Changes in Operations Pro Forma (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
Business Combination Pro Forma Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 368,014,000	$ 714,989,000
Net income attributable to Genesee & Wyoming Inc.	47,203,000	28,348,000
Less: Series A-1 Preferred Stock dividend	4,375,000	8,750,000
Net income available to common stockholders	42,828,000	19,598,000
Income per common share attributable to Genesee & Wyoming Inc. common stockholders: [Abstract]
Basic income per common share from continuing operations	$ 0.89	$ 0.41
Diluted income per share from continuing operations	$ 0.84	$ 0.39
RailAmerica [Member]
Business Combination Pro Forma Information [Line Items]
Costs incurred, net of tax, with redemption of senior secured notes (included in pro forma results)		$ 55,000,000