Slicers (applies to each fact value in each table cell)

Reporting Entity [Axis]

0000821026 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK)

Inventory, Net [Abstract]	Period [Axis]
	2016-01-01 - 2016-12-31
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Classes of inventories	Major classes of inventories are as follows:   December 31, (in thousands) 2016   2015 Grain $ 495,139   $ 534,548 Ethanol and by-products 10,887   8,576 Plant nutrients and cob products 150,259   172,815 Retail merchandise 20,678   24,510 Railcar repair parts 5,784   6,894 Other —   56   $ 682,747   $ 747,399