Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On April 26, 2017, the company entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire two cattle-feeding operations from Cargill Cattle Feeders, LLC for $36.7 million, plus certain working capital adjustments. The transaction includes the feed yards located in Leoti, Kansas and Yuma, Colorado and will add combined feedlot capacity of 155,000 head of cattle to the company’s operations. The transaction is anticipated to be completed in May of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction will be financed using cash on hand. As part of the transaction, the company will also enter into a long-term cattle supply agreement with Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation. Under the cattle supply agreement, all cattle placed in the Leoti, Yuma and the company’s existing Kismet, Kansas feedlots will be sold exclusively to Cargill Meat Solutions under an agreed upon production and pricing arrangement. On April 28, 2017, the company entered into an amendment of its Green Plains Cattle senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with a group of lenders led by Bank of the West and ING Capital LLC. The amendment was completed to fund the additional working capital requirements related to the pending acquisition of two cattle feedlots. The amendment increases the maximum commitment from $100.0 million to $200.0 million until July 31, 2017, when it increases to $300.0 million. The maturity date is extended from October 31, 2017 to April 30, 2020. Advances under the revolving credit facility, as amended, are subject to variable interest rates equal to LIBOR plus 2.0% to 3.0% or the base rate plus 1.0% to 2.0%, depending on the preceding three months’ excess borrowing availability. The amended credit facility also includes an accordion feature that enables the credit facility to be increased by up to $100.0 million with agent approval. The unused portion of the credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.20% to 0.30% per annum, depending on the preceding three months’ excess borrowing availability. Interest is payable as required, but not less than quarterly in arrears and principal is due upon maturity. The amended terms impose affirmative and negative covenants, including maintaining working capital of 15% of the commitment amount, tangible net worth of 20% of the commitment amount and a total debt to tangible net worth ratio of 3.50x. Capital expenditures are limited to $10.0 million per year under the credit facility, plus $10.0 million per year if funded by a contribution from the parent, plus unused amounts from the previous year.

15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 26, 2017, the company entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire two cattle-feeding operations from Cargill Cattle Feeders, LLC for $36.7 million, plus certain working capital adjustments. The transaction includes the feed yards located in Leoti, Kansas and Yuma, Colorado and will add combined feedlot capacity of 155,000 head of cattle to the company’s operations. The transaction is anticipated to be completed in May of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction will be financed using cash on hand.

As part of the transaction, the company will also enter into a long-term cattle supply agreement with Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation. Under the cattle supply agreement, all cattle placed in the Leoti, Yuma and the company’s existing Kismet, Kansas feedlots will be sold exclusively to Cargill Meat Solutions under an agreed upon production and pricing arrangement.

On April 28, 2017, the company entered into an amendment of its Green Plains Cattle senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with a group of lenders led by Bank of the West and ING Capital LLC. The amendment was completed to fund the additional working capital requirements related to the pending acquisition of two cattle feedlots. The amendment increases the maximum commitment from $100.0 million to $200.0 million until July 31, 2017, when it increases to $300.0 million. The maturity date is extended from October 31, 2017 to April 30, 2020.

Advances under the revolving credit facility, as amended, are subject to variable interest rates equal to LIBOR plus 2.0% to 3.0% or the base rate plus 1.0% to 2.0%, depending on the preceding three months’ excess borrowing availability. The amended credit facility also includes an accordion feature that enables the credit facility to be increased by up to $100.0 million with agent approval. The unused portion of the credit facility is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.20% to 0.30% per annum, depending on the preceding three months’ excess borrowing availability. Interest is payable as required, but not less than quarterly in arrears and principal is due upon maturity.

The amended terms impose affirmative and negative covenants, including maintaining working capital of 15% of the commitment amount, tangible net worth of 20% of the commitment amount and a total debt to tangible net worth ratio of 3.50x. Capital expenditures are limited to $10.0 million per year under the credit facility, plus $10.0 million per year if funded by a contribution from the parent, plus unused amounts from the previous year.