Note 14 - Segments - Information on Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Total revenues	$ 9,420	$ 7,542	$ 17,663	$ 13,157
Loss from operations	(4,379)	(6,177)	(9,378)	(13,361)
Interest expense	904	630	1,729	1,341
Depreciation and amortization	1,639	1,665	3,285	3,341
Acquisitions of plant, property and equipment	56	318	123	991
Assets	116,030		116,030		$ 88,853
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Assets	(143,068)		(143,068)		(148,412)
Gevo [Member]
Total revenues	607	660	632	749
Loss from operations	(2,315)	(3,091)	(4,791)	(6,156)
Interest expense	904	630	1,729	1,341
Depreciation and amortization	76	127	160	264
Acquisitions of plant, property and equipment	2	53	2	109
Gevo [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Assets	115,116		115,116		87,507
Gevo Development / Agri-Energy [Member]
Total revenues	8,813	6,882	17,031	12,408
Loss from operations	(2,064)	(3,086)	(4,587)	(7,205)
Interest expense
Depreciation and amortization	1,563	1,538	3,125	3,077
Acquisitions of plant, property and equipment	54	$ 265	121	$ 882
Gevo Development / Agri-Energy [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Assets	$ 143,982		$ 143,982		$ 149,758