Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details Narrative)

v3.5.0.2
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details Narrative)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
USD ($)
EthanolPlants
Sep. 30, 2015
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2016
USD ($)
EthanolPlants
Sep. 30, 2015
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Ethanol production capacity per year     515 million gallons per year    
Ethanol market capacity per year     markets over 800 million gallons of ethanol    
Other products produced per year     produces over one million tons of co-products    
Accounts receivable used as collateral $ 54,966   $ 54,966   $ 42,029
Allowance for doubtful accounts 350   350   $ 25
Bad debt expense 39   325    
Bad debt recoveries   $ 360   $ 357  
Benefit for income taxes $ 0 $ 3,925 $ 245 $ 6,095  
Pacific Ethanol Central Plants [Member]          
Number of ethanol plants | EthanolPlants 4   4    
Pacific Ethanol West Plants [Member]          
Number of ethanol plants | EthanolPlants 4   4