Related Party Transactions (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Jul. 31, 2013
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	$ 23,917		$ 22,177		$ 76,631		$ 39,991
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	4,566		3,711		16,165		5,627
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	4,564		3,437		16,819		4,576
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	4,596		3,026		23,106		4,848
Lansing Trade Group LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	40.00%	[1]			40.00%	[1]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	10,016		12,391		17,130		25,255
Thompsons Limited
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	68	[2]	(722)	[2]	3,154	[2]	(722)	[2]
Other
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	$ 107		$ 334		$ 257		$ 407
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