Noncontrolling Interest (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net loss attributable to BioFuel Energy Corp.	$ (10,023)	$ (9,830)	$ (10,582)	$ (9,408)	$ 3,793	$ 2,194	$ (7,042)	$ (7,662)	$ (39,843)	$ (8,717)
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									273	2,477
Change in equity from net loss attributable to BioFuel Energy Corp. and transfers from noncontrolling interest									$ (39,570)	$ (6,240)