Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss from continuing operations	[1]	$ (65,992)	$ (108,775)	$ (167,689)
Net income from discontinued operations				829
Net loss attributable to Green Plains		$ (65,992)	$ (108,775)	$ (166,860)
EPS from continuing operations - basic		$ (1.41)	$ (3.14)	$ (4.40)
EPS from discontinued operations - basic				$ 0.02
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	[2]	46,652	34,631	38,111
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted		46,652	34,631	38,111
EPS - basic		$ (1.41)	$ (3.14)	$ (4.38)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations -diluted	[1],[2]	$ (65,992)	$ (108,775)	$ (167,689)
Net income from discontinued operations -diluted	[2]			829
Net loss attributable to Green Plains - diluted	[2]	$ (65,992)	$ (108,775)	$ (166,860)
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	[2]	46,652	34,631	38,111
EPS from continuing operations - diluted	[2]	$ (1.41)	$ (3.14)	$ (4.40)
EPS from discontinued operations - diluted	[3]			0.02
EPS - diluted	[2]	$ (1.41)	$ (3.14)	$ (4.38)
Anti-dilutive weighted-average convertible debt, warrants and stock-based compensation	[3]	12,952	14,089	10,560

[1] Net loss from continuing operations can be recalculated from the consolidated statements of operations by taking the net loss from continuing operations including noncontrolling interest less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

[2] The effect related to interest and amortization on convertible debt on an if converted basis has been excluded from diluted EPS for the periods presented as the inclusion of these effects would have been antidilutive.

[3] The effect related to the company’s convertible debt and certain stock-based compensation awards has been excluded from diluted EPS for the periods presented as the inclusion of these shares would have been antidilutive.