v2.4.0.8
Debt (Schedule Of Principal Payments Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River [Member] | Term Loan - Other [Member]
 
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Scheduled principal payments, periodic $ 0.2
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Green Plains Bluffton [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
 
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Scheduled principal payments, periodic 0.3
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Green Plains Central City [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
 
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Scheduled principal payments, periodic 0.5
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
 
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Scheduled principal payments, periodic 2.5
Scheduled Principal Payments, Future 1.3
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Green Plains Holdings II [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
 
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Scheduled principal payments, periodic 1.8
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Green Plains Obion [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
 
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Scheduled principal payments, periodic 2.4
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Green Plains Ord [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
 
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Scheduled principal payments, periodic 0.2
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Green Plains Otter Tail [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
 
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Scheduled principal payments, periodic 0.4
Ethanol Production Segment [Member] | Green Plains Superior [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
 
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Scheduled principal payments, periodic $ 1.4