Earnings Per Common Share Basic and Diluted EPS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Numerators: [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Genesee & Wyoming Inc. common stockholders									$ 271,296	$ 52,433	$ 119,484
Less: Series A-1 Preferred Stock dividend									2,139	4,375	0
Net income available to common stockholders									$ 269,157	$ 48,058	$ 119,484
Denominators: [Abstract]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding									53,788,000	42,693,000	39,912,000
Dilutive effect of employee stock-based awards									494,000	601,000	603,000
Dilutive effect of Series A-1 Preferred Stock									722,000	5,984,000	0
Weighted average shares—Diluted									56,679,000	51,316,000	42,772,000
Earnings per common share attributable to Genesee & Wyoming Inc. common stockholders:
Basic earnings per common share									$ 5.00	$ 1.13	$ 2.99
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 1.03	$ 1.16	$ 1.14	$ 1.46	$ 0.18	$ (0.47)	$ 0.84	$ 0.52	$ 4.79	$ 1.02	$ 2.79
Class A common stock [Member]
Denominators: [Abstract]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding									53,788,000	42,693,000	39,912,000
Class B common stock [Member]
Denominators: [Abstract]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding									1,675,000	2,038,000	2,257,000