Con-way (CNW) 10-K 23 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Con-way Inc.
Trading Symbol	cnw
Entity Central Index Key	23675
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		57,580,945
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$2,047,525,856

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$432,759	$484,502
Marketable securities	8,285	0
Trade accounts receivable, net	649,086	575,013
Other accounts receivable	70,305	51,063
Operating supplies, at lower of average cost or market	23,664	23,910
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	63,344	57,961
Deferred income taxes	13,957	15,332
Total Current Assets	1,261,400	1,207,781
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Land	192,490	193,364
Buildings and leasehold improvements	856,037	856,038
Revenue equipment	1,902,358	1,857,737
Other equipment	362,341	353,205
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	3,313,226	3,260,344
Accumulated depreciation	-1,659,015	-1,603,511
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	1,654,211	1,656,833
Other Assets
Deferred charges and other assets	31,826	32,200
Capitalized software, net	26,208	21,488
Employee benefits	18,110	15,018
Intangible assets, net	6,284	8,640
Goodwill	337,579	337,971
Total Noncurrent Assets	420,007	415,317
Total Assets	3,335,618	3,279,931
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Accounts payable	349,995	390,537
Accrued liabilities	257,943	229,078
Self-insurance accruals	117,783	105,063
Short-term borrowings	1,736	1,588
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	14,663	19,685
Total Current Liabilities	742,120	745,951
Long-Term Liabilities
Long-term debt	719,303	719,155
Long-term obligations under capital leases	10,587	16,185
Self-insurance accruals	151,257	142,307
Employee benefits	239,368	240,171
Other liabilities and deferred credits	34,356	39,524
Deferred income taxes	242,789	237,949
Total Liabilities	2,139,780	2,141,242
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 5, 6, 7 and 11)
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock, $0.625 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 65,782,041 and 64,592,756 shares, respectively	41,101	40,349
Additional paid-in capital, common stock	706,756	653,487
Retained earnings	1,151,791	1,043,472
Cost of repurchased common stock (8,112,141 and 7,669,889 shares, respectively)	-349,401	-329,088
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-354,409	-269,531
Total Shareholders' Equity	1,195,838	1,138,689
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$3,335,618	$3,279,931

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.63	$0.63
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	65,782,041	64,592,756
Repurchased common stock, shares	8,112,141	7,669,889

Statements_of_Consolidated_Inc

Statements of Consolidated Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$5,806,069	$5,473,356	$5,580,247
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	2,261,304	2,143,036	2,125,104
Purchased transportation	1,437,418	1,323,005	1,531,319
Other operating expenses	649,154	634,107	567,810
Fuel and fuel-related taxes	498,604	532,958	553,301
Depreciation and amortization	242,658	230,751	216,215
Purchased labor	174,061	148,165	113,619
Rents and leases	139,428	129,325	115,954
Maintenance	134,992	123,056	128,084
Costs and Expenses	5,537,619	5,264,403	5,351,406
Operating Income (Loss)	268,450	208,953	228,841
Investment income	686	621	831
Interest expense	-53,456	-53,339	-54,777
Miscellaneous, net	-4,983	-1,870	-3,941
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	-57,753	-54,588	-57,887
Income before income tax provision	210,697	154,365	170,954
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	73,658	55,212	66,408
Net Income	$137,039	$99,153	$104,546
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic	57,390,945	56,511,563	55,837,574
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted	58,018,443	57,240,588	56,485,987
Earnings Per Common Share, Basic	$2.39	$1.75	$1.87
Earnings Per Common Share, Diluted	$2.36	$1.73	$1.85
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share	$0.50	$0.40	$0.40

Statements_of_Consolidated_Com

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Income	$137,039	$99,153	$104,546
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-2,731	871	481
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale security, net of deferred tax of $0, $0 and $145, respectively	0	0	226
Actuarial gain (loss), net of deferred tax of $59,850, $103,308 and $1,903, respectively	-96,329	161,631	-2,977
Net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit expense or income, net of deferred tax of $9,432, $7,562 and $7,969, respectively	14,940	11,827	12,465
Prior-service cost or credit, net of deferred tax of $0, $7,505 and $17,577, respectively	0	11,738	-27,493
Amortization of prior service cost or credit included in net periodic benefit expense or income, net of deferred tax of $481, $552 and $465, respectively	-758	863	-727
Employee benefit plans	-82,147	186,059	-18,732
Total Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss	-84,878	186,930	-18,025
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$52,161	$286,083	$86,521

Statements_of_Consolidated_Com1

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale security, net of deferred tax of $0, $0 and $145, respectively	$0	$0	$145
Actuarial gain (loss), net of deferred tax of $59,850, $103,308 and $1,903, respectively	59,850	103,308	1,903
Net actuarial loss included in periodic benefit expense or income, net of deferred tax of $9,432, $7,562 and $7,969, respectively	9,432	7,562	7,969
Prior-service cost or credit, net of deferred tax of $0, $7,505 and $17,577, respectively	0	7,505	17,577
Amortization of prior service cost or credit included in net periodic benefit expense or income, net of deferred tax of $481, $552 and $465, respectively	$481	$552	$465

Statements_Of_Consolidated_Cas

Statements Of Consolidated Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	$484,502	$429,784	$438,010
Net Income	137,039	99,153	104,546
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by Operating Activities [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization, net of accretion	242,507	229,236	215,202
Non-cash compensation and employee benefits	34,040	38,496	33,180
Increase in deferred income taxes	55,946	57,423	63,091
Provision for uncollectible accounts	2,869	6,908	6,358
Gain from sales of property, equipment and investment, net	10,156	5,720	8,649
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Receivables	-82,990	-12,869	7,076
Prepaid expenses	-517	21	-1,312
Accounts payable	-15,401	25,972	-14,824
Accrued variable compensation	23,125	-17,140	1,201
Accrued liabilities, excluding accrued variable compensation and employee benefits	10,687	11,572	1,988
Self-insurance accruals	14,797	-3,661	-18,654
Accrued income taxes	-15,716	-4,846	-2,316
Employee benefits	-154,501	-82,507	-67,291
Other	-1,845	5,946	-8,185
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	239,884	347,984	311,411
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities [Abstract]
Capital expenditures	289,776	281,943	293,135
Software expenditures	12,364	7,398	8,963
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	47,238	14,202	20,840
Purchases of marketable securities	-8,285	0	-8,200
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	0	3,200	23,613
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	-263,187	-271,939	-265,845
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities [Abstract]
Payments of capital leases	-21,098	-16,068	-29,015
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings	147	-5,383	-7,621
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	-543	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	33,902	20,777	3,560
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	3,128	2,510	1,641
Payments of common dividends	28,720	22,620	22,357
Repurchases of common stock	-15,799	0	0
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	-28,440	-21,327	-53,792
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-51,743	54,718	-8,226
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	432,759	484,502	429,784
Supplemental Disclosure
Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes, net	30,597	-21	6,163
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	52,491	52,809	53,806
Property, plant and equipment acquired through partial non-monetary exchanges	17,597	27,711	34,759
Property, plant and equipment acquired through capital leases	10,483	5,575	0
Property, plant and equipment acquired through increase in current liabilities	6,756	32,336	14,034
Repurchases of common stock included in current liabilities	$984	$0	$0

Statements_Of_Consolidated_Sha

Statements Of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Repurchased Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011		$39,394	$595,992	$884,758	($322,454)	($438,436)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		63,065,931
Net income		0	0	104,546	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	481	0	0	0	0	481
Employee benefit plans	18,732	0	0	0	0	-18,732
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale security, net of deferred tax	-226	0	0	0	0	-226
Exercise of stock options, including tax, shares		150,213
Exercise of stock options, including tax		94	3,631	0	0	0
Share-based compensation, shares		349,309
Share-based compensation, including tax		213	14,711	-8	-3,674	0
Common dividends declared		0	0	-22,357	0	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		39,701	614,334	966,939	-326,128	-456,461
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		63,565,453
Net income		0	0	99,153	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	871	0	0	0	0	871
Employee benefit plans	-186,059	0	0	0	0	186,059
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale security, net of deferred tax	0
Exercise of stock options, including tax, shares		760,495
Exercise of stock options, including tax		475	21,833	0	0	0
Share-based compensation, shares		266,808
Share-based compensation, including tax		173	17,320	0	-2,960	0
Common dividends declared		0	0	-22,620	0	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,138,689	40,349	653,487	1,043,472	-329,088	-269,531
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		64,592,756
Net income		0	0	137,039	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-2,731	0	0	0	0	-2,731
Employee benefit plans	82,147	0	0	0	0	-82,147
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale security, net of deferred tax	0
Exercise of stock options, including tax, shares	926,454	926,454
Exercise of stock options, including tax		579	34,185	0	0	0
Share-based compensation, shares		262,831
Share-based compensation, including tax		173	19,084	0	-3,530	0
Common stock repurchased, shares	355,000	0
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	16,800	0	0	0	-16,783	0
Common dividends declared		0	0	-28,720	0	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$1,195,838	$41,101	$706,756	$1,151,791	($349,401)	($354,409)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		65,782,041

Statements_Of_Consolidated_Sha1

Statements Of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity Statements Of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Employee benefit plans, net of deferred tax	$50,899	$118,927	$24,108
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale security, net of deferred tax	0	0	145
Exercise of stock options, net of tax	862	1,531	165
Share-based compensation, net of tax	$809	$200	$986
Cash dividends declared	$0.50	$0.40	$0.40

Principal_Accounting_Policies

Principal Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Principal Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principal Accounting Policies	Principal Accounting Policies
	Organization
	Con-way Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Con-way" or the "Company") provide transportation, logistics and supply-chain management services for a wide range of manufacturing, industrial and retail customers. Con-way's business units operate in regional, inter-regional and transcontinental less-than-truckload and full-truckload freight transportation, contract logistics and supply-chain management, multimodal freight brokerage, and trailer manufacturing. As more fully discussed in Note 12, "Segment Reporting," for financial reporting purposes, Con-way is divided into three reporting segments: Freight, Logistics and Truckload.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Con-way and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Estimates
	Management makes estimates and assumptions when preparing the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the accompanying financial statements and notes. Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate, which is typically in the period when new information becomes available. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Such estimates relate to revenue-related adjustments, impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets, amortization and depreciation, income taxes, self-insurance accruals, pension plan and postretirement obligations, contingencies, and assets and liabilities recognized in connection with acquisitions, restructurings and dispositions.
	Con-way evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. Estimates and assumptions are adjusted when facts and circumstances dictate. Volatility in financial markets and changing levels of economic activity increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
	Recognition of Revenue
	Con-way Freight recognizes revenue between reporting periods based on relative transit time in each period and recognizes expense as incurred. Estimates for future billing adjustments to revenue, including those related to weight and freight-classification verification and pricing discounts, are recognized at the time of shipment. Con-way Truckload recognizes revenue and related direct costs when the shipment is delivered. Menlo Logistics ("Menlo") recognizes revenue based on the service outputs provided to the customer.
	Menlo records revenue on a gross basis, without deducting third-party purchased transportation costs, on transactions for which it acts as a principal. Menlo records revenue on a net basis, after deducting purchased transportation costs, on transactions for which it acts as an agent. When recognizing revenue for services provided under performance-based incentive arrangements, the contingent portion of the revenue is not considered fixed or determinable until the performance criteria have been met.
	Under certain Menlo contracts, billings in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as unearned revenue. Unearned revenue is recognized over the contract period as services are provided. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, unearned revenue of $8.2 million and $12.1 million was reported in Con-way's consolidated balance sheets within accrued liabilities, respectively. In addition, Menlo has deferred certain recoverable direct and incremental costs related to the setup of logistics operations under long-term contracts. These deferred setup costs are recognized as expense over the contract term. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, these deferred setup costs of $4.7 million and $9.9 million were reported in the consolidated balance sheets within deferred charges and other assets, respectively.
	Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
	Cash equivalents consist of short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash-equivalent investments of $385.5 million and $441.2 million, respectively, consisted primarily of commercial paper, certificates of deposit and money-market funds.
	Con-way classifies its marketable debt securities as available-for-sale and reports them at fair value. Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale securities are recognized in other comprehensive income or loss, unless an unrealized loss is an other-than-temporary loss. If any portion of the unrealized loss is determined to be other than temporary, that portion of the loss is recognized in earnings. At December 31, 2014, Con-way held $8.3 million of variable-rate demand notes. Con-way held no marketable securities at December 31, 2013.
	Trade Accounts Receivable, Net
	Con-way Freight and Con-way Truckload report accounts receivable at net realizable value and provide an allowance when losses are probable. Estimates for uncollectible accounts are based on various judgments and assumptions, including revenue levels, historical loss experience and the aging of outstanding accounts receivable. Menlo, based on the size and nature of its client base, performs a periodic evaluation of its customers' creditworthiness and accounts receivable portfolio and recognizes expense from uncollectible accounts when losses are both probable and reasonably estimable. Activity in the allowance for uncollectible accounts is presented in the following table:
				Additions
	(Dollars in thousands)	Balance at		Charged to		Charged to other		Write-offs net of			Balance at end of
		beginning		expense		accounts		recoveries			period
		of period
	2014	$	6,103	$	2,869	$	—	$	(2,976	)	$	5,996
	2013	9,774		6,908		—		(10,579		)	6,103
	2012	6,951		6,358		—		(3,535		)	9,774
	Estimates for billing adjustments, including those related to weight and freight-classification verifications and pricing discounts, are also reported as a reduction to accounts receivable. Activity in the allowance for revenue adjustments is presented in the following table:
				Additions
	(Dollars in thousands)	Balance at		Charged to		Charged to other		Write-offs			Balance at end of
		beginning		expense		accounts - Revenue					period
		of period
	2014	$	12,215	$	—	$	94,032	$	(89,801	)	$	16,446
	2013	13,816		—		74,481		(76,082		)	12,215
	2012	16,920		—		77,310		(80,414		)	13,816
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are reported at historical cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, generally 25 years for buildings, 4 to 14 years for revenue equipment and 3 to 10 years for most other equipment. Leasehold improvements and assets acquired under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of the terms of the respective leases or the useful lives of the assets, with the resulting expense reported as depreciation. Depreciation expense was $232.4 million in 2014, $221.2 million in 2013 and $204.9 million in 2012.
	In response to conditions in the used-trailer market, Con-way Truckload increased the estimated salvage values for certain of its trailers in the fourth quarter of 2013. The effect of this change in estimate decreased depreciation expense and increased operating income by $6.2 million and $1.3 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. As a result of this change, net income in 2014 increased by $3.8 million and basic and diluted earnings per share increased by $0.07 and $0.06 per share, respectively.
	Expenditures for equipment maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred; betterments are capitalized. Gains or losses on sales of equipment and property are recorded in other operating expenses.
	Tires and Maintenance
	The cost of replacement tires are expensed at the time those tires are placed into service, as is the case with other repairs and maintenance costs. The cost of tires on new revenue equipment is capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the related equipment.
	Capitalized Software, Net
	Capitalized software consists of certain direct internal and external costs associated with internal-use software, net of accumulated amortization. Amortization of capitalized software is computed on an item-by-item basis depending on the estimated useful life of the software, currently between 3 years and 7 years. Amortization expense related to capitalized software was $7.9 million in 2014, $7.2 million in 2013 and $8.3 million in 2012. Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $161.0 million and $158.7 million, respectively.
	Long-Lived Assets
	Con-way performs an impairment analysis of long-lived assets whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For assets that are to be held and used, an impairment charge is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset or group of assets is less than carrying value. If impairment exists, a charge is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value. Fair values are determined using quoted market values, discounted cash flows or external appraisals, as applicable. Assets held for disposal are carried at the lower of carrying value or estimated net realizable value. Con-way's accounting policies for goodwill and other long-lived intangible assets are more fully discussed in Note 2, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets."
	Book Overdrafts
	Book overdrafts represent outstanding drafts not yet presented to the bank that are in excess of recorded cash for that particular bank. These amounts do not represent bank overdrafts, which occur when drafts presented to the bank are in excess of cash in Con-way's bank account, and would effectively be a loan to Con-way. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, book overdrafts of $28.8 million and $40.8 million, respectively, were included in accounts payable.
	Self-Insurance Accruals
	Con-way uses a combination of self-insurance programs and purchased insurance to provide for the costs of medical, casualty, liability, vehicular, cargo and workers' compensation claims. The long-term portion of self-insurance accruals relates primarily to workers' compensation and vehicular claims that are expected to be payable over several years. Con-way periodically evaluates the level of insurance coverage and adjusts insurance levels based on risk tolerance and premium expense.
	The measurement and classification of self-insured costs requires the consideration of historical cost experience, demographic and severity factors, and judgments about the current and expected levels of cost per claim and retention levels. These methods provide estimates of the undiscounted liability associated with claims incurred as of the balance sheet date, including estimates of claims incurred but not reported. Changes in these assumptions and factors can materially affect actual costs paid to settle the claims and those amounts may be different than estimates.
	Con-way participates in a reinsurance pool to reinsure a portion of its workers' compensation claims. Each company that participates in the pool cedes premiums and claims to the pool and assumes premiums and claims from the pool. Reinsurance does not relieve Con-way of its liabilities under the original policy. However, in the opinion of management, potential exposure to Con-way for non-payment in reinsured losses is minimal. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, Con-way had recorded a liability related to assumed claims of $57.4 million and $59.2 million, respectively, and had recorded a receivable from the reinsurance pool of $43.3 million and $38.1 million, respectively. Revenue related to these reinsurance activities is reported net of the associated expenses and is classified as other operating expenses. In connection with its participation in the reinsurance pool, Con-way recognized operating income of $6.1 million in 2014, operating income of $2.2 million in 2013 and operating loss of $2.5 million in 2012.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Adjustments resulting from translating foreign functional currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment in the statements of consolidated comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange-rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the statements of consolidated income within miscellaneous, net. Con-way recognized foreign exchange losses of $6.0 million, $1.4 million and $0.3 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Con-way has determined that advances to certain of its foreign subsidiaries are indefinite in nature. Accordingly, the corresponding foreign currency gains or losses related to these advances are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment in the statements of consolidated comprehensive income (loss).
	Earnings Per Share (EPS)
	Basic EPS is calculated by dividing reported net income or loss by the weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is calculated as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	137,039	$	99,153	$	104,546
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	57,390,945		56,511,563		55,837,574
	Stock options and nonvested stock	627,498		729,025		648,413
		58,018,443		57,240,588		56,485,987
	Diluted EPS	$	2.36	$	1.73	$	1.85
	Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted EPS	461,071		911,041		1,801,995
	New Accounting Standards
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU, codified in the "Revenue Recognition" topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, requires revenue to be recognized upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also requires disclosures sufficient to describe the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from these customer contracts. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and can be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized on the date of adoption. Con-way plans to adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2017. Con-way is currently evaluating the method of application and the potential impact on the financial statements and related disclosures.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill And Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The following table shows the changes in the gross carrying amounts of goodwill:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Logistics			Truckload			Corporate and Eliminations		Total
	Balances at December 31, 2012
	Goodwill	$	55,888		$	464,598		$	727	$	521,213
	Accumulated impairment losses	(48,236		)	(134,813		)	—		(183,049		)
		7,652			329,785			727		338,164
	Change in foreign currency exchange rates	(193		)	—			—		(193		)
	Balances at December 31, 2013
	Goodwill	55,695			464,598			727		521,020
	Accumulated impairment losses	(48,236		)	(134,813		)	—		(183,049		)
		7,459			329,785			727		337,971
	Change in foreign currency exchange rates	(392		)	—			—		(392		)
	Balances at December 31, 2014
	Goodwill	55,303			464,598			727		520,628
	Accumulated impairment losses	(48,236		)	(134,813		)	—		(183,049		)
		$	7,067		$	329,785		$	727	$	337,579
	Con-way assesses goodwill for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
	In connection with the annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2014, Con-way concluded that the goodwill of its reporting units was not impaired at December 31, 2014.
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $2.4 million in 2014, $2.4 million in 2013 and $3.0 million in 2012. Intangible assets consisted of the following:
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
	Customer relationships	$	23,088		$	16,804		$	23,088	$	14,448
	Con-way's customer-relationship intangible asset relates to the Con-way Truckload business unit. Estimated future amortization expense is presented for the years ended December 31, in the following table:
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	2,356
	2016	2,356
	2017	1,572

FairValue_Measurements

Fair-Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair-Value Measurements	Fair-Value Measurements
	Assets and liabilities reported at fair value are classified in one of the following three levels within the fair-value hierarchy:
	Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data
	Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	The following table summarizes the valuation of financial instruments within the fair-value hierarchy:
		31-Dec-14
	(Dollars in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash equivalents	$	385,548	$	63,092	$	322,456	$	—
	Marketable securities	$	8,285	$	—	$	8,285	$	—
		31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash equivalents	$	441,199	$	99,092	$	342,107	$	—
	Cash equivalents consist of short-term interest-bearing instruments (primarily commercial paper, certificates of deposit and money market funds) with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. At December 31, 2014, current marketable securities consisted of variable-rate demand notes.
	Money-market funds reflect their published net asset value and are classified as Level 1 instruments. Commercial paper, certificates of deposit and variable-rate demand notes are generally valued using published interest rates for instruments with similar terms and maturities, and accordingly, are classified as Level 2 instruments. At December 31, 2014, the weighted-average remaining maturity of the cash equivalents was less than one month. Based on their short maturities, the carrying amount of the cash equivalents approximates their fair value.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Variable compensation	$	56,698	$	33,573
	Compensated absences	50,325		46,421
	Wages and salaries	43,920		35,826
	Employee benefits	37,702		40,203
	Taxes other than income taxes	27,861		26,704
	Interest	17,555		17,579
	Other	23,882		28,772
	Total accrued liabilities	$	257,943	$	229,078

Debt_And_Other_Financing_Arran

Debt And Other Financing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt And Other Financing Arrangements	Debt and Other Financing Arrangements
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Promissory note, 2.63%, due 2016 (interest paid quarterly)	$	550		$	550
	7.25% Senior Notes due 2018 (interest payable semi-annually)	425,000			425,000
	6.70% Senior Debentures due 2034 (interest payable semi-annually)	300,000			300,000
	Discount	(6,247		)	(6,395		)
		293,753			293,605
	Long-term debt	$	719,303		$	719,155
	Revolving Credit Facility
	Con-way has a $325 million revolving credit facility that matures on June 28, 2018. At December 31, 2014, no cash borrowings were outstanding under the credit facility; however, $106.9 million of letters of credit were outstanding, leaving $218.1 million of available capacity for additional letters of credit or cash borrowings, subject to compliance with financial covenants and other customary conditions to borrowing. The letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2014 provided collateral for Con-way's self-insurance programs.
	Under the agreement, standby letter of credit fees are equal to a margin that is dependent upon Con-way's leverage ratio, and cash borrowings bear interest at a rate based upon LIBOR or the lead bank's base rate, in each case plus a margin dependent on Con-way's leverage ratio. The credit facility fee ranges from 0.18% to 0.35% applied to the total facility of $325 million based on Con-way's leverage ratio. The revolving facility is guaranteed by certain of Con-way's material domestic subsidiaries and contains two financial covenants: (i) a leverage ratio and (ii) a fixed-charge coverage ratio. There are also various restrictive covenants, including limitations on (i) the incurrence of liens, (ii) consolidations, mergers and asset sales, and (iii) the incurrence of additional subsidiary indebtedness.
	Other Credit Facilities and Short-term Borrowings
	At December 31, 2014, Con-way had $21.0 million of bank guarantees, letters of credit and overdraft facilities outstanding under other credit facilities.
	Con-way had short-term borrowings of $1.7 million and $1.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Excluding the non-interest bearing borrowings described below, the weighted-average interest rate on the short-term borrowings was 4.82% at December 31, 2014.
	Of the short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, non-interest bearing borrowings of $1.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively, related to a credit facility that Menlo utilizes for one of its logistics contracts. Borrowings under the facility related to amounts the financial institution paid to vendors on behalf of Menlo.
	7.25% Senior Notes due 2018
	The 7.25% Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per year, payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Con-way may redeem the 7.25% Senior Notes, in whole or in part, on not less than 30 nor more than 60-days notice, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) the principal amount being redeemed, or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes being redeemed, discounted at the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the rate payable on a Treasury note having a comparable maturity plus 50 basis points. There are also various restrictive covenants, including limitations on (i) the incurrence of liens, and (ii) consolidations, mergers and asset sales. Including amortization of underwriting fees and related debt costs, interest expense on the 7.25% Senior Notes due 2018 is recognized at an annual effective interest rate of 7.37%.
	Holders of the 7.25% Senior Notes have the right to require Con-way to repurchase the notes if, upon the occurrence of both (i) a change in control, and (ii) a below investment-grade rating by any two of Moody's, Standard and Poor's or Fitch Ratings. The repurchase price would be equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
	6.70% Senior Debentures due 2034
	The $300 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Debentures bear interest at the rate of 6.70% per year, payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year. Con-way may redeem the Senior Debentures, in whole or in part, on not less than 30 nor more than 60-days notice, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) the principal amount being redeemed, or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Senior Debentures being redeemed, discounted at the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the rate payable on a Treasury note having a comparable maturity plus 35 basis points. The Senior Debentures were issued under an indenture that restricts Con-way's ability, with certain exceptions, to incur debt secured by liens. Including amortization of a discount, interest expense on the 6.70% Senior Debentures due 2034 is recognized at an annual effective interest rate of 6.90%.
	Other
	The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt for the next five years ending December 31, are $0.6 million in 2016 and $425.0 million in 2018. Following 2018, Con-way does not have any principal payments due until 2034.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the estimated fair value of long-term debt was $832 million and $806 million, respectively. For the periods presented, long-term debt is classified as a Level 2 instrument with fair values estimated using an average of prices provided by multiple brokers.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases
	Con-way and its subsidiaries are obligated under non-cancelable leases for certain facilities, equipment and vehicles. Certain leases also contain provisions that allow Con-way to extend the leases for various renewal periods.
	Under certain capital-lease agreements, Con-way guarantees the residual value of tractors at the end of the lease term. The stated amounts of the residual-value guarantees have been included in the minimum lease payments below.
	In connection with its capital leases, Con-way reported $73.3 million and $68.9 million of revenue equipment and $50.1 million and $39.0 million of accumulated depreciation in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, Con-way reported $10.0 million of other equipment and $1.5 million of accumulated depreciation in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014.
	Future minimum lease payments with initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year, at December 31, 2014, were as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Capital Leases			Operating Leases
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	15,223		$	93,412
	2016	3,597			70,491
	2017	3,597			49,112
	2018	3,597			34,148
	2019	312			24,518
	Thereafter (through 2026)	—			64,743
	Total minimum lease payments	$	26,326		$	336,424
	Amount representing interest	(1,076		)
	Present value of minimum lease payments	25,250
	Current maturities of obligations under capital leases	14,663
	Long-term obligations under capital leases	$	10,587
	The remaining unamortized gain resulting from past sale-leaseback transactions, $7.7 million at December 31, 2014, is reported in other liabilities and deferred credits in the consolidated balance sheets and will be amortized as a reduction to lease expense through 2024 when the corresponding lease terms expire.
	Rental expense for operating leases comprised the following:
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Minimum rentals	$	139,491		$	129,902		$	118,797
	Sublease rentals	(63		)	(577		)	(2,843		)
	Rental expense	$	139,428		$	129,325		$	115,954

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income Tax Provision
	The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Current provision (benefit)
	Federal	$	15,277			$	(6,137	)		$	3,872
	State and local	502				2,145				34
	Foreign	3,438				873				2,566
	Total current provision (benefit)	19,217				(3,119		)		6,472
	Deferred provision (benefit)
	Federal	41,087				41,832				45,920
	Federal net operating loss	14,522				14,369				11,166
	State and local	4,207				5,608				5,270
	State tax rate change	(5,374		)		—				—
	Foreign	(1		)		(3,478		)		(2,420		)
	Total deferred provision	54,441				58,331				59,936
	Income tax provision	$	73,658			$	55,212			$	66,408
	Income taxes have been provided for foreign operations based upon the various tax laws and rates of the countries in which operations are conducted. The components of income before income taxes were as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	U.S. sources	$	211,045			$	157,074			$	164,619
	Non-U.S. sources	(348		)		(2,709		)		6,335
	Income before income tax provision	$	210,697			$	154,365			$	170,954
	Con-way's income tax provision varied from the amounts calculated by applying the U.S. statutory income tax rate to the pretax income as shown in the following reconciliation:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory tax rate of 35%	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	1.8			4.7			3.1
	State tax rate change, net of federal income tax benefit	(2.6	)		—			—
	Foreign taxes greater (less) than U.S. statutory rate	1.1			(1.1	)		(1.2	)
	Non-deductible operating expenses and tax-exempt income	0.6			0.7			—
	Foreign taxes eligible for US foreign tax credit	0.6			0.5			0.5
	Fuel tax credit	(1.8	)		(4.5	)		(0.1	)
	IRS audit	—			(0.4	)		1.5
	Other, net	0.3			0.9			—
	Effective income tax rate	35	%		35.8	%		38.8	%
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, Con-way changed the rate it uses to value its deferred tax assets and liabilities. The change in rate, the effect of which is shown above, was exclusively related to a change in the forward-looking estimate of the average state income tax rate. There are many factors that went into evaluating the estimate of this rate including changes in individual state income tax rates, changes in the geographic distribution of Con-way's business operations in the U.S. and the different nature of its operations in certain jurisdictions.
	Current and Deferred Income Tax Balances
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities related to the following:
	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31,
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Employee benefits	$	96,420			$	91,474
	Self-insurance accruals	26,296				23,042
	Domestic operating-loss carryforwards	6,156				22,461
	Foreign operating-loss carryforwards	16,723				16,832
	Tax-credit carryforwards	10,785				10,019
	Share-based compensation	15,171				16,551
	Other	11,204				11,471
	Valuation allowance	(26,019		)		(25,358		)
	Total deferred tax assets	156,736				166,492
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Property, plant and equipment	351,684				348,728
	Prepaid expenses	21,789				24,401
	Revenue	6,624				9,013
	Other	5,471				6,967
	Total deferred tax liabilities	385,568				389,109
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(228,832	)		$	(222,617	)
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets are classified as current or non-current based on the related asset or liability creating the deferred tax. Deferred taxes not related to a specific asset or liability are classified based on the estimated period of reversal.
	At December 31, 2014, Con-way had no federal tax loss carryforward. Other carryforwards, including state tax credits, foreign taxes creditable against federal tax, and state and foreign tax losses, may create future benefits. The resulting potential benefit of the future use of all tax losses, including domestic and foreign, is $22.9 million while tax credit carryforwards provide a potential benefit of $10.8 million. Because Con-way does not anticipate that certain future state and foreign taxable income will allow realization of the full benefits, management concluded that these assets fail to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold for realization. In light of this, these combined future tax benefits of $33.7 million have been offset by a valuation allowance of $26.0 million.
	For all other deferred tax assets, management believes it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate taxable income of a sufficient amount and type to realize these deferred tax assets.
	Certain capital expenditures made between September 9, 2010 and December 31, 2014 were eligible for bonus depreciation, and in accordance with this provision of U.S. tax law, Con-way deducted a substantial portion of its capital expenditures made during the 2010 through 2014 tax years. Additionally, the alternative-fuel credit was extended to 2014 by the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014. Also, in January 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended the alternative-fuel credit to the 2012 and 2013 tax years. Con-way recorded a discrete benefit of $3.3 million in the first quarter of 2013 to recognize the effect of the credit associated with the 2012 tax year. The alternative-fuel credit for the 2013 tax year was recognized over the course of 2013.
	No deferred taxes have been provided for the cumulative undistributed earnings of Con-way's foreign subsidiaries ($32.4 million at December 31, 2014), which if remitted, are subject to withholding and U.S. taxes. Such amounts have been indefinitely reinvested in the respective foreign subsidiaries' operations until it becomes advantageous for tax or foreign exchange reasons to remit these earnings. Determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability on this temporary difference is not practicable.
Uncertain Tax Positions
Con-way recognizes tax positions in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. If the position meets the more-likely-than-not criteria, it is measured using a probability-weighted approach as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which the threshold is no longer met.
During 2014 and 2013, the estimate for uncertain tax positions decreased to $8.1 million and $11.9 million, respectively (including $3.1 million and $3.5 million of accrued interest and penalties), primarily due to the lapse of statute of limitations and settlements with various taxing authorities, more fully discussed below.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, Con-way estimated that $3.7 million and $6.5 million, respectively, of the unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would change the effective tax rate. In 2014, a $0.4 million reversal of interest and penalties was included in income tax expense compared to $1.8 million in 2013.
The following summarizes the changes in the unrecognized tax benefits during the year, excluding interest and penalties:
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	9,728
Gross increases — prior-period tax positions	14
Gross increases — current-period tax positions	1,376
Gross decreases — prior-period tax positions	(602		)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(2,128		)
Balance at December 31, 2013	8,388
Gross increases — current-period tax positions	853
Gross decreases — prior-period tax positions	(900		)
Gross decreases — settlements	(1,744		)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(1,661		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	4,936
In the normal course of business, Con-way is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world. As a result of these examinations, Con-way maintains ongoing discussions and negotiations relating to tax matters with the taxing authorities in these various jurisdictions.
Con-way is subject to examination for federal income taxes for tax years 2008 forward. In 2013, Con-way entered the Compliance Assurance Program ("CAP"). CAP is designed to make audits more effective, efficient and current such that when the federal tax return is filed for the current year it has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS").
In 2012, the IRS finished its field audit of the 2008 through 2010 tax years and an issue emerged that resulted in an increase to the estimate for uncertain tax positions in 2012. Con-way settled this issue in 2013 and paid the related liability in 2014.
Con-way is also subject to examination by state, local, and foreign jurisdictions for 2004 to 2013. Con-way is currently under audit in several state and foreign tax jurisdictions, and management expects that there will be no material change to the unrecognized tax benefits due to expected increases being substantially offset by lapses of applicable statutes of limitations.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Shareholders' Equity
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	All changes in equity, except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, are reported in the statements of consolidated comprehensive income (loss). The following is a summary of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Available-for-Sale Security			Employee Benefit Plans			Total
	Balances at December 31, 2011	$	(1,776	)	$	(226	)	$	(436,434	)	$	(438,436	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	481			226			(30,470		)	(29,763		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other	—			—			11,738			11,738
	comprehensive loss
	Balances at December 31, 2012	(1,295		)	—			(455,166		)	(456,461		)
	Other comprehensive income before	871			—			173,369			174,240
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other	—			—			12,690			12,690
	comprehensive loss
	Balances at December 31, 2013	(424		)	—			(269,107		)	(269,531		)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(2,731		)	—			(96,329		)	(99,060		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other	—			—			14,182			14,182
	comprehensive loss
	Balances at December 31, 2014	$	(3,155	)	$	—		$	(351,254	)	$	(354,409	)
	See Note 9, "Employee Benefit Plans" for additional information concerning Con-way's employee benefit plans, including amounts reported for net periodic benefit expense (income).
	Common Stock Repurchase Program and Cash Dividend
	In June 2014, Con-way's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150 million of Con-way's common stock in open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions from time to time in such amounts as management determines. As of December 31, 2014, Con-way repurchased a total of 355,000 shares at a cost of $16.8 million. Of the shares repurchased during 2014, $1.0 million settled in the first quarter of 2015.
	On July 29, 2014, Con-way's Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend to be paid to shareholders from 10 cents per common share to 15 cents per common share. Each quarterly dividend payment is subject to review and approval by Con-way's Board of Directors.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans
	In the periods presented, certain employees of Con-way and its subsidiaries in the U.S. were covered under several retirement benefit plans, including defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution retirement plans and a postretirement medical plan.
	Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	Con-way's defined benefit pension plans include qualified plans that are eligible for certain beneficial treatment under the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC"), as well as non-qualified plans that do not meet IRC criteria. Con-way's qualified defined benefit pension plans (collectively, the "Qualified Pension Plans") consist mostly of a primary qualified defined benefit pension plan (the "Primary DB Plan"). Con-way's other qualified defined benefit pension plans (collectively, the "Legacy DB Plans") relate to former businesses. In the fourth quarter of 2014, Con-way settled the obligation for one of these Legacy DB Plans with the combination of a single-premium non-participating annuity and lump-sum payments. Accordingly, Con-way recognized a $36.2 million reduction in the plan obligation and related assets, and a $16.0 million settlement loss.
	Con-way's non-qualified defined benefit pension plans (collectively, the "Non-Qualified Pension Plans") consist mostly of a primary non-qualified supplemental defined benefit pension plan (the "Supplemental DB Plan"). The Supplemental DB Plan provides additional benefits for certain employees who are affected by IRC limitations on compensation eligible for benefits available under the qualified Primary DB Plan.
	Some of Con-way's foreign subsidiaries sponsor defined benefit pension plans. These international defined benefit pension plans are excluded from the disclosures below due to their immateriality.
	Benefits
	As a result of plan amendments in previous years, no additional benefits accrue under these plans and already-accrued benefits will not be adjusted for future increases in compensation.
	Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	The following table reports the changes in the projected benefit obligation, the fair value of plan assets and the determination of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets for Con-way's defined benefit pension plans at December 31:
		Qualified Pension Plans						Non-Qualified Pension Plans
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,523,531		$	1,680,603		$	70,814		$	78,218
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	75,030			70,022			3,451			3,213
	Plan settlement	(36,237		)	—			—			—
	Actuarial loss (gain)	254,379			(177,347		)	9,182			(5,508		)
	Benefits paid	(54,536		)	(49,747		)	(5,101		)	(5,109		)
	Projected and accumulated benefit obligation at	$	1,762,167		$	1,523,531		$	78,346		$	70,814
	end of year
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	1,438,865		$	1,281,261		$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	211,322			152,014			—			—
	Con-way contributions	142,280			55,337			5,101			5,109
	Plan settlement	(36,237		)	—			—			—
	Benefits paid	(54,536		)	(49,747		)	(5,101		)	(5,109		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	1,701,694		$	1,438,865		$	—		$	—
	Funded status of the plans	$	(60,473	)	$	(84,666	)	$	(78,346	)	$	(70,814	)
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
	Long-term assets	$	18,110		$	15,018		$	—		$	—
	Current liabilities	—			—			(5,148		)	(5,145		)
	Long-term liabilities	(78,583		)	(99,684		)	(73,198		)	(65,669		)
	Net amount recognized	$	(60,473	)	$	(84,666	)	$	(78,346	)	$	(70,814	)
	Plans with a projected and accumulated benefit obligation
	in excess of plan assets:
	Projected and accumulated benefit obligation	$	1,740,798		$	1,502,541		$	78,346		$	70,814
	Fair value of plan assets	1,622,215			1,402,857			—			—
	Weighted-average assumptions as of December 31:
	Discount rate	4.2		%	5.05		%	4.2		%	5.05		%
	The actuarial loss in 2014 was primarily due to the decrease in discount rate and also included the impact of updated mortality assumptions used to estimate life expectancies of plan participants.
	The amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit expense, consist of the following:
		Qualified Pension Plans						Non-Qualified Pension Plans
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Actuarial loss	$	(524,414	)	$	(413,879	)	$	(35,673	)	$	(27,367	)
	Prior-service cost	(40,809		)	(42,428		)	(99		)	(104		)
		$	(565,223	)	$	(456,307	)	$	(35,772	)	$	(27,471	)
	The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2015 are as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Qualified Pension Plans			Non-Qualified Pension Plans
	Reclassification of actuarial loss to net periodic benefit expense (income)	$	12,494		$	1,184
	Reclassification of prior-service cost to net periodic benefit expense (income)	$	1,619		$	5
	Net Periodic Benefit Expense (Income) for Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	Net periodic benefit expense (income) and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss for the years ended December 31 includes the following:
		Qualified Pension Plans									Non-Qualified Pension Plans
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Net periodic benefit expense (income):
	Interest cost on benefit obligation	$	75,030		$	70,022		$	70,168		$	3,451		$	3,213		$	3,438
	Expected return on plan assets	(93,085		)	(91,324		)	(84,411		)	—			—			—
	Amortization of actuarial loss	9,642			18,272			19,432			876			1,118			958
	Amortization of prior-service cost	1,619			1,670			14			5			5			—
	Curtailment loss	—			1,197			—			—			—			44
	Settlement loss	15,965			—			—			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit expense (income)	$	9,171		$	(163	)	$	5,203		$	4,332		$	4,336		$	4,440
	Amounts recognized in other comprehensive
	income or loss:
Actuarial loss (gain)	$	136,142		$	(238,037	)	$	(720	)	$	9,182		$	(5,508	)	$	3,574
Prior-service cost	—			—			44,961			—			—			109
Reclassification of actuarial loss to net	(25,607		)	(18,272		)	(19,432		)	(876		)	(1,118		)	(1,002		)
periodic benefit expense (income)
Reclassification of prior-service cost to	(1,619		)	(2,867		)	(14		)	(5		)	(5		)	—
net periodic benefit expense (income)
Loss (gain) recognized in other	$	108,916		$	(259,176	)	$	24,795		$	8,301		$	(6,631	)	$	2,681
comprehensive income or loss
Weighted-average assumptions used to
calculate net cost:
Discount rate	5.05		%	4.25		%	4.65		%	5.05		%	4.25		%	4.65		%
Expected long-term rate of return on	6.53		%	7.1		%	7.65		%	—		%	—		%	—		%
plan assets
Expected benefit payments for the defined benefit pension plans are summarized below. These estimates are based on assumptions about future events. Actual benefit payments may vary from these estimates.
(Dollars in thousands)	Qualified Pension Plans			Non-Qualified Pension Plans
Year ending December 31:
2015	$	61,381		$	5,148
2016	65,705			5,191
2017	70,081			5,257
2018	74,579			5,240
2019	79,480			5,234
2020-2024	465,421			25,705
Plan Assets
Investment Policies and Strategies
Assets of the Qualified Pension Plans are managed pursuant to a long-term allocation strategy that seeks to mitigate the Plans' funded status volatility by increasing the Plans' exposure to fixed income investments over time. This strategy was developed by analyzing a variety of diversified asset-class combinations in conjunction with the projected liabilities of the Qualified Pension Plans. In 2014, the Plans lowered their percentage of investments in equity securities and increased their percentage of investments in fixed-income securities.
The Plans' current investment strategy is to achieve a mix of approximately 76% in fixed-income securities and 24% of investments in equity securities. The target allocations for fixed-income securities includes 7% in global opportunistic fixed-income. The target allocations for equity securities include 12% in U.S. large companies, 2% in U.S. small companies, and 10% in international companies. Investments in equity securities are allocated between growth- and value-style investment strategies and are diversified across industries and investment managers. Investments in fixed-income securities consist primarily of high-quality U.S. and global corporate or government debt instruments in a variety of industries. The Plans' investments in equity and fixed-income securities consist of individual securities held in managed separate accounts as well as commingled investment funds.
The Plans' investment strategy does not include a meaningful long-term investment allocation to cash and cash equivalents; however, the Plan's cash allocation may rise periodically in response to timing considerations regarding contributions, investments, and the payment of benefits and eligible plan expenses. Additionally, the level of cash and cash equivalents may reflect the un-invested balance of each manager's allocated portfolio balance. This "un-invested cash" is typically held in a short-term fund that invests in money-market instruments, including commercial paper and other liquid short-term interest-bearing instruments.
The Plans' investment policy does not allow investment managers to use market-timing strategies or financial derivative instruments for speculative purposes. However, financial derivative instruments are used to manage risk and achieve stated investment objectives regarding duration, yield curve, credit and equity exposures. Generally, the investment managers are prohibited from short selling, trading on margin, and trading commodities, warrants or other options, except when acquired as a result of the purchase of another security, or in the case of options, when sold as part of a covered position. Con-way's investment policies also restrict the investment managers from accumulating concentrations by issuer, country or industry segment.
The assumption of 5.15% for the overall expected long-term rate of return in 2015 was developed using asset allocation, return, risk (defined as standard deviation), and correlation expectations. The return expectations are created using long-term historical returns and current market expectations for inflation, interest rates and economic growth.
Categories and Fair-Value Measurements of Plan Assets
The following table summarizes the fair value of Con-way's pension plan assets within the fair-value hierarchy:
	31-Dec-14
(Dollars in thousands)	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investment fund [a]	$	48,296		$	—		$	48,296		$	—
Equity
U.S. large companies
S&P 500 futures [b]	2,309			2,309			—			—
Growth [c]	102,653			102,653			—			—
Value [c]	99,466			99,466			—			—
U.S. small companies
Value [c]	32,298			32,298			—			—
International
Growth [c]	92,259			92,259			—			—
Value fund [a]	72,336			—			72,336			—
Fixed-income securities
Global long-term debt instruments [d]	1,252,077			131,997			1,120,080			—
Total	$	1,701,694		$	460,982		$	1,240,712		$	—
	31-Dec-13
(Dollars in thousands)	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investment fund [a]	$	65,100		$	—		$	65,100		$	—
Equity
U.S. large companies
S&P 500 futures [b]	3,482			3,482			—			—
Growth [c]	99,050			99,050			—			—
Value [c]	101,154			101,154			—			—
U.S. small companies
Value [c]	57,403			57,403			—			—
International
Growth [c]	91,058			91,058			—			—
Value fund [a]	94,927			—			94,927			—
Fixed-income securities
U.S. long-term debt instruments [d]	832,915			91,824			741,091			—
Real estate
Private fund [e]	40,412			—			—			40,412
Hedge fund
Multi-Strategy [f]	53,364			—			—			53,364
Total	$	1,438,865		$	443,971		$	901,118		$	93,776
[a]	These funds are not publicly traded and do not have readily determinable fair values. Accordingly, they are valued at their net asset value per share. The underlying investments in the funds consist primarily of publicly traded securities with quoted market prices.
[b]	Gains from S&P 500 futures held in a separately managed account.
[c]	Publicly traded equity securities are valued at their closing market prices.
[d]	Global and U.S. debt securities are valued at their quoted market price, while corporate-debt instruments are generally valued using observable bid-ask spreads or broker-provided pricing.
[e]	The fair value of the private real estate fund is based on the fair values of the underlying assets, which consist of commercial and residential properties valued using periodic appraisals. The fund maintains a redemption plan whereby redemption requests must be received in writing 45 days prior to the end of the quarter. If the fund is unable to satisfy all redemption requests, partial redemptions may be made on a prorated basis.
[f]	The fair value of the hedge fund is based on the fair value of the underlying assets, which consists of individual equities, convertible securities, futures, forward contracts, currency forwards, swaps, high-yield debt portfolios, options, other derivative instruments, and cash which are all valued monthly by an administrator engaged by the fund.
The following table summarizes the change in fair value for pension assets valued using Level 3 inputs:
(Dollars in thousands)	Private real			Hedge fund			Total
	estate fund
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	36,911		$	50,149		$	87,060
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets still held at the reporting date	3,501			3,215			6,716
Balance at December 31, 2013	40,412			53,364			93,776
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets sold during the period	1,588			1,169			2,757
Redemption	(42,000		)	(51,882		)	(93,882		)
Asset reclassification [a]	—			(2,651		)	(2,651		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	—
[a]	A full redemption for the assets invested in the hedge fund was made in 2014; however, a hold requirement requires that a portion of the assets be withheld until final completion of the fund's audit. The remaining assets of $2.7 million are invested by the hedge fund in cash and cash equivalents.
Funding
Con-way's funding practice is to evaluate its tax and cash position, as well as the Qualified Pension Plans' funded status, in determining its planned contributions. Con-way estimates that it will contribute about $30 million to its Qualified Pension Plans in 2015; however, this could change based on variations in interest rates, asset returns, Pension Protection Act requirements and other factors.
Defined Contribution Retirement Plans
Con-way's cost for defined contribution retirement plans was $56.3 million in 2014, $55.3 million in 2013, and $50.8 million in 2012.
Postretirement Medical Plan
Con-way sponsors a postretirement medical plan that provides health benefits to certain non-contractual employees at least 55 years of age with at least 10 years of service (the "Postretirement Plan"). The Postretirement Plan does not provide employer-subsidized retiree medical benefits for employees hired on or after January 1, 1993.
On October 31, 2013, Con-way amended the Postretirement Plan to provide a set benefit to certain retirees, at least 65 years of age, effective in 2014. Accordingly, a remeasurement was performed, reducing the projected benefit obligation by $28.3 million with an offsetting prior-service credit of $19.2 million and an actuarial gain of $9.1 million recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
Funded Status of Postretirement Medical Plan
The following sets forth the changes in the benefit obligation and the determination of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets for the Postretirement Plan at December 31:
(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	61,917		$	102,291
Service cost – benefits earned during the year	950			1,459
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	2,734			3,434
Plan amendments	—			(19,243		)
Actuarial loss (gain)	8,918			(21,143		)
Participant contributions	2,191			2,009
Benefits paid	(5,677		)	(6,890		)
Projected and accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$	71,033		$	61,917
Funded status of the plan	$	(71,033	)	$	(61,917	)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of :
Current liabilities	$	(4,389	)	$	(4,462	)
Long-term liabilities	(66,644		)	(57,455		)
Net amount recognized	$	(71,033	)	$	(61,917	)
Discount rate assumption as of December 31	3.75		%	4.5		%
The amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit expense consist of the following:
(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
Actuarial gain	$	8,508		$	19,537
Prior-service credit	16,503			19,366
	$	25,011		$	38,903
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)	2015
Reclassification of prior-service credits to net periodic benefit expense	$	2,455
Reclassification of actuarial gain to net periodic benefit expense	$	265
Net Periodic Benefit Expense for Postretirement Medical Plan
Net periodic benefit expense and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss for the years ended December 31 includes the following:
(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Net periodic benefit expense (income):
Service cost - benefits earned during the year	$	950		$	1,459		$	1,679
Interest cost on benefit obligation	2,734			3,434			4,318
Amortization of actuarial gain	(2,111		)	(1		)	—
Amortization of prior-service credit	(2,863		)	(1,457		)	(1,206		)
Net periodic benefit expense (income)	$	(1,290	)	$	3,435		$	4,791
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss:
Actuarial loss (gain)	$	8,918		$	(21,143	)	$	1,979
Prior-service cost	—			(19,243		)	—
Reclassification of actuarial gain to net periodic benefit expense	2,111			1			—
Reclassification of prior-service credit to net periodic benefit expense	2,863			1,457			1,206
Loss (gain) recognized in other comprehensive income or loss	$	13,892		$	(38,928	)	$	3,185
Discount rate assumption used to calculate interest cost through October 31	4.5		%	3.6		%	4.3		%
Discount rate assumption used to calculate interest cost from November 1	4.5		%	4.25		%	4.3		%
through December 31
Expected benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are summarized below. These estimates are based on assumptions about future events. Actual benefit payments may vary from these estimates.
(Dollars in thousands)	Benefit
	Payments
Year ending December 31:
2015	$	4,389
2016	4,582
2017	4,980
2018	5,373
2019	5,626
2020-2024	27,946
The assumed health-care cost trend rates used to determine the benefit obligation are as follows:
	2014
Health-care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7	%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	4.5	%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2027
Assumed health-care cost trends affect the amounts recognized for Con-way's postretirement benefits. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health-care cost trend rate would not have a material effect on the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs or on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	Under terms of its share-based compensation plans, Con-way grants various types of share-based compensation awards to employees and directors. The plans provide for awards in the form of nonvested stock (also known as restricted stock), performance-share plan units ("PSPUs"), stock options and stock appreciation rights ("SARs").
	Con-way recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the shorter of (1) the requisite service period stated in the award or (2) the period from the grant date of the award up to the employee's retirement-eligibility date if the award contains an accelerated-vesting provision. Awards with graded-vesting terms recognize expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The following expense was recognized for share-based compensation:
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Salaries, wages and employee benefits	$	20,035			$	20,783			$	14,464
	Deferred income tax benefit	(7,673		)		(8,090		)		(5,616		)
	Net share-based compensation expense	$	12,362			$	12,693			$	8,848
	The fair value of each stock option and SAR grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which considers the risk-free interest rate, and the expected award term, volatility and dividend yield. The risk-free interest rate is determined using the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issue with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the award. The expected term of the award is derived from a binomial lattice model, and is based on the historical rate of voluntary exercises, post-vesting terminations and volatility. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of Con-way's common stock over the most recent period equal to the expected term of the award.
	The Board of Directors authorized the issuance of 7,637,432 shares of common stock for the grant of stock options, nonvested stock or other share-based compensation under its equity plans, of which 2,687,677 were available at December 31, 2014. New shares are issued from Con-way's balance of authorized common stock to satisfy stock option exercises and vesting of awards.
	Nonvested Stock
	Awards granted to directors prior to 2012 generally have three-year graded-vesting terms, while those granted in 2012 and after generally vest one year from the award date. Awards granted to employees generally vest three years from the award date. Nonvested stock awards provide for accelerated vesting as a result of a change in control, death or disability (as defined in the award agreement). The awards allow for pro-rata vesting if the award recipient leaves Con-way due to a qualifying retirement during the vesting period. Shares of nonvested stock that are eligible for dividends are valued at the market price of Con-way's common stock at the date of the award. Those awards that are not eligible for dividends are valued at the market price of Con-way's common stock at the date of award, reduced by the present value of the dividends not received during the vesting period.
	The following table summarizes nonvested stock activity for 2014:
		Number of			Weighted-
		Awards			Average
					Grant-Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	823,070			$	32.15
	Awarded – Employees	222,253			36.94
	Awarded – Directors	22,480			44.47
	Vested	(277,451	)		32.85
	Forfeited	(19,274	)		33.75
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	771,078			$	33.6
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share for nonvested stock awards granted to employees in 2013 and 2012 was $33.19 and $30.37, respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share for nonvested stock awards granted to directors in 2013 and 2012 was $34.60 and $33.75, respectively.
	The total fair value of nonvested stock that vested in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $11.4 million, $9.4 million and $11.0 million, respectively, based on Con-way's closing common stock price on the vesting date. At December 31, 2014, the total unrecorded deferred compensation cost of shares of nonvested stock, net of forfeitures, was $9.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.65 years.
	Performance-share Plan Units
	The PSPUs vest three years from the grant date if certain performance criteria are achieved. The number of shares the award recipients ultimately receive can range from 0% to 200% of the grant target depending on achievement relative to the performance criteria. PSPUs are subject to forfeiture if any award recipient ceases to be an active full-time employee prior to the end of the three-year period, subject in some cases to early vesting upon specified events, including death or disability of the award recipient, or termination of employment following a change in control of Con-way. The awards allow for pro-rata vesting if the award recipient leaves Con-way due to a qualifying retirement during the vesting period. The PSPUs are valued at the market price of Con-way's common stock at the date of the award, reduced by the present value of the dividends not received during the three-year vesting period. The amount of expense recorded each period is based on Con-way's current estimate of the number of shares that will ultimately vest.
	The following table summarizes PSPU activity for 2014:
		Number of			Weighted-
		Awards			Average
					Grant-Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	437,015			$	31.02
	Awarded	205,667			36.47
	Forfeited	(13,117	)		33.22
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	629,565			$	32.75
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share for PSPUs granted in 2013 and 2012 was $32.41 and $29.67, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, the total unrecorded deferred compensation cost of shares of PSPUs, net of forfeitures, was $10.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.77 years.
	Stock Options
	Stock options are granted at prices equal to the market value of the common stock on the date of grant and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Stock options are granted with three-year graded-vesting terms, under which one-third of the award vests each year. Certain option awards provide for accelerated vesting as a result of a change in control, qualifying retirement, death or disability (as defined in the stock option plans).
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for 2014:
		Number of			Weighted-				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
		Options			Average
					Exercise
					Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,488,741			$	39.59
	Exercised	(926,454	)		36.59
	Expired or cancelled	(15,100	)		50.28
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	547,187			$	44.36			2.88		$	3,461
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	544,184			$	44.44			2.86		$	3,403
	The aggregate intrinsic value reported in the table above represents the total pretax value that would have been received by employees and directors had all of the holders exercised their in-the-money stock options on December 31, 2014.
	The following table summarizes stock option exercise activity as of December 31:
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Aggregate intrinsic value of exercised options	$	12,177			$	9,868			$	1,614
	Cash received from exercise of options	33,902				20,777				3,560
	Tax benefit realized from exercise of options	4,664				3,848				629
	The following is a summary of the weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the calculated weighted-average grant-date fair value as of December 31:
		2012
	Estimated fair value	$	11.79
	Risk-free interest rate	0.7		%
	Expected term (years)	4.91
	Expected volatility	52		%
	Expected dividend yield	1.37		%
	Stock Appreciation Rights
The cash-settled SARs were granted at the stock price on the grant date and have a three-year graded-vesting term. The awards provide for accelerated vesting if the employee ceases employment due to retirement, death, disability, or a change in control (as defined in the SAR agreement). The SARs were granted in 2010 and became fully vested in January 2013. During the vesting period, compensation cost was recognized based on the proportionate amount of service rendered to date. The SARs are liability-classified awards and, as a result, Con-way re-measures the fair value of the awards each reporting period until the awards are settled. Con-way will recognize any changes in fair value after the vesting period as compensation cost in the current period. The ultimate expense recognized for the SARs is equal to the intrinsic value at settlement. Con-way's accrued liability for cash-settled SARs of $2.2 million and $4.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was determined using a weighted-average fair value of $20.97 and $15.13 per SAR at December 31, 2014 and 2013 respectively.
The following table summarizes SAR activity for 2014:
	Number of			Weighted-				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
	Rights			Average
				Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	283,221			$	28.92
Exercised	(175,990	)		28.92
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	107,231			$	28.92			5.11		$	2,173
Exercisable at December 31, 2014	107,231			$	28.92			5.11		$	2,173
The following table summarizes SAR exercise activity as of December 31:
(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
Cash paid to settle exercised SARs	$	3,623			$	2,382			$	51
Realized tax benefit	1,388				929				20

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Service Contracts
	Con-way has agreements with vendors to provide certain information-technology, administrative and accounting services. The payments under the terms of the agreements are subject to change depending on the quantities and types of services consumed. The contracts also contain provisions that allow Con-way to terminate the contract at any time; however, Con-way would be required to pay fees if termination is for causes other than the failure of the service providers to perform.
	California Wage and Hour
	Con-way is a defendant in several class-action lawsuits alleging violations of the state of California's wage and hour laws. Plaintiffs allege that Con-way failed to pay certain drivers for all compensable time and that certain other drivers were not provided with required meal breaks and rest breaks. Plaintiffs seek to recover unspecified monetary damages, penalties, interest and attorneys' fees. The primary case is Jose Alberto Fonseca Pina, et al. v. Con-way Freight Inc., et al. (the "Pina" case). The Pina case was initially filed in November 2009 in Monterey County Superior Court and was removed to the U.S. District Court of California, Northern District. On April 12, 2012, the Court granted plaintiffs' request for class certification in the Pina case as to a limited number of issues. The class certification ruling does not address whether Con-way will ultimately be held liable.
	Con-way challenged the certification of the class in this case, and further contends that plaintiffs' claims are preempted by federal law and not substantiated by the facts. Con-way has denied any liability with respect to these claims and intends to vigorously defend itself in this case. There are multiple factors that prevent Con-way from being able to estimate the amount of potential loss, if any, in excess of its accrued liability that may result from this matter, including: (1) Con-way is vigorously defending itself and believes that it has a number of meritorious legal defenses; and (2) at this stage in the case, there are unresolved questions of fact that could be important to the resolution of these matters. Con-way recently settled a related case Jorge R. Quezada v. Con-way Inc., dba Con-way Freight (the "Quezada" case). Notice of the settlement was provided to class members in this case and on January 9, 2015, the Court granted final approval of the settlement. Con-way had adequately accrued for this matter.
	Unclaimed-Property Audits
	Con-way is currently being audited by several states, primarily the State of Delaware, for compliance with unclaimed-property laws. The property subject to review in this audit process generally includes unclaimed securities and unclaimed payments and refunds to employees, shareholders, vendors and customers. State and federal escheat laws generally require companies to report and remit unclaimed property to the states. Con-way believes it has procedures in place to comply with these laws. The audits of Con-way securities and payments were completed in the third quarter of 2013 and the second quarter of 2014, respectively, with no material findings. The remaining audit of refunds will continue into 2015. Given the current stage of the remaining audit, Con-way cannot estimate the amount or range of potential loss.
	Other
	Con-way is a defendant in various other lawsuits incidental to its businesses. It is the opinion of management that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material effect on Con-way's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Con-way discloses segment information in the manner in which the business units are organized for making operating decisions, assessing performance and allocating resources. For the periods presented, Con-way is divided into the following three reporting segments:
	•	Freight. The Freight segment consists of the operating results of the Con-way Freight business unit, which provides regional, inter-regional and transcontinental less-than-truckload freight services throughout North America.
	•	Logistics. The Logistics segment consists of the operating results of the Menlo business unit, which develops contract-logistics solutions, including the management of complex distribution networks and supply-chain engineering and consulting, and also provides multimodal freight-brokerage services.
	•	Truckload. The Truckload segment consists of the operating results of the Con-way Truckload business unit, which provides asset-based full-truckload freight services throughout North America.
	Prior to 2013, the former Other segment consisted of the operating results of Con-way's trailer manufacturer and certain corporate activities for which the related income or expense was not allocated to other reporting segments. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, inter-segment eliminations were combined with the Other segment and reported as Corporate and Eliminations in order to reconcile the segment results to the consolidated totals. All periods presented reflect this change to the reporting segment structure.
	Financial Data
	Management evaluates segment performance primarily based on revenue and operating income (loss). Accordingly, investment income, interest expense and other non-operating items are not reported in segment results. Corporate expenses are generally allocated based on measurable services provided to each segment, or for general corporate expenses, based on segment revenue. Beginning in 2013, costs associated with the defined benefit pension plans are no longer allocated to reporting segments and instead are included in Corporate and Eliminations as other corporate costs. The amount of defined benefit pension cost retained in Corporate and Eliminations was $13.5 million and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 2012, these costs are included in the results of the Freight, Logistics and Truckload reporting segments and total $9.6 million. Inter-segment revenue and related operating income (loss) have been eliminated to reconcile to consolidated revenue and operating income. Transactions between segments are generally based on negotiated prices.
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
	Revenue from External Customers
	Freight	$	3,586,333		$	3,424,002	$	3,339,605
	Logistics	1,638,967			1,474,507		1,677,279
	Truckload	572,990			567,255		558,714
	Corporate and Eliminations	7,779			7,592		4,649
		$	5,806,069		$	5,473,356	$	5,580,247
	Revenue from Internal Customers
	Freight	$	45,732		$	42,098	$	52,991
	Logistics	78,744			65,892		48,921
	Truckload	58,521			69,555		76,842
	Corporate and Eliminations	70,458			70,687		53,015
		$	253,455		$	248,232	$	231,769
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Freight	$	210,324		$	146,047	$	143,869
	Logistics	27,193			23,467		44,616
	Truckload	41,245			38,691		44,921
	Corporate and Eliminations	(10,312		)	748		(4,565		)
		$	268,450		$	208,953	$	228,841
	Depreciation and Amortization, net of Accretion
	Freight	$	150,528		$	135,311	$	124,372
	Logistics	11,225			7,571		7,532
	Truckload	68,382			74,449		69,799
	Corporate and Eliminations	12,372			11,905		13,499
		$	242,507		$	229,236	$	215,202
	Capital Expenditures
	Freight	$	176,933		$	180,576	$	190,218
	Logistics	15,577			24,587		7,186
	Truckload	91,731			74,637		93,117
	Corporate and Eliminations	5,535			2,143		2,614
		$	289,776		$	281,943	$	293,135
	Assets
	Freight	$	1,560,324		$	1,529,681	$	1,459,576
	Logistics	367,081			318,266		302,295
	Truckload	792,088			799,775		807,470
	Corporate and Eliminations	616,125			632,209		583,074
		$	3,335,618		$	3,279,931	$	3,152,415
	Geographic Data
	For geographic reporting, freight transportation revenue is allocated equally between the origin and destination. Revenue for contract services is allocated to the country in which the services are performed. Long-lived assets outside of the United States were immaterial for all periods presented.
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
	Revenue
	United States	$	5,310,573		$	5,094,193	$	5,189,792
	Canada	180,951			116,491		114,451
	Other	314,545			262,672		276,004
	Total	$	5,806,069		$	5,473,356	$	5,580,247

Quarterly_Financial_Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	13. Quarterly Financial Data
	Con-way Inc.
	Quarterly Financial Data
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
	2014 - Quarter Ended
	Operating Results
	Revenue	$	1,368,843	$	1,492,349	$	1,504,150	$	1,440,727
	Operating Income [a]	33,062		102,700		91,375		41,313
	Income before Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	19,222		90,768		77,390		23,317
	Income Tax Provision (Benefit) [b]	6,329		37,101		31,807		(1,579		)
	Net Income	12,893		53,667		45,583		24,896
	Per Common Share
	Basic Earnings	0.23		0.94		0.79		0.43
	Diluted Earnings	0.22		0.93		0.78		0.43
	Market Price
	High	42.73		50.46		53.53		50.81
	Low	37		39.54		47.5		40.32
	Cash Dividends Paid	0.1		0.1		0.15		0.15
	2013 - Quarter Ended
	Operating Results
	Revenue	$	1,336,164	$	1,381,370	$	1,398,021	$	1,357,801
	Operating Income [a]	31,599		76,299		67,675		33,380
	Income before Income Tax Provision	16,775		62,849		53,378		21,363
	Income Tax Provision	2,770		19,952		22,821		9,669
	Net Income	14,005		42,897		30,557		11,694
	Per Common Share
	Basic Earnings	0.25		0.76		0.54		0.21
	Diluted Earnings [c]	0.25		0.75		0.53		0.2
	Market Price
	High	38.12		39.81		46.04		45.98
	Low	29.12		32.25		39.21		38.79
	Cash Dividends Paid	0.1		0.1		0.1		0.1
	[a]	The comparability of Con-way's consolidated operating income was affected by the following unusual income or expense:
	-	A gain of $3.4 million at Freight in the second quarter of 2014 from the sale of property.
	-	A charge of $16.0 million in Corporate and Eliminations in the fourth quarter of 2014 for the settlement of a legacy pension plan and a gain of $5.6 million in Corporate and Eliminations in the second quarter of 2013 from the sale of an administrative property.
	-	A charge of $3.7 million at Logistics in the second quarter of 2013 for an increased reserve on international accounts receivable.
	[b] The comparability of Con-way's tax provision and net income was affected by the following:
	-	A tax benefit of $5.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 from a decline in the incremental rate for state taxes.
	[c] The sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not equal annual amounts due to differences in the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the respective period.

Principal_Accounting_Policies_

Principal Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization	Organization
	Con-way Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Con-way" or the "Company") provide transportation, logistics and supply-chain management services for a wide range of manufacturing, industrial and retail customers. Con-way's business units operate in regional, inter-regional and transcontinental less-than-truckload and full-truckload freight transportation, contract logistics and supply-chain management, multimodal freight brokerage, and trailer manufacturing. As more fully discussed in Note 12, "Segment Reporting," for financial reporting purposes, Con-way is divided into three reporting segments: Freight, Logistics and Truckload.
Principles Of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Con-way and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Estimates	Estimates
	Management makes estimates and assumptions when preparing the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the accompanying financial statements and notes. Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate, which is typically in the period when new information becomes available. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Such estimates relate to revenue-related adjustments, impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets, amortization and depreciation, income taxes, self-insurance accruals, pension plan and postretirement obligations, contingencies, and assets and liabilities recognized in connection with acquisitions, restructurings and dispositions.
	Con-way evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. Estimates and assumptions are adjusted when facts and circumstances dictate. Volatility in financial markets and changing levels of economic activity increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
Recognition Of Revenues	Recognition of Revenue
	Con-way Freight recognizes revenue between reporting periods based on relative transit time in each period and recognizes expense as incurred. Estimates for future billing adjustments to revenue, including those related to weight and freight-classification verification and pricing discounts, are recognized at the time of shipment. Con-way Truckload recognizes revenue and related direct costs when the shipment is delivered. Menlo Logistics ("Menlo") recognizes revenue based on the service outputs provided to the customer.
	Menlo records revenue on a gross basis, without deducting third-party purchased transportation costs, on transactions for which it acts as a principal. Menlo records revenue on a net basis, after deducting purchased transportation costs, on transactions for which it acts as an agent. When recognizing revenue for services provided under performance-based incentive arrangements, the contingent portion of the revenue is not considered fixed or determinable until the performance criteria have been met.
	Under certain Menlo contracts, billings in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as unearned revenue. Unearned revenue is recognized over the contract period as services are provided. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, unearned revenue of $8.2 million and $12.1 million was reported in Con-way's consolidated balance sheets within accrued liabilities, respectively. In addition, Menlo has deferred certain recoverable direct and incremental costs related to the setup of logistics operations under long-term contracts. These deferred setup costs are recognized as expense over the contract term. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, these deferred setup costs of $4.7 million and $9.9 million were reported in the consolidated balance sheets within deferred charges and other assets, respectively.
Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities	Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
	Cash equivalents consist of short-term interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash-equivalent investments of $385.5 million and $441.2 million, respectively, consisted primarily of commercial paper, certificates of deposit and money-market funds.
	Con-way classifies its marketable debt securities as available-for-sale and reports them at fair value. Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale securities are recognized in other comprehensive income or loss, unless an unrealized loss is an other-than-temporary loss. If any portion of the unrealized loss is determined to be other than temporary, that portion of the loss is recognized in earnings. At December 31, 2014, Con-way held $8.3 million of variable-rate demand notes.
Schedule Of Allowance For Uncollectible Accounts
				Additions
	(Dollars in thousands)	Balance at		Charged to		Charged to other		Write-offs net of			Balance at end of
		beginning		expense		accounts		recoveries			period
		of period
	2014	$	6,103	$	2,869	$	—	$	(2,976	)	$	5,996
	2013	9,774		6,908		—		(10,579		)	6,103
	2012	6,951		6,358		—		(3,535		)	9,774
Trade Accounts Receivable, Net	Trade Accounts Receivable, Net
	Con-way Freight and Con-way Truckload report accounts receivable at net realizable value and provide an allowance when losses are probable. Estimates for uncollectible accounts are based on various judgments and assumptions, including revenue levels, historical loss experience and the aging of outstanding accounts receivable. Menlo, based on the size and nature of its client base, performs a periodic evaluation of its customers' creditworthiness and accounts receivable portfolio and recognizes expense from uncollectible accounts when losses are both probable and reasonably estimable. Activity in the allowance for uncollectible accounts is presented in the following table:
				Additions
	(Dollars in thousands)	Balance at		Charged to		Charged to other		Write-offs net of			Balance at end of
		beginning		expense		accounts		recoveries			period
		of period
	2014	$	6,103	$	2,869	$	—	$	(2,976	)	$	5,996
	2013	9,774		6,908		—		(10,579		)	6,103
	2012	6,951		6,358		—		(3,535		)	9,774
	Estimates for billing adjustments, including those related to weight and freight-classification verifications and pricing discounts, are also reported as a reduction to accounts receivable. Activity in the allowance for revenue adjustments is presented in the following table:
				Additions
	(Dollars in thousands)	Balance at		Charged to		Charged to other		Write-offs			Balance at end of
		beginning		expense		accounts - Revenue					period
		of period
	2014	$	12,215	$	—	$	94,032	$	(89,801	)	$	16,446
	2013	13,816		—		74,481		(76,082		)	12,215
	2012	16,920		—		77,310		(80,414		)	13,816
Schedule Of Allowance For Revenue Adjustments
				Additions
	(Dollars in thousands)	Balance at		Charged to		Charged to other		Write-offs			Balance at end of
		beginning		expense		accounts - Revenue					period
		of period
	2014	$	12,215	$	—	$	94,032	$	(89,801	)	$	16,446
	2013	13,816		—		74,481		(76,082		)	12,215
	2012	16,920		—		77,310		(80,414		)	13,816
Property, Plant And Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are reported at historical cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, generally 25 years for buildings, 4 to 14 years for revenue equipment and 3 to 10 years for most other equipment. Leasehold improvements and assets acquired under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of the terms of the respective leases or the useful lives of the assets, with the resulting expense reported as depreciation. Depreciation expense was $232.4 million in 2014, $221.2 million in 2013 and $204.9 million in 2012.
	In response to conditions in the used-trailer market, Con-way Truckload increased the estimated salvage values for certain of its trailers in the fourth quarter of 2013. The effect of this change in estimate decreased depreciation expense and increased operating income by $6.2 million and $1.3 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. As a result of this change, net income in 2014 increased by $3.8 million and basic and diluted earnings per share increased by $0.07 and $0.06 per share, respectively.
	Expenditures for equipment maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred; betterments are capitalized. Gains or losses on sales of equipment and property are recorded in other operating expenses.
Tires	Tires and Maintenance
	The cost of replacement tires are expensed at the time those tires are placed into service, as is the case with other repairs and maintenance costs. The cost of tires on new revenue equipment is capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the related equipment.
Capitalized Software, Net	Capitalized Software, Net
	Capitalized software consists of certain direct internal and external costs associated with internal-use software, net of accumulated amortization. Amortization of capitalized software is computed on an item-by-item basis depending on the estimated useful life of the software, currently between 3 years and 7 years. Amortization expense related to capitalized software was $7.9 million in 2014, $7.2 million in 2013 and $8.3 million in 2012. Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $161.0 million and $158.7 million, respectively.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets
	Con-way performs an impairment analysis of long-lived assets whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For assets that are to be held and used, an impairment charge is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset or group of assets is less than carrying value. If impairment exists, a charge is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value. Fair values are determined using quoted market values, discounted cash flows or external appraisals, as applicable. Assets held for disposal are carried at the lower of carrying value or estimated net realizable value. Con-way's accounting policies for goodwill and other long-lived intangible assets are more fully discussed in Note 2, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets.
Book Overdrafts	Book Overdrafts
	Book overdrafts represent outstanding drafts not yet presented to the bank that are in excess of recorded cash for that particular bank. These amounts do not represent bank overdrafts, which occur when drafts presented to the bank are in excess of cash in Con-way's bank account, and would effectively be a loan to Con-way. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, book overdrafts of $28.8 million and $40.8 million, respectively, were included in accounts payable.
Self-Insurance Accruals	Self-Insurance Accruals
	Con-way uses a combination of self-insurance programs and purchased insurance to provide for the costs of medical, casualty, liability, vehicular, cargo and workers' compensation claims. The long-term portion of self-insurance accruals relates primarily to workers' compensation and vehicular claims that are expected to be payable over several years. Con-way periodically evaluates the level of insurance coverage and adjusts insurance levels based on risk tolerance and premium expense.
	The measurement and classification of self-insured costs requires the consideration of historical cost experience, demographic and severity factors, and judgments about the current and expected levels of cost per claim and retention levels. These methods provide estimates of the undiscounted liability associated with claims incurred as of the balance sheet date, including estimates of claims incurred but not reported. Changes in these assumptions and factors can materially affect actual costs paid to settle the claims and those amounts may be different than estimates.
	Con-way participates in a reinsurance pool to reinsure a portion of its workers' compensation claims. Each company that participates in the pool cedes premiums and claims to the pool and assumes premiums and claims from the pool. Reinsurance does not relieve Con-way of its liabilities under the original policy. However, in the opinion of management, potential exposure to Con-way for non-payment in reinsured losses is minimal. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, Con-way had recorded a liability related to assumed claims of $57.4 million and $59.2 million, respectively, and had recorded a receivable from the reinsurance pool of $43.3 million and $38.1 million, respectively. Revenue related to these reinsurance activities is reported net of the associated expenses and is classified as other operating expenses. In connection with its participation in the reinsurance pool, Con-way recognized operating income of $6.1 million in 2014, operating income of $2.2 million in 2013 and operating loss of $2.5 million in 2012.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	Adjustments resulting from translating foreign functional currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment in the statements of consolidated comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange-rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the statements of consolidated income within miscellaneous, net. Con-way recognized foreign exchange losses of $6.0 million, $1.4 million and $0.3 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Con-way has determined that advances to certain of its foreign subsidiaries are indefinite in nature. Accordingly, the corresponding foreign currency gains or losses related to these advances are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment in the statements of consolidated comprehensive income (loss).
Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	137,039	$	99,153	$	104,546
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	57,390,945		56,511,563		55,837,574
	Stock options and nonvested stock	627,498		729,025		648,413
		58,018,443		57,240,588		56,485,987
	Diluted EPS	$	2.36	$	1.73	$	1.85
	Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted EPS	461,071		911,041		1,801,995
Earnings per share	Earnings Per Share (EPS)
	Basic EPS is calculated by dividing reported net income or loss by the weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is calculated as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	137,039	$	99,153	$	104,546
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	57,390,945		56,511,563		55,837,574
	Stock options and nonvested stock	627,498		729,025		648,413
		58,018,443		57,240,588		56,485,987
	Diluted EPS	$	2.36	$	1.73	$	1.85
	Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted EPS	461,071		911,041		1,801,995
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU, codified in the "Revenue Recognition" topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, requires revenue to be recognized upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also requires disclosures sufficient to describe the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from these customer contracts. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and can be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized on the date of adoption. Con-way plans to adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2017. Con-way is currently evaluating the method of application and the potential impact on the financial statements and related disclosures.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Changes In Gross Carrying Amounts Of Goodwill
	(Dollars in thousands)	Logistics			Truckload			Corporate and Eliminations		Total
	Balances at December 31, 2012
	Goodwill	$	55,888		$	464,598		$	727	$	521,213
	Accumulated impairment losses	(48,236		)	(134,813		)	—		(183,049		)
		7,652			329,785			727		338,164
	Change in foreign currency exchange rates	(193		)	—			—		(193		)
	Balances at December 31, 2013
	Goodwill	55,695			464,598			727		521,020
	Accumulated impairment losses	(48,236		)	(134,813		)	—		(183,049		)
		7,459			329,785			727		337,971
	Change in foreign currency exchange rates	(392		)	—			—		(392		)
	Balances at December 31, 2014
	Goodwill	55,303			464,598			727		520,628
	Accumulated impairment losses	(48,236		)	(134,813		)	—		(183,049		)
		$	7,067		$	329,785		$	727	$	337,579
Schedule Of Intangible Assets
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
	Customer relationships	$	23,088		$	16,804		$	23,088	$	14,448
Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	2,356
	2016	2,356
	2017	1,572

FairValue_Measurements_Tables

Fair-Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014									Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary Of Valuation Of Financial Instruments At Fair-Value
		31-Dec-14									31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		(Dollars in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash equivalents	$	385,548	$	63,092	$	322,456	$	—	Cash equivalents	$	441,199	$	99,092	$	342,107	$	—
	Marketable securities	$	8,285	$	—	$	8,285	$	—

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Components Of Accrued Liabilities
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Variable compensation	$	56,698	$	33,573
	Compensated absences	50,325		46,421
	Wages and salaries	43,920		35,826
	Employee benefits	37,702		40,203
	Taxes other than income taxes	27,861		26,704
	Interest	17,555		17,579
	Other	23,882		28,772
	Total accrued liabilities	$	257,943	$	229,078

Debt_And_Other_Financing_Arran1

Debt And Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt
		December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Promissory note, 2.63%, due 2016 (interest paid quarterly)	$	550		$	550
	7.25% Senior Notes due 2018 (interest payable semi-annually)	425,000			425,000
	6.70% Senior Debentures due 2034 (interest payable semi-annually)	300,000			300,000
	Discount	(6,247		)	(6,395		)
		293,753			293,605
	Long-term debt	$	719,303		$	719,155

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Lease Payments For Operating Leases And Capital Leases
	(Dollars in thousands)	Capital Leases			Operating Leases
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	15,223		$	93,412
	2016	3,597			70,491
	2017	3,597			49,112
	2018	3,597			34,148
	2019	312			24,518
	Thereafter (through 2026)	—			64,743
	Total minimum lease payments	$	26,326		$	336,424
	Amount representing interest	(1,076		)
	Present value of minimum lease payments	25,250
	Current maturities of obligations under capital leases	14,663
	Long-term obligations under capital leases	$	10,587
Rental Expense For Operating Leases
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Minimum rentals	$	139,491		$	129,902		$	118,797
	Sublease rentals	(63		)	(577		)	(2,843		)
	Rental expense	$	139,428		$	129,325		$	115,954

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Income Tax Expense
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Current provision (benefit)
	Federal	$	15,277			$	(6,137	)		$	3,872
	State and local	502				2,145				34
	Foreign	3,438				873				2,566
	Total current provision (benefit)	19,217				(3,119		)		6,472
	Deferred provision (benefit)
	Federal	41,087				41,832				45,920
	Federal net operating loss	14,522				14,369				11,166
	State and local	4,207				5,608				5,270
	State tax rate change	(5,374		)		—				—
	Foreign	(1		)		(3,478		)		(2,420		)
	Total deferred provision	54,441				58,331				59,936
	Income tax provision	$	73,658			$	55,212			$	66,408
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	U.S. sources	$	211,045			$	157,074			$	164,619
	Non-U.S. sources	(348		)		(2,709		)		6,335
	Income before income tax provision	$	210,697			$	154,365			$	170,954
Schedule Of Income Taxes Calculated On Income Before Income Taxes And Provision For Income Taxes
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory tax rate of 35%	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	1.8			4.7			3.1
	State tax rate change, net of federal income tax benefit	(2.6	)		—			—
	Foreign taxes greater (less) than U.S. statutory rate	1.1			(1.1	)		(1.2	)
	Non-deductible operating expenses and tax-exempt income	0.6			0.7			—
	Foreign taxes eligible for US foreign tax credit	0.6			0.5			0.5
	Fuel tax credit	(1.8	)		(4.5	)		(0.1	)
	IRS audit	—			(0.4	)		1.5
	Other, net	0.3			0.9			—
	Effective income tax rate	35	%		35.8	%		38.8	%
Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities
	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31,
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Employee benefits	$	96,420			$	91,474
	Self-insurance accruals	26,296				23,042
	Domestic operating-loss carryforwards	6,156				22,461
	Foreign operating-loss carryforwards	16,723				16,832
	Tax-credit carryforwards	10,785				10,019
	Share-based compensation	15,171				16,551
	Other	11,204				11,471
	Valuation allowance	(26,019		)		(25,358		)
	Total deferred tax assets	156,736				166,492
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Property, plant and equipment	351,684				348,728
	Prepaid expenses	21,789				24,401
	Revenue	6,624				9,013
	Other	5,471				6,967
	Total deferred tax liabilities	385,568				389,109
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(228,832	)		$	(222,617	)
Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	9,728
	Gross increases — prior-period tax positions	14
	Gross increases — current-period tax positions	1,376
	Gross decreases — prior-period tax positions	(602		)
	Lapse of statute of limitations	(2,128		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	8,388
	Gross increases — current-period tax positions	853
	Gross decreases — prior-period tax positions	(900		)
	Gross decreases — settlements	(1,744		)
	Lapse of statute of limitations	(1,661		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	4,936

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following is a summary of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Available-for-Sale Security			Employee Benefit Plans			Total
	Balances at December 31, 2011	$	(1,776	)	$	(226	)	$	(436,434	)	$	(438,436	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	481			226			(30,470		)	(29,763		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other	—			—			11,738			11,738
	comprehensive loss
	Balances at December 31, 2012	(1,295		)	—			(455,166		)	(456,461		)
	Other comprehensive income before	871			—			173,369			174,240
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other	—			—			12,690			12,690
	comprehensive loss
	Balances at December 31, 2013	(424		)	—			(269,107		)	(269,531		)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(2,731		)	—			(96,329		)	(99,060		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other	—			—			14,182			14,182
	comprehensive loss
	Balances at December 31, 2014	$	(3,155	)	$	—		$	(351,254	)	$	(354,409	)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014																			Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Changes In The Projected Benefit Obligation, The Fair Value Of Plan Assets And The Determination Of The Amounts Recognized
		Qualified Pension Plans						Non-Qualified Pension Plans
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,523,531		$	1,680,603		$	70,814		$	78,218
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	75,030			70,022			3,451			3,213
	Plan settlement	(36,237		)	—			—			—
	Actuarial loss (gain)	254,379			(177,347		)	9,182			(5,508		)
	Benefits paid	(54,536		)	(49,747		)	(5,101		)	(5,109		)
	Projected and accumulated benefit obligation at	$	1,762,167		$	1,523,531		$	78,346		$	70,814
	end of year
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	1,438,865		$	1,281,261		$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	211,322			152,014			—			—
	Con-way contributions	142,280			55,337			5,101			5,109
	Plan settlement	(36,237		)	—			—			—
	Benefits paid	(54,536		)	(49,747		)	(5,101		)	(5,109		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	1,701,694		$	1,438,865		$	—		$	—
	Funded status of the plans	$	(60,473	)	$	(84,666	)	$	(78,346	)	$	(70,814	)
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
	Long-term assets	$	18,110		$	15,018		$	—		$	—
	Current liabilities	—			—			(5,148		)	(5,145		)
	Long-term liabilities	(78,583		)	(99,684		)	(73,198		)	(65,669		)
	Net amount recognized	$	(60,473	)	$	(84,666	)	$	(78,346	)	$	(70,814	)
	Plans with a projected and accumulated benefit obligation
	in excess of plan assets:
	Projected and accumulated benefit obligation	$	1,740,798		$	1,502,541		$	78,346		$	70,814
	Fair value of plan assets	1,622,215			1,402,857			—			—
	Weighted-average assumptions as of December 31:
	Discount rate	4.2		%	5.05		%	4.2		%	5.05		%
Amounts Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss That Have Not Yet Been Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Expense
		Qualified Pension Plans						Non-Qualified Pension Plans
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Actuarial loss	$	(524,414	)	$	(413,879	)	$	(35,673	)	$	(27,367	)
	Prior-service cost	(40,809		)	(42,428		)	(99		)	(104		)
		$	(565,223	)	$	(456,307	)	$	(35,772	)	$	(27,471	)
Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Expected In Next Fiscal Year
	(Dollars in thousands)	Qualified Pension Plans			Non-Qualified Pension Plans
	Reclassification of actuarial loss to net periodic benefit expense (income)	$	12,494		$	1,184
	Reclassification of prior-service cost to net periodic benefit expense (income)	$	1,619		$	5
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Expense (Income)
		Qualified Pension Plans									Non-Qualified Pension Plans
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Net periodic benefit expense (income):
	Interest cost on benefit obligation	$	75,030		$	70,022		$	70,168		$	3,451		$	3,213		$	3,438
	Expected return on plan assets	(93,085		)	(91,324		)	(84,411		)	—			—			—
	Amortization of actuarial loss	9,642			18,272			19,432			876			1,118			958
	Amortization of prior-service cost	1,619			1,670			14			5			5			—
	Curtailment loss	—			1,197			—			—			—			44
	Settlement loss	15,965			—			—			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit expense (income)	$	9,171		$	(163	)	$	5,203		$	4,332		$	4,336		$	4,440
	Amounts recognized in other comprehensive
	income or loss:
	Actuarial loss (gain)	$	136,142		$	(238,037	)	$	(720	)	$	9,182		$	(5,508	)	$	3,574
	Prior-service cost	—			—			44,961			—			—			109
	Reclassification of actuarial loss to net	(25,607		)	(18,272		)	(19,432		)	(876		)	(1,118		)	(1,002		)
	periodic benefit expense (income)
	Reclassification of prior-service cost to	(1,619		)	(2,867		)	(14		)	(5		)	(5		)	—
	net periodic benefit expense (income)
	Loss (gain) recognized in other	$	108,916		$	(259,176	)	$	24,795		$	8,301		$	(6,631	)	$	2,681
	comprehensive income or loss
	Weighted-average assumptions used to
	calculate net cost:
	Discount rate	5.05		%	4.25		%	4.65		%	5.05		%	4.25		%	4.65		%
	Expected long-term rate of return on	6.53		%	7.1		%	7.65		%	—		%	—		%	—		%
	plan assets
Expected Benefit Payments
	(Dollars in thousands)	Qualified Pension Plans			Non-Qualified Pension Plans
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	61,381		$	5,148
	2016	65,705			5,191
	2017	70,081			5,257
	2018	74,579			5,240
	2019	79,480			5,234
	2020-2024	465,421			25,705
Summary Of Fair Value Of Pension Plan Assets
		31-Dec-14																			31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3									(Dollars in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents																			Cash and cash equivalents
	Short-term investment fund [a]	$	48,296		$	—		$	48,296		$	—								Short-term investment fund [a]	$	65,100	$	—	$	65,100	$	—
	Equity																			Equity
	U.S. large companies																			U.S. large companies
	S&P 500 futures [b]	2,309			2,309			—			—									S&P 500 futures [b]	3,482		3,482		—		—
	Growth [c]	102,653			102,653			—			—									Growth [c]	99,050		99,050		—		—
	Value [c]	99,466			99,466			—			—									Value [c]	101,154		101,154		—		—
	U.S. small companies																			U.S. small companies
	Value [c]	32,298			32,298			—			—									Value [c]	57,403		57,403		—		—
	International																			International
	Growth [c]	92,259			92,259			—			—									Growth [c]	91,058		91,058		—		—
	Value fund [a]	72,336			—			72,336			—									Value fund [a]	94,927		—		94,927		—
	Fixed-income securities																			Fixed-income securities
	Global long-term debt instruments [d]	1,252,077			131,997			1,120,080			—									U.S. long-term debt instruments [d]	832,915		91,824		741,091		—
	Total	$	1,701,694		$	460,982		$	1,240,712		$	—								Real estate
																				Private fund [e]	40,412		—		—		40,412
																				Hedge fund
																				Multi-Strategy [f]	53,364		—		—		53,364
																				Total	$	1,438,865	$	443,971	$	901,118	$	93,776
Summary Of The Change In Fair Value For Pension Assets
	(Dollars in thousands)	Private real			Hedge fund			Total
		estate fund
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	36,911		$	50,149		$	87,060
	Actual return on plan assets relating to assets still held at the reporting date	3,501			3,215			6,716
	Balance at December 31, 2013	40,412			53,364			93,776
	Actual return on plan assets relating to assets sold during the period	1,588			1,169			2,757
	Redemption	(42,000		)	(51,882		)	(93,882		)
	Asset reclassification [a]	—			(2,651		)	(2,651		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	—
Postretirement Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amounts Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss That Have Not Yet Been Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Expense
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Actuarial gain	$	8,508		$	19,537
	Prior-service credit	16,503			19,366
		$	25,011		$	38,903
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Expense (Income)
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net periodic benefit expense (income):
	Service cost - benefits earned during the year	$	950		$	1,459		$	1,679
	Interest cost on benefit obligation	2,734			3,434			4,318
	Amortization of actuarial gain	(2,111		)	(1		)	—
	Amortization of prior-service credit	(2,863		)	(1,457		)	(1,206		)
	Net periodic benefit expense (income)	$	(1,290	)	$	3,435		$	4,791
	Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss:
	Actuarial loss (gain)	$	8,918		$	(21,143	)	$	1,979
	Prior-service cost	—			(19,243		)	—
	Reclassification of actuarial gain to net periodic benefit expense	2,111			1			—
	Reclassification of prior-service credit to net periodic benefit expense	2,863			1,457			1,206
	Loss (gain) recognized in other comprehensive income or loss	$	13,892		$	(38,928	)	$	3,185
	Discount rate assumption used to calculate interest cost through October 31	4.5		%	3.6		%	4.3		%
	Discount rate assumption used to calculate interest cost from November 1	4.5		%	4.25		%	4.3		%
	through December 31
Expected Benefit Payments
	(Dollars in thousands)	Benefit
		Payments
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	4,389
	2016	4,582
	2017	4,980
	2018	5,373
	2019	5,626
	2020-2024	27,946
Changes In The Benefit Obligation And The Determination Of The Amounts Recognized
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	61,917		$	102,291
	Service cost – benefits earned during the year	950			1,459
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	2,734			3,434
	Plan amendments	—			(19,243		)
	Actuarial loss (gain)	8,918			(21,143		)
	Participant contributions	2,191			2,009
	Benefits paid	(5,677		)	(6,890		)
	Projected and accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$	71,033		$	61,917
	Funded status of the plan	$	(71,033	)	$	(61,917	)
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of :
	Current liabilities	$	(4,389	)	$	(4,462	)
	Long-term liabilities	(66,644		)	(57,455		)
	Net amount recognized	$	(71,033	)	$	(61,917	)
	Discount rate assumption as of December 31	3.75		%	4.5		%
Health-Care Cost Trend Rates Used To Determine The Benefit Obligation
		2014
	Health-care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7	%
	Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	4.5	%
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2027

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement Expenses Recognized
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Salaries, wages and employee benefits	$	20,035			$	20,783			$	14,464
	Deferred income tax benefit	(7,673		)		(8,090		)		(5,616		)
	Net share-based compensation expense	$	12,362			$	12,693			$	8,848
Summary Of Nonvested Stock Activity
		Number of			Weighted-
		Awards			Average
					Grant-Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	823,070			$	32.15
	Awarded – Employees	222,253			36.94
	Awarded – Directors	22,480			44.47
	Vested	(277,451	)		32.85
	Forfeited	(19,274	)		33.75
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	771,078			$	33.6
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity
		Number of			Weighted-
		Awards			Average
					Grant-Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	437,015			$	31.02
	Awarded	205,667			36.47
	Forfeited	(13,117	)		33.22
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	629,565			$	32.75
Summary Of Stock-Option Activity
		Number of			Weighted-				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
		Options			Average
					Exercise
					Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,488,741			$	39.59
	Exercised	(926,454	)		36.59
	Expired or cancelled	(15,100	)		50.28
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	547,187			$	44.36			2.88		$	3,461
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	544,184			$	44.44			2.86		$	3,403
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Exercise Activity
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Aggregate intrinsic value of exercised options	$	12,177			$	9,868			$	1,614
	Cash received from exercise of options	33,902				20,777				3,560
	Tax benefit realized from exercise of options	4,664				3,848				629
Summary Of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used In The Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model
		2012
	Estimated fair value	$	11.79
	Risk-free interest rate	0.7		%
	Expected term (years)	4.91
	Expected volatility	52		%
	Expected dividend yield	1.37		%
Summary Of Stock Appreciation Rights
		Number of			Weighted-				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
		Rights			Average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	283,221			$	28.92
	Exercised	(175,990	)		28.92
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	107,231			$	28.92			5.11		$	2,173
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	107,231			$	28.92			5.11		$	2,173
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Exercise Activity SARS
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Cash paid to settle exercised SARs	$	3,623			$	2,382			$	51
	Realized tax benefit	1,388				929				20

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
	Revenue from External Customers
	Freight	$	3,586,333		$	3,424,002	$	3,339,605
	Logistics	1,638,967			1,474,507		1,677,279
	Truckload	572,990			567,255		558,714
	Corporate and Eliminations	7,779			7,592		4,649
		$	5,806,069		$	5,473,356	$	5,580,247
	Revenue from Internal Customers
	Freight	$	45,732		$	42,098	$	52,991
	Logistics	78,744			65,892		48,921
	Truckload	58,521			69,555		76,842
	Corporate and Eliminations	70,458			70,687		53,015
		$	253,455		$	248,232	$	231,769
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Freight	$	210,324		$	146,047	$	143,869
	Logistics	27,193			23,467		44,616
	Truckload	41,245			38,691		44,921
	Corporate and Eliminations	(10,312		)	748		(4,565		)
		$	268,450		$	208,953	$	228,841
	Depreciation and Amortization, net of Accretion
	Freight	$	150,528		$	135,311	$	124,372
	Logistics	11,225			7,571		7,532
	Truckload	68,382			74,449		69,799
	Corporate and Eliminations	12,372			11,905		13,499
		$	242,507		$	229,236	$	215,202
	Capital Expenditures
	Freight	$	176,933		$	180,576	$	190,218
	Logistics	15,577			24,587		7,186
	Truckload	91,731			74,637		93,117
	Corporate and Eliminations	5,535			2,143		2,614
		$	289,776		$	281,943	$	293,135
	Assets
	Freight	$	1,560,324		$	1,529,681	$	1,459,576
	Logistics	367,081			318,266		302,295
	Truckload	792,088			799,775		807,470
	Corporate and Eliminations	616,125			632,209		583,074
		$	3,335,618		$	3,279,931	$	3,152,415
Revenue Classified By Major Geographic Areas
		Years ended December 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
	Revenue
	United States	$	5,310,573		$	5,094,193	$	5,189,792
	Canada	180,951			116,491		114,451
	Other	314,545			262,672		276,004
	Total	$	5,806,069		$	5,473,356	$	5,580,247

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Components Of Quarterly Financial Data	. Quarterly Financial Data
	Con-way Inc.
	Quarterly Financial Data
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
	2014 - Quarter Ended
	Operating Results
	Revenue	$	1,368,843	$	1,492,349	$	1,504,150	$	1,440,727
	Operating Income [a]	33,062		102,700		91,375		41,313
	Income before Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	19,222		90,768		77,390		23,317
	Income Tax Provision (Benefit) [b]	6,329		37,101		31,807		(1,579		)
	Net Income	12,893		53,667		45,583		24,896
	Per Common Share
	Basic Earnings	0.23		0.94		0.79		0.43
	Diluted Earnings	0.22		0.93		0.78		0.43
	Market Price
	High	42.73		50.46		53.53		50.81
	Low	37		39.54		47.5		40.32
	Cash Dividends Paid	0.1		0.1		0.15		0.15
	2013 - Quarter Ended
	Operating Results
	Revenue	$	1,336,164	$	1,381,370	$	1,398,021	$	1,357,801
	Operating Income [a]	31,599		76,299		67,675		33,380
	Income before Income Tax Provision	16,775		62,849		53,378		21,363
	Income Tax Provision	2,770		19,952		22,821		9,669
	Net Income	14,005		42,897		30,557		11,694
	Per Common Share
	Basic Earnings	0.25		0.76		0.54		0.21
	Diluted Earnings [c]	0.25		0.75		0.53		0.2
	Market Price
	High	38.12		39.81		46.04		45.98
	Low	29.12		32.25		39.21		38.79
	Cash Dividends Paid	0.1		0.1		0.1		0.1

Principal_Accounting_Policies_1

Principal Accounting Policies Organization (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	3

Principal_Accounting_Policies_2

Principal Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Unearned revenue	$8.20	$12.10
Deferred startup costs	$4.70	$9.90

Principal_Accounting_Policies_3

Principal Accounting Policies Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Fair value of cash equivalents	$385,548	$441,199
Available-for-sale securities	$8,285

Schedule_Of_Allowance_For_Unco

Schedule Of Allowance For Uncollectible Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$6,103	$9,774	$6,951
Additions charged to expense	2,869	6,908	6,358
Additions charged to other accounts	0	0	0
Write-offs net of recoveries	-2,976	-10,579	-3,535
Balance at end of period	$5,996	$6,103	$9,774

Schedule_Of_Allowance_For_Reve

Schedule Of Allowance For Revenue Adjustments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$12,215	$13,816	$16,920
Additions charged to expense	0	0	0
Additions charged to other accounts - Revenue	94,032	74,481	77,310
Write-offs	-89,801	-76,082	-80,414
Balance at end of period	$16,446	$12,215	$13,816

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Principal Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$232.40	$221.20	$204.90
Buildings [Member]
Principal Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives, years	25 years
Minimum [Member] | Revenue Equipment [Member]
Principal Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives, years	4 years
Minimum [Member] | Other equipment [Member]
Principal Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives, years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Software and Software Development Costs [Member]
Principal Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives, years	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Revenue Equipment [Member]
Principal Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives, years	14 years
Maximum [Member] | Other equipment [Member]
Principal Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives, years	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Software and Software Development Costs [Member]
Principal Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives, years	7 years

Principal_Accounting_Policies_4

Principal Accounting Policies Change in Estimated Salvage Values (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	$41,313	$91,375	$102,700	$33,062	$33,380	$67,675	$76,299	$31,599	$268,450	$208,953	$228,841
Net Income									137,039	99,153	104,546
Earnings per common share, basic	$0.43	$0.79	$0.94	$0.23	$0.21	$0.54	$0.76	$0.25	$2.39	$1.75	$1.87
Earnings per common share, diluted	$0.43	$0.78	$0.93	$0.22	$0.20	$0.53	$0.75	$0.25	$2.36	$1.73	$1.85
Salvage Value [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)									6,200	1,300
Net Income									$3,800
Earnings per common share, basic									$0.07
Earnings per common share, diluted									$0.06

Principal_Accounting_Policies_5

Principal Accounting Policies Capitalized Software, Net (Details) (Software and Software Development Costs [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Amortization	$7.90	$7.20	$8.30
Accumulated amortization	$161	$158.70
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years

Principal_Accounting_Policies_6

Principal Accounting Policies Book Overdrafts (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Book overdrafts	$28.80	$40.80

Principal_Accounting_Policies_7

Principal Accounting Policies Self-Insurance Accruals (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Liability related to assumed claims	$57.40	$59.20
Reinsurance receivables	43.3	38.1
Operating income (loss) from reinsurance pool	$6.10	$2.20	($2.50)

Principal_Accounting_Policies_8

Principal Accounting Policies Foreign Exchange Translation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Foreign Exchange Translation [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation
	Adjustments resulting from translating foreign functional currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment in the statements of consolidated comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange-rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the statements of consolidated income within miscellaneous, net. Con-way recognized foreign exchange losses of $6.0 million, $1.4 million and $0.3 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Con-way has determined that advances to certain of its foreign subsidiaries are indefinite in nature. Accordingly, the corresponding foreign currency gains or losses related to these advances are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment in the statements of consolidated comprehensive income (loss).
Recognized foreign exchange loss	$6	$1.40	$0.30

Calculation_Of_Numerator_And_D

Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net Income									$137,039	$99,153	$104,546
Weighted-average common shares outstanding									57,390,945	56,511,563	55,837,574
Stock options and nonvested stock									627,498	729,025	648,413
Denominator for net income per share									58,018,443	57,240,588	56,485,987
Earnings per common share, diluted	$0.43	$0.78	$0.93	$0.22	$0.20	$0.53	$0.75	$0.25	$2.36	$1.73	$1.85
Antidilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted EPS									461,071	911,041	1,801,995

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Changes In Gross Carrying Amounts Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$520,628	$521,020	$521,213
Accumulated impairment losses	-183,049	-183,049	-183,049
Change in foreign currency exchange rates	-392	-193
Total Goodwill	337,579	337,971	338,164
Logistics
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	55,303	55,695	55,888
Accumulated impairment losses	-48,236	-48,236	-48,236
Change in foreign currency exchange rates	-392	-193
Total Goodwill	7,067	7,459	7,652
Truckload
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	464,598	464,598	464,598
Accumulated impairment losses	-134,813	-134,813	-134,813
Change in foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Total Goodwill	329,785	329,785	329,785
Corporate and Eliminations
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	727	727	727
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0	0
Change in foreign currency exchange rates	0	0
Total Goodwill	$727	$727	$727

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$2.40	$2.40	$3

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Intangible Assets) (Details) (Customer Relationships [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$23,088	$23,088
Accumulated Amortization	$16,804	$14,448

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$2,356
2016	2,356
2017	$1,572

FairValue_Measurements_Summary

Fair-Value Measurements (Summary Of Valuation Of Financial Instruments At Fair-Value) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$385,548	$441,199
Marketable securities	8,285
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	63,092	99,092
Marketable securities	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	322,456	342,107
Marketable securities	8,285
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Marketable securities	$0

Accrued_Liabilities_Components

Accrued Liabilities (Components Of Accrued Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Variable compensation	$56,698	$33,573
Compensated absences	50,325	46,421
Wages and salaries	43,920	35,826
Employee benefits	37,702	40,203
Taxes other than income taxes	27,861	26,704
Interest	17,555	17,579
Other	23,882	28,772
Total accrued liabilities	$257,943	$229,078

Debt_And_Other_Financing_Arran2

Debt And Other Financing Arrangements (Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$719,303	$719,155
2.63% Promissory Note Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Promissory note	550	550
7.25% Senior Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	425,000	425,000
6.70% Senior Debentures Due 2034 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	300,000	300,000
Discount	-6,247	-6,395
Senior notes after fair market value adjustment and discount	$293,753	$293,605

Debt_And_Other_Financing_Arran3

Debt And Other Financing Arrangements Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$325
Expiration date	28-Jun-18
Credit facilities balance	106.9
Remaining borrowing capacity	$218.10
Covenant terms	The revolving facility is guaranteed by certain of Con-way's material domestic subsidiaries and contains two financial covenants: (i)B a leverage ratio and (ii)B a fixed-charge coverage ratio. There are also various restrictive covenants, including limitations on (i)B the incurrence of liens, (ii)B consolidations, mergers and asset sales, and (iii)B the incurrence of additional subsidiary indebtedness.
Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.18%
Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.35%

Debt_And_Other_Financing_Arran4

Debt And Other Financing Arrangements Short-term borrowings (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Other credit facilities amount outstanding	$21,000,000
Short-term borrowings	1,736,000	1,588,000
Non-interest bearing borrowings	$1,300,000	$1,600,000

Longterm_Debt_Details

Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt repayments of principal in 2016	600,000
Long-term debt repayments of principal in 2018	425,000,000
Fair value of long-term debt	832,000,000	806,000,000
7.25% Senior Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Rate of interest on notes	7.25%
Frequency of periodic payment	semi-annually
Notes, redemption description	Con-way may redeem the 7.25% Senior Notes, in whole or in part, on not less than 30 nor more than 60-days notice, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i)B the principal amount being redeemed, or (ii)B the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes being redeemed, discounted at the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the rate payable on a Treasury note having a comparable maturity plus 50 basis points. There are also various restrictive covenants, including limitations on (i)B the incurrence of liens, and (ii)B consolidations, mergers and asset sales. Including amortization of underwriting fees and related debt costs, interest expense on the 7.25% Senior Notes due 2018 is recognized at an annual effective interest rate of 7.37%.
6.70% Senior Debentures Due 2034 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Rate of interest on notes	6.70%
Redemption percentage	101.00%
Frequency of periodic payment	semi-annually
Notes, redemption description	Con-way may redeem the Senior Debentures, in whole or in part, on not less than 30 nor more than 60-days notice, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i)B the principal amount being redeemed, or (ii)B the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Senior Debentures being redeemed, discounted at the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the rate payable on a Treasury note having a comparable maturity plus 35 basis points. The Senior Debentures were issued under an indenture that restricts Con-way's ability, with certain exceptions, to incur debt secured by liens. Including amortization of a discount, interest expense on the 6.70% Senior Debentures due 2034 is recognized at an annual effective interest rate of 6.90%.
Senior Notes	300,000,000

Debt_And_Other_Financing_Arran5

Debt And Other Financing Arrangements LT Debt terms (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
6.70% Senior Debentures Due 2034 [Member]
Maturity year	2034
Effective interest rate	6.90%
6.70% Senior Debentures Due 2034 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Redemption period of senior notes	30
6.70% Senior Debentures Due 2034 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Redemption period of senior notes	60
7.25% Senior Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Maturity year	2018
Effective interest rate	7.37%
7.25% Senior Notes Due 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Redemption period of senior notes	30
7.25% Senior Notes Due 2018 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Redemption period of senior notes	60
2.63% Promissory Note Due 2016 [Member]
Maturity year	2016
Effective interest rate	2.63%

Leases_Capital_Lease_Disclosur

Leases Capital Lease Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Description of lessee leasing arrangements, capital leases	Under certain capital-lease agreements, Con-way guarantees the residual value of tractors at the end of the lease term. The stated amounts of the residual-value guarantees have been included in the minimum lease payments below.
Accumulated depreciation related to capital leases	$50.10	$39
Revenue Equipment [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital leased assets, gross	73.3	68.9
Other equipment [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital leased assets, gross	10
Accumulated depreciation related to capital leases	$1.50

Leases_Narrative_Details

Leases (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Unamortized gain of sell and lease back	$7.70
Sale leaseback transaction, expiration year	2024

Leases_Future_Minimum_Lease_Pa

Leases (Future Minimum Lease Payments For Operating Leases And Capital Leases) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
2015	$15,223
2016	3,597
2017	3,597
2018	3,597
2019	312
Thereafter (through 2026)	0
Capital Leases, total minimum lease payments	26,326
Amount representing interest	-1,076
Present value of minimum lease payments	25,250
Current maturities of obligations under capital leases	14,663
Long-term obligations under capital leases	10,587	16,185
2015	93,412
2016	70,491
2017	49,112
2018	34,148
2019	24,518
Thereafter (through 2026)	64,743
Operating Leases, total minimum lease payments	$336,424

Leases_Rental_Expense_For_Oper

Leases (Rental Expense For Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Minimum rentals	$139,491	$129,902	$118,797
Sublease rentals	-63	-577	-2,843
Rental expense	$139,428	$129,325	$115,954

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current provision (benefit), Federal									$15,277	($6,137)	$3,872
Current provision (benefit), State and local									502	2,145	34
Current provision (benefit), Foreign									3,438	873	2,566
Total current provision (benefit)									19,217	-3,119	6,472
Deferred provision (benefit), Federal									41,087	41,832	45,920
Federal net operating loss									14,522	14,369	11,166
Deferred provision (benefit), State and local									4,207	5,608	5,270
Deferred provision, State and local, tax rate change									-5,374	0	0
Deferred provision (benefit), Foreign									-1	-3,478	-2,420
Total deferred provision									54,441	58,331	59,936
Income tax provision	($1,579)	$31,807	$37,101	$6,329	$9,669	$22,821	$19,952	$2,770	$73,658	$55,212	$66,408

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Incom1

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. sources									$211,045	$157,074	$164,619
Non-U.S. sources									-348	-2,709	6,335
Income before income tax provision	$23,317	$77,390	$90,768	$19,222	$21,363	$53,378	$62,849	$16,775	$210,697	$154,365	$170,954

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Incom2

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Income Taxes Calculated On Income Before Income Taxes And Provision For Income Taxes) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory tax rate of 35%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	1.80%	4.70%	3.10%
State tax rate change, net of federal tax benefit	-2.60%	0.00%	0.00%
Foreign taxes greater (less) than U.S. stautory rate	1.10%	-1.10%	-1.20%
Non-deductible operating expenses and tax-exempt income	0.60%	0.70%	0.00%
Foreign taxes eligible for US foreign tax credit	0.60%	0.50%	0.50%
Fuel tax credit	-1.80%	-4.50%	-0.10%
IRS audit	0.00%	-0.40%	1.50%
Other, net	0.30%	0.90%	0.00%
Effective income tax rate	35.00%	35.80%	38.80%

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee benefits	$96,420	$91,474
Self-insurance accruals	26,296	23,042
Domestic operating-loss carryforwards	6,156	22,461
Foreign operating-loss carryforwards	16,723	16,832
Tax-credit carryforwards	10,785	10,019
Share-based compensation	15,171	16,551
Other	11,204	11,471
Valuation allowance	-26,019	-25,358
Total deferred income tax assets	156,736	166,492
Property, plant and equipment	351,684	348,728
Prepaid expenses	21,789	24,401
Revenue	6,624	9,013
Other	5,471	6,967
Total deferred income tax liabilities	385,568	389,109
Net deferred tax liability	($228,832)	($222,617)

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets tax losses total	$22,900,000
Tax credit carryforwards	10,785,000	10,019,000
Combined future tax benefits	33,700,000
Valuation allowance	-26,019,000	-25,358,000
Cumulative undistributed earnings	32,400,000
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	8,100,000	11,900,000
Accrued interest and penalties	3,100,000	3,500,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would change the effective tax rate	3,700,000	6,500,000
Interest and penalties	$400,000	$1,800,000

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Unrec

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	$8,388	$9,728
Gross increases - prior-period tax positions		14
Gross increases - current-period tax positions	853	1,376
Gross decreases - settlements	-1,744
Gross decreases - prior-period tax positions	-900	-602
Lapse of statute of limitations	-1,661	-2,128
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$4,936	$8,388

Shareholders_Equity_Schedule_O

Shareholders' Equity (Schedule Of Changes In Equity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($354,409)	($269,531)	($456,461)	($438,436)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-2,731	871	481
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0	226
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-99,060	174,240	-29,763
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	14,182	12,690	11,738
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,155	-424	-1,295	-1,776
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0
Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Available-for-Sale Security
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0	-226
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0
Employee Benefit Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-351,254	-269,107	-455,166	-436,434
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-96,329	173,369	-30,470
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	$14,182	$12,690	$11,738

Shareholders_Equity_Common_Sto

Shareholders' Equity Common Stock Repurchase Program and Cash Dividend (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 29, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$150,000,000
Common stock repurchased, shares	355,000
Common stock repurchased	16,800,000
Repurchases of common stock included in current liabilities	$984,000	$0	$0
Cash dividend per common share, changed from				$0.10
Cash dividend per common share, changed to				$0.15

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Changes

Employee Benefit Plans (Changes In The Projected Benefit Obligation, The Fair Value Of Plan Assets And The Determination Of The Amounts Recognized) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets at ending of year	$1,701,694	$1,438,865
Long-term assets	18,110	15,018
Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	1,523,531	1,680,603
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	75,030	70,022	70,168
Actuarial loss (gain)	136,142	-238,037	-720
Plan settlement	-36,237	0
Actuarial loss (gain)	254,379	-177,347
Benefits paid	-54,536	-49,747
Projected and accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	1,762,167	1,523,531	1,680,603
Fair value of pension plan assets at beginning of year	1,438,865	1,281,261
Actual return on plan assets	211,322	152,014
Con-way contributions	142,280	55,337
Plan settlement	-36,237	0
Fair value of pension plan assets at ending of year	1,701,694	1,438,865	1,281,261
Funded status of the plans	-60,473	-84,666
Long-term assets	18,110	15,018
Current liabilities	0	0
Long-term liabilities	-78,583	-99,684
Net amount recognized	-60,473	-84,666
Projected and accumulated benefit obligation	1,740,798	1,502,541
Fair value of plan assets	1,622,215	1,402,857
Discount rate	4.20%	5.05%
Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	70,814	78,218
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	3,451	3,213	3,438
Actuarial loss (gain)	9,182	-5,508	3,574
Plan settlement	0	0
Actuarial loss (gain)	9,182	-5,508
Benefits paid	-5,101	-5,109
Projected and accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	78,346	70,814	78,218
Fair value of pension plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Con-way contributions	5,101	5,109
Plan settlement	0	0
Fair value of pension plan assets at ending of year	0	0	0
Funded status of the plans	-78,346	-70,814
Long-term assets	0	0
Current liabilities	-5,148	-5,145
Long-term liabilities	-73,198	-65,669
Net amount recognized	-78,346	-70,814
Projected and accumulated benefit obligation	78,346	70,814
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Discount rate	4.20%	5.05%
Postretirement Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	61,917	102,291
Service cost	950	1,459	1,679
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	2,734	3,434	4,318
Plan amendments	0	-19,243
Actuarial loss (gain)	8,918	-21,143	1,979
Participant contributions	2,191	2,009
Benefits paid	-5,677	-6,890
Projected and accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	71,033	61,917	102,291
Funded status of the plans	-71,033	-61,917
Current liabilities	-4,389	-4,462
Long-term liabilities	-66,644	-57,455
Net amount recognized	($71,033)	($61,917)
Discount rate	3.75%	4.50%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Amounts

Employee Benefit Plans (Amounts Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss That Have Not Yet Been Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial gain (loss)		($524,414)	($413,879)
Prior-service credit (cost)		-40,809	-42,428
Amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, not yet recognized in net periodic benefit		565,223	456,307
Reclassification of actuarial loss to net periodic benefit expense (income)	12,494
Reclassification of prior-service cost to net periodic benefit expense (income)	1,619
Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial gain (loss)		-35,673	-27,367
Prior-service credit (cost)		-99	-104
Amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, not yet recognized in net periodic benefit		35,772	27,471
Reclassification of actuarial loss to net periodic benefit expense (income)	1,184
Reclassification of prior-service cost to net periodic benefit expense (income)	5
Postretirement Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial gain (loss)		8,508	19,537
Prior-service credit (cost)		16,503	19,366
Amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, not yet recognized in net periodic benefit		-25,011	-38,903
Reclassification of actuarial loss to net periodic benefit expense (income)		265
Reclassification of prior-service cost to net periodic benefit expense (income)		$2,455

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Compone

Employee Benefit Plans (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Expense (Income)) (Details) (USD $)	2 Months Ended			10 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost on benefit obligation							$75,030	$70,022	$70,168
Expected return on plan assets							-93,085	-91,324	-84,411
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)							9,642	18,272	19,432
Amortization of prior-service costs (credit)							1,619	1,670	14
Curtailment loss							0	1,197	0
Settlement loss							15,965	0	0
Net periodic benefit expense (income)							9,171	-163	5,203
Actuarial loss (gain)							136,142	-238,037	-720
Prior-service cost							0	0	44,961
Reclassification of actuarial loss to net periodic benefit expense (income)							-25,607	-18,272	-19,432
Reclassification of prior-service credit to net periodic benefit expense (income)							-1,619	-2,867	-14
Loss (gain) recognized in other comprehensive income or loss							108,916	-259,176	24,795
Discount rate							5.05%	4.25%	4.65%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets							6.53%	7.10%	7.65%
Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost on benefit obligation							3,451	3,213	3,438
Expected return on plan assets							0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)							876	1,118	958
Amortization of prior-service costs (credit)							5	5	0
Curtailment loss							0	0	44
Settlement loss							0	0	0
Net periodic benefit expense (income)							4,332	4,336	4,440
Actuarial loss (gain)							9,182	-5,508	3,574
Prior-service cost							0	0	109
Reclassification of actuarial loss to net periodic benefit expense (income)							-876	-1,118	-1,002
Reclassification of prior-service credit to net periodic benefit expense (income)							-5	-5	0
Loss (gain) recognized in other comprehensive income or loss							8,301	-6,631	2,681
Discount rate							5.05%	4.25%	4.65%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets							0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Postretirement Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost							950	1,459	1,679
Interest cost on benefit obligation							2,734	3,434	4,318
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)							-2,111	-1	0
Amortization of prior-service costs (credit)							-2,863	-1,457	-1,206
Net periodic benefit expense (income)							-1,290	3,435	4,791
Actuarial loss (gain)							8,918	-21,143	1,979
Prior-service cost							0	-19,243	0
Reclassification of actuarial gain to net periodic benefit expense							2,111	1	0
Reclassification of prior-service credit to net periodic benefit expense							2,863	1,457	1,206
Loss (gain) recognized in other comprehensive income or loss							$13,892	($38,928)	$3,185
Discount rate	4.50%	4.25%	4.30%	4.50%	3.60%	4.30%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Expecte

Employee Benefit Plans (Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	$61,381
2016	65,705
2017	70,081
2018	74,579
2019	79,480
2020-2024	465,421
Non-Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	5,148
2016	5,191
2017	5,257
2018	5,240
2019	5,234
2020-2024	25,705
Postretirement Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	4,389
2016	4,582
2017	4,980
2018	5,373
2019	5,626
2020-2024	$27,946

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Summary

Employee Benefit Plans (Summary Of Fair Value Of Pension Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$1,701,694	$1,438,865
Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	1,701,694	1,438,865	1,281,261
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	460,982	443,971
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	1,240,712	901,118
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	93,776	87,060
Hedge Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	53,364	50,149
Private Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	40,412	36,911
Short-Term Investment Fund [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	48,296	65,100
Short-Term Investment Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Short-Term Investment Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	48,296	65,100
Short-Term Investment Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Long-term Debt [Member] | Fixed-Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	1,252,077	832,915
Long-term Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed-Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	131,997	91,824
Long-term Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed-Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	1,120,080	741,091
Long-term Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed-Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
Hedge Funds, Multi-strategy [Member] | Hedge Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		53,364
Hedge Funds, Multi-strategy [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Hedge Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		0
Hedge Funds, Multi-strategy [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Hedge Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		0
Hedge Funds, Multi-strategy [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Hedge Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		53,364
Real Estate Investment Trust Index Fund [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		40,412
Real Estate Investment Trust Index Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		0
Real Estate Investment Trust Index Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		0
Real Estate Investment Trust Index Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets		40,412
U S Large Companies [Member] | S&P 500 Index Fund [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	2,309	3,482
U S Large Companies [Member] | S&P 500 Index Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	2,309	3,482
U S Large Companies [Member] | S&P 500 Index Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
U S Large Companies [Member] | S&P 500 Index Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
U S Large Companies [Member] | Growth [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	102,653	99,050
U S Large Companies [Member] | Growth [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	102,653	99,050
U S Large Companies [Member] | Growth [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
U S Large Companies [Member] | Growth [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
U S Large Companies [Member] | Value [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	99,466	101,154
U S Large Companies [Member] | Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	99,466	101,154
U S Large Companies [Member] | Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
U S Large Companies [Member] | Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
U S Small Companies [Member] | Value [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	32,298	57,403
U S Small Companies [Member] | Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	32,298	57,403
U S Small Companies [Member] | Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
U S Small Companies [Member] | Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
International | Growth [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	92,259	91,058
International | Growth [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	92,259	91,058
International | Growth [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
International | Growth [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
International | Value [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	72,336	94,927
International | Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	0
International | Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	72,336	94,927
International | Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$0	$0

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Overall expected long-term rate of return	5.15%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$56,300,000	$55,300,000	$50,800,000
Fixed-Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment strategy mix, securities	76.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment strategy mix, securities	24.00%
U S Large Companies [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment strategy mix, securities	12.00%
U S Small Companies [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment strategy mix, securities	2.00%
International | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment strategy mix, securities	10.00%
Postretirement Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan amendments	0	-19,243,000
Qualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan settlement	36,237,000	0
Settlement loss	15,965,000	0	0
Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year	30,000,000
Impact on Projected Benefit Obligation [Member] | Postretirement Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan amendments		28,300,000
Impact on Actuarial Gain [Member] | Postretirement Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan amendments		$9,100,000
Global opportunistic [Member] | Fixed-Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Investment strategy mix, securities	7.00%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_HealthC

Employee Benefit Plans (Health-Care Cost Trend Rates Used To Determine The Benefit Obligation) (Details) (Postretirement Medical Plan [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Postretirement Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Health-care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7.00%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	4.50%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2027

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Level_3

Employee Benefit Plans Level 3 Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$1,701,694	$1,438,865
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	93,776	87,060
Actual return on plan assets held during period	2,757	6,716
Actual return on plan assets sold during period	-93,882
Asset reclassification	-2,651
Private Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	40,412	36,911
Actual return on plan assets held during period	1,588	3,501
Actual return on plan assets sold during period	-42,000
Asset reclassification	0
Hedge Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	53,364	50,149
Actual return on plan assets held during period	1,169	3,215
Actual return on plan assets sold during period	-51,882
Asset reclassification	($2,651)

ShareBased_Compensation_ShareB

Share-Based Compensation (Share-Based Compensation Arrangement Expenses Recognized) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	$20,035	$20,783	$14,464
Deferred income tax benefit	-7,673	-8,090	-5,616
Net share-based compensation expense	$12,362	$12,693	$8,848

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total number of common shares shares authorized for the grant of stock options	7,637,432
Common shares available for the grant of stock options	2,687,677
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$9.80
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 237 days
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of grant target award recipients receive depending on performance criteria	200.00%
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of grant target award recipients receive depending on performance criteria	0.00%
Performance Share Plan Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$10.40
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 281 days

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation (Summary Of Nonvested Stock Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Nonvested Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning number of awards outstanding	823,070
Awarded - Employees	222,253
Awarded - Directors	22,480
Vested	-277,451
Forfeited	-19,274
Ending number of awards outstanding	771,078	823,070
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value at beginning of period	$32.15
Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested	$32.85
Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$33.75
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value at ending of period	$33.60	$32.15
Fair value of stock which vested in the period	$11.40	$9.40	$11
Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Awarded	$36.94	$33.19	$30.37
Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Awarded	$44.47	$34.60	$33.75
Performance Share Plan Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning number of awards outstanding	437,015
Awarded	205,667
Forfeited	-13,117
Ending number of awards outstanding	629,565	437,015
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value at beginning of period	$31.02
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Awarded	$36.47	$32.41	$29.67
Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$33.22
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value at ending of period	$32.75	$31.02

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar1

Share-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock-Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning options outstanding	1,488,741
Exercised	-926,454
Expired or cancelled	-15,100
Ending options outstanding	547,187	1,488,741
Options exercisable	544,184
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at beginning of period	$39.59
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$36.59
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Expired or cancelled	$50.28
Weighted- Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at ending of period	$44.36	$39.59
Weighted-Average Exercise Price exercisable at ending of period	$44.44
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (years), Outstanding at ending of period	2 years 321 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (years), Exercisable at ending of period	2 years 314 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding	$3,461
Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable	3,403
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercised stock options	12,177	9,868	1,614
Cash received from exercise of stock options	33,902	20,777	3,560
Tax benefit realized from the exercise of options	$4,664	$3,848	$629

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar2

Share-Based Compensation (Summary Of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used In The Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model) (Details) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	$11.79
Risk-free interest rate	0.70%
Expected term, years	4 years 332 days
Expected volatility	52.00%
Expected dividend yield	1.37%

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar3

Share-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Appreciation Rights) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Realized tax benefit	$4,664,000	$3,848,000	$629,000
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of period	283,221
Exercised	-175,990
Outstanding at ending of period	107,231	283,221
Exercisable at ending of period	107,231
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at beginning of period	$28.92
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$28.92
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at ending of period	$28.92
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 40 days
Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 40 days
Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	2,173,000
Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	2,173,000
Cash paid to settle exercisable SARs	3,623,000	2,382,000	51,000
Realized tax benefit	1,388,000	929,000	20,000
Accrued liability for cash-settled SARs	$2,200,000	$4,300,000
Weighted-average fair value per SAR	$20.97	$15.13

Segment_Reporting_Narrative_De

Segment Reporting Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Number of operating segments	3
Unallocated [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	13,500	$4,200
Allocated [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost			$9,600

Segment_Reporting_Operating_In

Segment Reporting (Operating Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									$5,806,069	$5,473,356	$5,580,247
Revenues from internal customers									253,455	248,232	231,769
Operating Income	41,313	91,375	102,700	33,062	33,380	67,675	76,299	31,599	268,450	208,953	228,841
Depreciation and Amortization, net of Accretion									242,507	229,236	215,202
Capital Expenditures									289,776	281,943	293,135
Assets	3,335,618				3,279,931				3,335,618	3,279,931	3,152,415
Freight
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									3,586,333	3,424,002	3,339,605
Revenues from internal customers									45,732	42,098	52,991
Operating Income									210,324	146,047	143,869
Depreciation and Amortization, net of Accretion									150,528	135,311	124,372
Capital Expenditures									176,933	180,576	190,218
Assets	1,560,324				1,529,681				1,560,324	1,529,681	1,459,576
Logistics
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									1,638,967	1,474,507	1,677,279
Revenues from internal customers									78,744	65,892	48,921
Operating Income									27,193	23,467	44,616
Depreciation and Amortization, net of Accretion									11,225	7,571	7,532
Capital Expenditures									15,577	24,587	7,186
Assets	367,081				318,266				367,081	318,266	302,295
Truckload
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									572,990	567,255	558,714
Revenues from internal customers									58,521	69,555	76,842
Operating Income									41,245	38,691	44,921
Depreciation and Amortization, net of Accretion									68,382	74,449	69,799
Capital Expenditures									91,731	74,637	93,117
Assets	792,088				799,775				792,088	799,775	807,470
Corporate and Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers									7,779	7,592	4,649
Revenues from internal customers									70,458	70,687	53,015
Operating Income									-10,312	748	-4,565
Depreciation and Amortization, net of Accretion									12,372	11,905	13,499
Capital Expenditures									5,535	2,143	2,614
Assets	$616,125				$632,209				$616,125	$632,209	$583,074

Segment_Reporting_Geographic_D

Segment Reporting (Geographic Data) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$1,440,727	$1,504,150	$1,492,349	$1,368,843	$1,357,801	$1,398,021	$1,381,370	$1,336,164	$5,806,069	$5,473,356	$5,580,247
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									5,310,573	5,094,193	5,189,792
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									180,951	116,491	114,451
Other Countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									$314,545	$262,672	$276,004

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Compo

Quarterly Financial Data (Components Of Quarterly Financial Data) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Revenue	$1,440,727	$1,504,150	$1,492,349	$1,368,843	$1,357,801	$1,398,021	$1,381,370	$1,336,164	$5,806,069	$5,473,356	$5,580,247
Operating Income	41,313	91,375	102,700	33,062	33,380	67,675	76,299	31,599	268,450	208,953	228,841
Income before Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	23,317	77,390	90,768	19,222	21,363	53,378	62,849	16,775	210,697	154,365	170,954
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	-1,579	31,807	37,101	6,329	9,669	22,821	19,952	2,770	73,658	55,212	66,408
Net Income	$24,896	$45,583	$53,667	$12,893	$11,694	$30,557	$42,897	$14,005
Earnings Per Common Share, Basic	$0.43	$0.79	$0.94	$0.23	$0.21	$0.54	$0.76	$0.25	$2.39	$1.75	$1.87
Earnings per common share, diluted	$0.43	$0.78	$0.93	$0.22	$0.20	$0.53	$0.75	$0.25	$2.36	$1.73	$1.85
Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share	$0.15	$0.15	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10
Minimum [Member]
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Market Price per Common Share	40.32	47.5	39.54	37	38.79	39.21	32.25	29.12
Maximum [Member]
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Market Price per Common Share	50.81	53.53	50.46	42.73	45.98	46.04	39.81	38.12

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Narra

Quarterly Financial Data Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Quarterly Financial Information, Quarterly Charges and Credits, Amount Affecting Comparability	$5.40
Freight
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Quarterly Financial Information, Quarterly Charges and Credits, Amount Affecting Comparability		3.4
Corporate and Eliminations [Member]
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Quarterly Financial Information, Quarterly Charges and Credits, Amount Affecting Comparability	16		5.6
Logistics
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Quarterly Financial Information, Quarterly Charges and Credits, Amount Affecting Comparability			$3.70

Uncategorized_Items

Uncategorized Items
[cnw_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardRightsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice]	28.92