Quarterly report pursuant to sections 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
May 14, 2013
Document And Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name Pacific Ethanol, Inc.  
Entity Central Index Key 0000778164  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2013  
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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   10,861,482
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013