Annual report pursuant to section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Mar. 26, 2013
Jun. 29, 2012
Document And Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name Pacific Ethanol, Inc.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000778164    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Is Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer? No    
Is Entity a Voluntary Filer? No    
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current? Yes    
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company    
Entity Public Float     $ 30,700,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   153,213,493  
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012