Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

DEBT (Details)

v3.8.0.1
DEBT (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows    
Total debt $ 244,425 $ 201,862
Less: Unamortized debt discount (1,409) (1,626)
Less: unamortized debt financing costs (1,925) (1,708)
Less short-term portion (20,000) (10,500)
Long-term debt 221,091 188,028
Term Loan [Member] | Illinois Corn Processing, LLC [Member]    
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows    
Line of credit   32,000
Term debt 22,500  
Parent Notes Payable [Member]    
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows    
Notes payable 68,948 55,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Illinois Corn Processing, LLC [Member]    
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows    
Line of credit 18,000 0
Kinergy Marketing LLC [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]    
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows    
Line of credit 49,477 49,862
Pacific Ethanol Pekin, Inc [Member] | Term Loan [Member]    
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows    
Term debt 53,500 64,000
Pacific Ethanol Pekin, Inc [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]    
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows    
Line of credit 32,000  
Pacific Aurora [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]    
Long-term borrowings are summarized as follows    
Line of credit $ 0 $ 1,000