| Document and Entity Information | Dec. 07, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 7, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | YRC Worldwide Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000716006 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 0-12255 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 48-0948788 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 10990 Roe Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Overland Park |
| Entity Address, State or Province | KS |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 66211 |
| City Area Code | 913 |
| Local Phone Number | 696-6100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value pershare |
| Trading Symbol | YRCW |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
