Information on Business Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 10,141	$ 1,127	$ 18,765	$ 6,529
Loss from operations	(8,912)	(15,763)	(30,866)	(42,513)
Interest expense	2,598	1,733	9,993	7,321
Depreciation expense	1,610	864	3,214	2,558
Acquisitions of plant, property and equipment	716	1,766	4,553	4,524
Total assets	107,481		107,481		116,355
Operating Segments | Gevo
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	944	1,039	4,046	3,112
Loss from operations	(6,133)	(10,911)	(19,966)	(32,228)
Interest expense	2,558	1,023	8,471	4,735
Depreciation expense	236	280	716	907
Acquisitions of plant, property and equipment	27	180	76	442
Total assets	104,503		104,503		100,888
Operating Segments | Gevo Development / Agri-Energy
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	9,197	88	14,719	3,417
Loss from operations	(2,779)	(4,852)	(10,900)	(10,285)
Interest expense	40	710	1,522	2,586
Depreciation expense	1,374	584	2,498	1,651
Acquisitions of plant, property and equipment	689	1,586	4,477	4,082
Total assets	52,694		52,694		65,281
Intercompany Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ (49,716)		$ (49,716)		$ (49,814)