v3.24.1
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Apr. 01, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Central Index Key 0000793306    
Entity Registrant Name BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY CO    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2023    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2023    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 0-15905    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 73-1268729    
Entity Address, Address Line One 801 Travis Street, Suite 2100    
Entity Address, City or Town Houston    
Entity Address, State or Province TX    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 77002    
City Area Code 713    
Local Phone Number 568-4725    
Title of 12(g) Security Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business true    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag false    
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 9,245,942
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   14,921,968  
Auditor Name UHY LLP    
Auditor Location Sterling Heights, Michigan    
Auditor Firm ID 1195