Equity Method Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions				12 Months Ended
		Sep. 09, 2019	Sep. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) item		Dec. 11, 2019
Green Plains Cattle Company LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations, Percent Sold		50.00%	50.00%
Number of cattle capacity to support				355,000
Number of bushels of gain storage capacity				24,100,000
Equity method investment, ownership interest	[1]			50.00%
JGP Energy Partners LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership interest				0.00%	[2]	50.00%
Recognized gain from sale of interest | $				$ 4.8
Number Of Barrels Of Storage				550
Optimal Aqua LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership interest				50.00%
NLR Energy Logistics LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership interest				50.00%
Number Of Units Cars, Area Capacity				110
Number Of Barrels Of Storage				100,000

[1] The equity method investment in GPCC is offset by the impact of AOCI.

[2] On December 11, 2019, the company completed the sale of our 50% joint venture interest in JGP Energy Partners LLC.