Renewable Energy (REGI) 10-Q 9 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Renewable Energy Group, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001463258	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	38,788,076

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$76,224	$153,227
Marketable securities	59,838	0
Accounts receivable, net (includes amounts owed by related parties of $354 and $426, respectively)	31,014	82,911
Inventories	94,075	85,814
Prepaid expenses and other assets	29,425	25,568
Total current assets	290,576	347,520
Property, plant and equipment, net	306,461	286,044
Property, plant and equipment, net - variable interest entity	5,123	5,180
Goodwill	119,710	84,864
Intangible assets, net	20,841	4,867
Other assets (includes amounts owed by related parties of $0 and $35, respectively)	12,657	12,380
TOTAL ASSETS	755,368	740,855
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	2,437	10,986
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Current maturities of notes payable	7,318	6,729
Current maturities of notes payable—variable interest entity	300	300
Accounts payable (includes amounts owed to related parties of $380 and $552, respectively)	44,165	48,727
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	7,162	12,305
Deferred income taxes	2,664	3,687
Deferred revenue	11,844	15,503
Total current liabilities	75,890	98,237
Unfavorable lease obligation	7,623	7,905
Deferred income taxes	5,227	2,691
Contingent consideration for acquisition	15,706	0
Notes payable	21,900	23,422
Notes payable - variable interest entity	3,656	3,729
Other liabilities	5,275	6,838
Total liabilities	135,277	142,822
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 15)	'	'
EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock ($.0001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 38,788,076 and 36,506,221 shares outstanding, respectively)	4	4
Common stock—additional paid-in-capital	387,765	359,671
Warrants—additional paid-in-capital	147	147
Retained earnings	236,113	238,134
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-52	0
Treasury stock (530,898 and 530,898 shares outstanding, respectively)	-3,886	-3,886
Total stockholders’ equity	620,091	594,070
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	755,368	740,855
Series B Preferred Stock	'	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Series B preferred stock ($.0001 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized; 0 and 143,313 shares outstanding; redemption amount $0 and $3,583, respectively)	$0	$3,963

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, amounts owed by related parties	$354	$426
Other assets, amounts owed by related parties	0	35
Accounts payable, amounts owed to related parties	380	552
Preferred stock, par or stated value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	143,313
Preferred stock, redemption amount	$0	$3,583
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares, outstanding	38,788,076	36,506,221
Treasury stock, shares outstanding	530,898	530,898

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
REVENUES:	'	'
Biodiesel sales	$209,122	$119,721
Biodiesel government incentives	9,890	144,605
Total biodiesel sales	219,012	264,326
Services	28	42
Total revenues	219,040	264,368
COSTS OF GOODS SOLD:	'	'
Biodiesel	200,305	165,883
Biodiesel—related parties	7,146	11,730
Services	25	60
Total cost of goods sold	207,476	177,673
GROSS PROFIT	11,564	86,695
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	13,527	9,644
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	-1,963	77,051
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET:	'	'
Other income	48	117
Interest expense	-551	-576
Total other income (expenses)	-503	-459
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	-2,466	76,592
INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE)	107	-30,189
NET INCOME (LOSS)	-2,359	46,403
PLUS—GAIN ON REDEMPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK	378	0
LESS—CHANGE IN UNDISTRIBUTED DIVIDENDS ALLOCATED TO PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS	0	-839
LESS—DISTRIBUTED DIVIDENDS TO PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS	-40	0
LESS—EFFECT OF PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK	0	-6,510
LESS—EFFECT OF PARTICIPATING SHARE-BASED AWARDS	0	-619
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	($2,021)	$38,435
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS:	'	'
BASIC	($0.05)	$1.25
DILUTED	($0.06)	$1.25
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES USED TO COMPUTE NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS:	'	'
BASIC	38,290,404	30,639,284
DILUTED	38,557,441	36,628,662

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income (loss)	($2,359)	$46,403
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of taxes of $0 and $0, respectively	-52	0
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses on marketable securities include in net income (loss), net of taxes of $0 and $0, respectively	0	0
Other comprehensive loss	-52	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	($2,411)	$46,403

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Taxes on unrealized losses on marketable securities	$0	$0
Taxes on reclassification adjustment for realized losses on marketable securities included in net income (loss)	$0	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Redeemable Preferred Stock and Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Redeemable Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock - Additional Paid-in Capital	Warrants - Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Cost of Treasury Stock
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$324,764	$83,043	$3	$273,989	$147	$53,823	$0	($3,198)
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	2,995,106	30,559,935	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock	423	'	'	423	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, shares	'	'	58,501	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Class A common stock/Series B Preferred Stock to common stock	32	-32	'	32	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Class A common stock/Series B Preferred Stock to common stock, Shares	'	-1,140	2,300	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of restricted stock units to common stock (net of shares of treasury stock purchased)	-158	'	'	'	'	'	'	-158
Conversion of restricted stock units to common stock (net of shares of treasury stock purchased), Shares	'	'	28,325	'	'	'	'	'
Stock compensation expense	1,356	'	'	1,356	'	'	'	'
Net change in unrealized losses on marketable securities	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	46,403	'	'	'	'	46,403	'	'
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	372,820	83,011	3	275,800	147	100,226	0	-3,356
Ending Balance, Shares at Mar. 31, 2013	'	2,993,966	30,649,061	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	594,070	3,963	4	359,671	147	238,134	'	-3,886
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	143,313	36,506,221	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock	582	'	'	582	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, shares	'	'	49,662	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Class A common stock/Series B Preferred Stock to common stock	23	-23	'	23	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock redemption	378	-3,940	'	'	'	378	'	'
Preferred stock redemption, shares	'	-142,497	'	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Class A common stock/Series B Preferred Stock to common stock, Shares	'	-816	1,634	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock in acquisition	26,254	'	'	26,254	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock in acquisition, shares	'	'	2,230,559	'	'	'	'	'
Stock compensation expense	1,235	'	'	1,235	'	'	'	'
Net change in unrealized losses on marketable securities	-52	'	'	'	'	'	-52	'
Series B Preferred Stock dividends paid	-40	'	'	'	'	-40	'	'
Net income	-2,359	'	'	'	'	-2,359	'	'
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$620,091	$0	$4	$387,765	$147	$236,113	($52)	($3,886)
Ending Balance, Shares at Mar. 31, 2014	'	0	38,788,076	'	'	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Redeemable Preferred Stock and Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Conversion of restricted stock units to common stock, shares of treasury stock purchased	21,675

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	($2,359)	$46,403
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation expense	3,004	2,080
Amortization expense of assets and liabilities, net	-121	-132
Provision for doubtful accounts	-150	-304
Stock compensation expense	1,235	1,356
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	-387	2,539
Changes in asset and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	52,213	-153,421
Inventories	-8,261	-44,307
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-3,734	-2,872
Accounts payable	-7,383	88,801
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-5,578	24,369
Deferred revenue	-3,659	1,361
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	24,820	-34,127
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Cash paid for marketable securities	-59,975	0
Cash paid for purchase of property, plant and equipment	-12,773	-9,923
Cash paid for LS9 asset acquisition	-15,275	0
Other investing activities	112	-58
Net cash flows used in investing activities	-87,911	-9,981
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Borrowings on line of credit	300,186	228,629
Repayments on line of credit	-308,735	-201,192
Cash paid on note payable	-1,006	-790
Cash paid for debt issuance costs	-118	-44
Cash paid for equity issuance costs	-108	-21
Cash paid for treasury stock	-529	-282
Cash paid for preferred stock dividends	-40	0
Cash paid for redemption of preferred stock	-3,562	0
Net cash flows provided from (used in) financing activities	-13,912	26,300
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-77,003	-17,808
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	153,227	66,785
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	76,224	48,977
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:	'	'
Cash received for income taxes	40	2,132
Cash paid for interest	539	345
Amounts included in period-end accounts payable for:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	4,579	3,782
Debt issuance cost	63	3
Incentive stock liability for raw material supply agreement	101	84
Equity issuance costs	321	'
Issuance of common stock for acquisition	26,254	'
Contingent consideration for acquisition	17,050	'
Gain on redemption of preferred stock	$378	'

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Natu

Basis of Presentation and Nature of the Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Nature of the Business	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND NATURE OF THE BUSINESS
	The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Renewable Energy Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company), pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations. All adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, have been included. Management believes that the disclosures are adequate to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto appearing in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those to be expected for the fiscal year.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	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 was a development stage company focused on researching and developing technology to harness the power of microbial fermentation to develop and produce renewable chemicals, fuels and other products.
	The biodiesel industry and the Company’s business have benefited from certain federal and state incentives. The federal biomass-based diesel mixture excise tax credit (BTC) expired on December, 31 2013 and it is uncertain whether it will be reinstated. This expiration, along with other amendments of any one or more of those laws or incentives, could adversely affect the financial results of the Company.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	We have disclosed a summary of the Company's significant accounting policies in the December 31, 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes from the policies previously disclosed other than those noted below.
	Marketable Securities
	The Company’s marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains or losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary, if any, on available-for-sale securities are reported in other income, net. The Company evaluates the investments periodically for possible other-than-temporary impairment. A decline of fair value below amortized costs of debt securities is considered an other-than-temporary impairment if the Company has the intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis. In those instances, an impairment charge equal to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost basis is recognized in earnings. Regardless of the Company’s intent or requirement to sell a debt security, an impairment is considered other-than-temporary if the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis; in those instances, a credit loss equal to the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected based on credit risk and the amortized cost basis of the debt security is recognized in earnings. The Company has no current requirement or intent to sell a material portion of marketable securities as of March 31, 2014. The Company expects to recover up to (or beyond) the initial cost of investment for securities held. In computing realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, the Company determines cost based on amounts paid, including direct costs such as commissions to acquire the security, using the specific identification method. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were not material.
	Contingent Consideration for Acquisitions
	The contingent consideration for acquisition liability was established at the time of acquisition of LS9 and is adjusted to fair value at each reporting period (See Note 3 - Acquisition of LS9, Inc.). The change in fair value is included in selling, general and administrative expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and was not material for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development (R&D) costs are charged to expense as incurred. R&D expense was $1,873 and $60 for the three month ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In process research and development (IPR&D) assets acquired in connection with the acquisition of LS9 are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as intangible assets. Acquired IPR&D is initially assigned an indefinite life and is subject to impairment testing until the completion or abandonment of the associated R&D efforts. If abandoned, the carrying value of the IPR&D asset is expensed. Once the associated R&D efforts are completed, the carrying value of the IPR&D is reclassified as a finite-lived asset and is amortized over its useful life.
	Redeemable Preferred Stock
	In March 2014, the Company redeemed all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock. No shares of Series B Preferred Stock remain outstanding at March 31, 2014.
	New Accounting Standards
	In the first quarter of 2014, the Company adopted 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. This ASU requires unrecognized tax benefits to be presented as a reduction to deferred tax assets for net operating loss carryforwards. The adoption did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Acquisition_of_LS9_Inc

Acquisition of LS9, Inc.	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition of LS9, Inc.	'
	ACQUISITION OF LS9, INC.
	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. The Company has not completed its initial accounting for this business combination as the valuation of the contingent consideration, in-process research & development intangible assets and goodwill acquired has not been finalized. The following table summarizes the consideration paid for LS9 and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
		January 22, 2014
	Consideration at fair value:
	Cash	$	15,275
	Common stock	26,254
	Contingent consideration	17,050
	Total	$	58,579
		22-Jan-14
	Assets (liabilities) acquired:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	8,215
	In-process research & development intangible assets	15,956
	Goodwill	34,846
	Other noncurrent liabilities	(438		)
	Total	$	58,579
	The fair value of the 2,230,559 Common Stock issued as part of the consideration paid for LS9 was determined on the basis of the closing market price of the Company's common shares at the date of acquisition.
	Subject to achievement of certain milestones related to the development and commercialization of products from LS9’s technology, LS9 may receive contingent consideration of up to $21,500 (Earnout Payments) over a five-year period. The Earnout Payments will be payable in cash, the Company's stock or a combination of cash and stock at the Company's election. The portion of contingent consideration estimated to be paid within twelve months is $1,344 and is included in accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	The goodwill acquired is included in the biodiesel segment, is expected to be deductible for tax purposes and arises largely from the synergies and certain intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition.
	The amounts of LS9's revenue and earnings included in our consolidated income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the revenue and earnings of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2013, are as follows:
		Revenue			Net Income			Basic Net Income Per Share
	Actual from 1/22/2014 - 3/31/2014	$	—		$	(1,843	)	N/A
	2014 supplemental pro forma from 1/1/2014 - 3/31/2014	219,061			(2,644		)	(0.06	)
	2013 supplemental pro forma from 1/1/2013 - 3/31/2013	264,403			43,350			1.11

Marketable_Securities_Notes

Marketable Securities (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities	'
	MARKETABLE SECURITIES
	The Company's investments in marketable securities are stated at fair value and are available for sale. The following tables summarizes the Company's marketable securities:
		As of March 31, 2014
		Maturity	Gross Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Total Unrealized Losses
	Commercial paper	Within one year	$	26,950	$	26,947	$	(3	)
	Corporate bonds	Within one year	25,541		25,508		(33		)
	Certificates of deposit	Within one year	7,399		7,383		(16		)
	Total		$	59,890	$	59,838	$	(52	)

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	INVENTORIES
	Inventories consist of the following:
		31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
	Raw materials	$	15,039	$	13,393
	Work in process	1,407		1,456
	Finished goods	77,629		70,965
	Total	$	94,075	$	85,814

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Ass

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	'
	PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER ASSETS
	Prepaid expense and other assets consist of the following:
		31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
	Commodity derivatives and related collateral, net	$	12,981	$	13,675
	Prepaid expenses	2,949		2,414
	Deposits	4,241		293
	RIN inventory	6,650		6,455
	Income taxes receivable	2,138		2,197
	Other	466		534
	Total	$	29,425	$	25,568
	RIN inventory values were adjusted in the amount of $579 and $1,277 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, to reflect the lower of cost or market.

Goodwill_Notes

Goodwill (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	GOODWILL
	The following table shows the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment as of December 31, 2013 and the changes in goodwill for the three month period ended March 31, 2014:
		Biodiesel		Services		Total
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	68,784	$	16,080	$	84,864
	Acquisitions	34,846		—		34,846
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	103,630	$	16,080	$	119,710

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Intangible assets consist of the following:
		As of March 31, 2014
		Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Raw material supply agreement	$	5,603	$	(833	)	$	4,770
	Ground lease	200		(85		)	115
	Total amortizing intangibles	5,803		(918		)	4,885
	In-process research and development, indefinite lives	15,956		—			15,956
	Total intangible assets	$	21,759	$	(918	)	$	20,841
		As of December 31, 2013
		Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Raw material supply agreement	$	5,502	$	(753	)	$	4,749
	Ground lease	200		(82		)	118
	Total amortizing intangibles	5,702		(835		)	4,867
	In-process research and development, indefinite lives	—		—			—
	Total intangible assets	$	5,702	$	(835	)	$	4,867
	The estimated intangible asset amortization expense for fiscal year 2014 through fiscal year 2018 is as follows:
	April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	$	335
	2015	479
	2016	492
	2017	506
	2018	521
	2019 and thereafter	2,552

Borrowings

Borrowings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Borrowings	'
	BORROWINGS
	The Company’s notes payable are as follows:
		31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
	REG Danville term loan	$	5,326	$	5,626
	REG Newton term loan	17,514		18,143
	REG Mason City term loan	5,135		5,135
	Other	1,243		1,247
	Total notes payable	$	29,218	$	30,151
	Bell, LLC promissory note—variable interest entity	$	3,956	$	4,029
	REG Danville, LLC (REG Danville) has a term loan agreement with Fifth Third Bank (Danville Loan) which will mature in November 2015. The Danville Loan requires monthly principal payments of $150 and interest based on a rate of LIBOR plus 5% per annum (5.15% at March 31, 2014). The Danville Loan is secured by the Danville facility and contains various loan covenants that restrict REG Danville’s ability to take certain actions, including prohibiting it from making payments to the Company in certain situations. The Danville Loan also requires semi-annual payments equal to 50% of its Excess Cash Flow which is defined as REG Danville’s EBITDA plus certain affiliate payments, less principal payments, interest expense, taxes and capital expenditures. The excess cash flow payment required for the second half of 2013 was $1,350 and was paid in April 2014. The Company recorded an estimated excess cash flow payment required the three months ended March 31, 2014 of $346.
	REG Newton, LLC (REG Newton) has a term loan agreement AgStar Financial Services, PCA (Newton Loan) which will mature in December 2018. The Newton Loan is secured by all plant assets owned by REG Newton. Interest is to be accrued based on 30-day LIBOR plus 400 basis points (4.16% at March 31, 2014). REG Newton is required to make monthly principal and interest payments of $270. The Newton Loan agreement requires REG Newton to make an annual payment equal to 50% of its Excess Cash Flow which is defined as REG Newton's EBITDA, less the sum of required debt payments, interest expense, up to $750 in maintenance capital expenditure and allowed distributions. There was no required excess cash flow payment required for 2013 or the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	REG Mason City, LLC (REG Mason City) has a term loan agreement with Soy Energy, LLC (Mason City Loan) which will mature in July 2019. The Mason City 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 Mason City Loan is secured by the Mason City Facility and contains a covenant that restricts REG Mason City’s ability to take certain actions, including prohibiting it from making payments to the Company in certain circumstances. The Mason City Loan requires annual excess cash flow payments equal to 50% of its excess cash flow. There was no required excess cash flow payment required for 2013 or the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Revolving Line of Credit
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Amount borrowed under revolving line of credit	$	2,437	$	10,986
	Maximum available to be borrowed under revolving line of credit	$	20,938	$	29,014
	The Company, through two of its subsidiaries, has a revolving credit facility with a bank group (the Wells Fargo Revolver) which matures in December 2016. The agreement provides for loans up to $40,000 based on eligible collateral. The loans bear interest at (a) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.50% to 3.25% or (b) 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 March 31, 2014.
	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) of at least 1.0 to 1.0 and to have Excess Availability (as defined) of at least $4,000. The revolving credit facility 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.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	West Central Cooperative
	West Central beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding securities. The Company has several contractual relationships and transactions with West Central, including contracts for services, supply of soybean oil feedstock, a ground lease for the Ralston facility and an extended payment terms arrangement
	Under the ground lease with West Central, West Central leases the real property on which the Ralston facility is located for an annual rental fee of one dollar. The ground lease has a 20-year term ending July 31, 2026 and the Company may elect to extend the term for six additional five-year terms. The Company also has an Asset Use Agreement with West Central which 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.
	The Company purchases once-refined soybean oil from West Central to supply the Ralston facility. On October 1, 2012, the Company entered into a new feedstock supply agreement with West Central. The supply agreement is for a sixteen month period with the option for a one year extension. West Central agrees to supply and the Company agrees to purchase soybean oil for the Ralston facility at a price indexed to prevailing Chicago Board of Trade, or CBOT, soybean oil market prices with an agreed upon negotiated market basis.
	In June 2009, the Company entered into an extended payment terms agreement with West Central. The agreement set forth the terms of payment that apply for soybean oil that West Central sold to the Company for use at the Ralston facility, as well as any other feedstock that West Central agreed to sell. Pursuant to the agreement, payment for feedstocks delivered by West Central is required to be made within 45 days after delivery by West Central of an invoice for the feedstocks. Interest accrues on amounts due for feedstocks supplied by West Central beginning on the fifth day after West Central delivered an invoice for the feedstock until paid. At no time during the term of the agreement is the amount payable to West Central permitted to exceed $3,000. The agreement expires in January 2015 and automatically renews for one additional year unless either party provides sufficient notice of cancellation prior to the renewal.
		Three Months		Three Months
		Ended		Ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Cost of goods sold – Biodiesel	$	7,146	$	11,730
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	—	$	2
	Interest expense	$	—	$	20
		As of		As of
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Accounts receivable	$	354	$	426
	Other assets	$	—	$	35
	Accounts payable	$	380	$	552

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	The Company enters into heating oil and soybean oil futures, swaps and options (commodity contract derivatives) to hedge its exposure to price risk related to anticipated purchases of feedstock raw materials and to protect gross profit margins from potentially adverse effects of price volatility on biodiesel sales where prices are set at a future date. All of the Company’s commodity contract derivatives are designated as non-hedge derivatives and recorded at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized as a component of biodiesel costs of goods sold reflected in current results of operations. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had 1,239 open commodity contracts.
	The Company offsets the fair value amounts recognized for its commodity contract derivatives with cash collateral with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement. The net position is presented within prepaid and other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The following table sets forth the fair value of the Company's commodity contract derivatives and amounts that offset within the condensed consolidated balance sheet:
		31-Mar-14								31-Dec-13
		Assets				Liabilities				Assets			Liabilities
	Gross amounts of derivatives recognized at fair value	$	1,064			$	371			$	325		$	546
	Cash collateral	12,288				—				13,896			—
	Total gross amount recognized	13,352				371				14,221			546
	Gross amounts offset	(371		)		(371		)		(546		)	(546		)
	Net amount reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheet	$	12,981			$	—			$	13,675		$	—
	The following table sets forth the pre-tax gains (losses) included in the condensed consolidated statement of operations:
		Location of Gain (Loss)		Three Months				Three Months
		Recognized in income		Ended				Ended
				March 31,				March 31,
				2014				2013
	Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold – Biodiesel		$	(694	)		$	1,367

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 March 31, 2014
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Money market funds	$	1,801		$	1,801		$	—		$	—
	Marketable securities:
	Certificates of deposit	7,383			—			7,383			—
	Commercial paper	26,947			—			26,947			—
	Commercial notes/bonds	25,508			—			25,508			—
	Commodity contract derivatives	693			—			693			—
	Contingent consideration for acquisition	(17,050		)	—			—			(17,050		)
		As of December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Commodity contract derivatives	$	(221	)	$	—		$	(221	)	$	—
	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 three months ended March 31, 2014:
	Contingent consideration for acquisition	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Balance at beginning of the period	$	—
	Additions for acquisition	17,050
	Balance at end of period	$	17,050
	The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which are not recorded at fair value, are as follows:
		As of March 31, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
		Asset (Liability)			Fair Value			Asset (Liability)			Fair Value
		Carrying						Carrying
		Amount						Amount
	Financial liabilities:
	Notes payable and lines of credit	$	(35,611	)	$	(35,537	)	$	(45,166	)	$	(45,094	)
	The carrying amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair values. Money market funds are included in cash and cash equivalents on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The Company used the following methods and assumptions to estimate fair value of its financial instruments:
	Marketable securities: The fair value of marketable securities are obtained using quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices, e.g., interest rates and yield curves. The Company utilizes a pricing service to assist in obtaining fair value pricing for the majority of this investment portfolio.
	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 is determined based on quoted prices of similar contracts in over-the-counter markets and are reflected in Level 2.
	Contingent consideration for acquisitions: The fair value of this contingent consideration is determined using an expected present value technique. Expected cash flows are determined using the probability weighted-average of possible outcomes that would occur should achievement of certain milestones related to the development and commercialization of products from LS9’s technology occur. There is no observable market data available to use in valuing the contingent consideration; therefore, the Company developed its own assumptions related to the expected future delivery of product enhancements to estimate the fair value of these liabilities. An 8% discount rate is used to estimate the fair value of the expected payments.
	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.

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Share	'
	NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
	Basic net income (loss) per common share is presented in conformity with the two-class method required for participating securities. Participating securities include, or have included, 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 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:
		Three Months			Three Months
		Ended			Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Options to purchase common stock	87,026			87,026
	Restricted stock units	567,716			504,666
	Stock appreciation rights	1,583,670			1,073,385
	Warrants to purchase common stock	17,916			17,916
	Total	2,256,328			1,682,993
	The following table presents the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share:
		Three Months				Three Months
		Ended				Ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2014				2013
	Net income (loss) attributable to the Company’s common stockholders - Basic	$	(2,021	)		$	38,435
	Plus: change in undistributed dividends allocated to preferred stockholders	—				839
	Plus: distributed dividends to Preferred Stockholders	40				—
	Plus (Less): effect of participating securities	(378		)		6,498
	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders - Dilutive	(2,359		)		45,772
	Shares:
	Weighted-average shares used to compute basic net income (loss) per share	38,290,404				30,639,284
	Adjustment to reflect conversion of preferred stock	267,037				5,989,378
	Weighted-average shares used to compute diluted net income (loss) per share	38,557,441				36,628,662
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders
	Diluted	$	(0.06	)		$	1.25

Reportable_Segments

Reportable Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reportable Segments	'
	REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
	The Company reports its reportable segments based on products and services provided to customers, which include 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 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, sales of RINs, 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 internal and 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:
		Three Months			Three Months
		Ended			Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Net revenues:
	Biodiesel	$	219,012		$	264,326
	Services	20,524			13,897
	Intersegment revenues	(20,496		)	(13,855		)
		$	219,040		$	264,368
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Biodiesel	$	11,561		$	86,713
	Services	3			(18		)
	Corporate and other (a)	(14,030		)	(10,103		)
		$	(2,466	)	$	76,592
	Depreciation and amortization expense, net:
	Biodiesel	$	2,589		$	1,725
	Services	41			19
	Corporate and other (a)	253			204
		$	2,883		$	1,948
	Cash paid for purchases of property, plant and equipment:
	Biodiesel	$	12,554		$	9,724
	Services	—			99
	Corporate and other (a)	219			100
		$	12,773		$	9,923
		As of			As of
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Biodiesel	$	524,440		$	444,945
	Services	20,718			20,542
	Corporate and other (b)	210,210			275,368
		$	755,368		$	740,855
	(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.
	(b)	Corporate and other includes cash and other assets not associated with the reportable segments, including investments.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	On December 17, 2013, the Company and REG Synthetic Fuels, LLC (REG Synthetic Fuels), 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. On June 3, 2014, the shareholders of Syntroleum Corporation will hold a vote to approve our agreement to purchase substantially all the assets of Syntroleum, including 50% ownership interest in Dynamic Fuels, a 75-million gallon renewable diesel refinery located in Giesmar, Louisiana, and an extensive patent portfolio of gas-to-liquids and renewable fuel technologies. We expect to close the transaction shortly thereafter. Accordingly, this transaction is not reflected in the Company's financial statements as of March 31, 2014.
	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.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined there have been no material subsequent events requiring disclosure.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities	'
	Marketable Securities
	The Company’s marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains or losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary, if any, on available-for-sale securities are reported in other income, net. The Company evaluates the investments periodically for possible other-than-temporary impairment. A decline of fair value below amortized costs of debt securities is considered an other-than-temporary impairment if the Company has the intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis. In those instances, an impairment charge equal to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost basis is recognized in earnings. Regardless of the Company’s intent or requirement to sell a debt security, an impairment is considered other-than-temporary if the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis; in those instances, a credit loss equal to the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected based on credit risk and the amortized cost basis of the debt security is recognized in earnings. The Company has no current requirement or intent to sell a material portion of marketable securities as of March 31, 2014. The Company expects to recover up to (or beyond) the initial cost of investment for securities held. In computing realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, the Company determines cost based on amounts paid, including direct costs such as commissions to acquire the security, using the specific identification method. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were not material.
Contingent Consideration for Acquisitions	'
	Contingent Consideration for Acquisitions
	The contingent consideration for acquisition liability was established at the time of acquisition of LS9 and is adjusted to fair value at each reporting period (See Note 3 - Acquisition of LS9, Inc.). The change in fair value is included in selling, general and administrative expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and was not material for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
Research and Development Costs	'
	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development (R&D) costs are charged to expense as incurred. R&D expense was $1,873 and $60 for the three month ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In process research and development (IPR&D) assets acquired in connection with the acquisition of LS9 are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as intangible assets. Acquired IPR&D is initially assigned an indefinite life and is subject to impairment testing until the completion or abandonment of the associated R&D efforts. If abandoned, the carrying value of the IPR&D asset is expensed. Once the associated R&D efforts are completed, the carrying value of the IPR&D is reclassified as a finite-lived asset and is amortized over its useful life.
Redeemable Preferred Stock	'
	Redeemable Preferred Stock
	In March 2014, the Company redeemed all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock. No shares of Series B Preferred Stock remain outstanding at March 31, 2014.
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Standards
	In the first quarter of 2014, the Company adopted 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. This ASU requires unrecognized tax benefits to be presented as a reduction to deferred tax assets for net operating loss carryforwards. The adoption did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Acquisition_of_LS9_Inc_Tables

Acquisition of LS9, Inc. (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions	'
	The following table summarizes the consideration paid for LS9 and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
		January 22, 2014
	Consideration at fair value:
	Cash	$	15,275
	Common stock	26,254
	Contingent consideration	17,050
	Total	$	58,579
		22-Jan-14
	Assets (liabilities) acquired:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	8,215
	In-process research & development intangible assets	15,956
	Goodwill	34,846
	Other noncurrent liabilities	(438		)
	Total	$	58,579
Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	'
	The amounts of LS9's revenue and earnings included in our consolidated income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the revenue and earnings of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2013, are as follows:
		Revenue			Net Income			Basic Net Income Per Share
	Actual from 1/22/2014 - 3/31/2014	$	—		$	(1,843	)	N/A
	2014 supplemental pro forma from 1/1/2014 - 3/31/2014	219,061			(2,644		)	(0.06	)
	2013 supplemental pro forma from 1/1/2013 - 3/31/2013	264,403			43,350			1.11

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities	'
	The Company's investments in marketable securities are stated at fair value and are available for sale. The following tables summarizes the Company's marketable securities:
		As of March 31, 2014
		Maturity	Gross Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Total Unrealized Losses
	Commercial paper	Within one year	$	26,950	$	26,947	$	(3	)
	Corporate bonds	Within one year	25,541		25,508		(33		)
	Certificates of deposit	Within one year	7,399		7,383		(16		)
	Total		$	59,890	$	59,838	$	(52	)

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories consist of the following:
		31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
	Raw materials	$	15,039	$	13,393
	Work in process	1,407		1,456
	Finished goods	77,629		70,965
	Total	$	94,075	$	85,814

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Ass1

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Prepaid Expense and Other Assets	'
	Prepaid expense and other assets consist of the following:
		31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
	Commodity derivatives and related collateral, net	$	12,981	$	13,675
	Prepaid expenses	2,949		2,414
	Deposits	4,241		293
	RIN inventory	6,650		6,455
	Income taxes receivable	2,138		2,197
	Other	466		534
	Total	$	29,425	$	25,568

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Carrying amount of goodwill	'
	The following table shows the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment as of December 31, 2013 and the changes in goodwill for the three month period ended March 31, 2014:
		Biodiesel		Services		Total
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	68,784	$	16,080	$	84,864
	Acquisitions	34,846		—		34,846
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	103,630	$	16,080	$	119,710

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Intangible assets	'
	Intangible assets consist of the following:
		As of March 31, 2014
		Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Raw material supply agreement	$	5,603	$	(833	)	$	4,770
	Ground lease	200		(85		)	115
	Total amortizing intangibles	5,803		(918		)	4,885
	In-process research and development, indefinite lives	15,956		—			15,956
	Total intangible assets	$	21,759	$	(918	)	$	20,841
		As of December 31, 2013
		Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Raw material supply agreement	$	5,502	$	(753	)	$	4,749
	Ground lease	200		(82		)	118
	Total amortizing intangibles	5,702		(835		)	4,867
	In-process research and development, indefinite lives	—		—			—
	Total intangible assets	$	5,702	$	(835	)	$	4,867
Estimated amortization expense	'
	The estimated intangible asset amortization expense for fiscal year 2014 through fiscal year 2018 is as follows:
	April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	$	335
	2015	479
	2016	492
	2017	506
	2018	521
	2019 and thereafter	2,552

Borrowings_Tables

Borrowings (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Company's Borrowings	'
	The Company’s notes payable are as follows:
		31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
	REG Danville term loan	$	5,326	$	5,626
	REG Newton term loan	17,514		18,143
	REG Mason City term loan	5,135		5,135
	Other	1,243		1,247
	Total notes payable	$	29,218	$	30,151
	Bell, LLC promissory note—variable interest entity	$	3,956	$	4,029
Revolving Line of Credit	'
	Revolving Line of Credit
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Amount borrowed under revolving line of credit	$	2,437	$	10,986
	Maximum available to be borrowed under revolving line of credit	$	20,938	$	29,014

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Summary of Related Party Transactions	'
		Three Months		Three Months
		Ended		Ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Cost of goods sold – Biodiesel	$	7,146	$	11,730
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	—	$	2
	Interest expense	$	—	$	20
Summary of Related Party Balances	'
		As of		As of
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Accounts receivable	$	354	$	426
	Other assets	$	—	$	35
	Accounts payable	$	380	$	552

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Derivative Financial Instruments by Balance Sheet Location	'
	The following table sets forth the fair value of the Company's commodity contract derivatives and amounts that offset within the condensed consolidated balance sheet:
		31-Mar-14								31-Dec-13
		Assets				Liabilities				Assets			Liabilities
	Gross amounts of derivatives recognized at fair value	$	1,064			$	371			$	325		$	546
	Cash collateral	12,288				—				13,896			—
	Total gross amount recognized	13,352				371				14,221			546
	Gross amounts offset	(371		)		(371		)		(546		)	(546		)
	Net amount reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheet	$	12,981			$	—			$	13,675		$	—
Summary of Derivative Financial Instruments by Location of Gain (Loss)	'
		Location of Gain (Loss)		Three Months				Three Months
		Recognized in income		Ended				Ended
				March 31,				March 31,
				2014				2013
	Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold – Biodiesel		$	(694	)		$	1,367

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value	'
	A summary of assets (liabilities) measured at fair value is as follows:
		As of March 31, 2014
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Money market funds	$	1,801		$	1,801		$	—		$	—
	Marketable securities:
	Certificates of deposit	7,383			—			7,383			—
	Commercial paper	26,947			—			26,947			—
	Commercial notes/bonds	25,508			—			25,508			—
	Commodity contract derivatives	693			—			693			—
	Contingent consideration for acquisition	(17,050		)	—			—			(17,050		)
		As of December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Commodity contract derivatives	$	(221	)	$	—		$	(221	)	$	—
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 three months ended March 31, 2014:
	Contingent consideration for acquisition	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Balance at beginning of the period	$	—
	Additions for acquisition	17,050
	Balance at end of period	$	17,050
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 March 31, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
		Asset (Liability)			Fair Value			Asset (Liability)			Fair Value
		Carrying						Carrying
		Amount						Amount
	Financial liabilities:
	Notes payable and lines of credit	$	(35,611	)	$	(35,537	)	$	(45,166	)	$	(45,094	)

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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:
		Three Months			Three Months
		Ended			Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Options to purchase common stock	87,026			87,026
	Restricted stock units	567,716			504,666
	Stock appreciation rights	1,583,670			1,073,385
	Warrants to purchase common stock	17,916			17,916
	Total	2,256,328			1,682,993
Calculation of diluted net income per share	'
	The following table presents the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share:
		Three Months				Three Months
		Ended				Ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2014				2013
	Net income (loss) attributable to the Company’s common stockholders - Basic	$	(2,021	)		$	38,435
	Plus: change in undistributed dividends allocated to preferred stockholders	—				839
	Plus: distributed dividends to Preferred Stockholders	40				—
	Plus (Less): effect of participating securities	(378		)		6,498
	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders - Dilutive	(2,359		)		45,772
	Shares:
	Weighted-average shares used to compute basic net income (loss) per share	38,290,404				30,639,284
	Adjustment to reflect conversion of preferred stock	267,037				5,989,378
	Weighted-average shares used to compute diluted net income (loss) per share	38,557,441				36,628,662
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders
	Diluted	$	(0.06	)		$	1.25

Reportable_Segments_Tables

Reportable Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment for the Results of Operations	'
	The following table represents the significant items by reportable segment:
		Three Months			Three Months
		Ended			Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Net revenues:
	Biodiesel	$	219,012		$	264,326
	Services	20,524			13,897
	Intersegment revenues	(20,496		)	(13,855		)
		$	219,040		$	264,368
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Biodiesel	$	11,561		$	86,713
	Services	3			(18		)
	Corporate and other (a)	(14,030		)	(10,103		)
		$	(2,466	)	$	76,592
	Depreciation and amortization expense, net:
	Biodiesel	$	2,589		$	1,725
	Services	41			19
	Corporate and other (a)	253			204
		$	2,883		$	1,948
	Cash paid for purchases of property, plant and equipment:
	Biodiesel	$	12,554		$	9,724
	Services	—			99
	Corporate and other (a)	219			100
		$	12,773		$	9,923
		As of			As of
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Biodiesel	$	524,440		$	444,945
	Services	20,718			20,542
	Corporate and other (b)	210,210			275,368
		$	755,368		$	740,855
	(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.
	(b)	Corporate and other includes cash and other assets not associated with the reportable segments, including investments.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Research and Development Expense	$1,873	$60

Acquisition_of_LS9_Inc_Details

Acquisition of LS9, Inc. (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 22, 2014
				LS9, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash	$15,275	$0	'	$15,275
Common stock	26,254	'	'	26,254
Contingent consideration	15,706	'	0	17,050
Total	'	'	'	58,579
Assets (liabilities) acquired:	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	8,215
In-process research & development intangible assets	'	'	'	15,956
Goodwill	119,710	'	84,864	34,846
Other noncurrent liabilities	'	'	'	-438
Total	'	'	'	$58,579

Acquisition_of_LS9_Inc_Details1

Acquisition of LS9, Inc. (Details Textual) (LS9, Inc., USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 22, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
LS9, Inc.	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares of common stock issued	2,230,559	'	'
LS9 Earnout Payments	$21,500	'	'
LS9 Earnout Payment, Period	'5 years	'	'
LS9 Earnout Payment, Paid in Twelve Months	1,344	'	'
Net Income	'	($2,644)	$43,350

Acquisition_of_LS9_Inc_Details2

Acquisition of LS9, Inc. (Details 1) (USD $)	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	'	$219,040	$264,368
Net income	'	-2,359	46,403
LS9, Inc.	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	0	'	'
Net income	-1,843	'	'
Revenue	'	219,061	264,403
Net Income	'	($2,644)	$43,350
Basic Net Income Per Share	'	$0	$0

Marketable_Securities_Details

Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amortized Cost	$59,890	'
Fair Value	59,838	0
Total Losses	-52	'
Commercial paper	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amortized Cost	26,950	'
Fair Value	26,947	'
Total Losses	-3	'
Corporate bonds	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amortized Cost	25,541	'
Fair Value	25,508	'
Total Losses	-33	'
Certificates of deposit	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amortized Cost	7,399	'
Fair Value	7,383	'
Total Losses	($16)	'

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories	'	'
Raw materials	$15,039	$13,393
Work in process	1,407	1,456
Finished goods	77,629	70,965
Total	$94,075	$85,814

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Ass2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of prepaid expense and other assets	'	'
Commodity derivatives and related collateral, net	$12,981	$13,675
Prepaid expenses	2,949	2,414
Deposits	4,241	293
RIN inventory	6,650	6,455
Income taxes receivable	2,138	2,197
Other	466	534
Total	$29,425	$25,568

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Ass3

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Inventory reduced to lower of cost or market	$579	$1,277

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	$84,864
Acquisitions	34,846
Balance, March 31, 2014	119,710
Biodiesel	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	68,784
Acquisitions	34,846
Balance, March 31, 2014	103,630
Services	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	16,080
Acquisitions	0
Balance, March 31, 2014	$16,080

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Cost, finite-lived	$5,803	$5,702
Accumulated Amortization, finite-lived	-918	-835
Net, finite-lived	4,885	4,867
Cost, indefinite lived	21,759	5,702
Accumulated Amortization, indefinite-lived	-918	-835
Net, indefinite-lived	20,841	4,867
In-process research and development, indefinite lives	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Cost, indefinite lived	15,956	0
Accumulated Amortization, indefinite-lived	0	0
Net, indefinite-lived	15,956	0
Raw material supply agreement	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Cost, finite-lived	5,603	5,502
Accumulated Amortization, finite-lived	-833	-753
Net, finite-lived	4,770	4,749
Ground lease	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Cost, finite-lived	200	200
Accumulated Amortization, finite-lived	-85	-82
Net, finite-lived	$115	$118

Intangible_Assets_Details_1

Intangible Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated amortization expense	'
April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	$335
2015	479
2016	492
2017	506
2018	521
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	$2,552

Borrowings_Details

Borrowings (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Company's borrowings	'	'
Total notes payable	$29,218	$30,151
Bell, LLC promissory note—variable interest entity	'	'
Company's borrowings	'	'
Total notes payable	3,956	4,029
REG Danville term loan	'	'
Company's borrowings	'	'
Total notes payable	5,326	5,626
REG Newton term loan	'	'
Company's borrowings	'	'
Total notes payable	17,514	18,143
REG Mason City term loan	'	'
Company's borrowings	'	'
Total notes payable	5,135	5,135
Other	'	'
Company's borrowings	'	'
Total notes payable	$1,243	$1,247

Borrowings_Details_Textual

Borrowings (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
	Reg Newton	Reg Newton	REG Mason City	REG Mason City	Fifth Third Loan	Fifth Third Loan	Wells Fargo Revolver	Minimum	Maximum
								Wells Fargo Revolver	Wells Fargo Revolver
Borrowing (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Principal payments	'	'	$92	'	$150	'	'	'	'
Basis point	4.00%	'	'	'	5.00%	'	'	'	'
Interest to be accrued	'LIBOR plus 400 basis points	'	'	'	'LIBOR plus 5% per annum	'	'	'	'
Effective interest rate	4.16%	'	'	'	5.15%	'	'	'	'
REG Danville principal payment to Fifth Third	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'
Monthly principal and interest payments	270	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maintenance Capital Expenditure Maximum Amount	750	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Excess cash flow payment	0	0	0	0	346	1,350	'	'	'
Fixed interest rate	'	'	5.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility Additional Increase in Maximum Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	'	'	'	40,000	'	'
Line of Credit Facility Basis Spread on Variable Rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.50%	3.25%
Line of Credit Facility Minimum Variable Rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.75%	'	'
Line of Credit Facility Basis Spread on Federal Fund Rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.50%	'	'
Line of Credit Facility Basis Spread on Libor	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.50%	'	'
Base Rate Margin Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.00%	1.75%
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.75%	'	'
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,000	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility Limitation Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	$25,000	'	'

Borrowings_Details_1

Borrowings (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Amount borrowed under revolving line of credit	$2,437	$10,986
Maximum available to be borrowed under revolving line of credit	$20,938	$29,014

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Summary of Related Party Transactions	'	'
Cost of goods sold – Biodiesel	$7,146	$11,730
West Central	'	'
Summary of Related Party Transactions	'	'
Cost of goods sold – Biodiesel	7,146	11,730
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0	2
Interest expense	$0	$20

Related_Party_Transactions_Det1

Related Party Transactions (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Related Party Balances	'	'
Accounts receivable	$354	$426
Other assets	0	35
Accounts payable	380	552
West Central	'	'
Summary of Related Party Balances	'	'
Accounts receivable	354	426
Other assets	0	35
Accounts payable	$380	$552

Related_Party_Transactions_Det2

Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) (West Central, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	5.00%
Annual land lease cost	$1
Lease Agreements	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Agreement initial term	'20 years
Additional Lease Period, Number of Extensions	6
Additional renewal period	'5 years
Raw material supply agreement	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Additional renewal period	'1 year
Delivery Requirement Period	'45 days
Accounts payable, amounts owed to related parties	$3,000,000

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details Textual)	Mar. 31, 2014
	Contract
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Open commodity contracts	1,239

Derivative_Instruments_Details1

Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Gross amounts of derivatives recognized at fair value	$1,064	$325
Cash collateral	12,288	13,896
Total gross amount recognized	13,352	14,221
Gross amounts offset	-371	-546
Net amount reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheet	12,981	13,675
Liabilities	'	'
Gross amounts of derivatives recognized at fair value	371	546
Cash collateral	0	0
Total gross amount recognized	371	546
Gross amounts offset	-371	-546
Net amount reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheet	$0	$0

Derivative_Instruments_Details2

Derivative Instruments (Details 1) (Commodity contracts, Cost of goods sold – Biodiesel, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Commodity contracts | Cost of goods sold – Biodiesel	'	'
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Pre-tax gains (losses) included in the condensed consolidated statement of operations	($694)	$1,367

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commodity contract derivatives	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	$693	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	-221
Commodity contract derivatives | Level 1	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	0	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	0
Commodity contract derivatives | Level 2	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	693	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	-221
Commodity contract derivatives | Level 3	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	0	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	0
Contingent consideration for acquisition	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	-17,050	'
Contingent consideration for acquisition | Level 1	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	0	'
Contingent consideration for acquisition | Level 2	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	0	'
Contingent consideration for acquisition | Level 3	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	-17,050	'
Money market funds	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	1,801	'
Money market funds | Level 1	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	1,801	'
Money market funds | Level 2	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	0	'
Money market funds | Level 3	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	0	'
Certificates of deposit	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	7,383	'
Certificates of deposit | Level 1	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	0	'
Certificates of deposit | Level 2	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	7,383	'
Certificates of deposit | Level 3	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	0	'
Commercial paper	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	26,947	'
Commercial paper | Level 1	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	0	'
Commercial paper | Level 2	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	26,947	'
Commercial paper | Level 3	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	0	'
Commercial notes/bonds	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	25,508	'
Commercial notes/bonds | Level 1	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	0	'
Commercial notes/bonds | Level 2	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	25,508	'
Commercial notes/bonds | Level 3	'	'
Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value	'	'
Assets, fair value	$0	'

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details1

Fair Value Measurement (Details 1) (Three months ended March 31, 2014, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Three months ended March 31, 2014	'
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
Beginning balance	$0
Additions for acquisition	-17,050
Ending balance	($17,050)

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details2

Fair Value Measurement (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Asset (Liability) Carrying Amount	'	'
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable and lines of credit	($35,611)	($45,166)
Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable and lines of credit	($35,537)	($45,094)

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details3

Fair Value Measurement (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	8.00%

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details

Net Income Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Total	2,256,328	1,682,993
Options to purchase common stock	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Total	87,026	87,026
Warrants to purchase common stock	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Total	17,916	17,916
Restricted stock units	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Total	567,716	504,666
Stock appreciation rights	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Total	1,583,670	1,073,385

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details_1

Net Income Per Share (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	($2,021)	$38,435
Plus: change in undistributed dividends allocated to preferred stockholders	0	839
Plus: distributed dividends to Preferred Stockholders	40	0
Plus (Less): effect of participating securities	-378	6,498
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders - Dilutive	($2,359)	$45,772
Weighted-average shares used to compute basic net income (loss) per share	38,290,404	30,639,284
Adjustment to reflect conversion of preferred stock	267,037	5,989,378
Weighted-average shares used to compute diluted net income (loss) per share	38,557,441	36,628,662
Diluted	($0.06)	$1.25

Reportable_Segments_Details

Reportable Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net revenues:	$219,040		$264,368		'
Income (loss) before income taxes:	-2,466		76,592		'
Depreciation and amortization expense, net:	2,883		1,948		'
Cash paid for purchases of property, plant and equipment:	12,773		9,923		'
Assets:	755,368		'		740,855
Intersegment revenues	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net revenues:	-20,496		-13,855		'
Biodiesel	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net revenues:	219,012		264,326		'
Income (loss) before income taxes:	11,561		86,713		'
Depreciation and amortization expense, net:	2,589		1,725		'
Cash paid for purchases of property, plant and equipment:	12,554		9,724		'
Assets:	524,440		'		444,945
Services	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net revenues:	20,524		13,897		'
Income (loss) before income taxes:	3		-18		'
Depreciation and amortization expense, net:	41		19		'
Cash paid for purchases of property, plant and equipment:	0		99		'
Assets:	20,718		'		20,542
Corporate and other	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Income (loss) before income taxes:	-14,030	[1]	-10,103	[1]	'
Depreciation and amortization expense, net:	253	[1]	204	[1]	'
Cash paid for purchases of property, plant and equipment:	219	[1]	100	[1]	'
Assets:	$210,210	[2]	'		$275,368	[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.
[2]	Corporate and other includes cash and other assets not associated with the reportable segments, including investments.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (Syntroleum Corporation, USD $)	1 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 17, 2013	Dec. 17, 2013	Dec. 07, 2013	Jun. 03, 2014
		Dynamic Fuels, LLC	Business Combination, Downward Adjustment	Scenario, Forecast
				Dynamic Fuels, LLC
				gal
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Equity interest	'	50.00%	'	50.00%
Shares of common stock received	3,796,000	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	$3,200	'
Share Price	'	'	$12.91	'
Benchmark For Contingently Issuable Shares	'	'	$49,000	'
Production Capacity Per Year	'	'	'	75,000,000