited, vested and exercisable:
		Number of			Weighted  Average		Weighted
		SAR’s			Exercise		Average
					Price		Contractual
							Term
	SAR's outstanding - January 1, 2012	—
	Granted	1,055,805			9.47
	Exercised	—
	Forfeited	(1,960	)		9.19
	SAR's outstanding - December 31, 2012	1,053,845			9.47		9.3 years
	Granted	335,057			12.85
	Exercised	(5,106	)		8.92
	Forfeited	(10,727	)		10.85
	SAR's outstanding - December 31, 2013	1,373,069			10.28		8.6 years
	SAR's exercisable - December 31, 2013	250,370			9.49		8.6 years
	SAR's expected to vest - December 31, 2013	1,136,280			10.45		8.6 years
Assumptions for Black-Scholes options pricing model/Estimated fair value of SAR grant using Black-Scholes options pricing model	'
	The fair value of each SAR grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model as set forth in the table below:
		2013		2012
	The weighted average fair value of stock appreciation rights issued (per unit)	$2.54 - $6.51		$2.73 - $3.99
	Dividend yield	—%		—%
	Weighted average risk-free interest rate	0.7% - 1.8%		0.7% - 0.9%
	Weighted average expected volatility	40%		40%
	Expected life in years	6.25		6.25

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Summary of Related Party Transactions	'
	The Company will report related party transactions before and after the IPO based on the related party characteristics mentioned above.
	Summary of Related Party Transactions - Consolidated Statements of Operations
			2013		2012		2011
		Revenues - Biodiesel sales (a)	$	—	$	6	$	5,161
		Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel (b)	$	49,358	$	54,364	$	263,562
		Selling, general and administrative expenses (c)	$	37	$	158	$	1,505
		Interest expense (d)	$	30	$	32	$	761
	(a)	Represents transactions with related parties as follows:
		West Central	$	—	$	6	$	11
		Bunge	—		—		2,124
		ED & F Man	—		—		3,026
			$	—	$	6	$	5,161
	(b)	Represents transactions with related parties as follows:
		West Central	$	49,358	$	50,415	$	48,510
		Bunge	—		3,949		203,092
		ED & F Man	—		—		11,960
			$	49,358	$	54,364	$	263,562
	(c)	Represents transactions with related parties as follows:
		West Central	$	37	$	45	$	102
		Bunge	—		113		1,403
			$	37	$	158	$	1,505
	(d)	Represents transactions with related parties as follows:
		West Central	$	30	$	23	$	96
		Bunge	—		9		308
		USRG	—		—		357
			$	30	$	32	$	761
Summary of Related Party Balances	'
	Summary of Related Party Balances - Consolidated Balance Sheets
			2013		2012
		Accounts receivable (a)	$	426	$	771
		Other assets (a)	$	35	$	692
		Accounts payable (a)	$	552	$	2,950
	(a)	Represents balances with West Central

Operating_Leases_Tables

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases, Operating [Abstract]	'
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	'
	For each of the next five calendar years and thereafter, future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:
		Total
		Payments
	2014	$	11,948
	2015	9,401
	2016	8,856
	2017	8,339
	2018	8,001
	Thereafter	30,243
	Total minimum payments	$	76,788

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of derivative financial instruments by balance sheet location	'
	The following tables provide details regarding the Company’s derivative financial instruments:
		As of December 31, 2013
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet		Fair				Balance Sheet		Fair
		Location		Value				Location		Value
	Interest rate swap			$	—			Other liabilities		$	19
	Commodity futures	Prepaid expenses and other assets		62				Prepaid expenses and other assets		—
	Commodity swaps	Prepaid expenses and other assets		75				Prepaid expenses and other assets		491
	Commodity options	Prepaid expenses and other assets		188				Prepaid expenses and other assets		55
	Total derivatives			$	325					$	565
		As of December 31, 2012
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet		Fair				Balance Sheet		Fair
		Location		Value				Location		Value
	Interest rate swap			$	—			Other liabilities		$	46
	Commodity swaps	Prepaid expenses and other assets		305				Prepaid expenses and other assets		476
	Commodity options	Prepaid expenses and other assets		143				Prepaid expenses and other assets		388
	Total derivatives			$	448					$	910
Summary of derivative financial instruments by location of gain (loss)	'
			2013				2012				2011
		Location of Gain (Loss)	Amount of				Amount of				Amount of
		Recognized in Income	Gain (Loss)				Gain (Loss)				Gain (Loss)
			Recognized				Recognized				Recognized
			in Income on				in Income on				in Income on
			Derivatives				Derivatives				Derivatives
	Embedded derivative	Change in fair value of preferred stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	$	—			$	11,975			$	7,939
	Interest rate swap	Other income (loss)	26				(5		)		571
	Commodity futures	Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	258				(4		)		(97		)
	Commodity swaps	Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	(5,775		)		(4,254		)		2,557
	Commodity options	Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	(139		)		(364		)		567
	Total		$	(5,630	)		$	7,348			$	11,537
Summary of derivative financial instruments by enforceable master netting arrangement	'
	The tables below represent the amounts subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement not otherwise disclosed:
		2013
		Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
	Gross amounts recognized	$	14,221			$	565
	Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(325		)		(325		)
	Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Position	13,896				240
	Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(13,896		)		—
	Net amount	$	—			$	240
		2012
		Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
	Gross amounts recognized	$	8,501			$	910
	Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(448		)		(448		)
	Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Position	8,053				462
	Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(8,053		)		—
	Net amount	$	—			$	462

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets and liabilities recorded by the Company as a result of the consolidation of Bell, LLC:
		Allocation at
		January 1,
		2011
	Assets (liabilities) acquired:
	Cash	$	22
	Property, plant and equipment	5,881
	Noncurrent assets	4
	Other current liabilities	(17		)
	Debt	(4,757		)
	Other noncurrent liabilities	(567		)
	Carrying value of previously held equity method investment	$	566
	A summary of assets (liabilities) measured at fair value is as follows:
		As of December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Interest rate swap	$	(19	)	$	—		$	(19	)	$	—
	Commodity futures	62			—			62			—
	Commodity swaps	(416		)	—			(416		)	—
	Commodity options	133			—			133			—
		$	(240	)	$	—		$	(240	)	$	—
		As of December 31, 2012
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Interest rate swap	$	(46	)	$	—		$	(46	)	$	—
	Commodity swaps	(171		)	—			(171		)	—
	Commodity options	(245		)	—			(245		)	—
		$	(462	)	$	—		$	(462	)	$	—
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended as follows:
		Preferred			Seneca
		Stock			Holdco
		Embedded			Liability
		Derivatives
	Ending balance - January 1, 2011	$	(61,761	)	$	(10,406	)
	Total unrealized gains (losses)	7,939			(2,097		)
	Purchase accounting consolidation	—			600
	Ending balance - December 31, 2011	(53,822		)	(11,903		)
	Total realized gains	11,975			349
	Purchases	—			—
	Issuance	—			—
	Settlements	41,847			11,554
	Ending balance - December 31, 2012	—			—
	Total unrealized gains (losses)	—			—
	Purchases	—			—
	Issuance	—			—
	Settlements	—			—
	Ending balance - December 31, 2013	$	—		$	—
Estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments	'
	The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which are not recorded at fair value are as follows as of December 31:
		2013						2012
		Asset (Liability)			Estimated Fair Value			Asset (Liability)			Estimated Fair Value
		Carrying Amount						Carrying Amount
	Financial Liabilities:
	Notes payable and lines of credit	$	(45,166	)	$	(45,094	)	$	(37,044	)	$	(37,000	)

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Dilutive weighted average securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders during the periods	'
	The following potentially dilutive weighted average securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders during the periods presented as the effect was anti-dilutive:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Options to purchase common stock	87,026			87,026			87,207
	Restricted stock units	—			754,359			1,230,092
	Stock appreciation rights	1,030,926			1,196,975			—
	Warrants to purchase common stock	—			35,987			355,886
	Redeemable preferred shares	—			—			5,382,209
	Total	1,117,952			2,074,347			7,055,394
Calculation of diluted net income per share	'
	The following table presents the calculation of diluted net income per share for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the effect from all convertible securities were anti-dilutive (in thousands, except share and per share data):
		2013				2012
	Net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders - Basic	$	165,254			$	43,482
	Less: effects of recapitalization	—				(39,107		)
	Plus: change in undistributed dividends allocated to preferred stockholders	—				823
	Plus: distributed dividends to Preferred Stockholders	2,055				3,156
	Plus: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock to redemption value	—				1,808
	Plus: (gain) loss due to change in fair value of Series A Preferred Stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	—				(11,975		)
	Plus: effect of participating securities	19,057				12,097
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	186,366				10,284
	Less: effect of participating securities	(21,108		)		(1,108		)
	Net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders - Diluted	$	165,258			$	9,176
	Shares:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - Basic	33,045,164				28,381,676
	Adjustment to reflect conversion of preferred stock	—				5,958,790
	Adjustment to reflect stock appreciation right conversions	7,065				—
	Adjustment to reflect warrants to purchase common stock	650				—
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - Diluted	33,052,879				34,340,466
	Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - Diluted	$	5			$	0.27

Reportable_Segments_Tables

Reportable Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment for the results of operations	'
	The following table represents the significant items by reportable segment for the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		2013			2012			2011
	Net sales:
	Biodiesel	$	1,498,011		$	1,014,797		$	823,809
	Services	63,980			38,031			13,027
	Intersegment revenues	(63,853		)	(37,794		)	(12,805		)
		$	1,498,138		$	1,015,034		$	824,031
	Income before income taxes and income from equity investments:
	Biodiesel	$	239,462		$	58,349		$	127,187
	Services	(29		)	(26		)	24
	Corporate and other (a)	(48,132		)	(34,610		)	(35,802		)
		$	191,301		$	23,713		$	91,409
	Depreciation and amortization expense, net:
	Biodiesel	$	8,199		$	7,111		$	8,833
	Services	120			38			4
	Corporate and other (a)	923			772			638
		$	9,242		$	7,921		$	9,475
	Cash paid for purchases of property, plant and equipment:
	Biodiesel	$	36,770		$	11,409		$	3,823
	Services	504			396			53
	Corporate and other (a)	1,779			849			930
		$	39,053		$	12,654		$	4,806
		2013			2012			2011
	Goodwill:
	Biodiesel	$	68,784		$	68,784		$	68,784
	Services	16,080			16,080			16,080
		$	84,864		$	84,864		$	84,864
	Assets:
	Biodiesel	$	444,945		$	357,305		$	341,863
	Services	20,542			20,033			20,474
	Corporate and other (b)	275,368			118,446			122,110
		$	740,855		$	495,784		$	484,447
	(a)	Corporate and other includes income/(expense) not associated with the reportable segments, such as corporate general and administrative expenses, shared service expenses, interest expense and interest income, all reflected on an accrual basis of accounting.
	(b)	Corporate and other includes cash and other assets not associated with the reportable segments, including investments.

Supplemental_Quarterly_Informa1

Supplemental Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Significant items for the results of operations on a quarterly basis	'
	The following table represents the significant items for the results of operations on a quarterly basis for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Three Months			Three Months			Three Months			Three Months
		Ended			Ended			Ended			Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2013			2013			2013
	Revenues	$	264,368		$	384,735		$	458,444		$	390,591
	Gross profit	86,695			50,181			57,849			44,708
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses	9,644			11,226			12,686			12,567
	Income from operations	77,051			38,955			45,163			32,141
	Other income (expense), net	(459		)	(511		)	(511		)	(528		)
	Net income	46,403			23,130			86,703			30,130
	Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - basic	1.25			0.63			2.32			0.81
	Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted	1.25			0.62			2.31			0.8
		Three Months			Three Months			Three Months			Three Months
		Ended			Ended			Ended			Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		2012			2012			2012			2012
	Revenues	$	188,247		$	271,927		$	322,912		$	231,948
	Gross profit	17,034			30,949			2,791			7,549
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses	12,962			11,014			9,902			8,544
	Income (loss) from operations	4,072			19,935			(7,111		)	(995		)
	Other income (expense), net	11,308			(1,031		)	(1,094		)	(1,371		)
	Net income (loss)	14,017			14,433			(6,040		)	(151		)
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - basic	1.6			0.39			(0.24		)	(0.03		)
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted	0.06			0.39			(0.24		)	(0.03		)

Organization_Presentation_and_1

Organization, Presentation, and Nature of the Business - (Details)	12 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2010	Nov. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
	facility	facility	Louisiana	Louisiana	Kansas	Kansas	New Mexico	Georgia	Construction in Progress
	gal			gal		gal	gal	gal	facility
Organization, Presentation, and Nature of the Business (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of operating biodiesel production facilities	8	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	3
Number of non-operating biodiesel production facilities	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Production capacity per year	257,000,000	'	'	60,000,000	'	60,000,000	15,000,000	15,000,000	'
Percentage of production capacity facility completed	'	'	45.00%	'	20.00%	'	50.00%	'	'
Tax Credit Expiration Date	31-Dec-13	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Activity regarding the allowance for doubtful accounts	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$1,972	$1,435	$316
Amount charged to selling, general and administrative expenses	309	563	1,389
Charge-offs, net of recovery	-157	-26	-270
Ending Balance	$2,124	$1,972	$1,435

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Automobiles and trucks	'
Estimated useful lives	'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years
Computers and office equipment	'
Estimated useful lives	'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years
Office furniture and fixtures	'
Estimated useful lives	'
Estimated useful lives	'7 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum	'
Estimated useful lives	'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum	'
Estimated useful lives	'
Estimated useful lives	'30 years
Leasehold improvements	'
Estimated useful lives	'
Estimated useful lives	'30 years
Buildings and improvements | Minimum	'
Estimated useful lives	'
Estimated useful lives	'30 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum	'
Estimated useful lives	'
Estimated useful lives	'40 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill for Company's business segments	'	'
Beginning Balance	$84,864	$84,864
Acquisitions	0	0
Ending Balance	84,864	84,864
Biodiesel	'	'
Goodwill for Company's business segments	'	'
Beginning Balance	68,784	68,784
Acquisitions	0	0
Ending Balance	68,784	68,784
Services	'	'
Goodwill for Company's business segments	'	'
Beginning Balance	16,080	16,080
Acquisitions	0	0
Ending Balance	$16,080	$16,080

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentrations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$390,591	$458,444	$384,735	$264,368	$231,948	$322,912	$271,927	$188,247	$1,498,138	$1,015,034	$824,031
Customer A	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$243,258	$363,372	$189,773

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - (Details Textual) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

renewable_identification_number

Minimum

Maximum

Series A Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Class A Common Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock [Member]

Seneca Landlord, LLC

Biodiesel

Services

segment

renewable_identification_number

renewable_identification_number

gal

gal

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock redemption amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$74,987

'

$3,583

$74,878

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage

4.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.50%

'

4.50%

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity period of cash and cash equivalents

'

'three months or less

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

RINs per gallon

'

1.5

'

'

0

2.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of Put and call option

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accretion

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,808

25,343

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capitalization of interest incurred on debt during construction

'

335

33

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of operating segments

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum percentage increase in fair value of each of the reporting units over its carrying value through annual impairment test

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43.00%

20.00%

Production capacity per year

'

257,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60,000,000

'

'

Amortization Of Long Term Capital Lease Obligations

'

1,129

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

'

2,813

1,161

9,913

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Biodiesel government incentives

'

290,393

8,326

65,822

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

69,534

'

Advertising Costs

'

648

485

251

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Research and Development

'

258

14

22

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Matching contributions

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Participants eligible earnings

'

6.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total expense related to the Company's defined contribution plan

'

533

456

323

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of Class A common stock/Series B Preferred Stock to common stock, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,660,612

2,999,493

2,999,493

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effects of recapitalization

'

0

39,107

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock, Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

152,327

'

'

'

SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK ($.0001 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized; 143,313 and 2,995,106 shares outstanding, respectively; redemption amount $3,583 and $74,878, respectively)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

191,434

'

'

'

3,963

83,043

'

'

'

'

Concentration Risk Cash Balances

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$250

'

Stockholders_Equity_of_the_Com2

Stockholders' Equity of the Company - (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of the number of shares reserved for the exercise of common stock purchase warrants	'	'
Exercise Price Per Share	11.16	'
Blackhawk warrant holders	'	'
Summary of the number of shares reserved for the exercise of common stock purchase warrants	'	'
Issuance Date	26-Feb-10	'
Expiration Date	25-Feb-15	'
Exercise Price Per Share	11.16	'
Warrants Outstanding	17,916	17,916

Stockholders_Equity_of_the_Com3

Stockholders' Equity of the Company - (Details Textual) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jan. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 03, 2012

Jul. 12, 2011

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 03, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 03, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 03, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 03, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 03, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Initial public offering

Current Shareholders

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Initial public offering

Initial public offering

Initial public offering

Initial public offering

Initial public offering

Common stock, shares issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

673,544

7,200,000

342,860

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net of underwriting fees and offering costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$59,919

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants converted into common stock

'

'

'

'

'

287,561

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of Class A common stock/Series B Preferred Stock to common stock, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,660,612

'

'

'

7,660,612

'

'

'

'

2,999,493

2,999,493

'

'

'

'

2,999,493

Stock split conversion ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

IPO of shares of common stock / Issuance of common stock in acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,660,612

'

'

'

'

'

7,660,612

'

'

Preferred stock cumulative dividends

4.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.50%

'

'

4.50%

'

'

4.50%

Exercise Price Per Share

'

'

11.16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class A Common Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

134,181

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

673,544

7,200,000

342,860

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares authorized

'

'

300,000,000

300,000,000

'

'

450,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

140,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

3,000,000

3,000,000

3,000,000

'

Aggregate liquidation from conversion

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

74,987

'

'

3,583

74,878

'

74,987

Share price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15

$10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

518,365

'

'

'

'

Conversion of preferred Stock and certain common stock warrants

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,047,465

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Trading Period Of Security

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Trading Days For Share Price

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Trading Volume Of Security

'

200,000

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage Of Preferred Stock To Be Converted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

Common stock, par value

'

'

$0.00

$0.00

'

'

$0.00

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock split ratio on shares issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'one-for-2.5 reverse stock split on the shares issued and outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of Stock Issuance Costs

'

'

$114

$700

$3,152

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable_Preferred_Stock_Det

Redeemable Preferred Stock - (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jan. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 24, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-12

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Partial Conversion

Full Conversion

Minimum

Common Stock

Common Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Make-whole Payment

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of Class A common stock/Series B Preferred Stock to common stock, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,660,612

'

'

'

2,999,493

2,999,493

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends payable per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.56

'

'

'

'

'

$0.56

$0.49

'

'

'

Percentage of vote for Series B Preferred Stock shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75.00%

'

'

'

'

Initial Optional Redemption Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'18 months

'

'

'

'

Redemption conversion less any dividends paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2.25

'

'

Preferred stock redemption amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$74,878

'

$74,987

'

'

'

$3,583

'

'

'

'

Fair market value per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$25

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock cumulative dividends

4.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.50%

'

'

'

4.50%

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock accrued dividends

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1.13

'

'

$0.88

$0.88

Dividends are payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of each year

'

'

'Dividends are payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of each year.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend paid

'

'

1,291

3,155

0

'

'

'

'

'

1,685

1,470

'

'

'

1,205

80

'

'

'

'

Share price

'

'

'

'

'

$15

$16

'

'

$15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum trading days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 days

'

'20 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of outstanding shares of preferred stock series

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

Aggregate net proceeds from equity offering

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000

'

'

'

'

Percentage of proceeds from equity offering used in redemption of preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock dividend payment duration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

Consecutive trading days

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of preferred stock holding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

Average daily trading volume

'

'

$2,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial conversion rate for each $25.00 of Liquidation Preference will be equal to $25.00 divided by a price that is 125% of the public offering price in the IPO.

'

'

'Initial conversion rate for each $25.00 of Liquidation Preference will be equal to $25.00 divided by a price that is 125% of the public offering price in the IPO.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liquidation Preference

'

'

$25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of public offering used for calculating liquidation preference

'

'

125.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average daily trading volume, shares

'

200,000

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend payment date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Jun-12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock redemption date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Jun-15

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions_and_Equity_Transa2

Acquisitions and Equity Transactions - SoyMor Biodiesel, LLC Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (SoyMor Biodiesel, LLC, USD $)	Jul. 12, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
SoyMor Biodiesel, LLC	'
Summary of allocations of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition	'
Inventory	($78)
Property, plant and equipment	-18,886
Debt	-1,001
Fair value of investment prior to allocation	1,613
Fair value of common stock issued	$16,350

Acquisitions_and_Equity_Transa3

Acquisitions and Equity Transactions - SoyMor Biodiesel, LLC Acquisition Price (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 03, 2012	Jul. 12, 2011
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified				Class A Common Stock
				SoyMor Biodiesel, LLC
Fair value of consideration issued:	'	'	'	'
Fair Value	'	'	'	$16,350
Fair Value per Share	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$24.28

Acquisitions_and_Equity_Transa4

Acquisitions and Equity Transactions - Seneca Landlord, LLC Acquisition Price (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 03, 2012	Jan. 24, 2012	Jan. 24, 2012
					Seneca Landlord, LLC	Seneca Landlord, LLC
						Class A Common Stock
Fair value of consideration issued:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	$10,933	$1,791	$0	'	$11,063	'
Class A Common Stock/Common stock	'	'	'	'	'	591
Fair Value per Share	$0.00	$0.00	'	$0.00	'	$9.85
Total	'	'	'	'	$11,654	'

Acquisitions_and_Equity_Transa5

Acquisitions and Equity Transactions - North Texas Bio Energy, LLC Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (North Texas Bio Energy, LLC, USD $)	Oct. 26, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
North Texas Bio Energy, LLC	'
Summary of allocations of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition	'
Other current assets	$17
Property, plant and equipment	-4,636
Fair value of common stock issued	$4,653

Acquisitions_and_Equity_Transa6

Acquisitions and Equity Transactions - North Texas Bio Energy, LLC Acquisition Price (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 03, 2012	Oct. 26, 2012
					North Texas Bio Energy, LLC
Fair value of consideration issued:	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	$10,933	$1,791	$0	'	$324
Class A Common Stock/Common stock	'	'	'	'	4,329
Fair Value per Share	$0.00	$0.00	'	$0.00	$4.81
Total	'	'	'	'	$4,653

Acquisitions_and_Equity_Transa7

Acquisitions and Equity Transactions - BullDog Biodiesel, LLC Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (BullDog Biodiesel, LLC, USD $)	Nov. 16, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
BullDog Biodiesel, LLC	'
Summary of allocations of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition	'
Other current assets	$13
Property, plant and equipment	-2,646
Total	$2,659

Acquisitions_and_Equity_Transa8

Acquisitions and Equity Transactions - BullDog Biodiesel, LLC Acquisition Price (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 16, 2012
				BullDog Biodiesel, LLC
Fair value of consideration issued:	'	'	'	'
Cash	$10,933	$1,791	$0	$1,323
In-kind consideration	'	'	'	1,336
Total	'	'	'	$2,659

Acquisitions_and_Equity_Transa9

Acquisitions and Equity Transactions - Soy Energy, LLC Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (Soy Energy, LLC, USD $)	Jul. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Soy Energy, LLC	'
Summary of allocations of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition	'
Property, plant and equipment	$16,085
Other current liabilities	-17
Total	$16,068

Recovered_Sheet1

Acquisitions and Equity Transactions - (Details Textual) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jul. 12, 2011

Jul. 12, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 26, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 16, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

gal

SoyMor Biodiesel, LLC

SoyMor Biodiesel, LLC

Seneca Landlord, LLC

Seneca Landlord, LLC

North Texas Bio Energy, LLC

North Texas Bio Energy, LLC

BullDog Biodiesel, LLC

BullDog Biodiesel, LLC

Soy Energy, LLC

Soy Energy, LLC

gal

gal

gal

gal

Acquisitions and Equity Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original execution date

'

'

'

'

'

8-Jun-11

'

24-Jan-12

'

26-Oct-12

'

16-Nov-12

'

30-Jul-13

Cost of acquired entity purchase price previously paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

$937

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class A Common Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

60,000

'

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

Production capacity per year

257,000,000

'

'

'

30,000,000

'

'

'

15,000,000

'

15,000,000

'

30,000,000

'

Common stock, shares issued

'

'

'

673,544

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain from the equity investment

'

'

'

'

661

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash

10,933

1,791

0

'

'

'

11,063

'

324

'

1,323

'

10,933

'

Cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of note payable for acquisition

5,135

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,135

'

In-kind consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,336

'

'

'

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det

Variable Interest Entities - (Details) (Bell, LLC, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Bell, LLC	'
Assets (liabilities) acquired:	'
Cash	$22
Property, plant and equipment	5,881
Noncurrent assets	4
Other current liabilities	-17
Debt	-4,757
Other noncurrent liabilities	-567
Carrying value of previously held equity method investment	$566

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det1

Variable Interest Entities - (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
			Promissory Note	Promissory Note	Promissory Note
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership	50.00%	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	$23,422	$27,776	'	$4,757	'
Interest accrued monthly rate	'	'	'	'	5.70%
Maturity date	15-Feb-13	'	'	'	'
Current interest rate	'	'	3.50%	'	'
Current Maturity date	14-Jan-18	'	'	'	'

Inventories_Details

Inventories - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories	'	'
Raw materials	$13,393	$9,835
Work in process	1,456	448
Finished goods	70,965	34,923
Total	$85,814	$45,206

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	$248,334	$185,721
Accumulated depreciation	-37,362	-28,097
Property plant and equipment net excluding construction in progress	210,972	157,624
Construction in process	75,072	85,261
Total	286,044	242,885
Consolidated VIE's	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	6,694	6,694
Accumulated depreciation	-1,514	-1,289
Total	5,180	5,405
Land	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	2,442	987
Land | Consolidated VIE's	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	404	404
Buildings and improvements	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	72,453	50,688
Buildings and improvements | Consolidated VIE's	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	6,290	6,290
Leasehold improvements	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	6,887	6,879
Machinery and equipment	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	$166,552	$127,167

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of Intangible assets	'	'
Raw material supply agreement intangibles	$5,502	$4,919
Ground lease	200	200
Accumulated amortization	-835	-510
Total intangible assets	$4,867	$4,609

Intangible_Assets_Estimated_Am

Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated amortization expense	'	'
2014	$418	'
2015	479	'
2016	492	'
2017	506	'
2018	521	'
Thereafter	2,451	'
Total intangible assets	$4,867	$4,609

Intangible_Assets_Details_Text

Intangible Assets - (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization expense	$325	$252	$200
Raw Material Supply Agreement	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Raw material supply agreement useful life	'15 years	'	'

Other_Assets_Details

Other Assets - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of prepaid expense and other current assets	'	'
Commodity derivatives and related collateral, net	$13,675	$7,637
Prepaid insurance	1,804	1,109
Prepaid service contracts	610	552
Prepaid storage	0	515
Deposits	293	857
RIN inventory	6,455	99
Income taxes receivable	2,197	4,735
Other	534	308
Total	$25,568	$15,812

Other_Assets_Other_Noncurrent_

Other Assets - Other Noncurrent Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of other noncurrent assets	'	'
Debt issuance costs (net of accumulated amortization of $715 and $923, respectively)	$832	$946
Spare parts inventory	3,671	3,546
Other	526	859
Total	$5,029	$5,351

Other_Assets_Details_Textual

Other Assets - (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Assets (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated amortization on debt issuance costs	$715	$923
Inventory reduced to lower of cost or market	$1,277	$21

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Lia2

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of accrued expenses and other liabilities	'	'
Accrued property taxes	$1,271	$1,201
Accrued employee compensation	8,138	3,375
Accrued interest	109	47
Unfavorable lease obligation, current portion	1,129	1,129
Incentive stock liability	583	423
Excise tax payable	545	136
Other	530	164
Total	$12,305	$6,475

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Lia3

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities - Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of other noncurrent liabilities	'	'	'	'
Fair value of interest rate swap	$19	$46	'	'
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits	1,900	1,900	1,500	1,500
Deferred grant revenue	745	745	'	'
Straight-line lease liability	3,581	4,011	'	'
Bell, LLC member investment on consolidation	593	590	'	'
Total	$6,838	$7,292	'	'

Borrowings_Details

Borrowings - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Company's borrowings	'	'
Total notes payable	$30,151	$32,731
REG Danville term loan	'	'
Company's borrowings	'	'
Total notes payable	5,626	10,060
REG Newton term loan	'	'
Company's borrowings	'	'
Total notes payable	18,143	21,175
REG Mason City term loan	'	'
Company's borrowings	'	'
Total notes payable	5,135	0
Other	'	'
Company's borrowings	'	'
Total notes payable	1,247	1,496
Bell, LLC promissory note | Variable Interest Entity	'	'
Company's borrowings	'	'
Total notes payable	$4,029	$4,313

Borrowings_Details_Textual

Borrowings - (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Borrowing (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Effective interest rate	5.00%	'
Maturity date	15-Feb-13	'
Wells Fargo Revolver	'	'
Borrowing (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility Basis Spread on LIBOR	1.50%	'
Effective interest rate at period end	3.75%	'
Additional increase in maximum borrowing capacity	40,000	'
Maximum commitment	60,000	'
Maturity date	23-Dec-16	'
Minimum variable rate	1.75%	'
Basis spread on federal fund rate	0.50%	'
Fixed charge coverage ratio	100.00%	'
Limitation amount	25,000	'
Excess Availability	4,000	'
Wells Fargo Revolver | Maximum	'	'
Borrowing (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
LIBOR Rate Margin	3.25%	'
Base rate margin percentage	1.75%	'
Wells Fargo Revolver | Minimum	'	'
Borrowing (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
LIBOR Rate Margin	2.50%	'
Base rate margin percentage	1.00%	'
REG Danville, LLC	'	'
Borrowing (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Maturity date	3-Nov-15	'
Interest to be accrued	'LIBOR plus 5% per annum	'LIBOR plus 5% per annum
Reg Newton, LLC	'	'
Borrowing (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Term Loan Renewal Period	'5 years	'
Periodic payment, principal and interest	270	'
Increase in term loan	5,000	'
Basis point	4.00%	'
Effective interest rate	4.17%	'
Principal payment of excess cash flow	50.00%	'
Excess cash flow payment	0	0
LIBOR period for interest rate	'30 days	'
Interest to be accrued	'LIBOR plus 400 basis points	'
Maintenance Capital Expenditure Maximum Amount	500	'
Annual payment period under loan agreement	'120 days	'
REG Mason City, LLC	'	'
Borrowing (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Principal payments	92	'
Principal payment of excess cash flow	50.00%	'
Excess cash flow payment	0	'
Fifth Third Loan | REG Danville, LLC	'	'
Borrowing (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Agreement starting period	3-Nov-11	'
Term Loan Renewal Period	'	'3 years
Periodic payment, principal and interest	150	'
Principal payments	6,400	'
Basis point	5.00%	'
Effective interest rate	5.17%	'
Principal payment of excess cash flow	50.00%	'
Excess cash flow payment	1,425	1,429

Borrowings_Revolving_Borrowing

Borrowings - Revolving Borrowings (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of company's revolving borrowings	'	'
Total revolving loans (current)	$10,986	$0

Borrowings_Maturities_of_Borro

Borrowings - Maturities of Borrowings (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of maturities of the term borrowings	'
2014	$7,029
2015	6,699
2016	4,380
2017	4,218
2018	11,223
Thereafter	631
Total	34,180
Less: current portion	-7,029
Noncurrent	$27,151

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Tax Assets:	'	'
Goodwill, Noncurrent	$10,791	$11,999
Net operating loss carryforwards, Noncurrent	81,761	4,806
Tax credit carryforwards, Noncurrent	3,068	3,068
Start-up costs, Noncurrent	1,231	1,362
Stock-based compensation, Noncurrent	2,137	1,214
Houston terminal lease, Noncurrent	1,892	2,139
Accrued compensation, Current	2,908	1,113
Inventory capitalization, Current	1,053	985
Allowance for doubtful accounts, Current	866	802
Other, Current	150	236
Other, Noncurrent	1,064	678
Deferred tax assets Current	4,977	3,136
Deferred tax assets Noncurrent	101,944	25,266
Deferred Tax Liabilities:	'	'
Prepaid expenses, Current	-949	-596
Property, plant and equipment, Noncurrent	-30,568	-23,425
Deferred revenue, Current	-4,127	0
Other, current	-8	-28
Other, Noncurrent	-731	-872
Deferred tax liabilities, Current	-5,084	-624
Deferred tax liabilities, Noncurrent	-31,299	-24,297
Net deferred tax assets, Current	-107	2,512
Net deferred tax assets, Noncurrent	70,645	969
Valuation Allowance, Current	-3,580	0
Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	-73,336	0
Net deferred tax, Current	-3,687	2,512
Net deferred tax, Noncurrent	($2,691)	$969

Income_Taxes_Valuation_Allowan

Income Taxes - Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Beginning of year balance	$0	$7,337	$38,662
Changes in valuation allowance charged to income	76,916	-7,337	-31,325
End of year balance	$76,916	$0	$7,337

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Benefi

Income Taxes - Income Tax Benefit (Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current income tax benefit (expense)	'	'	'
Federal	$2,432	($912)	($4,883)
State	2,492	-588	-3,066
Current income tax (expense) benefit	4,924	-1,500	-7,949
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	'	'	'
Federal	15,297	-9,857	-4,709
State	3,736	-1,187	-1,703
Net operating loss carryforwards created (utilized)	48,024	3,753	-19,946
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit	67,057	-7,291	-26,358
Income tax benefit (expense) before valuation allowances	71,981	-8,791	-34,307
Changes in valuation allowance charged to income	-76,916	7,337	31,325
Income tax expense	($4,935)	($1,454)	($2,982)

Income_Taxes_Effective_Income_

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory rate	35.00%	'	'
Effective income tax rate continuing operations tax rate reconciliation	'	'	'
U.S. Federal income tax expense at a statutory rate of 35 percent	($66,955)	($8,256)	($32,090)
State taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	6,905	-684	-3,020
Tax position on government incentives	131,829	0	0
Loss on embedded derivative	0	4,191	2,779
Reduction in stock-based compensation deferred tax asset	0	-3,686	0
Domestic production activities deduction	0	0	-307
Seneca Landlord	0	200	-1,701
Unrecognized tax benefits	0	-400	0
Other	202	-156	-582
Total (expense) benefits for income taxes before valuation allowances	71,981	-8,791	-34,307
Valuation allowances	-76,916	7,337	31,325
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	($4,935)	($1,454)	($2,982)

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_Tax_

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits	'	'	'
Beginning of year balance	$1,900	$1,500	$1,500
Increases to tax positions expected to be taken	0	0	0
Increases to tax positions taken during prior years	0	400	0
Decreases to tax positions taken during prior years	0	0	0
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations	0	0	0
End of year balance	$1,900	$1,900	$1,500

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes - (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred tax asset reflecting federal and state net operating losses	$81,761	'	'
Federal net operating losses	208,129	'	'
Expiration date for federal net operating losses	'2028	'	'
Tax credit carry-forwards	3,068	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate	0	1,428	1,041
Period for unrecognized tax benefits to increase or decrease	'12 months	'	'
Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	$0	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Common Stock options granted, exercised, forfeited, vested and exercisable	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance	87,026	87,026	87,526	'
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$23.75	$23.75	$23.75	'
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Term, Beginning Balance	'2 years 7 months 6 days	'3 years 7 months 6 days	'4 years 7 months 6 days	'5 years 7 months 6 days
Number of Options, Forfeited	0	0	-500	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	'	'	$23.75	'
Options outstanding, Ending Balance	87,026	87,026	87,026	87,526
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$23.75	$23.75	$23.75	$23.75
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Term, Ending Balance	'2 years 7 months 6 days	'3 years 7 months 6 days	'4 years 7 months 6 days	'5 years 7 months 6 days
Options exercisable	87,026	'	'	'
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$23.75	'	'	'
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Contractual Term	'2 years 7 months 6 days	'	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Restri

Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock Units (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Common Stock options granted, exercised, forfeited, vested and exercisable	'	'	'
Number of Awards outstanding, Ending Balance	'	'	0
Restricted stock units	'	'	'
Common Stock options granted, exercised, forfeited, vested and exercisable	'	'	'
Number of Awards outstanding, Beginning Balance	505,616	1,396,719	1,154,086
Number of Awards, Issued	204,183	411,456	299,033
Number of Awards, Vest and restriction lapsed	-192,190	-1,294,519	-50,000
Number of Awards, Forfeited	-16,681	-8,040	-6,400
Number of Awards outstanding, Ending Balance	500,928	505,616	1,396,719
Weighted Average Issue Price, Awards outstanding, Beginning Balance	$17.14	$16.29	$12.50
Weighted Average Issue Price, Issued	$11.96	$8.93	$33.75
Weighted Average Issue Price, Vested and restriction lapsed	$15.72	$13.65	$33.75
Weighted Average Issue Price, Forfeited	$9.98	$10.51	$12.53
Weighted Average Issue Price, Awards outstanding, Ending Balance	$15.81	$17.14	$16.29

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_1

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Appreciation Rights (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Stock options granted, exercised, forfeited, vested and exercisable	'	'
Number of Awards outstanding, Beginning Balance	'	0
Number of Awards, Exercised	'	0
Stock appreciation rights	'	'
Common Stock options granted, exercised, forfeited, vested and exercisable	'	'
Number of Awards outstanding, Beginning Balance	1,053,845	'
Number of Awards, Issued	335,057	1,055,805
Number of Awards, Exercised	-5,106	'
Number of Awards, Forfeited	-10,727	-1,960
Number of Awards outstanding, Ending Balance	1,373,069	1,053,845
Number of Awards, Exercisable	250,370	'
Number of Awards, expected to vest	1,136,280	'
Weighted Average Issue Price, Granted	$12.85	$9.47
Weighted Average Issue Price, Exercised	$8.92	'
Weighted Average Issue Price, Forfeited	$10.85	$9.19
Weighted Average Issue Price, Outstanding	$10.28	$9.47
Weighted Average Issue Price, Exercisable	$9.49	'
Weighted Average Issue Price, expected to vest	$10.45	'
Weighted Average Contractual Term	'8 years 7 months 6 days	'9 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Contractual Term, expected to vest	'8 years 7 months 6 days	'

StockBased_Compensation_Fair_V

Stock-Based Compensation - Fair Value of SAR Frants Using Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model (Details) (Stock appreciation rights, Black Scholes, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Estimated fair value of SAR grant using Black-Scholes options pricing model	'	'
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average expected volatility	40.00%	40.00%
Expected life in years	'6 years 3 months	'6 years 3 months
Minimum	'	'
Estimated fair value of SAR grant using Black-Scholes options pricing model	'	'
The weighted average fair value of stock appreciation rights issued (per unit)	2.54	2.73
Weighted average risk-free interest rate, Minimum	0.70%	0.70%
Maximum	'	'
Estimated fair value of SAR grant using Black-Scholes options pricing model	'	'
The weighted average fair value of stock appreciation rights issued (per unit)	6.51	3.99
Weighted average risk-free interest rate, Maximum	1.80%	0.90%

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation - (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 26, 2011
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Common Stock	'	'	'	4,160,000
Stock-based compensation cost relating to the stock options and restricted stock units	$5,416	$13,119	$5,934	'
Unrecognized compensation expense	$7,655	'	'	'
Expected period of unrecognized compensation expense	'3 years 8 months 13 days	'	'	'
Stock Appreciation Rights, grant expiry date	'10 years	'	'	'
Restricted stock units	'	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Conversion of common stock upon vesting	1	'	'	'
Service period for RSU awards	'3 years	'	'	'
Initial public offering effective date	24-Jan-12	'	'	'
Amount of Awards, Exercised/Restricted stock units vested	192,190	1,294,519	50,000	'
Restricted stock units | Board of Directors	'	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service period for RSU awards	'1 year	'	'	'
Restricted stock units | Certain executive management	'	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service period for RSU awards	'4 years	'	'	'
Stock appreciation rights	'	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of SAR's vesting annually	25.00%	'	'	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Sum

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Related Party Transactions - Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Related Party Transactions	'	'	'
Revenues - Biodiesel sales	$0	$6	$5,161
Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	49,358	54,364	263,562
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	37	158	1,505
Interest expense	30	32	761
West Central	'	'	'
Summary of Related Party Transactions	'	'	'
Revenues - Biodiesel sales	0	6	11
Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	49,358	50,415	48,510
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	37	45	102
Interest expense	30	23	96
Bunge	'	'	'
Summary of Related Party Transactions	'	'	'
Revenues - Biodiesel sales	0	0	2,124
Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	0	3,949	203,092
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	0	113	1,403
Interest expense	0	9	308
ED & F Man	'	'	'
Summary of Related Party Transactions	'	'	'
Revenues - Biodiesel sales	0	0	3,026
Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	0	0	11,960
USRG	'	'	'
Summary of Related Party Transactions	'	'	'
Interest expense	$0	$0	$357

Related_Party_Transactions_Sum1

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Related Party Balances - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Related Party Balances	'	'
Accounts receivable	$426	$771
Other assets	35	692
Accounts payable	552	2,950
West Central	'	'
Summary of Related Party Balances	'	'
Accounts receivable	426	771
Other assets	35	692
Accounts payable	$552	$2,950

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions - (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
West Central	'
Related Party Transaction (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Annual land lease cost	$1
The proportionate share of the costs associated with the provision of services	15.00%
Notice period of services agreement	'6 months
USRG Holdco IX, LLC	'
Related Party Transaction (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Loan with USRG for purchasing feedstocks and chemicals	$10,000,000
Servicing Contracts | West Central	'
Related Party Transaction (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Related party transaction initial term	'1 year
Lease Agreements	'
Related Party Transaction (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Agreement initial term	'20 years
Additional renewal period	'30 years

Operating_Leases_Details

Operating Leases - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	'
2014	$11,948
2015	9,401
2016	8,856
2017	8,339
2018	8,001
Thereafter	30,243
Total minimum payments	$76,788

Operating_Leases_Details_Textu

Operating Leases - (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Leases, Operating [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total rent expense under operating leases	$12,549	$11,114	$7,299

Details_Textual

- (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Open commodity contracts	1,076	'
Variable interest rate on the Term Loan fixed under derivative agreement	0.92%	'
Net position	$221	'
Interest rate swap	'	'
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, outstanding notional amount	3,295	'
Fair value of the interest rate swap agreements	19	46
Commodity Contract	'	'
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Collateral associated with commodity-based derivatives	$13,896	'

Derivative_Instruments_Balance

Derivative Instruments - Balance Sheet Location (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative fair value net	'	'
Derivative asset, Fair Value	$325,000	$448,000
Derivative liability, Fair value	565,000	910,000
Interest rate swap	'	'
Derivative fair value net	'	'
Derivative asset, Fair Value	0	0
Interest rate swap | Other liabilities	'	'
Derivative fair value net	'	'
Derivative liability, Fair value	19,000	46,000
Commodity futures | Prepaid expenses and other assets	'	'
Derivative fair value net	'	'
Derivative asset, Fair Value	62,000	'
Derivative liability, Fair value	0	'
Commodity swaps | Prepaid expenses and other assets	'	'
Derivative fair value net	'	'
Derivative asset, Fair Value	75,000	305,000
Derivative liability, Fair value	491,000	476,000
Commodity options | Prepaid expenses and other assets	'	'
Derivative fair value net	'	'
Derivative asset, Fair Value	188,000	143,000
Derivative liability, Fair value	$55,000	$388,000

Derivative_Instruments_Gain_Lo

Derivative Instruments - Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	($5,630)	$7,348	$11,537
Embedded derivative | Change in fair value of preferred stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	0	11,975	7,939
Interest rate swap | Other income (loss)	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	26	-5	571
Commodity futures | Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	258	-4	-97
Commodity swaps | Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	-5,775	-4,254	2,557
Commodity options | Cost of goods sold - Biodiesel	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	($139)	($364)	$567

Derivative_Instruments_Derivat

Derivative Instruments - Derivatives Subject to an Enforceable Master Netting Arrangement (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Gross amounts recognized	$14,221	$8,501
Asset Derivatives, Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-325	-448
Asset Derivatives, Net amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	13,896	8,053
Asset Derivatives, Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-13,896	-8,053
Asset Derivatives, Net amount	0	0
Liability Derivatives, Gross amounts recognized	565	910
Liability Derivatives, Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-325	-448
Liability Derivatives, Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Position	240	462
Liability Derivatives, Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Liability Derivatives, Net amount	$240	$462

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement - (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	$240	$462
Interest rate swap	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	19	46
Commodity futures	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	-62	'
Commodity swaps	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	416	171
Commodity options	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	-133	245
Level 1	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	'	'
Level 1 | Interest rate swap	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	0	0
Level 1 | Commodity futures	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	0	'
Level 1 | Commodity swaps	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	0	0
Level 1 | Commodity options	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	0	0
Level 2	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	240	462
Level 2 | Interest rate swap	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	19	46
Level 2 | Commodity futures	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	-62	'
Level 2 | Commodity swaps	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	416	171
Level 2 | Commodity options	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	-133	245
Level 3	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	'	'
Level 3 | Interest rate swap	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	0	0
Level 3 | Commodity futures	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	0	'
Level 3 | Commodity swaps	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	0	0
Level 3 | Commodity options	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets (liabilities), fair value	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details1

Fair Value Measurement - (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Preferred stock embedded derivatives	'	'	'
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	($53,822)	($61,761)
Total unrealized gains (losses)	0	11,975	7,939
Purchase accounting consolidation	'	'	0
Purchases	0	0	'
Issuance	0	0	'
Settlements	0	41,847	'
Ending balance	'	'	-53,822
Seneca Holdco Liability	'	'	'
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	-11,903	-10,406
Total unrealized gains (losses)	0	349	-2,097
Purchase accounting consolidation	'	'	600
Purchases	0	0	'
Issuance	0	0	'
Settlements	0	11,554	'
Ending balance	'	'	($11,903)

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details2

Fair Value Measurement - (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Asset (Liability) Carrying Amount	'	'
Estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments	'	'
Notes payable and lines of credit	($45,166)	($37,044)
Estimated Fair Value	'	'
Estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments	'	'
Notes payable and lines of credit	($45,094)	($37,000)

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details

Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Options to purchase common stock

Options to purchase common stock

Options to purchase common stock

Warrants to purchase common stock

Warrants to purchase common stock

Warrants to purchase common stock

Restricted stock units

Restricted stock units

Restricted stock units

Stock appreciation rights

Stock appreciation rights

Stock appreciation rights

Series A Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Redeemable Preferred Stock

Redeemable Preferred Stock

Redeemable Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock accrued dividends

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.88

$0.88

'

'

'

$1.13

Anti-dilutive securities

1,117,952

2,074,347

7,055,394

87,026

87,026

87,207

0

35,987

355,886

0

754,359

1,230,092

1,030,926

1,196,975

0

'

'

0

0

5,382,209

'

Net_Income_Per_Share_EPS_Recon

Net Income Per Share - EPS Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$165,254	$43,482	$42,753
Less: effects of recapitalization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-39,107	0
Plus: change in undistributed dividends allocated to preferred stockholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-823	-12,723
Plus: distributed dividends to Preferred Stockholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,055	3,156	0
Accretion of preferred stock to redemption value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	1,808	25,343
Plus: (gain) loss due to change in fair value of Series A Preferred Stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-11,975	'
Plus: effect of participating securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	19,057	12,097	'
Net income attributable to common stockholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	186,366	10,284	'
Less: effect of participating securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-21,108	-1,108	'
Net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders - Diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($165,258)	($9,176)	'
Weighted-average shares outstanding - Basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,045,164	28,381,676	13,607,840
Adjustment to reflect conversion of preferred stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	5,958,790	'
Adjustment to reflect stock appreciation right conversions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,065	0	'
Adjustment to reflect warrants to purchase common stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	650	0	'
Weighted-average shares outstanding - Diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,052,879	34,340,466	13,607,840
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted	$0.80	$2.31	$0.62	$1.25	($0.03)	($0.24)	$0.39	$0.06	$5	$0.27	$3.14

Reportable_Segments_Details

Reportable Segments - (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment for the results of operations	'		'		'
Net sales:	$1,498,138		$1,015,034		$824,031
Income before income taxes and income from equity investments:	191,301		23,713		91,409
Depreciation and amortization expense, net:	9,242		7,921		9,475
Cash paid for purchases of property, plant and equipment:	39,053		12,654		4,806
Goodwill:	84,864		84,864		84,864
Assets:	740,855		495,784		484,447
Biodiesel	'		'		'
Segment for the results of operations	'		'		'
Goodwill:	68,784		68,784		68,784
Services	'		'		'
Segment for the results of operations	'		'		'
Goodwill:	16,080		16,080		16,080
Operating Segments | Biodiesel	'		'		'
Segment for the results of operations	'		'		'
Net sales:	1,498,011		1,014,797		823,809
Income before income taxes and income from equity investments:	239,462		58,349		127,187
Depreciation and amortization expense, net:	8,199		7,111		8,833
Cash paid for purchases of property, plant and equipment:	36,770		11,409		3,823
Goodwill:	68,784		68,784		68,784
Assets:	444,945		357,305		341,863
Operating Segments | Services	'		'		'
Segment for the results of operations	'		'		'
Net sales:	63,980		38,031		13,027
Income before income taxes and income from equity investments:	-29		-26		24
Depreciation and amortization expense, net:	120		38		4
Cash paid for purchases of property, plant and equipment:	504		396		53
Goodwill:	16,080		16,080		16,080
Assets:	20,542		20,033		20,474
Intersegment revenues	'		'		'
Segment for the results of operations	'		'		'
Net sales:	-63,853		-37,794		-12,805
Corporate and other	'		'		'
Segment for the results of operations	'		'		'
Income before income taxes and income from equity investments:	-48,132	[1]	-34,610	[1]	-35,802	[1]
Depreciation and amortization expense, net:	923	[1]	772	[1]	638	[1]
Cash paid for purchases of property, plant and equipment:	1,779	[1]	849	[1]	930	[1]
Assets:	$275,368	[2]	$118,446	[2]	$122,110	[2]
[1]	Corporate and other includes income/(expense) not associated with the reportable segments, such as corporate general and administrative expenses, shared service expenses, interest expense and interest income, all reflected on an accrual basis of accounting.
[2]	Corporate and other includes cash and other assets not associated with the reportable segments, including investments.

Supplemental_Quarterly_Informa2

Supplemental Quarterly Information (Unaudited) - (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant items for the results of operations on a quarterly basis	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$390,591	$458,444	$384,735	$264,368	$231,948	$322,912	$271,927	$188,247	$1,498,138	$1,015,034	$824,031
Gross profit	44,708	57,849	50,181	86,695	7,549	2,791	30,949	17,034	239,433	58,323	127,211
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	12,567	12,686	11,226	9,644	8,544	9,902	11,014	12,962	46,123	42,422	34,479
Income from operations	32,141	45,163	38,955	77,051	-995	-7,111	19,935	4,072	193,310	15,901	92,732
Other income (expense), net	-528	-511	-511	-459	-1,371	-1,094	-1,031	11,308	-2,009	7,812	-1,323
Net income	$30,130	$86,703	$23,130	$46,403	($151)	($6,040)	$14,433	$14,017	$186,366	$22,259	$88,869
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - basic	$0.81	$2.32	$0.63	$1.25	($0.03)	($0.24)	$0.39	$1.60	$5	$1.53	$3.14
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted	$0.80	$2.31	$0.62	$1.25	($0.03)	($0.24)	$0.39	$0.06	$5	$0.27	$3.14

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events - (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 17, 2013	Dec. 17, 2013	Dec. 07, 2013	Jan. 22, 2014	Jan. 22, 2014
	Syntroleum Corporation	Syntroleum Corporation	Syntroleum Corporation	LS9, Inc	LS9, Inc
		Dynamic Fuels, LLC	Downward Adjustment	Subsequent Event	Held In Escrow
					Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest acquired	'	50.00%	'	'	'
Shares issued in business combination	3,796,000	'	'	2,230,559	541,288
Earnout Payments	'	'	'	$21,500	'
Cash received	'	'	3,200	15,275	'
Share price	'	'	$12.91	'	'
Issuable stock, benchmark for contingently issuable shares	'	'	$49,000	'	'
Period held in escrow	'	'	'	'	'18 months

Schedule_I_Financial_Informati1

Schedule I - Financial Information of Parent Company - Condensed Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$153,227	$66,785	$33,575	$4,259
Deferred income taxes	-3,687	2,512	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	25,568	15,812	'	'
Total current assets	347,520	149,083	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	286,044	242,885	'	'
Intangible assets, net	4,867	4,609	'	'
Other assets	5,029	5,351	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	740,855	495,784	484,447	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	48,727	28,131	'	'
Accrued expenses	12,305	6,475	'	'
Deferred income taxes	5,084	624	'	'
Total current liabilities	98,237	39,844	'	'
Deferred income taxes	31,299	24,297	'	'
Total liabilities	142,822	87,977	'	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'	'	'	'
Company stockholders’ equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock ($.0001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 36,506,221 and 30,559,935 shares outstanding, respectively)	4	3	'	'
Common stock—additional paid-in-capital	359,671	273,989	'	'
Warrants—additional paid-in-capital	147	147	'	'
Retained earnings	238,134	53,823	'	'
Treasury stock (530,898 and 462,985 shares outstanding, respectively)	-3,886	-3,198	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	594,070	324,764	120,576	35,116
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	740,855	495,784	'	'
Series B Preferred Stock	'	'	'	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK ($.0001 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized; 143,313 and 2,995,106 shares outstanding, respectively; redemption amount $3,583 and $74,878, respectively)	3,963	83,043	'	'
Parent Company	'	'	'	'
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,581	11,287	0	1,457
Notes receivable	0	8,618	'	'
Deferred income taxes	7,018	0	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	2,668	5,518	'	'
Total current assets	11,267	25,423	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,823	2,193	'	'
Intangible assets, net	4,749	4,476	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	614,330	403,549	'	'
Intercompany receivables	1,177	721	'	'
Long term note receivables	0	14,093	'	'
Other assets	122	11	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	635,468	450,466	'	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	2,083	3,799	'	'
Accrued expenses	2,728	1,392	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	529	'	'
Total current liabilities	4,811	5,720	'	'
Deferred income taxes	32,624	36,939	'	'
Total liabilities	37,435	42,659	'	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'	'	'	'
Company stockholders’ equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock ($.0001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 36,506,221 and 30,559,935 shares outstanding, respectively)	4	3	'	'
Common stock—additional paid-in-capital	359,671	273,989	'	'
Warrants—additional paid-in-capital	147	147	'	'
Retained earnings	238,134	53,823	'	'
Treasury stock (530,898 and 462,985 shares outstanding, respectively)	-3,886	-3,198	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	594,070	324,764	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	635,468	450,466	'	'
Parent Company | Series B Preferred Stock	'	'	'	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK ($.0001 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized; 143,313 and 2,995,106 shares outstanding, respectively; redemption amount $3,583 and $74,878, respectively)	$3,963	$83,043	'	'

Schedule_I_Financial_Informati2

Schedule I - Financial Information of Parent Company - Condensed Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 03, 2012

Jul. 12, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 03, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Series B Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Preferred stock, par value

'

'

'

'

$0.00

$0.00

'

'

'

'

$0.00

$0.00

Preferred stock, shares authorized

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

3,000,000

'

3,000,000

'

'

3,000,000

3,000,000

Preferred stock, shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

143,313

2,995,106,000

'

'

'

'

143,313

2,995,106

Preferred stock redemption amount

'

'

'

'

$3,583

$74,878

$74,987

'

'

'

$3,583

$74,878

Common stock, par value

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

'

'

'

'

'

$0.00

$0.00

'

'

Common stock, shares authorized

300,000,000

300,000,000

450,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

300,000,000

'

'

Common Stock, shares outstanding

36,506,221

30,559,935

'

'

'

'

'

'

36,506,221

30,559,935

'

'

Common stock, shares issued

'

'

'

673,544

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury stock, shares outstanding

530,898

462,985

'

'

'

'

'

'

530,898

462,985

'

'

Schedule_I_Financial_Informati3

Schedule I - Financial Information of Parent Company - Condensed Statements of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from services provided to subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$127	$237	$222
Total income	32,141	45,163	38,955	77,051	-995	-7,111	19,935	4,072	193,310	15,901	92,732
Change in fair value of preferred stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	11,975	7,939
Change in fair value of Seneca Holdco liability	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	349	-2,097
Other income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	388	167	930
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,397	-4,679	-8,095
Income before income taxes and income (loss) from equity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	191,301	23,713	91,409
Income tax benefit (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,935	-1,454	-2,982
Income (loss) from equity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	442
Net income	30,130	86,703	23,130	46,403	-151	-6,040	14,433	14,017	186,366	22,259	88,869
EFFECTS OF RECAPITALIZATION	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	39,107	0
LESS—ACCRETION OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK TO REDEMPTION VALUE	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-1,808	-25,343
LESS—CHANGES IN UNDISTRIBUTED DIVIDENDS ALLOCATED TO PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-823	-12,723
LESS—DISTRIBUTED DIVIDENDS TO PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,055	-3,156	0
LESS—EFFECT OF PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-16,272	-8,952	-4,186
LESS—EFFECT OF PARTICIPATING SHARE-BASED AWARDS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,785	-3,145	-3,864
Net income attributable to the company's common stockholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	165,254	43,482	42,753
Parent Company	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries of continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	178,100	20,071	98,432
Income from services provided to subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,760	5,138	500
Total income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	182,860	25,209	98,932
General and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-17,404	-25,473	-13,019
Change in fair value of preferred stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	11,975	7,939
Change in fair value of Seneca Holdco liability	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	349	-2,097
Other income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	39	109	35
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2	-199	-14
Interest income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,504	414	134
Income before income taxes and income (loss) from equity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	166,997	12,384	91,910
Income tax benefit (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	19,369	9,804	-2,982
Income (loss) from equity investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	71	-59
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	186,366	22,259	88,869
EFFECTS OF RECAPITALIZATION	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	39,107	0
LESS—ACCRETION OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK TO REDEMPTION VALUE	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-1,808	-25,343
LESS—CHANGES IN UNDISTRIBUTED DIVIDENDS ALLOCATED TO PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-823	-12,723
LESS—DISTRIBUTED DIVIDENDS TO PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,055	-3,156	0
LESS—EFFECT OF PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-16,272	-8,952	-4,186
LESS—EFFECT OF PARTICIPATING SHARE-BASED AWARDS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,785	-3,145	-3,864
Net income attributable to the company's common stockholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$165,254	$43,482	$42,753

Schedule_I_Financial_Informati4

Schedule I - Financial Information of Parent Company - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income	$186,366	$22,259	$88,869
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	9,705	8,024	7,184
Amortization expense	-463	-103	2,291
Provision for doubtful accounts	309	563	1,389
Stock compensation expense	-5,416	-13,119	-5,934
(Income) from equity method investees	0	0	-442
Deferred tax benefit	-67,057	7,291	26,358
Change in fair value of preferred stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	0	-11,975	-7,939
Change in fair value of Seneca Holdco liability	0	-249	1,497
Expense settled with stock issuance	0	1,898	0
Premium paid for Seneca Landlord investment	0	-7,063	0
Changes in asset and liabilities, net of effects from mergers and acquisitions:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-64,460	32,014	-35,421
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-9,984	-394	-11,951
Accounts payable	22,386	-4,002	14,153
Accrued expenses	4,801	-2,614	6,321
Net cash flows provided from (used in) operating activities	139,645	44,619	51,194
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Cash paid for purchase of property, plant and equipment	-39,053	-12,654	-4,806
Cash paid for acquisitions	-10,933	-1,791	0
Net cash flows used in investing activities	-54,389	-14,546	-2,120
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Cash paid on note payable from subsidiaries	-10,999	-44,509	-20,695
Cash received upon exercise of warrants	0	0	48
Cash received from initial public offering	0	63,747	0
Cash paid for issuance of common stock and preferred stock	-25	-1,699	-2,153
Cash paid for treasury stock	-282	-3,074	0
Cash paid for preferred stock dividends	-1,291	-3,155	0
Net cash flows provided from (used in) financing activities	1,186	3,137	-19,758
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	86,442	33,210	29,316
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	66,785	33,575	4,259
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	153,227	66,785	33,575
Parent Company	'	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income	186,366	22,259	88,869
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Equity in earnings of continuing operations	-178,100	-20,071	-98,432
Depreciation expense	255	157	410
Amortization expense	314	240	189
Provision for doubtful accounts	0	12	0
Stock compensation expense	5,416	13,119	5,934
(Income) from equity method investees	0	-71	59
Deferred tax benefit	-12,239	-7,794	-4,967
Change in fair value of preferred stock conversion feature embedded derivatives	0	-11,975	-7,939
Change in fair value of Seneca Holdco liability	0	-249	2,097
Expense settled with stock issuance	0	1,898	0
Dividends received from subsidiary	162,969	0	6,802
Premium paid for Seneca Landlord investment	0	-7,063	0
Changes in asset and liabilities, net of effects from mergers and acquisitions:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-514	675	-564
Prepaid expenses and other assets	2,849	-4,978	-204
Accounts payable	-1,246	2,254	674
Accrued expenses	770	-973	1,818
Net cash flows provided from (used in) operating activities	166,840	-12,560	-5,254
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Change in investments in subsidiaries	-153,343	-352	-158
Cash paid for purchase of property, plant and equipment	-2,444	-666	-679
Cash paid for acquisitions	-10,933	-1,647	0
Net cash flows used in investing activities	-166,720	-2,665	-837
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Cash paid on note receivable to subsidiaries	-35,982	-22,711	-1,482
Cash received on note receivable from subsidiaries	27,754	0	4,671
Cash paid on note payable from subsidiaries	0	-3,846	0
Cash received on note payable from subsidiaries	0	1,250	2,596
Repayment of investment in Seneca Landlord	0	-4,000	0
Cash received upon exercise of warrants	0	0	48
Cash received from initial public offering	'	63,747	'
Cash paid for issuance of common stock and preferred stock	-25	-1,699	-1,199
Cash paid for treasury stock	-282	-3,074	0
Cash paid for preferred stock dividends	-1,291	-3,155	0
Net cash flows provided from (used in) financing activities	-9,826	26,512	4,634
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-9,706	11,287	-1,457
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	11,287	0	1,457
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	$1,581	$11,287	$0