Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 18,537	$ 64,772
Accounts receivable, net	309,314	262,949
Materials and supplies	31,601	32,389
Prepaid expenses and other	52,219	33,586
Deferred income tax assets, net	64,672	71,556
Total current assets	476,343	465,252
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	3,359,546	3,396,295
GOODWILL	637,150	634,953
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	654,919	670,206
DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS, net	3,492	2,396
OTHER ASSETS, net	78,949	57,013
Total assets	5,210,399	5,226,115
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term debt	96,788	87,569
Accounts payable	212,435	232,121
Accrued expenses	96,665	93,971
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	1,097	3,083
Total current liabilities	406,985	416,744
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion	1,640,791	1,770,566
DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITIES, net	843,896	862,734
DEFERRED ITEMS - grants from outside parties	241,768	228,579
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	49,601	47,506
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	0	0
SERIES A-1 PREFERRED STOCK	0	399,524
EQUITY:
Additional paid-in capital	1,291,801	866,609
Retained earnings	934,920	789,727
Accumulated other comprehensive income	11,008	47,271
Treasury stock, at cost	(217,001)	(209,266)
Total Genesee & Wyoming Inc. stockholders' equity	2,021,388	1,494,937
Noncontrolling interest	5,970	5,525
Total equity	2,027,358	1,500,462
Total liabilities and equity	5,210,399	5,226,115
Class A common shares [Member]
EQUITY:
Common stock	643	579
Class B common shares [Member]
EQUITY:
Common stock	$ 17	$ 17