Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business Description and Accounting Policies	Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies Principal business activity: Lincolnway Energy, LLC (the Company), located in Nevada, Iowa, was formed in May 2004 to pool investors to build a 50 million gallon annual production dry mill corn-based ethanol plant. The Company began making sales on May 30, 2006 and became operational during the quarter ended June 30, 2006. Basis of presentation and other information: The balance sheet as of September 30, 2011 was derived from the Company's audited balance sheet as of that date. The accompanying financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results for the interim periods. These unaudited financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto, for the year ended September 30, 2011 contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year. Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Trade accounts receivable: Trade accounts receivable are recorded at original invoice amounts less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering customers financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. Receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables written off are recorded when received. A receivable is considered past due if any portion of the receivable is outstanding more than 90 days. Income taxes: The Company is organized as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes and generally does not incur income taxes. Instead, the Company's earnings and losses are included in the income tax returns of the members. Therefore, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes has been included in these financial statements. Earnings per unit: Basic and diluted earnings per unit have been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of units outstanding during each period presented. Fair Value of financial instruments: The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, due from broker, derivative financial instruments, trade and other accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value. The carrying amount of long-term debt approximates fair value because the interest rates fluctuate with market rates or the fixed rates approximate current rates offered to the Company for debt with similar terms and maturities.

Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Principal business activity: Lincolnway Energy, LLC (the Company), located in Nevada, Iowa, was formed in May 2004 to pool investors to build a 50 million gallon annual production dry mill corn-based ethanol plant. The Company began making sales on May 30, 2006 and became operational during the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

Basis of presentation and other information: The balance sheet as of September 30, 2011 was derived from the Company's audited balance sheet as of that date. The accompanying financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results for the interim periods. These unaudited financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto, for the year ended September 30, 2011 contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year.

Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Trade accounts receivable: Trade accounts receivable are recorded at original invoice amounts less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering customers financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. Receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables written off are recorded when received. A receivable is considered past due if any portion of the receivable is outstanding more than 90 days.

Income taxes: The Company is organized as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes and generally does not incur income taxes. Instead, the Company's earnings and losses are included in the income tax returns of the members. Therefore, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes has been included in these financial statements.

Earnings per unit: Basic and diluted earnings per unit have been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of units outstanding during each period presented.

Fair Value of financial instruments: The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, due from broker, derivative financial instruments, trade and other accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value. The carrying amount of long-term debt approximates fair value because the interest rates fluctuate with market rates or the fixed rates approximate current rates offered to the Company for debt with similar terms and maturities.