Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		$ 215,794	$ 238,478	$ 215,794	$ 238,478	$ 216,931
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		6,385	2,344	4,507	(4,633)
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		40,829	34,133	40,829	34,133	38,972
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		2,135	1,650	1,858	1,328
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		19,903	30,088	19,903	30,088	19,739
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		569	1,889	776	810
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		14,045	31,158	14,045	31,158	22,069
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		779	1,712	316	(97)
Lansing Trade Group LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		89,235	90,884	89,235	90,884	89,050
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		896	(5,333)	185	(8,101)
Thompsons Limited
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments	[1]	49,252	47,948	49,252	47,948	46,184
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	[2]	2,081	2,426	1,486	1,427
Other
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		2,530	4,267	2,530	4,267	$ 917
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		$ (75)	$ 0	$ (114)	$ 0

[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