Changes in Operations Pro Forma (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012 RailAmerica [Member]
Business Combination Pro Forma Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 346,975,000
Net loss attributable to Genesee & Wyoming Inc.	(18,854,000)
Less: Series A-1 Preferred Stock dividend	4,375,000
Net loss available to common stockholders	(23,229,000)
Costs incurred, net of tax, with redemption of senior secured notes		$ 55,000,000
Loss per common share attributable to Genesee & Wyoming Inc. common stockholders: [Abstract]
Basic loss per common share from continuing operations	$ (0.49)
Diluted loss per share from continuing operations	$ (0.49)