Business Acquisitions (Green Plains Grain Company) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				0 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 03, 2012 Green Plains Grain Company		Dec. 03, 2012 Other Intangible Assets Green Plains Grain Company	Dec. 03, 2012 Minimum Other Intangible Assets Green Plains Grain Company	Dec. 03, 2012 Maximum Other Intangible Assets Green Plains Grain Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable				$ 19,174
Inventory				121,983
Property, plant and equipment				57,828
Intangible assets				4,600
Goodwill	58,554	58,554	54,387	33,175
Commodity derivatives				4,701
Other assets				1,775
Accounts payable				(91,001)
Debt assumed				(29,632)
Other liabilities and noncontrolling interests				(2,371)
Total Purchase Price				120,232
Intangible assets acquired				$ 4,600		$ 4,600
Useful Life							3 years	5 years
Weighted average useful life				4 years	[1]

[1] weighted average number of years