| Cover Page | May 06, 2020 | Mar. 30, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | May 6, 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 |
