| Cover Page | Mar. 05, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 5, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-7908 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 74-1753147 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 17 South Briar Hollow Lane |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77027 |
| City Area Code | 713 |
| Local Phone Number | 881-3600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.10 par value |
| Trading Symbol | AE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSEAMER |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000002178 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
