Quarterly report pursuant to sections 13 or 15(d)

Document And Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document And Entity Information (USD $)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
May 10, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name Pacific Ethanol, Inc.    
Document Type 10-Q    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   86,801,993  
Entity Public Float     $ 20,000,000
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Central Index Key 0000778164    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2012    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1