XML 13 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.20.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Oct. 31, 2020
Cover [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name AEMETIS, INC.  
Entity Central Index Key 0000738214  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2020  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current? Yes  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code NV  
Entity File Number 001-36475  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   21,815,654
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020