Changes in Operations Pro Forma Financial Results (Details) (USD $) Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Operating revenues			$ 1,461,419,000	$ 1,365,804,000
Net income attributable to Genesee & Wyoming Inc.			112,191,000	128,122,000
Less: Series A-1 Preferred Stock dividend			17,500,000	17,500,000
Net income available to common stockholders			94,691,000	110,622,000
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Genesee & Wyoming Inc. common stockholders			$ 1.99	$ 2.34
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Genesee & Wyoming Inc. common stockholders			$ 1.89	$ 2.21
Pro Forma, business combination, elimination of mark to market expense expense	50,100,000	0	50,106,000	0
Pro Forma if converted shares excluded from diluted shares			6.0
RailAmerica [Member]
Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Pro Forma acquisition related costs, net of tax			20,300,000
Pro Forma, business combination, financing related costs, net of tax			9,500,000
RailAmerica [Member]
Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Pro Forma acquisition related costs, net of tax			12,900,000
Pro Forma costs incurred with redemption of senior secured notes			55,000,000
Contingent forward sale contract [Member]
Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Pro Forma, business combination, elimination of mark to market expense expense			$ 50,100,000