Acquisitions and Dispositions (Schedule Of Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 40,877us-gaap_Goodwill	$ 40,877us-gaap_Goodwill
Purchase Price	23,900	123,301	1,490
Acquisition Of Green Plains Fairmont and Green Plains Wood River [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	119
Inventory	8,680
Prepaid expenses and other	2,696
Property and equipment, net	112,274
Other assets	4,193
Current liabilities	(4,260)
Long-term portion of capital lease and tax increment financing bond	(7,895)
Other	(1,489)
Total identifiable net assets	$ 114,318

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Amount of asset related to consideration paid in advance for costs that provide economic benefits in future periods, and amount of other assets that are expected to be realized or consumed within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date.

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Amount due from customers or clients for goods or services, including trade receivables, that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, and amounts due from others, including related parties expected to be converted to cash, sold or exchanged within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date.

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Amount of liabilities due within one year or within the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date.

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Amount of long-term debt due within one year or within the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date.

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The amount of inventory recognized as of the acquisition date.

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Amount recognized as of the acquisition date for the identifiable assets acquired in excess of (less than) the aggregate liabilities assumed.

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Amount of other liabilities due after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date.

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Amount of other assets expected to be realized or consumed after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date.

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The amount of property, plant, and equipment recognized as of the acquisition date.

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Amount recognized for assets, including goodwill, in excess of (less than) the aggregate liabilities assumed.

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Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

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