Related Party Transactions (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	$ 3,261		$ 20,501
Reduction in ownership percentage (percentage)	1.50%
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	1,091		4,943
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	288		5,539
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	333		8,135
Lansing Trade Group LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	40.00%	[1]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	2,410		2,221
Thompsons Limited
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	50.00%	[2]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	(861)	[2]	(313)	[2]
Other
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	$ 0		$ (24)
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)	34.00%

[1] This does not consider restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 1.5%

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