Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 15,139	$ 7,428
Accounts receivable	13,591	27,802
Inventories	26,188	23,689
Prepaid expenses	2,148	1,561
Other current assets	421	3,330
Total current assets	57,487	63,810
Property, plant and equipment, net	235,888	260,078
Debt issuance costs, net	2,763	4,979
Other assets	3,448	2,844
Total assets	299,586	331,711
Liabilities and equity
Accounts payable	9,380	16,487
Current portion of long-term debt	12,710	33,031
Current portion of tax increment financing	370	343
Other current liabilities	1,992	2,377
Total current liabilities	24,452	52,238
Long-term debt, net of current portion	166,937	215,479
Tax increment financing, net of current portion	4,867	5,245
Other non-current liabilities	3,388	4,327
Total liabilities	199,644	277,289
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 5.0 million shares authorized and no shares outstanding at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010	0	0
Common stock	1,035	262
Less common stock held in treasury, at cost, 809,606 shares at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010	(4,316)	(4,316)
Additional paid-in capital	186,857	138,713
Accumulated deficit	(89,277)	(80,560)
Total BioFuel Energy Corp. stockholders' equity	94,485	54,170
Noncontrolling interest	5,457	252
Total equity	99,942	54,422
Total liabilities and equity	299,586	331,711
Common Class B [Member]
Equity
Common stock	$ 186	$ 71