Quarterly report pursuant to sections 13 or 15(d)

Document And Entity Information

v2.3.0.15
Document And Entity Information (USD $)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Nov. 03, 2011
Jun. 30, 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   77,100,113  
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 Sep. 30, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3