Related Parties (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011 The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2006 The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Lansing Trade Group LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Lansing Trade Group LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Lansing Trade Group LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Other [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Other [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Other [Member]
Income earned from the Company's equity method investments by entity
Equity method investment ownership percentage, minimum																		7.00%
Equity method investment ownership percentage, maximum																		(33.00%)
Percentage of company ownership interest				50.00%			50.01%	38.00%			50.00%		50.00%	50.00%	52.00%
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	$ 41,450	$ 26,007	$ 17,463	$ 5,285	$ 3,916	$ 5,735		$ 4,341	$ 5,318	$ 2,965	$ 8,089	$ 1,117	$ 2,936		$ 23,558	$ 15,133	$ 5,781	$ 177	$ 523	$ 46