Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Sales and merchandising revenues	$ 1,137,133	$ 1,001,674
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues	1,051,263	922,989
Gross profit	85,870	78,685
Operating, administrative and general expenses	60,100	53,707
Interest expense	5,330	7,336
Other income:
Equity in earnings of affiliates	4,283	7,246
Other income, net	3,246	2,306
Income before income taxes	27,969	27,194
Income tax provision	10,241	9,806
Net income	17,728	17,388
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(679)	122
Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc.	$ 18,407	$ 17,266
Per common share:
Basic earnings attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders	$ 0.99	$ 0.93
Diluted earnings attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders	$ 0.98	$ 0.93
Dividends paid	$ 0.1500	$ 0.1100