| 
           2. PACIFIC ETHANOL PLANTS (Details Narrative) (USD $) 
        In Thousands, unless otherwise specified  | 
        12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
| 
           Dec. 31, 2013 
         | 
        
           Dec. 31, 2012 
         | 
      |
| 
           Asset Management Agreement 
         | 
        ||
| Recorded cost attributed to New PE Holdco | $ 3,477 | $ 3,180 | 
| 
           Ethanol Marketing Agreements 
         | 
        ||
| Recorded cost attributed to New PE Holdco | 3,351 | 3,157 | 
| 
           Corn Procurement and Handling Agreements 
         | 
        ||
| Recorded cost attributed to New PE Holdco | 2,423 | 2,271 | 
| 
           Distillers Grains Marketing Agreements 
         | 
        ||
| Recorded cost attributed to New PE Holdco | $ 4,584 | $ 4,353 | 
| X | ||||||||||
| 
             
- Definition 
          The amount of expense between the reporting entity and the Variable Interest Entity (VIE). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
  |