Noncontrolling Interest (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net income (loss) attributable to BioFuel Energy Corp.	$ (9,830)	$ 2,194	$ (29,820)	$ (12,510)
Increase in BioFuel Energy Corp. stockholders' equity from issuance of common shares in exchange for Class B common shares and units of BioFuel Energy, LLC	227	0	273	2,386
Change in equity from net income (loss) attributable to BioFuel Energy Corp. and transfers from noncontrolling interest	$ (9,603)	$ 2,194	$ (29,547)	$ (10,124)