Amount of additional financial assurance for pipeline rights-of-way.

No definition available.

Name:	bdco_AdditionalFinancialAssuranceForPipelineRightsofway
Namespace Prefix:	bdco_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of cash-backed surety bonds.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bdco_CashbackedSuretyBonds
Namespace Prefix:	bdco_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of money owed due to a civil penalty.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bdco_CivilPenalty
Namespace Prefix:	bdco_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of credit-backed surety bonds.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bdco_CreditbakedSuretyBonds
Namespace Prefix:	bdco_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of financial assurance for decommissioning of pipeline in federal waters.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bdco_FinancialAssuranceForDecommissioningOfPipelineInFederalWaters
Namespace Prefix:	bdco_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The increase (decrease) in the financial assurance related to the pipeline.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bdco_FinancialAssuranceIncreaseDecreaseForPipeline
Namespace Prefix:	bdco_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Period for notification of non-renewal of the long-term purchase commitment, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bdco_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentNonrenewalPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	bdco_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of pipeline rights-of-way.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bdco_NumberOfPipelineRightsofway
Namespace Prefix:	bdco_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents units of oil and gas properties sold.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bdco_OilAndGasPropertiesVolumeSold
Namespace Prefix:	bdco_
Data Type:	dtr-types:volumeItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of surety bonds.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bdco_SuretyBonds
Namespace Prefix:	bdco_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The carrying amount of a liability for an asset retirement obligation. An asset retirement obligation is a legal obligation associated with the disposal or retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that results from the acquisition, construction or development, or the normal operations of a long-lived asset, except for certain obligations of lessees.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 25
-Paragraph 4
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481999/410-20-25-4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481850/410-20-50-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The value of the collateral (typically cash) that the entity receives in a financing transaction in exchange for securities lent. This item represents a liability in the financial statements of the lender of the securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 30
-Section 25
-Paragraph 8
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481557/860-30-25-8

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CollateralizedFinancings
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of amounts received from and refundable to customers unless used by them to obtain goods and services from the entity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(17))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CustomerFunds
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Indicates, if estimable, (as a percentage) the approximate extent to which the proceeds from liquidation of any assets held either as collateral or by third parties would be expected to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (f)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482425/460-10-50-4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLiquidationProceedsPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Aggregate carrying amount of the estimated litigation liability for known or estimated probable loss from litigation, which may include attorneys' fees and other litigation costs.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationReserve
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of litigation expense, including but not limited to legal, forensic, accounting, and investigative fees.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(6))
-SubTopic 10
-Topic 220
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The value (monetary amount) of the award the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483076/450-20-50-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483076/450-20-50-4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483076/450-20-50-9

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reflects the estimated amount of loss from the specified contingency as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 720
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483359/720-20-50-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 27
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482395/460-10-55-27

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483076/450-20-50-9

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483076/450-20-50-4

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482425/460-10-50-3

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482425/460-10-50-2

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Cash payments for and related to principal collection on loans related to operating activities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 25
-Subparagraph (g)
-SubTopic 10
-Topic 230
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-25

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsForLoans
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow to dispose of long-lived, physical assets and mineral interests in oil and gas properties used for normal oil and gas operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-12

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOilAndGasPropertyAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=bdco_RliSuretyBondsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_LitigationCaseAxis=bdco_InformalSettlementAgreementWithOshaMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_LitigationCaseAxis=bdco_RliFilingForInjunctionOfPaymentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis=us-gaap_PendingLitigationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_LitigationCaseAxis=bdco_TCEQProposedAgreedOrderMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=bdco_BlueDolphinPipeLineCompanyBDPLMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CounterpartyNameAxis=bdco_BureauOfSafetyAndEnvironmentalEnforcementBseeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis=bdco_CivilPenaltyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CounterpartyNameAxis=bdco_BureauOfOceanEnergyManagementBOEMMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=bdco_PilotTravelCentersLLCMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis=bdco_TerminalServicesAgreementWithNixonMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)			1 Months Ended					11 Months Ended	15 Months Ended
	Feb. 19, 2024 USD ($)	May 09, 2019	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2024 USD ($)	Jan. 26, 2024 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Oct. 24, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Oct. 24, 2022 bbl	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2018 USD ($)
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss									$ 1,505,000		$ 823,000
Asset Retirement Obligation											4,504,000		$ 3,710,000
Payments for Loans				$ 200,000	$ 1,100,000	$ 1,500,000
Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Property and Equipment					$ 185,000
Surety Bonds									230,000		230,000
Civil Penalty									200,000	$ 200,000		$ 200,000
Rli Surety Bonds [Member]
Customer Funds									1,250,000
Collateralized Financings									200,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount									$ 1,000,000
Guarantor Obligations, Liquidation Proceeds, Percentage									50.00%
Rli Surety Bonds [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Customer Funds									$ 1,250,000
Rli Surety Bonds [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Customer Funds									250,000
Informal Settlement Agreement With OSHA [Member]
Litigation Settlement, Fee Expense								$ 50,000.00
RLI Filing for Injunction of Payment [Member] \| Pending Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 1,000,000
TCEQ Proposed Agreed Order [Member] \| Pending Litigation [Member]
Estimated Litigation Liability									400,000
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value			$ 350,000				$ 400,000
Blue Dolphin Pipe Line Company (BDPL) [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligation									3,000,000		4,500,000
Blue Dolphin Pipe Line Company (BDPL) [Member] \| Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) [Member]
Estimated Litigation Liability									0		0
Asset Retirement Obligation									3,000,000		$ 4,500,000
Blue Dolphin Pipe Line Company (BDPL) [Member] \| Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) [Member] \| Civil Penalty [Member]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss									200,000	$ 200,000		$ 200,000
Blue Dolphin Pipe Line Company (BDPL) [Member] \| Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) [Member]
Estimated Litigation Liability									0
Financial Assurance for Decommissioning of Pipeline in Federal Waters																$ 900,000
Additional Financial Assurance for Pipeline Rights-of-way															$ 4,800,000
Number of Pipeline Rights-of-way															5
Financial Assurance Increase (decrease) For Pipeline															$ 3,900,000
Surety Bonds									900,000
Credit-baked Surety Bonds									700,000
Cash-backed Surety Bonds									$ 200,000
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] \| Terminal Services Agreement With Nixon [Member]
Long-Term Purchase Commitment, Non-renewal Period (Day)		60 days
Oil and Gas Properties, Volume Sold (Barrel of Oil) \| bbl														185,000