The Andersons, Inc. (ANDE) 10-Q 7 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares shares in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 27, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Andersons, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	821,026
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		28.4

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 24,478	$ 62,630	$ 78,158
Restricted cash		0	471	190
Accounts receivable, net		196,192	194,698	173,593
Inventories		475,602	682,747	427,754
Commodity derivative assets – current		45,202	45,447	59,837
Other current assets		53,958	72,133	43,761
Assets held for sale (Note 16)		8,383	0	0
Total current assets		803,815	1,058,126	783,293
Other assets:
Commodity derivative assets – noncurrent		245	100	1,346
Goodwill (Note 17)		23,105	63,934	63,934
Other intangible assets, net		113,371	106,100	110,155
Other assets, net		11,852	10,411	5,921
Equity method investments		215,031	216,931	225,114
Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets		363,604	397,476	406,470
Rail Group assets leased to others, net		377,393	327,195	334,401
Property, plant and equipment, net		419,348	450,052	460,247
Total assets		1,964,160	2,232,849	1,984,411
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt		19,000	29,000	0
Trade and other payables		381,359	581,826	356,931
Customer prepayments and deferred revenue		29,520	48,590	15,725
Commodity derivative liabilities – current		38,578	23,167	59,770
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		67,064	69,648	68,465
Current maturities of long-term debt		53,972	47,545	51,520
Total current liabilities		589,493	799,776	552,411
Other long-term liabilities		34,407	27,833	30,525
Commodity derivative liabilities – noncurrent		902	339	1,954
Employee benefit plan obligations		36,356	35,026	45,260
Long-term debt, less current maturities		371,315	397,065	395,559
Deferred income taxes		181,876	182,113	178,535
Total liabilities		1,214,349	1,442,152	1,204,244
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Common shares, without par value (63,000 shares authorized; 29,430 shares issued at 9/30/2017, 12/31/16 and 9/30/2016)		96	96	96
Preferred shares, without par value (1,000 shares authorized; none issued)		0	0	0
Additional paid-in-capital		223,814	222,910	221,326
Treasury shares, at cost (1,079, 1,201 and 1,195 shares at 9/30/2017, 12/31/16 and 9/30/2016, respectively)		(40,905)	(45,383)	(45,130)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	[1]	(9,682)	(12,468)	(17,305)
Retained earnings		568,438	609,206	603,556
Total shareholders’ equity of The Andersons, Inc.		741,761	774,361	762,543
Noncontrolling interests		8,050	16,336	17,624
Total equity		749,811	790,697	780,167
Total liabilities and equity		$ 1,964,160	$ 2,232,849	$ 1,984,411
[1]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common shares, par value (dollars per share)
Common shares, shares authorized (shares)	63,000,000	63,000,000	63,000,000
Common shares, shares issued (shares)	29,430,000	29,430,000	29,430,000
Preferred shares, par value (dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred shares, shares authorized (shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred shares, shares issued (shares)	0	0	0
Treasury shares, at cost (shares)	1,079,000	1,201,000	1,195,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales and merchandising revenues	$ 836,595	$ 859,612	$ 2,682,273	$ 2,811,735
Cost of sales and merchandising revenues	766,924	782,597	2,448,310	2,569,923
Gross profit	69,671	77,015	233,963	241,812
Operating, administrative and general expenses	68,456	78,767	220,331	234,053
Goodwill impairment	0	0	42,000	0
Interest expense	5,384	4,441	17,472	18,046
Other income:
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net	3,586	8,422	8,093	3,789
Other income, net	5,588	2,216	18,117	11,144
Income (loss) before income taxes	5,005	4,445	(19,630)	4,646
Income tax provision	2,389	1,104	7,505	1,486
Net income (loss)	2,616	3,341	(27,135)	3,160
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	83	1,619	73	1,711
Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.	$ 2,533	$ 1,722	$ (27,208)	$ 1,449
Per common share:
Basic earnings attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders (dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.06	$ (0.96)	$ 0.05
Diluted earnings attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders (dollars per share)	0.09	0.06	(0.96)	0.05
Dividends declared (dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ 0.155	$ 0.48	$ 0.465

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 2,616	$ 3,341	$ (27,135)	$ 3,160
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in fair value of convertible preferred securities (net of income tax of $134, $0, $134 and $74)		211	0	211	(126)
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost (net of income tax (benefit) of $(64), $53, $(699) and $716 - Note 8)		(101)	87	(1,099)	1,381
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of income tax of $0, $0, $0 and $0)		2,201	(298)	3,674	2,259
Cash flow hedge activity (net of income tax of $0, $0, $0, and $72)		0	0	0	120
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	2,311	(211)	2,786	3,634
Comprehensive income (loss)		4,927	3,130	(24,349)	6,794
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests		83	1,619	73	1,711
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.		$ 4,844	$ 1,511	$ (24,422)	$ 5,083
[1]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Change in estimated fair value of investment in debt securities, tax	$ 134	$ 0	$ 134	$ (74)
Unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service costs, tax	(64)	53	(699)	716
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	0	0	0	0
Income tax on cash flow hedge activity	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 72

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ (27,135)	$ 3,160
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	64,546	62,244
Bad debt expense	1,076	789
Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates, net of dividends	(2,168)	12,804
Gains on sale of Rail Group assets and related leases	(7,642)	(6,366)
Gains on sale of assets	(11,443)	(826)
Stock-based compensation expense	4,550	5,542
Goodwill impairment	42,000	0
Other	(610)	(7)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(334)	(5,425)
Inventories	200,667	283,158
Commodity derivatives	16,073	12,592
Other assets	10,422	36,536
Payables and other accrued expenses	(229,268)	(362,855)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	60,734	41,346
Investing Activities
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	(3,507)	0
Purchases of Rail Group assets	(77,513)	(57,979)
Proceeds from sale of Rail Group assets	18,368	44,061
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and capitalized software	(26,705)	(56,138)
Proceeds from sale of assets	26,601	69,673
Proceeds from returns of investments in affiliates	1,339	7,443
Purchase of investments	(4,929)	(2,523)
Other	1,470	260
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(64,876)	4,797
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term borrowings	(11,059)	(15,000)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	35,175	78,199
Proceeds from long-term financing arrangement	12,195	14,027
Payments of long-term debt	(54,326)	(91,393)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest owner	0	(3,400)
Proceeds from sale of treasury shares to employees and directors	450	1,159
Payments of debt issuance costs	(2,024)	(309)
Dividends paid	(13,485)	(13,020)
Other	(936)	(1,998)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(34,010)	(31,735)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(38,152)	14,408
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	62,630	63,750
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 24,478	$ 78,158

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total		Common Shares	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Shares	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 783,739		$ 96	$ 222,848	$ (52,902)	$ (20,939)	$ 615,151	$ 19,485
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	3,160						1,449	1,711
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,634	[1]				3,634
Cash distribution to noncontrolling interest	(3,400)							(3,400)
Other change in noncontrolling interest	(172)							(172)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of ($323) (122 shares) and $471 (202 shares)	6,230			(1,542)	7,772
Dividends declared ($0.480 and $0.465 per common share)	(13,024)						(13,024)
Restricted share award dividend equivalents				20			(20)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	780,167		96	221,326	(45,130)	(17,305)	603,556	17,624
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	790,697		96	222,910	(45,383)	(12,468)	609,206	16,336
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(27,135)						(27,208)	73
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,786	[1]				2,786
Other change in noncontrolling interest	(8,359)							(8,359)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of ($323) (122 shares) and $471 (202 shares)	5,325			899	4,426
Dividends declared ($0.480 and $0.465 per common share)	(13,503)						(13,503)
Restricted share award dividend equivalents	0			5	52		(57)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 749,811		$ 96	$ 223,814	$ (40,905)	$ (9,682)	$ 568,438	$ 8,050
[1]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits

Condensed Consolidated Stateme9

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Dividends declared, per common share	$ 0.48	$ 0.465
Additional Paid-in Capital
Income tax on stock option exercise and other shares issued to employees and directors	$ (323)	$ 471
Stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, shares	122	202
Retained Earnings
Dividends declared, per common share	$ 0.48	$ 0.465

Basis of Presentation and Conso

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Consolidation These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of The Andersons, Inc. and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries (the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in unconsolidated entities in which the Company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal and recurring items considered necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows for the periods indicated have been made. The results in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 . An unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2016 has been included as the Company operates in several seasonal industries. Certain prior year amounts within the operating and investing activities sections of the statements of cash flows have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data at December 31, 2016 was derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in The Andersons, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Form 10-K”). New Accounting Standards Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606). The FASB issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and December 2016 within ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, respectively. The core principle of the new revenue standard is that an entity recognizes revenue from the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new revenue standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt the standard on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of this new guidance will require expanded disclosures in the Company’s consolidated financial statements including separate quantitative disclosure of revenues within the scope of Topic 606 and revenues excluded from the scope of Topic 606. Our evaluation of these standards, which includes reviewing representative samples of customer contracts, considers the amount and timing of revenues recognized, financial statement presentation, and required disclosures. While we are still continuing to evaluate the potential future impact of these standards on our financial statements, we believe the following items will be impacted upon adoption: - Many of the Company's Grain and Ethanol sales contracts are considered derivatives under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging , and therefore are outside the scope of Topic 606; - Certain fee-based arrangements within our Grain and Ethanol segments will be classified as reductions to our cost of sales rather than revenue. However, we do not expect a material change to the timing of when these fees are recognized in our financial statements. In addition, we are still evaluating the following areas to determine the potential changes, if any, upon adoption: - Determination of whether we are the principal or agent for certain revenue streams within several of our segments; - Methodology for recognizing gains on certain sale transactions within our Rail segment. Leasing In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 supersedes the current accounting for leases. The new standard, while retaining two distinct types of leases, finance and operating, (i) requires lessees to record a right of use asset and a related liability for the rights and obligations associated with a lease, regardless of lease classification, and recognize lease expense in a manner similar to current accounting, (ii) eliminates current real estate specific lease provisions, (iii) modifies the lease classification criteria and (iv) aligns many of the underlying lessor model principles with those in the new revenue standard. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within. Early adoption is permitted, however the Company does not plan to early adopt. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach when transitioning to ASU 2016-02 for leases that exist as of or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company expects this standard to have the effect of bringing certain off balance-sheet rail assets noted in Item 2 of Form 10-Q onto the balance sheet along with a corresponding liability for the associated obligations. Additionally, we have other arrangements currently classified as operating leases which will be recorded as a right of use asset and corresponding liability on the balance sheet. We are currently evaluating the impact these changes will have on the consolidated financial statements. Other applicable standards In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12 Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This standard simplifies the recognition and presentation of changes in the fair value of hedging instruments. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning December 15, 2018. The Company does not expect the impact from adoption of this standard to be material to its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures. In May 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-09 Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. This standard states that if the vesting conditions, fair value, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification an entity would not apply modification accounting . The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, however the Company has not chosen to do so at this time. The Company does not expect the impact from adoption of this standard to be material. In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07 Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This standard requires that the service cost component be reported in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the employees during the period. The other components of net benefit costs should be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the impact from adoption of this standard to be material to its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This update removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company elected to implement this standard in the second quarter of 2017. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This standard clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. At adoption, the Company will elect to continue classifying distributions from equity method investments using the cumulative earnings approach which is consistent with current practice. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This update changes the accounting for credit losses on loans and held-to-maturity debt securities and requires a current expected credit loss (CECL) approach to determine the allowance for credit losses. This includes allowances for trade receivables. The Company has not historically incurred significant credit losses and does not currently anticipate circumstances that would lead to a CECL approach differing from the Company's existing allowance estimates in a material way. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted, however the Company does not plan to do so. In January, 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This standard provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. The Company does not expect the impact from adoption of this standard to be material to currently held financial assets and liabilities.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories Major classes of inventories are as follows: (in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, Grain $ 342,837 $ 495,139 $ 262,165 Ethanol and co-products 12,502 10,887 7,734 Plant nutrients and cob products 114,131 150,259 126,922 Retail merchandise 718 20,678 24,985 Railcar repair parts 5,414 5,784 5,948 $ 475,602 $ 682,747 $ 427,754 Inventories on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 do not include 1.0 million , 0.9 million and 1.0 million bushels of grain, respectively, held in storage for others. The Company does not have title to the grain and is only liable for any deficiencies in grade or shortage of quantity that may arise during the storage period. Management has not experienced historical losses on any deficiencies and does not anticipate material losses in the future.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment The components of Property, plant and equipment, net are as follows: (in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, Land $ 23,342 $ 30,672 $ 28,473 Land improvements and leasehold improvements 71,559 79,631 82,908 Buildings and storage facilities 298,951 322,856 319,950 Machinery and equipment 384,422 392,418 393,178 Construction in progress 7,703 12,784 21,284 785,977 838,361 845,793 Less: accumulated depreciation 366,629 388,309 385,546 $ 419,348 $ 450,052 $ 460,247 Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $36.0 million and $35.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Additionally, depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $11.9 million and $12.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. In December 2016, the Company recorded charges totaling $6.0 million for impairment of property, plant and equipment in the Retail business. This does not include $0.5 million of impairment charges related to software. The Company wrote down the value of these assets to the extent their carrying amounts exceeded fair value. The Company classified the significant assumptions used to determine fair value of the impaired assets as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. In December 2016, the Company also recorded charges totaling $2.3 million for impairment of property, plant and equipment in the Plant Nutrient segment due to the closing of a cob facility. Rail Group Assets The components of Rail Group assets leased to others are as follows: (in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, Rail Group assets leased to others $ 484,214 $ 431,571 $ 438,211 Less: accumulated depreciation 106,821 104,376 103,810 $ 377,393 $ 327,195 $ 334,401 Depreciation expense on Rail Group assets leased to others amounted to $14.9 million and $14.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Additionally, depreciation expense on Rail Group assets leased to others amounted to $5.2 million and $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Sale of Assets During the third quarter of 2017 the Company sold two of its retail properties for $7.6 million and recorded a $5.7 million gain in Other income, net. On March 31, 2017 the Company sold four farm center locations in Florida for $17.4 million and recorded a $4.7 million gain, net of transaction costs in Other income, net. The sale price included a working capital adjustment of $3.6 million . On May 2, 2016 the Company sold eight grain and agronomy locations in Iowa for $54.3 million and recorded a nominal gain.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt On April 13, 2017, the Company amended its line of credit agreement with a syndicate of banks. The amended agreement provides for a credit facility in the amount of $ 800 million . Total borrowing capacity for the Company under all lines of credit is currently at $ 820.0 million , including $ 20.0 million of debt of The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC ("TADE"), which is non-recourse to the Company. At September 30, 2017 , the Company had a total of $ 718.5 million available for borrowing under its lines of credit. The Company's borrowing capacity is reduced by a combination of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of September 30, 2017 . The Company’s short-term and long-term debt at September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 consisted of the following: (in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, Short-term Debt – Non-Recourse $ — $ — $ — Short-term Debt – Recourse 19,000 29,000 — Total Short-term Debt $ 19,000 $ 29,000 $ — Current Maturities of Long-term Debt – Non-Recourse $ — $ — $ — Current Maturities of Long-term Debt – Recourse 53,972 47,545 51,520 Total Current Maturities of Long-term Debt $ 53,972 $ 47,545 $ 51,520 Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities – Non-Recourse $ — $ — $ — Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities – Recourse 371,315 397,065 395,559 Total Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities $ 371,315 $ 397,065 $ 395,559

Derivatives

Derivatives	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	Derivatives The Company’s operating results are affected by changes to commodity prices. The Grain and Ethanol businesses have established “unhedged” position limits (the amount of a commodity, either owned or contracted for, that does not have an offsetting derivative contract to lock in the price). To reduce the exposure to market price risk on commodities owned and forward grain and ethanol purchase and sale contracts, the Company enters into exchange traded commodity futures and options contracts and over-the-counter forward and option contracts with various counterparties. These contracts are primarily traded via the regulated Chicago Mercantile Exchange ("CME"). The Company’s forward purchase and sales contracts are for physical delivery of the commodity in a future period. Contracts to purchase commodities from producers generally relate to the current or future crop years for delivery periods quoted by regulated commodity exchanges. Contracts for the sale of commodities to processors or other commercial consumers generally do not extend beyond one year . All of these contracts meet the definition of derivatives. While the Company considers its commodity contracts to be effective economic hedges, the Company does not designate or account for its commodity contracts as hedges as defined under current accounting standards. The Company accounts for its commodity derivatives at estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of the commodity derivative contracts that require the receipt or posting of cash collateral is recorded on a net basis (offset against cash collateral posted or received, also known as margin deposits) within commodity derivative assets or liabilities. Management determines fair value based on exchange-quoted prices and in the case of its forward purchase and sale contracts, estimated fair value is adjusted for differences in local markets and non-performance risk. For contracts for which physical delivery occurs, balance sheet classification is based on estimated delivery date. For futures, options and over-the-counter contracts in which physical delivery is not expected to occur but, rather, the contract is expected to be net settled, the Company classifies these contracts as current or noncurrent assets or liabilities, as appropriate, based on the Company’s expectations as to when such contracts will be settled. Realized and unrealized gains and losses in the value of commodity contracts (whether due to changes in commodity prices, changes in performance or credit risk, or due to sale, maturity or extinguishment of the commodity contract) and grain inventories are included in cost of sales and merchandising revenues. Generally accepted accounting principles permit a party to a master netting arrangement to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments against the right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral under the same master netting arrangement. The Company has master netting arrangements for its exchange traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter contracts. When the Company enters into a futures, option or an over-the-counter contract, an initial margin deposit may be required by the counterparty. The amount of the margin deposit varies by commodity. If the market price of a futures, option or an over-the-counter contract moves in a direction that is adverse to the Company’s position, an additional margin deposit, called a maintenance margin, is required. The margin deposit assets and liabilities are included in short-term commodity derivative assets or liabilities, as appropriate, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table presents at September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , a summary of the estimated fair value of the Company’s commodity derivative instruments that require cash collateral and the associated cash posted/received as collateral. The net asset or liability positions of these derivatives (net of their cash collateral) are determined on a counterparty-by-counterparty basis and are included within current or noncurrent commodity derivative assets (or liabilities) on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Net derivative asset position Net derivative liability position Net derivative asset position Net derivative liability position Net derivative asset position Net derivative liability position Collateral paid (received) $ 27,737 $ — $ 28,273 $ — $ 13,358 $ — Fair value of derivatives (999 ) — 1,599 — 16,258 — Balance at end of period $ 26,738 $ — $ 29,872 $ — $ 29,616 $ — The following table presents, on a gross basis, current and noncurrent commodity derivative assets and liabilities: September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total Commodity derivative assets $ 33,804 $ 288 $ 676 $ 74 $ 34,842 Commodity derivative liabilities (16,339 ) (43 ) (39,254 ) (976 ) (56,612 ) Cash collateral 27,737 — — — 27,737 Balance sheet line item totals $ 45,202 $ 245 $ (38,578 ) $ (902 ) $ 5,967 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total Commodity derivative assets $ 36,146 $ 140 $ 1,447 $ 6 $ 37,739 Commodity derivative liabilities (18,972 ) (40 ) (24,614 ) (345 ) (43,971 ) Cash collateral 28,273 — — — 28,273 Balance sheet line item totals $ 45,447 $ 100 $ (23,167 ) $ (339 ) $ 22,041 September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total Commodity derivative assets $ 60,372 $ 1,356 $ 3,318 $ 58 $ 65,104 Commodity derivative liabilities (13,893 ) (10 ) (63,088 ) (2,012 ) (79,003 ) Cash collateral 13,358 — — — 13,358 Balance sheet line item totals $ 59,837 $ 1,346 $ (59,770 ) $ (1,954 ) $ (541 ) The gains and losses included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the line items in which they are located are as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Gains (losses) on commodity derivatives included in cost of sales and merchandising revenues $ (690 ) $ (48,620 ) $ (15,538 ) $ (22,679 ) The Company had the following volume of commodity derivative contracts outstanding (on a gross basis) at September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 : September 30, 2017 Commodity (in thousands) Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons Non-exchange traded: Corn 222,287 — — — Soybeans 44,463 — — — Wheat 8,598 — — — Oats 36,451 — — — Ethanol — 201,521 — Corn oil — — 5,782 — Other 51 — 110 Subtotal 311,850 201,521 5,782 110 Exchange traded: Corn 113,990 — — — Soybeans 45,220 — — — Wheat 61,795 — — — Oats 895 — — — Ethanol — 22,890 — — Other — 840 — — Subtotal 221,900 23,730 — — Total 533,750 225,251 5,782 110 December 31, 2016 Commodity (in thousands) Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons Non-exchange traded: Corn 175,549 — — — Soybeans 20,592 — — — Wheat 7,177 — — — Oats 36,025 — — — Ethanol — 215,081 — — Corn oil — — 9,358 — Other 108 1,144 — 110 Subtotal 239,451 216,225 9,358 110 Exchange traded: Corn 63,225 — — — Soybeans 39,005 — — — Wheat 45,360 — — — Oats 4,120 — — — Ethanol — 78,120 — — Subtotal 151,710 78,120 — — Total 391,161 294,345 9,358 110 September 30, 2016 Commodity (in thousands) Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons Non-exchange traded: Corn 226,492 — — — Soybeans 60,614 — — — Wheat 7,933 — — — Oats 28,939 — — — Ethanol — 191,906 — — Corn oil — — 7,153 — Other 129 — — 251 Subtotal 324,107 191,906 7,153 251 Exchange traded: Corn 105,395 — — — Soybeans 35,245 — — — Wheat 39,715 — — — Oats 2,800 — — — Ethanol — 74,046 — — Subtotal 183,155 74,046 — — Total 507,262 265,952 7,153 251 At September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , the Company had recorded the following amounts for the fair value of the Company's other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Interest rate contracts included in Other long-term liabilities $ (1,929 ) $ (2,530 ) $ (4,774 ) Foreign currency contracts included in Other current assets (Accrued expenses and other current liabilities) 1,605 (112 ) 1,130 The gains and losses included in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations and the line item in which they are located for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest rate derivative gains (losses) included in Interest income (expense) $ 229 $ 652 $ 601 $ (1,642 ) Foreign currency derivative gains (losses) included in Other income, net 950 (261 ) 1,717 (1,130 )

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans The following are components of the net periodic benefit cost for the pension and postretirement benefit plans maintained by the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Pension Benefits (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest cost 38 49 116 145 Recognized net actuarial loss 63 36 189 109 Benefit cost $ 101 $ 85 $ 305 $ 254 Postretirement Benefits (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Service cost $ 81 $ 190 $ 310 $ 570 Interest cost 202 387 784 1,162 Amortization of prior service cost (228 ) (88 ) (228 ) (266 ) Recognized net actuarial loss — 192 — 576 Benefit cost $ 55 $ 681 $ 866 $ 2,042

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes On a quarterly basis, the Company estimates the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year and makes changes if necessary based on new information or events. The estimated annual effective tax rate is forecast based on actual historical information and forward-looking estimates and is used to provide for income taxes in interim reporting periods. The Company also recognizes the tax impact of certain unusual or infrequently occurring items, such as the effects of changes in tax laws or rates and impacts from settlements with tax authorities, discretely in the quarter in which they occur. Additionally, the annual effective tax rate differs from the statutory U.S. Federal tax rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of state income taxes, impact of foreign equity earnings and to benefits or costs related to various permanent book versus tax differences and tax credits. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded income tax expense of $2.4 million at an effective tax rate of 47.7% , which varied from the U.S. Federal tax rate of 35% primarily due to a 6.7% increase in the rate related to the reversal of previously recorded railroad track maintenance tax credit benefits and tax charges related to non-deductible expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded an income tax expense of $1.1 million at an effective tax rate of 24.8% . For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded income tax expense of $7.5 million at an effective tax rate of (38.2)% , which varied from the U.S. Federal tax rate of 35% primarily due to the recording of the $42.0 million goodwill impairment charge which did not provide a corresponding tax benefit. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded income tax expense of $1.5 million at an effective tax rate of 32.0% .

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following tables summarize the after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a) Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Investment in Convertible Preferred Securities Defined Benefit Plan Items Total Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Investment in Convertible Preferred Securities Defined Benefit Plan Items Total Beginning Balance $ (9,529 ) $ — $ (2,464 ) $ (11,993 ) $ (11,002 ) $ — $ (1,466 ) $ (12,468 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 2,201 211 41 $ 2,453 3,674 211 (957 ) 2,928 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — — (142 ) $ (142 ) — — (142 ) (142 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 2,201 211 (101 ) 2,311 3,674 211 (1,099 ) 2,786 Ending balance $ (7,328 ) $ 211 $ (2,565 ) $ (9,682 ) $ (7,328 ) $ 211 $ (2,565 ) $ (9,682 ) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a) Three months ended September 30, 2016 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan Items Total Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Investment in Debt Securities Defined Benefit Plan Items Total Beginning Balance $ 9 $ (9,484 ) $ (7,619 ) $ (17,094 ) $ (111 ) $ (12,041 ) $ 126 $ (8,913 ) $ (20,939 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications — (298 ) 143 (155 ) 120 2,259 — 1,547 3,926 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — — (56 ) (56 ) — — (126 ) (166 ) (292 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) — (298 ) 87 (211 ) 120 2,259 (126 ) 1,381 3,634 Ending balance $ 9 $ (9,782 ) $ (7,532 ) $ (17,305 ) $ 9 $ (9,782 ) $ — $ (7,532 ) $ (17,305 ) (a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits The following table shows the reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016: Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a) (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Defined Benefit Plan Items Amortization of prior-service cost (227 ) (b) (227 ) (b) (227 ) Total before tax (227 ) Total before tax 85 Income tax provision 85 Income tax provision $ (142 ) Net of tax $ (142 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications for the period $ (142 ) Net of tax (142 ) Net of tax Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a) (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, 2016 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Defined Benefit Plan Items Amortization of prior-service cost $ (89 ) (b) $ (266 ) (b) (89 ) Total before tax (266 ) Total before tax 33 Income tax provision 100 Income tax provision $ (56 ) Net of tax $ (166 ) Net of tax Other items Recognition of gain on sale of investment — (200 ) — Total before tax (200 ) Total before tax — Income tax provision 74 Income tax provision — Net of tax (126 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications for the period $ (56 ) Net of tax (292 ) Net of tax (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss (b) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 6).

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The Company’s non-vested restricted stock that was granted prior to March 2015 is considered a participating security since the share-based awards contain a non-forfeitable right to dividends irrespective of whether the awards ultimately vest. Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and any participating securities according to dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. (in thousands, except per common share data) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc. $ 2,533 $ 1,722 $ (27,208 ) $ 1,449 Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock — 2 — 7 Earnings (losses) available to common shareholders $ 2,533 $ 1,720 $ (27,208 ) $ 1,442 Earnings per share – basic: Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 28,350 28,222 28,327 28,184 Earnings (losses) per common share – basic $ 0.09 $ 0.06 $ (0.96 ) $ 0.05 Earnings per share – diluted: Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 28,350 28,222 28,327 28,184 Effect of dilutive awards 134 140 — 196 Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted 28,484 28,362 28,327 28,380 Earnings (losses) per common share – diluted $ 0.09 $ 0.06 $ (0.96 ) $ 0.05 There were 43 thousand antidilutive stock-based awards outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2017. All outstanding share awards were antidilutive for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as the Company experienced a net loss. There were no antidilutive stock-based awards outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 .

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 : (in thousands) September 30, 2017 Assets (liabilities) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Commodity derivatives, net (a) $ 26,738 $ (20,771 ) $ — $ 5,967 Provisionally priced contracts (b) (85,546 ) (33,944 ) — (119,490 ) Convertible preferred securities (c) — — 6,638 6,638 Other assets and liabilities (d) 10,996 (1,929 ) — 9,067 Total $ (47,812 ) $ (56,644 ) $ 6,638 $ (97,818 ) (in thousands) December 31, 2016 Assets (liabilities) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Restricted cash $ 471 $ — $ — $ 471 Commodity derivatives, net (a) 29,872 (7,831 ) — 22,041 Provisionally priced contracts (b) (105,321 ) (64,876 ) — (170,197 ) Convertible preferred securities (c) — — 3,294 3,294 Other assets and liabilities (d) 9,391 (2,530 ) — 6,861 Total $ (65,587 ) $ (75,237 ) $ 3,294 $ (137,530 ) (in thousands) September 30, 2016 Assets (liabilities) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Restricted cash $ 190 $ — $ — $ 190 Commodity derivatives, net (a) 34,620 (35,161 ) — (541 ) Provisionally priced contracts (b) (79,022 ) (20,500 ) (99,522 ) Convertible preferred securities (c) — — 3,294 3,294 Other assets and liabilities (d) 11,015 (4,774 ) — 6,241 Total $ (33,197 ) $ (60,435 ) $ 3,294 $ (90,338 ) (a) Includes associated cash posted/received as collateral (b) Included in "Provisionally priced contracts" are those instruments based only on underlying futures values (Level 1) and delayed price contracts (Level 2) (c) Recorded in “Other noncurrent assets” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (d) Included in other assets and liabilities are deferred compensation assets, ethanol risk management contracts, and foreign exchange derivative contracts (Level 1), and interest rate derivatives (Level 2). Level 1 commodity derivatives reflect the fair value of the exchange-traded futures and options contracts that the Company holds, net of the cash collateral that the Company has in its margin account. The majority of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on the market approach valuation technique. With the market approach, fair value is derived using prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The Company’s net commodity derivatives primarily consist of futures or options contracts via regulated exchanges and contracts with producers or customers under which the future settlement date and bushels (or gallons in the case of ethanol contracts) of commodities to be delivered (primarily wheat, corn, soybeans and ethanol) are fixed and under which the price may or may not be fixed. Depending on the specifics of the individual contracts, the fair value is derived from the futures or options prices on the CME or the New York Mercantile Exchange for similar commodities and delivery dates as well as observable quotes for local basis adjustments (the difference, which is attributable to local market conditions, between the quoted futures price and the local cash price). Because basis for a particular commodity and location typically has multiple quoted prices from other agribusinesses in the same geographical vicinity and is used as a common pricing mechanism in the Agribusiness industry, we have concluded that basis is a Level 2 fair value input for purposes of the fair value disclosure requirements related to our commodity derivatives. Although nonperformance risk, both of the Company and the counterparty, is present in each of these commodity contracts and is a component of the estimated fair values, based on the Company’s historical experience with its producers and customers and the Company’s knowledge of their businesses, the Company does not view nonperformance risk to be a material input to fair value for these commodity contracts. These fair value disclosures exclude physical grain inventories measured at net realizable value. The net realizable value used to measure the Company’s agricultural commodity inventories is the fair value (spot price of the commodity in an exchange), less cost of disposal and transportation based on the local market. This valuation would generally be considered Level 2. The amount is disclosed in Note 2. Changes in the net realizable value of commodity inventories are recognized as a component of cost of sales and merchandising revenues. Provisionally priced contract liabilities are those for which the Company has taken ownership and possession of grain but the final purchase price has not been established. In the case of payables where the unpriced portion of the contract is limited to the futures price of the underlying commodity or the Company has delivered provisionally priced grain and a subsequent payable or receivable is set up for any future changes in the grain price, quoted CBOT prices are used and the liability is deemed to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. For all other unpriced contracts which include variable futures and basis components, the amounts recorded for delayed price contracts are determined on the basis of local grain market prices at the balance sheet date and, as such, are deemed to be Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The risk management contract liability allows related ethanol customers to effectively unprice the futures component of their inventory for a period of time, subjecting the bushels to market fluctuations. The Company records an asset or liability for the market value changes of the commodities over the life of the contracts based on quoted CBOT prices and as such, the balance is deemed to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s stake in the Iowa Northern Railway Company ("IANR") was redeemed in the first quarter of 2016. The remaining convertible preferred securities are interests in several early-stage enterprises in the form of convertible debt and preferred equity securities. A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for the Company’s fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs is as follows: Contingent Consideration Convertible Preferred Securities (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Asset (liability) at January 1, $ — $ (350 ) $ 3,294 $ 13,550 Gains (losses) included in earnings — 190 — 710 Sales proceeds — — — (13,485 ) Asset (liability) at March 31, $ — $ (160 ) $ 3,294 $ 775 Gains (losses) included in earnings — 160 — 19 New investments — — — 2,500 Asset (liability) at June 30, $ — $ — $ 3,294 $ 3,294 Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income — — 344 — New investments — — 3,000 — Asset (liability) at September 30, $ — $ — $ 6,638 $ 3,294 The following tables summarize quantitative information about the Company's Level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 : Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (in thousands) Fair Value as of September 30, 2017 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average Convertible preferred securities (a) $ 6,638 Implied based on market prices N/A N/A (in thousands) Fair Value as of December 31, 2016 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average Convertible preferred securities (a) $ 3,294 Cost Basis, Plus Interest N/A N/A Real Property $ 11,210 Third-Party Appraisal N/A N/A (in thousands) Fair Value as of September 30, 2016 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average Convertible preferred securities (a) $ 3,294 Cost Basis, Plus Interest N/A N/A (a) Due to early stages of business and timing of investments, cost basis, plus interest was deemed to approximate fair value in prior periods. As the underlying enterprises have evolved additional market data is available to consider in order to estimate fair value. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated using quoted market prices or discounted future cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. As such, the Company has concluded that the fair value of long-term debt is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. (in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities $ 431,542 $ 450,940 $ 458,268 Fair value in excess of carrying value (a) 2,389 3,116 7,714 (a) Carrying value used for this purpose excludes unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs The fair value of the Company’s cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying value as they are close to maturity.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions Equity Method Investments The Company, directly or indirectly, holds investments in companies that are accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s equity in these entities is presented at cost plus its accumulated proportional share of income or loss, less any distributions it has received. The following table presents the Company’s investment balance in each of its equity method investees by entity: (in thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC $ 42,302 $ 38,972 $ 36,661 The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC 17,837 19,739 21,340 The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC 12,390 22,069 23,812 Lansing Trade Group, LLC 89,541 89,050 91,573 Thompsons Limited (a) 50,399 46,184 47,494 Other 2,562 917 4,234 Total $ 215,031 $ 216,931 $ 225,114 (a) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures On January 1, 2017, The Andersons Ethanol Investment LLC (“TAEI”) was merged with and into The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC (“TAME”). The Company had owned ( 66% ) of TAEI, which, in turn, had owned 50% of TAME. Pursuant to the merger, the Company’s ownership units in TAEI were canceled and converted into ownership units in TAME. As a result, the Company now directly owns 33% of the outstanding ownership units of TAME. Prior to this transaction, the noncontrolling interest in TAEI was attributed 33% of the gains and losses of TAME recorded by the Company in its equity in earnings of affiliates. The following table summarizes income (loss) earned from the Company’s equity method investments by entity: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) % Ownership at September 30, 2017 2017 2016 2017 2016 The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC 55% $ 1,473 $ 2,528 $ 3,331 $ 3,857 The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC 39% 1,822 2,706 2,597 3,516 The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC 33% 985 2,655 1,301 2,557 Lansing Trade Group, LLC 33% (a) 305 689 491 (7,412 ) Thompsons Limited (b) 50% (940 ) (156 ) 546 1,271 Other 5% - 50% (59 ) — (173 ) — Total $ 3,586 $ 8,422 $ 8,093 $ 3,789 (a) This does not consider restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 0.6% (b) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures Total distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates were $7.1 million and $24.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , respectively. In the third quarter of 2016, The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC, The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC, The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC, Lansing Trade Group, and Thompsons Limited qualified as significant equity investees of the Company under the income test. The following table presents combined summarized unaudited financial information of these investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016: (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues $ 1,601,778 $ 1,646,697 $ 4,603,808 $ 4,676,583 Gross profit 58,826 50,141 155,568 127,963 Income from continuing operations 9,501 18,965 15,507 1,428 Net income (loss) 7,918 17,217 14,878 (2,924 ) Net income (loss) attributable to companies 9,545 17,752 15,781 (1,347 ) Investment in Debt Securities The Company previously owned 100% of the cumulative convertible preferred shares of Iowa Northern Railway Company (“IANR”), which operates a short-line railroad in Iowa. In the first quarter of 2016, these shares were redeemed and the Company no longer has an ownership stake in this entity. See Footnote 10 for additional information on the effects of this transaction. Related Party Transactions In the ordinary course of business, the Company will enter into related party transactions with each of the investments described above, along with other related parties. The following table sets forth the related party transactions entered into for the time periods presented: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Sales revenues $ 225,367 $ 177,724 $ 665,331 $ 549,426 Service fee revenues (a) 14,397 3,800 28,433 13,290 Purchases of product 165,084 128,081 467,495 346,590 Lease income (b) 1,850 1,300 4,559 4,662 Labor and benefits reimbursement (c) 3,208 2,862 10,071 9,702 Other expenses (d) — — — 149 (a) Service fee revenues include management fees, corn origination fees, ethanol and distillers dried grains (DDG) marketing fees, and other commissions. (b) Lease income includes the lease of the Company’s Albion, Michigan and Clymers, Indiana grain facilities as well as certain railcars to the various ethanol LLCs and IANR. (c) The Company provides all operational labor to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs and charges them an amount equal to the Company’s costs of the related services. (d) Other expenses include payments to IANR for repair facility rent and use of their railroad reporting mark, payment to LTG for the lease of railcars and other various expenses. (in thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 Accounts receivable (e) $ 18,694 $ 26,254 $ 18,028 Accounts payable (f) 27,413 23,961 15,352 (e) Accounts receivable represents amounts due from related parties for sales of corn, leasing revenue and service fees. (f) Accounts payable represents amounts due to related parties for purchases of ethanol and other various items. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol and other co-products that the Company purchased from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $160.8 million and $109.3 million , respectively. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol and other co-products that the Company purchased from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $445.4 million and $220.6 million , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , revenues recognized for the sale of corn to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $119.1 million and $90.4 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , revenues recognized for the sale of corn to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $362.2 million and $314.5 million , respectively. From time to time, the Company enters into derivative contracts with certain of its related parties, including the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs, LTG, and the Thompsons Limited joint ventures, for the purchase and sale of grain and ethanol, for similar price risk mitigation purposes and on similar terms as the purchase and sale of derivative contracts it enters into with unrelated parties. The fair value of derivative contract assets with related parties as of September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 was $ 1.9 million , $ 4.1 million and $ 5.0 million , respectively. The fair value of derivative contract liabilities with related parties as of September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 was $ 0.1 million , $ 0.1 million and $ 0.2 million , respectively.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company’s operations include five reportable business segments that are distinguished primarily on the basis of products and services offered. The Grain business includes grain merchandising, the operation of terminal grain elevator facilities and the investments in LTG and Thompsons Limited. The Ethanol business purchases and sells ethanol and also manages the ethanol production facilities organized as limited liability companies, one is consolidated and three are investments accounted for under the equity method. The Company performs services under various contracts for these investments. Rail operations include the leasing, marketing and fleet management of railcars and other assets, railcar repair and metal fabrication. The Plant Nutrient business manufactures and distributes agricultural inputs, primarily fertilizer, to dealers and farmers, along with turf care and corncob-based products. The Retail business operates large retail stores, a distribution center, and a lawn and garden equipment sales and service facility. The Retail business closed during the second quarter of 2017, and liquidation efforts are substantially complete. Included in “Other” are the corporate level costs not attributed to an operating segment. The segment information below includes the allocation of expenses shared by one or more operating segments. Although management believes such allocations are reasonable, the operating information does not necessarily reflect how such data might appear if the segments were operated as separate businesses. Inter-segment sales are made at prices comparable to normal, unaffiliated customer sales. The Company does not have any customers who represent 10 percent or more of total revenues. Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues from external customers Grain $ 497,613 $ 550,189 $ 1,464,588 $ 1,611,992 Ethanol 191,531 139,413 533,515 396,626 Plant Nutrient 103,620 101,770 514,943 588,797 Rail 43,093 38,201 121,632 118,152 Retail 738 30,039 47,595 96,168 Total $ 836,595 $ 859,612 $ 2,682,273 $ 2,811,735 Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Inter-segment sales Grain $ 72 $ 7 $ 279 $ 1,632 Plant Nutrient — 61 241 422 Rail 327 328 893 1,062 Total $ 399 $ 396 $ 1,413 $ 3,116 Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Income (loss) before income taxes Grain $ 2,641 $ 1,879 $ 4,497 $ (28,563 ) Ethanol 6,098 9,541 12,474 13,048 Plant Nutrient (7,920 ) (7,231 ) (27,074 ) 18,008 Rail 6,127 6,754 18,065 22,698 Retail 4,424 (1,578 ) (9,140 ) (2,644 ) Other (6,448 ) (6,539 ) (18,525 ) (19,612 ) Noncontrolling interests 83 1,619 73 1,711 Total $ 5,005 $ 4,445 $ (19,630 ) $ 4,646 (in thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 Identifiable assets Grain $ 799,655 $ 961,114 $ 721,412 Ethanol 173,545 171,115 174,822 Plant Nutrient 389,396 484,455 462,328 Rail 446,884 398,446 383,631 Retail 9,138 31,257 42,880 Other 145,542 186,462 199,338 Total $ 1,964,160 $ 2,232,849 $ 1,984,411

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies The Company is party to litigation, or threats thereof, both as defendant and plaintiff with some regularity, although individual cases that are material in size occur infrequently. As a defendant, the Company establishes reserves for claimed amounts that are considered probable and capable of estimation. If those cases are resolved for lesser amounts, the excess reserves are taken into income and, conversely, if those cases are resolved for larger than the amount the Company has accrued, the Company records additional expense. The Company believes it is unlikely that the results of its current legal proceedings for which it is the defendant, even if unfavorable, will be material. As a plaintiff, amounts that are collected can also result in sudden, non-recurring income. Litigation results depend upon a variety of factors, including the availability of evidence, the credibility of witnesses, the performance of counsel, the state of the law, and the impressions of judges and jurors, any of which can be critical in importance, yet difficult, if not impossible, to predict. Consequently, cases currently pending, or future matters, may result in unexpected, and non-recurring losses, or income, from time to time. Finally, litigation results are often subject to judicial reconsideration, appeal and further negotiation by the parties, and as a result, the final impact of a particular judicial decision may be unknown for some time, or may result in continued reserves to account for the potential of such post-verdict actions. In the third quarter of 2017, the Company’s Plant Nutrient business recorded a $2.2 million reserve for settlement of a 2015 legal claim. The case regarded allegations that the Plant Nutrient business had improperly acquired another company’s confidential and proprietary intellectual property in connection with hiring a former employee of the plaintiff. Information obtained through the course of discovery, and completed during the third quarter, and anticipated legal costs, in conjunction with the preparation for the planned mediation scheduled for October, 2017, led management to conclude that a loss was probable and reasonably estimable. In October, settlement was finalized at the reserve amount. Prior to the settlement, substantially all the Company’s legal expenses were paid by a liability insurance carrier. The estimated range of loss for all other outstanding claims that are considered reasonably possible is not material. Build-to-Suit Lease In August, 2015, the Company entered into a lease agre ement with an initial term of 15 years for a build-to-suit facility to be used as the new corporate headquarters which was completed in the third quarter of 2016. Since the Company is deemed to be the owner of this facility for accounting purposes during the construction period, it has recognized an asset and a corresponding financing obligation. The Company has recorded a build-to-suit financing obligation in other long-term liabilities of $24.7 million , $14.0 million , and $13.7 million at September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 , and September 30, 2016 , respectively. The Company has recorded a build-to-suit financing obligation in other current liabilities of $1.4 million , $0.9 million , and $1.3 million at September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 , and September 30, 2016 , respectively.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Certain supplemental cash flow information, including noncash investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Interest paid $ 20,356 $ 18,008 Noncash investing and financing activity Capital projects incurred but not yet paid 6,319 13,104 Investment merger (decreasing equity method investments and non-controlling interest) 8,360 — Dividends declared not yet paid 4,501 4,342

Sale of Assets

Sale of Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Sale of Assets	Property, Plant and Equipment The components of Property, plant and equipment, net are as follows: (in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, Land $ 23,342 $ 30,672 $ 28,473 Land improvements and leasehold improvements 71,559 79,631 82,908 Buildings and storage facilities 298,951 322,856 319,950 Machinery and equipment 384,422 392,418 393,178 Construction in progress 7,703 12,784 21,284 785,977 838,361 845,793 Less: accumulated depreciation 366,629 388,309 385,546 $ 419,348 $ 450,052 $ 460,247 Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $36.0 million and $35.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Additionally, depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $11.9 million and $12.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. In December 2016, the Company recorded charges totaling $6.0 million for impairment of property, plant and equipment in the Retail business. This does not include $0.5 million of impairment charges related to software. The Company wrote down the value of these assets to the extent their carrying amounts exceeded fair value. The Company classified the significant assumptions used to determine fair value of the impaired assets as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. In December 2016, the Company also recorded charges totaling $2.3 million for impairment of property, plant and equipment in the Plant Nutrient segment due to the closing of a cob facility. Rail Group Assets The components of Rail Group assets leased to others are as follows: (in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, Rail Group assets leased to others $ 484,214 $ 431,571 $ 438,211 Less: accumulated depreciation 106,821 104,376 103,810 $ 377,393 $ 327,195 $ 334,401 Depreciation expense on Rail Group assets leased to others amounted to $14.9 million and $14.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Additionally, depreciation expense on Rail Group assets leased to others amounted to $5.2 million and $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Sale of Assets During the third quarter of 2017 the Company sold two of its retail properties for $7.6 million and recorded a $5.7 million gain in Other income, net. On March 31, 2017 the Company sold four farm center locations in Florida for $17.4 million and recorded a $4.7 million gain, net of transaction costs in Other income, net. The sale price included a working capital adjustment of $3.6 million . On May 2, 2016 the Company sold eight grain and agronomy locations in Iowa for $54.3 million and recorded a nominal gain.

Exit Costs and Assets Held for

Exit Costs and Assets Held for Sale	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Exit Costs and Assets Held for Sale	Exit Costs and Assets Held for Sale The Retail business closed during the second quarter of 2017, and inventory and fixtures liquidation efforts are complete. The Company incurred minimal additional exit charges during the third quarter of 2017 and a total of $11.5 million through the first three quarters of 2017, consisting primarily of employee severance and related benefits. As a result of the closure, the Company also classified $8.4 million of Property, plant and equipment, net as Assets held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2017.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 are as follows: (in thousands) Grain Plant Nutrient Rail Total Balance as of January 1, 2017 $ — $ 59,767 $ 4,167 $ 63,934 Acquisitions 1,171 — — 1,171 Impairments — (42,000 ) — (42,000 ) Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 1,171 $ 17,767 $ 4,167 $ 23,105 The Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $42.0 million associated with the Wholesale reporting unit in the second quarter of 2017. With the estimated fair value of the reporting unit now equaling its carrying value as of June 30, 2017, the Wholesale reporting unit has a greater risk of future impairment to the remaining goodwill balance of $17.1 million . The Company will be completing its annual goodwill assessment as of October 1. Any negative change in assumptions, including decreased current performance and/or forecasted performance, as well as increased interest rates and/or cost of capital will negatively impact the fair value of the reporting unit. Increases in the book value of the reporting unit, such as additional capital investments or working capital increases will also negatively impact the goodwill assessment. Finally relative performance shortfalls, when compared to peer results, could also negatively impact the goodwill assessment. The magnitude of each of these changes may result in additional goodwill impairment in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Classes of inventories	Major classes of inventories are as follows: (in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, Grain $ 342,837 $ 495,139 $ 262,165 Ethanol and co-products 12,502 10,887 7,734 Plant nutrients and cob products 114,131 150,259 126,922 Retail merchandise 718 20,678 24,985 Railcar repair parts 5,414 5,784 5,948 $ 475,602 $ 682,747 $ 427,754

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of property, plant and equipment	The components of Property, plant and equipment, net are as follows: (in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, Land $ 23,342 $ 30,672 $ 28,473 Land improvements and leasehold improvements 71,559 79,631 82,908 Buildings and storage facilities 298,951 322,856 319,950 Machinery and equipment 384,422 392,418 393,178 Construction in progress 7,703 12,784 21,284 785,977 838,361 845,793 Less: accumulated depreciation 366,629 388,309 385,546 $ 419,348 $ 450,052 $ 460,247
Components of railcar assets leased to others	The components of Rail Group assets leased to others are as follows: (in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, Rail Group assets leased to others $ 484,214 $ 431,571 $ 438,211 Less: accumulated depreciation 106,821 104,376 103,810 $ 377,393 $ 327,195 $ 334,401

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	The Company’s short-term and long-term debt at September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 consisted of the following: (in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, Short-term Debt – Non-Recourse $ — $ — $ — Short-term Debt – Recourse 19,000 29,000 — Total Short-term Debt $ 19,000 $ 29,000 $ — Current Maturities of Long-term Debt – Non-Recourse $ — $ — $ — Current Maturities of Long-term Debt – Recourse 53,972 47,545 51,520 Total Current Maturities of Long-term Debt $ 53,972 $ 47,545 $ 51,520 Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities – Non-Recourse $ — $ — $ — Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities – Recourse 371,315 397,065 395,559 Total Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities $ 371,315 $ 397,065 $ 395,559

Derivatives (Tables)

Derivatives (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of Company's commodity derivative instruments for cash collateral and associated cash as collateral	The net asset or liability positions of these derivatives (net of their cash collateral) are determined on a counterparty-by-counterparty basis and are included within current or noncurrent commodity derivative assets (or liabilities) on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Net derivative asset position Net derivative liability position Net derivative asset position Net derivative liability position Net derivative asset position Net derivative liability position Collateral paid (received) $ 27,737 $ — $ 28,273 $ — $ 13,358 $ — Fair value of derivatives (999 ) — 1,599 — 16,258 — Balance at end of period $ 26,738 $ — $ 29,872 $ — $ 29,616 $ —
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The following table presents, on a gross basis, current and noncurrent commodity derivative assets and liabilities: September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total Commodity derivative assets $ 33,804 $ 288 $ 676 $ 74 $ 34,842 Commodity derivative liabilities (16,339 ) (43 ) (39,254 ) (976 ) (56,612 ) Cash collateral 27,737 — — — 27,737 Balance sheet line item totals $ 45,202 $ 245 $ (38,578 ) $ (902 ) $ 5,967 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total Commodity derivative assets $ 36,146 $ 140 $ 1,447 $ 6 $ 37,739 Commodity derivative liabilities (18,972 ) (40 ) (24,614 ) (345 ) (43,971 ) Cash collateral 28,273 — — — 28,273 Balance sheet line item totals $ 45,447 $ 100 $ (23,167 ) $ (339 ) $ 22,041 September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Commodity Derivative Assets - Current Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent Total Commodity derivative assets $ 60,372 $ 1,356 $ 3,318 $ 58 $ 65,104 Commodity derivative liabilities (13,893 ) (10 ) (63,088 ) (2,012 ) (79,003 ) Cash collateral 13,358 — — — 13,358 Balance sheet line item totals $ 59,837 $ 1,346 $ (59,770 ) $ (1,954 ) $ (541 )
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts	The Company had the following volume of commodity derivative contracts outstanding (on a gross basis) at September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 : September 30, 2017 Commodity (in thousands) Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons Non-exchange traded: Corn 222,287 — — — Soybeans 44,463 — — — Wheat 8,598 — — — Oats 36,451 — — — Ethanol — 201,521 — Corn oil — — 5,782 — Other 51 — 110 Subtotal 311,850 201,521 5,782 110 Exchange traded: Corn 113,990 — — — Soybeans 45,220 — — — Wheat 61,795 — — — Oats 895 — — — Ethanol — 22,890 — — Other — 840 — — Subtotal 221,900 23,730 — — Total 533,750 225,251 5,782 110 December 31, 2016 Commodity (in thousands) Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons Non-exchange traded: Corn 175,549 — — — Soybeans 20,592 — — — Wheat 7,177 — — — Oats 36,025 — — — Ethanol — 215,081 — — Corn oil — — 9,358 — Other 108 1,144 — 110 Subtotal 239,451 216,225 9,358 110 Exchange traded: Corn 63,225 — — — Soybeans 39,005 — — — Wheat 45,360 — — — Oats 4,120 — — — Ethanol — 78,120 — — Subtotal 151,710 78,120 — — Total 391,161 294,345 9,358 110 September 30, 2016 Commodity (in thousands) Number of Bushels Number of Gallons Number of Pounds Number of Tons Non-exchange traded: Corn 226,492 — — — Soybeans 60,614 — — — Wheat 7,933 — — — Oats 28,939 — — — Ethanol — 191,906 — — Corn oil — — 7,153 — Other 129 — — 251 Subtotal 324,107 191,906 7,153 251 Exchange traded: Corn 105,395 — — — Soybeans 35,245 — — — Wheat 39,715 — — — Oats 2,800 — — — Ethanol — 74,046 — — Subtotal 183,155 74,046 — — Total 507,262 265,952 7,153 251
Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income gains and location of line items	Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest rate derivative gains (losses) included in Interest income (expense) $ 229 $ 652 $ 601 $ (1,642 ) Foreign currency derivative gains (losses) included in Other income, net 950 (261 ) 1,717 (1,130 ) The gains and losses included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the line items in which they are located are as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Gains (losses) on commodity derivatives included in cost of sales and merchandising revenues $ (690 ) $ (48,620 ) $ (15,538 ) $ (22,679 )
Schedule of Fair Value of Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities	t September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , the Company had recorded the following amounts for the fair value of the Company's other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Interest rate contracts included in Other long-term liabilities $ (1,929 ) $ (2,530 ) $ (4,774 ) Foreign currency contracts included in Other current assets (Accrued expenses and other current liabilities) 1,605 (112 ) 1,130

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Pension Benefits
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	The following are components of the net periodic benefit cost for the pension and postretirement benefit plans maintained by the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Pension Benefits (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest cost 38 49 116 145 Recognized net actuarial loss 63 36 189 109 Benefit cost $ 101 $ 85 $ 305 $ 254
Postretirement Benefits
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	Postretirement Benefits (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Service cost $ 81 $ 190 $ 310 $ 570 Interest cost 202 387 784 1,162 Amortization of prior service cost (228 ) (88 ) (228 ) (266 ) Recognized net actuarial loss — 192 — 576 Benefit cost $ 55 $ 681 $ 866 $ 2,042

Accumulated Other Comprehensi32

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following tables summarize the after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a) Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Investment in Convertible Preferred Securities Defined Benefit Plan Items Total Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Investment in Convertible Preferred Securities Defined Benefit Plan Items Total Beginning Balance $ (9,529 ) $ — $ (2,464 ) $ (11,993 ) $ (11,002 ) $ — $ (1,466 ) $ (12,468 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 2,201 211 41 $ 2,453 3,674 211 (957 ) 2,928 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — — (142 ) $ (142 ) — — (142 ) (142 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 2,201 211 (101 ) 2,311 3,674 211 (1,099 ) 2,786 Ending balance $ (7,328 ) $ 211 $ (2,565 ) $ (9,682 ) $ (7,328 ) $ 211 $ (2,565 ) $ (9,682 ) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a) Three months ended September 30, 2016 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan Items Total Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Investment in Debt Securities Defined Benefit Plan Items Total Beginning Balance $ 9 $ (9,484 ) $ (7,619 ) $ (17,094 ) $ (111 ) $ (12,041 ) $ 126 $ (8,913 ) $ (20,939 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications — (298 ) 143 (155 ) 120 2,259 — 1,547 3,926 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — — (56 ) (56 ) — — (126 ) (166 ) (292 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) — (298 ) 87 (211 ) 120 2,259 (126 ) 1,381 3,634 Ending balance $ 9 $ (9,782 ) $ (7,532 ) $ (17,305 ) $ 9 $ (9,782 ) $ — $ (7,532 ) $ (17,305 ) (a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table shows the reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016: Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a) (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Defined Benefit Plan Items Amortization of prior-service cost (227 ) (b) (227 ) (b) (227 ) Total before tax (227 ) Total before tax 85 Income tax provision 85 Income tax provision $ (142 ) Net of tax $ (142 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications for the period $ (142 ) Net of tax (142 ) Net of tax Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a) (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, 2016 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented Defined Benefit Plan Items Amortization of prior-service cost $ (89 ) (b) $ (266 ) (b) (89 ) Total before tax (266 ) Total before tax 33 Income tax provision 100 Income tax provision $ (56 ) Net of tax $ (166 ) Net of tax Other items Recognition of gain on sale of investment — (200 ) — Total before tax (200 ) Total before tax — Income tax provision 74 Income tax provision — Net of tax (126 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications for the period $ (56 ) Net of tax (292 ) Net of tax (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss (b) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 6).

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	(in thousands, except per common share data) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc. $ 2,533 $ 1,722 $ (27,208 ) $ 1,449 Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock — 2 — 7 Earnings (losses) available to common shareholders $ 2,533 $ 1,720 $ (27,208 ) $ 1,442 Earnings per share – basic: Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 28,350 28,222 28,327 28,184 Earnings (losses) per common share – basic $ 0.09 $ 0.06 $ (0.96 ) $ 0.05 Earnings per share – diluted: Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 28,350 28,222 28,327 28,184 Effect of dilutive awards 134 140 — 196 Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted 28,484 28,362 28,327 28,380 Earnings (losses) per common share – diluted $ 0.09 $ 0.06 $ (0.96 ) $ 0.05

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 : (in thousands) September 30, 2017 Assets (liabilities) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Commodity derivatives, net (a) $ 26,738 $ (20,771 ) $ — $ 5,967 Provisionally priced contracts (b) (85,546 ) (33,944 ) — (119,490 ) Convertible preferred securities (c) — — 6,638 6,638 Other assets and liabilities (d) 10,996 (1,929 ) — 9,067 Total $ (47,812 ) $ (56,644 ) $ 6,638 $ (97,818 ) (in thousands) December 31, 2016 Assets (liabilities) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Restricted cash $ 471 $ — $ — $ 471 Commodity derivatives, net (a) 29,872 (7,831 ) — 22,041 Provisionally priced contracts (b) (105,321 ) (64,876 ) — (170,197 ) Convertible preferred securities (c) — — 3,294 3,294 Other assets and liabilities (d) 9,391 (2,530 ) — 6,861 Total $ (65,587 ) $ (75,237 ) $ 3,294 $ (137,530 ) (in thousands) September 30, 2016 Assets (liabilities) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Restricted cash $ 190 $ — $ — $ 190 Commodity derivatives, net (a) 34,620 (35,161 ) — (541 ) Provisionally priced contracts (b) (79,022 ) (20,500 ) (99,522 ) Convertible preferred securities (c) — — 3,294 3,294 Other assets and liabilities (d) 11,015 (4,774 ) — 6,241 Total $ (33,197 ) $ (60,435 ) $ 3,294 $ (90,338 ) (a) Includes associated cash posted/received as collateral (b) Included in "Provisionally priced contracts" are those instruments based only on underlying futures values (Level 1) and delayed price contracts (Level 2) (c) Recorded in “Other noncurrent assets” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (d) Included in other assets and liabilities are deferred compensation assets, ethanol risk management contracts, and foreign exchange derivative contracts (Level 1), and interest rate derivatives (Level 2)
Beginning and ending balances for the Company's fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs	A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for the Company’s fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs is as follows: Contingent Consideration Convertible Preferred Securities (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Asset (liability) at January 1, $ — $ (350 ) $ 3,294 $ 13,550 Gains (losses) included in earnings — 190 — 710 Sales proceeds — — — (13,485 ) Asset (liability) at March 31, $ — $ (160 ) $ 3,294 $ 775 Gains (losses) included in earnings — 160 — 19 New investments — — — 2,500 Asset (liability) at June 30, $ — $ — $ 3,294 $ 3,294 Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income — — 344 — New investments — — 3,000 — Asset (liability) at September 30, $ — $ — $ 6,638 $ 3,294
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information	The following tables summarize quantitative information about the Company's Level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 : Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (in thousands) Fair Value as of September 30, 2017 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average Convertible preferred securities (a) $ 6,638 Implied based on market prices N/A N/A (in thousands) Fair Value as of December 31, 2016 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average Convertible preferred securities (a) $ 3,294 Cost Basis, Plus Interest N/A N/A Real Property $ 11,210 Third-Party Appraisal N/A N/A (in thousands) Fair Value as of September 30, 2016 Valuation Method Unobservable Input Weighted Average Convertible preferred securities (a) $ 3,294 Cost Basis, Plus Interest N/A N/A
Fair value of long-term debt estimated using quoted market prices or discounted future cash flows	The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated using quoted market prices or discounted future cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. As such, the Company has concluded that the fair value of long-term debt is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. (in thousands) September 30, December 31, September 30, Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities $ 431,542 $ 450,940 $ 458,268 Fair value in excess of carrying value (a) 2,389 3,116 7,714

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Company's investment balance in each of its equity method investees by entity	The following table presents combined summarized unaudited financial information of these investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016: (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues $ 1,601,778 $ 1,646,697 $ 4,603,808 $ 4,676,583 Gross profit 58,826 50,141 155,568 127,963 Income from continuing operations 9,501 18,965 15,507 1,428 Net income (loss) 7,918 17,217 14,878 (2,924 ) Net income (loss) attributable to companies 9,545 17,752 15,781 (1,347 ) The following table presents the Company’s investment balance in each of its equity method investees by entity: (in thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC $ 42,302 $ 38,972 $ 36,661 The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC 17,837 19,739 21,340 The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC 12,390 22,069 23,812 Lansing Trade Group, LLC 89,541 89,050 91,573 Thompsons Limited (a) 50,399 46,184 47,494 Other 2,562 917 4,234 Total $ 215,031 $ 216,931 $ 225,114 (a) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures
Income (loss) earned from the Company's equity method investments by entity	The following table summarizes income (loss) earned from the Company’s equity method investments by entity: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) % Ownership at September 30, 2017 2017 2016 2017 2016 The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC 55% $ 1,473 $ 2,528 $ 3,331 $ 3,857 The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC 39% 1,822 2,706 2,597 3,516 The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC 33% 985 2,655 1,301 2,557 Lansing Trade Group, LLC 33% (a) 305 689 491 (7,412 ) Thompsons Limited (b) 50% (940 ) (156 ) 546 1,271 Other 5% - 50% (59 ) — (173 ) — Total $ 3,586 $ 8,422 $ 8,093 $ 3,789 (a) This does not consider restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 0.6% (b) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures
Schedule of aggregate summarized financial information of subsidiaries	The following table sets forth the related party transactions entered into for the time periods presented: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Sales revenues $ 225,367 $ 177,724 $ 665,331 $ 549,426 Service fee revenues (a) 14,397 3,800 28,433 13,290 Purchases of product 165,084 128,081 467,495 346,590 Lease income (b) 1,850 1,300 4,559 4,662 Labor and benefits reimbursement (c) 3,208 2,862 10,071 9,702 Other expenses (d) — — — 149 (a) Service fee revenues include management fees, corn origination fees, ethanol and distillers dried grains (DDG) marketing fees, and other commissions. (b) Lease income includes the lease of the Company’s Albion, Michigan and Clymers, Indiana grain facilities as well as certain railcars to the various ethanol LLCs and IANR. (c) The Company provides all operational labor to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs and charges them an amount equal to the Company’s costs of the related services. (d) Other expenses include payments to IANR for repair facility rent and use of their railroad reporting mark, payment to LTG for the lease of railcars and other various expenses. (in thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 Accounts receivable (e) $ 18,694 $ 26,254 $ 18,028 Accounts payable (f) 27,413 23,961 15,352 (e) Accounts receivable represents amounts due from related parties for sales of corn, leasing revenue and service fees. (f) Accounts payable represents amounts due to related parties for purchases of ethanol and other various items. The following table presents combined summarized unaudited financial information of these investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016: (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues $ 1,601,778 $ 1,646,697 $ 4,603,808 $ 4,676,583 Gross profit 58,826 50,141 155,568 127,963 Income from continuing operations 9,501 18,965 15,507 1,428 Net income (loss) 7,918 17,217 14,878 (2,924 ) Net income (loss) attributable to companies 9,545 17,752 15,781 (1,347 )

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues from external customers Grain $ 497,613 $ 550,189 $ 1,464,588 $ 1,611,992 Ethanol 191,531 139,413 533,515 396,626 Plant Nutrient 103,620 101,770 514,943 588,797 Rail 43,093 38,201 121,632 118,152 Retail 738 30,039 47,595 96,168 Total $ 836,595 $ 859,612 $ 2,682,273 $ 2,811,735 Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Inter-segment sales Grain $ 72 $ 7 $ 279 $ 1,632 Plant Nutrient — 61 241 422 Rail 327 328 893 1,062 Total $ 399 $ 396 $ 1,413 $ 3,116 Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Income (loss) before income taxes Grain $ 2,641 $ 1,879 $ 4,497 $ (28,563 ) Ethanol 6,098 9,541 12,474 13,048 Plant Nutrient (7,920 ) (7,231 ) (27,074 ) 18,008 Rail 6,127 6,754 18,065 22,698 Retail 4,424 (1,578 ) (9,140 ) (2,644 ) Other (6,448 ) (6,539 ) (18,525 ) (19,612 ) Noncontrolling interests 83 1,619 73 1,711 Total $ 5,005 $ 4,445 $ (19,630 ) $ 4,646 (in thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 Identifiable assets Grain $ 799,655 $ 961,114 $ 721,412 Ethanol 173,545 171,115 174,822 Plant Nutrient 389,396 484,455 462,328 Rail 446,884 398,446 383,631 Retail 9,138 31,257 42,880 Other 145,542 186,462 199,338 Total $ 1,964,160 $ 2,232,849 $ 1,984,411

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform37

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow Supplemental Information	Certain supplemental cash flow information, including noncash investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2017 2016 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Interest paid $ 20,356 $ 18,008 Noncash investing and financing activity Capital projects incurred but not yet paid 6,319 13,104 Investment merger (decreasing equity method investments and non-controlling interest) 8,360 — Dividends declared not yet paid 4,501 4,342

Goodwill and Other Intangible38

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 are as follows: (in thousands) Grain Plant Nutrient Rail Total Balance as of January 1, 2017 $ — $ 59,767 $ 4,167 $ 63,934 Acquisitions 1,171 — — 1,171 Impairments — (42,000 ) — (42,000 ) Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 1,171 $ 17,767 $ 4,167 $ 23,105

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) $ in Thousands, bu in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)bu	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)bu	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)bu
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Grain	$ 342,837	$ 495,139	$ 262,165
Ethanol and co-products	12,502	10,887	7,734
Plant nutrients and cob products	114,131	150,259	126,922
Retail merchandise	718	20,678	24,985
Railcar repair parts	5,414	5,784	5,948
Total inventories	$ 475,602	$ 682,747	$ 427,754
Bushels of grain held in storage and excluded from inventory calculations | bu	1	0.9	1

Property, Plant and Equipment40

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Components of property, plant and equipment
Land	$ 23,342	$ 30,672	$ 28,473
Land improvements and leasehold improvements	71,559	79,631	82,908
Buildings and storage facilities	298,951	322,856	319,950
Machinery and equipment	384,422	392,418	393,178
Construction in progress	7,703	12,784	21,284
Property, plant and equipment, gross	785,977	838,361	845,793
Less: accumulated depreciation	366,629	388,309	385,546
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 419,348	$ 450,052	$ 460,247

Property, Plant and Equipment41

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense		$ 11.9	$ 12	$ 36	$ 35.7
Depreciation expense on railcar assets leased to others		$ 5.2	$ 4.7	$ 14.9	$ 14
Retail
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	$ 6
Capitalized computer software, impairments	0.5
Plant Nutrient
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	$ 2.3

Property, Plant and Equipment42

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Components of Railcar assets leased to others
Rail Group assets leased to others, gross	$ 484,214	$ 431,571	$ 438,211
Less: accumulated depreciation	106,821	104,376	103,810
Railcar assets leased to others, net	$ 377,393	$ 327,195	$ 334,401

Debt (Details Textual)

Debt (Details Textual) - Line of credit - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Apr. 13, 2017
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 820	$ 800
Total available for borrowings under lines of credit	718.5
Secured Debt
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 20

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term debt	$ 19,000	$ 29,000	$ 0
Long-term debt
Total current maturities of long-term debt	53,972	47,545	51,520
Total long-term debt, less current maturities	371,315	397,065	395,559
Nonrecourse
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term debt	0	0	0
Long-term debt
Total current maturities of long-term debt	0	0	0
Total long-term debt, less current maturities	0	0	0
Recourse
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term debt	19,000	29,000	0
Long-term debt
Total current maturities of long-term debt	53,972	47,545	51,520
Total long-term debt, less current maturities	$ 371,315	$ 397,065	$ 395,559

Derivatives (Details Textual)

Derivatives (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivatives (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum period in which contracts for the sale of grain to processors or other consumers extend (years)	1 year

Derivatives (Details)

Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Estimated fair value of Company's commodity derivative instruments for cash collateral and associated cash as collateral
Net derivative asset position, Collateral paid (received)	$ 27,737	$ 28,273	$ 13,358
Net derivative asset position, Fair value of derivatives	(999)	1,599	16,258
Net derivative asset position, net	26,738	29,872	29,616
Net derivative liability position, Collateral paid	0	0	0
Net derivative liability position, Fair value of derivatives	0	0	0
Net derivative liability position, net	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Derivatives (Details 1)

Derivatives (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Commodity derivative assets	$ (999)	$ 1,599	$ 16,258
Commodity derivative liabilities	0	0	0
Commodity derivative assets - current	45,202	45,447	59,837
Commodity derivative assets - noncurrent	245	100	1,346
Commodity derivative liabilities - current	(38,578)	(23,167)	(59,770)
Commodity derivative liabilities - noncurrent	(902)	(339)	(1,954)
Commodity
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Commodity derivative assets	34,842	37,739	65,104
Commodity derivative liabilities	(56,612)	(43,971)	(79,003)
Cash collateral	27,737	28,273	13,358
Total	5,967	22,041	(541)
Commodity Derivative Assets - Current | Commodity
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Commodity derivative assets	33,804	36,146	60,372
Commodity derivative liabilities	(16,339)	(18,972)	(13,893)
Cash collateral	27,737	28,273	13,358
Commodity derivative assets - current	45,202	45,447	59,837
Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent | Commodity
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Commodity derivative assets	288	140	1,356
Commodity derivative liabilities	(43)	(40)	(10)
Cash collateral	0	0	0
Commodity derivative assets - noncurrent	245	100	1,346
Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current | Commodity
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Commodity derivative assets	676	1,447	3,318
Commodity derivative liabilities	(39,254)	(24,614)	(63,088)
Cash collateral	0	0	0
Commodity derivative liabilities - current	(38,578)	(23,167)	(59,770)
Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent | Commodity
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Commodity derivative assets	74	6	58
Commodity derivative liabilities	(976)	(345)	(2,012)
Cash collateral	0	0	0
Commodity derivative liabilities - noncurrent	$ (902)	$ (339)	$ (1,954)

Derivatives (Details 2)

Derivatives (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Commodity | Cost of Sales and Merchandising Revenues
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on derivatives instruments	$ (690)	$ (48,620)	$ (15,538)	$ (22,679)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate contracts | Interest Income (Expense)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on derivatives instruments	229	652	601	(1,642)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign currency contract | Other Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on derivatives instruments	$ 950	$ (261)	$ 1,717	$ (1,130)

Derivatives (Details 3)

Derivatives (Details 3) lb in Thousands, gal in Thousands, bu in Thousands, T in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017lb	Sep. 30, 2017bu	Sep. 30, 2017T	Sep. 30, 2017gal	Dec. 31, 2016lb	Dec. 31, 2016bu	Dec. 31, 2016T	Dec. 31, 2016gal	Sep. 30, 2016lb	Sep. 30, 2016bu	Sep. 30, 2016T	Sep. 30, 2016gal
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	5,782	533,750	110	225,251	9,358	391,161	110	294,345	7,153	507,262	251	265,952
Non-exchange Traded
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	5,782	311,850	110	201,521	9,358	239,451	110	216,225	7,153	324,107	251	191,906
Non-exchange Traded | Corn
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	0	222,287	0	0	0	175,549	0	0	0	226,492	0	0
Non-exchange Traded | Soybeans
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	0	44,463	0	0	0	20,592	0	0	0	60,614	0	0
Non-exchange Traded | Wheat
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	0	8,598	0	0	0	7,177	0	0	0	7,933	0	0
Non-exchange Traded | Oats
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	0	36,451	0	0	0	36,025	0	0	0	28,939	0	0
Non-exchange Traded | Ethanol
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount		0	0	201,521	0	0	0	215,081	0	0	0	191,906
Non-exchange Traded | Corn Oil
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	5,782	0	0	0	9,358	0	0	0	7,153	0	0	0
Non-exchange Traded | Other
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount		51	110	0	0	108	110	1,144	0	129	251	0
Exchange Traded
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	0	221,900	0	23,730	0	151,710	0	78,120	0	183,155	0	74,046
Exchange Traded | Corn
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	0	113,990	0	0	0	63,225	0	0	0	105,395	0	0
Exchange Traded | Soybeans
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	0	45,220	0	0	0	39,005	0	0	0	35,245	0	0
Exchange Traded | Wheat
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	0	61,795	0	0	0	45,360	0	0	0	39,715	0	0
Exchange Traded | Oats
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	0	895	0	0	0	4,120	0	0	0	2,800	0	0
Exchange Traded | Ethanol
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	0	0	0	22,890	0	0	0	78,120	0	0	0	74,046
Exchange Traded | Other
Amounts of quantities outstanding included in commodity derivative contracts
Nonmonetary notional amount	0	0	0	840

Derivatives (Details 4)

Derivatives (Details 4) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Other long term liabilities | Interest rate contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	$ (1,929)	$ (2,530)	$ (4,774)
Short term assets (liabilities) | Foreign currency contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 1,605	$ (112)	$ 1,130

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Pension Benefits
Components of the net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost	$ 38	$ 49	$ 116	$ 145
Recognized net actuarial loss	63	36	189	109
Benefit cost (income)	101	85	305	254
Postretirement Benefits
Components of the net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	81	190	310	570
Interest cost	202	387	784	1,162
Amortization of prior service cost	(228)	(88)	(228)	(266)
Recognized net actuarial loss	0	192	0	576
Benefit cost (income)	$ 55	$ 681	$ 866	$ 2,042

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. Federal tax rate			35.00%
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 2,389	$ 1,104	$ 7,505	$ 1,486
Effective tax rate	47.70%	24.80%	(38.20%)	32.00%
Increase rate related to reversal of previously recorded railroad track maintenance	6.70%
Goodwill write-off	$ 0	$ 0	$ 42,000	$ 0

Accumulated Other Comprehensi53

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	[1]	$ (11,993)	$ (17,094)		$ (12,468)		$ (20,939)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	2,453	(155)		2,928		3,926
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(142)	(56)		(142)		(292)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	2,311	(211)		2,786		3,634
Ending balance	[1]	(9,682)	(17,305)		(9,682)		(17,305)
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	[1]		9				(111)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]		0				120
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]		0				0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]		0				120
Ending balance	[1]		9				9
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	[1]	(9,529)	(9,484)		(11,002)		(12,041)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	2,201	(298)		3,674		2,259
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	0	0		0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		2,201	(298)	[1]	3,674		2,259	[1]
Ending balance	[1]	(7,328)	(9,782)		(7,328)		(9,782)
Investment in Convertible Preferred and Debt Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		0			0	[1]	126	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		211			211	[1]	0	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		0			0		(126)	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss)		211			211	[1]	(126)	[1]
Ending balance	[1]	211	0		211		0
Defined Benefit Plan Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	[1]	(2,464)	(7,619)		(1,466)		(8,913)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	[1]	41	143		(957)		1,547
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(142)	(56)		(142)		(166)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(101)	87	[1]	(1,099)		1,381	[1]
Ending balance	[1]	$ (2,565)	$ (7,532)		$ (2,565)		$ (7,532)
[1]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits

Accumulated Other Comprehensi54

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Schedule of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of Reclassifciations Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes		$ 5,005	$ 4,445	$ (19,630)		$ 4,646
Income tax provision		2,389	1,104	7,505		1,486
Net income (loss)		2,616	3,341	(27,135)		3,160
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Schedule of Reclassifciations Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	[1]	(142)	(56)	(142)		(292)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of prior-service cost
Schedule of Reclassifciations Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior-service cost	[2],[3]	(227)	(89)	(227)		(266)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(227)	(89)	(227)	[2]	(266)	[2]
Income tax provision		85	33	85		100
Net income (loss)		(142)	$ (56)	$ (142)	[2]	(166)	[2]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Recognition of gain on sale of investment
Schedule of Reclassifciations Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Recognition of gain on sale of investment		0				(200)	[1]
Income (loss) before income taxes		0				(200)	[1]
Income tax provision		0				74
Net income (loss)		$ 0				$ (126)	[1]
[1]	Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss
[2]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits
[3]	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 6).

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc.	$ 2,533	$ 1,722	$ (27,208)	$ 1,449
Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock	0	2	0	7
Earnings available to common shareholders	$ 2,533	$ 1,720	$ (27,208)	$ 1,442
Earnings per share - basic:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (shares)	28,350,000	28,222,000	28,327,000	28,184,000
Earnings per common share - basic (dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.06	$ (0.96)	$ 0.05
Earnings per share - diluted:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (shares)	28,350,000	28,222,000	28,327,000	28,184,000
Effect of dilutive awards (shares)	134,000	140,000	0	196,000
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	28,484,000	28,362,000	28,327,000	28,380,000
Earnings per common share - diluted (dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.06	$ (0.96)	$ 0.05
Earnings Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Antidilutive stock-based awards outstanding (shares)	43,000	0	43,000	0

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Restricted cash		$ 471	$ 190
Commodity derivatives, net	$ 5,967	22,041	(541)
Provisionally price contracts	(119,490)	(170,197)	(99,522)
Convertible preferred securities	6,638	3,294	3,294
Other assets and liabilities	9,067	6,861	6,241
Total	(97,818)	(137,530)	(90,338)
Level 1
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Restricted cash		471	190
Commodity derivatives, net	26,738	29,872	34,620
Provisionally price contracts	(85,546)	(105,321)	(79,022)
Convertible preferred securities	0	0	0
Other assets and liabilities	10,996	9,391	11,015
Total	(47,812)	(65,587)	(33,197)
Level 2
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Restricted cash		0	0
Commodity derivatives, net	(20,771)	(7,831)	(35,161)
Provisionally price contracts	(33,944)	(64,876)	(20,500)
Convertible preferred securities	0	0	0
Other assets and liabilities	(1,929)	(2,530)	(4,774)
Total	(56,644)	(75,237)	(60,435)
Level 3
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Restricted cash		0	0
Commodity derivatives, net	0	0	0
Provisionally price contracts	0	0
Convertible preferred securities	6,638	3,294	3,294
Other assets and liabilities	0	0	0
Total	$ 6,638	$ 3,294	$ 3,294

Fair Value Measurements (Deta57

Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) - Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Convertible preferred securities (a)
Reconciliation of Fair Value Measurements Using Level 3
Asset (liability), Beginning Balance	$ 3,294	$ 3,294	$ 3,294	$ 3,294	$ 775	$ 13,550
Gains (losses) included in earnings		0	0		19	710
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	344			0
Sales proceeds			0			(13,485)
New investments	3,000	0		0	2,500
Asset (liability), Ending Balance	6,638	3,294	3,294	3,294	3,294	775
Convertible preferred securities (a) | Implied based on market prices
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Convertible preferred securities (a)	6,638			3,294			$ 3,294
Real Property | Third-Party Appraisal
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Real Property							$ 11,210
Contingent Consideration
Reconciliation of Fair Value Measurements Using Level 3
Asset (liability), Beginning Balance	0	0	0	0	(160)	(350)
Gains (losses) included in earnings		0	0		160	190
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	0			0
Sales proceeds			0			0
New investments	0	0		0	0
Asset (liability), Ending Balance	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (160)

Fair Value Measurements (Deta58

Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair value of long-term debt estimated using quoted market prices or discounted future cash flows
Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities	$ 431,542	$ 450,940	$ 458,268
Fair value in excess of carrying value (a)	$ 2,389	$ 3,116	$ 7,714

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		$ 215,031	$ 225,114	$ 215,031	$ 225,114	$ 216,931
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		3,586	8,422	8,093	3,789
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		42,302	36,661	42,302	36,661	38,972
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		1,473	2,528	3,331	3,857
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		17,837	21,340	17,837	21,340	19,739
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		1,822	2,706	2,597	3,516
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		12,390	23,812	12,390	23,812	22,069
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		985	2,655	1,301	2,557
Lansing Trade Group LLC
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		89,541	91,573	89,541	91,573	89,050
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		305	689	491	(7,412)
Thompsons Limited
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments	[1]	50,399	47,494	50,399	47,494	46,184
Income earned from Company's equity method investees	[2]	(940)	(156)	546	1,271
Other
Equity Method Investment Companys Investment Balance In Each Equity Method Investees By Entity [Abstract]
Equity method investments		2,562	4,234	2,562	4,234	$ 917
Income earned from Company's equity method investees		$ (59)	$ 0	$ (173)	$ 0
[1]	Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures
[2]	Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures

Related Party Transactions (D60

Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates					$ 7.1	$ 24.1
Revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol		$ 160.8		$ 109.3	445.4	220.6
Revenues recognized for the sale of corn	$ 119.1		$ 90.4		362.2	314.5
Related party, Gross asset	1.9		5		1.9	5		$ 4.1
Related party, Gross liability	$ 0.1		$ 0.2		$ 0.1	$ 0.2		$ 0.1
TAEI
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)							66.00%
TAME
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	33.00%				33.00%		50.00%
Noncontrolling interest is attributed of all gains and losses of parent (percentage)	33.00%				33.00%

Related Party Transactions (D61

Related Party Transactions (Details 1)		Sep. 30, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Reduction in ownership percentage (percentage)		0.60%
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)		55.00%
The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)		39.00%
The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)		33.00%	50.00%
Lansing Trade Group LLC
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	[1]	33.00%
Thompsons Limited
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)	[2]	50.00%
Other | Minimum
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)		5.00%
Other | Maximum
Income Earned From Companys Equity Method Investments By Entity [Abstract]
Percentage of company ownership interest (percentage)		50.00%
[1]	This does not consider restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 0.6%
[2]	Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures

Related Party Transactions (D62

Related Party Transactions (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,601,778	$ 1,646,697	$ 4,603,808	$ 4,676,583
Gross profit	58,826	50,141	155,568	127,963
Income from continuing operations	9,501	18,965	15,507	1,428
Net income (loss)	7,918	17,217	14,878	(2,924)
Net income (loss) attributable to companies	$ 9,545	$ 17,752	$ 15,781	$ (1,347)

Related Party Transactions (D63

Related Party Transactions (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Related party transactions entered into for the time periods presented
Sales revenues		$ 225,367	$ 177,724	$ 665,331	$ 549,426
Service fee revenues	[1]	14,397	3,800	28,433	13,290
Purchases of product		165,084	128,081	467,495	346,590
Lease income	[2]	1,850	1,300	4,559	4,662
Labor and benefits reimbursement	[3]	3,208	2,862	10,071	9,702
Other expenses	[4]	0	0	0	149
Accounts receivable	[5]	18,694	18,028	18,694	18,028	$ 26,254
Accounts payable	[6]	$ 27,413	$ 15,352	$ 27,413	$ 15,352	$ 23,961
[1]	Service fee revenues include management fees, corn origination fees, ethanol and distillers dried grains (DDG) marketing fees, and other commissions.
[2]	Lease income includes the lease of the Company’s Albion, Michigan and Clymers, Indiana grain facilities as well as certain railcars to the various ethanol LLCs and IANR.
[3]	The Company provides all operational labor to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs and charges them an amount equal to the Company’s costs of the related services
[4]	Other expenses include payments to IANR for repair facility rent and use of their railroad reporting mark, payment to LTG for the lease of railcars and other various expenses
[5]	Accounts receivable represents amounts due from related parties for sales of corn, leasing revenue and service fees.
[6]	Accounts payable represents amounts due to related parties for purchases of ethanol and other various items.

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	$ 836,595	$ 859,612	$ 2,682,273	$ 2,811,735
Income (loss) before income taxes	5,005	4,445	(19,630)	4,646
Identifiable assets	1,964,160	1,984,411	1,964,160	1,984,411	$ 2,232,849
Operating Segments | Grain
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	497,613	550,189	1,464,588	1,611,992
Income (loss) before income taxes	2,641	1,879	4,497	(28,563)
Identifiable assets	799,655	721,412	799,655	721,412	961,114
Operating Segments | Ethanol
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	191,531	139,413	533,515	396,626
Income (loss) before income taxes	6,098	9,541	12,474	13,048
Identifiable assets	173,545	174,822	173,545	174,822	171,115
Operating Segments | Plant Nutrient
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	103,620	101,770	514,943	588,797
Income (loss) before income taxes	(7,920)	(7,231)	(27,074)	18,008
Identifiable assets	389,396	462,328	389,396	462,328	484,455
Operating Segments | Rail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	43,093	38,201	121,632	118,152
Income (loss) before income taxes	6,127	6,754	18,065	22,698
Identifiable assets	446,884	383,631	446,884	383,631	398,446
Operating Segments | Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	738	30,039	47,595	96,168
Income (loss) before income taxes	4,424	(1,578)	(9,140)	(2,644)
Identifiable assets	9,138	42,880	9,138	42,880	31,257
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	399	396	1,413	3,116
Segment Reconciling Items | Grain
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	72	7	279	1,632
Segment Reconciling Items | Plant Nutrient
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	0	61	241	422
Segment Reconciling Items | Rail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	327	328	893	1,062
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	(6,448)	(6,539)	(18,525)	(19,612)
Identifiable assets	145,542	199,338	145,542	199,338	$ 186,462
Noncontrolling interests
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 83	$ 1,619	$ 73	$ 1,711

Segment Information (Details Te

Segment Information (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments (business segments)	5
Number of consolidated segments	1
Number of segments accounted for as equity method investments	3
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	10.00%

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Build-to-Suit Lease
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Term of leasing contract	15 years
Other long term liabilities | Build-to-Suit Lease
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Financing obligation		$ 24.7	$ 14	$ 13.7
Other current liabilities | Build-to-Suit Lease
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Financing obligation		1.4	$ 0.9	$ 1.3
Plant Nutrient | 2015 Legal Claim
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Loss contingency liability		$ 2.2

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform67

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid	$ 20,356	$ 18,008
Noncash investing and financing activity
Capital projects incurred but not yet paid	6,319	13,104
Investment merger (decreasing equity method investments and non-controlling interest)	8,360	0
Dividends declared not yet paid	$ 4,501	$ 4,342

Sale of Assets (Details)

Sale of Assets (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)location	May 02, 2016USD ($)location	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)location
Retail Property
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations sold | location			2
Proceeds from sale of assets			$ 7.6
Gain on sale of assets			$ 5.7
Farm Center | Florida
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations sold | location	4
Proceeds from sale of assets	$ 17.4
Gain on sale of assets	4.7
Working capital adjustment receivable	$ 3.6
Grain and Agronomy | Iowa
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations sold | location		8
Gain on sale of assets		$ 54.3

Exit Costs and Assets Held fo69

Exit Costs and Assets Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment part of disposal group, held for sale	$ 8,383	$ 0	$ 0
Retail | Retail Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Exit charges	11,500
Retail | Retail Segment | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment part of disposal group, held for sale	$ 8,400

Goodwill and Other Intangible70

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of January 1, 2017			$ 63,934
Acquisitions			1,171
Impairments	$ 0	$ 0	(42,000)	$ 0
Balance as of September 30, 2017	23,105	$ 63,934	23,105	$ 63,934
Grain
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of January 1, 2017			0
Acquisitions			1,171
Impairments			0
Balance as of September 30, 2017	1,171		1,171
Plant Nutrient
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of January 1, 2017			59,767
Acquisitions			0
Impairments			(42,000)
Balance as of September 30, 2017	17,767		17,767
Rail
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of January 1, 2017			4,167
Acquisitions			0
Impairments			0
Balance as of September 30, 2017	$ 4,167		$ 4,167

Goodwill and Other Intangible71

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$ 0		$ 0	$ 42,000	$ 0
Goodwill	23,105		$ 63,934	23,105	$ 63,934	$ 63,934
Plant Nutrient
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment				42,000
Goodwill	17,767			17,767		$ 59,767
Plant Nutrient | Wholesale
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment		$ 42,000
Goodwill	$ 17,100			$ 17,100