Alto Ingredients (ALTO) 10-Q 12 Nov 19 2019 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Nov. 11, 2019
Document And Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Pacific Ethanol, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0000778164
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.001 par value
Trading Symbol	PEIX
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity File Number	000-21467
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Reporting Status Current	Yes
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Ex Transition Period	false
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		49,776,465
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	[1]
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 18,921	$ 26,627
Accounts receivable, net (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $39 and $12, respectively)	69,297	67,636
Inventories	62,509	57,820
Prepaid inventory	3,191	3,090
Derivative instruments	2,790	1,765
Other current assets	5,228	11,866
Total current assets	161,936	168,804
Property and equipment, net	442,810	482,657
Other Assets:
Right of use operating lease assets, net	38,791
Intangible assets	2,678	2,678
Other assets	6,645	5,842
Total other assets	48,114	8,520
Total Assets	652,860	659,981
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable - trade	47,068	48,176
Accrued liabilities	18,614	23,421
Current portion - operating leases	6,925
Current portion - long-term debt	144,543	146,671
Derivative instruments	3,619	6,309
Other current liabilities	7,662	7,282
Total current liabilities	228,431	231,859
Long-term debt, net of current portion	98,673	84,767
Operating leases, net of current portion	30,323
Assessment financing	9,342	9,342
Other liabilities	13,576	14,648
Total Liabilities	380,345	340,616
Pacific Ethanol, Inc. Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 49,783 and 45,771 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively	50	46
Non-voting common stock, $0.001 par value; 3,553 shares authorized; 1 share issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively
Additional paid-in capital	937,795	932,179
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,459)	(2,459)
Accumulated deficit	(678,808)	(630,000)
Total Pacific Ethanol, Inc. Stockholders' Equity	256,579	299,767
Noncontrolling interests	15,936	19,598
Total Stockholders' Equity	272,515	319,365
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	652,860	659,981
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Pacific Ethanol, Inc. Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, value
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Pacific Ethanol, Inc. Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, value	$ 1	$ 1
[1]	Amounts derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	$ 39	$ 12
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, authorized	10,000	10,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per shares)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized	300,000	300,000
Common stock, issued	49,783	45,771
Common stock, outstanding	49,783	45,771
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, authorized	1,684	1,684
Preferred stock, issued
Preferred stock, outstanding
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, authorized	1,581	1,581
Preferred stock, issued	927	927
Preferred stock, outstanding	927	927
Liquidation preference	$ 18,075
Non-Voting Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per shares)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized	3,553	3,553
Common stock, issued	1	1
Common stock, outstanding	1	1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 365,160	$ 370,407	$ 1,067,264	$ 1,180,956
Cost of goods sold	379,976	366,639	1,080,398	1,175,099
Gross profit (loss)	(14,816)	3,768	(13,134)	5,857
Selling, general and administrative expenses	8,687	8,970	23,630	27,183
Loss from operations	(23,503)	(5,202)	(36,764)	(21,326)
Interest expense, net	(5,163)	(4,193)	(15,014)	(12,875)
Other income (expense), net	(407)	91	254	233
Loss before benefit for income taxes	(29,073)	(9,304)	(51,524)	(33,968)
Benefit for income taxes				563
Consolidated net loss	(29,073)	(9,304)	(51,524)	(33,405)
Net loss attributed to noncontrolling interests	1,747	1,790	3,662	5,142
Net loss attributed to Pacific Ethanol, Inc.	(27,326)	(7,514)	(47,862)	(28,263)
Preferred stock dividends	(319)	(319)	(946)	(946)
Net loss available to common stockholders	$ (27,645)	$ (7,833)	$ (48,808)	$ (29,209)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.58)	$ (0.18)	$ (1.04)	$ (0.68)
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares)	47,777	43,299	47,030	43,171

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019		Sep. 30, 2018
Operating Activities:
Consolidated net loss	$ (51,524)		$ (33,405)
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	35,944		30,635
Deferred income taxes			(563)
Amortization of debt discount	539		539
Amortization of deferred financing fees	566		754
Non-cash compensation	2,103		2,579
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments	(1,565)		4,362
Bad debt expense	27		44
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(370)		12,656
Inventories	(4,689)		6,784
Prepaid expenses and other assets	5,836		(2,454)
Prepaid inventory	(101)		1,839
Operating leases	(7,646)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(6,323)		2,307
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(27,203)		26,077
Investing Activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(2,144)		(10,874)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,144)		(10,874)
Financing Activities:
Net proceeds from Kinergy's line of credit	22,629		9,880
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	3,670
Proceeds from CoGen contract amendment	8,036
Proceeds from assessment financing			728
Principal payments on borrowings	(11,748)		(17,500)
Payments on capital leases			(761)
Preferred stock dividends paid	(946)		(946)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	21,641		(8,599)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(7,706)		6,604
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	26,627	[1]	49,489
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	18,921		56,093
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid	13,877		11,299
Income tax refunds received			743
Noncash financing and investing activities:
Initial right of use assets and liabilities recorded under ASC 842	$ 43,753
[1]	Amounts derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accum. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Non-Controlling Interests [Member]	Total
Balance at Beginning at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1	$ 44	$ 927,090	$ (568,462)	$ (2,234)	$ 27,261	$ 383,700
Balance at Beginning (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	927	43,986
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense - restricted stock issued to employees and directors, net of cancellations and tax			735				735
Stock-based compensation expense - restricted stock issued to employees and directors, net of cancellations and tax (in shares)		(31)
Preferred stock dividends				(312)			(312)
Net loss				(7,841)		(1,656)	(9,497)
Balance at End at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 1	$ 44	927,825	(576,615)	(2,234)	25,605	374,626
Balance at End (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018	927	43,955
Balance at Beginning at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1	$ 44	927,090	(568,462)	(2,234)	27,261	383,700
Balance at Beginning (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	927	43,986
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock dividends							(946)
Net loss							(33,405)
Balance at End at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 1	$ 45	929,262	(597,671)	(2,234)	22,119	351,522
Balance at End (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018	927	44,947
Balance at Beginning at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 1	$ 44	927,825	(576,615)	(2,234)	25,605	374,626
Balance at Beginning (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018	927	43,955
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense - restricted stock issued to employees and directors, net of cancellations and tax		$ 1	553				554
Stock-based compensation expense - restricted stock issued to employees and directors, net of cancellations and tax (in shares)		1,006
Preferred stock dividends				(315)			(315)
Net loss				(12,908)		(1,696)	(14,604)
Balance at End at Jun. 30, 2018	$ 1	$ 45	928,378	(589,838)	(2,234)	23,909	360,261
Balance at End (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2018	927	44,961
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense - restricted stock issued to employees and directors, net of cancellations and tax			884				884
Stock-based compensation expense - restricted stock issued to employees and directors, net of cancellations and tax (in shares)		(14)
Preferred stock dividends				(319)			(319)
Net loss				(7,514)		(1,790)	(9,304)
Balance at End at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 1	$ 45	929,262	(597,671)	(2,234)	22,119	351,522
Balance at End (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018	927	44,947
Balance at Beginning at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 1	$ 46	932,179	(630,000)	(2,459)	19,598	319,365	[1]
Balance at Beginning (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	927	45,771
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense - restricted stock issued to employees and directors, net of cancellations and tax			797				797
Stock-based compensation expense - restricted stock issued to employees and directors, net of cancellations and tax (in shares)		(24)
Issuances of common stock		$ 3	3,667				3,670
Issuances of common stock (in shares)		3,137
Preferred stock dividends				(312)			(312)
Net loss				(12,890)		(1,271)	(14,161)
Balance at End at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 1	$ 49	936,643	(643,202)	(2,459)	18,327	309,359
Balance at End (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019	927	48,884
Balance at Beginning at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 1	$ 46	932,179	(630,000)	(2,459)	19,598	319,365	[1]
Balance at Beginning (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	927	45,771
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock dividends							(946)
Net loss							(51,524)
Balance at End at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 1	$ 50	937,795	(678,808)	(2,459)	15,936	272,515
Balance at End (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019	927	49,784
Balance at Beginning at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 1	$ 49	936,643	(643,202)	(2,459)	18,327	309,359
Balance at Beginning (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019	927	48,884
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense - restricted stock issued to employees and directors, net of cancellations and tax		$ 1	565				566
Stock-based compensation expense - restricted stock issued to employees and directors, net of cancellations and tax (in shares)		954
Issuances of common stock
Issuances of common stock (in shares)
Preferred stock dividends				$ (315)			$ (315)
Net loss				(7,646)		(644)	(8,290)
Balance at End at Jun. 30, 2019	$ 1	$ 50	937,208	(651,163)	(2,459)	17,683	301,320
Balance at End (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019	927	49,838
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense - restricted stock issued to employees and directors, net of cancellations and tax			587				587
Stock-based compensation expense - restricted stock issued to employees and directors, net of cancellations and tax (in shares)		(54)
Preferred stock dividends				(319)			(319)
Net loss				(27,326)		(1,747)	(29,073)
Balance at End at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 1	$ 50	$ 937,795	$ (678,808)	$ (2,459)	$ 15,936	$ 272,515
Balance at End (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019	927	49,784
[1]	Amounts derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESE

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION.	1. ORGANIZATION Organization and Business The Company is a leading producer and marketer of low-carbon renewable fuels in the United States. The Company's four ethanol plants in the Western United States (together with their respective holding companies, the "Pacific Ethanol West Plants") are located in close proximity to both feed and ethanol customers and thus enjoy unique advantages in efficiency, logistics and product pricing. The Company's five ethanol plants in the Midwest (together with their respective holding companies, the "Pacific Ethanol Central Plants") are located in the heart of the Corn Belt, benefit from low-cost and abundant feedstock production and allow for access to many additional domestic markets. In addition, the Company's ability to load unit trains from these facilities in the Midwest allows for greater access to international markets. The Company has a combined production capacity of 605 million gallons per year, markets, on an annualized basis, nearly 1.0 billion gallons of ethanol and specialty alcohols, and produces, on an annualized basis, nearly 3.0 million tons of co-products on a dry matter basis, such as wet and dry distillers grains, wet and dry corn gluten feed, condensed distillers solubles, corn gluten meal, corn germ, dried yeast and CO 2 As of September 30, 2019, all but one of the Company's production facilities, specifically, the Company's Aurora East facility, were operating. As market conditions change, the Company may increase, decrease or idle production at one or more operating facilities or resume operations at any idled facility. Basis of Presentation – Interim Financial Statements Liquidity In implementing these strategic initiatives, the Company, as of September 30, 2019, had the following available liquidity and capital resources to achieve its objectives: ● Cash of $18.9 million and excess availability under Kinergy's line of credit of $2.2 million; and ● Nine ethanol production facilities with an aggregate of 605 million gallons of annual production capacity, of which plant assets representing 355 million gallons of capacity are either unencumbered, or their entire sales proceeds would be used to repay the Company's senior secured notes. The Company has engaged a financial advisor to help market certain of these assets. The Company will likely not have sufficient cash to make its short-term scheduled debt payments, and is working on extensions with its lenders. While the lenders are secured by certain plant assets, the Company believes it has other unencumbered assets that may be used to satisfy the lenders. The Company continues working on a comprehensive long-term solution with its lenders to increase liquidity and extend the maturity dates of its debt. The Company believes that its strategic initiatives, if implemented timely and on suitable terms, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet its anticipated working capital, debt service and other liquidity needs through at least the next twelve months. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for balances that appear to have specific collection issues. The collection process is based on the age of the invoice and requires attempted contacts with the customer at specified intervals. If, after a specified number of days, the Company has been unsuccessful in its collection efforts, a bad debt allowance is recorded for the balance in question. Delinquent accounts receivable are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts once uncollectibility has been determined. The factors considered in reaching this determination are the apparent financial condition of the customer and the Company's success in contacting and negotiating with the customer. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Of the accounts receivable balance, approximately $61,743,000 and $54,820,000 at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, were used as collateral under Kinergy's operating line of credit. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $39,000 and $12,000 as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The Company recorded a bad debt expense of $0 and a bad debt recovery of $1,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company recorded a bad debt expense of $27,000 and $44,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Financial Instruments Recent Accounting Pronouncements Estimates and Assumptions

SEGMENTS.

SEGMENTS.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENTS.	2. SEGMENTS. The Company reports its financial and operating performance in two segments: (1) ethanol production, which includes the production and sale of ethanol, specialty alcohols and co-products, with all of the Company’s production facilities aggregated, and (2) marketing and distribution, which includes marketing and merchant trading for Company-produced ethanol, specialty alcohols and co-products and third-party ethanol. The following tables set forth certain financial data for the Company’s operating segments (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Net Sales 2019 2018 2019 2018 Production, recorded as gross: Ethanol/alcohol sales $ 212,897 $ 216,788 $ 586,680 $ 670,304 Co-product sales 65,693 73,259 199,177 226,307 Intersegment sales 403 518 1,187 1,531 Total production sales 278,993 290,565 787,044 898,142 Marketing and distribution: Ethanol/alcohol sales, gross $ 86,124 $ 79,877 $ 280,032 $ 282,940 Ethanol/alcohol sales, net 446 483 1,375 1,405 Intersegment sales 2,079 2,201 5,839 6,757 Total marketing and distribution sales 88,649 82,561 287,246 291,102 Intersegment eliminations (2,482 ) (2,719 ) (7,026 ) (8,288 ) Net sales as reported $ 365,160 $ 370,407 $ 1,067,264 $ 1,180,956 Cost of goods sold: Production $ 294,888 $ 295,574 $ 810,670 $ 914,638 Marketing and distribution 87,976 73,784 277,545 268,917 Intersegment eliminations (2,888 ) (2,719 ) (7,817 ) (8,456 ) Cost of goods sold as reported $ 379,976 $ 366,639 $ 1,080,398 $ 1,175,099 Income (loss) before benefit for income taxes: Production $ (25,999 ) $ (15,571 ) $ (50,682 ) $ (45,355 ) Marketing and distribution (998 ) 7,416 4,991 18,095 Corporate activities (2,076 ) (1,149 ) (5,833 ) (6,708 ) $ (29,073 ) $ (9,304 ) $ (51,524 ) $ (33,968 ) Depreciation and amortization: Production $ 11,833 $ 10,040 $ 35,390 $ 30,017 Corporate activities 195 177 554 618 $ 12,028 $ 10,217 $ 35,944 $ 30,635 Interest expense: Production $ 1,969 $ 1,692 $ 5,724 $ 5,416 Marketing and distribution 929 344 2,291 1,042 Corporate activities 2,265 2,157 6,999 6,417 $ 5,163 $ 4,193 $ 15,014 $ 12,875 The following table sets forth the Company’s total assets by operating segment (in thousands): Total assets: September 30, December 31, Production $ 527,950 $ 532,790 Marketing and distribution 108,960 112,984 Corporate assets 15,950 14,117 $ 652,860 $ 659,891

INVENTORIES.

INVENTORIES.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES.	3. INVENTORIES. Inventories consisted primarily of bulk ethanol, specialty alcohols, corn, co-products, low-carbon and Renewable Identification Number (“RIN”) credits and unleaded fuel, and are valued at the lower-of-cost-or-net realizable value, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory is net of a $0 and $2,328,000 valuation adjustment as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Inventory balances consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Finished goods $ 41,034 $ 35,778 Work in progress 8,207 6,855 Raw materials 7,236 7,233 Low-carbon and RIN credits 4,150 6,130 Other 1,882 1,824 Total $ 62,509 $ 57,820

DERIVATIVES.

DERIVATIVES.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVES.	4. DERIVATIVES. The business and activities of the Company expose it to a variety of market risks, including risks related to changes in commodity prices. The Company monitors and manages these financial exposures as an integral part of its risk management program. This program recognizes the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that market volatility could have on operating results. Commodity Risk – Cash Flow Hedges Commodity Risk – Non-Designated Hedges Non Designated Derivative Instruments As of September 30, 2019 Assets Liabilities Type of Instrument Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Cash collateral balance Other current assets $ 2,400 Commodity contracts Derivative instruments $ 2,790 Derivative instruments $ 3,619 As of December 31, 2018 Assets Liabilities Type of Instrument Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Cash collateral balance Other current assets $ 8,479 Commodity contracts Derivative instruments $ 1,765 Derivative instruments $ 6,309 The classification and amounts of the Company’s recognized gains (losses) for its derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are as follows (in thousands): Realized Gains Three Months Ended Type of Instrument Statements of Operations Location 2019 2018 Commodity contracts Cost of goods sold $ 2,262 $ 916 Unrealized Losses Three Months Ended Type of Instrument Statements of Operations Location 2019 2018 Commodity contracts Cost of goods sold $ (5,582 ) $ (1,907 ) Realized Losses Nine Months Ended Type of Instrument Statements of Operations Location 2019 2018 Commodity contracts Cost of goods sold $ (2,150 ) $ (1,241 ) Unrealized Gains (Losses) Nine Months Ended Type of Instrument Statements of Operations Location 2019 2018 Commodity contracts Cost of goods sold $ 3,715 $ (3,121 )

LEASES.

LEASES.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES.	5. LEASES. As discussed in Note 1, on January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 842 using the prospective transition approach, which applies the provisions of ASC 842 upon adoption, with no change to prior periods. This adoption resulted in the Company recognizing initial right of use assets and lease liabilities of $43,753,000. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Upon the initial adoption of ASC 842, the Company elected the following practical expedients allowable under the guidance: not to reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; not to reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; not to reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases; not to separately identify lease and nonlease components; and not to evaluate historical land easements. Additionally, the Company elected the short-term lease exemption policy, applying the requirements of ASC 842 to only long-term (greater than 1 year) leases. The Company leases railcar equipment, office equipment and land for certain of its facilities. Operating lease right of use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate, unless an implicit rate is readily determinable, as the discount rate for each lease in determining the present value of lease payments. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company’s weighted average discount rate was 6.01%. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of approximately 1 year to 57 years, which may include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise those options. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the weighted average remaining lease terms of equipment and land-related leases were 2.66 years and 13.43 years, respectively. The Company does not have lease arrangements with residual value guarantees, sale leaseback terms or material restrictive covenants. The Company does not have any material finance lease obligations nor sublease agreements. The following table summarizes the remaining maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities, assuming all land lease extensions are taken, as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Year Ended: Equipment Land Related 2019 $ 2,220 $ 262 2020 7,349 1,054 2021 4,364 1,077 2022 4,140 1,100 2023 3,500 1,013 2024-43 10,181 34,931 $ 31,754 $ 39,437 For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded operating lease costs of $2,157,000 and $6,490,000 in cost of goods sold, respectively, and $119,000 and $354,000 in selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, in the Company’s statements of operations.

DEBT.

DEBT.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT.	6. DEBT. Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Kinergy line of credit $ 79,685 $ 57,057 Pekin term loan 39,500 43,000 Pekin revolving loan 32,000 32,000 ICP term loan 12,000 16,500 ICP revolving loan 18,000 18,000 Parent notes payable 63,200 66,948 244,385 233,505 Less unamortized debt discount (150 ) (690 ) Less unamortized debt financing costs (1,019 ) (1,377 ) Less short-term portion (144,543 ) (146,671 ) Long-term debt $ 98,673 $ 84,767 Kinergy Operating Line of Credit Pekin Term Loan On March 21, 2019, PE Pekin amended its term and revolving credit facilities by agreeing to increase the interest rate under the facilities by 125 basis points to an annual rate equal to the 30-day LIBOR plus 5.00%. PE Pekin and its lender also agreed that it is required to maintain working capital of not less than $15,000,000 from March 21, 2019 through July15, 2019 and working capital of not less than $30,000,000 from July 15, 2019 and continuing at all times thereafter. On July 15, 2019, PE Pekin and its lender agreed to a further amendment extending the aforementioned July 15, 2019 dates to November 15, 2019. As of the filing of this report, the Company believes PE Pekin is in compliance with its working capital requirement. Under these amendments, the lenders also agreed to temporarily waive financial covenant violations, working capital maintenance violations and intercompany accounts receivable collections violations that occurred with respect to PE Pekin’s credit agreement. In addition, the lenders agreed to defer scheduled principal payments, including further deferral of principal payments in the amount of $3,500,000 each due on February 20, 2019 and May 20, 2019. On August 6, 2019, the Company paid its $3,500,000 principal payment scheduled for August 20, 2019. The waivers and principal deferrals expire on November 15, 2019, or earlier in the case of an event of default, at which time the waivers will become permanent if Pacific Ethanol Central, LLC (“PE Central”), PE Pekin’s parent, has made a contribution to PE Pekin in an amount equal to $30,000,000, minus the then-existing amount of PE Pekin’s working capital, plus the amount of any accounts receivable owed by PE Central to PE Pekin, plus $12,000,000 (the “PE Central Contribution Amount”). In addition, if the PE Central Contribution Amount is timely received, the lenders agreed to waive PE Pekin’s debt service coverage ratio financial covenant for the year ended December 31, 2019. If the PE Central Contribution Amount is not timely made, then the temporary waivers will automatically expire. PE Pekin is also required to pay by November 15, 2019 the aggregate amount of $10,500,000 representing all deferred and unpaid scheduled principal payments and all additional scheduled principal payments for the remainder of 2019. ICP Credit Facilities Restrictions

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES.	7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES. Sales Commitments Purchase Commitments Litigation – General

PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFIT

PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS.	8. PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS. The Company sponsors a defined benefit pension plan (the “Retirement Plan”) and a health care and life insurance plan (the “Postretirement Plan”). The Company assumed the Retirement Plan and the Postretirement Plan as part of its acquisition of PE Central on July 1, 2015. The Retirement Plan is noncontributory, and covers only “grandfathered” unionized employees at the Company’s Pekin, Illinois facility who fulfill minimum age and service requirements. Benefits are based on a prescribed formula based upon the employee’s years of service. The Retirement Plan, which is part of a collective bargaining agreement, covers only union employees hired prior to November 1, 2010. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its Retirement Plan. The Company’s funding policy is to make the minimum annual contribution required by applicable regulations. As of December 31, 2018, the Retirement Plan’s accumulated projected benefit obligation was 18,690,000, with a fair value of plan assets of $13,257,000. The underfunded amount of $5,433,000 is recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in other liabilities. The Company’s net periodic Retirement Plan costs are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Interest cost $ 190 $ 174 $ 570 $ 522 Service cost 94 106 282 318 Expected return on plan assets (190 ) (204 ) (570 ) (612 ) Net periodic expense $ 94 $ 76 $ 282 $ 228 The Postretirement Plan provides postretirement medical benefits and life insurance to certain “grandfathered” unionized employees. Employees hired after December 31, 2000 are not eligible to participate in the Postretirement Plan. The Postretirement Plan is contributory, with contributions required at the same rate as active employees. Benefit eligibility under the plan reduces at age 65 from a defined benefit to a defined dollar cap based upon years of service. As of December 31, 2018, the Postretirement Plan’s accumulated projected benefit obligation was $5,711,000 and is recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in other liabilities. The Company’s funding policy is to make the minimum annual contribution required by applicable regulations. The Company’s net periodic Postretirement Plan costs are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Interest cost $ 55 $ 46 $ 165 $ 138 Service cost 17 2 51 6 Amortization of loss 30 33 90 99 Net periodic expense $ 102 $ 81 $ 306 $ 243

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS.	9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels, as follows: ● Level 1 – Observable inputs – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; ● Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with market data; and ● Level 3 – Unobservable inputs – includes amounts derived from valuation models where one or more significant inputs are unobservable. For fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, a description of the inputs and the information used to develop the inputs is required along with a reconciliation of Level 3 values from the prior reporting period. Pooled separate accounts Other Derivative Instruments The following table summarizes recurring fair value measurements by level at September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Derivative financial instruments(1) $ 2,790 $ 2,790 $ — $ — $ 2,790 $ 2,790 $ — $ — Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments(1) $ (3,619 ) $ (3,619 ) $ — $ — $ (3,619 ) $ (3,619 ) $ — $ — The following table summarizes recurring fair value measurements by level at December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Benefit Plan Percentage Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Allocation Assets: Derivative financial instruments(1) $ 1,765 $ 1,765 $ — $ — Defined benefit plan assets (pooled separate accounts): Large U.S. Equity(2) 3,621 — 3,621 — 27 % Small/Mid U.S. Equity(3) 1,844 — 1,844 — 14 % International Equity(4) 2,106 — 2,106 — 16 % Fixed Income(5) 5,686 — 5,686 — 43 % $ 15,022 $ 1,765 $ 13,257 $ — Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments $ (6,309 ) $ (6,309 ) $ — $ — (1) Included in derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets. (2) This category includes investments in funds comprised of equity securities of large U.S. companies. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (3) This category includes investments in funds comprised of equity securities of small- and medium-sized U.S. companies. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (4) This category includes investments in funds comprised of equity securities of foreign companies including emerging markets. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (5) This category includes investments in funds comprised of U.S. and foreign investment-grade fixed income securities, high-yield fixed income securities that are rated below investment-grade, U.S. treasury securities, mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund.

EARNINGS PER SHARE.

EARNINGS PER SHARE.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE.	10. EARNINGS PER SHARE. The following tables compute basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended Loss Shares Denominator Per-Share Amount Net loss attributed to Pacific Ethanol, Inc. $ (27,326 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends (319 ) Basic and diluted loss per share: Loss available to common stockholders $ (27,645 ) 47,777 $ (0.58 ) Three Months Ended Loss Shares Denominator Per-Share Amount Net loss attributed to Pacific Ethanol, Inc. $ (7,514 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends (319 ) Basic and diluted loss per share: Loss available to common stockholders $ (7,833 ) 43,299 $ (0.18 ) Nine Months Ended Loss Shares Denominator Per-Share Amount Net loss attributed to Pacific Ethanol, Inc. $ (47,862 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends (946 ) Basic and diluted loss per share: Loss available to common stockholders $ (48,808 ) 47,030 $ (1.04 ) Nine Months Ended Loss Shares Denominator Per-Share Amount Net loss attributed to Pacific Ethanol, Inc. $ (28,263 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends (946 ) Basic and diluted loss per share: Loss available to common stockholders $ (29,209 ) 43,171 $ (0.68 ) There were an aggregate of 635,000 potentially dilutive weighted-average shares from convertible securities outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. There were an aggregate of 425,000 and 635,000 potentially dilutive weighted-average shares from convertible securities outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. These convertible securities were not considered in calculating diluted net loss per share, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS.

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS.	11. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS. Restricted Net Assets Parent company financial statements for the periods covered in this report are set forth below (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,658 $ 6,759 Receivables from subsidiaries 12,270 17,156 Other current assets 1,183 1,659 Total current assets 19,111 25,574 Property and equipment, net 308 522 Other Assets: Investments in subsidiaries 249,641 286,666 Pacific Ethanol West plant receivable 55,750 58,766 Right of use operating lease assets, net 3,318 — Other assets 1,529 1,437 Total other assets 310,238 346,869 Total Assets $ 329,657 $ 372,965 Current Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 2,437 $ 2,469 Accrued PE Op Co. purchase 3,829 3,829 Current portion of long-term debt 62,866 66,255 Other current liabilities 587 385 Total current liabilities 69,719 72,938 Operating leases, net of current portion 3,108 — Deferred tax liabilities 251 251 Other liabilities — 9 Total Liabilities 73,078 73,198 Stockholders’ Equity: Preferred stock 1 1 Common and non-voting common stock 50 46 Additional paid-in capital 937,795 932,179 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,459 ) (2,459 ) Accumulated deficit (678,808 ) (630,000 ) Total Pacific Ethanol, Inc. stockholders’ equity 256,579 299,767 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 329,657 $ 372,965 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Management fees from subsidiaries $ 3,330 $ 3,330 $ 9,660 $ 9,738 Selling, general and administrative expenses 3,827 3,181 11,374 13,069 Income (loss) from operations (497 ) 149 (1,714 ) (3,331 ) Interest income 1,145 1,185 3,486 3,518 Interest expense (2,276 ) (2,171 ) (7,039 ) (6,458 ) Other expense (4 ) (4 ) (86 ) — Loss before benefit for income taxes (1,632 ) (841 ) (5,353 ) (6,271 ) Benefit for income taxes — — — 563 Loss before benefit for income taxes (1,632 ) (841 ) (5,353 ) (5,708 ) Equity in losses of subsidiaries (25,694 ) (6,673 ) (42,509 ) (22,555 ) Consolidated net loss $ (27,326 ) $ (7,514 ) $ (47,862 ) $ (28,263 ) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Operating Activities: Net loss $ (47,862 ) $ (28,263 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities: Equity in losses of subsidiaries 42,509 22,555 Depreciation 227 481 Deferred income taxes — 563 Amortization of debt discounts 539 357 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivables (114 ) (5,062 ) Other assets 173 2,489 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,950 5 Accounts payable with subsidiaries (502 ) (622 ) Net cash used in operating activities $ (3,080 ) $ (7,497 ) Investing Activities: Dividend from subsidiaries $ — $ 10,000 Contributions to subsidiaries — (5,000 ) Additions to property and equipment (13 ) (6 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities $ (13 ) $ 4,994 Financing Activities: Proceeds from issuances of common stock $ 3,670 $ — Proceeds from Pacific Ethanol West 3,016 — Payments on senior notes (3,748 ) — Preferred stock dividend payments (946 ) (946 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $ 1,992 $ (946 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (1,101 ) (3,449 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 6,759 5,314 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 5,658 $ 1,865

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRE_2

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION. (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Business	Organization and Business The Company is a leading producer and marketer of low-carbon renewable fuels in the United States. The Company’s four ethanol plants in the Western United States (together with their respective holding companies, the “Pacific Ethanol West Plants”) are located in close proximity to both feed and ethanol customers and thus enjoy unique advantages in efficiency, logistics and product pricing. The Company’s five ethanol plants in the Midwest (together with their respective holding companies, the “Pacific Ethanol Central Plants”) are located in the heart of the Corn Belt, benefit from low-cost and abundant feedstock production and allow for access to many additional domestic markets. In addition, the Company’s ability to load unit trains from these facilities in the Midwest allows for greater access to international markets. The Company has a combined production capacity of 605 million gallons per year, markets, on an annualized basis, nearly 1.0 billion gallons of ethanol and specialty alcohols, and produces, on an annualized basis, nearly 3.0 million tons of co-products on a dry matter basis, such as wet and dry distillers grains, wet and dry corn gluten feed, condensed distillers solubles, corn gluten meal, corn germ, dried yeast and CO 2 As of September 30, 2019, all but one of the Company’s production facilities, specifically, the Company’s Aurora East facility, were operating. As market conditions change, the Company may increase, decrease or idle production at one or more operating facilities or resume operations at any idled facility.
Basis of Presentation-Interim Financial Statements	Basis of Presentation – Interim Financial Statements
Liquidity	Liquidity In implementing these strategic initiatives, the Company, as of September 30, 2019, had the following available liquidity and capital resources to achieve its objectives: ● Cash of $18.9 million and excess availability under Kinergy's line of credit of $2.2 million; and ● Nine ethanol production facilities with an aggregate of 605 million gallons of annual production capacity, of which plant assets representing 355 million gallons of capacity are either unencumbered, or their entire sales proceeds would be used to repay the Company's senior secured notes. The Company has engaged a financial advisor to help market certain of these assets. The Company will likely not have sufficient cash to make its short-term scheduled debt payments, and is working on extensions with its lenders. While the lenders are secured by certain plant assets, the Company believes it has other unencumbered assets that may be used to satisfy the lenders. The Company continues working on a comprehensive long-term solution with its lenders to increase liquidity and extend the maturity dates of its debt. The Company believes that its strategic initiatives, if implemented timely and on suitable terms, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet its anticipated working capital, debt service and other liquidity needs through at least the next twelve months.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for balances that appear to have specific collection issues. The collection process is based on the age of the invoice and requires attempted contacts with the customer at specified intervals. If, after a specified number of days, the Company has been unsuccessful in its collection efforts, a bad debt allowance is recorded for the balance in question. Delinquent accounts receivable are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts once uncollectibility has been determined. The factors considered in reaching this determination are the apparent financial condition of the customer and the Company’s success in contacting and negotiating with the customer. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Of the accounts receivable balance, approximately $61,743,000 and $54,820,000 at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, were used as collateral under Kinergy’s operating line of credit. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $39,000 and $12,000 as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The Company recorded a bad debt expense of $0 and a bad debt recovery of $1,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company recorded a bad debt expense of $27,000 and $44,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Estimates and Assumptions	Estimates and Assumptions

SEGMENTS. (Tables)

SEGMENTS. (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of financial data for operating segments	The following tables set forth certain financial data for the Company’s operating segments (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Net Sales 2019 2018 2019 2018 Production, recorded as gross: Ethanol/alcohol sales $ 212,897 $ 216,788 $ 586,680 $ 670,304 Co-product sales 65,693 73,259 199,177 226,307 Intersegment sales 403 518 1,187 1,531 Total production sales 278,993 290,565 787,044 898,142 Marketing and distribution: Ethanol/alcohol sales, gross $ 86,124 $ 79,877 $ 280,032 $ 282,940 Ethanol/alcohol sales, net 446 483 1,375 1,405 Intersegment sales 2,079 2,201 5,839 6,757 Total marketing and distribution sales 88,649 82,561 287,246 291,102 Intersegment eliminations (2,482 ) (2,719 ) (7,026 ) (8,288 ) Net sales as reported $ 365,160 $ 370,407 $ 1,067,264 $ 1,180,956 Cost of goods sold: Production $ 294,888 $ 295,574 $ 810,670 $ 914,638 Marketing and distribution 87,976 73,784 277,545 268,917 Intersegment eliminations (2,888 ) (2,719 ) (7,817 ) (8,456 ) Cost of goods sold as reported $ 379,976 $ 366,639 $ 1,080,398 $ 1,175,099 Income (loss) before benefit for income taxes: Production $ (25,999 ) $ (15,571 ) $ (50,682 ) $ (45,355 ) Marketing and distribution (998 ) 7,416 4,991 18,095 Corporate activities (2,076 ) (1,149 ) (5,833 ) (6,708 ) $ (29,073 ) $ (9,304 ) $ (51,524 ) $ (33,968 ) Depreciation and amortization: Production $ 11,833 $ 10,040 $ 35,390 $ 30,017 Corporate activities 195 177 554 618 $ 12,028 $ 10,217 $ 35,944 $ 30,635 Interest expense: Production $ 1,969 $ 1,692 $ 5,724 $ 5,416 Marketing and distribution 929 344 2,291 1,042 Corporate activities 2,265 2,157 6,999 6,417 $ 5,163 $ 4,193 $ 15,014 $ 12,875
Schedule of assets by operating segments	The following table sets forth the Company’s total assets by operating segment (in thousands): Total assets: September 30, December 31, Production $ 527,950 $ 532,790 Marketing and distribution 108,960 112,984 Corporate assets 15,950 14,117 $ 652,860 $ 659,891

INVENTORIES. (Tables)

INVENTORIES. (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of inventories	Inventory is net of a $0 and $2,328,000 valuation adjustment as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Inventory balances consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Finished goods $ 41,034 $ 35,778 Work in progress 8,207 6,855 Raw materials 7,236 7,233 Low-carbon and RIN credits 4,150 6,130 Other 1,882 1,824 Total $ 62,509 $ 57,820

DERIVATIVES. (Tables)

DERIVATIVES. (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	The classification and amounts of the Company’s derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, and related cash collateral balances, are as follows (in thousands): As of September 30, 2019 Assets Liabilities Type of Instrument Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Cash collateral balance Other current assets $ 2,400 Commodity contracts Derivative instruments $ 2,790 Derivative instruments $ 3,619 As of December 31, 2018 Assets Liabilities Type of Instrument Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Cash collateral balance Other current assets $ 8,479 Commodity contracts Derivative instruments $ 1,765 Derivative instruments $ 6,309
Schedule of recognized gains (losses) for derivatives	The classification and amounts of the Company’s recognized gains (losses) for its derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are as follows (in thousands): Realized Gains Three Months Ended Type of Instrument Statements of Operations Location 2019 2018 Commodity contracts Cost of goods sold $ 2,262 $ 916 Unrealized Losses Three Months Ended Type of Instrument Statements of Operations Location 2019 2018 Commodity contracts Cost of goods sold $ (5,582 ) $ (1,907 ) Realized Losses Nine Months Ended Type of Instrument Statements of Operations Location 2019 2018 Commodity contracts Cost of goods sold $ (2,150 ) $ (1,241 ) Unrealized Gains (Losses) Nine Months Ended Type of Instrument Statements of Operations Location 2019 2018 Commodity contracts Cost of goods sold $ 3,715 $ (3,121 )

LEASES. (Tables)

LEASES. (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of operating lease liabilities	The following table summarizes the remaining maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities, assuming all land lease extensions are taken, as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Year Ended: Equipment Land Related 2019 $ 2,220 $ 262 2020 7,349 1,054 2021 4,364 1,077 2022 4,140 1,100 2023 3,500 1,013 2024-43 10,181 34,931 $ 31,754 $ 39,437

DEBT. (Tables)

DEBT. (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long term debt	Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Kinergy line of credit $ 79,685 $ 57,057 Pekin term loan 39,500 43,000 Pekin revolving loan 32,000 32,000 ICP term loan 12,000 16,500 ICP revolving loan 18,000 18,000 Parent notes payable 63,200 66,948 244,385 233,505 Less unamortized debt discount (150 ) (690 ) Less unamortized debt financing costs (1,019 ) (1,377 ) Less short-term portion (144,543 ) (146,671 ) Long-term debt $ 98,673 $ 84,767

PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFI_2

PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS. (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of retirement plan costs	The Company’s net periodic Retirement Plan costs are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Interest cost $ 190 $ 174 $ 570 $ 522 Service cost 94 106 282 318 Expected return on plan assets (190 ) (204 ) (570 ) (612 ) Net periodic expense $ 94 $ 76 $ 282 $ 228
Schedule of postretirement plan costs	The Company’s net periodic Postretirement Plan costs are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 Interest cost $ 55 $ 46 $ 165 $ 138 Service cost 17 2 51 6 Amortization of loss 30 33 90 99 Net periodic expense $ 102 $ 81 $ 306 $ 243

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS. (Table

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS. (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of recurring fair value measurements	The following table summarizes recurring fair value measurements by level at September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Derivative financial instruments(1) $ 2,790 $ 2,790 $ — $ — $ 2,790 $ 2,790 $ — $ — Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments(1) $ (3,619 ) $ (3,619 ) $ — $ — $ (3,619 ) $ (3,619 ) $ — $ — The following table summarizes recurring fair value measurements by level at December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Benefit Plan Percentage Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Allocation Assets: Derivative financial instruments(1) $ 1,765 $ 1,765 $ — $ — Defined benefit plan assets (pooled separate accounts): Large U.S. Equity(2) 3,621 — 3,621 — 27 % Small/Mid U.S. Equity(3) 1,844 — 1,844 — 14 % International Equity(4) 2,106 — 2,106 — 16 % Fixed Income(5) 5,686 — 5,686 — 43 % $ 15,022 $ 1,765 $ 13,257 $ — Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments $ (6,309 ) $ (6,309 ) $ — $ — (1) Included in derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets. (2) This category includes investments in funds comprised of equity securities of large U.S. companies. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (3) This category includes investments in funds comprised of equity securities of small- and medium-sized U.S. companies. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (4) This category includes investments in funds comprised of equity securities of foreign companies including emerging markets. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. (5) This category includes investments in funds comprised of U.S. and foreign investment-grade fixed income securities, high-yield fixed income securities that are rated below investment-grade, U.S. treasury securities, mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund.

EARNINGS PER SHARE. (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE. (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted earnings per share	The following tables compute basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended Loss Shares Denominator Per-Share Amount Net loss attributed to Pacific Ethanol, Inc. $ (27,326 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends (319 ) Basic and diluted loss per share: Loss available to common stockholders $ (27,645 ) 47,777 $ (0.58 ) Three Months Ended Loss Shares Denominator Per-Share Amount Net loss attributed to Pacific Ethanol, Inc. $ (7,514 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends (319 ) Basic and diluted loss per share: Loss available to common stockholders $ (7,833 ) 43,299 $ (0.18 ) Nine Months Ended Loss Shares Denominator Per-Share Amount Net loss attributed to Pacific Ethanol, Inc. $ (47,862 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends (946 ) Basic and diluted loss per share: Loss available to common stockholders $ (48,808 ) 47,030 $ (1.04 ) Nine Months Ended Loss Shares Denominator Per-Share Amount Net loss attributed to Pacific Ethanol, Inc. $ (28,263 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends (946 ) Basic and diluted loss per share: Loss available to common stockholders $ (29,209 ) 43,171 $ (0.68 )

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS. (Tab

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS. (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of balance sheets - parent company	Parent company financial statements for the periods covered in this report are set forth below (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,658 $ 6,759 Receivables from subsidiaries 12,270 17,156 Other current assets 1,183 1,659 Total current assets 19,111 25,574 Property and equipment, net 308 522 Other Assets: Investments in subsidiaries 249,641 286,666 Pacific Ethanol West plant receivable 55,750 58,766 Right of use operating lease assets, net 3,318 — Other assets 1,529 1,437 Total other assets 310,238 346,869 Total Assets $ 329,657 $ 372,965 Current Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 2,437 $ 2,469 Accrued PE Op Co. purchase 3,829 3,829 Current portion of long-term debt 62,866 66,255 Other current liabilities 587 385 Total current liabilities 69,719 72,938 Operating leases, net of current portion 3,108 — Deferred tax liabilities 251 251 Other liabilities — 9 Total Liabilities 73,078 73,198 Stockholders’ Equity: Preferred stock 1 1 Common and non-voting common stock 50 46 Additional paid-in capital 937,795 932,179 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,459 ) (2,459 ) Accumulated deficit (678,808 ) (630,000 ) Total Pacific Ethanol, Inc. stockholders’ equity 256,579 299,767 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 329,657 $ 372,965
Schedule of statement of operations parent company	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Management fees from subsidiaries $ 3,330 $ 3,330 $ 9,660 $ 9,738 Selling, general and administrative expenses 3,827 3,181 11,374 13,069 Income (loss) from operations (497 ) 149 (1,714 ) (3,331 ) Interest income 1,145 1,185 3,486 3,518 Interest expense (2,276 ) (2,171 ) (7,039 ) (6,458 ) Other expense (4 ) (4 ) (86 ) — Loss before benefit for income taxes (1,632 ) (841 ) (5,353 ) (6,271 ) Benefit for income taxes — — — 563 Loss before benefit for income taxes (1,632 ) (841 ) (5,353 ) (5,708 ) Equity in losses of subsidiaries (25,694 ) (6,673 ) (42,509 ) (22,555 ) Consolidated net loss $ (27,326 ) $ (7,514 ) $ (47,862 ) $ (28,263 )
Schedule of statement of cash flows parent company	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Operating Activities: Net loss $ (47,862 ) $ (28,263 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities: Equity in losses of subsidiaries 42,509 22,555 Depreciation 227 481 Deferred income taxes — 563 Amortization of debt discounts 539 357 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivables (114 ) (5,062 ) Other assets 173 2,489 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,950 5 Accounts payable with subsidiaries (502 ) (622 ) Net cash used in operating activities $ (3,080 ) $ (7,497 ) Investing Activities: Dividend from subsidiaries $ — $ 10,000 Contributions to subsidiaries — (5,000 ) Additions to property and equipment (13 ) (6 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities $ (13 ) $ 4,994 Financing Activities: Proceeds from issuances of common stock $ 3,670 $ — Proceeds from Pacific Ethanol West 3,016 — Payments on senior notes (3,748 ) — Preferred stock dividend payments (946 ) (946 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $ 1,992 $ (946 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (1,101 ) (3,449 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 6,759 5,314 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 5,658 $ 1,865

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRE_3

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION. (Details Narrative) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)Number	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)Number	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Ethanol production capacity per year			605 million gallons per year
Ethanol market capacity per year			Markets nearly 1.0 billion gallons of ethanol
Other products produced per year			Produces over 3.0 million tons of co-products
Accounts receivable used as collateral	$ 61,743		$ 61,743		$ 54,820
Allowance for doubtful accounts	39		39		12
Bad debt expense	0	$ 1	27	$ 44
Bad debt recovery	0	1
Cash	$ 18,921	$ 56,093	$ 18,921	$ 56,093	$ 26,627	[1]	$ 49,489
Number of ethanol plants | Number	9		9
Ethanol production plant assest			355 million gallons
Kinergy Marketing LLC [Member]
Cash	$ 18,900		$ 18,900
Line of credit	$ 2,200		$ 2,200
[1]	Amounts derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

SEGMENTS. (Details)

SEGMENTS. (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Net Sales	$ 365,160	$ 370,407	$ 1,067,264	$ 1,180,956
Cost of goods sold	379,976	366,639	1,080,398	1,175,099
Income (loss) before benefit for income taxes:	(29,073)	(9,304)	(51,524)	(33,968)
Depreciation and amortization	12,028	10,217	35,944	30,635
Interest expense	5,163	4,193	15,014	12,875
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Net Sales	(2,482)	(2,719)	(7,026)	(8,288)
Cost of goods sold	(2,888)	(2,719)	(7,817)	(8,456)
Ethanol Production [Member]
Net Sales	278,993	290,565	787,044	898,142
Cost of goods sold	294,888	295,574	810,670	914,638
Income (loss) before benefit for income taxes:	(25,999)	(15,571)	(50,682)	(45,355)
Depreciation and amortization	11,833	10,040	35,390	30,017
Interest expense	1,969	1,692	5,724	5,416
Ethanol Production [Member] | Ethanol alcohol [Member]
Net Sales	212,897	216,788	586,680	670,304
Ethanol Production [Member] | Co-product sales [Member]
Net Sales	65,693	73,259	199,177	226,307
Ethanol Production [Member] | Intersegment Sales [Member]
Net Sales	403	518	1,187	1,531
Marketing And Distribution [Member]
Net Sales	88,649	82,561	287,246	291,102
Cost of goods sold	87,976	73,784	277,545	268,917
Income (loss) before benefit for income taxes:	(998)	7,416	4,991	18,095
Interest expense	929	344	2,291	1,042
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Intersegment Sales [Member]
Net Sales	2,079	2,201	5,839	6,757
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Ethanol alcohol Sales Member]
Net Sales	86,124	79,877	280,032	282,940
Marketing And Distribution [Member] | Ethanol alcohol Sales Net Member]
Net Sales	446	483	1,375	1,405
Corporate Activities [Member]
Income (loss) before benefit for income taxes:	(2,076)	(1,149)	(5,833)	(6,708)
Depreciation and amortization	195	177	554	618
Interest expense	$ 2,265	$ 2,157	$ 6,999	$ 6,417

SEGMENTS. (Details 1)

SEGMENTS. (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Total Assets	$ 652,860	$ 659,981	[1]
Ethanol Production [Member]
Total Assets	527,950	532,790
Marketing and Distribution [Member]
Total Assets	108,960	112,984
Corporate Assets [Member]
Total Assets	$ 15,950	$ 14,117
[1]	Amounts derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

SEGMENTS. (Details Narrative)

SEGMENTS. (Details Narrative)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019Number
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2

INVENTORIES. (Details)

INVENTORIES. (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 41,034	$ 35,778
Work in progress	8,207	6,855
Raw materials	7,236	7,233
Low-carbon and RIN credits	4,150	6,130
Other	1,882	1,824
Total	$ 62,509	$ 57,820	[1]
[1]	Amounts derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

INVENTORIES. (Details Narrative

INVENTORIES. (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory, net of valuation adjustments	$ 0	$ 2,328

DERIVATIVES. (Details)

DERIVATIVES. (Details) - Non Designated Derivative Instruments [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash Collateral Balance [Member]
Derivative assets	$ 2,400	$ 8,479
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative assets	2,790	1,765
Derivative liabilities	$ 3,619	$ 6,309

DERIVATIVES. (Details 1)

DERIVATIVES. (Details 1) - Non Designated Derivative Instruments [Member] - Commodity Contracts [Member] - Cost of goods sold [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Realized Gains (Losses)	$ 2,262	$ 916	$ (2,150)	$ (1,241)
Unrealized Gains (Losses)	$ (5,582)	$ (1,907)	$ (3,715)	$ (3,121)

DERIVATIVES. (Details Narrative

DERIVATIVES. (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Recognized losses due to change in fair value	$ 3,320	$ 991	$ 1,565	$ 4,362

LEASES. (Details)

LEASES. (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Equipment [Member]
2019	$ 2,220
2020	7,349
2021	4,364
2022	4,140
2023	3,500
2024-43	10,181
Total	31,754
Land Related [Member]
2019	262
2020	1,054
2021	1,077
2022	1,100
2023	1,013
2024-43	34,931
Total	$ 39,437

LEASES. (Details Narrative)

LEASES. (Details Narrative) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Right of assets and operating lease liability	$ 43,753	$ 43,753
Operating lease, weighted average discount rate	6.01%	6.01%
Operating lease costs	$ 2,157	$ 6,490
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Operating lease costs	$ 119	$ 354
Equipment [Member]
Weighted average remaining lease term	2 years 7 months 27 days	2 years 7 months 27 days
Land Related [Member]
Weighted average remaining lease term	13 years 5 months 5 days	13 years 5 months 5 days
Minimum [Member]
Lease term	1 year	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Lease term	57 years	57 years

DEBT. (Details)

DEBT. (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows
Total debt	$ 244,385	$ 233,505
Less unamortized debt discount	(150)	(690)
Less unamortized debt financing costs	(1,019)	(1,377)
Less short-term portion	(144,543)	(146,671)	[1]
Long-term debt	98,673	84,767	[1]
Term Loan [Member] | Illinois Corn Processing, LLC [Member]
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows
Term debt	12,000	16,500
Parent Notes Payable [Member]
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows
Notes payable	63,200	66,948
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Illinois Corn Processing, LLC [Member]
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows
Term debt	18,000	18,000
Kinergy Marketing LLC [Member]
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows
Line of credit	2,200
Kinergy Marketing LLC [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows
Line of credit	79,685	57,057
Pacific Ethanol Pekin, Inc [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows
Term debt	39,500	43,000
Pacific Ethanol Pekin, Inc [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows
Term debt	$ 32,000	$ 32,000
[1]	Amounts derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

DEBT (Details Narrative)

DEBT (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 21, 2019	Mar. 30, 2018	Jul. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Aug. 20, 2019	Aug. 06, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	[1]
Net assets				$ 652,860			$ 659,981
Kinergy Marketing LLC [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Unused borrowing capacity				2,247
Description of borrowing capacity			The borrowing base under the credit facility at 90% of eligible accounts receivable, plus the lesser of (a) $50,000,000, (b) 80% of eligible inventory, or (c) 95% of the estimated recovery value of eligible inventory.
Additional borrowing				4,430
Interest rate term			Accrue interest at an annual rate equal to the daily three month LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 4.00%.
Pacific Ethanol Pekin, Inc [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Description of debt covenant		One of the Company’s subsidiaries, amended its term loan facility by reducing the amount of working capital it is required to maintain to not less than $13.0 million from March 31, 2018 through November 30, 2018 and not less than $16.0 million from December 1, 2018 and continuing at all times thereafter.
Debt face amount						$ 3,500
Debt maturity date		May 31, 2018
Pacific Ethanol Pekin, Inc [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Lender [Member]
Debt face amount				$ 3,500	$ 3,500
Debt maturity date				Feb. 20, 2019
Interest rate term	Interest rate under the facilities by 125 basis points to an annual rate equal to the 30-day LIBOR plus 5.00%.
Description of maintain working capital	Working capital of not less than $15,000,000 from March 21, 2019 through July 15, 2019 and working capital of not less than $30,000,000 from July 15, 2019 and continuing at all times thereafter.
Description of event of default				At which time the waivers will become permanent if Pacific Ethanol Central, LLC (“PE Central”), PE Pekin’s parent, has made a contribution to PE Pekin in an amount equal to $30,000,000, minus the then-existing amount of PE Pekin’s working capital, plus the amount of any accounts receivable owed by PE Central to PE Pekin, plus $12,000,000 (the “PE Central Contribution Amount”).
Pacific Ethanol Pekin, Inc [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt face amount				$ 10,500
Net assets				$ 184,800
Date of first required principal payment				Nov. 15, 2019
[1]	Amounts derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES. (Details Narrative) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Ethanol Purchase Contracts [Member]
Indexed-price purchase contracts	7,150,000 gallons
Fixed-price purchase contracts value	$ 23,930
Ethanol Purchase Contracts [Member] | Suppliers [Member]
Fixed-price purchase contracts value	$ 14,304
Co-products Sales Contracts [Member]
Open ethanol indexed-price sales contracts	50,000 tons
Open fixed-price sales contracts valued	$ 33,575
Ethanol Sales Contracts [Member]
Open ethanol indexed-price sales contracts	184,865,000 gallons
Open fixed-price sales contracts valued	$ 124,090

PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFI_3

PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS. (Details) - Retirement Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Interest cost	$ 190	$ 174	$ 570	$ 522
Service cost	94	106	282	318
Expected return on plan assets	(190)	(204)	(570)	(612)
Net periodic expense	$ 94	$ 76	$ 282	$ 228

PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFI_4

PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS. (Details 1) - Postretirement Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Interest cost	$ 55	$ 46	$ 165	$ 138
Service cost	17	2	51	6
Amortization of loss	30	33	90	99
Net periodic expense	$ 102	$ 81	$ 306	$ 243

PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFI_5

PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS. (Details Narrative) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Postretirement Plan [Member]
Accumulated projected benefit obligation	$ 5,711
Retirement Plan [Member]
Accumulated projected benefit obligation	18,690
Fair value of plan assets	13,257
Underfunded amount	$ 5,433

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS. (Detai

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS. (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Assets		$ 2,790		$ 15,022
Liabilities:
Liabilities		(3,619)
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Assets		2,790		1,765
Liabilities:
Liabilities		(3,619)
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Assets				13,257
Liabilities:
Liabilities
Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Assets
Liabilities:
Liabilities
Derivative Financial Instrument [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[1]	2,790		1,765
Liabilities:
Liabilities		(3,619)	[1]	(6,309)
Derivative Financial Instrument [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[1]	2,790		1,765
Liabilities:
Liabilities		(3,619)	[1]	(6,309)
Derivative Financial Instrument [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[1]
Liabilities:
Liabilities			[1]
Derivative Financial Instrument [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[1]
Liabilities:
Liabilities			[1]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Large U.S. Equity [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[2]			$ 3,621
Benefit plan allocation percentage	[2]			27.00%
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Large U.S. Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[2]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Large U.S. Equity [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[2]			3,621
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Large U.S. Equity [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[2]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Small/Mid U.S. Equity [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[3]			$ 1,844
Benefit plan allocation percentage	[3]			14.00%
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Small/Mid U.S. Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[3]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Small/Mid U.S. Equity [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[3]			1,844
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Small/Mid U.S. Equity [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[3]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets International Equity [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[4]			$ 2,106
Benefit plan allocation percentage	[4]			16.00%
Defined Benefit Plan Assets International Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[4]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets International Equity [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[4]			2,106
Defined Benefit Plan Assets International Equity [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[4]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Fixed Income [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[5]			$ 5,686
Benefit plan allocation percentage	[5]			43.00%
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Fixed Income [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[5]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Fixed Income [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[5]			5,686
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Fixed Income [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Assets	[5]
[1]	Included in derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets.
[2]	This category includes investments in funds comprised of equity securities of large U.S. companies. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund.
[3]	This category includes investments in funds comprised of equity securities of small- and medium-sized U.S. companies. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund.
[4]	This category includes investments in funds comprised of equity securities of foreign companies including emerging markets. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund.
[5]	This category includes investments in funds comprised of U.S. and foreign investment-grade fixed income securities, high-yield fixed income securities that are rated below investment-grade, U.S. treasury securities, mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund.

EARNINGS PER SHARE. (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE. (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Loss Numerator
Net loss attributed to Pacific Ethanol, Inc.	$ (27,326)			$ (7,514)			$ (47,862)	$ (28,263)
Less: Preferred stock dividends	(319)	$ (315)	$ (312)	(319)	$ (315)	$ (312)	(946)	(946)
Basic and diluted loss per share:
Loss available to common stockholders	$ (27,645)			$ (7,833)			$ (48,808)	$ (29,209)
Shares Denominator
Shares available to common stockholders - basic and diluted	47,777			43,299			47,030	43,171
Per-Share Amount
Per-Share amount - basic and diluted	$ (0.58)			$ (0.18)			$ (1.04)	$ (0.68)

EARNINGS PER SHARE. (Details Na

EARNINGS PER SHARE. (Details Narrative) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Potentially dilutive shares from convertible securities outstanding	635,000	425,000	635,000	635,000

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS. (Det

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS. (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 18,921	$ 26,627	[1]	$ 56,093	$ 49,489
Other current assets	5,228	11,866	[1]
Total current assets	161,936	168,804	[1]
Property and equipment, net	442,810	482,657	[1]
Other Assets:
Right of use operating lease assets, net	38,791		[1]
Other assets	6,645	5,842	[1]
Total Assets	652,860	659,981	[1]
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	144,543	146,671	[1]
Total current liabilities	228,431	231,859	[1]
Other liabilities	7,662	7,282	[1]
Total Liabilities	380,345	340,616	[1]
Stockholders' Equity:
Common and non-voting common stock	50	46	[1]
Additional paid-in capital	937,795	932,179	[1]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,459)	(2,459)	[1]
Accumulated deficit	(678,808)	(630,000)	[1]
Total Pacific Ethanol, Inc. stockholders' equity	256,579	299,767	[1]
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	652,860	659,981	[1]
Parent Company [Member]
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	5,658	6,759		$ 1,865	$ 5,314
Receivables from subsidiaries	12,270	17,156
Other current assets	1,183	1,659
Total current assets	19,111	25,574
Property and equipment, net	308	522
Other Assets:
Investments in subsidiaries	249,641	286,666
Pacific Ethanol West plant receivable	55,750	58,766
Right of use operating lease assets, net	3,318
Other assets	1,529	1,437
Total other assets	310,238	346,869
Total Assets	329,657	372,965
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,437	2,469
Accrued PE Op Co. purchase	3,829	3,829
Current portion of long-term debt	62,866	66,255
Other current liabilities	587	385
Total current liabilities	69,719	72,938
Operating leases, net of current portion	3,108
Deferred tax liabilities	251	251
Other liabilities		9
Total Liabilities	73,078	73,198
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock	1	1
Common and non-voting common stock	50	46
Additional paid-in capital	937,795	932,179
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,459)	(2,459)
Accumulated deficit	(678,808)	(630,000)
Total Pacific Ethanol, Inc. stockholders' equity	256,579	299,767
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 329,657	$ 372,965
[1]	Amounts derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS. (D_2

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS. (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 8,687			$ 8,970			$ 23,630	$ 27,183
Loss from operations	(23,503)			(5,202)			(36,764)	(21,326)
Interest expense	(5,163)			(4,193)			(15,014)	(12,875)
Loss before benefit for income taxes	(29,073)			(9,304)			(51,524)	(33,968)
Benefit for income taxes								(563)
Consolidated net loss	(29,073)	$ (8,290)	$ (14,161)	(9,304)	$ (14,604)	$ (9,497)	(51,524)	(33,405)
Parent Company [Member]
Management fees from subsidiaries	3,330			3,330			9,660	9,738
Selling, general and administrative expenses	3,827			3,181			11,374	13,069
Loss from operations	(497)			149			(1,714)	(3,331)
Interest income	1,145			1,185			3,486	3,518
Interest expense	(2,276)			(2,171)			(7,039)	(6,458)
Other expense	(4)			(4)			(86)
Loss before benefit for income taxes	(1,632)			(841)			(5,353)	(6,271)
Benefit for income taxes								563
Loss before benefit for income taxes	(1,632)			(841)			(5,353)	(5,708)
Equity in losses of subsidiaries	(25,694)			(6,673)			(42,509)	(22,555)
Consolidated net loss	$ (27,326)			$ (7,514)			$ (47,862)	$ (28,263)

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS. (D_3

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS. (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019		Sep. 30, 2018
Operating Activities:
Net loss	$ (27,326)	$ (7,514)	$ (47,862)		$ (28,263)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:
Amortization of debt discounts			539		539
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivables			(370)		12,656
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			(6,323)		2,307
Net cash used in operating activities			(27,203)		26,077
Investing Activities:
Additions to property and equipment			(2,144)		(10,874)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(2,144)		(10,874)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuances of common stock			3,670
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			21,641		(8,599)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			(7,706)		6,604
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			26,627	[1]	49,489
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	18,921	56,093	18,921		56,093
Parent Company [Member]
Operating Activities:
Net loss			(47,862)		(28,263)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:
Equity in losses of subsidiaries	25,694	6,673	42,509		22,555
Depreciation			227		481
Deferred income taxes					563
Amortization of debt discounts			539		357
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivables			(114)		(5,062)
Other assets			173		2,489
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			1,950		5
Accounts payable with subsidiaries			(502)		(622)
Net cash used in operating activities			(3,080)		(7,497)
Investing Activities:
Dividend from subsidiaries					10,000
Contributions to subsidiaries					(5,000)
Additions to property and equipment			(13)		(6)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(13)		4,994
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuances of common stock			3,670
Proceeds from Pacific Ethanol West			3,016
Payments on senior notes			(3,748)
Preferred stock dividend payments			(946)		(946)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			1,992		(946)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			(1,101)		(3,449)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			6,759		5,314
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 5,658	$ 1,865	$ 5,658		$ 1,865
[1]	Amounts derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS. (D_4

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIALS. (Details Narrative) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net asset	$ 184,763