Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 09, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ANDERSONS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000821026
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 780.6
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		18.5