Related Party Transactions (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	$ 32,213		$ 10,010	$ 52,714		$ 17,814
Reduction in ownership percentage (percentage)	1.50%			1.50%
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	53.00%			53.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	6,656		972	11,599		1,916
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	38.00%			38.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	6,716		1,358	12,255		1,139
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	50.00%			50.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	10,374		2,654	18,509		1,822
Lansing Trade Group LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	41.00%	[1]		41.00%	[1]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	4,893		4,873	7,114		12,864
Thompsons Limited [Member]
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	50.00%			50.00%			50.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	3,399	[2]	0	3,086	[2]	0
Other
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	$ 175		$ 153	$ 151		$ 73
Minimum | Other
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	5.00%			5.00%
Maximum | Other
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	23.00%			23.00%

[1] This does not consider restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 1.5%

[2] Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures