Related Party Transactions (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Jul. 31, 2013
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	$ 96,523		$ 68,705		$ 16,487
Reduction in ownership percentage (percentage)	2.00%
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	53.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	19,814		10,469		(497)
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	38.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	21,840		11,299		(3,828)
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	50.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	27,226		13,815		(8,273)
Lansing Trade Group, LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	40.00%	[1]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	23,266		31,212		28,559
Thompsons Limited
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	50.00%	[2]					50.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	4,140	[2]	1,634	[2]	0	[2]
Other
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	$ 237		$ 276		$ 526
Minimum | Other
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	5.00%
Maximum | Other
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	34.00%

[1] This does not consider the 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