Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		$ (1,878)	$ (6,977)
Equity method investments		208,993	236,083	$ 216,931
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		(277)	(322)
Equity method investments		38,694	32,483	38,972
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		207	(1,079)
Equity method investments		19,946	28,199	19,739
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		(463)	(1,809)
Equity method investments		13,266	29,446	22,069
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		(711)	(2,767)
Equity method investments		88,339	98,763	89,050
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]	(595)	(1,000)
Equity method investments	[2]	46,054	45,479	46,184
Other
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		(39)	0
Equity method investments		$ 2,694	$ 1,713	$ 917

[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