Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (148,000)	$ 36,734	$ 81,631
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during the period, net of tax benefit (expense) of ($14,431), $2,854 and $2,967, respectively	55,973	(6,788)	(5,048)
Reclassification of realized losses (gains) on derivatives, net of tax expense (benefit) of $10,002, ($2,887) and $2,306, respectively	(38,795)	6,669	(3,925)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17,178	(119)	(8,973)
Share of equity method investees other comprehensive loss arising during the period, net of tax benefit of $3,929, $0, $0, respectively	(12,226)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,952	(119)	(8,973)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(143,048)	36,615	72,658
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	18,860	20,811	20,570
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Green Plains	$ (161,908)	$ 15,804	$ 52,088