Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (44,146)	$ (89,654)	$ (148,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during the period, net of tax benefit (expense) of $7,806, $257, and ($14,431), respectively	(24,230)	(768)	55,973
Reclassification of realized losses (gains) on derivatives, net of tax benefit (expense) of ($4,540), $857, and $10,002, resectively	14,092	(2,566)	(38,795)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(10,138)	(3,334)	17,178
Share of equity method investees other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the period, net of tax benefit (expense) of $0, ($3,929) and $3,929, respectively		12,226	(12,226)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(10,138)	8,892	4,952
Comprehensive loss	(54,284)	(80,762)	(143,048)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	21,846	19,121	18,860
Comprehensive loss attributable to Green Plains	$ (76,130)	$ (99,883)	$ (161,908)