| Document And Entity Information | Aug. 03, 2023 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | Aemetis, Inc. |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Aug. 03, 2023 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 001-36475 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 26-1407544 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 20400 Stevens Creek Blvd. |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Cupertino |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 95014 |
| City Area Code | 408 |
| Local Phone Number | 213-0940 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 |
| Trading Symbol | AMTX |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0000738214 |
