| Document And Entity Information | Nov. 15, 2024 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | Blue Dolphin Energy Company |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Nov. 15, 2024 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 0-15905 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 73-1268729 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 801 Travis Street, Suite 2100 |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 77002 |
| City Area Code | 713 |
| Local Phone Number | 568-4725 |
| 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 | 0000793306 |
