Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving line of credit Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Secured debt Secured Debt [Member] Capital Lease Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Insurance premiums financed Insurance Premium Financing [Member] Insurance Premium Financing [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] MidCap Business Credit, LLC MidCap Business Credit, LLC [Member] MidCap Business Credit, LLC [Member] Goldman Sachs, USA Goldman Sachs, USA [Member] Goldman Sachs, USA [Member] Fox Encore Fox Encore [Member] Fox Encore Pacific Western Bank Pacific Western Bank [Member] Pacific Western Bank [Member] Texas Citizens Bank Texas Citizens Bank [Member] Texas Citizens Bank [Member] Various institutions Various Institutions [Member] Various Institutions [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Loan Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Gross Deferred Finance Costs, Net Deferred Finance Costs, Net Total, net of Deferred Finance Costs, Net Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Receivables [Abstract] ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Financing Receivables [Text Block] Document And Entity Information -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Accounting Policies [Abstract] Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred tax expense Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Subsequent Events [Abstract] SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Subsequent Events [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Numerator: Numerator: -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Net (loss) income available to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Denominator: Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic earnings per share (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income available to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Denominator: Denominator1Abstract -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Effect of dilutive securities Effect of dilutive securities -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Stock options and warrants (shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Preferred stock (shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Preferred Stock Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted earnings per share (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract] Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Notes receivable (collateralized by invoiced accounts receivable) Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Current Notes receivable (collateralized by invoiced accounts receivable), net Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Schedule of outstanding debt facilities Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of future maturities of notes payable Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Held-for-sale Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Omega Holdings, LLC Omega Holdings, LLC [Member] Omega Holdings, LLC [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Notes receivable Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Financing receivable, stated interest rate Financing Receivable, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Financing Receivable, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Accounts Receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Receivable Note Receivable - Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Notes Receivable, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Notes Receivable, Current Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series B Preferred Stock Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Options to purchase Options to purchase The number of options to purchase not included in earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect. Warrants to purchase Warrants to purchase The number of warrants to purchase not included in earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect. Temporary equity, shares outstanding Temporary Equity, Shares Outstanding Equity [Abstract] PREFERRED STOCK AND DETACHABLE WARRANTS Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Inventory [Axis] Inventory [Axis] Inventory [Domain] Inventory [Domain] Raw Materials and Finished Goods Raw Materials and Finished Goods [Member] Raw Materials and Finished Goods [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Vertex Refining OH, LLC Vertex Refining OH, LLC [Member] Vertex Refining OH, LLC [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Omega Refining Omega Refining [Member] Omega Refining [Member] Term loan Promissory note payable Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Notes payable Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Federal Funds Rate Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] ICE Benchmark Administration Limited ICE Benchmark Administration Limited [Member] ICE Benchmark Administration Limited [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 2014 Goldman Sachs Bank Credit Agreement Credit Agreement 2014 [Member] 2014 Credit Agreement [Member] Restated Credit Agreement, 2016 Restated Credit Agreement, 2016 [Member] Restated Credit Agreement, 2016 [Member] MidCap Loan Agreement MidCap Loan Agreement [Member] MidCap Loan Agreement [Member] Midcap First Amendment Midcap First Amendment [Member] Midcap First Amendment [Member] Fox Note Fox Note [Member] Fox Note [Member] Texas Citizens Bank Loan Texas Citizens Bank Loan [Member] Texas Citizens Bank Loan [Member] Term loan amount Variable rate, basis spread Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt instrument, stated rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Basis spread on variable rate, numerator component Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Component of Numerator Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Component of Numerator Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Debit instrument, quarterly principal payment Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Additional cash proceeds payable per agreement threshold Line of Credit Facility, Additional Cash Proceeds Payable Per Agreement Threshold Line of Credit Facility, Additional Cash Proceeds Payable Per Agreement Threshold EBITDA measurement period Line of Credit Facility, Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, Measurement Period Line of Credit Facility, Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, Measurement Period Period for synergies to be achieved Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Period for Synergies to be Achieved Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Period for Synergies to be Achieved Minimum liquidity Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Minimum Liquidity Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Minimum Liquidity Principal payments, 2016 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Remainder of Fiscal Year Principal payments, 2017 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Principal payments, 2018 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Agreed upon amount of loan Debt Instrument, Expected Amount Debt Instrument, Expected Amount Agreed upon amount of loan, percentage of account receivable Debt Instrument, Expected Amount, Percentage of Accounts Receivable Debt Instrument, Expected Amount, Percentage of Accounts Receivable Additional agreed upon loan, amount Debt Instrument, Additional Expected Amount Debt Instrument, Additional Expected Amount Additional agreed upon loan amount, percentage of inventory Debt Instrument, Additional Expected Amount, Percentage of Inventory Debt Instrument, Additional Expected Amount, Percentage of Inventory Maximum borrowing base, per account/customer Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Per Customer Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Per Customer Interest rate in the event of a default Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Event of Default Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Event of Default Number of extension options (extension) Debt Instrument, Number of Extension Options Debt Instrument, Number of Extension Options Length of extension options Debt Instrument, Length of Extension Options Debt Instrument, Length of Extension Options Extension fee percentage Debt Instrument, Extension Fee, Percentage Debt Instrument, Extension Fee, Percentage Prepayment terms, decrease in amount to be repaid Debt Instrument, Prepayment Terms, Decrease in Amount Repaid Debt Instrument, Prepayment Terms, Decrease in Amount Repaid Effective interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Outstanding debt balance Interest rate, minimum Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Interest rate, maximum Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Number of capital leases assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Number of Capital Leases Assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Number of Capital Leases Assumed Capital lease amount assume as part of acquisition Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Capital Lease Obligation Interest expense Interest Expense Interest expense related to outstanding debt Interest Expense, Debt Write off of deferred finance costs Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating segments Operating Segments [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Black Oil Black Oil [Member] Black Oil Member Refining & Marketing Refining & Marketing Refining And Marketing Member Recovery Recovery [Member] Recovery [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Revenue, Net Income (loss) from operations Operating Income (Loss) Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Conversion of Stock [Table] Conversion of Stock [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Bango Plant Bango Plant [Member] Bango Plant [Member] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common stock Common Stock [Member] Conversion of Stock [Line Items] Conversion of Stock [Line Items] Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, par value (in USD per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Number of votes entitled to each common stock share Common Stock, Voting Rights, Number of Votes Per Each Share Common Stock, Voting Rights, Number of Votes Per Each Share Monthly rent payment, shares issued Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Quantity of Securities Issued Equity interest issued or issuable placed in escrow, shares Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Common Stock Placed in Escrow, Shares Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Common Stock Placed in Escrow, Shares Shares issued as result of the exercise of stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Shares issued as result of share conversion Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued Temporary Equity, by Class of Stock [Table] Temporary Equity, by Class of Stock [Table] Temporary Equity [Line Items] Temporary Equity [Line Items] Face amount of Series B Preferred Temporary Equity, Par Value Less: warrant value Temporary Equity, Warrants Issued, Value Temporary Equity, Warrants Issued, Value Less: beneficial conversion feature Preferred Stock, Terms of Conversion, Beneficial Conversion Feature Preferred Stock, Terms of Conversion, Beneficial Conversion Feature Less: issuance costs and fees Temporary Equity, Issuance Costs and Fees Temporary Equity, Issuance Costs and Fees Less: unaccreted discount Temporary Equity, Unaccreted Discount Temporary Equity, Unaccreted Discount Carrying amount of preferred shares Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Parent Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Warrants issued June 24, 2015 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Issuances Change in valuation of warrants Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Change in Valuation Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Change in Valuation Balance at end of period SUMMARY OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Temporary Equity Temporary Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Liabilities with Unobservable Inputs Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] GOING CONCERN Substantial Doubt about Going Concern [Text Block] Schedule of the Company's reportable segment information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK [Text Block] The entire disclosure for common stock. Concentrations, Significant Customers, Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Concentrations, Significant Customers, Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Refining Refining [Member] Refining [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer concentration risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Revenues Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Receivables Accounts Receivable [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Customer 1 Customer 1 [Member] Major Customer 1 Member Customer 2 Customer 2 [Member] Major Customer 2 Member Customer 3 Customer 3 [Member] Major Customer 3 Member Customer 4 Customer 4 [Member] Major Customer 4 Member Customer 5 Customer 5 [Member] Major Customer 5 Member Customer 6 Customer 6 [Member] Customer 6 [Member] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Concentration percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage LINE OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Disposal Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Bango Oil, LLC Bango Oil, LLC [Member] Bango Oil, LLC [Member] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Equipment Leases Equipment Leases [Member] Equipment Leases [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Area of land oil re-refining plan is location (acre) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Area of Land Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Area of Land Gain (Loss) on Sale of Asset Purchase Agreement [Abstract] Gain (Loss) on Sale of Asset Purchase Agreement [Abstract] Gain (Loss) on Sale of Asset Purchase Agreement [Abstract] Aggregate purchase price Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Release of lien on certain equipment at the Bango Plant Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Release of Lien on Equipment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Release of Lien on Equipment Transaction fees Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Transaction Fees Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Transaction Fees Net Proceeds Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates Book Value at January 29, 2016 (date transaction closed) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Book Value of Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Book Value of Assets Gain (loss) on sale of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Payments to acquire leased equipment Payments to Acquire Equipment on Lease Cash placed in escrow Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash Placed in Escrow Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash Placed in Escrow Equity interest issued or issuable placed in escrow Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Common Stock Placed in Escrow, Value Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Common Stock Placed in Escrow, Value Percentage of equity interest issued or issuable to be released Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Common Stock Placed in Escrow, Percentage to be Released in the Next Twelve Months Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Common Stock Placed in Escrow, Percentage to be Released in the Next Twelve Months Release of the remaining equity interest from escrow, period Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Period for Remaining Common Stock to be Released from Escrow Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Period for Remaining Common Stock to be Released from Escrow Equity interest issued or issuable required to be maintained in escrow Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Common Stock to be Maintained in Escrow, Value Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Common Stock to be Maintained in Escrow, Value Payments to acquire businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Aggregate indemnification cap Business Acquisition, Indemnification Assets, Cap Business Acquisition, Indemnification Assets, Cap Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Fixed Assets - Construction in Process Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current January 2016 sale of assets Increase (Decrease) in Assets Held-for-sale Total Assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Concentrations Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block] DISPOSITION Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Notes Receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] U.S. federal income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Previous Participating Investors Previous Participating Investors [Member] Previous Participating Investors [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Amendment No. 1 to Amended Credit Agreement Amendment Number 1 to Amended Credit Agreement [Member] Amendment Number 1 to Amended Credit Agreement [Member] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer [Member] Chief Financial Officer Chief Financial Officer [Member] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Warrants Warrants [Member] Warrants [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted shares Restricted Stock [Member] Series B1 Preferred Stock Series B1 Preferred Stock [Member] Series B1 Preferred Stock [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Preferred stock dividend issued, shares Preferred Stock Dividends, Shares New shares as a result of stock conversion, if converted Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued If Converted Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued If Converted Threshold ownership by largest stockholder Debt Instrument, Covenant, Change in Control, Threshold Ownership by Largest Stockholder Debt Instrument, Covenant, Change in Control, Threshold Ownership by Largest Stockholder Number of units sold as part of Unit Purchase Agreement Unit Purchase Agreement, Number of Units Sold Unit Purchase Agreement, Number of Units Sold Unit Purchase Agreement, number of shares for each unit Unit Purchase Agreement, Number of Shares Per Unit Unit Purchase Agreement, Number of Shares Per Unit Preferred stock, par value (in USD per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Number of securities called by each warrant (shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right Unit Purchase Agreement, number of warrants for each unit Unit Purchase Agreement, Number of Warrants per Unit Unit Purchase Agreement, Number of Warrants per Unit Unit Purchase Agreement, price per unit (in USD per unit) Unit Purchase Agreement, Price per Unit Unit Purchase Agreement, Price per Unit Unit Purchase Agreement, exercise price premium over closing stock price, percentage Unit Purchase Agreement, Premium Over Closing Stock Price, Percentage Unit Purchase Agreement, Premium Over Closing Stock Price, Percentage Closing stock price (in USD per share) Share Price Exercise price of warrants (in USD per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Amount over closing price of warrant exercise price (in USD per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights, Amount per Share Above Closing Price Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights, Amount per Share Above Closing Price Gross proceeds from unit offering Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement, Gross Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement, Gross Percentage of funds used to repurchase stock Unit Purchase Agreement, Percentage of Proceeds Used to Repurchase Stock Unit Purchase Agreement, Percentage of Proceeds Used to Repurchase Stock Payments for repurchase of preferred stock Payments for Repurchase of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Stock repurchased and retired (shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Net proceeds from unit offering Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement Commission percentage of gross proceeds Private Placement, Commissions, Percentage of Gross Proceeds Private Placement, Commissions, Percentage of Gross Proceeds Commissions payment Payments for Commissions Number of units agreed to be purchased by individual Unit Purchase Agreement, Number of Units Agreed to be Purchased by Individual Unit Purchase Agreement, Number of Units Agreed to be Purchased by Individual Number of units agreed to be purchased by individual, value Unit Purchase Agreement, Number of Units Agreed to be Purchased by Individual, Value Unit Purchase Agreement, Number of Units Agreed to be Purchased by Individual, Value Number of shares to be issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Number of securities called by warrants (shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating activities, net of acquisitions Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Stock based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Payment-in-kind interest Paid-in-Kind Interest Rent paid by common stock Issuance of Stock and Warrants for Services or Claims Gain on sale of assets Gain on Disposition of Assets Gain on Disposition of Assets Loss on sale of assets Loss on Disposition of Assets Loss on Disposition of Assets Increase in fair value of derivative liability Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Deferred federal income tax expense/(gain) Changes in operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Allowance for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Costs in excess of billings Increase (Decrease) in Cost in Excess of Billing on Uncompleted Contract Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchase of fixed assets Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of Bango assets Costs related to sale of Bango assets Payments Related to the Sale of Productive Assets Payments Related to the Sale of Productive Assets Establish escrow account - restricted cash Increase in Restricted Cash Proceeds from sale of Bango assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from sale of Series C Preferred stock Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Payments on other short and long-term debt Proceeds from Notes Payable Payments on notes payable Repayments of Notes Payable Proceeds from revolving note Proceeds from Lines of Credit Payments on revolving note Repayments of Lines of Credit Notes receivable Proceeds from (Repayments of) Notes Payable Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Cash paid (received) for income tax expense (benefit) Income Taxes Paid, Net NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock into common stock Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted Accretion of discount on Series B Preferred stock Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value, Adjustment Series B Preferred dividends accrued Dividends Payable Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Liability Liability [Member] Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series C Preferred Stock Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Amount each share of preferred stock is entitled to receive prior to similar liquidation payments (in USD per share) Preferred Stock, Amount Received Prior To Similar Liquidation Payments, Per Share Preferred Stock, Amount Received Prior To Similar Liquidation Payments, Per Share Conversion conditions, average common share market price (minimum) (in USD per share) Preferred Stock, Conditions for Automatic Common Stock Conversion, Average Common Stock Price, Per Share Preferred Stock, Conditions for Automatic Common Stock Conversion, Average Common Stock Price, Per Share Conversion terms, threshold consecutive trading days Number of Consecutive Trading Days, Conditions for Automatic Common Stock Conversion Number of Consecutive Trading Days, Conditions for Automatic Common Stock Conversion Conversion conditions, average daily trading volume (minimum) Preferred Stock, Conditions for Automatic Common Stock Conversion, Average Daily Trading Volume Preferred Stock, Conditions for Automatic Common Stock Conversion, Average Daily Trading Volume Conversion conditions, price per share if Company consummates an underwritten public offering (minimum) (in USD per share) Preferred Stock, Conditions for Automatic Common Stock Conversion, Public Offering Share Price Preferred Stock, Conditions for Automatic Common Stock Conversion, Public Offering Share Price Conversion conditions, minimum gross public offering amount Preferred Stock, Conditions for Automatic Common Stock Conversion, Minimum Gross Public Offering Amount Preferred Stock, Conditions for Automatic Common Stock Conversion, Minimum Gross Public Offering Amount Conversion conditions, minimum proceeds to shareholders if the Company is sold (in USD per share) Preferred Stock, Conditions for Automatic Common Stock Conversion, Minimum Proceeds to Shareholders if Company is Sold, Per Share Preferred Stock, Conditions for Automatic Common Stock Conversion, Minimum Proceeds to Shareholders if Company is Sold, Per Share Number of common shares issued for each convertible share Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion Preferred stock, dividend percentage Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Dividends per share (in USD per share) Preferred Stock, Per Share Amounts of Preferred Dividends in Arrears Average of the volume weighted average price of common stock, percentage Preferred Stock, Dividends, Average of the Volume Weighted Average Price of Common Stock, Percentage Preferred Stock, Dividends, Average of the Volume Weighted Average Price of Common Stock, Percentage Number of trading days used to calculate VWAP Preferred Stock, Dividends, Average of the Volume Weighted Average Price of Common Stock, Number of Trading Days Preferred Stock, Dividends, Average of the Volume Weighted Average Price of Common Stock, Number of Trading Days Minimum dividend payment price (in USD per share) Preferred Stock, Dividends, Minimum Dividend Stock Payment Price Preferred Stock, Dividends, Minimum Dividend Stock Payment Price Dividends payable, paid-in-kind (in USD per share) Dividends Payable, Preferred Stock, Paid-in-kind, Price Per Share Dividends Payable, Preferred Stock, Paid-in-kind, Price Per Share Liquidation preference per share (in USD per share) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Conversion terms, threshold closing price (in USD per share) Convertible Preferred Stock, Conversion Terms, Threshold Closing Price Convertible Preferred Stock, Conversion Terms, Threshold Closing Price Conversion terms, closing price to force conversion (in USD per share) Convertible Preferred Stock, Conversion Terms, Closing Price to Force Conversion Convertible Preferred Stock, Conversion Terms, Closing Price to Force Conversion Conversion terms, threshold consecutive trading days Convertible Preferred Stock, Conversion Terms, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days Convertible Preferred Stock, Conversion Terms, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days Redemption price per share (in USD per share) Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share Conversion terms, Beneficial Ownership Limitation (percentage) Convertible Preferred Stock, Conversion Terms, Beneficial Ownership Limitation Convertible Preferred Stock, Conversion Terms, Beneficial Ownership Limitation Unit Offering [Abstract] Warrants and Rights Note Disclosure [Abstract] Amount raised from certain investors with no fee Private Placement, Amount Raised from Various Investors for No Fee Private Placement, Amount Raised from Various Investors for No Fee Unit Purchase Agreement, liquidated damages to aggregate subscription amount, percentage Unit Purchase Agreement, Liquidated Damages, Percentage of Aggregate Subscription Amount Unit Purchase Agreement, Liquidated Damages, Percentage of Aggregate Subscription Amount Unit Purchase Agreement, maximum percentage of liquidated damages to aggregate subscription amount Unit Purchase Agreement, Liquidated Damages, Percentage of Aggregate Subscription Amount, Maximum Unit Purchase Agreement, Liquidated Damages, Percentage of Aggregate Subscription Amount, Maximum Warrants issued, Black Scholes model, value Warrants Issued, Black Scholes Model, Value Warrants Issued, Black Scholes Model, Value Expected dividend rate percentage Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected volatility rate percentage Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Risk free interest rate percentage Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected term (years) Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Convertible preferred stock, beneficial conversion feature Private placement fees Private Placement Fees Private Placement Fees Carrying amount of preferred shares Derivative liability, warrants Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Face amount of Series B Preferred Stock Less: allocated value of Warrants Allocated value of Series B Preferred Stock Temporary Equity, Allocated Value of Preferred Stock Temporary Equity, Allocated Value of Preferred Stock Shares of Common stock to be converted Conversion of Common Stock, Shares to be Converted Conversion of Common Stock, Shares to be Converted Effective conversion price (in USD per share) Temporary Equity, Effective Conversion Price Per Share Temporary Equity, Effective Conversion Price Per Share Market price (in USD per share) Intrinsic value per share (in USD per share) Temporary Equity, Intrinsic Value Per Share Temporary Equity, Intrinsic Value Per Share Intrinsic value of beneficial conversion feature Preferred Stock, Terms of Conversion, Beneficial Conversion Feature, Intrinsic Value Preferred Stock, Terms of Conversion, Beneficial Conversion Feature, Intrinsic Value Summary Assets Held-for-sale Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts Receivable Summary of Gain on Sale of Assets Summary of Gain on Sale of Assets [Table Text Block] Summary of Gain on Sale of Assets [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net Inventory Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Assets being held for sale Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Noncurrent assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Fixed assets, at cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Fixed assets, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Escrow - noncurrent restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total noncurrent assets Assets, Noncurrent TOTAL ASSETS Assets LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY, AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Capital leases Capital Lease Obligations, Current Current portion of long-term debt, net of unamortized finance costs Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Revolving note Line of Credit, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt, net of unamortized finance costs Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Derivative liability Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies TEMPORARY EQUITY Temporary Equity [Abstract] Series B preferred shares, $0.001 par value per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized, 8,283,234 and 8,160,809 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively with a liquidation preference of $25,678,025 at March 31, 2016. EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 750,000,000 shares authorized; 29,765,702 and 28,239,276 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, with 1,108,928 shares held in escrow at March 31, 2016 . Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total Vertex Energy, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent TOTAL LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY, AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity SEGMENT REPORTING Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] CONCENTRATIONS, SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES CONCENTRATIONS, SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Text Block] The entire disclosure for any concentrations existing at the date of the financial statements that make an entity vulnerable to a reasonably possible, near-term, severe impact and the disclosure of commitments and contingencies. Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Maturities of Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Maturities of Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] 2016 2017 2018 2019 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2020 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Cost of revenues Cost of Revenue Gross loss Gross Profit Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of acquisition related expenses) General and Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Acquisition related expenses Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Total operating expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Loss from operations Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts, Notes Receivable Provision for Doubtful Accounts, Notes Receivable Interest income Investment Income, Interest Loss on change in value of derivative liability Gain on futures contracts Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Interest expense Total other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss before income tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax benefit/(expense) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net loss Net loss attributable to Vertex Energy, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Accretion of discount on Series B Preferred Stock Accrual of dividends on Series B Preferred Stock Temporary Equity, Dividends, Adjustment Net loss available to common shareholders Loss per common share Basic (in USD per share) Diluted (in USD per share) Shares used in computing earnings per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (shares) Diluted (shares) Statutory tax on book income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Permanent differences Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Amount Net operating loss utilization Net operating loss utilization The amount of net operating loss utilization increase in the period. Change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Income tax expense (benefit) Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of long-lived assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair value of financial instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative liabilities Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Conversion terms, price per share (in USD per share) Preferred Stock, Conversion Terms, Price Per Share Preferred Stock, Conversion Terms, Price Per Share Voting rights, as if converted share price (in USD per share) Preferred Stock, Voting Rights, Assumed Conversion Price Preferred Stock, Voting Rights, Assumed Conversion Price Beneficial ownership limitation, notice period Preferred Stock, Conversion Terms, Beneficial Ownership Limitation, Notice Period Preferred Stock, Conversion Terms, Beneficial Ownership Limitation, Notice Period Temporary equity, par value (in USD per share) Temporary Equity, Par or Stated Value Per Share Temporary equity, shares authorized Temporary Equity, Shares Authorized Temporary equity, shares issued Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Temporary equity, liquidation preference Temporary Equity, Liquidation Preference Preferred stock, liquidation preference Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Common stock, shares held in escrow Common Stock, Shares, Held in Escrow Common Stock, Shares, Held in Escrow Vertex Refining LA, LLC Vertex Refining LA, LLC [Member] Vertex Refining LA, LLC [Member] Purchases Cost of Goods, Total [Member] Supplier concentration risk Supplier Concentration Risk [Member] Supplier [Axis] Supplier [Axis] Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Supplier [Domain] Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Supplier [Domain] Supplier 1 Supplier 1 [Member] Supplier 1 [Member] Supplier 2 Supplier 2 [Member] Supplier 2 [Member] Number of suppliers Number of Suppliers Exceeding Disclosure Benchmark Number of Suppliers Exceeding Disclosure Benchmark Debt facilities outstanding Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Number of payments Number of payments The number of monthly payments for a the lease of equipment. Monthly lease payments for equipment leased to the company Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Number of lawsuits named as defendant Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Named as Defendant Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Named as Defendant NOTES RECEIVABLE Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]