Acquisitions, Dispositions And Discontinued Operations (Assets And Liabilities Attributable To Discontinued Operations) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Current assets of discontinued operations	$ 479,399
Noncurrent assets held for sale	73,060
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current, Total	418,936
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale	82
Green Plains Cattle Company LLC [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	2
Restricted cash	34,909
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	11,860
Inventories	432,283
Prepaid expenses and other	345
Current assets of discontinued operations	479,399
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	71,341
Other assets	1,719
Noncurrent assets held for sale	73,060
Accounts payable	21,072
Accrued and other liabilities	6,410
Derivative financial instruments	16,924
Short-term notes payable and other borrowings	374,492
Current maturities of long-term debt	38
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current, Total	418,936
Long-term debt	80
Other liabilities	2
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale	$ 82