5. Debt (Details Narrative) $ in Thousands  | 
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 
|---|---|---|
| 
 Jun. 30, 2016  
USD ($) 
 | 
 Jun. 30, 2016  
USD ($) 
 | 
|
| Asset unavailable for transfer due to loan restrictions | $ 135,200 | $ 135,200 | 
| Kinergy Marketing LLC [Member] | ||
| Available borrowing base | 12,955 | 12,955 | 
| Pacific Ethanol Central Plants [Member] | ||
| Deferred interest payments added to debt balance | $ 5,665 | $ 9,451 | 
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of restricted net assets of consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
  | 
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Aggregate amount of interest paid or due on all long-term debt. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
  | 
| X | ||||||||||
- Definition Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
  | 
| X | ||||||||||
- Details 
  | 
| X | ||||||||||
- Details 
  |