XML 41 R67.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Debt (Narrative - Agribusiness Segment, Marketing And Distribution Segment, Corporate Activities, Capitalized Interest, And Restricted Net Assets) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Feb. 28, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument amount |  |  |  | $ 22,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount |
Percentage Of Net Income Added To Base Net Worth Compliance Limit | 50.00%gpre_PercentageOfNetIncomeAddedToBaseNetWorthComplianceLimit |  |  |  |
Value of common stock issued for conversion of 5.75% notes | 89,950,000 us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1 |  |  |  |
Green Plains Grain [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Working capital | 23,000,000 gpre_MinimumWorkingCapitalRequiredForCompliance / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsGrainMember |  |  |  |
Net worth | 26,300,000 us-gaap_MinimumNetWorthRequiredForCompliance / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsGrainMember |  |  |  |
Fixed charge coverage ratio | 1.25 gpre_FixedChargeCoverageRatio / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsGrainMember |  |  |  |
Annual Leverage Ratio | 6.00 |  |  |  |
Annual capital expenditures | 15,000,000 gpre_AnnualCapitalExpendituresMaximum / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsGrainMember |  |  |  |
Green Plains Cattle [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Additional amounts available under facility | 50,000,000 gpre_DebtInstrumentCreditFacilityAmountsAvailableAccordionFeature / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsCattleMember |  |  |  |
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | 100,000,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsCattleMember |  |  |  |
Interest rate added to LIBOR or lender's commercial floating rate | 2.50%us-gaap_LoansReceivableBasisSpreadOnVariableRate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsCattleMember |  |  |  |
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | 100,000,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsCattleMember |  |  |  |
Working capital | 15,000,000 gpre_MinimumWorkingCapitalRequiredForCompliance / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsCattleMember |  |  |  |
Net worth | 20,000,000 us-gaap_MinimumNetWorthRequiredForCompliance / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsCattleMember |  |  |  |
Annual Leverage Ratio | 3.50 |  |  |  |
Annual capital expenditures | 3,000,000 gpre_AnnualCapitalExpendituresMaximum / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsCattleMember |  |  |  |
Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Maximum [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate added to LIBOR or lender's commercial floating rate | 3.00%us-gaap_LoansReceivableBasisSpreadOnVariableRate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsCattleMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |  |
Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Minimum [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate added to LIBOR or lender's commercial floating rate | 2.00%us-gaap_LoansReceivableBasisSpreadOnVariableRate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsCattleMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |
Green Plains Cattle [Member] | Previous Debt Facility [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | 15,000,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsCattleMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_PreviousDebtFacilityMember |  |  |  |
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | 15,000,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsCattleMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_PreviousDebtFacilityMember |  |  |  |
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Seasonal Borrowings [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | 50,000,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_SeasonalBorrowingsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_AgribusinessSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | 50,000,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_SeasonalBorrowingsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_AgribusinessSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Agribusiness Segment [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Allowable Dividends As Percentage Of Net Profit Before Tax | 40.00%gpre_AllowableDividendsAsPercentageOfNetProfitBeforeTax / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_AgribusinessSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Debt instrument amount | 125,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_AgribusinessSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Additional amounts available under facility | 75,000,000 gpre_DebtInstrumentCreditFacilityAmountsAvailableAccordionFeature / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_AgribusinessSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity | 250,000,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_AgribusinessSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | 250,000,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_AgribusinessSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Marketing And Distribution Segment [Member] | Green Plains Trade [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Undrawn Availability of Revolving Credit Facility On A ProForma Basis | 10,000,000 gpre_UndrawnAvailabilityOfRevolvingCreditFacilityOnProformaBasis / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsTradeMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Allowable Dividends As Percentage Of Net Profit Before Tax | 50.00%gpre_AllowableDividendsAsPercentageOfNetProfitBeforeTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsTradeMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Debt instrument amount | 150,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsTradeMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Restricted cash | 22,900,000 us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsTradeMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Fixed charge coverage ratio | 1.15 gpre_FixedChargeCoverageRatio / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsTradeMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Annual capital expenditures | 1,000,000 gpre_AnnualCapitalExpendituresMaximum / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsTradeMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Marketing And Distribution Segment [Member] | Green Plains Trade [Member] | Previous Debt Facility [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument amount | 130,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_GreenPlainsTradeMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_PreviousDebtFacilityMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Marketing And Distribution Segment [Member] | BlendStar LLC [member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Anticipated Tax Credits | 5,000,000 gpre_AnticipatedTaxCredits / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_BlendstarLlcMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Statutory Life In Years | 7 years |  |  |  |
Principal payments (plus interest) | 200,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPayment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_BlendstarLlcMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Debt instrument stated percentage | 1.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_BlendstarLlcMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent | 8,100,000 us-gaap_LongTermAccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_BlendstarLlcMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Marketing And Distribution Segment [Member] | BlendStar LLC [member] | Note Payable [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument amount | 10,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = gpre_BlendstarLlcMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember |  |  |  |
Corporate Activities [Member] | 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Issuance Costs Assigned To Liability | 4,000,000 gpre_DebtIssuanceCostsAssignedToLiability / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Convertible Debt Cross Default Threshold | 10,000,000 gpre_ConvertibleDebtCrossDefaultThreshold / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage | 8.21%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Debt instrument amount | 120,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Debt instrument stated percentage | 3.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Debt conversion amount | 1,000 us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1 / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Debt conversion price | $ 20.81 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1 / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Conversion price percentage | 140.00%gpre_DebtInstrumentApplicableConversionPricePercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Principal amount of notes, percentage | 100.00%gpre_ConvertibleDebtPrincipalAmountOfNotesPercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage | 8.21%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount | 24,500,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Debt Issuance Cost | 5,100,000 us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid | $ 0.04 us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Shares of common stock issued for conversion of 5.75% Notes | 48.0607 us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1 / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_ConvertibleSeniorNotes325Member / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Corporate Activities [Member] | 5.75% Convertible Senior Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument amount | 90,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_FivePointSevenFivePercentageConvertibleSeniorNotesMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Debt instrument stated percentage | 5.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_FivePointSevenFivePercentageConvertibleSeniorNotesMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Debt conversion rate shares |  | 72.6961 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1 / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_FivePointSevenFivePercentageConvertibleSeniorNotesMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember | 72.5846 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1 / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_FivePointSevenFivePercentageConvertibleSeniorNotesMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |
Debt conversion amount | 1,000 us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1 / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_FivePointSevenFivePercentageConvertibleSeniorNotesMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Value of common stock issued for conversion of 5.75% notes | 89,950,000 us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1 / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_FivePointSevenFivePercentageConvertibleSeniorNotesMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Shares of common stock issued for conversion of 5.75% Notes | 6,532,713 us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1 / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = gpre_FivePointSevenFivePercentageConvertibleSeniorNotesMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember |  |  |  |
Capitalized Interest [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Capitalized interest | 191,000 us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CapitalizedInterestMember |  |  | 0 us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CapitalizedInterestMember | 285,000 us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_CapitalizedInterestMember
Restricted Net Assets [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Restricted assets | $ 681,400,000 us-gaap_AmountOfRestrictedNetAssetsForConsolidatedAndUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = gpre_RestrictedNetAssetsMember |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Allowable Dividends As Percentage Of Net Profit Before Tax + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_AllowableDividendsAsPercentageOfNetProfitBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Annual Capital Expenditures, Maximum + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_AnnualCapitalExpendituresMaximum
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Annual leverage ratio + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_AnnualLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Anticipated value of New Markets Tax Credits + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_AnticipatedTaxCredits
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Convertible Debt Cross Default Threshold + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_ConvertibleDebtCrossDefaultThreshold
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Convertible debt principal amount of the notes percentage + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_ConvertibleDebtPrincipalAmountOfNotesPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt instrument applicable conversion price percentage + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_DebtInstrumentApplicableConversionPricePercentage
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument Credit Facility Amounts Available Accordion Feature + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_DebtInstrumentCreditFacilityAmountsAvailableAccordionFeature
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of debt issuance costs assigned to the liability portion of debt with a discount. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_DebtIssuanceCostsAssignedToLiability
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_FixedChargeCoverageRatio
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Working capital – current assets less current liabilities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_MinimumWorkingCapitalRequiredForCompliance
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of net income added to base net worth compliance limit. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_PercentageOfNetIncomeAddedToBaseNetWorthComplianceLimit
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Statutory life, in years, of New Markets Tax Credits + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_StatutoryLifeInYears
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Undrawn Availability of Revolving Credit Facility On A ProForma Basis + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gpre_UndrawnAvailabilityOfRevolvingCreditFacilityOnProformaBasis
Namespace Prefix: | gpre_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of restricted net assets of consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e)(3)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph e -Subparagraph 3 -Article 4 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AmountOfRestrictedNetAssetsForConsolidatedAndUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Aggregate dividends paid during the period for each share of common stock outstanding. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The value of the financial instrument(s) that the original debt is being converted into in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4332-108586 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4304-108586 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of shares issued in exchange for the original debt being converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or payments in the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4332-108586 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4304-108586 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of the original debt being converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4332-108586 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4304-108586 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The price per share of the conversion feature embedded in the debt instrument. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928298&loc=SL6031898-161870 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Ratio applied to the conversion of debt instrument into equity with equity shares divided by debt principal amount. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Conversion Rate -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509012 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the required periodic payments including both interest and principal payments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 470 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPayment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of debt discount that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of debt issuance costs (for example, but not limited to, legal, accounting, broker, and regulatory fees). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of interest capitalized during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Allowance for Funds Used during Construction -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6504829 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The percentage points (also referred to as 'margin') added to the reference rate as stated in the loan agreement and used to compute the variable rate on the loans receivable. For instance, the loan agreement might state that the interest rate the borrower is obligated to pay is the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus three quarters (3/4) of a percentage point adjusted quarterly (each three months). LIBOR in this example is the index or reference rate, 3/4 percentage point is the margin, the reference rate plus the margin is the fully indexed rate. This element would be used to report separately the margin. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LoansReceivableBasisSpreadOnVariableRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The aggregate of amounts due from customers or clients more than one year from the balance sheet date, for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business and an amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Company (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date more than one year from the balance sheet date, reduced to their estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the Company of the amount it deems uncertain of collection and net of any write-downs taken for collection uncertainty on the part of the holder, respectively. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 17 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermAccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The lowest amount of net worth (total assets minus total liabilities) required by secondary market investors or state-imposed regulatory mandates. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 948 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6490092&loc=d3e47304-110998 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 948 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c)(a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6490092&loc=d3e47080-110998 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinimumNetWorthRequiredForCompliance
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. This element is for unclassified presentations; for classified presentations there is a separate and distinct element. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=gpre_GreenPlainsCattleMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=gpre_GreenPlainsGrainMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=gpre_AgribusinessSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=gpre_CapitalizedInterestMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=gpre_CorporateActivitiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=gpre_MarketingAndDistributionSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=gpre_RestrictedNetAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |