Rush Enterprises (RUSHA) 10-K 29 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 23, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Common Class B [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		10,093,305
Common Class A [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		30,397,361
Entity Registrant Name	RUSH ENTERPRISES INC \TX\
Entity Central Index Key	1,012,019
Trading Symbol	rusha
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 939,968,581
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common Class B [Member]
Shareholders’ equity:
Treasury stock, at cost: 2,616,657 class B shares in 2015 and 2,560,580 class B shares in 2014	$ (43,368,000)	$ (41,904,000)
Cash and cash equivalents	64,847,000	191,463,000
Accounts receivable, net	156,977,000	170,027,000
Note receivable from affiliate	10,611,000	8,168,000
Inventories, net	1,061,198,000	1,024,104,000
Prepaid expenses and other	$ 32,953,000	28,312,000
Asset held for sale		5,053,000
Total current assets	$ 1,326,586,000	1,427,127,000
Investments	6,650,000	6,905,000
Property and equipment, net	1,172,824,000	923,080,000
Goodwill, net	285,041,000	265,145,000
Other assets, net	60,907,000	53,618,000
Total assets	2,852,008,000	2,675,875,000
Floor plan notes payable	854,758,000	845,977,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	151,024,000	149,065,000
Current maturities of capital lease obligations	$ 14,691,000	11,231,000
Liabilities directly associated with asset held for sale		6,160,000
Trade accounts payable	$ 120,255,000	124,555,000
Customer deposits	22,438,000	44,879,000
Accrued expenses	83,871,000	92,743,000
Total current liabilities	1,247,037,000	1,274,610,000
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	496,731,000	429,189,000
Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities	69,074,000	46,019,000
Other long-term liabilities	5,282,000	4,470,000
Deferred income taxes, net	188,987,000	157,248,000
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding in 2015 and 2014	0	0
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 60,000,000 Class A shares and 20,000,000 Class B shares authorized; 30,303,818 Class A shares and 10,093,305 Class B shares outstanding in 2015; and 29,889,332 Class A shares and 9,999,122 Class B shares outstanding in 2014	430,000	424,000
Additional paid-in capital	288,294,000	272,486,000
Retained earnings	599,846,000	533,793,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(305,000)	(460,000)
Total shareholders’ equity	844,897,000	764,339,000
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 2,852,008,000	$ 2,675,875,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	30,303,818	29,889,332
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	10,093,305	9,999,122
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	2,616,657	2,560,580
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
New and used commercial vehicle sales	$ 3,360,808	$ 3,195,873	$ 2,239,847
Parts and service sales	1,382,447	1,315,694	988,317
Lease and rental	199,867	177,561	129,638
Finance and insurance	21,150	19,988	15,320
Other	15,461	18,240	11,583
Total revenue	4,979,733	4,727,356	3,384,705
Cost of products sold:
New and used commercial vehicle sales	3,138,754	2,975,905	2,083,439
Parts and service sales	879,141	842,438	620,030
Lease and rental	176,891	152,967	109,222
Total cost of products sold	4,194,786	3,971,310	2,812,691
Gross profit	784,947	756,046	572,014
Selling, general and administrative	619,268	573,670	450,340
Depreciation and amortization	43,859	40,786	29,925
(Loss) gain on sale of assets	(544)	151	5
Operating income	121,276	141,741	91,754
Interest income (expense):
Interest income	490	239	41
Interest expense	(13,963)	(11,437)	(10,734)
Total interest expense, net	13,473	11,198	10,693
Income before taxes	107,803	130,543	81,061
Provision for income taxes	41,750	50,586	31,844
Net income	$ 66,053	$ 79,957	$ 49,217
Earnings per common share - Basic:
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 1.64	$ 2.01	$ 1.25
Earnings per common share - Diluted:
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 1.61	$ 1.96	$ 1.22

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income	$ 66,053	$ 79,957	$ 49,217
Other comprehensive income before tax and net of reclassification adjustments:
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	235	789	$ 892
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	19	427
Other comprehensive income, before tax	254	1,216	$ 892
Income tax expense related to components of other comprehensive income	99	474	338
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	155	742	554
Comprehensive income	$ 66,208	$ 80,699	$ 49,771

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]Common Class A [Member]	Common Stock [Member]Common Class B [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	27,999,000	10,792,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012			$ 404	$ 222,627	$ (17,948)	$ 404,619	$ (1,756)	$ 607,946
Stock options exercised and stock awards (including tax benefit of $2,566) (in shares)	747,000	43,000
Stock options exercised and stock awards			$ 8	11,325				11,333
Stock-based compensation related to stock options, restricted shares and employee stock purchase plan				8,645				8,645
Vesting of restricted share awards (in shares)	85,000	24,000
Vesting of restricted share awards			$ 1	(711)				(710)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	80,000
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan			$ 1	$ 1,268				1,269
Common stock repurchases (in shares)		(554,000)
Common stock repurchases					$ (12,873)			(12,873)
Other comprehensive income							$ 554	554
Net income						$ 49,217		49,217
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	28,911,000	10,305,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013			$ 414	$ 243,154	$ (30,821)	$ 453,836	$ (1,202)	665,381
Stock options exercised and stock awards (including tax benefit of $2,566) (in shares)	872,000	30,000
Stock options exercised and stock awards			$ 9	16,216				16,225
Stock-based compensation related to stock options, restricted shares and employee stock purchase plan				11,343				11,343
Vesting of restricted share awards (in shares)	42,000	113,000
Vesting of restricted share awards			$ 1	311				312
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	64,000
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan				$ 1,462				1,462
Common stock repurchases (in shares)		(449,000)
Common stock repurchases					$ (12,253)			(12,253)
Other comprehensive income							$ 742	742
Net income						$ 79,957		79,957
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	29,889,000	9,999,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014			$ 424	$ 272,486	$ (41,904)	$ 533,793	$ (460)	764,339
Issuance of common stock related to business acquisition					$ 1,170			$ 1,170
Stock options exercised and stock awards (including tax benefit of $2,566) (in shares)	182,000							182,199
Stock options exercised and stock awards			$ 2	$ 1,933				$ 1,935
Stock-based compensation related to stock options, restricted shares and employee stock purchase plan				12,384				12,384
Vesting of restricted share awards (in shares)	147,000	150,000
Vesting of restricted share awards			$ 3	(572)				(569)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	86,000
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan			$ 1	$ 2,063				2,064
Common stock repurchases (in shares)		(56,000)
Common stock repurchases					$ (1,464)			(1,464)
Other comprehensive income							$ 155	155
Net income						$ 66,053		66,053
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	30,304,000	10,093,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015			$ 430	$ 288,294	$ (43,368)	$ 599,846	$ (305)	$ 844,897

Consolidated Statements of Sto7

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock options exercised and stock awards, tax		$ 5,207	$ 2,566
Stock options exercised and stock awards, tax	$ 337

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 66,053	$ 79,957	$ 49,217
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities-
Depreciation and amortization	144,935	126,452	93,486
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment, net	544	(151)	(5)
Stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options and employee stock purchases	12,384	11,343	8,645
Provision for deferred income tax expense	31,645	25,229	22,081
Excess tax expense (benefit) from stock-based compensation	$ 337	(5,207)	$ (2,566)
Acquired research and development		2,000
Change in accounts receivable, net	$ 11,921	(67,664)	$ (10,358)
Change in inventories	18,664	(151,911)	(67,217)
Change in prepaid expenses and other, net	(3,690)	(13,215)	(1,789)
Change in trade accounts payable	(4,154)	24,180	38,105
(Payments) draws on floor plan notes payable – trade, net	(17,005)	44,870	13,044
Change in customer deposits	(22,371)	(13,802)	29,139
Change in accrued expenses	(12,013)	26,856	1,706
Net cash provided by operating activities	227,250	88,937	173,488
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(367,790)	(260,820)	(191,584)
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	3,319	249	633
Business acquisitions	(69,013)	(157,626)	$ (72,725)
Proceeds from the sale of available for sale securities	275	150
Other	(3,025)	1,631	$ (5,992)
Net cash used in investing activities	(436,234)	(416,416)	(269,668)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Draws on floor plan notes payable – non-trade, net	31,568	207,458	46,085
Proceeds from long-term debt	218,026	214,622	171,166
Principal payments on long-term debt	(154,685)	(112,828)	(88,048)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(14,506)	(12,531)	(13,511)
Proceeds from issuance of shares relating to employee stock options and employee stock purchases	3,766	11,962	9,327
Excess tax benefit (expense) from stock-based compensation	(337)	5,207	2,566
Common stock repurchased	(1,464)	(12,253)	(12,873)
Net cash provided by financing activities	82,368	301,637	114,712
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(126,616)	(25,842)	18,532
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	191,463	217,305	198,773
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	64,847	191,463	217,305
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	35,356	29,539	24,195
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 16,126	29,795	$ 9,314
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued related to business acquisition		2,000
Assets acquired under capital leases	$ 41,021	$ 24,314	$ 9,005

Note 1 - Organization and Opera

Note 1 - Organization and Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS Rush Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in 1965 under the laws of the State of Texas. The Company operates a network of commercial vehicle dealerships that primarily sell commercial vehicles manufactured by Peterbilt, International, Hino, Ford, Isuzu, Mitsubishi Fuso, IC Bus or Blue Bird. Through its strategically located network of Rush Truck Centers, the Company provides one-stop service for the needs of its commercial vehicle customers, including retail sales of new and used commercial vehicles, aftermarket parts sales, service and repair facilities, financing, leasing and rental, and insurance products.

Note 2 - Significant Accounting

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements presented herein include the accounts of Rush Enterprises, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Estimates in Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents generally consist of cash and other money market instruments. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents. Allowance for Doubtful Receivables and Repossession Losses The Company provides an allowance for doubtful receivables and repossession losses after considering historical loss experience and other factors that might affect the collection of accounts receivable and the ability of customers to meet their obligations on finance contracts sold by the Company. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined by specific identification of new and used commercial vehicle inventory and by the first-in, first-out method for parts and accessories. An allowance is provided when it is anticipated that cost will exceed net realizable value less a reasonable profit margin. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the useful life of the improvement, or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Provision for depreciation of property and equipment is calculated primarily on a straight-line basis. The Company capitalizes interest on borrowings during the active construction period of major capital projects. Capitalized interest, when incurred, is added to the cost of underlying assets and is amortized over the estimated useful life of such assets. The Company capitalized interest of approximately $972,000 related to major capital projects during 2015. The cost, accumulated depreciation and amortization and estimated useful lives are summarized as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Estimated Life (Years) Land $ 134,246 $ 98,033 – Buildings and improvements 313,706 233,742 10 – 39 Leasehold improvements 28,149 27,100 2 – 39 Machinery and shop equipment 59,455 48,988 5 – 20 Furniture, fixtures and computers 74,201 57,730 3 – 15 Transportation equipment 74,761 47,758 2 – 15 Lease and rental vehicles 825,787 697,147 2 – 8 Construction in progress 66,338 39,775 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (403,819 ) (327,193 ) Total $ 1,172,824 $ 923,080 As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $81.2 million in lease and rental vehicles under various capital leases included in property and equipment, net of accumulated amortization of $24.5 million. The Company recorded depreciation expense of $131.8 million and amortization expense of $13.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, and depreciation expense of $115.3 million and amortization expense of $11.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Depreciation and amortization of vehicles related to lease and rental operations is included in lease and rental cost of products sold. Goodwill Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or when indications of potential impairment exist. These indicators would include a significant change in operating performance, or a planned sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business, among other factors. The Company tests for goodwill impairment utilizing a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. The Company has deemed its reporting unit to be the Truck Segment, as all components of the Truck Segment are similar. The impairment test for goodwill involves comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss. The second step includes hypothetically valuing all the tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and comparing the hypothetical implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the hypothetical implied fair value of the goodwill, the Company would recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying amount. The Company determines the fair values calculated in an impairment test using the discounted cash flow method, which requires assumptions and estimates regarding future revenue, expenses and cash flow projections. The analysis is based upon available information regarding expected future cash flows of its reporting unit discounted at rates consistent with the cost of capital specific to the reporting unit. No impairment write down was required in the fourth quarter of 2015. However, the Company cannot predict the occurrence of certain events that might adversely affect the reported value of goodwill in the future. The following table sets forth the change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the Company for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Balance December 31, 2013 $ 215,464 Acquisitions 49,609 Adjustment 72 Balance December 31, 2014 265,145 Acquisitions 19,896 Balance December 31, 2015 $ 285,041 Other Assets The total capitalized costs of the SAP enterprise software and SAP dealership management system of $36.1 million, including capitalized interest, are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in Other Assets, net of accumulated amortization of $13.4 million. The SAP software is being amortized over a period of 15 years. The Company completed the conversion of all of its Rush Truck Centers and leasing operations to the SAP enterprise software and SAP dealership management system in the third quarter of 2015. Amortization expense relating to the SAP software, which is recognized in depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income, was $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 , $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 , and $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 . The Company estimates that amortization expense relating to the SAP software will be approximately $3.2 million for each of the next five succeeding years. The Company’s only significant identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill, are rights under franchise agreements with manufacturers. The fair value of the franchise right is determined at the acquisition date by discounting the projected cash flows specific to each acquisition. The carrying value of the Company’s manufacturer franchise rights was $7.9 million at December 31, 2015, and $7.0 million at December 31, 2014, and is included in Other Assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company has determined that manufacturer franchise rights have an indefinite life as there are no economic or other factors that limit their useful lives and they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely due to the historically long lives of the manufacturers’ brand names. Furthermore, to the extent that any agreements evidencing manufacturer franchise rights have expiration dates, the Company expects that it will be able to renew those agreements in the ordinary course of business. Accordingly, the Company does not amortize manufacturer franchise rights. Due to the fact that manufacturer franchise rights are specific to geographic region, the Company has determined that evaluating and including all locations acquired in the geographic region is the appropriate level for purposes of testing franchise rights for impairment. Management reviews indefinite-lived manufacturer franchise rights for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. The Company is subject to financial statement risk to the extent that manufacturer franchise rights become impaired due to decreases in the fair market value of its individual franchises. The significant estimates and assumptions used by management in assessing the recoverability of manufacturer franchise rights include estimated future cash flows, present value discount rate, and other factors. Any changes in these estimates or assumptions could result in an impairment charge. The estimates of future cash flows, based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, require management’s subjective judgment. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used, the estimated future cash flows projected in the evaluations of manufacturer franchise rights can vary within a range of outcomes. No impairment write down was required in the fourth quarter of 2015. The Company cannot predict the occurrence of certain events that might adversely affect the reported value of manufacturer franchise rights in the future. Income Taxes Significant management judgment is required to determine the provisions for income taxes and to determine whether deferred tax assets will be realized in full or in part. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. When it is more likely than not that all or some portion of specific deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established for the amount of deferred income tax assets that are determined not to be realizable. Accordingly, the facts and financial circumstances impacting state deferred income tax assets are reviewed quarterly and management’s judgment is applied to determine the amount of valuation allowance required, if any, in any given period. In determining its provision for income taxes, the Company uses an annual effective income tax rate based on annual income, permanent differences between book and tax income, and statutory income tax rates. The effective income tax rate also reflects its assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits. The Company adjusts its annual effective income tax rate as additional information on outcomes or events becomes available. Discrete events such as audit settlements or changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. The Company’s income tax returns are periodically audited by U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities. These audits include questions regarding the Company’s tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions. At any time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various tax authorities. In evaluating the tax benefits associated with the Company’s various tax filing positions, the Company records a tax benefit for uncertain tax positions. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which the Company has established a liability is audited and effectively settled. The Company adjusts its liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which it determines the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available. The Company includes its liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued interest, in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and in income tax expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue would require use of the Company’s cash and a charge to income tax expense. Favorable resolution would be recognized as a reduction to income tax expense at the time of resolution. Additionally, despite the Company’s belief that its tax return positions are consistent with applicable tax law, management expects that certain positions may be challenged by taxing authorities. Settlement of any challenge can result in no change, a complete disallowance, or some partial adjustment reached through negotiations. Revenue Recognition Policies Income on the sale of a vehicle is recognized when the Company and a customer execute a purchase contract, delivery has occurred and there are no significant uncertainties related to financing or the purchase price is paid by the customer. The Company generally sells finance contracts it enters into with customers to finance the purchase of commercial vehicles to third parties. These finance contracts are sold both with and without recourse. A majority of the Company’s finance contracts are sold without recourse. Finance income is recognized by the Company upon the sale of such finance contracts to the finance companies, net of a provision for estimated repossession losses and early repayment penalties. Lease and rental income is recognized over the period of the related lease or rental agreement. Contingent rental income is recognized when it is earned. Parts and services revenue is earned at the time the Company sells the parts to its customers or at the time the Company completes, and the customer accepts, the service work order related to service provided to the customer’s vehicle. Cost of Sales For the Company’s new and used commercial vehicle operations and its parts operations, cost of sales consists primarily of the Company’s actual purchase price, less manufacturer’s incentives, for new and used commercial vehicles and parts. For the Company’s service and body shop operations, technician labor cost is the primary component of cost of sales. For the Company’s rental and leasing operations, cost of sales consists primarily of depreciation and amortization, rent, and interest expense on the lease and rental fleet owned and leased by the Company, and the maintenance cost of the lease and rental fleet. There are no costs of sales associated with the Company’s finance and insurance revenue or other revenue. Taxes Assessed by a Governmental Authority The Company accounts for sales taxes assessed by a governmental authority, that are directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction, on a net (excluded from revenues) basis. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of incentive based compensation for sales, finance and general management personnel, salaries for administrative personnel and expenses for rent, marketing, insurance, utilities, research and development and other general operating purposes. In May 2013, the Company entered into a Retirement and Transition Agreement with the Company’s former Chairman, W. Marvin Rush, which resulted in the recognition of $10.8 million in retirement pay and benefits recorded in selling, general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Stock Based Compensation The Company applies the provisions of ASC topic 718-10, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including grants of employee stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards and employee stock purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan based on estimated fair values. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. Compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is recognized using the straight-line single-option method. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on awards expected to vest. Accordingly, stock based compensation expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected stock option exercise behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s stock options have characteristics that are significantly different from traded options and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the existing valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a market transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller. The following table reflects the weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during each period using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions used: 2015 2014 2013 Expected stock volatility 40.90% 51.51% 49.59% Weighted-average stock volatility 40.90% 51.51% 49.59% Expected dividend yield 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Risk-free interest rate 1.74% 2.14% 1.22% Expected life (years) 6.0 6.5 6.5 Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted $ 11.27 $ 15.86 $ 12.69 The Company computes its historical stock price volatility in accordance with ASC topic 718-10. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. The expected life of stock options represents the weighted-average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising and marketing expense was $8.8 million for 2015, $8.7 million for 2014 and $6.8 million for 2013. Advertising and marketing expense is included in selling, general and administrative expense. Accounting for Internal Use Software The Company’s accounting policy with respect to accounting for computer software developed or obtained for internal use is consistent with ASC topic 350-40, which provides guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use and identifies characteristics of internal-use software. The Company has capitalized software costs, including capitalized interest, of approximately $36.1 million at December 31, 2015, net of accumulated amortization of $13.4 million, and $38.5 million, net of accumulated amortization of $10.3 million at December 31, 2014. Insurance The Company is partially self-insured for a portion of the claims related to its property and casualty insurance programs. Accordingly, the Company is required to estimate expected losses to be incurred. The Company engages a third-party administrator to assess any open claims and the Company adjusts its accrual accordingly on an annual basis. The Company is also partially self-insured for a portion of the claims related to its worker’s compensation and medical insurance programs. The Company uses actuarial information provided from third-party administrators to calculate an accrual for claims incurred, but not reported, and for the remaining portion of claims that have been reported. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities From 2012 until 2015, the Company utilized derivative financial instruments to manage its interest rate risk relating to the variability of cash flows and changes in the fair value of its financial instruments caused by movements in interest rates. The Company assessed hedge effectiveness at the inception and during the term of each hedge. Derivatives are reported at fair value on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any outstanding interest rate swap contracts. At December 31, 2014, the Company had an aggregate $20.9 million notional amount of interest rate swap contracts, which had been designated as cash flow hedges. Fair Value Measurements The Company has various financial instruments that it must measure at fair value on a recurring basis, including certain available for sale securities and derivatives. See Note 9 – Financial Instruments and Fair Value of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further information. The Company also applies the provisions of fair value measurement to various nonrecurring measurements for its financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. Applicable accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The Company measures its assets and liabilities using inputs from the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy: Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about what factors market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data. Acquisitions The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed with acquisitions at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Any excess consideration transferred over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to measure the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, the estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, any changes in the estimated fair values of the net assets recorded for the acquisitions will result in an adjustment to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the Consolidated Statements of Income. New Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, “ Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “ Leases (Topic 842),

Note 3 - Supplier Concentration

Note 3 - Supplier Concentration	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	3. SUPPLIER CONCENTRATION Major Suppliers and Dealership Agreements The Company has entered into dealership agreements with various manufacturers of commercial vehicles and buses (“Manufacturers”). These agreements are nonexclusive agreements that allow the Company to stock, sell at retail and service commercial vehicles and products of the Manufacturers in the Company’s defined market. The agreements allow the Company to use the Manufacturers’ names, trade symbols and intellectual property and expire as follows: Manufacturer Expiration Dates Peterbilt March 2016 through December 2018 International March 2016 through May 2020 Isuzu Indefinite Hino Indefinite Ford Indefinite Blue Bird August 2016 IC Bus March 2016 through May 2020 These agreements, as well as agreements with various other Manufacturers, impose a number of restrictions and obligations on the Company, including restrictions on a change in control of the Company and the maintenance of certain required levels of working capital. Violation of these restrictions could result in the loss of the Company’s right to purchase the Manufacturers’ products and use the Manufacturers’ trademarks. The Company purchases its new Peterbilt vehicles from Peterbilt and most of the parts sold at its Peterbilt dealerships from PACCAR, Inc., the parent company of Peterbilt, at prevailing prices charged to all franchised dealers. Sales of new Peterbilt trucks accounted for approximately 59.6% of the Company’s new vehicle sales for the year ended December 31, 2015, 63.5% of the Company’s new vehicle sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, and 65.5% of the Company’s new vehicle sales for the year ended December 31, 2013. Primary Lenders The Company purchases its new and used commercial vehicle inventories with the assistance of floor plan financing programs as described in Note 7 to these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s floor plan financing agreements provide that the occurrence of certain events will be considered events of default. In the event that the Company’s floor plan financing becomes insufficient, or its relationship with any of its current primary lenders terminates, the Company would need to obtain similar financing from other sources. Management believes it can obtain additional floor plan financing or alternative financing if necessary. The Company also acquires lease and rental vehicles with the assistance of financing agreements with PACCAR Leasing Company, Bank of America and Wells Fargo. The financing agreements are secured by a lien on the acquired vehicle. The terms of the financing agreements are similar to the corresponding lease agreements with the Company’s customers. Concentrations of Credit Risks Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with what it considers to be quality financial institutions based on periodic assessments of such institutions. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents may be uninsured or in deposit accounts that exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit. The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals and by selling a majority of its trade receivables, other than vehicle accounts receivable, without recourse. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are reduced because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up the Company’s customer base; however, substantially all of the Company’s business is concentrated in the United States commercial vehicle markets and related aftermarkets. The Company generally sells finance contracts it enters into with customers to finance the purchase of commercial vehicles to third parties. These finance contracts are sold both with and without recourse. A majority of the Company’s finance contracts are sold without recourse. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful receivables and a reserve for repossession losses related to finance contracts sold with recourse. Historically, the Company’s allowance and reserve have covered losses inherent in these receivables.

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]	4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE The Company’s accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): December 31, 2015 2014 Trade accounts receivable from sale of vehicles $ 76,601 $ 96,850 Trade receivables other than vehicles 43,916 34,404 Warranty claims 8,261 8,624 Other accounts receivable 28,810 30,928 Less allowance for bad debt and warranty claims (611 ) (779 ) Total $ 156,977 $ 170,027

Note 5 - Inventories

Note 5 - Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	5. INVENTORIES The Company’s inventories, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): December 31, 2015 2014 New commercial vehicles $ 770,861 $ 749,615 Used commercial vehicles 86,960 84,972 Parts and accessories 201,868 186,208 Other 15,341 19,020 Less allowance (13,832 ) (15,711 ) Total $ 1,061,198 $ 1,024,104

Note 6 - Valuation Accounts

Note 6 - Valuation Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	6. VALUATION ACCOUNTS Valuation and allowance accounts include the following (in thousands): Balance Beginning of Year Net Charged to Costs and Expenses Net Write- Offs Balance End of Year 2015 Reserve for accounts receivable $ 639 $ 992 $ (1,125 ) $ 506 Reserve for warranty receivable 140 1,677 (1,712 ) 105 Reserve for parts inventory 5,067 4,215 (1,991 ) 7,291 Reserve for commercial vehicle inventory 10,644 8,417 (12,520 ) 6,541 2014 Reserve for accounts receivable $ 821 $ 919 $ (1,101 ) $ 639 Reserve for warranty receivable 419 411 (690 ) 140 Reserve for parts inventory 4,416 2,547 (1,896 ) 5,067 Reserve for commercial vehicle inventory 7,395 7,877 (4,628 ) 10,644 2013 Reserve for accounts receivable $ 540 $ 1,163 $ (882 ) $ 821 Reserve for warranty receivable 444 626 (651 ) 419 Reserve for parts inventory 3,593 2,560 (1,737 ) 4,416 Reserve for commercial vehicle inventory 6,839 5,517 (4,961 ) 7,395 Allowance for Doubtful Receivables The Company sells a majority of its customer accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis to a third-party that is responsible for qualifying the customer for credit at the point of sale. If the third-party approves the customer for credit, then the third-party assumes all credit risk related to the transaction. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful receivables after considering historical loss experience and other factors that might affect the collection of accounts receivable. The Company provides an allowance for uncollectible warranty receivables. The Company evaluates the collectability of its warranty claims receivable based on a combination of factors, including aging and correspondence with the applicable manufacturer. Management reviews the warranty claims receivable aging and adjusts the allowance based on historical experience. The Company records charge-offs related to warranty receivables after it is determined that the receivable will not be fully collected. Inventory The Company provides a reserve for obsolete and slow moving parts. The reserve is reviewed and, if necessary, adjustments are made on a quarterly basis. The Company relies on historical information to support its reserve. Once the inventory is written down, the Company does not reverse any reserve balance until the inventory is sold. The valuation for new and used commercial vehicle inventory is based on specific identification. A detail of new and used commercial vehicle inventory is reviewed and, if necessary, adjustments to the value of specific vehicles are made on a quarterly basis.

Note 7 - Floor Plan Notes Payab

Note 7 - Floor Plan Notes Payable and Lines of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	7. FLOOR PLAN NOTES PAYABLE AND LINES OF CREDIT Floor Plan Notes Payable Floor plan notes are financing agreements to facilitate the Company’s purchase of new and used commercial vehicles. These notes are collateralized by the inventory purchased and accounts receivable arising from the sale thereof. The Company’s Floor Plan Credit Agreement provides for a loan commitment of up to $850.0 million and has the interest rate benchmarked to LIBOR, as defined in the agreement. The interest rate under the Company’s Floor Plan Credit Agreement is the three month LIBOR rate plus 2.03%. The interest rate applicable to the Company’s Floor Plan Credit Agreement was approximately 2.64% at December 31, 2015. The Company utilizes its excess cash on hand to pay down its outstanding borrowings under its Floor Plan Credit Agreement, and the resulting interest earned is recognized as an offset to the Company’s gross interest expense under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement. The Company is required to pay a monthly working capital fee equal to 0.35% per annum multiplied by the amount of voluntary prepayments of new and used inventory loans. The Company finances substantially all of the purchase price of its new commercial vehicle inventory, and the loan value of its used commercial vehicle inventory under its Floor Plan Credit Agreement, under which BMO Harris pays the manufacturer directly with respect to new commercial vehicles. Amounts borrowed under the Company’s Floor Plan Credit Agreement are due when the related commercial vehicle inventory (collateral) is sold and the sales proceeds are collected by the Company. The Company’s Floor Plan Credit Agreement expires July 11, 2016, although BMO Harris has the right to terminate the Floor Plan Credit Agreement at any time upon 120 days’ written notice. The Company may terminate its Floor Plan Credit Agreement at any time, although if it does so it must pay a prepayment processing fee of $300,000, subject to specified limited exceptions. On December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $628.2 million outstanding under its Floor Plan Credit Agreement. In June 2012, the Company entered into a wholesale financing agreement with Ford Motor Credit Company that provides for the financing of, and is collateralized by, the Company’s new Ford vehicle inventory. This wholesale financing agreement bears interest at a rate of Prime plus 150 basis points minus certain incentives and rebates; however, the prime rate is defined to be a minimum of 3.75%. As of December 31, 2015, the interest rate on the wholesale financing agreement was 5.25% before considering the applicable incentives. On December 31, 2015, the Company had an outstanding balance of approximately $62.4 million under the Ford Motor Credit Company wholesale financing agreement. The Company’s weighted average interest rate for floor plan notes payable was 1.47% for the year ended December 31, 2015, and 1.16% for the year ended December 31, 2014, which is net of interest related to prepayments of new and used inventory loans. Assets pledged as collateral were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2015 2014 Inventories, new and used vehicles at cost based on specific identification, net of allowance $ 851,280 $ 823,944 Vehicle sale related accounts receivable 76,601 96,853 Total $ 927,881 $ 920,797 Floor plan notes payable related to vehicles $ 854,758 $ 845,977 Lines of Credit The Company has a secured line of credit that provides for a maximum borrowing of $17.5 million. There were no advances outstanding under this secured line of credit at December 31, 2015; however, $12.7 million was pledged to secure various letters of credit related to self-insurance products, leaving $4.8 million available for future borrowings as of December 31, 2015.

Note 8 - Long-term Debt

Note 8 - Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	8. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt was comprised of the following (in thousands): December 31, 2015 2014 Variable interest rate term notes $ 127,508 $ 74,834 Fixed interest rate term notes 520,247 503,420 Total debt 647,755 578,254 Less: current maturities (151,024 ) (149,065 ) Total long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 496,731 $ 429,189 As of December 31, 2015, debt maturities were as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 151,024 2017 127,966 2018 115,179 2019 96,585 2020 97,161 Thereafter 59,840 Total $ 647,755 The interest rates on the Company’s variable interest rate notes are based on various LIBOR benchmark rates. The interest rates on the notes range from approximately 1.9% to 2.4% on December 31, 2015. Payments on the notes range from approximately $3,380 to $125,833 per month, plus interest. Maturities of these notes range from May 2016 to October 2022. The Company’s fixed interest rate notes had interest rates that ranged from approximately 2.47% to 7.61% on December 31, 2015. Payments on the notes range from $221 to $32,840 per month, plus interest. Maturities of these notes range from January 2016, to March 2025. The proceeds from the issuance of the notes were used primarily to acquire land, buildings and improvements, transportation equipment and leasing vehicles. The notes are secured by the assets acquired with the proceeds of such notes. The Company’s long-term real estate debt agreements and floor plan financing arrangements require the Company to satisfy various financial ratios such as the debt to worth ratio, leverage ratio, the fixed charge coverage ratio and certain requirements for tangible net worth and GAAP net worth. As of December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. The Company does not anticipate any breach of the covenants in the foreseeable future.

Note 9 - Financial Instruments

Note 9 - Financial Instruments and Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Financial instruments consist primarily of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and floor plan notes payable. The carrying values of the Company’s financial instruments approximate fair value due either to their short-term nature or existence of variable interest rates, which approximate market rates. Certain methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of financial instruments at December 31, 2015, and 2014. The carrying value of current assets and current liabilities approximates the fair value due to the short maturity of these items. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is based on secondary market indicators. Because the Company’s debt is not quoted, estimates are based on each obligation’s characteristics, including remaining maturities, interest rate, credit rating, collateral and liquidity. Accordingly, the Company concluded the valuation measurement inputs of its long-term debt to represent, at its lowest level, current market interest rates available to the Company for similar debt and the Company’s current credit standing and has categorized such debt within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework. The carrying amount approximates fair value. If investments are deemed to be impaired, the Company determines whether the impairment is temporary or other than temporary. If the impairment is deemed to be temporary, the Company records an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income. If the impairment is deemed other than temporary, the Company records the impairment in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. In prior years, the Company invested in interest-bearing short-term investments primarily consisting of investment-grade auction rate securities classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value. These types of investments were designed to provide liquidity through an auction process that reset the applicable interest rates at predetermined periods ranging from 1 to 35 days. This reset mechanism was intended to allow existing investors to continue to own their respective interest in the auction rate security or to gain immediate liquidity by selling their interests at par. Auctions for investment grade securities held by the Company have failed. However, a failed auction does not represent a default by the issuer. The auction rate securities continue to pay interest in accordance with the terms of the underlying security; however, liquidity will be limited until there is a successful auction or until such time as other markets for these investments develop. The Company has the intent and ability to hold these auction rate securities until liquidity returns to the market. The Company does not believe that the lack of liquidity relating to its auction rate securities will have a material impact on its ability to fund operations. As of December 31, 2015, the Company held auction rate securities with underlying tax-exempt municipal bonds that mature in 2030 and have a fair value of $6.7 million and a cost basis of $7.2 million. As of December 31, 2014, the auction rate securities had a fair value of $6.9 million and a cost basis of $7.4 million. The Company redeemed $150,000 of the auction rate securities during the second quarter of 2014 and $275,000 during the second quarter of 2015. These bonds have credit wrap insurance and a credit rating of A by a major credit rating agency. The Company valued the auction rate securities at December 31, 2015 using a discounted cash flow model based on the characteristics of the individual securities, which the Company believes yields the best estimate of fair value. The first step in the valuation included a credit analysis of the security which considered various factors including the credit quality of the issuer, the instrument’s position within the capital structure of the issuing authority, and the composition of the authority’s assets including the effect of insurance and/or government guarantees. Next, the future cash flows of the instruments were projected based on certain assumptions regarding the auction rate market significant to the valuation including the auction rate market will remain illiquid and auctions will continue to fail causing the interest rate to be the maximum applicable rate. This assumption resulted in discounted cash flow analysis being performed through 2019, the point at which the Company estimates the securities will be redeemed by the municipality. The projected cash flows were then discounted using the applicable yield curve plus a 225 basis point liquidity premium added to the applicable discount rate. The Company recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $1.0 million on these auction rate securities in 2011 and a subsequent pre-tax increase in fair value of $427,000 during 2014. The Company believes that the impairment is temporary and has included the impairment in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The table below presents disclosures about the auction rate securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Company’s financial statements as follows (in thousands): At December 31, 2015 At December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Inputs Level 3 Inputs Investment in auction rate securities $ ─ $ ─ $ 6,650 $ ─ $ ─ $ 6,905 C ost Basis Gross Unrealized Loss In Accumulated OCI Fair Value December 31, 201 5 Investment in auction rate securities $ 7,150 $ 500 $ 6,650 December 31, 201 4 Investment in auction rate securities $ 7,425 $ 520 $ 6,905 Interest Rate Swap Agreements In January 2012, the Company entered into swap agreements to hedge against the potential impact of increases in interest rates on its floating-rate debt instruments. At December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any interest rate swap contracts. Swap agreements that hedge exposures to changes in interest rates exposed the Company to credit risk and market risk. These swap contracts were designated as cash flow hedges, to pay fixed rates of interest and receive a floating interest rate based on LIBOR. The fixed interest rates specified in the interest rate swap contracts became effective on or about January 1, 2012. The Company’s interest rate swaps qualified for cash flow hedge accounting treatment. Unrealized gains or losses were recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts received or paid under the contracts were recognized as interest expense over the life of the contracts. The fair value of cash flow hedges was calculated as the present value of expected future cash flows, determined on the basis of forward interest rates and present value factors. As such, the carrying amounts for these swaps were designated to be Level 2 fair values. The carrying value of these swaps is included in Other Long-Term Liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014. Derivative instruments are on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income as follows (in thousands): Fair Value at Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedging Instruments Balance Sheet Location December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Interest Rate Swaps Other Long-Term Liabilities $ ─ $ 235 Gain (Loss) Recognized in Year Ended Location of Loss Loss Reclassified Year Ended December 31, 201 5 December 31, 201 4 Reclassified into December 31, 201 5 December 31, 201 4 Interest rate swaps $ 235 $ 789 Interest Expense $ (55 ) $ (196 )

Note 10 - Leasing Activities

Note 10 - Leasing Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	10. LEASING ACTIVITIES Vehicle Leases as Lessee The Company leases vehicles, as lessee, primarily over periods ranging from one to ten years under operating lease and capital lease arrangements. Generally, the Company is required to incur all operating costs and pay a minimum rental. The Company guarantees the residual value of vehicles under operating lease and capital lease arrangements. At December 31, 2015, the Company guaranteed vehicle residual values of $1.8 million under operating lease arrangements and $32.2 million under capital lease arrangements. Historically, the Company purchases these vehicles at the end of the lease term and recognizes a gain on the subsequent sale of the vehicle. The residual values are not reflected in the future minimum lease payments for operating leases. Vehicle lease expenses were approximately $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, and $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. As discussed below, these vehicles are then subleased by the Company to customers under various agreements. Future minimum sublease rentals to be received by the Company under non-cancelable subleases, as described below, are $75.9 million. Future minimum lease payments under capital and non-cancelable vehicle leases as of December 31, 2015, are as follows (in thousands): Capital Leases Operating Leases 2016 $ 17,181 $ 761 2017 18,522 276 2018 15,085 119 2019 13,528 29 2020 13,830 — Thereafter 13,770 — Total minimum lease payments $ 91,916 $ 1,185 Less amount representing interest (8,151 ) Present value of net minimum capital lease payments 83,765 Less current portion (14,691 ) Obligations under capital leases less current portion $ 69,074 Customer Vehicle Leases as Lessor The Company leases both owned and leased vehicles to customers, through its PacLease and Idealease franchises, primarily over periods of one to ten years under operating lease arrangements, which require a minimum rental payment and a contingent rental payment based on mileage. Rental income during the year ended December 31, 2015, consisted of minimum rental payments of approximately $175.0 million and contingent rental payments of $27.4 million. Rental income during the year ended December 31, 2014, consisted of minimum rental payments of approximately $154.8 million and contingent rental payments of $24.5 million. Rental income during the year ended December 31, 2013, consisted of minimum rental payments of approximately $112.0 million and contingent rental payments of $18.1 million. Minimum rental payments to be received for non-cancelable leases and subleases in effect at December 31, 2015, are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 118,853 2017 102,943 2018 81,462 2019 59,800 2020 38,659 Thereafter 22,042 Total $ 423,759 As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $592.0 million of lease vehicles included in property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $233.8 million. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $512.1 million of lease vehicles included in property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $185.0 million. Other Leases - Land and Buildings The Company leases various assets under operating leases with expiration dates ranging from January 2016 through May 2045. Monthly rental payments range from approximately $275 per month to $48,466 per month. Rental expense was $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, and $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2015, are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 9,198 2017 6,540 2018 4,934 2019 3,697 2020 2,611 Thereafter 16,489 Total $ 43,469

Note 11 - Share Based Compensat

Note 11 - Share Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	11. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan that allows eligible employees to contribute up to $10,625 of their base earnings every six months toward the semi-annual purchase of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The employee’s purchase price is 85% of the lesser of the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the first business day or the last business day of the semi-annual offering period, as reported by The NASDAQ Global Select Market. Employees may purchase shares having a fair market value of up to $25,000 (measured as of the first day of each semi-annual offering period) for each calendar year. Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, there are approximately 165,000 shares remaining of the 900,000 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock that have been reserved for issuance. The Company issued 85,263 shares under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 64,090 shares during the year ended December 31, 2014. Of the 6,700 employees eligible to participate, 1,034 elected to participate in the plan as of December 31, 2015. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan On May 16, 2006, the Board of Directors and shareholders adopted the Rush Enterprises, Inc. 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “Director Plan”), reserving 1,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of any awards granted under the plan. This Director Plan was Amended and Restated on May 20, 2008 to expand the type of awards that may be granted under the plan to include Class A Common Stock awards. The Director Plan was also amended on May 18, 2010 to reduce the number of shares reserved for issuance under the plan by 1,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. The Director Plan is designed to attract and retain highly qualified non-employee directors. Prior to 2008, each non-employee director received options to purchase 20,000 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock upon their respective date of appointment and each year on the date that they are elected or reelected by the shareholders to serve on the Board of Directors. Each option has a ten year term from the grant date and vested immediately. Currently, each non-employee director receives a grant of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, or up to 40% cash, equivalent to a compensation value of $125,000. In 2014, four non-employee directors received a grant of 3,877 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, one non-employee director received a grant of 3,101 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and $25,000 cash, for total compensation equivalent to $125,000, and one non-employee director received a grant of 2,326 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and $50,000 cash, for total compensation equivalent to $125,000. In 2015, three non-employee directors received a grant of 4,725 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, one non-employee director received a grant of 3,780 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and $25,000 cash, for total compensation equivalent to $125,000 each, and three non-employee director received a grant of 2,835 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and $50,000 cash, for total compensation equivalent to $125,000 each. Under the Director Plan, there are approximately 192,000 shares remaining for issuance of the 500,000 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock that have been reserved for issuance. The Company granted 26,460 shares of Class A Common Stock under the Director Plan during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 20,935 shares of Class A Common Stock under the Director Plan during the year ended December 31, 2014. Employee Incentive Plans In May 2007, the Board of Directors and shareholders adopted the Rush Enterprises, Inc. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2007 Incentive Plan”). The 2007 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of stock options (which may be nonqualified stock options or incentive stock options for tax purposes), stock appreciation rights issued independent of or in tandem with such options (“SARs”), restricted stock awards and performance awards. The 2007 Incentive Plan replaced the Rush Enterprises, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”) effective May 22, 2007. The 2007 Incentive Plan was amended and restated on May 20, 2014 to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the plan to 6,050,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,450,000 shares of Class B Common Stock. The aggregate number of shares of common stock subject to stock options or SARs that may be granted to any one participant in any year under the 2007 Incentive Plan is 100,000 shares of Class A Common Stock or 100,000 shares of Class B Common Stock. Each option, granted pursuant to the 2007 Incentive Plan, has a ten year term from the grant date and vests in three equal annual installments beginning on the third anniversary of the grant date. The Company has 6,050,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,450,000 shares of Class B Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of any awards granted under the Company’s 2007 Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2015, approximately 1,335,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 769,000 shares of Class B Common Stock are available for issuance upon exercise of any awards granted under the Company’s 2007 Incentive Plan. The Company issues new shares of its Class A or Class B Common Stock upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock units. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company granted 485,838 options to purchase Class A Common Stock and 259,490 restricted Class B Common Stock units under the 2007 Incentive Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted 459,058 options to purchase Class A Common Stock, 25,550 restricted Class A Common Stock units and 207,370 restricted Class B Common Stock units under the 2007 Incentive Plan. Valuation and Expense Information Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases was $12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, $11.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, and $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Cash received from options exercised and shares purchased under all share-based payment arrangements was $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, and $10.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2015, follows: Options Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Balance of Outstanding Options at January 1, 2015 3,182,976 $ 19.55 Granted 484,838 27.10 Exercised (182,199 ) 12.47 Forfeited (10,500 ) 28.13 Balance of Outstanding Options at December 31, 2015 3,475,115 $ 20.95 5.77 $ 12,011,648 Expected to vest after December 31, 2015 1,851,300 $ 25.97 7.53 $ 559,698 Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 1,555,242 $ 14.78 3.61 $ 11,409,144 The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on the weighted-average of the closing price as of December 31, 2015, of the Company’s Class A common of $21.89. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $2.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, $18.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, and $10.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. A summary of the status of the number of shares underlying Company’s non-vested stock options as of December 31, 2015, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2015, follows: Non-vested Shares Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at January 1, 2015 2,038,064 $ 11.48 Granted 484,838 11.27 Vested (592,529 ) 8.63 Forfeited (10,500 ) 13.57 Non-vested at December 31, 2015 1,919,873 $ 12.30 The total fair value of vested options was $5.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, $3.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, and $3.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted was $11.27 per share during the year ended December 31, 2015, $15.86 per share during the year ended December 31, 2014, and $12.69 per share during the year ended December 31, 2013. Stock Awards The Company granted restricted stock units to its employees under the 2007 Incentive Plan and unrestricted stock awards to its non-employee directors under the Director Plan during the year ended December 31, 2015. The restricted stock units granted to employees vest in three equal installments on the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date and are forfeited in the event the recipient’s employment or relationship with the Company is terminated prior to vesting. The fair value of the restricted stock units to the Company’s employees is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the restricted stock’s vesting period. The shares granted to non-employee directors are expensed on the grant date. The following table presents a summary of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock awards and non-vested restricted stock units outstanding at December 31, 2015: Stock Awards and Units Shares Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding Non-vested shares at January 1, 2015 402,350 $ 24.53 Granted 285,950 24.75 Vested (204,965 ) 24.35 Forfeited ─ Outstanding Non-vested at December 31, 2015 483,335 8.6 $ 10,580,203 $ 24.73 Expected to vest after December 31, 2015 479,921 8.6 $ 10,505,471 The total fair value of the shares issued upon the vesting of stock awards during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $5.0 million. The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock awards and units granted was $24.75 per share during the year ended December 31, 2015, $26.81 per share during the year ended December 31, 2014, and $22.12 per share during the year ended December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2015, there was $16.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Incentive Plan and the 2007 Incentive Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years. Defined Contribution Plan The Company has a defined contribution plan (the “Rush 401k Plan”), which is available to all Company employees and the employees of certain affiliates. Each employee who has completed 90 days of continuous service is entitled to enter the Rush 401k Plan on the first day of the following month. Participating employees may contribute from 1% to 50% of total gross compensation. However, certain highly compensated employees are limited to a maximum contribution of 15% of total gross compensation. Effective February 1, 2012, for the first 10% of an employee’s contribution, the Company contributed an amount equal to 20% of the employees’ contributions for those employees with less than five years of service and an amount equal to 40% of the employees’ contributions for those employees with more than five years of service. The Company incurred expenses related to the Rush 401k Plan of approximately $6.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, $5.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, and $4.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. Deferred Compensation Plan On November 6, 2010 the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the Rush Enterprises, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) pursuant to which selected employees and directors may elect to defer a portion of their annual compensation. The Deferred Compensation Plan also provides the Company with the discretion to make matching contributions to participants’ accounts. The Company established a rabbi trust to finance obligations under the Deferred Compensation Plan with corporate-owned variable life insurance contracts. Participants are 100% vested in their respective deferrals and the earnings thereon. The first deferral election period began on January 1, 2011. The Company’s liability related to the Deferred Compensation Plan was $4.9 million on December 31, 2015 and $3.0 million on December 31, 2014. The related cash surrender value of the life insurance contracts was $4.8 million on December 31, 2015 and $2.9 million on December 31, 2014. The Company currently does not provide any post-retirement benefits nor does it provide any post-employment benefits.

Note 12 - Earnings Per Share

Note 12 - Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	12. EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) were computed by dividing income from continuing operations by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS differs from basic EPS due to the assumed conversions of potentially dilutive options and restricted shares that were outstanding during the period. The Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock have equal claims on earnings of the Company. The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and the denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for income from continuing operations (in thousands, except per share amounts): 2015 2014 2013 Numerator- Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share - Net income available to common shareholders $ 66,053 $ 79,957 $ 49,217 Denominator- Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares 40,271 39,783 39,405 Effect of dilutive securities- Employee and director stock options and restricted share awards 822 1,111 1,101 Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions 41,093 40,894 40,506 Basic earnings per common share $ 1.64 $ 2.01 $ 1.25 Diluted earnings per common share and common share equivalents $ 1.61 $ 1.96 $ 1.22 Options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive are as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Options 1,186 482 928 Total anti-dilutive securities 1,186 482 928

Note 13 - Income Taxes

Note 13 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	13. INCOME TAXES Provision for Income Taxes The tax provisions are summarized as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current provision- Federal $ 7,513 $ 21,826 $ 7,755 State 2,592 3,531 2,008 10,105 25,357 9,763 Deferred provision- Federal 29,561 23,243 20,470 State 2,084 1,986 1,611 31,645 25,229 22,081 Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 41,750 $ 50,586 $ 31,844 A reconciliation of taxes based on the federal statutory rates and the provisions (benefits) for income taxes are summarized as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes at the federal statutory rate $ 37,733 $ 45,691 $ 28,371 State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3,053 3,398 2,259 Tax effect of permanent differences 959 1,069 802 Other, net 5 428 412 Provision for income taxes $ 41,750 $ 50,586 $ 31,844 The components of income taxes for other than continuing operations consisted of the following (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income tax expense (benefit) related to components of other comprehensive income: Change in fair value of cash flow swaps $ 92 $ 308 $ 338 Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities 7 166 – Total $ 99 $ 474 $ 338 Paid in capital – stock based compensation $ 337 $ (5,207 ) $ (2,566 ) The following summarizes the components of net deferred income tax liabilities included in the balance sheet (in thousands): December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred income tax (assets) liabilities: Inventory $ (6,039 ) $ (6,786 ) Accounts receivable (187 ) (304 ) Capital lease obligations (30,993 ) (21,182 ) Stock options (10,719 ) (8,820 ) Accrued liabilities (3,685 ) (3,935 ) State net operating loss carry forward (1,570 ) (1,436 ) State tax credit (382 ) (354 ) Other (2,606 ) (1,839 ) Difference between book and tax basis- Depreciation and amortization 244,716 201,495 188,535 156,839 Valuation allowance 452 409 Net deferred income tax liability $ 188,987 $ 157,248 In 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, which requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities, as well as related valuation allowances, to be classified as non-current rather than as current and non-current based on the classification of the related assets and liabilities. The Company retrospectively adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-17 in the fourth quarter of 2015. Accordingly, $18.4 million of deferred taxes have been reclassified from deferred tax assets to other deferred income tax liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $39.0 million in state net operating loss carry forwards that expire from 2015 through 2035. The Company has a valuation allowance of $452,000 associated with U.S. state net operating losses. The valuation allowance increased by $43,000 due to uncertainty regarding the ability to utilize the losses. The Company had unrecognized income tax benefits totaling $2.3 million as a component of accrued liabilities at December 31, 2015, and $2.1 million at December 31, 2014, the total of which, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. An unfavorable settlement would require a charge to income tax expense and a favorable resolution would be recognized as a reduction to income tax expense. The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized approximately $11,600, $17,500, and $32,000 in interest. No amounts were accrued for penalties. The Company had approximately $110,100, $98,500 and $81,000 for the payment of interest accrued at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company does not anticipate a significant change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months. As of December 31, 2015, the tax years ended December 31, 2012 through 2015 remained subject to audit by federal tax authorities and the tax years ended December 31, 2011 through 2015, remained subject to audit by state tax authorities. A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period $ 2,087 $ 1,545 $ 1,409 Gross increases – tax positions in current year 692 815 466 Gross increases – tax positions in a prior year − − − Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations (447 ) (273 ) (330 ) Unrecognized tax benefits at end of period $ 2,332 $ 2,087 $ 1,545

Note 14 - Commitments and Conti

Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation arising out of its operations in the ordinary course of business. The Company maintains liability insurance, including product liability coverage, in amounts deemed adequate by management. To date, aggregate costs to the Company for claims, including product liability actions, have not been material. However, an uninsured or partially insured claim, or claim for which indemnification is not available, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The Company believes that there are no claims or litigation pending, the outcome of which could have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations. However, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations for the fiscal period in which such resolution occurred. The Company has purchase obligations of approximately $12.7 million at December 31, 2015 related to the Company’s construction contracts for facilities in Odessa, Texas, Denver, Colorado, Twin Falls, Idaho, Champaign, Illinois, Asheville, North Carolina and Olathe, Kansas and real estate purchase agreements for Farmington, New Mexico and Tifton, Georgia. The Company also has contractual obligations of $17.6 million with IBM for integration and management services related to the SAP enterprise software and dealership management system implementation and SAP America, Inc. with respect to the Software License Agreement for the SAP enterprise software and dealership management system.

Note 15 - Acquisitions

Note 15 - Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	15. ACQUISITIONS All of the following acquisitions, unless otherwise noted, were considered business combinations accounted for under ASC 805 “Business Combinations.” Pro forma information is not included in accordance with ASC 805 since no acquisitions were considered material individually or in the aggregate. As the value of certain assets and liabilities acquired in 2015 are preliminary in nature, they are subject to adjustment as additional information is obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. The property and equipment, inventory and valuation of intangibles is subject to change during the purchase price allocation period. On September 28, 2015, in connection with the divestiture of the Company’s Peterbilt dealership in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Company acquired certain assets of Peterbilt of Las Vegas, Inc., which operated a commercial vehicle dealership in Las Vegas, Nevada. This location is operating as a Rush Truck Center and is a full-service Peterbilt dealership. The acquisition also included a PacLease commercial vehicle rental and leasing business. The dealership swap was a like-kind exchange for tax purposes and enabled the Company to be consistent with its strategy of not having dealerships representing multiple Class 8 manufacturers in the same market as the Company continues to operate a facility representing International, Hino and Isuzu trucks in Charlotte. The sale price for the assets in Charlotte, North Carolina was approximately $6.4 million, which was offset by floor plan and accounts payable of $5.9 million. The purchase price for the assets in Las Vegas, Nevada was approximately $3.4 million, which was paid in cash. The operations of Peterbilt of Las Vegas, Inc. are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. The preliminary purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands): Property, equipment and capital lease assets $ 17,241 Inventory 3,662 Prepaid expenses 295 Other 37 Accrued expenses (960 ) Capital lease obligations (16,925 ) Total $ 3,350 On July 27, 2015, the Company acquired certain assets of Dallas Truck Center, Inc., which included real estate and used truck inventory, in Dallas, Texas . This location is operating as Rig Tough Used Trucks, Dallas. The transaction was valued at approximately $3.3 million, with the purchase price paid in cash. Property $ 2,308 Inventory 949 Total $ 3,257 On May 4, 2015, the Company acquired certain assets of Yancey Truck Centers, LLC, which operated commercial vehicle dealerships in Albany, Blackshear, Tifton, Valdosta, Augusta, Columbus and Macon, Georgia. These locations are operating as Rush Truck Centers and offer commercial vehicle sales, parts and service for International trucks. The acquisition also included an Idealease commercial vehicle rental and leasing business. The purchase price for the assets, goodwill, franchise rights and dealership properties was approximately $30.1 million, which was paid in cash. The operations of Yancey Truck Centers, LLC are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. The preliminary purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands): Goodwill $ 11,670 Property and equipment 11,316 Inventory 7,206 Other 85 Accrued expenses (220 ) Total $ 30,057 All of the goodwill acquired in the Yancey Truck Centers, LLC acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes. On February 9, 2015, the Company acquired certain assets of Effingham Truck Sales, Inc. The acquisition included International commercial truck dealerships and an Idealease commercial vehicle rental and leasing business in Effingham and Mount Vernon, Illinois. The purchase price for the assets, membership interests, goodwill, and dealership properties was approximately $25.3 million, which was paid in cash. The operations of Effingham Truck Sales, Inc. are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. The preliminary purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands): Goodwill $ 8,190 Franchise rights 969 Inventory 7,622 Property and equipment 7,090 Accounts receivable 1,306 Prepaid expenses 80 Other 4 Total $ 25,261 All of the goodwill acquired in the Effingham Truck Sales, Inc. acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes. On December 8, 2014, the Company acquired certain assets of North Florida Truck Parts, Inc. which included a commercial parts and service facility in Lake City, Florida. The Lake City location is operating as a full-service Rush Truck Center and offers commercial vehicles manufactured by Peterbilt. The transaction was valued at approximately $4.2 million, with the purchase price paid in cash. The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands): Goodwill $ 1,048 Property and equipment, including real estate 3,041 Inventory 50 Accounts receivable 20 Total $ 4,159 All of the goodwill acquired in the North Florida Truck Parts, Inc. acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes. On November 3, 2014, the Company acquired certain assets of House of Trucks, Inc. which included used commercial vehicle facilities in Willowbrook and Wilmington, Illinois. The transaction, including real estate, was valued at approximately $6.9 million, with the purchase price paid in cash. The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands): Goodwill $ 1,968 Inventory 2,512 Property and equipment, including real estate 2,416 Prepaid expenses 6 Accrued expenses (28 ) Total $ 6,874 All of the goodwill acquired in the House of Trucks, Inc. acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes. On July 1, 2014, the Company acquired certain assets of Truck Parts Depot, Inc. which included a commercial parts and service facility in Gainesville, Georgia. The Gainesville location is operating as a full-service Rush Truck Center and offers commercial vehicles manufactured by International. The transaction was valued at approximately $500,000, with the purchase price paid in cash. On June 25, 2014, a joint venture was established to further expand the Company’s used commercial vehicle sales network. As a result, the Company owns 50% of CCTTS, which has locations in multiple locations in California that sell used trucks. In connection with the formation of this joint venture, the Company contributed $2.2 million. CCTTS is accounted for using the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC 323, “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Venture,” and is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in Other Assets. On January 13, 2014, the Company acquired certain assets of CIT, Inc., which did business as Chicago International Trucks, Mcgrenho L.L.C., which did business as Indy Truck Sales, and Indiana Mack Leasing, LLC; and the membership interests of Idealease of Chicago, LLC. The acquisition included International commercial truck dealerships and Idealease commercial vehicle rental and leasing businesses in Carol Stream, Chicago, Grayslake, Huntley, Joliet, Kankakee and Ottawa, Illinois, and Brazil, Gary and Indianapolis, Indiana. The purchase price for the assets, membership interests, goodwill, franchise rights and dealership properties was approximately $146.6 million, which was paid in cash and 83,091 shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock with a total value of $2.0 million on the date of acquisition. The operations of CIT, Inc. are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands): Property and equipment $ 60,066 Goodwill 46,384 Franchise rights 2,442 Inventory 31,048 Accounts receivable 7,175 Prepaid expenses 750 Other 23 Accrued expenses (1,325 ) Total $ 146,563 All of the goodwill acquired in the CIT, Inc. acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

Note 16 - Accumulated Other Com

Note 16 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	16. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The following table shows the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss (in thousands): Cash Flow Swaps Available for Sale Securities Total Balance as of December 31, 2013 $ (624 ) $ (578 ) $ (1,202 ) Changes in fair value 789 427 1,216 Income tax expense (308 ) (166 ) (474 ) Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ (143 ) $ (317 ) $ (460 ) Changes in fair value 235 19 254 Income tax expense (92 ) (7 ) (99 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ - $ (305 ) $ (305 ) The following table shows the amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 Losses on cash flow swaps to: Interest expense $ (55 ) $ (196 ) $ (290 ) Income tax benefit 21 76 113 Total reclassifications $ (34 ) $ (120 ) $ (177 )

Note 17 - Unaudited Quarterly F

Note 17 - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	17. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (In thousands, except per share amounts.) First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2015 Revenues $ 1,193,535 $ 917,878 $ 1,294,076 $ 1,161,819 Gross profit 193,622 207,633 208,008 175,684 Operating income 30,329 35,560 36,030 19,357 Income before income taxes 27,388 31,962 32,462 15,991 Net income $ 16,781 $ 19,576 $ 19,883 $ 9,813 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.42 $ 0.49 $ 0.49 $ 0.24 Diluted $ 0.42 $ 0.48 $ 0.48 $ 0.24 2014 Revenues $ 958,667 $ 1,182,461 $ 1,241,022 $ 1,345,206 Gross profit 165,925 193,349 198,739 198,033 Operating income 22,746 34,932 41,018 43,045 Income before income taxes 19,615 32,389 38,329 40,210 Net income $ 12,014 $ 19,838 $ 23,478 $ 24,627 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.31 $ 0.50 $ 0.59 $ 0.62 Diluted $ 0.30 $ 0.49 $ 0.57 $ 0.60

Note 18 - Segments

Note 18 - Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	18. SEGMENTS The Company currently has one reportable business segment - the Truck Segment. The Truck Segment includes the Company’s operation of a network of commercial vehicle dealerships that provide an integrated one-stop source for the commercial vehicle needs of its customers, including retail sales of new and used commercial vehicles; aftermarket parts, service and body shop facilities; and a wide array of financial services, including the financing of new and used commercial vehicle purchases, insurance products and truck leasing and rentals. The commercial vehicle dealerships are deemed a single reporting unit because they have similar economic characteristics. The Company’s chief operating decision maker considers the entire Truck Segment, not individual dealerships, when making decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assessing its performance. The Company also has revenues attributable to three other operating segments. These segments include a retail tire company, an insurance agency and a guest ranch operation and are included in the All Other column below. None of these segments has ever met any of the quantitative thresholds for determining reportable segments. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance based on income before income taxes, not including extraordinary items. The Company accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market prices. There were no material intersegment sales during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013. The following table contains summarized information about reportable segment revenue, segment income or loss from continuing operations and segment assets for the periods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): Truck Segment All Other Totals 201 5 Revenues from external customers $ 4,964,642 $ 15,091 $ 4,979,733 Interest income 490 – 490 Interest expense 13,814 149 13,963 Depreciation and amortization 43,355 504 43,859 Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 109,583 (1,780 ) 107,803 Segment assets 2,818,255 33,753 2,852,008 Goodwill 282,481 2,560 285,041 Expenditures for segment assets 367,482 308 367,790 201 4 Revenues from external customers $ 4,708,978 $ 18,378 $ 4,727,356 Interest income 239 – 239 Interest expense 11,278 159 11,437 Depreciation and amortization 40,283 503 40,786 Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 131,035 (492 ) 130,543 Segment assets 2,646,018 29,857 2,675,875 Goodwill 262,585 2,560 265,145 Expenditures for segment assets 262,613 510 263,123 201 3 Revenues from external customers $ 3,365, 900 $ 18,805 $ 3,384,705 Interest income 41 – 41 Interest expense 10,559 175 10,734 Depreciation and amortization 29,403 522 29,925 Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 81,856 (795 ) 81,061 Segment assets 2,123,731 27,790 2,151,521 Goodwill 212,904 2,560 215,464 Expenditures for segment assets 191,016 568 191,584

Note 19 - Asset Impairment

Note 19 - Asset Impairment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	19. ASSET IMPAIRMENT : During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company initiated a plan to sell its corporate aircraft and met all of the initial criteria of ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” to classify the corporate asset as an asset held for sale. It was determined that the carrying value of the corporate aircraft was no longer recoverable, and the Company recognized a $3.4 million in pre-tax non-cash asset impairment charge during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. As a result, the Company adjusted the carrying value of its corporate aircraft to its estimated fair market value less costs to sell in accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” The impairment loss is included in depreciation and amortization expense as of December 31, 2014, on the Consolidated Statements of Income. At December 31, 2014, the corporate aircraft is presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a current asset in asset held for sale and the related debt is presented in current liabilities in liabilities directly associated with asset held for sale. Depreciation was not recorded on the corporate aircraft during the period in which it was classified as held for sale. The asset was reported under the Truck Segment. The corporate aircraft was sold in connection with the purchase of a replacement aircraft in 2015 and no additional loss was incurred.

Note 20 - Related Party Transac

Note 20 - Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	20. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS : During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company entered into a loan agreement with CCTTS, a related party, that provides for advances up to $16.0 million to finance commercial vehicle inventory. Borrowings under this loan agreement bear interest at the three month LIBOR rate plus 4.0% and the interest is payable monthly. Amounts advanced under the loan agreement are due when the related commercial vehicle inventory is sold by the related party. On December 31, 2015, the Company had a $10.6 million receivable under the loan agreement.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements presented herein include the accounts of Rush Enterprises, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Estimates in Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents generally consist of cash and other money market instruments. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents.
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]	Allowance for Doubtful Receivables and Repossession Losses The Company provides an allowance for doubtful receivables and repossession losses after considering historical loss experience and other factors that might affect the collection of accounts receivable and the ability of customers to meet their obligations on finance contracts sold by the Company.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined by specific identification of new and used commercial vehicle inventory and by the first-in, first-out method for parts and accessories. An allowance is provided when it is anticipated that cost will exceed net realizable value less a reasonable profit margin.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the useful life of the improvement, or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Provision for depreciation of property and equipment is calculated primarily on a straight-line basis. The Company capitalizes interest on borrowings during the active construction period of major capital projects. Capitalized interest, when incurred, is added to the cost of underlying assets and is amortized over the estimated useful life of such assets. The Company capitalized interest of approximately $972,000 related to major capital projects during 2015. The cost, accumulated depreciation and amortization and estimated useful lives are summarized as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Estimated Life (Years) Land $ 134,246 $ 98,033 – Buildings and improvements 313,706 233,742 10 – 39 Leasehold improvements 28,149 27,100 2 – 39 Machinery and shop equipment 59,455 48,988 5 – 20 Furniture, fixtures and computers 74,201 57,730 3 – 15 Transportation equipment 74,761 47,758 2 – 15 Lease and rental vehicles 825,787 697,147 2 – 8 Construction in progress 66,338 39,775 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (403,819 ) (327,193 ) Total $ 1,172,824 $ 923,080 As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $81.2 million in lease and rental vehicles under various capital leases included in property and equipment, net of accumulated amortization of $24.5 million. The Company recorded depreciation expense of $131.8 million and amortization expense of $13.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, and depreciation expense of $115.3 million and amortization expense of $11.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Depreciation and amortization of vehicles related to lease and rental operations is included in lease and rental cost of products sold.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or when indications of potential impairment exist. These indicators would include a significant change in operating performance, or a planned sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business, among other factors. The Company tests for goodwill impairment utilizing a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. The Company has deemed its reporting unit to be the Truck Segment, as all components of the Truck Segment are similar. The impairment test for goodwill involves comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss. The second step includes hypothetically valuing all the tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and comparing the hypothetical implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the hypothetical implied fair value of the goodwill, the Company would recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying amount. The Company determines the fair values calculated in an impairment test using the discounted cash flow method, which requires assumptions and estimates regarding future revenue, expenses and cash flow projections. The analysis is based upon available information regarding expected future cash flows of its reporting unit discounted at rates consistent with the cost of capital specific to the reporting unit. No impairment write down was required in the fourth quarter of 2015. However, the Company cannot predict the occurrence of certain events that might adversely affect the reported value of goodwill in the future. The following table sets forth the change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the Company for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Balance December 31, 2013 $ 215,464 Acquisitions 49,609 Adjustment 72 Balance December 31, 2014 265,145 Acquisitions 19,896 Balance December 31, 2015 $ 285,041
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Assets The total capitalized costs of the SAP enterprise software and SAP dealership management system of $36.1 million, including capitalized interest, are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in Other Assets, net of accumulated amortization of $13.4 million. The SAP software is being amortized over a period of 15 years. The Company completed the conversion of all of its Rush Truck Centers and leasing operations to the SAP enterprise software and SAP dealership management system in the third quarter of 2015. Amortization expense relating to the SAP software, which is recognized in depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income, was $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 , $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 , and $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 . The Company estimates that amortization expense relating to the SAP software will be approximately $3.2 million for each of the next five succeeding years. The Company’s only significant identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill, are rights under franchise agreements with manufacturers. The fair value of the franchise right is determined at the acquisition date by discounting the projected cash flows specific to each acquisition. The carrying value of the Company’s manufacturer franchise rights was $7.9 million at December 31, 2015, and $7.0 million at December 31, 2014, and is included in Other Assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company has determined that manufacturer franchise rights have an indefinite life as there are no economic or other factors that limit their useful lives and they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely due to the historically long lives of the manufacturers’ brand names. Furthermore, to the extent that any agreements evidencing manufacturer franchise rights have expiration dates, the Company expects that it will be able to renew those agreements in the ordinary course of business. Accordingly, the Company does not amortize manufacturer franchise rights. Due to the fact that manufacturer franchise rights are specific to geographic region, the Company has determined that evaluating and including all locations acquired in the geographic region is the appropriate level for purposes of testing franchise rights for impairment. Management reviews indefinite-lived manufacturer franchise rights for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. The Company is subject to financial statement risk to the extent that manufacturer franchise rights become impaired due to decreases in the fair market value of its individual franchises. The significant estimates and assumptions used by management in assessing the recoverability of manufacturer franchise rights include estimated future cash flows, present value discount rate, and other factors. Any changes in these estimates or assumptions could result in an impairment charge. The estimates of future cash flows, based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, require management’s subjective judgment. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used, the estimated future cash flows projected in the evaluations of manufacturer franchise rights can vary within a range of outcomes. No impairment write down was required in the fourth quarter of 2015. The Company cannot predict the occurrence of certain events that might adversely affect the reported value of manufacturer franchise rights in the future.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes Significant management judgment is required to determine the provisions for income taxes and to determine whether deferred tax assets will be realized in full or in part. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. When it is more likely than not that all or some portion of specific deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established for the amount of deferred income tax assets that are determined not to be realizable. Accordingly, the facts and financial circumstances impacting state deferred income tax assets are reviewed quarterly and management’s judgment is applied to determine the amount of valuation allowance required, if any, in any given period. In determining its provision for income taxes, the Company uses an annual effective income tax rate based on annual income, permanent differences between book and tax income, and statutory income tax rates. The effective income tax rate also reflects its assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits. The Company adjusts its annual effective income tax rate as additional information on outcomes or events becomes available. Discrete events such as audit settlements or changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. The Company’s income tax returns are periodically audited by U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities. These audits include questions regarding the Company’s tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions. At any time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various tax authorities. In evaluating the tax benefits associated with the Company’s various tax filing positions, the Company records a tax benefit for uncertain tax positions. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which the Company has established a liability is audited and effectively settled. The Company adjusts its liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which it determines the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available. The Company includes its liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued interest, in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and in income tax expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue would require use of the Company’s cash and a charge to income tax expense. Favorable resolution would be recognized as a reduction to income tax expense at the time of resolution. Additionally, despite the Company’s belief that its tax return positions are consistent with applicable tax law, management expects that certain positions may be challenged by taxing authorities. Settlement of any challenge can result in no change, a complete disallowance, or some partial adjustment reached through negotiations.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition Policies Income on the sale of a vehicle is recognized when the Company and a customer execute a purchase contract, delivery has occurred and there are no significant uncertainties related to financing or the purchase price is paid by the customer. The Company generally sells finance contracts it enters into with customers to finance the purchase of commercial vehicles to third parties. These finance contracts are sold both with and without recourse. A majority of the Company’s finance contracts are sold without recourse. Finance income is recognized by the Company upon the sale of such finance contracts to the finance companies, net of a provision for estimated repossession losses and early repayment penalties. Lease and rental income is recognized over the period of the related lease or rental agreement. Contingent rental income is recognized when it is earned. Parts and services revenue is earned at the time the Company sells the parts to its customers or at the time the Company completes, and the customer accepts, the service work order related to service provided to the customer’s vehicle.
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cost of Sales For the Company’s new and used commercial vehicle operations and its parts operations, cost of sales consists primarily of the Company’s actual purchase price, less manufacturer’s incentives, for new and used commercial vehicles and parts. For the Company’s service and body shop operations, technician labor cost is the primary component of cost of sales. For the Company’s rental and leasing operations, cost of sales consists primarily of depreciation and amortization, rent, and interest expense on the lease and rental fleet owned and leased by the Company, and the maintenance cost of the lease and rental fleet. There are no costs of sales associated with the Company’s finance and insurance revenue or other revenue.
Sales Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Taxes Assessed by a Governmental Authority The Company accounts for sales taxes assessed by a governmental authority, that are directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction, on a net (excluded from revenues) basis.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of incentive based compensation for sales, finance and general management personnel, salaries for administrative personnel and expenses for rent, marketing, insurance, utilities, research and development and other general operating purposes. In May 2013, the Company entered into a Retirement and Transition Agreement with the Company’s former Chairman, W. Marvin Rush, which resulted in the recognition of $10.8 million in retirement pay and benefits recorded in selling, general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock Based Compensation The Company applies the provisions of ASC topic 718-10, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including grants of employee stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards and employee stock purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan based on estimated fair values. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. Compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is recognized using the straight-line single-option method. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on awards expected to vest. Accordingly, stock based compensation expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected stock option exercise behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s stock options have characteristics that are significantly different from traded options and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the existing valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a market transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller. The following table reflects the weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during each period using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions used: 2015 2014 2013 Expected stock volatility 40.90% 51.51% 49.59% Weighted-average stock volatility 40.90% 51.51% 49.59% Expected dividend yield 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Risk-free interest rate 1.74% 2.14% 1.22% Expected life (years) 6.0 6.5 6.5 Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted $ 11.27 $ 15.86 $ 12.69 The Company computes its historical stock price volatility in accordance with ASC topic 718-10. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. The expected life of stock options represents the weighted-average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising and marketing expense was $8.8 million for 2015, $8.7 million for 2014 and $6.8 million for 2013. Advertising and marketing expense is included in selling, general and administrative expense.
Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting for Internal Use Software The Company’s accounting policy with respect to accounting for computer software developed or obtained for internal use is consistent with ASC topic 350-40, which provides guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use and identifies characteristics of internal-use software. The Company has capitalized software costs, including capitalized interest, of approximately $36.1 million at December 31, 2015, net of accumulated amortization of $13.4 million, and $38.5 million, net of accumulated amortization of $10.3 million at December 31, 2014.
Unpaid Policy Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Insurance The Company is partially self-insured for a portion of the claims related to its property and casualty insurance programs. Accordingly, the Company is required to estimate expected losses to be incurred. The Company engages a third-party administrator to assess any open claims and the Company adjusts its accrual accordingly on an annual basis. The Company is also partially self-insured for a portion of the claims related to its worker’s compensation and medical insurance programs. The Company uses actuarial information provided from third-party administrators to calculate an accrual for claims incurred, but not reported, and for the remaining portion of claims that have been reported.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities From 2012 until 2015, the Company utilized derivative financial instruments to manage its interest rate risk relating to the variability of cash flows and changes in the fair value of its financial instruments caused by movements in interest rates. The Company assessed hedge effectiveness at the inception and during the term of each hedge. Derivatives are reported at fair value on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any outstanding interest rate swap contracts. At December 31, 2014, the Company had an aggregate $20.9 million notional amount of interest rate swap contracts, which had been designated as cash flow hedges.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value Measurements The Company has various financial instruments that it must measure at fair value on a recurring basis, including certain available for sale securities and derivatives. See Note 9 – Financial Instruments and Fair Value of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further information. The Company also applies the provisions of fair value measurement to various nonrecurring measurements for its financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. Applicable accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The Company measures its assets and liabilities using inputs from the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy: Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs). Level 3 includes unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about what factors market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Acquisitions The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed with acquisitions at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Any excess consideration transferred over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to measure the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, the estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, any changes in the estimated fair values of the net assets recorded for the acquisitions will result in an adjustment to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the Consolidated Statements of Income.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, “ Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “ Leases (Topic 842),

Note 2 - Significant Accounti30

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	2015 2014 Estimated Life (Years) Land $ 134,246 $ 98,033 – Buildings and improvements 313,706 233,742 10 – 39 Leasehold improvements 28,149 27,100 2 – 39 Machinery and shop equipment 59,455 48,988 5 – 20 Furniture, fixtures and computers 74,201 57,730 3 – 15 Transportation equipment 74,761 47,758 2 – 15 Lease and rental vehicles 825,787 697,147 2 – 8 Construction in progress 66,338 39,775 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (403,819 ) (327,193 ) Total $ 1,172,824 $ 923,080
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Balance December 31, 2013 $ 215,464 Acquisitions 49,609 Adjustment 72 Balance December 31, 2014 265,145 Acquisitions 19,896 Balance December 31, 2015 $ 285,041
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	2015 2014 2013 Expected stock volatility 40.90% 51.51% 49.59% Weighted-average stock volatility 40.90% 51.51% 49.59% Expected dividend yield 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Risk-free interest rate 1.74% 2.14% 1.22% Expected life (years) 6.0 6.5 6.5 Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted $ 11.27 $ 15.86 $ 12.69

Note 3 - Supplier Concentrati31

Note 3 - Supplier Concentration (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Major Suppliers and Dealership Agreements [Table Text Block]	Manufacturer Expiration Dates Peterbilt March 2016 through December 2018 International March 2016 through May 2020 Isuzu Indefinite Hino Indefinite Ford Indefinite Blue Bird August 2016 IC Bus March 2016 through May 2020

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (T

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2015 2014 Trade accounts receivable from sale of vehicles $ 76,601 $ 96,850 Trade receivables other than vehicles 43,916 34,404 Warranty claims 8,261 8,624 Other accounts receivable 28,810 30,928 Less allowance for bad debt and warranty claims (611 ) (779 ) Total $ 156,977 $ 170,027

Note 5 - Inventories (Tables)

Note 5 - Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2015 2014 New commercial vehicles $ 770,861 $ 749,615 Used commercial vehicles 86,960 84,972 Parts and accessories 201,868 186,208 Other 15,341 19,020 Less allowance (13,832 ) (15,711 ) Total $ 1,061,198 $ 1,024,104

Note 6 - Valuation Accounts (Ta

Note 6 - Valuation Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]	Balance Beginning of Year Net Charged to Costs and Expenses Net Write- Offs Balance End of Year 2015 Reserve for accounts receivable $ 639 $ 992 $ (1,125 ) $ 506 Reserve for warranty receivable 140 1,677 (1,712 ) 105 Reserve for parts inventory 5,067 4,215 (1,991 ) 7,291 Reserve for commercial vehicle inventory 10,644 8,417 (12,520 ) 6,541 2014 Reserve for accounts receivable $ 821 $ 919 $ (1,101 ) $ 639 Reserve for warranty receivable 419 411 (690 ) 140 Reserve for parts inventory 4,416 2,547 (1,896 ) 5,067 Reserve for commercial vehicle inventory 7,395 7,877 (4,628 ) 10,644 2013 Reserve for accounts receivable $ 540 $ 1,163 $ (882 ) $ 821 Reserve for warranty receivable 444 626 (651 ) 419 Reserve for parts inventory 3,593 2,560 (1,737 ) 4,416 Reserve for commercial vehicle inventory 6,839 5,517 (4,961 ) 7,395

Note 7 - Floor Plan Notes Pay35

Note 7 - Floor Plan Notes Payable and Lines of Credit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Assets Pledged As Collateral [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2015 2014 Inventories, new and used vehicles at cost based on specific identification, net of allowance $ 851,280 $ 823,944 Vehicle sale related accounts receivable 76,601 96,853 Total $ 927,881 $ 920,797 Floor plan notes payable related to vehicles $ 854,758 $ 845,977

Note 8 - Long-term Debt (Tables

Note 8 - Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2015 2014 Variable interest rate term notes $ 127,508 $ 74,834 Fixed interest rate term notes 520,247 503,420 Total debt 647,755 578,254 Less: current maturities (151,024 ) (149,065 ) Total long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 496,731 $ 429,189
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	2016 $ 151,024 2017 127,966 2018 115,179 2019 96,585 2020 97,161 Thereafter 59,840 Total $ 647,755

Note 9 - Financial Instrument37

Note 9 - Financial Instruments and Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2015 At December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Inputs Level 3 Inputs Investment in auction rate securities $ ─ $ ─ $ 6,650 $ ─ $ ─ $ 6,905
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	C ost Basis Gross Unrealized Loss In Accumulated OCI Fair Value December 31, 201 5 Investment in auction rate securities $ 7,150 $ 500 $ 6,650 December 31, 201 4 Investment in auction rate securities $ 7,425 $ 520 $ 6,905
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	Fair Value at Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedging Instruments Balance Sheet Location December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Interest Rate Swaps Other Long-Term Liabilities $ ─ $ 235
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Year Ended Location of Loss Loss Reclassified Year Ended December 31, 201 5 December 31, 201 4 Reclassified into December 31, 201 5 December 31, 201 4 Interest rate swaps $ 235 $ 789 Interest Expense $ (55 ) $ (196 )

Note 10 - Leasing Activities (T

Note 10 - Leasing Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases and Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Capital Leases Operating Leases 2016 $ 17,181 $ 761 2017 18,522 276 2018 15,085 119 2019 13,528 29 2020 13,830 — Thereafter 13,770 — Total minimum lease payments $ 91,916 $ 1,185 Less amount representing interest (8,151 ) Present value of net minimum capital lease payments 83,765 Less current portion (14,691 ) Obligations under capital leases less current portion $ 69,074
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Receivable for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	2016 $ 118,853 2017 102,943 2018 81,462 2019 59,800 2020 38,659 Thereafter 22,042 Total $ 423,759
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block]	2016 $ 9,198 2017 6,540 2018 4,934 2019 3,697 2020 2,611 Thereafter 16,489 Total $ 43,469

Note 11 - Share Based Compens39

Note 11 - Share Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	Options Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Balance of Outstanding Options at January 1, 2015 3,182,976 $ 19.55 Granted 484,838 27.10 Exercised (182,199 ) 12.47 Forfeited (10,500 ) 28.13 Balance of Outstanding Options at December 31, 2015 3,475,115 $ 20.95 5.77 $ 12,011,648 Expected to vest after December 31, 2015 1,851,300 $ 25.97 7.53 $ 559,698 Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 1,555,242 $ 14.78 3.61 $ 11,409,144
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	Non-vested Shares Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at January 1, 2015 2,038,064 $ 11.48 Granted 484,838 11.27 Vested (592,529 ) 8.63 Forfeited (10,500 ) 13.57 Non-vested at December 31, 2015 1,919,873 $ 12.30
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Stock Awards and Units Shares Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding Non-vested shares at January 1, 2015 402,350 $ 24.53 Granted 285,950 24.75 Vested (204,965 ) 24.35 Forfeited ─ Outstanding Non-vested at December 31, 2015 483,335 8.6 $ 10,580,203 $ 24.73 Expected to vest after December 31, 2015 479,921 8.6 $ 10,505,471

Note 12 - Earnings Per Share (T

Note 12 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	2015 2014 2013 Numerator- Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share - Net income available to common shareholders $ 66,053 $ 79,957 $ 49,217 Denominator- Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares 40,271 39,783 39,405 Effect of dilutive securities- Employee and director stock options and restricted share awards 822 1,111 1,101 Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions 41,093 40,894 40,506 Basic earnings per common share $ 1.64 $ 2.01 $ 1.25 Diluted earnings per common share and common share equivalents $ 1.61 $ 1.96 $ 1.22
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	2015 2014 2013 Options 1,186 482 928 Total anti-dilutive securities 1,186 482 928

Note 13 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 13 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current provision- Federal $ 7,513 $ 21,826 $ 7,755 State 2,592 3,531 2,008 10,105 25,357 9,763 Deferred provision- Federal 29,561 23,243 20,470 State 2,084 1,986 1,611 31,645 25,229 22,081 Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 41,750 $ 50,586 $ 31,844
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes at the federal statutory rate $ 37,733 $ 45,691 $ 28,371 State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3,053 3,398 2,259 Tax effect of permanent differences 959 1,069 802 Other, net 5 428 412 Provision for income taxes $ 41,750 $ 50,586 $ 31,844
Schedule of Income Taxes Related to Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income tax expense (benefit) related to components of other comprehensive income: Change in fair value of cash flow swaps $ 92 $ 308 $ 338 Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities 7 166 – Total $ 99 $ 474 $ 338 Paid in capital – stock based compensation $ 337 $ (5,207 ) $ (2,566 )
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred income tax (assets) liabilities: Inventory $ (6,039 ) $ (6,786 ) Accounts receivable (187 ) (304 ) Capital lease obligations (30,993 ) (21,182 ) Stock options (10,719 ) (8,820 ) Accrued liabilities (3,685 ) (3,935 ) State net operating loss carry forward (1,570 ) (1,436 ) State tax credit (382 ) (354 ) Other (2,606 ) (1,839 ) Difference between book and tax basis- Depreciation and amortization 244,716 201,495 188,535 156,839 Valuation allowance 452 409 Net deferred income tax liability $ 188,987 $ 157,248
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	2015 2014 2013 Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period $ 2,087 $ 1,545 $ 1,409 Gross increases – tax positions in current year 692 815 466 Gross increases – tax positions in a prior year − − − Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations (447 ) (273 ) (330 ) Unrecognized tax benefits at end of period $ 2,332 $ 2,087 $ 1,545

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Tables)

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	Property, equipment and capital lease assets $ 17,241 Inventory 3,662 Prepaid expenses 295 Other 37 Accrued expenses (960 ) Capital lease obligations (16,925 ) Total $ 3,350 Property $ 2,308 Inventory 949 Total $ 3,257 Goodwill $ 11,670 Property and equipment 11,316 Inventory 7,206 Other 85 Accrued expenses (220 ) Total $ 30,057 Goodwill $ 8,190 Franchise rights 969 Inventory 7,622 Property and equipment 7,090 Accounts receivable 1,306 Prepaid expenses 80 Other 4 Total $ 25,261 Goodwill $ 1,048 Property and equipment, including real estate 3,041 Inventory 50 Accounts receivable 20 Total $ 4,159 Goodwill $ 1,968 Inventory 2,512 Property and equipment, including real estate 2,416 Prepaid expenses 6 Accrued expenses (28 ) Total $ 6,874 Property and equipment $ 60,066 Goodwill 46,384 Franchise rights 2,442 Inventory 31,048 Accounts receivable 7,175 Prepaid expenses 750 Other 23 Accrued expenses (1,325 ) Total $ 146,563

Note 16 - Accumulated Other C43

Note 16 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reclassifications [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 Losses on cash flow swaps to: Interest expense $ (55 ) $ (196 ) $ (290 ) Income tax benefit 21 76 113 Total reclassifications $ (34 ) $ (120 ) $ (177 )
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Cash Flow Swaps Available for Sale Securities Total Balance as of December 31, 2013 $ (624 ) $ (578 ) $ (1,202 ) Changes in fair value 789 427 1,216 Income tax expense (308 ) (166 ) (474 ) Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ (143 ) $ (317 ) $ (460 ) Changes in fair value 235 19 254 Income tax expense (92 ) (7 ) (99 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ - $ (305 ) $ (305 )

Note 17 - Unaudited Quarterly44

Note 17 - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2015 Revenues $ 1,193,535 $ 917,878 $ 1,294,076 $ 1,161,819 Gross profit 193,622 207,633 208,008 175,684 Operating income 30,329 35,560 36,030 19,357 Income before income taxes 27,388 31,962 32,462 15,991 Net income $ 16,781 $ 19,576 $ 19,883 $ 9,813 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.42 $ 0.49 $ 0.49 $ 0.24 Diluted $ 0.42 $ 0.48 $ 0.48 $ 0.24 2014 Revenues $ 958,667 $ 1,182,461 $ 1,241,022 $ 1,345,206 Gross profit 165,925 193,349 198,739 198,033 Operating income 22,746 34,932 41,018 43,045 Income before income taxes 19,615 32,389 38,329 40,210 Net income $ 12,014 $ 19,838 $ 23,478 $ 24,627 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.31 $ 0.50 $ 0.59 $ 0.62 Diluted $ 0.30 $ 0.49 $ 0.57 $ 0.60

Note 18 - Segments (Tables)

Note 18 - Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes Tables
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Truck Segment All Other Totals 201 5 Revenues from external customers $ 4,964,642 $ 15,091 $ 4,979,733 Interest income 490 – 490 Interest expense 13,814 149 13,963 Depreciation and amortization 43,355 504 43,859 Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 109,583 (1,780 ) 107,803 Segment assets 2,818,255 33,753 2,852,008 Goodwill 282,481 2,560 285,041 Expenditures for segment assets 367,482 308 367,790 201 4 Revenues from external customers $ 4,708,978 $ 18,378 $ 4,727,356 Interest income 239 – 239 Interest expense 11,278 159 11,437 Depreciation and amortization 40,283 503 40,786 Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 131,035 (492 ) 130,543 Segment assets 2,646,018 29,857 2,675,875 Goodwill 262,585 2,560 265,145 Expenditures for segment assets 262,613 510 263,123 201 3 Revenues from external customers $ 3,365, 900 $ 18,805 $ 3,384,705 Interest income 41 – 41 Interest expense 10,559 175 10,734 Depreciation and amortization 29,403 522 29,925 Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 81,856 (795 ) 81,061 Segment assets 2,123,731 27,790 2,151,521 Goodwill 212,904 2,560 215,464 Expenditures for segment assets 191,016 568 191,584

Note 2 - Significant Accounti46

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Interest Costs Capitalized			$ 972,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			15 years
Amortization of Intangible Assets			$ 3,300,000	$ 3,200,000	$ 3,000,000
Vehicles [Member]
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Other Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net		$ 81,200,000	81,200,000
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other, Accumulated Depreciation		24,500,000	24,500,000
Former Chairman [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense	$ 10,800,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount				20,900,000
December 31, 2014 [Member] | Reclassification from Current Deferred Tax Assets to Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets, Current Asset Decrease [Member]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment		18,400,000
December 31, 2014 [Member] | Reclassification from Current Deferred Tax Assets to Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets, Noncurrent Liability Decrease [Member]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment		18,400,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two		3,200,000	3,200,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three		3,200,000	3,200,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four		3,200,000	3,200,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five		3,200,000	3,200,000
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment		0
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Operating Results		0
Depreciation			131,800,000	115,300,000
Amortization			13,100,000	11,200,000
Capitalized Computer Software, Net		36,100,000	36,100,000	38,500,000
Capitalized Computer Software, Accumulated Amortization		13,400,000	13,400,000	10,300,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months		3,200,000	3,200,000
Indefinite-Lived Franchise Rights		$ 7,900,000	7,900,000	7,000,000
Advertising Expense			$ 8,800,000	$ 8,700,000	$ 6,800,000

Note 2 - Property and Equipment

Note 2 - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Land [Member]
Land	$ 134,246	$ 98,033
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (134,246)	(98,033)
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Buildings and improvements	10 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Land	$ 313,706	233,742
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (313,706)	(233,742)
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Buildings and improvements	2 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Land	$ 28,149	27,100
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (28,149)	(27,100)
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Buildings and improvements	5 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Land	$ 59,455	48,988
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (59,455)	(48,988)
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Buildings and improvements	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Land	$ 74,201	57,730
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (74,201)	(57,730)
Transportation Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Buildings and improvements	2 years
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Land	$ 74,761	47,758
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (74,761)	(47,758)
Vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Buildings and improvements	2 years
Vehicles [Member]
Land	$ 825,787	697,147
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(825,787)	(697,147)
Construction in Progress [Member]
Land	66,338	39,775
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(66,338)	(39,775)
Land	(403,819)	(327,193)
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	403,819	327,193
Total	$ 1,172,824	$ 923,080

Note 2 - Goodwill (Details)

Note 2 - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill, balance	$ 265,145	$ 215,464
Acquisitions	19,896	49,609
Adjustment		72
Goodwill, balance	$ 285,041	$ 265,145

Note 2 - Fair Value Assumption

Note 2 - Fair Value Assumption (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Expected stock volatility	40.90%	51.51%	49.59%
Weighted-average stock volatility	40.90%	51.51%	49.59%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.74%	2.14%	1.22%
Expected life (years)	6 years	6 years 182 days	6 years 182 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 11.27	$ 15.86	$ 12.69

Note 3 - Supplier Concentrati50

Note 3 - Supplier Concentration (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Product Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	59.60%	63.50%	65.50%

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (D

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Trade Accounts Receivable From Sale of Vehicles [Member]
Trade receivables	$ 76,601	$ 96,850
Trade Receivable Other Than Vehicles [Member]
Trade receivables	43,916	34,404
Warranty claims	8,261	8,624
Other accounts receivable	28,810	30,928
Less allowance for bad debt and warranty claims	(611)	(779)
Total	$ 156,977	$ 170,027

Note 5 - Inventories (Details)

Note 5 - Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
New commercial vehicles	$ 770,861	$ 749,615
Used commercial vehicles	86,960	84,972
Parts and accessories	201,868	186,208
Other	15,341	19,020
Less allowance	(13,832)	(15,711)
Total	$ 1,061,198	$ 1,024,104

Note 6 - Valuation and Allowanc

Note 6 - Valuation and Allowance Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Trade Receivables [Member]
Balance	$ 639	$ 821	$ 540
Net Charged to Costs and Expenses	992	919	1,163
Net Write-Offs	(1,125)	(1,101)	(882)
Balance End of Year	506	639	821
Allowance for Warranty Receivables From Manufacturers [Member]
Balance	140	419	444
Net Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,677	411	626
Net Write-Offs	(1,712)	(690)	(651)
Balance End of Year	105	140	419
Parts Inventory [Member]
Balance	5,067	4,416	3,593
Net Charged to Costs and Expenses	4,215	2,547	2,560
Net Write-Offs	(1,991)	(1,896)	(1,737)
Balance End of Year	7,291	5,067	4,416
Commercial Vehicle Inventory [Member]
Balance	10,644	7,395	6,839
Net Charged to Costs and Expenses	8,417	7,877	5,517
Net Write-Offs	(12,520)	(4,628)	(4,961)
Balance End of Year	$ 6,541	$ 10,644	$ 7,395

Note 7 - Floor Plan Notes Pay54

Note 7 - Floor Plan Notes Payable and Lines of Credit (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
GE Capital Credit Agreement [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.03%
GE Capital Credit Agreement [Member] | If Terminated After July 11, 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Prepayment Processing Fee Amount	$ 300,000
GE Capital Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 850,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	2.64%
Debt Instrument, Working Capital Fee Percentage	0.35%
Floor Plan Notes Payable	$ 628,200,000
Ford Motor Financing Agreement [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	3.75%
Ford Motor Financing Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	5.25%
Floor Plan Notes Payable	$ 62,400,000
Long-term Line of Credit	0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	17,500,000
Floor Plan Notes Payable	$ 854,758,000	$ 845,977,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.47%	1.16%
Line of Credit Amount Pledged to Secure Letters of Credit	$ 12,700,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 4,800,000

Note 7 - Assets Pledged as Coll

Note 7 - Assets Pledged as Collateral (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories, new and used vehicles at cost based on specific identification, net of allowance	$ 851,280	$ 823,944
Vehicle sale related accounts receivable	76,601	96,853
Total	927,881	920,797
Floor Plan Notes Payable	$ 854,758	$ 845,977

Note 8 - Long-term Debt (Detail

Note 8 - Long-term Debt (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Minimum [Member] | Variable Interest Rate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	$ 3,380
Minimum [Member] | Fixed Interest Rate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	$ 221
Minimum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	1.90%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	2.47%
Maximum [Member] | Variable Interest Rate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	$ 125,833
Maximum [Member] | Fixed Interest Rate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	$ 32,840
Maximum [Member]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	2.40%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	7.61%

Note 8 - Long-term Debt (Deta57

Note 8 - Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable interest rate term notes	$ 127,508	$ 74,834
Fixed interest rate term notes	520,247	503,420
Total	647,755	578,254
Less: current maturities	(151,024)	(149,065)
Total long-term debt, net of current maturities	$ 496,731	$ 429,189

Note 8 - Debt Maturities (Detai

Note 8 - Debt Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
2,016	$ 151,024
2,017	127,966
2,018	115,179
2,019	96,585
2,020	97,161
Thereafter	59,840
Total	$ 647,755

Note 9 - Financial Instrument59

Note 9 - Financial Instruments and Fair Value (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2015
Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities			$ 6,905,000		$ 6,650,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis			7,425,000		$ 7,150,000
Auction Rate Securities Redeemed	$ 275,000	$ 150,000
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					2.25%
Asset Impairment Charges				$ 1,000,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain			$ 427,000

Note 9 - Investment in Auction

Note 9 - Investment in Auction Rate Securities - Fair Value (Details) - Auction Rate Securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 6,650	$ 6,905
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 6,650	$ 6,905

Note 9 - Investment in Auctio61

Note 9 - Investment in Auction Rate Securities (Details) - Auction Rate Securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 7,150	$ 7,425
Gross unrealized loss in accumulated OCI	500	520
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 6,650	$ 6,905

Note 9 - Fair Values of Derivat

Note 9 - Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Interest Rate Swaps		$ 235

Note 9 - Pre-tax Effect of Inte

Note 9 - Pre-tax Effect of Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Interest Expense [Member]
Interest rate swaps	$ (55)	$ (196)
Changes in fair value	235	789
Interest rate swaps	$ (55)	$ (196)

Note 10 - Leasing Activities (D

Note 10 - Leasing Activities (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member] | Vehicle Leases as Lessee 1 [Member]
Lease Term	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Vehicle Leases as Lessor [Member]
Lease Term	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Land and Building [Member]
Monthly Rental Payment Operating Lease	$ 275
Maximum [Member] | Vehicle Leases as Lessee 1 [Member]
Lease Term	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Vehicle Leases as Lessor [Member]
Lease Term	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Land and Building [Member]
Monthly Rental Payment Operating Lease	$ 48,466
Vehicle Leases as Lessee 1 [Member]
Guaranteed Residual Value Under Operating Lease Arrangements	1,800,000
Guaranteed Residual Value Under Capital Lease Arrangements	32,200,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	2,400,000	$ 4,100,000	$ 2,300,000
Vehicle Leases as Lessor [Member]
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Minimum Lease Revenue	175,000,000	154,800,000	112,000,000
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Contingent Revenue	27,400,000	24,500,000	18,100,000
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net	592,000,000	512,100,000
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Accumulated Depreciation	233,800,000	185,000,000
Land and Building [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	11,800,000	12,800,000	9,100,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	176,891,000	$ 152,967,000	$ 109,222,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals	$ 75,900,000

Note 10 - Future Minimum Lease

Note 10 - Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital and Non-cancelable Vehicle Leases (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
2,016	$ 17,181,000
2,016	761,000
2,017	18,522,000
2,017	276,000
2,018	15,085,000
2,018	119,000
2,019	13,528,000
2,019	29,000
2,020	13,830,000
Thereafter	13,770,000
Total minimum lease payments	91,916,000
Total minimum lease payments	1,185,000
Less amount representing interest	(8,151,000)
Present value of net minimum capital lease payments	83,765,000
Less current portion	(14,691,000)
Obligations under capital leases less current portion	$ 69,074,000

Note 10 - Future Minimum Rental

Note 10 - Future Minimum Rental Receivable (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
2,016	$ 118,853
2,017	102,943
2,018	81,462
2,019	59,800
2,020	38,659
Thereafter	22,042
Total	$ 423,759

Note 10 - Future Minimum Leas67

Note 10 - Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Land and Building [Member]
2,016	$ 9,198
2,017	6,540
2,018	4,934
2,019	3,697
2,020	2,611
Thereafter	16,489
Total	43,469
2,016	761
2,017	276
2,018	119
2,019	29
Total	$ 1,185

Note 11 - Share Based Compens68

Note 11 - Share Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	May. 20, 2014	May. 18, 2010	May. 16, 2006
Every 6 Months [Member] | Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Amount	$ 10,625
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent	85.00%
Maximum Fair Value for Employee Stock Purchase Per Year	$ 25,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	165,000
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	900,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	85,263	64,090
Number of Employees Eligible to Participate in Stock Purchase Plan	6,700
Number of Employees Participating in Stock Purchase Plan	1,034
The 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member] | Shares Issued to Four Non-employee Directors [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Quantity of Securities Issued		3,877
The 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member] | Shares Issued to Four Non-employee Directors [Member]
Issuance of Cash for Non-employee Director Compensation, Percent	40.00%
Issuance of Stock and Cash for Non-employee Director Compensation	$ 125,000
The 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member] | Shares Issued to One Nonemployee Director [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Issuance of Stock and Cash for Non-employee Director Compensation	$ 125,000
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Quantity of Securities Issued	3,780	3,101
Payment to Nonemployee Directors	$ 25,000
The 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member] | Shares Issued to One Nonemployee Director [Member]
Issuance of Stock and Cash for Non-employee Director Compensation		$ 125,000
Payment to Nonemployee Directors		$ 25,000
The 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member] | Shares Issued to One Non-Employee Director 2 [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Quantity of Securities Issued		2,326
The 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member] | Shares Issued to One Non-Employee Director 2 [Member]
Issuance of Stock and Cash for Non-employee Director Compensation		$ 125,000
Payment to Nonemployee Directors		$ 50,000
The 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member] | Shares Issued to Three Non-employee Directors [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Quantity of Securities Issued	4,725
The 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member] | Shares Issued to Three Non-employee Directors 2 [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Issuance of Stock and Cash for Non-employee Director Compensation	$ 125,000
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Quantity of Securities Issued	2,835
Payment to Nonemployee Directors	$ 50,000
The 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	192,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	500,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	26,460	20,935
The 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized						1,500,000
Reduction in Number of Shares Reserved for Issuance					1,000,000
Number of Shares Available for Purchase With Options by Nonemployee Director Each Year	20,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Amended and Restated 2007 Incentive Plan [Member] | Common Class A [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		25,550
Amended and Restated 2007 Incentive Plan [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,335,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized				6,050,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Number of Shares Per Employee	100,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	485,838	459,058
Amended and Restated 2007 Incentive Plan [Member] | Common Class B [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	259,490
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		207,370
Amended and Restated 2007 Incentive Plan [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	769,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized				1,450,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Number of Shares Per Employee	100,000
Amended and Restated 2007 Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Amended and Restated 2007 Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Common Class A [Member]
Share Price	$ 21.89
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	285,950
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value			$ 5,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 24.75
Rush 401 Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	1.00%
Rush 401 Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	50.00%
Rush 401 Plan [Member] | Highly Compensated Employees [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	15.00%
Rush 401 Plan [Member] | Employees with Less than Five Years of Service [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	20.00%
Rush 401 Plan [Member] | Employees with More Than Five Years of Service [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	40.00%
Rush 401 Plan [Member]
Contribution Plan Period for Eligibility	90 days
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	10.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 6,200,000	$ 5,200,000	4,400,000
Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Vested Percentage	100.00%
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current	$ 4,900,000	3,000,000
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance	$ 4,800,000	2,900,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	484,838
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 12,400,000	11,300,000	8,600,000
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised	4,300,000	12,500,000	10,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	2,600,000	18,700,000	10,500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 5,100,000	$ 3,300,000	$ 3,400,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 11.27	$ 15.86	$ 12.69
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 24.75	$ 26.81	$ 22.12
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 16,400,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 182 days

Note 11 - Stock Option (Details

Note 11 - Stock Option (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Balance of Outstanding Options at January 1, 2015 (in shares) | shares	3,182,976
Balance of Outstanding Options at January 1, 2015 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 19.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross | shares	484,838
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 27.10
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(182,199)
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 12.47
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(10,500)
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 28.13
Balance of Outstanding Options at December 31, 2015 (in shares) | shares	3,475,115
Balance of Outstanding Options at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 20.95
Balance of Outstanding Options at December 31, 2015	5 years 281 days
Balance of Outstanding Options at December 31, 2015 | $	$ 12,011,648
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015 (in shares) | shares	1,851,300
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 25.97
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015	7 years 193 days
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015 | $	$ 559,698
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 (in shares) | shares	1,555,242
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 14.78
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015	3 years 222 days
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 | $	$ 11,409,144

Note 11 - Non-vested Options (D

Note 11 - Non-vested Options (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Non-vested at January 1, 2015 (in shares)	2,038,064
Non-vested at January 1, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 11.48
Granted (in shares)	484,838
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 11.27	$ 15.86
Vested (in shares)	(592,529)
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 8.63
Forfeited (in shares)	(10,500)
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$ 13.57
Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (in shares)	1,919,873	2,038,064
Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 12.30	$ 11.48

Note 11 - Non-vested Restricted

Note 11 - Non-vested Restricted Stock Awards and RSU's (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock [Member]
Outstanding Non-vested shares at January 1, 2015 (in shares)	402,350
Outstanding Non-vested shares at January 1, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 24.53
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	285,950
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 24.75
Vested (in shares)	(204,965)
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 24.35
Outstanding Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (in shares)	483,335	402,350
Outstanding Non-vested at December 31, 2015	8 years 219 days
Outstanding Non-vested at December 31, 2015	$ 10,580,203
Outstanding Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 24.73	$ 24.53
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015 (in shares)	479,921
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015	8 years 219 days
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015	$ 10,505,471
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 24.75	$ 26.81

Note 12 - Earnings Per Share Ca

Note 12 - Earnings Per Share Calculation (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 66,053	$ 79,957	$ 49,217
Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares (in shares)	40,271	39,783	39,405
Employee and director stock options and restricted share awards (in shares)	822	1,111	1,101
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (in shares)	41,093	40,894	40,506
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.64	$ 2.01	$ 1.25
Diluted earnings per common share and common share equivalents (in dollars per share)	$ 1.61	$ 1.96	$ 1.22

Note 12 - Anti-Dilutive Securit

Note 12 - Anti-Dilutive Securities (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Options (in shares)	1,186	482	928
Options (in shares)	1,186	482	928

Note 13 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 13 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassification from Deferred Tax Assets to Other Deferred Income Tax Liability [Member] | December 31, 2014 [Member]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	$ 18,400,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued	0	$ 0
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration	39,000,000	39,000,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	452,000	452,000	$ 409,000
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount		43,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	2,300,000	2,300,000	2,100,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	$ 11,600	11,600	17,500	$ 32,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense		$ 110,100	$ 98,500	$ 81,000

Note 13 - Income Tax Expense (B

Note 13 - Income Tax Expense (Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current provision-
Federal	$ 7,513	$ 21,826	$ 7,755
State	2,592	3,531	2,008
Total current	10,105	25,357	9,763
Deferred provision-
Federal	29,561	23,243	20,470
State	2,084	1,986	1,611
Total deferred	31,645	25,229	22,081
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 41,750	$ 50,586	$ 31,844

Note 13 - Reconciliation (Detai

Note 13 - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income taxes at the federal statutory rate	$ 37,733	$ 45,691	$ 28,371
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	3,053	3,398	2,259
Tax effect of permanent differences	959	1,069	802
Other, net	5	428	412
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 41,750	$ 50,586	$ 31,844

Note 13 - Components of Income

Note 13 - Components of Income Taxes Related to Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income tax expense (benefit) related to components of other comprehensive income:
Change in fair value of cash flow swaps	$ 92	$ 308	$ 338
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	7	166
Total	99	474	$ 338
Paid in capital – stock based compensation	337	5,207	2,566
Paid in capital – stock based compensation	$ (337)	$ (5,207)	$ (2,566)

Note 13 - Deferred Tax Assets a

Note 13 - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred income tax (assets) liabilities:
Inventory	$ (6,039,000)	$ (6,786,000)
Accounts receivable	(187,000)	(304,000)
Capital lease obligations	(30,993,000)	(21,182,000)
Stock options	(10,719,000)	(8,820,000)
Accrued liabilities	(3,685,000)	(3,935,000)
State net operating loss carry forward	(1,570,000)	(1,436,000)
State tax credit	(382,000)	(354,000)
Other	(2,606,000)	(1,839,000)
Difference between book and tax basis- Depreciation and amortization	244,716,000	201,495,000
Total	188,535,000	156,839,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	452,000	409,000
Net deferred income tax liability	$ 188,987,000	$ 157,248,000

Note 13 - Unrecognized Tax Bene

Note 13 - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period	$ 2,087	$ 1,545	$ 1,409
Gross increases – tax positions in current year	692	815	466
Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations	(447)	(273)	(330)
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of period	$ 2,332	$ 2,087	$ 1,545

Note 14 - Commitments and Con80

Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Construction Contracts for Facilities [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$ 12.7
Information Technology Contracts [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$ 17.6

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Details

Note 15 - Acquisitions (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Jun. 25, 2014	Jan. 13, 2014	Sep. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 27, 2015	May. 04, 2015	Feb. 09, 2015	Dec. 08, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014	Jul. 02, 2014
Peterbilt in Charlotte [Member]
Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets			$ 6,400,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable			5,900,000
Peterbilt of Las Vegas [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net			$ 3,400,000
Dallas Truck Center, Inc. [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net						$ 3,257,000
Yancey Truck Centers LLC [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net							$ 30,057,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life				15 years
Effingham Truck Sales Inc. [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net								$ 25,261,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life				15 years
North Florida Truck Parts, Inc. [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net									$ 4,159,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life					15 years
House of Trucks, Inc. [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net										$ 6,874,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life					15 years
Truck Parts Depot, Inc. [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net											$ 500,000
CIT Inc. [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net		$ 146,563,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life					15 years
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		$ 146,600,000
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares		83,091
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned		$ 2,000,000
CCTTS [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	$ 2,200,000

Note 15 - Purchase Price Alloca

Note 15 - Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2015	Jul. 27, 2015	May. 04, 2015	Feb. 09, 2015	Dec. 08, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014	Jan. 13, 2014
Peterbilt of Las Vegas, Inc. [Member]
Property, equipment and capital lease assets	$ 17,241
Inventory	3,662
Prepaid expenses	295
Other	37
Accrued expenses	(960)
Capital lease obligations	(16,925)
Total	3,350
Accrued expenses	$ (960)
Dallas Truck Center, Inc. [Member]
Property, equipment and capital lease assets		$ 2,308
Inventory		949
Total		$ 3,257
Yancey Truck Centers LLC [Member]
Property, equipment and capital lease assets			$ 11,316
Inventory			7,206
Other			85
Accrued expenses			(220)
Total			30,057
Goodwill			11,670
Accrued expenses			$ (220)
Effingham Truck Sales Inc. [Member]
Property, equipment and capital lease assets				$ 7,090
Inventory				7,622
Prepaid expenses				80
Other				4
Total				25,261
Goodwill				8,190
Franchise rights				969
Accounts receivable				$ 1,306
North Florida Truck Parts, Inc. [Member]
Property, equipment and capital lease assets					$ 3,041
Inventory					50
Total					4,159
Goodwill					1,048
Accounts receivable					$ 20
House of Trucks, Inc. [Member]
Property, equipment and capital lease assets						$ 2,416
Inventory						2,512
Prepaid expenses						6
Accrued expenses						(28)
Total						6,874
Goodwill						1,968
Accrued expenses						$ (28)
CIT Inc. [Member]
Property, equipment and capital lease assets							$ 60,066
Inventory							31,048
Prepaid expenses							750
Other							23
Accrued expenses							(1,325)
Total							146,563
Goodwill							46,384
Franchise rights							2,442
Accounts receivable							7,175
Accrued expenses							$ (1,325)

Note 16 - Accumulated Other C83

Note 16 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance	$ (143)	$ (624)
Balance	(317)	(578)
Balance	(460)	(1,202)
Changes in fair value	235	789	$ 892
Changes in fair value	19	427
Changes in fair value	254	1,216
Income tax expense	(92)	(308)
Income tax expense	(7)	(166)
Income tax expense	$ (99)	(474)	$ (338)
Balance		(143)	(624)
Balance	$ (305)	(317)	(578)
Balance	$ (305)	$ (460)	$ (1,202)

Note 16 - Loss Reclassified fro

Note 16 - Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) into Earnings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Losses on cash flow swaps to:
Interest expense	$ (55)	$ (196)	$ (290)
Income tax benefit	21	76	113
Total reclassifications	$ (34)	$ (120)	$ (177)

Note 17 - Quarterly Financial D

Note 17 - Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
First Quarter [Member]
Revenues from external customers				$ 1,193,535
Gross profit				193,622
Operating income				30,329
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes				27,388
Net income				$ 16,781
Earnings per share:
Net income (in dollars per share)				$ 0.42
Net income (in dollars per share)				$ 0.42
Revenues from external customers				$ 1,193,535
Gross profit				193,622
Operating income				30,329
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes				27,388
Net income				$ 16,781
Second Quarter [Member]
Revenues from external customers			$ 917,878
Gross profit			207,633
Operating income			35,560
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes			31,962
Net income			$ 19,576
Earnings per share:
Net income (in dollars per share)			$ 0.49
Net income (in dollars per share)			$ 0.48
Revenues from external customers			$ 917,878
Gross profit			207,633
Operating income			35,560
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes			31,962
Net income			19,576
Third Quarter [Member]
Revenues from external customers		$ 1,294,076
Gross profit		208,008
Operating income		36,030
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes		32,462
Net income		$ 19,883
Earnings per share:
Net income (in dollars per share)		$ 0.49
Net income (in dollars per share)		$ 0.48
Revenues from external customers		$ 1,294,076
Gross profit		208,008
Operating income		36,030
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes		32,462
Net income		$ 19,883
Fourth Quarter [Member]
Revenues from external customers	$ 1,161,819
Gross profit	175,684
Operating income	19,357
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	15,991
Net income	$ 9,813
Earnings per share:
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 0.24
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 0.24
Revenues from external customers	$ 1,161,819
Gross profit	175,684
Operating income	19,357
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	15,991
Net income	$ 9,813
Operating income			34,932
Operating income			$ 34,932

Note 18 - Segments (Details Tex

Note 18 - Segments (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Number of Reportable Segments	1
Number of Operating Segments	3

Note 18 - Segment Reporting Inf

Note 18 - Segment Reporting Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Truck Segment [Member]
Revenues from external customers	$ 4,964,642	$ 4,708,978	$ 3,365,900
Interest income	490	239	41
Interest expense	13,814	11,278	10,559
Depreciation and amortization	43,355	40,283	29,403
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	109,583	131,035	81,856
Segment assets	2,818,255	2,646,018	2,123,731
Goodwill	282,481	262,585	212,904
Expenditures for segment assets	367,482	262,613	191,016
Other Segments [Member]
Revenues from external customers	$ 15,091	$ 18,378	$ 18,805
Interest income
Interest expense	$ 149	$ 159	$ 175
Depreciation and amortization	504	503	522
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	(1,780)	(492)	(795)
Segment assets	33,753	29,857	27,790
Goodwill	2,560	2,560	2,560
Expenditures for segment assets	308	510	568
Revenues from external customers	4,979,733	4,727,356	3,384,705
Interest income	490	239	41
Interest expense	13,963	11,437	10,734
Depreciation and amortization	43,859	40,786	29,925
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	107,803	130,543	81,061
Segment assets	2,852,008	2,675,875	2,151,521
Goodwill	285,041	265,145	215,464
Expenditures for segment assets	$ 367,790	$ 263,123	$ 191,584

Note 19 - Asset Impairment (Det

Note 19 - Asset Impairment (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Air Transportation Equipment [Member] | Truck Segment [Member]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$ 3.4

Note 20 - Related Party Trans89

Note 20 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) - CCTTS [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Maximum [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	$ (16)
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Rate		4.00%
Due from Related Parties		$ 10.6