Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		$ 215,031	$ 225,114	$ 215,031	$ 225,114	$ 216,931
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		3,586	8,422	8,093	3,789
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		42,302	36,661	42,302	36,661	38,972
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		1,473	2,528	3,331	3,857
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		17,837	21,340	17,837	21,340	19,739
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		1,822	2,706	2,597	3,516
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		12,390	23,812	12,390	23,812	22,069
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		985	2,655	1,301	2,557
Lansing Trade Group LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		89,541	91,573	89,541	91,573	89,050
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		305	689	491	(7,412)
Thompsons Limited
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments	[1]	50,399	47,494	50,399	47,494	46,184
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	[2]	(940)	(156)	546	1,271
Other
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		2,562	4,234	2,562	4,234	$ 917
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		$ (59)	$ 0	$ (173)	$ 0

[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