Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		$ 2,344	$ 16,190	$ (4,633)	$ 19,450
Equity method investments		238,478	224,380	238,478	224,380	$ 242,107
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		1,650	2,324	1,328	3,416
Equity method investments		34,133	30,943	34,133	30,943	32,871
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		1,889	3,180	810	3,468
Equity method investments		30,088	29,698	30,088	29,698	29,278
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		1,712	2,812	(97)	3,144
Equity method investments		31,158	29,681	31,158	29,681	31,255
Lansing Trade Group LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		(5,333)	5,498	(8,101)	7,908
Equity method investments		90,884	84,092	90,884	84,092	101,531
Thompsons Limited
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	[1]	2,426	2,229	1,427	1,367
Equity method investments	[2]	47,948	47,232	47,948	47,232	43,964
Other
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		0	147	0	147
Equity method investments		$ 4,267	$ 2,734	$ 4,267	$ 2,734	$ 3,208

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

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