Related Party Transactions (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	$ 20,501		$ 7,804
Reduction in ownership percentage (percentage)	2.00%
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	53.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	4,943		944
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	38.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	5,539		(219)
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	50.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	8,135		(832)
Lansing Trade Group LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	41.00%	[1]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	2,221		7,991
Thompsons Limited [Member]
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	50.00%			50.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	(313)	[2]	0
Other
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	$ (24)		$ (80)
Minimum | Other
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	5.00%
Maximum | Other
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	23.00%

[1] This does not consider restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 2%

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