Related Party Transactions (Company's Investment Balance in Equity Method Investees) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		$ 232,159	$ 223,239	$ 215,794
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		47,474	45,024	40,829
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		21,214	19,830	19,903
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		14,344	12,660	14,045
Lansing Trade Group LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		97,476	93,088	89,235
Thompsons Limited
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments	[1]	49,251	50,198	49,252
Other
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		$ 2,400	$ 2,439	$ 2,530

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