Related Party Transactions (Company's Investment Balance in Equity Method Investees) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		$ 240,350	$ 223,239	$ 215,031
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		49,882	45,024	42,302
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		22,589	19,830	17,837
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		15,373	12,660	12,390
Lansing Trade Group LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		99,904	93,088	89,541
Thompsons Limited
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments	[1]	50,280	50,198	50,399
Other
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		$ 2,322	$ 2,439	$ 2,562

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