Quarterly report pursuant to sections 13 or 15(d)

Document And Entity Information

 v2.3.0.11
Document And Entity Information (USD $)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Aug. 09, 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   25,743,378
Entity Public Float $ 18,727,000  
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 Jun. 30, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2