Universal Logistics (ULH) 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	28-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'UACL	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Universal Truckload Services, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001308208	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	30,078,912

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,451	$2,554
Marketable securities	10,641	9,962
Accounts receivable - net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,584 and $2,515, respectively	131,089	118,903
Other receivables	16,996	16,720
Due from affiliates	2,334	3,586
Prepaid income taxes	3,358	1,621
Prepaid expenses and other	10,776	10,914
Deferred income taxes	2,111	4,878
Total current assets	182,756	169,138
Property and equipment - net of accumulated depreciation of $133,998 and $126,736, respectively	124,001	127,791
Goodwill	17,965	17,965
Intangible assets - net of accumulated amortization of $23,924 and $22,237, respectively	5,429	7,115
Other assets	5,097	5,360
Total assets	335,248	327,369
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	53,514	55,248
Due to affiliates	4,476	4,093
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	17,584	17,130
Insurance and claims	20,999	27,246
Current portion of long-term debt	3,429	'
Total current liabilities	100,002	103,717
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt	120,571	146,000
Deferred income taxes	14,462	15,599
Other long-term liabilities	4,992	4,681
Total long-term liabilities	140,025	166,280
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, no par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; 30,710,441 and 30,685,441 shares issued; 30,078,912 and 30,053,912 shares outstanding, respectively	30,710	30,685
Paid-in capital	550	550
Treasury stock, at cost; 631,529 shares	-9,316	-9,316
Retained earnings	71,756	34,589
Accumulated other comprehensive income:	'	'
Unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes of $1,096 and $858, respectively	1,832	998
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-311	-134
Total shareholders' equity	95,221	57,372
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$335,248	$327,369

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$2,584	$2,515
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	133,998	126,736
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	23,924	22,237
Common stock, par value	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	30,710,441	30,685,441
Common stock, shares outstanding	30,078,912	30,053,912
Treasury stock, shares	631,529	631,529
Unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities, income taxes	$1,096	$858

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Operating revenues:	'	'	'	'
Transportation services	$180,847	$184,658	$527,213	$561,479
Value-added services	47,936	41,207	146,887	130,959
Intermodal services	32,880	31,033	99,844	85,420
Total operating revenues	261,663	256,898	773,944	777,858
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Purchased transportation and equipment rent	143,436	148,889	419,590	445,930
Direct personnel and related benefits	43,898	39,041	132,897	123,965
Commission expense	10,132	10,660	29,254	31,600
Operating expenses (exclusive of items shown separately)	18,946	17,345	57,821	52,745
Occupancy expense	4,661	4,845	14,923	14,753
Selling, general, and administrative	7,904	7,639	24,445	24,353
Insurance and claims	5,523	5,132	14,905	15,592
Depreciation and amortization	4,683	4,454	14,749	13,384
Total operating expenses	239,183	238,005	708,584	722,322
Income from operations	22,480	18,893	65,360	55,536
Interest income	19	100	72	223
Interest expense	-1,113	-819	-3,196	-2,531
Other non-operating income	105	1,185	366	2,357
Income before provision for income taxes	21,491	19,359	62,602	55,585
Provision for income taxes	7,749	4,307	23,332	10,349
Net income	13,742	15,052	39,270	45,236
Earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.46	$0.50	$1.31	$1.51
Diluted	$0.46	$0.50	$1.30	$1.51
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	30,065	30,018	30,058	30,034
Diluted	30,118	30,018	30,099	30,034
Dividends paid per common share	$0.07	'	$0.07	'
Pre-merger dividends paid per common share	'	'	'	$1
Pro Forma earnings per common share-"C" corporation status:	'	'	'	'
Pro Forma provision for income taxes due to LINC Logistics Company conversion to "C" corporation	'	$3,027	'	$11,059
Earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	'	$0.40	'	$1.14
Diluted	'	$0.40	'	$1.14

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$13,742	$15,052	$39,270	$45,236
Other comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments arising during the period, net of income taxes	253	279	901	824
Realized gains on available-for-sale investments reclassified into income, net of income taxes	'	-634	-67	-1,165
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3	262	-177	323
Net gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	250	-93	657	-18
Total comprehensive income	$13,992	$14,959	$39,927	$45,218

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$39,270	$45,236
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	14,749	13,384
Gain on sale of marketable equity securities	-107	-1,904
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment	148	-17
Non-cash charges incurred from LINC capital markets activity	'	1,882
Provision for doubtful accounts	1,223	773
Deferred income taxes	1,391	450
Change in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Trade and other accounts receivable	-13,793	-10,666
Prepaid income taxes, prepaid expenses and other assets	-1,355	-6,316
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, insurance and claims and other current liabilities	-7,205	15,947
Due to/from affiliates, net	1,641	-2,748
Other long-term liabilities	311	1,586
Net cash provided by operating activities	36,273	57,607
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-11,073	-20,000
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	1,653	751
Purchases of marketable securities	-20	-16
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	520	6,221
Affiliate notes receivables - LINC	'	-5,000
Acquisition of business	-250	-850
Net cash used in investing activities	-9,170	-18,894
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from borrowing - revolving debt	21,505	21,532
Repayments of debt - revolving debt	-43,505	-14,532
Proceeds from borrowing - short term credit agreement	'	-5,056
Dividends paid	-2,104	-18,000
Distributions to LINC shareholders	'	-18,380
Pre-merger dividends paid	'	-15,499
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance cost	25	'
Purchases of treasury stock	'	-991
Payment of earnout obligations related to acquisitions	-23	-157
Net cash used in financing activities	-24,102	-33,083
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-104	42
Net increase in cash	2,897	5,672
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	2,554	5,511
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	5,451	11,183
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest	2,808	2,302
Cash paid for income taxes	23,608	7,249
Distributions to LINC shareholders:	'	'
Dividends paid	2,104	18,000
Distribution for shareholder state tax withholding	'	380
Net cash paid	'	18,380
Acquisition of business:	'	'
Fair value of assets acquired, including goodwill	'	1,100
Acquisition obligations	'	-250
Payment of acquisition obligation	250	'
Net cash paid	$250	$850

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	-1	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Universal Truckload Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“we”, “us”, “our”, “Universal”, or “the Company”), have been prepared by the Company’s management. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the information required to be set forth therein. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted from these statements pursuant to such rules and regulations and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 included in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the use of management’s estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Our fiscal year ends on December 31 and consists of four quarters, each with thirteen weeks.

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combinations	'
	-2	Business Combinations
	Acquisition Accounted for Between Entities Under Common Control
	In October 2012, we completed the acquisition of LINC Logistics Company (“LINC”). This resulted in the issuance of 14,527,332 shares of the Company’s common stock. Our majority shareholders beneficially owned, in the aggregate, 100% of the common stock of LINC. The effects of the retroactive restatement of the Company’s 2012 financial statements using the guidance for transactions between entities under common control as described in ASC Topic 805 – “Business Combinations” are summarized below (in thousands, except per share data):
			Thirteen weeks ended			Thirty-nine weeks ended
			September 29, 2012			September 29, 2012
	Total operating revenues:
	Universal, as previously reported on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 29, 2012		$	183,321		$	544,224
	LINC			73,587			233,649
	Elimination of intercompany transactions			(10	)		(15	)
	Universal, as restated		$	256,898		$	777,858
	Net income:
	Universal, as previously reported on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 29, 2012		$	5,512		$	14,108
	LINC			9,540			31,128
	Universal, as restated		$	15,052		$	45,236
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic :
	Universal, as previously reported on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 29, 2012		$	0.36		$	0.91
	Universal, as restated		$	0.5		$	1.51
	Diluted :
	Universal, as previously reported on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 29, 2012		$	0.36		$	0.91
	Universal, as restated		$	0.5		$	1.51

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities	'
	-3	Marketable Securities
	At September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012, marketable securities, all of which are available-for-sale, consist of common and preferred stocks. Marketable securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of related income taxes, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income, except for losses from impairments which are determined to be other-than-temporary. Realized gains and losses, and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in the determination of net income and are included in other non-operating income (expense), at which time the average cost basis of these securities are adjusted to fair value. Fair values are based on quoted market prices at the reporting date. Interest and dividends on available-for-sale securities are included in other non-operating income (expense).
	The cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and fair value of available-for-sale securities by type were as follows (in thousands):
			Cost		Gross		Gross			Fair
					unrealized		unrealized			Value
					holding		holding
					gains		(losses)
	At September 28, 2013 Equity Securities		$	7,713	$	3,084	$	(156	)	$	10,641
	At December 31, 2012 Equity Securities		$	8,106	$	2,077	$	(221	)	$	9,962
	Included in equity securities at September 28, 2013 are securities with a fair value of $1.2 million with a cumulative loss position of $0.2 million, the impairment of which we consider to be temporary. We consider several factors in our determination as to whether declines in value are judged to be temporary or other-than-temporary, including the severity and duration of the decline, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the specific issuers and the industries in which they operate, and our intent and ability to hold these securities. We may incur future impairment charges if declines in market values continue and/or worsen and impairments are no longer considered temporary.
	The fair value and gross unrealized holding losses of our marketable securities that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired aggregated by type and length of time they have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows (in thousands):
			Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Greater					Total
			Fair		Unrealized		Fair			Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
			Value		Losses		Value			Losses		Value		Losses
	At September 28, 2013 Equity securities		$	834	$	61	$	255		$	95	$	1,089	$	156
	At December 31, 2012 Equity securities		$	1,222	$	118	$	164		$	103	$	1,386	$	221
	Our portfolio of equity securities in a continuous loss position, the impairment of which we consider to be temporary, consists primarily of common stocks in the banking, oil and gas, and diversified holding industries. The fair value and unrealized losses are distributed in 8 publicly-traded companies, with no single industry or company representing a material or concentrated unrealized loss. We have evaluated the near-term prospects of the various industries, as well as the specific issuers within its portfolio, in relation to the severity and duration of the impairments, and based on that evaluation, and our ability and intent to hold these investments for a reasonable period of time to allow for a recovery of fair value, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 28, 2013.
	We may, from time to time, invest cash in excess of our current needs in marketable securities, much of which are held in equity securities, which are actively traded on public exchanges. It is our philosophy to minimize the risk of capital loss without foregoing the potential for capital appreciation through investing in value-and-income oriented investments. However, holding equity securities subjects us to fluctuations in the market value of our investment portfolio based on current market prices, and a decline in market prices or other unstable market conditions could cause a loss in the value of our marketable securities classified as available-for-sale.

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	'
	-4	Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities is comprised of the following (in thousands):
			September 28,		December 31,
			2013		2012
	Payroll related items		$	6,941	$	6,582
	Driver escrow liabilities			6,174		5,769
	Commissions, taxes and other			4,469		4,779
	Total		$	17,584	$	17,130

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	-5	Debt
	Debt is comprised of the following (in thousands):
			Interest Rates at			September 28,		December 31,
			September 28,			2013		2012
			2013
	Outstanding Debt:
	Credit Agreement
	$110 million revolving credit facility			LIBOR + 1.60	%	$	42,000	$	64,000
	$60 million equipment credit facility			LIBOR + 1.85	%		32,000		32,000
	$50 million term loan			LIBOR + 2.75	%		50,000		50,000
	UBS secured borrowing facility			LIBOR + 0.85	%		—		—
							124,000		146,000
	Less current portion						3,429		—
	Total long-term debt					$	120,571	$	146,000
	Syndicated credit facility
	On August 30, 2012, we entered into a Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, or the Credit Agreement, with and among the lenders parties thereto and Comerica Bank, as administrative agent, to provide for aggregate borrowing facilities of up to $220 million. The Credit Agreement consists of a $110 million revolving credit facility (which amount may be increased by up to $20 million upon our request and approval of the lenders), a $60 million equipment credit facility, and a $50 million term loan. Additionally, the Credit Agreement provides for up to $5 million in letters of credit, which letters of credit reduce availability under the revolving credit facility.
	Upon closing the merger with LINC on October 1, 2012, we borrowed approximately $149.1 million to repay LINC’s outstanding indebtedness and dividends payable via the Credit Agreement.
	$110 million Revolving Credit Facility
	The revolving credit facility is available to refinance existing indebtedness and to finance working capital through August 28, 2017. Two interest rate options are applicable to advances borrowed pursuant to the facility: Eurodollar-based advances and base rate advances. Eurodollar-based advances bear interest at 30, 60 or 90-day LIBOR rates plus an applicable margin, which varies from 1.35% to 2.10% based on our ratio of total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), as defined. As an alternative, base rate advances bear interest at a base rate, as defined, plus an applicable margin, which also varies based on our ratio of total debt to EBITDA in a range from 0.35% to 1.10%. The base rate is the greater of the prime rate announced by Comerica Bank, the federal funds effective rate plus 1.0%, or the daily adjusting LIBOR rate plus 1.0%. At September 28, 2013, interest accrued at 1.78% based on 30-day LIBOR.
	To support daily borrowing and other operating requirements, the revolving credit facility contains a $10.0 million Swing Line sub-facility and a $5.0 million letter of credit sub-facility. On June 3, 2013, we executed an amendment to our Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement (the “First Amendment”), which split the availability on the Swing Line between two existing lenders, Comerica Bank and KeyBank. The SwingLine was split to provide for borrowings of up to $7.0 million from Comerica Bank and $3.0 million from KeyBank, so long as the Comerica Bank and KeyBank advances do not exceed $10.0 million in the aggregate. Swing Line borrowings incur interest at either the base rate plus the applicable margin or, alternatively, at a quoted rate offered by the applicable Swing Line lender in its sole discretion. At September 28, 2013, there was $4.0 million outstanding from Comerica Bank under the Swing Line and interest accrued at 1.78% based on 30-day LIBOR. As of September 28, 2013, there were no letters of credit issued against the lines.
	Interest on the unpaid balance of all revolving credit facility and swing line base rate advances is payable quarterly in arrears commencing on October 1, 2012, and on the first day of each October, January, April and July thereafter. Interest on the unpaid balance of each Eurodollar-based advance of the revolving credit facility is payable on the last day of the applicable Eurodollar interest period. Interest on the unpaid balance of each quoted rate based advance of the swing line is payable on the last day of the applicable quoted rate interest period.
	The revolving credit facility is subject to a facility fee, which is payable quarterly in arrears, of either 0.25% or 0.50%, depending on our ratio of total debt to EBITDA. Other than in connection with Eurodollar-based advances or quoted rate advances that are paid off and terminated prior to an applicable interest period, there are no premiums or penalties resulting from prepayment. Borrowings outstanding at any time under the revolving credit facility are limited to the value of eligible accounts receivable of our principal operating subsidiaries, pursuant to a monthly borrowing base certificate. At September 28, 2013, our $42.0 million revolver advance was secured by, among other assets, net eligible accounts receivable totaling $106.3 million, of which, $87.4 million were available for borrowing against pursuant to the agreement.
	$60 million Equipment Credit Facility
	The equipment credit facility is available to refinance existing indebtedness and to finance capital expenditures including in connection with acquisitions. Borrowings under the equipment credit facility may be made until August 28, 2015, and such borrowings shall be repaid in quarterly installments equal to 1/28th of the aggregate amount of borrowings under the equipment credit facility commencing on January 1, 2014.
	The two interest rate options that apply to revolving credit facility advances also apply to equipment credit facility advances. Eurodollar-based advances bear interest at 30, 60 or 90-day LIBOR rates plus an applicable margin, which varies from 1.60% to 2.60% based on our ratio of total debt to EBITDA. Base rate advances bear interest at a base rate, as defined, plus an applicable margin, which also varies based on our ratio of total debt to EBITDA in a range from 0.60% to 1.60%. The equipment credit facility is subject to an unused fee, which is payable quarterly in arrears, of 0.50%. At September 28, 2013, interest accrued at 2.03 % based on 30-day LIBOR.
	Interest on the unpaid balance of all equipment credit facility base rate advances is payable quarterly in arrears commencing on October 1, 2012, and on the first day of each October, January, April and July thereafter. Interest on the unpaid balance of each Eurodollar-based advance of the equipment credit facility is payable on the last day of the applicable Eurodollar interest period.
	$50 million Term Loan
	Proceeds of the term loan were advanced on October 1, 2012 and used to refinance existing indebtedness of LINC. The outstanding principal balance is due on August 28, 2017, to the extent not already reduced by mandatory or optional prepayments. The applicable interest rate on the effective date of the term loan indebtedness was the base rate. Base rate advances bear interest at a defined base rate plus an applicable margin which varies from 1.50% to 2.25%, based on our ratio of total debt to EBITDA. Thereafter, we may convert base rate advances to Eurodollar-based advances, which bear interest at 30, 60 or 90-day LIBOR rates plus an applicable margin which varies from 2.50% to 3.25%, based on our ratio of total debt to EBITDA. At September 28, 2013, interest accrued at 2.93% based on 30-day LIBOR.
	Interest on the unpaid principal of all term loan base rate advances is payable quarterly in arrears commencing on October 1, 2012, and on the first day of each October, January, April and July thereafter. Interest on the unpaid principal of each Eurodollar-based advance of the term loan is payable on the last day of the applicable Eurodollar interest period.
	The Credit Agreement requires us to repay the borrowings made under the term loan facility and the equipment credit facility as follows: 50% (which percentage shall be reduced to 0% subject to the Company attaining a certain leverage ratio) of our annual excess cash flow, as defined; 100% of net cash proceeds of certain asset sales; and 100% of certain insurance and condemnation proceeds. Mandatory prepayment of the term loan was $0 as of September 28, 2013. We may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under each of the facilities at any time, subject to certain customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR-based borrowings. In addition, we may elect to permanently terminate or reduce all or a portion of the revolving credit facility.
	All obligations under the Credit Agreement are unconditionally guaranteed by the Company’s material U.S. subsidiaries and the obligations of the Company and such subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement and such guarantees are secured by, subject to certain exceptions, substantially all of their assets. The Credit Agreement also may, in certain circumstances, limit our ability to pay dividends or distributions. The Credit Agreement includes annual, quarterly and ad hoc financial reporting requirements and financial covenants requiring us to maintain maximum leverage ratios and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. Specifically, we may not exceed a maximum senior debt to EBITDA ratio, as defined, of 2.5:1 and a maximum total debt to EBITDA ratio, as defined, of 3.0:1. We must also maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined, of not less than 1.25:1. As of September 28, 2013, we were in compliance with our debt covenants.
	UBS Secured Borrowing Facility
	We also maintain a secured borrowing facility at UBS Financial Services, Inc., or UBS, using our marketable securities as collateral for the short-term line of credit. The line of credit bears an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 0.85% (effective rate of 1.03 % at September 28, 2013), and interest is adjusted and billed monthly. No principal payments are due on the borrowing; however, the line of credit is callable at any time. The amount available under the line of credit is based on a percentage of the market value of the underlying securities. If the equity value in the account falls below the minimum requirement, we must restore the equity value, or UBS may call the line of credit. As of September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there were no amounts outstanding under the line of credit, and the maximum available borrowings were $5.1 million.

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Di

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures	'
	-6	Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
	FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and expanded disclosures with respect to fair value measurements.
	FASB ASC Topic 820 also establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
		•		Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
		•		Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
		•		Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
	We segregate all financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date in the tables below (in thousands):
			September 28, 2013
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
									Measurement
	Assets
	Cash equivalents		$	17	$	—	$	—	$	17
	Marketable securities			10,641		—		—		10,641
	Total Assets		$	10,658	$	—	$	—	$	10,658
			31-Dec-12
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
									Measurement
	Assets
	Cash equivalents		$	23	$	—	$	—	$	23
	Marketable securities			9,962		—		—		9,962
	Total Assets		$	9,985	$	—	$	—	$	9,985
	The valuation techniques used to measure fair value for the items in the tables above are as follows:
		•		Cash equivalents – This category consists of money market funds which are listed as Level 1 assets and measured at fair value based on quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
		•		Marketable securities – Marketable securities represent equity securities, which consist of common and preferred stocks, are actively traded on public exchanges and are listed as Level 1 assets. Fair value was measured based on quoted prices for these securities in active markets.
	Our senior debt and line of credit consists of variable rate borrowings. We categorize borrowings under the credit agreement and line of credit as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value of these borrowings approximate fair value because the applicable interest rates are adjusted frequently based on short-term market rates.

Transactions_with_Affiliates

Transactions with Affiliates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Transactions with Affiliates	'
	-7	Transactions with Affiliates
	Through December 31, 2004, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenTra, Inc. On December 31, 2004, CenTra distributed all of our common stock to the shareholders of CenTra. Subsequent to our initial public offering in 2005, our majority shareholders retained and continue to hold a controlling interest in us. CenTra and affiliates of CenTra provide administrative support services to us, including legal, human resources, and tax services. The cost of these services is based on the actual or estimated utilization of the specific service. Management believes these charges are reasonable. However, the costs of these services charged to us are not necessarily indicative of the costs that would have been incurred if we had internally performed or acquired these services as a separate unaffiliated entity.
	In addition to the administrative support services described above, we purchase other services from affiliates. Following is a schedule of cost incurred for services provided by affiliates for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 (in thousands):
			Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
			September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Administrative support services		$	1,158	$	631	$	2,047	$	1,875
	Truck fueling and maintenance			473		1,155		1,615		2,864
	Real estate rent and related costs			2,807		2,831		8,294		8,292
	Insurance and employee benefit plans			7,930		8,450		25,464		25,810
	Contracted transportation services			78		81		227		208
	Total		$	12,446	$	13,148	$	37,647	$	39,049
	In connection with our transportation services, we also routinely cross the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor Ontario, and we pay tolls and other fees to certain related entities which are under common control with CenTra. CenTra also charges us for the direct variable cost of various maintenance, fueling and other operational support costs for services delivered at their trucking terminals that are geographically remote from our own facilities. Such activities are billed when incurred, paid on a routine basis, and reflect actual labor utilization, repair parts costs or quantities of fuel purchased.
	A significant number of our transportation and logistics service operations are located at facilities leased from affiliates. As of September 28, 2013, we occupy 37 such facilities. Occupancy is based on either month-to-month or contractual, multi-year lease arrangements which are billed and paid monthly. Leasing properties provided by an affiliate that owns a substantial commercial property portfolio affords us significant operating flexibility. However, we are not limited to such arrangements.
	We purchase workers’ compensation, property and casualty, and other general liability insurance from an insurance company controlled by our majority shareholders. Our employee health care benefits and 401(k) programs are also provided or coordinated by this affiliate.
	Other services from affiliates, including leased real estate, insurance and employee benefit plans, and contracted transportation services, are delivered to us on a per-transaction-basis or pursuant to separate contractual arrangements provided in the ordinary course of business. At September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012, amounts due to affiliates were $4.5 million and $4.1 million, respectively.
	Services provided to affiliates
	We may assist our affiliates with selected transportation and logistics services in connection with their specific customer contracts or purchase orders. Following is a schedule of services provided to affiliates for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 (in thousands):
			Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
			September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Transportation and intermodal services		$	1,204	$	660	$	8,777	$	847
	Truck fueling and maintenance			69		49		167		184
	Administrative and customer support services			—		101		120		163
	Total		$	1,273	$	810	$	9,064	$	1,194
	At September 28, 2013 and December 31, 2012, amounts due from affiliates were $2.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
	During the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2013, we incurred approximately $524,000 of costs related to an underwritten public offering of our common stock. Under the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2012 with our majority shareholders, we were responsible to pay for the cost of the offering. After deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses, we do not expect to have any remaining proceeds from the sale of our common stock.
	Also for the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2013, we purchased 25 tractors from an affiliate for approximately $1.1 million.
	We also retained the law firm of Sullivan Hincks & Conway to provide legal services during the period. Daniel C. Sullivan, a member of our Board, is a partner at Sullivan Hincks & Conway. Amounts paid for legal services during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2013 were $6,000 and $9,000, respectively. Amounts paid for legal services during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2012 were $31,000 and $144,000, respectively.
	On October 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of LINC. Our principal shareholders beneficially owned, in the aggregate, 100% of the common stock of LINC. See Note 2 “Business Combinations - Acquisition Accounted for Between Entities Under Common Control.”

Comprehensive_Income

Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income	'
	-8	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income includes the following (in thousands):
			Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
			September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments arising during the period:
	Gross amount		$	380		$	449		$	1,179		$	1,313
	Income tax (expense) benefit			(127	)		(170	)		(278	)		(489	)
	Net of tax amount		$	253		$	279		$	901		$	824
	Realized (gains) on available-for-sale investments reclassified into income:
	Gross amount		$	—		$	(1,034	)	$	(107	)	$	(1,904	)
	Income tax expense			—			400			40			739
	Net of tax amount		$	—		$	(634	)	$	(67	)	$	(1,165	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		$	(3	)	$	262		$	(177	)	$	323

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	-9	Shareholders’ Equity
	In August 2013, we sold 25,000 shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering at a price of $23.00 per share. After deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses, we did not receive any proceeds from the sale of our common stock.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Based Compensation	'
	-10	Stock Based Compensation
	In December 2004, our Board of Directors adopted the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, or the Plan, which became effective upon completion of the Company’s initial public offering. The Plan allows for the issuance of a total of 500,000 shares of common stock. The grants may be made in the form of restricted stock bonuses, restricted stock purchase rights, stock options, phantom stock units, restricted stock units, performance share bonuses, performance share units or stock appreciation rights.
	On December 20, 2012, we granted 178,137 shares of restricted stock to certain of our employees. The restricted stock grants vested 20% on December 20, 2012, and an additional 20% will vest on each anniversary of the grant through December 20, 2016, subject to continued employment of the grantee with the Company.
	The following table summarizes the status of the Company’s non-vested shares and related information for the period indicated:
			Shares		Weighted
					Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Non-vested at January 1, 2013			142,511	$	16.42
	Granted			—	$	—
	Vested			—	$	—
	Forfeited			—	$	—
	Balance at September 28, 2013			142,511	$	16.42
	As of September 28, 2013, there was $2.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 4 years.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	-11	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per common share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding outstanding non-vested restricted stock, and diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, including outstanding non-vested restricted stock, plus incremental shares that would have been outstanding upon the assumed exercise of any dilutive stock options. For the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2013, there were 53,570 and 41,908 weighted average non-vested shares of restricted stock, respectively, included in the denominator for the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2012, we had no common stock equivalents; therefore, diluted earnings per share are equal to basic earnings per share.

Dividends

Dividends	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Dividends	'
	-12	Dividends
	On July 25, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share of common stock, which was payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 5, 2013, and was paid on August 15, 2013. Declaration of future cash dividends is subject to final determination by the Board of Directors each quarter after its review of our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, any legal or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant.

Unaudited_Pro_Forma_Earnings_P

Unaudited Pro Forma Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Unaudited Pro Forma Earnings Per Share	'
	-13	Unaudited Pro Forma Earnings Per Share
	Prior to its acquisition on October 1, 2012, LINC was an “S” Corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, LINC had no U.S. federal income tax liability, but had state and local liabilities in certain jurisdictions attributable to earnings as an “S” Corporation. Pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share have been computed to give effect to the termination of LINC’s “S” Corporation status and acquisition by us, which changes the provision for income taxes for each period presented. For the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine ended September 29, 2012, we assume a blended statutory federal, state and local rate of 37.9% and 38.5%, respectively.
	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for each 2012 period presented (in thousands, except per share data):
			Thirteen		Thirty-nine
			weeks ended		weeks ended
			September 29,		September 29,
			2012		2012
	Net income		$	15,052	$	45,236
	Pro forma provision for income taxes due to LINC’s conversion to a “C” corporation			3,027		11,059
	Pro forma net income		$	12,025	$	34,177
	Pro forma earnings per common share:
	Basic		$	0.4	$	1.14
	Diluted		$	0.4	$	1.14
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
	Basic			30,018		30,034
	Diluted			30,018		30,034

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	-14	Segment Reporting
	We report our financial results in two reportable segments, the transportation segment and the logistics segment, based on the nature of the underlying customer commitment and the types of investments required to support these commitments. This presentation reflects the manner in which management evaluates our operating segments, including an evaluation of economic characteristics and applicable aggregation criteria.
	Operations aggregated in our transportation segment are associated with individual freight shipments coordinated by our agents, company-managed terminals and specialized services operations. In contrast, operations aggregated in our logistics segment deliver value-added services or transportation services to specific customers on a dedicated basis, generally pursuant to contract terms of one year or longer. Other non-reportable operating segments are comprised of the Company’s subsidiaries that provide support services to other subsidiaries and to owner-operators, including shop maintenance and equipment leasing.
	The following tables summarize information about our reportable segments as of and for the thirteen week and thirty-nine week periods ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 (in thousands):
			Thirteen weeks ended
			September 28, 2013									September 29, 2012
			Transportation		Logistics		Other			Total		Transportation		Logistics		Other			Total
	Operating revenues		$	181,572	$	79,977	$	114		$	261,663	$	188,388	$	68,423	$	87		$	256,898
	Eliminated inter-segment revenues			152		79		—			231		100		20		—			120
	Income from operations			8,261		15,388		(1,169	)		22,480		8,245		11,240		(592	)		18,893
	Total assets			228,721		85,008		21,519			335,248		237,328		76,206		32,500			346,034
			Thirty-nine weeks ended
			September 28, 2013									September 29, 2012
			Transportation		Logistics		Other			Total		Transportation		Logistics		Other			Total
	Operating revenues		$	529,375	$	244,244	$	325		$	773,944	$	559,567	$	217,986	$	305		$	777,858
	Eliminated inter-segment revenues			472		128		—			600		437		67		—			504
	Income from operations			21,481		46,032		(2,153	)		65,360		22,294		34,877		(1,635	)		55,536
	Total assets			228,721		85,008		21,519			335,248		237,328		76,206		32,500			346,034

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	-15	Commitments and Contingencies
	Our principal commitments relate to long-term real estate leases and payment obligations to equipment vendors.
	We are involved in certain claims and pending litigation arising from the ordinary conduct of business. We also provide accruals for claims within our self-insured retention amounts. Based on the knowledge of the facts, and in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, in our opinion the resolution of these claims and pending litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	At September 28, 2013, approximately 48.7% of our employees in the United States, Mexico and Canada are subject to collective bargaining agreements that are renegotiated periodically. Less than 1% are subject to contracts that expire in 2013.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	-16	Subsequent Events
	On October 24, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share of common stock, which is payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 4, 2013 and is expected to be paid on November 14, 2013. Declaration of future cash dividends is subject to final determination by the Board of Directors each quarter after its review of our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, any legal or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant.

Business_Combinations_Tables

Business Combinations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Combinations	'
	The effects of the retroactive restatement of the Company’s 2012 financial statements using the guidance for transactions between entities under common control as described in ASC Topic 805 – “Business Combinations” are summarized below (in thousands, except per share data):
		Thirteen weeks ended			Thirty-nine weeks ended
		September 29, 2012			September 29, 2012
	Total operating revenues:
	Universal, as previously reported on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 29, 2012	$	183,321		$	544,224
	LINC		73,587			233,649
	Elimination of intercompany transactions		(10	)		(15	)
	Universal, as restated	$	256,898		$	777,858
	Net income:
	Universal, as previously reported on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 29, 2012	$	5,512		$	14,108
	LINC		9,540			31,128
	Universal, as restated	$	15,052		$	45,236
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic :
	Universal, as previously reported on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 29, 2012	$	0.36		$	0.91
	Universal, as restated	$	0.5		$	1.51
	Diluted :
	Universal, as previously reported on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 29, 2012	$	0.36		$	0.91
	Universal, as restated	$	0.5		$	1.51

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Cost, Gross Unrealized Holding Gains Losses, and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities	'
	The cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and fair value of available-for-sale securities by type were as follows (in thousands):
		Cost		Gross		Gross			Fair
				unrealized		unrealized			Value
				holding		holding
				gains		(losses)
	At September 28, 2013	$	7,713	$	3,084	$	(156	)	$	10,641
	Equity Securities
	At December 31, 2012	$	8,106	$	2,077	$	(221	)	$	9,962
	Equity Securities
Schedule of Gross Unrealized Holding Losses and Fair Value of Marketable Securities	'
	The fair value and gross unrealized holding losses of our marketable securities that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired aggregated by type and length of time they have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows (in thousands):
		Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Greater					Total
		Fair		Unrealized		Fair			Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
		Value		Losses		Value			Losses		Value		Losses
	At September 28, 2013	$	834	$	61	$	255		$	95	$	1,089	$	156
	Equity securities
	At December 31, 2012	$	1,222	$	118	$	164		$	103	$	1,386	$	221
	Equity securities

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	'
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		September 28,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Payroll related items	$	6,941	$	6,582
	Driver escrow liabilities		6,174		5,769
	Commissions, taxes and other		4,469		4,779
	Total	$	17,584	$	17,130

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Details of Debt	'
	Debt is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		Interest Rates at			September 28,		December 31,
		September 28,			2013		2012
		2013
	Outstanding Debt:
	Credit Agreement
	$110 million revolving credit facility		LIBOR + 1.60	%	$	42,000	$	64,000
	$60 million equipment credit facility		LIBOR + 1.85	%		32,000		32,000
	$50 million term loan		LIBOR + 2.75	%		50,000		50,000
	UBS secured borrowing facility		LIBOR + 0.85	%		—		—
						124,000		146,000
	Less current portion					3,429		—
	Total long-term debt				$	120,571	$	146,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Di1

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	We segregate all financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date in the tables below (in thousands):
		September 28, 2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
								Measurement
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	17	$	—	$	—	$	17
	Marketable securities		10,641		—		—		10,641
	Total Assets	$	10,658	$	—	$	—	$	10,658
		31-Dec-12
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
								Measurement
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	23	$	—	$	—	$	23
	Marketable securities		9,962		—		—		9,962
	Total Assets	$	9,985	$	—	$	—	$	9,985

Transactions_with_Affiliates_T

Transactions with Affiliates (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Amounts Charged to UTSI	'
	Following is a schedule of cost incurred for services provided by affiliates for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 (in thousands):
		Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Administrative support services	$	1,158	$	631	$	2,047	$	1,875
	Truck fueling and maintenance		473		1,155		1,615		2,864
	Real estate rent and related costs		2,807		2,831		8,294		8,292
	Insurance and employee benefit plans		7,930		8,450		25,464		25,810
	Contracted transportation services		78		81		227		208
	Total	$	12,446	$	13,148	$	37,647	$	39,049
Schedule of Services Provided to Affiliates	'
	Following is a schedule of services provided to affiliates for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 (in thousands):
		Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Transportation and intermodal services	$	1,204	$	660	$	8,777	$	847
	Truck fueling and maintenance		69		49		167		184
	Administrative and customer support services		—		101		120		163
	Total	$	1,273	$	810	$	9,064	$	1,194

Comprehensive_Income_Tables

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Components of Comprehensive Income	'
	Comprehensive income includes the following (in thousands):
		Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
		September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments arising during the period:
	Gross amount	$	380		$	449		$	1,179		$	1,313
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(127	)		(170	)		(278	)		(489	)
	Net of tax amount	$	253		$	279		$	901		$	824
	Realized (gains) on available-for-sale investments reclassified into income:
	Gross amount	$	—		$	(1,034	)	$	(107	)	$	(1,904	)
	Income tax expense		—			400			40			739
	Net of tax amount	$	—		$	(634	)	$	(67	)	$	(1,165	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(3	)	$	262		$	(177	)	$	323

Stock_Based_Compensation_Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Status of Nonvested Shares	'
	The following table summarizes the status of the Company’s non-vested shares and related information for the period indicated:
		Shares		Weighted
				Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Non-vested at January 1, 2013		142,511	$	16.42
	Granted		—	$	—
	Vested		—	$	—
	Forfeited		—	$	—
	Balance at September 28, 2013		142,511	$	16.42

Unaudited_Pro_Forma_Earnings_P1

Unaudited Pro Forma Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for each 2012 period presented (in thousands, except per share data):
		Thirteen		Thirty-nine
		weeks ended		weeks ended
		September 29,		September 29,
		2012		2012
	Net income	$	15,052	$	45,236
	Pro forma provision for income taxes due to LINC’s conversion to a “C” corporation		3,027		11,059
	Pro forma net income	$	12,025	$	34,177
	Pro forma earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	0.4	$	1.14
	Diluted	$	0.4	$	1.14
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
	Basic		30,018		30,034
	Diluted		30,018		30,034

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summary of Company's Reportable Segment Information	'
	The following tables summarize information about our reportable segments as of and for the thirteen week and thirty-nine week periods ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 (in thousands):
		Thirteen weeks ended
		September 28, 2013									September 29, 2012
		Transportation		Logistics		Other			Total		Transportation		Logistics		Other			Total
	Operating revenues	$	181,572	$	79,977	$	114		$	261,663	$	188,388	$	68,423	$	87		$	256,898
	Eliminated inter-segment revenues		152		79		—			231		100		20		—			120
	Income from operations		8,261		15,388		(1,169	)		22,480		8,245		11,240		(592	)		18,893
	Total assets		228,721		85,008		21,519			335,248		237,328		76,206		32,500			346,034
		Thirty-nine weeks ended
		September 28, 2013									September 29, 2012
		Transportation		Logistics		Other			Total		Transportation		Logistics		Other			Total
	Operating revenues	$	529,375	$	244,244	$	325		$	773,944	$	559,567	$	217,986	$	305		$	777,858
	Eliminated inter-segment revenues		472		128		—			600		437		67		—			504
	Income from operations		21,481		46,032		(2,153	)		65,360		22,294		34,877		(1,635	)		55,536
	Total assets		228,721		85,008		21,519			335,248		237,328		76,206		32,500			346,034

Business_Combinations_Addition

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Issuance of common stock for acquisition shares	14,527,332
Percentage of common stock owned by majority shareholders	100.00%

Business_Combinations_Schedule

Business Combinations - Schedule of Business Combinations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Total operating revenues:	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	$261,663	$256,898	$773,944	$777,858
Net income:	'	'	'	'
Net income	13,742	15,052	39,270	45,236
Basic :	'	'	'	'
Earnings per common share, basic	$0.46	$0.50	$1.31	$1.51
Diluted :	'	'	'	'
Earnings per common share, diluted	$0.46	$0.50	$1.30	$1.51
Universal [Member] | Previously reported [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues:	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	'	183,321	'	544,224
Net income:	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	5,512	'	14,108
Basic :	'	'	'	'
Earnings per common share, basic	'	'	'	'
Diluted :	'	'	'	'
Earnings per common share, diluted	'	$0.36	'	$0.91
Universal [Member] | Restated [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues:	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	'	256,898	'	777,858
Net income:	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	15,052	'	45,236
Basic :	'	'	'	'
Earnings per common share, basic	'	$0.36	'	$0.91
Diluted :	'	'	'	'
Earnings per common share, diluted	'	$0.50	'	$1.51
LINC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues:	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	'	73,587	'	233,649
Net income:	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	9,540	'	31,128
Elimination of intercompany transactions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues:	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	'	($10)	'	($15)

Marketable_Securities_Schedule

Marketable Securities - Schedule of Cost, Gross Unrealized Holding Gains Losses, and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Equity Securities, Fair Value	$10,641	$9,962
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Equity Securities, Cost	7,713	8,106
Equity Securities, Gross unrealized holding gains	3,084	2,077
Equity Securities, Gross unrealized holding (losses)	-156	-221
Equity Securities, Fair Value	$10,641	$9,962

Marketable_Securities_Addition

Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cumulative loss position related to fair value of equity securities	$200,000	'
Number of investments in publicly traded companies	8	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of equity securities	1,200,000	'
Cumulative loss position related to fair value of equity securities	$156,000	$221,000

Marketable_Securities_Schedule1

Marketable Securities - Schedule of Gross Unrealized Holding Losses and Fair Value of Marketable Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities, Total, Unrealized Losses	$200	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	834	1,222
Equity securities, Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	61	118
Equity securities, 12 Months or Greater, Fair Value	255	164
Equity securities, 12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses	95	103
Equity securities, Total, Fair Value	1,089	1,386
Equity securities, Total, Unrealized Losses	$156	$221

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Payroll related items	$6,941	$6,582
Driver escrow liabilities	6,174	5,769
Commissions, taxes and other	4,469	4,779
Total	$17,584	$17,130

Debt_Details_of_Debt_Detail

Debt - Details of Debt (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Outstanding Debt:	'	'
Long-term debt	$124,000	$146,000
Less current portion	3,429	'
Total long-term debt	120,571	146,000
Syndicated credit facility, $110 million revolving credit facility [Member]	'	'
Outstanding Debt:	'	'
Credit facility, Interest Rates	'LIBOR + 1.60%	'
Debt instrument, carrying amount	42,000	64,000
Syndicated credit facility, $60 million equipment credit facility [Member]	'	'
Outstanding Debt:	'	'
Credit facility, Interest Rates	'LIBOR + 1.85%	'
Debt instrument, carrying amount	32,000	32,000
Syndicated credit facility, $50 million term loan [Member]	'	'
Outstanding Debt:	'	'
Credit facility, Interest Rates	'LIBOR + 2.75%	'
Debt instrument, carrying amount	$50,000	$50,000
UBS secured borrowing facility [Member]	'	'
Outstanding Debt:	'	'
Credit facility, Interest Rates	'LIBOR + 0.85%	'

Debt_Details_of_Debt_Parenthet

Debt - Details of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Syndicated credit facility, $110 million revolving credit facility [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate above variable base rate	1.60%
Debt instrument, face amount	$110
Syndicated credit facility, $60 million equipment credit facility [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate above variable base rate	1.85%
Debt instrument, face amount	60
Syndicated credit facility, $50 million term loan [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate above variable base rate	2.75%
Debt instrument, face amount	$50
UBS secured borrowing facility [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate above variable base rate	0.85%

Debt_Syndicated_Credit_Facilit

Debt - Syndicated Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Aug. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Aug. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Aug. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Aug. 30, 2012

Aug. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Comerica Bank Credit Facility [Member]

Key Bank Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement One Hundred And Ten Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement One Hundred And Ten Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement One Hundred And Ten Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement One Hundred And Ten Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement Sixty Million Equipment Financing Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement Sixty Million Equipment Financing Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement Fifty Million Term Loan [Member]

Credit Agreement Fifty Million Term Loan [Member]

Letters of credit [Member]

Swing Line sub-facility [Member]

Swing Line sub-facility [Member]

UBS secured borrowing facility [Member]

UBS secured borrowing facility [Member]

Syndicated credit facility [Member]

Syndicated credit facility [Member]

Syndicated credit facility [Member]

Syndicated credit facility [Member]

Eurodollar-based [Member]

Eurodollar-based [Member]

Eurodollar-based [Member]

Eurodollar-based [Member]

Eurodollar-based [Member]

Eurodollar-based [Member]

Eurodollar-based [Member]

Eurodollar-based [Member]

Eurodollar-based [Member]

Base rate [Member]

Base rate [Member]

Base rate [Member]

Base rate [Member]

Base rate [Member]

Base rate [Member]

Base rate [Member]

Base rate [Member]

Base rate [Member]

Option

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Installment

Comerica Bank Credit Facility [Member]

Letters of credit [Member]

Credit Agreement One Hundred And Ten Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement One Hundred And Ten Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement One Hundred And Ten Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement Sixty Million Equipment Financing Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement Sixty Million Equipment Financing Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement Sixty Million Equipment Financing Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement Fifty Million Term Loan [Member]

Credit Agreement Fifty Million Term Loan [Member]

Credit Agreement Fifty Million Term Loan [Member]

Credit Agreement One Hundred And Ten Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement One Hundred And Ten Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement One Hundred And Ten Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement Sixty Million Equipment Financing Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement Sixty Million Equipment Financing Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement Sixty Million Equipment Financing Facility [Member]

Credit Agreement Fifty Million Term Loan [Member]

Credit Agreement Fifty Million Term Loan [Member]

Credit Agreement Fifty Million Term Loan [Member]

Option

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Proforma Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

'

'

'

$110,000,000

'

'

'

$60,000,000

'

$50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$220,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity

7,000,000

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

10,000,000

'

0

5,100,000

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Funds borrowed to repay outstanding indebtedness and dividends payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

149,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, expiration date

'

'

28-Aug-17

'

'

'

28-Aug-15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of interest rate options

'

'

2

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, interest rate description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Interest at 30, 60 or 90-day LIBOR rates plus an applicable margin, which varies from 1.35% to 2.10% based on our ratio of total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), as defined.

'

'

'Eurodollar-based advances bear interest at 30, 60 or 90-day LIBOR rates plus an applicable margin, which varies from 1.60% to 2.60% based on our ratio of total debt to EBITDA.

'

'

'Which bear interest at 30, 60 or 90-day LIBOR rates plus an applicable margin which varies from 2.50% to 3.25%, based on our ratio of total debt to EBITDA.

'

'

'Base rate advances bear interest at a base rate, as defined, plus an applicable margin, which also varies based on our ratio of total debt to EBITDA in a range from 0.35% to 1.10%.

'

'

'Base rate advances bear interest at a base rate, as defined, plus an applicable margin, which also varies based on our ratio of total debt to EBITDA in a range from 0.60% to 1.60%.

'

'

'Base rate advances bear interest at a defined base rate plus an applicable margin which varies from 1.50% to 2.25%, based on our ratio of total debt to EBITDA.

'

'

Margin rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.85%

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.35%

2.10%

'

1.60%

2.60%

'

2.50%

3.25%

'

0.35%

1.10%

'

0.60%

1.60%

'

1.50%

2.25%

Federal funds effective rate plus

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusting LIBOR rate plus

'

'

'LIBOR rate plus 1.0%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate above LIBOR

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest accrued percentage

'

'

1.78%

'

'

'

2.03%

'

2.93%

'

'

'

1.78%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Facility, Outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility fee

'

'

'

'

0.25%

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, carrying amount

'

'

42,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, secured by accounts receivable

'

'

106,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility available for borrowings pursuant to the agreement

'

'

87,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Frequency of installments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Quarterly

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of installments

'

'

'

'

'

'

28

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility fees percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of borrowings under term loan facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'50% (which percentage shall be reduced to 0% subject to the Company attaining a certain leverage ratio) of our annual excess cash flow, as defined; 100% of net cash proceeds of certain asset sales; and 100% of certain insurance and condemnation proceeds.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment of term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum senior debt to EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum total debt to EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed charge coverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective rate, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.03%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair_Value_Measurement_and_Dis

Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures - Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	$10,641	$9,962
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	17	23
Marketable securities	10,641	9,962
Total Assets	10,658	9,985
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	17	23
Marketable securities	10,641	9,962
Total Assets	10,658	9,985
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Marketable securities	'	'
Total Assets	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Marketable securities	'	'
Total Assets	'	'

Transactions_with_Affiliates_S

Transactions with Affiliates - Schedule of Amounts Charged to UTSI (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cost incurred for services provided by CenTra and affiliates	$12,446	$13,148	$37,647	$39,049
Administrative support services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cost incurred for services provided by CenTra and affiliates	1,158	631	2,047	1,875
Truck fueling and maintenance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cost incurred for services provided by CenTra and affiliates	473	1,155	1,615	2,864
Real estate rent and related costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cost incurred for services provided by CenTra and affiliates	2,807	2,831	8,294	8,292
Insurance and employee benefit plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cost incurred for services provided by CenTra and affiliates	7,930	8,450	25,464	25,810
Contracted transportation services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cost incurred for services provided by CenTra and affiliates	$78	$81	$227	$208

Transactions_with_Affiliates_A

Transactions with Affiliates - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
	Tractor		Facility
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Occupancy of facilities either on monthly or contractual basis	'	'	37	'	'	'
Due to affiliates	$4,476,000	'	$4,476,000	'	$4,093,000	'
Due from affiliates	2,334,000	'	2,334,000	'	3,586,000	'
Amounts paid for legal services	31,000	6,000	144,000	9,000	'	'
Costs related to an underwritten public offering	524,000	'	'	'	'	'
Number of tractors purchased	25	'	'	'	'	'
Cost of purchase of tractors from an affiliate	$1,100,000	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of common stock owned by principal shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%

Transactions_with_Affiliates_S1

Transactions with Affiliates - Schedule of Services Provided to Affiliates (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Services provided to affiliates	$1,273	$810	$9,064	$1,194
Transportation and intermodal services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Services provided to affiliates	1,204	660	8,777	847
Truck fueling and maintenance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Services provided to affiliates	69	49	167	184
Administrative and customer support services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Services provided to affiliates	'	$101	$120	$163

Comprehensive_Income_Component

Comprehensive Income - Components of Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments, Gross amount	$380	$449	$1,179	$1,313
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments, Income tax (expense) benefit	-127	-170	-278	-489
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments, Net of tax amount	253	279	901	824
Realized (gains) on available-for-sale investments reclassified into income, Gross amount	'	-1,034	-107	-1,904
Realized (gains) on available-for-sale investments reclassified into income, Income tax expense	'	400	40	739
Realized (gains) on available-for-sale investments reclassified into income, Net of tax amount	'	-634	-67	-1,165
Foreign currency translation adjustments	($3)	$262	($177)	$323

Shareholders_Equity_Additional

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Common stock sold in public offering	25,000
Common stock price per share	$23

Stock_Based_Compensation_Addit

Stock Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 20, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Based Compensation Activity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost	'	2.3	'
Weighted-average period of cost expected to be recognized	'	'4 years	'
Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Stock Based Compensation Activity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Issuance of shares	'	500,000	'
Restricted stock [Member]	'	'	'
Stock Based Compensation Activity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares of restricted stock granted	178,137	'	'
Restricted stock grants vested	20.00%	'	'
Additional restricted stock grants vested per year	'	'	20.00%

Stock_Based_Compensation_Summa

Stock Based Compensation - Summary of Status of Nonvested Shares (Detail) (Restricted stock [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 20, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013
Restricted stock [Member]	'	'
Nonvested Share Activity [Line Items]	'	'
Shares Nonvested, Beginning Balance	'	142,511
Shares, Granted	178,137	'
Shares, Vested	'	'
Shares, Forfeited	'	'
Shares, Ending Balance	'	142,511
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	'	$16.42
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	'	$16.42

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average non-vested shares of restricted shares	53,570	41,908

Dividends_Additional_Informati

Dividends - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 25, 2013	Aug. 05, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Dividend declared per common share	$0.07	'	'	'
Dividends paid per common share	'	$0.07	$0.07	$0.07

Pro_Forma_Earnings_Per_Share_A

Pro Forma Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Statutory federal, state and local rate	37.90%	38.50%

Pro_Forma_Earnings_Per_Share_C

Pro Forma Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$13,742	$15,052	$39,270	$45,236
Pro forma provision for income taxes due to LINC's conversion to a "C" corporation	'	3,027	'	11,059
Pro forma net income	'	$12,025	'	$34,177
Pro forma earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	'	$0.40	'	$1.14
Diluted	'	$0.40	'	$1.14
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	30,065	30,018	30,058	30,034
Diluted	30,118	30,018	30,099	30,034

Segment_Reporting_Summary_of_C

Segment Reporting - Summary of Company's Reportable Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$261,663	$256,898	$773,944	$777,858	'
Eliminated inter-segment revenues	1,273	810	9,064	1,194	'
Income from operations	22,480	18,893	65,360	55,536	'
Total assets	335,248	346,034	335,248	346,034	327,369
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	261,663	256,898	773,944	777,858	'
Income from operations	22,480	18,893	65,360	55,536	'
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Eliminated inter-segment revenues	231	120	600	504	'
Transportation [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	228,721	237,328	228,721	237,328	'
Transportation [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	181,572	188,388	529,375	559,567	'
Income from operations	8,261	8,245	21,481	22,294	'
Transportation [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Eliminated inter-segment revenues	152	100	472	437	'
Logistics [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	85,008	76,206	85,008	76,206	'
Logistics [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	79,977	68,423	244,244	217,986	'
Income from operations	15,388	11,240	46,032	34,877	'
Logistics [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Eliminated inter-segment revenues	79	20	128	67	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	21,519	32,500	21,519	32,500	'
Other [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	114	87	325	305	'
Income from operations	-1,169	-592	-2,153	-1,635	'
Other [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Eliminated inter-segment revenues	'	'	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Percentage of employees collective bargaining agreements	48.70%
Maximum [Member]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Percentage of employees agreements that expire in 2013	1.00%

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Jul. 25, 2013	Oct. 24, 2013
		Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Quarterly cash dividend declared per common stock	$0.07	$0.07
Dividend payable, payment date	'	14-Nov-13
Dividend payable, date of record	'	4-Nov-13