Related Party Transactions (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		$ 31,924		$ 96,523	$ 68,705
Reduction in ownership percentage (percentage)		1.00%
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		$ 5,636		19,814	10,469
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		$ 6,866		21,840	11,299
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		$ 4,718		27,226	13,815
Lansing Trade Group, LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	[1]	32.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		$ 11,880		23,266	31,212
Thompsons Limited
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)		50.00%	[2]			50.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	[2]	$ 2,735		4,140	1,634
Other
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		$ 89		$ 237	$ 276
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 the restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 1%.

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