Acquisitions, Dispositions And Discontinued Operations (Summarized Results Of Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended														12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	[1]	Jun. 30, 2019	[1]	Mar. 31, 2019	[1]	Dec. 31, 2018	[1]	Sep. 30, 2018	[1]	Jun. 30, 2018	[1]	Mar. 31, 2018	[1]	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income tax expense															$ (258)	$ (3,421)	$ (7,279)
Net income	$ 3,359		$ 1,939		$ (4,469)		$ (215)		$ 501		$ 6,730		$ 4,523		829	11,539	4,998
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Green Plains Cattle Company LLC [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Product revenues															638,122	884,072	328,874
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization expenses reflected below)															614,671	845,160	302,438
Selling, general and administrative															5,931	7,775	4,659
Depreciation and amortization expenses															4,198	5,361	3,779
Total costs and expenses															624,800	858,296	310,876
Operating income															13,322	25,776	17,998
Interest income															182	147	10
Income expense															(12,417)	(13,576)	(6,460)
Other, net																2,613	729
Total other expense															(12,235)	(10,816)	(5,721)
Income before income taxes															1,087	14,960	12,277
Income tax expense															(258)	(3,421)	(7,279)
Net income															829	11,539	4,998
Cattle [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Green Plains Cattle Company LLC [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization expenses reflected below)															$ 14,500	$ 24,600	$ 22,200

[1] GPCC results prior to its disposition are classified as discontinued operations in current and prior period consolidated financial statements.