Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Mar. 14, 2018
Jun. 30, 2017
Document And Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name Pacific Ethanol, Inc.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000778164    
Document Type 10-K    
Trading Symbol PEIX    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2017    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity a Voluntary Filer No    
Entity's Reporting Status Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 266,300
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   43,959,245  
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017