Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		$ 8,422	$ 3,845	$ 3,789	$ 23,295
Equity method investments		225,114	223,207	225,114	223,207	$ 242,107
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		2,528	665	3,857	4,080
Equity method investments		36,661	31,409	36,661	31,409	32,871
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		2,706	1,454	3,516	4,922
Equity method investments		21,340	31,151	21,340	31,151	29,278
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		2,655	385	2,557	3,530
Equity method investments		23,812	30,066	23,812	30,066	31,255
Lansing Trade Group LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		689	1,382	(7,412)	9,290
Equity method investments		91,573	84,081	91,573	84,081	101,531
Thompsons Limited
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	[1]	(156)	17	1,271	1,385
Equity method investments	[2]	47,494	43,803	47,494	43,803	43,964
Other
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		0	(58)	0	88
Equity method investments		$ 4,234	$ 2,697	$ 4,234	$ 2,697	$ 3,208

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

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