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Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Sep. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2013
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Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity method investments | $ 257,166 |  | $ 291,109 |  | $ 262,643 |
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity method investments | 33,465 | [1] | 40,194 | [1] | 35,643 | [1]
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity method investments | 51,692 | [1] | 44,418 | [1] | 37,695 | [1]
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity method investments | 42,416 | [1] | 46,811 | [1] | 37,844 | [1]
Lansing Trade Group LLC |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity method investments | 72,560 | [2] | 106,028 | [2] | 100,071 | [2]
Thompsons Limited |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity method investments | 53,125 | [3] | 49,833 | [3] | 47,477 | [3]
Other |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity method investments | $ 3,908 |  | $ 3,825 |  | $ 3,913 |
[1] | LLCs investment balances are reduced by cash distributions made during 2014
[2] | ecrease in LTG investment balance is driven by the sale of a portion of the Company's interest in LTG during the first quarter of 2014
[3] | Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures

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