Quarterly Financial Data Table of Quarterly Results (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating revenues	$ 415,627	$ 432,543	$ 414,563	$ 376,279	$ 391,668	$ 401,377	$ 400,648	$ 374,950
Income from operations	113,471	123,116	110,109	74,875	94,830	101,741	107,417	76,200	421,571	380,188	190,322
Net income	$ 87,631	$ 72,852	$ 60,889	$ 39,634	$ 58,088	$ 66,225	$ 65,050	$ 82,728	$ 261,006	$ 272,091	$ 52,433
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Genesee & Wyoming Inc. common stockholders	$ 1.53	$ 1.27	$ 1.07	$ 0.70	$ 1.03	$ 1.16	$ 1.14	$ 1.46	$ 4.58	$ 4.79	$ 1.02