J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) 10-K 22 Feb 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 12, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	HUNT J B TRANSPORT SERVICES INC
Entity Central Index Key	728,535
Trading Symbol	jbht
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		108,738,788
Entity Public Float			$ 10.5
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Shell Company	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 7,600	$ 14,612
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,051,698	920,767
Other receivables, net	274,511	283,499
Inventories	21,977	20,688
Prepaid expenses	147,195	99,162
Total current assets	1,502,981	1,338,728
Property and equipment, at cost:
Revenue and service equipment	4,716,860	4,158,878
Land	49,486	47,231
Structures and improvements	238,202	202,730
Furniture and office equipment	324,695	261,625
Total property and equipment	5,329,243	4,670,464
Less accumulated depreciation	1,884,132	1,687,133
Net property and equipment	3,445,111	2,983,331
Goodwill	40,087	39,764
Other intangible assets, net	65,070	73,691
Other assets	38,398	29,835
Total assets	5,091,647	4,465,349
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	250,706
Trade accounts payable	709,736	598,594
Claims accruals	275,139	251,980
Accrued payroll	80,922	42,382
Other accrued expenses	35,845	28,888
Total current liabilities	1,352,348	921,844
Long-term debt	898,398	1,085,649
Other long-term liabilities	96,056	76,661
Deferred income taxes	643,461	541,870
Total liabilities	2,990,263	2,626,024
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $100 par value. 10 million shares authorized; none outstanding
Common stock, $.01 par value. 1 billion shares authorized; (167,099,432 shares issued at December 31, 2018 and 2017, of which 108,710,825 shares and 109,753,008 shares were outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively)	1,671	1,671
Additional paid-in capital	340,457	310,811
Retained earnings	4,188,435	3,803,844
Treasury stock, at cost (58,388,607 shares at December 31, 2018, and 57,346,424 shares at December 31, 2017)	(2,429,179)	(2,277,001)
Total stockholders’ equity	2,101,384	1,839,325
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 5,091,647	$ 4,465,349

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 100	$ 100
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	167,099,432	167,099,432
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	108,710,825	109,753,008
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	58,388,607	57,346,424

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating revenues	$ 8,614,874	$ 7,189,568	$ 6,555,459
Operating expenses:
Rents and purchased transportation	4,434,540	3,650,806	3,255,692
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	1,926,213	1,608,378	1,469,187
Fuel and fuel taxes	459,011	347,573	283,437
Depreciation and amortization	435,893	383,518	361,510
Operating supplies and expenses	303,529	257,239	233,223
General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions	163,270	125,878	87,053
Insurance and claims	129,406	123,579	78,410
Operating taxes and licenses	51,080	44,825	45,954
Communication and utilities	30,911	23,983	19,973
Total operating expenses	7,933,853	6,565,779	5,834,439
Operating income	681,021	623,789	721,020
Interest income	224	235	71
Interest expense	40,427	28,785	25,294
Earnings before income taxes	640,818	595,239	695,797
Income taxes	151,233	(91,024)	263,707
Net earnings	$ 489,585	$ 686,263	$ 432,090
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)	109,375	109,987	112,474
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 4.48	$ 6.24	$ 3.84
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	110,428	111,049	113,361
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 4.43	$ 6.18	$ 3.81
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.96	$ 0.92	$ 0.88
Service Excluding Fuel Surcharge [Member]
Operating revenues	$ 7,557,648	$ 6,435,858	$ 6,007,347
Fuel Surcharge [Member]
Operating revenues	$ 1,057,226	$ 753,710	$ 548,112

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,671	$ 268,728	$ 2,885,843	$ (1,855,890)	$ 1,300,352
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings			432,090		432,090
Cash dividend declared and paid			(98,990)		(98,990)
Tax benefit of stock options exercised and restricted shares issued		7,044			7,044
Purchase of treasury shares				(249,760)	(249,760)
Share-based compensation		40,625			40,625
Stock option exercises and restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes		(23,310)		6,010	(17,300)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2016	1,671	293,087	3,218,943	(2,099,640)	1,414,061
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings			686,263		686,263
Cash dividend declared and paid			(101,362)		(101,362)
Purchase of treasury shares				(179,813)	(179,813)
Share-based compensation		38,291			38,291
Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes		(20,567)		2,452	(18,115)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2017	1,671	310,811	3,803,844	(2,277,001)	1,839,325
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings			489,585		489,585
Cash dividend declared and paid			(104,994)		(104,994)
Purchase of treasury shares				(150,338)	(150,338)
Share-based compensation		47,369			47,369
Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes		(17,723)		(1,840)	(19,563)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 1,671	$ 340,457	$ 4,188,435	$ (2,429,179)	$ 2,101,384

Consolidated Statements of St_2

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cash dividend declared and paid per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.96	$ 0.92	$ 0.88

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 489,585	$ 686,263	$ 432,090
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	435,893	383,518	361,510
Share-based compensation	47,369	38,291	40,625
Loss on sale of revenue equipment and other	12,107	7,370	5,490
Advance deposit impairment		20,240
Deferred income taxes	101,591	(248,764)	50,414
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	(130,931)	(166,111)	(120,994)
Income taxes receivable or payable	(41,071)	(45,542)	60,956
Other current assets	(6,133)	69,462	(37,101)
Trade accounts payable	98,037	85,237	60,818
Claims accruals	21,580	25,021	5,524
Accrued payroll and other accrued expenses	59,814	168	(5,189)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,087,841	855,153	854,143
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(995,650)	(526,928)	(638,430)
Proceeds from sale of equipment	110,165	16,413	153,174
Business acquisition		(136,879)
Change in other assets	(1,288)	(3,888)	(132)
Net cash used in investing activities	(886,773)	(651,282)	(485,388)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and other	3,204,715	2,716,155	1,715,427
Payments on revolving lines of credit and other	(3,137,900)	(2,612,501)	(1,724,365)
Purchase of treasury stock	(150,338)	(179,813)	(249,760)
Stock option exercises and other	967	1,100	1,341
Stock repurchased for payroll taxes	(20,530)	(19,215)	(18,641)
Tax benefit of stock options exercised and restricted shares issued			7,044
Dividends paid	(104,994)	(101,362)	(98,990)
Net cash used in financing activities	(208,080)	(195,636)	(367,944)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(7,012)	8,235	811
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	14,612	6,377	5,566
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	7,600	14,612	6,377
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest	39,901	28,785	24,800
Income taxes	83,822	190,783	143,634
Noncash investing activities
Accruals for equipment received	$ 49,390	$ 53,026	$ 13,522

Note 1 - Business

Note 1 - Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	1. Business J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is one four

Note 2 - Summary of Significant

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Consolidation Our Consolidated Financial Statements include all of our wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is a parent-level holding company with no Use of Estimates The Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that directly affect the amounts reported in such statements and accompanying notes. We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis utilizing historical experience, consulting with experts and using other methods we consider reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, our actual results may We believe certain accounting policies and estimates are of more significance in our financial statement preparation process than others. We believe the most critical accounting policies and estimates include the economic useful lives and salvage values of our assets, provisions for uncollectible accounts receivable, estimates of exposures under our insurance and claims policies, and estimates for taxes. To the extent that actual, final outcomes are different from our estimates, or that additional facts and circumstances cause us to revise our estimates, our earnings during that accounting period will be affected. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term, highly liquid investments. We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three Accounts Receivable and Allowance Our trade accounts receivable includes accounts receivable reduced by an allowance for uncollectible accounts and revenue adjustments. Receivables are recorded at amounts billed to customers when loads are delivered or services are performed. The allowance for uncollectible accounts and revenue adjustments is based on historical experience, as well as any known trends or uncertainties related to customer billing and account collectability. The adequacy of our allowance is reviewed quarterly. Balances are charged against the allowance when it is determined the receivable will not $23.6 $15.4 December 31, 2018 2017, $12.2 $8.6 December 31, 2018 2017, Inventory Our inventories consist primarily of revenue equipment parts, tires, supplies, and fuel, and are valued using the lower of average cost or market. Investments in Marketable Equity Securities Our investments consist of marketable equity securities stated at fair value and are designated as either trading securities or available-for-sale securities at the time of purchase based upon the intended holding period. Changes in the fair value of our trading securities are recognized currently in “general and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions” in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Changes in the fair value of our available-for-sale securities are recognized in “accumulated other comprehensive income” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, unless we determine that an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary. If we determine that an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary, we recognize the loss in earnings. Cost basis is determined using average cost. At December 31, 2018 2017, no 8, Property and Equipment Depreciation of property and equipment is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 4 10 7 20 10 40 3 10 10% 30% We continually evaluate the carrying value of our assets for events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying value may not Revenue Recognition We record revenues on the gross basis at amounts charged to our customers because we control and are primarily responsible for the fulfillment of promised services. Accordingly, we serve as a principal in the transaction. We invoice our customers, and we maintain discretion over pricing. Additionally, we are responsible for selection of third Our revenue is earned through the service offerings of our four 13, Intermodal (JBI) third one Dedicated Contract Services® (DCS) Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS) third one Truckload (JBT) not We recognize revenue from customer contracts based on relative transit time in each reporting period and as other performance obligations are provided, with related expenses recognized as incurred. Accordingly, a portion of the total revenue that will be billed to the customer is recognized in each reporting period based on the percentage of the freight pickup and delivery performance obligation that has been completed at the end of the reporting period. Derivative Instruments We periodically utilize derivative instruments to manage exposure to changes in interest rates. At inception of a derivative contract, we document relationships between derivative instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various derivative transactions, and assess hedge effectiveness. If it is determined that a derivative is not Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. We record valuation allowances for deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets are not not not not Earnings Per Share We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the actual weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if holders of unvested restricted and performance share units or options exercised or converted their holdings into common stock. Outstanding unvested restricted share units and stock options represent the dilutive effects on weighted average shares. A reconciliation of the number of shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share is shown below (in thousands): Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 109,375 109,987 112,474 Effect of common stock equivalents 1,053 1,062 887 Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted 110,428 111,049 113,361 Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, include trade receivables. For each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 10 30%, 29%, 29% 10 32% 31% December 31, 2018 2017, no 10% Share-based Compensation We have a share-based compensation plan covering certain employees, including officers and directors. We account for share-based compensation utilizing the fair value recognition provisions of current accounting standards for share-based payments. We currently utilize restricted share units and performance share units and in the past have also utilized nonstatutory stock options. Issuances of our stock upon restricted share unit and performance share unit vesting or share option exercise are made from treasury stock. Our restricted share unit and performance share unit awards may Claims Accruals We purchase insurance coverage for a portion of expenses related to employee injuries, vehicular collisions, accidents, and cargo damage. We are substantially self-insured for loss of and damage to our owned and leased revenue equipment. Certain insurance arrangements include a level of self-insurance (deductible) coverage applicable to each claim. We have umbrella policies to limit our exposure to catastrophic claim costs. The amounts of self-insurance change from time to time based on measurement dates, policy expiration dates, and claim type. For 2016 2018, $500,000 $100,000 2019 2018 zero Our claims accrual policy for all self-insured claims is to recognize a liability at the time of the incident based on our analysis of the nature and severity of the claims and analyses provided by third not not December 31, 2018 2017, $260 $238 December 31, 2018 2017, $261 $256 $158 $193 December 31, 2018 2017, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not October 1 st 5 10 Recent Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, 2016 02, 2016 02 January 1, 2019. July 2018, 2018 11, no The FASB has provided certain practical expedients in applying the standard. Of the allowed practical expedients within the standard applicable to our operations, we will elect the package of practical expedients, which among other things, allows us to carry forward the historical lease classification upon adoption of the standard. We will not not not Upon adoption of the standard we will record offsetting lease assets and lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet in the amount of $102.4 January 1, 2019. not no In August 2018, 2018 15, January 1, 2020, 2018 15 not Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 201 8 In May 2014, No. 2014 09, 2014 09 first 2018, not

Note 3 - Financing Arrangements

Note 3 - Financing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	3. Financing Arrangements Outstanding borrowings, net of unamortized discount, unamortized debt issuance cost, and fair value swap, under our current financing arrangements consist of the following (in millions): December 31, 2018 2017 Senior revolving line of credit $ 307.1 $ 241.4 Senior notes 842.0 844.2 Less current portion of long-term debt (250.7 ) - Total long-term debt $ 898.4 $ 1,085.6 Aggregate maturities of long-term debt subsequent to December 31, 2018, $250.7 2019, $342.5 2022, $307.1 2023, $248.8 Senior Revolving Line of Credit In September 2018, $500 September 2015 $750 five September 2023, $250 one December 31, 2018, $309.0 3.47% Senior Notes Our senior notes consist of three first second $250 2.40% March 2019 $250 3.85% March 2024, March 2014. March September third $350 3.30% August 2022, August 2015. February August February 2016. three no 1933, February 2014. may 4, $250 2.40% March 2019 $350 3.30% August 2022. Our financing arrangements require us to maintain certain covenants and financial ratios. We were in compliance with all covenants and financial ratios at December 31, 2018. 2019, may

Note 4 - Derivative Financial I

Note 4 - Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Derivative Financial Instruments We periodically utilize derivative instruments for hedging and non-trading purposes to manage exposure to changes in interest rates and to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed and variable-rate debt. At inception of a derivative contract, we document relationships between derivative instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various derivative transactions, and assess hedge effectiveness. If it is determined that a derivative is not We entered into receive fixed-rate and pay variable-rate interest rate swap agreements simultaneously with the issuance of our $250 2.40% March 2019 $350 3.30% August 2022, 3.63% $250 2.40% 3.97% $350 3.30% December 31, 2018. December 31, 2018. 9,

Note 5 - Capital Stock

Note 5 - Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Capital Stock We have one one no December 31, 2018 2017. one January 23, 2019, $0.24 $0.26 February 22, 2019 February 8, 2019 December 31, 2018, 1.6 6.3 2018, 1.3 $150.3 December 31, 2018, $371

Note 6 - Share-based Compensati

Note 6 - Share-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	6. Share-based Compensation We maintain a Management Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) that provides various share-based financial methods to compensate our key employees with shares of our common stock or common stock equivalents. Under the Plan, as amended, we have, from time to time, utilized restricted share units, performance share units, restricted shares, and nonstatutory stock options to compensate our employees and directors. We currently are utilizing restricted and performance share units. Our restricted share units have various vesting schedules generally ranging from 3 10 not Our performance share units vest based on the passage of time (generally 3 10 not In the past, nonstatutory stock options have been granted to key employees for the purchase of our common stock for 100% 10 55. not December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016. An employee is allowed to surrender shares of common stock received upon vesting to satisfy tax withholding obligations incident to the vesting of restricted share units and performance share units. We account for our restricted share units, performance share units, and stock options in accordance with current accounting standards for share-based payments. These standards require that the cost of all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, be recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements based on the grant date fair value of those awards. This cost is recognized over the period for which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, subject to the attainment of performance metrics established for performance share units. Share-based compensation expense is recorded in salaries, wages, and employee benefits in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings, along with other compensation expenses to employees. The following table summarizes the components of our share-based compensation program expense (in thousands): Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Restricted share units Pretax compensation expense $ 32,797 $ 28,679 $ 29,938 Tax benefit 7,740 (4,385 ) 11,347 Restricted share units, net of tax $ 25,057 $ 33,064 $ 18,591 Performance share units Pretax compensation expense $ 14,572 $ 9,612 $ 10,687 Tax benefit 3,439 (1,470 ) 4,050 Performance share awards, net of tax $ 11,133 $ 11,082 $ 6,637 A summary of our restricted share units, performance share units, and nonstatutory stock options is as follows: Restricted Share Units Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at December 31, 2015 1,516,750 $ 63.96 Granted 540,746 75.03 Vested (520,619 ) 54.78 Forfeited (34,221 ) 69.14 Unvested at December 31, 2016 1,502,656 $ 71.16 Granted 158,319 90.06 Vested (380,702 ) 67.29 Forfeited (37,745 ) 75.13 Unvested at December 31, 2017 1,242,528 $ 74.71 Granted 370,669 119.82 Vested (337,512 ) 79.02 Forfeited (29,850 ) 83.69 Unvested at December 31, 2018 1,245,835 $ 86.80 Performance Share Units Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at December 31, 2015 490,673 $ 67.04 Granted 142,114 74.71 Vested (148,733 ) 62.84 Forfeited - - Unvested at December 31, 2016 484,054 $ 70.58 Granted - - Vested (155,867 ) 68.27 Forfeited - - Unvested at December 31, 2017 328,187 $ 71.68 Granted 150,763 122.57 Vested (118,438 ) 69.29 Forfeited - - Unvested at December 31, 2018 360,512 $ 93.74 At December 31, 2018, $59.1 $13.7 3.6 2.6 The aggregate intrinsic value of restricted and performance share units vested and options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, $55.1 $49.3 $56.7 $149.5 December 31, 2018. December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, $35.0 $36.4 $38.1

Note 7 - Income Taxes

Note 7 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	7. Income Taxes Income tax expense attributable to earnings before income taxes consists of (in thousands): Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ 22,904 $ 134,284 $ 191,422 State and local 26,738 23,456 21,871 49,642 157,740 213,293 Deferred: Federal 97,670 (261,592 ) 45,846 State and local 3,921 12,828 4,568 101,591 (248,764 ) 50,414 Total tax expense/(benefit) $ 151,233 $ (91,024 ) $ 263,707 Income tax expense attributable to earnings before income taxes differed from the amounts computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Income tax at federal statutory rate $ 134,572 $ 208,334 $ 243,529 State tax, net of federal effect 24,627 18,334 19,165 Federal tax reform (3,219 ) (309,223 ) - Benefit of stock compensation (4,919 ) (4,907 ) - 199/R&D credit 1,000 (7,056 ) - Nondeductible meals and entertainment 1,071 1,374 1,419 Change in effective state tax rate, net of federal benefit (1,469 ) 3,403 (1,055 ) Other, net (430 ) (1,283 ) 649 Total tax expense $ 151,233 $ (91,024 ) $ 263,707 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was enacted in December 2017. 2018, 35% 21%. December 31, 2017, not 21%. $309.2 2017 2018, 2017 no not Income taxes receivable was $102.4 $61.3 December 31, 2018 2017, December 31, 2018 2017, December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Insurance accruals $ 34,889 $ 27,700 Allowance for doubtful accounts 7,649 6,605 Compensation accrual 10,461 3,661 Deferred compensation accrual 20,396 17,620 Federal benefit of state uncertain tax positions 10,364 8,681 State NOL carry-forward 6,041 4,944 Other 4,626 3,134 Total gross deferred tax assets 94,426 72,345 Valuation allowance (6,041 ) (4,944 ) Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 88,385 67,401 Deferred tax liabilities: Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation 696,913 566,396 Prepaid permits and insurance, principally due to expensing for income tax purposes 33,594 28,089 Other 1,339 14,786 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 731,846 609,271 Net deferred tax liability $ 643,461 $ 541,870 Guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes recognition and measurement criteria and requires that we assess whether the benefits of our tax positions taken are more likely than not December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Beginning balance $ 45.3 $ 35.4 $ 32.0 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 13.9 11.6 10.3 Additions/(reductions) based on tax positions taken in prior years (2.4 ) 5.4 (3.2 ) Reductions due to settlements - (2.4 ) (0.4 ) Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations (4.6 ) (4.7 ) (3.3 ) Ending balance $ 52.2 $ 45.3 $ 35.4 At December 31, 2018 2017, $52.2 $45.3 $43.1 $37.5 2018 2017, December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, $2.4 $2.1 $1.9 December 31, 2018 2017, $4.6 $3.6 Tax years 2015 2008

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	8. We maintain a defined contribution employee retirement plan, which includes a 401 December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, $19.7 $16.7 $15.6 We have a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that allows eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation. The compensation deferred under this plan is credited with earnings or losses on investments elected by plan participants. Each participant is fully vested in all deferred compensation and earnings; however, these amounts are subject to general creditor claims until actually distributed to the employee. A participant may one 2 25 55, 15 $15.7 December 31, 2018, $16.4 December 31, 2017. $15.7 December 31, 2018, $16.4 December 31, 2017.

Note 9 - Fair Value Measurement

Note 9 - Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	9. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on valuation techniques which consider prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. These valuation methods are based on either quoted market prices (Level 1 2 Asset/(Liability) Balance December 31, 2018 2017 Input Level Trading investments $ 15.7 $ 16.4 1 Interest rate swaps $ (4.8 ) $ (1.4 ) 2 Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs $ (591.3 ) $ (595.6 ) 2 The fair value of trading investments has been measured using the market approach (Level 1 2 Financial Instruments The carrying amount of our senior revolving line of credit and remaining senior notes not $555.9 $490.0 December 31, 2018 2017, 2 $564.9 $506.3 December 31, 2018 2017, In 2017, $20.2 zero not December 31, 2018 2017,

Note 10 - Commitments and Conti

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	10. Commitments and Contingencies As of December 31, 2018, $117.8 one December 31, 2018, $117.8 2019 $34.9; 2020 $29.9; 2021 $20.7; 2022 $13.7; $18.6. Total rent expense was $98.7 2018, $64.3 2017, $44.1 2016. December 31, 2018, $381.6 2019 2020, During 2018, $1.3 December 31, 2018. We are a defendant in certain alleged class-action lawsuits in which the plaintiffs are current and former California-based drivers who allege claims for unpaid wages, failure to provide meal and rest periods, and other items. In the lead class-action, we reached an agreement and recorded a reserve in September 2018 $15 November 2018. April 2019. In January 2017, May 1, 2016, October 5, 2018, $18.3 third 2018, April 2014 May 2018. December 7, 2018 October 5, 2018 January 11, 2019, $89.4 2016 $52.1 2017 $37.3 2018 fourth 2018 $89.4 May 1, 2016 December 31, 2017 $44.6 January 1, 2018 December 31, 2018, $134 The other financial implications from the Interim Award and the Clarified Interim Award will not no We are involved in certain other claims and pending litigation arising from the normal conduct of business. Based on present knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, we believe the resolution of these claims and pending litigation will not

Note 11 - Acquisitions

Note 11 - Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	11. On January 7, 2019, 1st February 15, 2019. $100 In July 2017, $136.0 no July 31, 2017. $137.6 $3.1 $76 $40

Note 12 - Goodwill and Other In

Note 12 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	12. As discussed in Note 11, 2017, $40 $76 No December 31, 2018. Weighted Average December 31, Amortization 2018 2017 Period Finite-lived intangibles: Non-competition agreements $ 0.2 $ 0.2 5 Customer relationships 75.3 75.3 10 LDC Network 10.5 10.5 10 Total finite-lived intangibles 86.0 86.0 Less accumulated amortization (20.9 ) (12.3 ) Total identifiable intangible assets, net $ 65.1 $ 73.7 Our finite-lived intangible assets have no During the years ending December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, $8.6 $4.2 $1.0 $7.8 2019 $7.6 2020 2023. may

Note 13 - Segment Information

Note 13 - Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	13. We have four ® third third not Our customers are geographically dispersed across the United States. A summary of certain segment information as of December 31 Assets (Excludes intercompany accounts) December 31, 2018 2017 JBI $ 2,221 $ 2,108 DCS 1,595 1,182 ICS 212 204 JBT 307 283 Other (includes corporate) 757 688 Total $ 5,092 $ 4,465 Revenues Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 JBI $ 4,717 $ 4,084 $ 3,796 DCS 2,163 1,719 1,533 ICS 1,335 1,025 852 JBT 417 378 388 Total segment revenues 8,632 7,206 6,569 Intersegment eliminations (17 ) (16 ) (14 ) Total $ 8,615 $ 7,190 $ 6,555 Operating Income Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 JBI $ 401 $ 407 $ 450 DCS 193 171 205 ICS 50 23 36 JBT 37 23 30 Total $ 681 $ 624 $ 721 Depreciation and Amortization Expense Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 JBI $ 173 $ 163 $ 160 DCS 200 158 143 JBT 38 41 41 Other 25 22 18 Total $ 436 $ 384 $ 362

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial I

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	14. As further discussed in Note 10, fourth 2018 7, fourth 2017, $309.2 December 31, 2018 2017 Quarter First Second Third Fourth 2018: Operating revenues $ 1,948,245 $ 2,139,027 $ 2,209,760 $ 2,317,842 Operating income $ 168,781 $ 214,812 $ 174,688 $ 122,740 Net earnings $ 118,142 $ 151,652 $ 131,110 $ 88,681 Basic earnings per share $ 1.08 $ 1.39 $ 1.20 $ 0.81 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.07 $ 1.37 $ 1.19 $ 0.81 2017: Operating revenues $ 1,629,158 $ 1,726,915 $ 1,843,334 $ 1,990,160 Operating income $ 149,389 $ 163,615 $ 164,972 $ 145,814 Net earnings $ 102,702 $ 97,869 $ 100,385 $ 385,308 Basic earnings per share $ 0.93 $ 0.89 $ 0.92 $ 3.51 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.92 $ 0.88 $ 0.91 $ 3.48

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in millions) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Revenue Adjustments and Other for the Years Ended: Balance at Beginning of Year Charged to Expense/ Revenue Write-Offs, Net of Recoveries Balance at End of Year December 31, 2016 9.9 19.5 (16.0 ) 13.4 December 31, 2017 13.4 29.3 (18.7 ) 24.0 December 31, 2018 24.0 35.7 (23.9 ) 35.8 All other schedules have been omitted either because they are not

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Consolidation Our Consolidated Financial Statements include all of our wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is a parent-level holding company with no
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates The Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that directly affect the amounts reported in such statements and accompanying notes. We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis utilizing historical experience, consulting with experts and using other methods we consider reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, our actual results may We believe certain accounting policies and estimates are of more significance in our financial statement preparation process than others. We believe the most critical accounting policies and estimates include the economic useful lives and salvage values of our assets, provisions for uncollectible accounts receivable, estimates of exposures under our insurance and claims policies, and estimates for taxes. To the extent that actual, final outcomes are different from our estimates, or that additional facts and circumstances cause us to revise our estimates, our earnings during that accounting period will be affected.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term, highly liquid investments. We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts Receivable and Allowance Our trade accounts receivable includes accounts receivable reduced by an allowance for uncollectible accounts and revenue adjustments. Receivables are recorded at amounts billed to customers when loads are delivered or services are performed. The allowance for uncollectible accounts and revenue adjustments is based on historical experience, as well as any known trends or uncertainties related to customer billing and account collectability. The adequacy of our allowance is reviewed quarterly. Balances are charged against the allowance when it is determined the receivable will not $23.6 $15.4 December 31, 2018 2017, $12.2 $8.6 December 31, 2018 2017,
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventory Our inventories consist primarily of revenue equipment parts, tires, supplies, and fuel, and are valued using the lower of average cost or market.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Investments in Marketable Equity Securities Our investments consist of marketable equity securities stated at fair value and are designated as either trading securities or available-for-sale securities at the time of purchase based upon the intended holding period. Changes in the fair value of our trading securities are recognized currently in “general and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions” in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Changes in the fair value of our available-for-sale securities are recognized in “accumulated other comprehensive income” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, unless we determine that an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary. If we determine that an unrealized loss is other-than-temporary, we recognize the loss in earnings. Cost basis is determined using average cost. At December 31, 2018 2017, no 8,
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment Depreciation of property and equipment is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 4 10 7 20 10 40 3 10 10% 30% We continually evaluate the carrying value of our assets for events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying value may not
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition We record revenues on the gross basis at amounts charged to our customers because we control and are primarily responsible for the fulfillment of promised services. Accordingly, we serve as a principal in the transaction. We invoice our customers, and we maintain discretion over pricing. Additionally, we are responsible for selection of third Our revenue is earned through the service offerings of our four 13, Intermodal (JBI) third one Dedicated Contract Services® (DCS) Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS) third one Truckload (JBT) not We recognize revenue from customer contracts based on relative transit time in each reporting period and as other performance obligations are provided, with related expenses recognized as incurred. Accordingly, a portion of the total revenue that will be billed to the customer is recognized in each reporting period based on the percentage of the freight pickup and delivery performance obligation that has been completed at the end of the reporting period.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Instruments We periodically utilize derivative instruments to manage exposure to changes in interest rates. At inception of a derivative contract, we document relationships between derivative instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various derivative transactions, and assess hedge effectiveness. If it is determined that a derivative is not
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. We record valuation allowances for deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets are not not not not
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings Per Share We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the actual weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if holders of unvested restricted and performance share units or options exercised or converted their holdings into common stock. Outstanding unvested restricted share units and stock options represent the dilutive effects on weighted average shares. A reconciliation of the number of shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share is shown below (in thousands): Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 109,375 109,987 112,474 Effect of common stock equivalents 1,053 1,062 887 Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted 110,428 111,049 113,361
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, include trade receivables. For each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 10 30%, 29%, 29% 10 32% 31% December 31, 2018 2017, no 10%
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Share-based Compensation We have a share-based compensation plan covering certain employees, including officers and directors. We account for share-based compensation utilizing the fair value recognition provisions of current accounting standards for share-based payments. We currently utilize restricted share units and performance share units and in the past have also utilized nonstatutory stock options. Issuances of our stock upon restricted share unit and performance share unit vesting or share option exercise are made from treasury stock. Our restricted share unit and performance share unit awards may
Claims Accruals Policy [Policy Text Block]	Claims Accruals We purchase insurance coverage for a portion of expenses related to employee injuries, vehicular collisions, accidents, and cargo damage. We are substantially self-insured for loss of and damage to our owned and leased revenue equipment. Certain insurance arrangements include a level of self-insurance (deductible) coverage applicable to each claim. We have umbrella policies to limit our exposure to catastrophic claim costs. The amounts of self-insurance change from time to time based on measurement dates, policy expiration dates, and claim type. For 2016 2018, $500,000 $100,000 2019 2018 zero Our claims accrual policy for all self-insured claims is to recognize a liability at the time of the incident based on our analysis of the nature and severity of the claims and analyses provided by third not not December 31, 2018 2017, $260 $238 December 31, 2018 2017, $261 $256 $158 $193 December 31, 2018 2017,
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not October 1 st 5 10
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, 2016 02, 2016 02 January 1, 2019. July 2018, 2018 11, no The FASB has provided certain practical expedients in applying the standard. Of the allowed practical expedients within the standard applicable to our operations, we will elect the package of practical expedients, which among other things, allows us to carry forward the historical lease classification upon adoption of the standard. We will not not not Upon adoption of the standard we will record offsetting lease assets and lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet in the amount of $102.4 January 1, 2019. not no In August 2018, 2018 15, January 1, 2020, 2018 15 not Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 201 8 In May 2014, No. 2014 09, 2014 09 first 2018, not

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_2

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 109,375 109,987 112,474 Effect of common stock equivalents 1,053 1,062 887 Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted 110,428 111,049 113,361

Note 3 - Financing Arrangemen_2

Note 3 - Financing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2018 2017 Senior revolving line of credit $ 307.1 $ 241.4 Senior notes 842.0 844.2 Less current portion of long-term debt (250.7 ) - Total long-term debt $ 898.4 $ 1,085.6

Note 6 - Share-based Compensa_2

Note 6 - Share-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Restricted share units Pretax compensation expense $ 32,797 $ 28,679 $ 29,938 Tax benefit 7,740 (4,385 ) 11,347 Restricted share units, net of tax $ 25,057 $ 33,064 $ 18,591 Performance share units Pretax compensation expense $ 14,572 $ 9,612 $ 10,687 Tax benefit 3,439 (1,470 ) 4,050 Performance share awards, net of tax $ 11,133 $ 11,082 $ 6,637
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted Share Units Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at December 31, 2015 1,516,750 $ 63.96 Granted 540,746 75.03 Vested (520,619 ) 54.78 Forfeited (34,221 ) 69.14 Unvested at December 31, 2016 1,502,656 $ 71.16 Granted 158,319 90.06 Vested (380,702 ) 67.29 Forfeited (37,745 ) 75.13 Unvested at December 31, 2017 1,242,528 $ 74.71 Granted 370,669 119.82 Vested (337,512 ) 79.02 Forfeited (29,850 ) 83.69 Unvested at December 31, 2018 1,245,835 $ 86.80
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Performance Share Units Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at December 31, 2015 490,673 $ 67.04 Granted 142,114 74.71 Vested (148,733 ) 62.84 Forfeited - - Unvested at December 31, 2016 484,054 $ 70.58 Granted - - Vested (155,867 ) 68.27 Forfeited - - Unvested at December 31, 2017 328,187 $ 71.68 Granted 150,763 122.57 Vested (118,438 ) 69.29 Forfeited - - Unvested at December 31, 2018 360,512 $ 93.74

Note 7 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 7 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ 22,904 $ 134,284 $ 191,422 State and local 26,738 23,456 21,871 49,642 157,740 213,293 Deferred: Federal 97,670 (261,592 ) 45,846 State and local 3,921 12,828 4,568 101,591 (248,764 ) 50,414 Total tax expense/(benefit) $ 151,233 $ (91,024 ) $ 263,707
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Income tax at federal statutory rate $ 134,572 $ 208,334 $ 243,529 State tax, net of federal effect 24,627 18,334 19,165 Federal tax reform (3,219 ) (309,223 ) - Benefit of stock compensation (4,919 ) (4,907 ) - 199/R&D credit 1,000 (7,056 ) - Nondeductible meals and entertainment 1,071 1,374 1,419 Change in effective state tax rate, net of federal benefit (1,469 ) 3,403 (1,055 ) Other, net (430 ) (1,283 ) 649 Total tax expense $ 151,233 $ (91,024 ) $ 263,707
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Insurance accruals $ 34,889 $ 27,700 Allowance for doubtful accounts 7,649 6,605 Compensation accrual 10,461 3,661 Deferred compensation accrual 20,396 17,620 Federal benefit of state uncertain tax positions 10,364 8,681 State NOL carry-forward 6,041 4,944 Other 4,626 3,134 Total gross deferred tax assets 94,426 72,345 Valuation allowance (6,041 ) (4,944 ) Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 88,385 67,401 Deferred tax liabilities: Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation 696,913 566,396 Prepaid permits and insurance, principally due to expensing for income tax purposes 33,594 28,089 Other 1,339 14,786 Total gross deferred tax liabilities 731,846 609,271 Net deferred tax liability $ 643,461 $ 541,870
Summary of Positions for which Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Beginning balance $ 45.3 $ 35.4 $ 32.0 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 13.9 11.6 10.3 Additions/(reductions) based on tax positions taken in prior years (2.4 ) 5.4 (3.2 ) Reductions due to settlements - (2.4 ) (0.4 ) Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations (4.6 ) (4.7 ) (3.3 ) Ending balance $ 52.2 $ 45.3 $ 35.4

Note 9 - Fair Value Measureme_2

Note 9 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	Asset/(Liability) Balance December 31, 2018 2017 Input Level Trading investments $ 15.7 $ 16.4 1 Interest rate swaps $ (4.8 ) $ (1.4 ) 2 Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs $ (591.3 ) $ (595.6 ) 2

Note 12 - Goodwill and Other _2

Note 12 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	Weighted Average December 31, Amortization 2018 2017 Period Finite-lived intangibles: Non-competition agreements $ 0.2 $ 0.2 5 Customer relationships 75.3 75.3 10 LDC Network 10.5 10.5 10 Total finite-lived intangibles 86.0 86.0 Less accumulated amortization (20.9 ) (12.3 ) Total identifiable intangible assets, net $ 65.1 $ 73.7

Note 13 - Segment Information (

Note 13 - Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Assets (Excludes intercompany accounts) December 31, 2018 2017 JBI $ 2,221 $ 2,108 DCS 1,595 1,182 ICS 212 204 JBT 307 283 Other (includes corporate) 757 688 Total $ 5,092 $ 4,465
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Revenues Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 JBI $ 4,717 $ 4,084 $ 3,796 DCS 2,163 1,719 1,533 ICS 1,335 1,025 852 JBT 417 378 388 Total segment revenues 8,632 7,206 6,569 Intersegment eliminations (17 ) (16 ) (14 ) Total $ 8,615 $ 7,190 $ 6,555
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Operating Income Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 JBI $ 401 $ 407 $ 450 DCS 193 171 205 ICS 50 23 36 JBT 37 23 30 Total $ 681 $ 624 $ 721
Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Depreciation and Amortization Expense Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 JBI $ 173 $ 163 $ 160 DCS 200 158 143 JBT 38 41 41 Other 25 22 18 Total $ 436 $ 384 $ 362

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial_2

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Quarter First Second Third Fourth 2018: Operating revenues $ 1,948,245 $ 2,139,027 $ 2,209,760 $ 2,317,842 Operating income $ 168,781 $ 214,812 $ 174,688 $ 122,740 Net earnings $ 118,142 $ 151,652 $ 131,110 $ 88,681 Basic earnings per share $ 1.08 $ 1.39 $ 1.20 $ 0.81 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.07 $ 1.37 $ 1.19 $ 0.81 2017: Operating revenues $ 1,629,158 $ 1,726,915 $ 1,843,334 $ 1,990,160 Operating income $ 149,389 $ 163,615 $ 164,972 $ 145,814 Net earnings $ 102,702 $ 97,869 $ 100,385 $ 385,308 Basic earnings per share $ 0.93 $ 0.89 $ 0.92 $ 3.51 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.92 $ 0.88 $ 0.91 $ 3.48

Schedule II - Valuation and Q_2

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Summary of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Revenue Adjustments [Table Text Block]	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Revenue Adjustments and Other for the Years Ended: Balance at Beginning of Year Charged to Expense/ Revenue Write-Offs, Net of Recoveries Balance at End of Year December 31, 2016 9.9 19.5 (16.0 ) 13.4 December 31, 2017 13.4 29.3 (18.7 ) 24.0 December 31, 2018 24.0 35.7 (23.9 ) 35.8

Note 1 - Business (Details Text

Note 1 - Business (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Number of Operating Segments	4

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_3

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance	$ 7,600,000	$ 14,612,000	$ 6,377,000	$ 7,600,000		$ 5,566,000
Equity Securities, FV-NI	$ 0	0		0
Number of Operating Segments	4
Self Insurance, Per Claim Amount, Personal Injury and Property Damage Claims				500,000
Self Insurance, Per Claim Deductible, Workers' Compensation Claims				100,000
Self Insurance Reserve	$ 260,000,000	238,000,000		260,000,000
Prepaid Insurance, Current and Noncurrent	261,000,000	256,000,000		261,000,000
Assets, Current, Total	1,502,981,000	1,338,728,000		1,502,981,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset					$ 102,400,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Total					$ 102,400,000
Accounts and Other Receivables, Net, Current [Member]
Assets, Current, Total	$ 158,000,000	$ 193,000,000		$ 158,000,000
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Top 10 Customers [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	30.00%	29.00%	29.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Top 10 Customers [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	32.00%	31.00%
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage	10.00%			10.00%
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage	30.00%			30.00%
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Tractors [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	4 years
Tractors [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Trailing Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Trailing Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Ending Balance	$ 23,600,000	$ 15,400,000		$ 23,600,000
Other Receivables [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance	$ 12,200,000	$ 8,600,000		$ 12,200,000

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_4

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Computation (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)	109,375	109,987	112,474
Effect of common stock equivalents (in shares)	1,053	1,062	887
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (in shares)	110,428	111,049	113,361

Note 3 - Financing Arrangemen_3

Note 3 - Financing Arrangements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 25, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 24, 2018
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months		$ 250.7
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four		342.5
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five		307.1
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five		248.8
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, First Issuance [Member]
Unsecured Debt, Total		$ 250
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.40%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, Second Issuance [Member]
Unsecured Debt, Total		$ 250
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.85%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, Third Issuance [Member]
Unsecured Debt, Total		$ 350
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.30%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 750		$ 500
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Optional Increase	$ 250
Long-term Line of Credit, Total		$ 309
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		3.47%

Note 3 - Financing Arrangemen_4

Note 3 - Financing Arrangements - Outstanding Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Less current portion of long-term debt	$ (250,706)
Long-term debt	898,398	1,085,649
Line of Credit [Member]
Long-term Debt, Total	307,100	241,400
Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt, Total	$ 842,000	$ 844,200

Note 4 - Derivative Financial_2

Note 4 - Derivative Financial Instruments (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Senior Notes, First Issuance [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Derivative, Variable Interest Rate	3.63%
Senior Notes, Third Issuance [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Derivative, Variable Interest Rate	3.97%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, First Issuance [Member]
Unsecured Debt, Total	$ 250
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.40%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, Third Issuance [Member]
Unsecured Debt, Total	$ 350
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.30%

Note 5 - Capital Stock (Details

Note 5 - Capital Stock (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 23, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance		0	0	0
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$ 0.24	$ 0.96	$ 0.92	$ 0.88
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			1,300,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method			$ 150,338	$ 179,813	$ 249,760
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$ 371,000	$ 371,000
Exercise or Vesting [Member]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance		1,600,000	1,600,000
Future Issuance [Member]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance		6,300,000	6,300,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.26
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Feb. 22, 2019
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	Feb. 8, 2019

Note 6 - Share-based Compensa_3

Note 6 - Share-based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	0	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted and Performance Share Units Vested and Options Exercised, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 55.1	$ 49.3	$ 56.7
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Unvested, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	149.5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Vested in Period, Fair Value	35	$ 36.4	$ 38.1
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Total	$ 59.1
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 219 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	10 years
Performance Shares [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Total	$ 13.7
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 219 days
Performance Shares [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Performance Shares [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	10 years
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	10 years

Note 6 - Share-based Compensa_4

Note 6 - Share-based Compensation - Components of Share-based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Pretax compensation expense	$ 32,797	$ 28,679	$ 29,938
Tax benefit	7,740	(4,385)	11,347
Compensation expense, net of tax	25,057	33,064	18,591
Performance Shares [Member]
Pretax compensation expense	14,572	9,612	10,687
Tax benefit	3,439	(1,470)	4,050
Compensation expense, net of tax	$ 11,133	$ 11,082	$ 6,637

Note 6 - Share-based Compensa_5

Note 6 - Share-based Compensation - Restricted Share Units (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Number of shares unvested at beginning of period (in shares)	1,242,528	1,502,656	1,516,750
Number of shares unvested at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 74.71	$ 71.16	$ 63.96
Number of shares granted (in shares)	370,669	158,319	540,746
Number of shares granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 119.82	$ 90.06	$ 75.03
Number of shares vested (in shares)	(337,512)	(380,702)	(520,619)
Number of shares vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 79.02	$ 67.29	$ 54.78
Number of shares forfeited (in shares)	(29,850)	(37,745)	(34,221)
Number of shares forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 83.69	$ 75.13	$ 69.14
Number of shares unvested at end of period (in shares)	1,245,835	1,242,528	1,502,656
Number of shares unvested at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 86.80	$ 74.71	$ 71.16

Note 6 - Share-based Compensa_6

Note 6 - Share-based Compensation - Performance Share Units (Details) - Performance Shares [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Number of shares unvested at beginning of period (in shares)	328,187	484,054	490,673
Number of shares unvested at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 71.68	$ 70.58	$ 67.04
Number of shares granted (in shares)	150,763		142,114
Number of shares granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 122.57		$ 74.71
Number of shares vested (in shares)	(118,438)	(155,867)	(148,733)
Number of shares vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 69.29	$ 68.27	$ 62.84
Number of shares forfeited (in shares)
Number of shares unvested at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)
Number of shares unvested at end of period (in shares)	360,512	328,187	484,054
Number of shares unvested at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 93.74	$ 71.68	$ 70.58

Note 7 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 7 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		21.00%	35.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability	$ (309.2)		$ (309.2)
Income Taxes Receivable	61.3	$ 102.4	61.3
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	45.3	52.2	45.3	$ 35.4	$ 32
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	37.5	43.1	37.5
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued, Total	2.1	2.4	2.1	$ 1.9
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued, Total	$ 3.6	$ 4.6	$ 3.6

Note 7 - Income Taxes - Current

Note 7 - Income Taxes - Current and Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current:
Federal	$ 22,904	$ 134,284	$ 191,422
State and local	26,738	23,456	21,871
Current income taxes, total	49,642	157,740	213,293
Deferred:
Federal	97,670	(261,592)	45,846
State and local	3,921	12,828	4,568
Deferred income taxes, total	101,591	(248,764)	50,414
Total tax expense/(benefit)	$ 151,233	$ (91,024)	$ 263,707

Note 7 - Income Taxes - Reconci

Note 7 - Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income tax at federal statutory rate	$ 134,572	$ 208,334	$ 243,529
State tax, net of federal effect	24,627	18,334	19,165
Federal tax reform	(3,219)	(309,223)
Benefit of stock compensation	(4,919)	(4,907)
199/R&D credit	1,000	(7,056)
Nondeductible meals and entertainment	1,071	1,374	1,419
Change in effective state tax rate, net of federal benefit	(1,469)	3,403	(1,055)
Other, net	(430)	(1,283)	649
Total tax expense/(benefit)	$ 151,233	$ (91,024)	$ 263,707

Note 7 - Income Taxes - Deferre

Note 7 - Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Insurance accruals	$ 34,889	$ 27,700
Allowance for doubtful accounts	7,649	6,605
Compensation accrual	10,461	3,661
Deferred compensation accrual	20,396	17,620
Federal benefit of state uncertain tax positions	10,364	8,681
State NOL carry-forward	6,041	4,944
Other	4,626	3,134
Total gross deferred tax assets	94,426	72,345
Valuation allowance	(6,041)	(4,944)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	88,385	67,401
Deferred tax liabilities:
Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation	696,913	566,396
Prepaid permits and insurance, principally due to expensing for income tax purposes	33,594	28,089
Other	1,339	14,786
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	731,846	609,271
Net deferred tax liability	$ 643,461	$ 541,870

Note 7 - Income Taxes - Unrecog

Note 7 - Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Beginning balance	$ 45.3	$ 35.4	$ 32
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	13.9	11.6	10.3
(Reductions) based on tax positions taken in prior years	(2.4)		(3.2)
Additions based on tax positions taken in prior years		5.4
Reductions due to settlements		(2.4)	(0.4)
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(4.6)	(4.7)	(3.3)
Ending balance	$ 52.2	$ 45.3	$ 35.4

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Pla_2

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost	$ 19.7	$ 16.7	$ 15.6
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent, Total	15.7	16.4
Other Current Assets [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment within Plan Asset Category, Amount	$ 15.7	$ 16.4

Note 9 - Fair Value Measureme_3

Note 9 - Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deposit Assets, Total		$ 0	$ 20,200
Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt, Total	$ 842,000	844,200
Senior Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Long-term Debt, Total	555,900	490,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 564,900	$ 506,300

Note 9 - Fair Value Measureme_4

Note 9 - Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Trading investments	$ 15.7	$ 16.4
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Interest rate swaps, liabilities	(4.8)	(1.4)
Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ (591.3)	$ (595.6)

Note 10 - Commitments and Con_2

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 11, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Total			$ 117.8		$ 117.8
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months			34.9		34.9
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years			29.9		29.9
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years			20.7		20.7
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years			13.7		13.7
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter			18.6		18.6
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net, Total					98.7	$ 64.3	$ 44.1
Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months			381.6		381.6
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss			1.3		$ 1.3
Lawsuit for Claims of Unpaid Wages, Failure to Provide Meal and Rest Periods, and Other Items [Member]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value		$ 15
Arbitration Case with BNSF [Member]
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period				$ 18.3
Arbitration Case with BNSF [Member] | Second Interim Award by Abritrators [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value	$ 89.4
Arbitration Case with BNSF [Member] | Second Interim Award by Abritrators for 2016 Period at Issue [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value	52.1
Arbitration Case with BNSF [Member] | Second Interim Award by Abritrators for 2017 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value	$ 37.3
Arbitration Case with BNSF [Member] | Interim Award, Contingent Liabilities for Period of May 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017 [Member]
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period			89.4
Arbitration Case with BNSF [Member] | Interim Award, Contingent Liabilities for Period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 [Member]
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period			44.6
Arbitration Case with BNSF [Member] | Interim Award, Contingent Liabilities for Period of May 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018 [Member]
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period			$ 134

Note 11 - Acquisitions (Details

Note 11 - Acquisitions (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 07, 2019	Jul. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill, Ending Balance			$ 40,087	$ 39,764
Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Total	$ 100,000
Special Logistics Dedicated, LLC [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Total		$ 136,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred		0
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		137,600
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles		76,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance		40,000
Special Logistics Dedicated, LLC [Member] | General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs		$ 3,100

Note 12 - Goodwill and Other _3

Note 12 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		$ 0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value		0
Amortization of Intangible Assets, Total		8,600	$ 4,200	$ 1,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months		7,800
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two		7,600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three		7,600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four		7,600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five		$ 7,600
Special Logistics Dedicated, LLC [Member]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 40,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 76,000

Note 12 - Goodwill and Other _4

Note 12 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Identifiable Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 86	$ 86
Less accumulated amortization	(20.9)	(12.3)
Total identifiable intangible assets, net	65.1	73.7
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 0.2	0.2
Weighted average amortization period (Year)	5 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 75.3	75.3
Weighted average amortization period (Year)	10 years
LDC Network Access [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 10.5	$ 10.5
Weighted average amortization period (Year)	10 years

Note 13 - Segment Information_2

Note 13 - Segment Information (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Number of Reportable Segments	4

Note 13 - Segment Information -

Note 13 - Segment Information - Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets	$ 5,091,647	$ 4,465,349
Operating Segments [Member] | JBI [Member]
Assets	2,221,000	2,108,000
Operating Segments [Member] | DCS [Member]
Assets	1,595,000	1,182,000
Operating Segments [Member] | ICS [Member]
Assets	212,000	204,000
Operating Segments [Member] | JBT [Member]
Assets	307,000	283,000
Corporate and Reconciling Items [Member]
Assets	$ 757,000	$ 688,000

Note 13 - Segment Information_3

Note 13 - Segment Information - Operating Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues	$ 2,317,842	$ 2,209,760	$ 2,139,027	$ 1,948,245	$ 1,990,160	$ 1,843,334	$ 1,726,915	$ 1,629,158	$ 8,614,874	$ 7,189,568	$ 6,555,459
Operating Segments [Member]
Revenues									8,632,000	7,206,000	6,569,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Revenues									(17,000)	(16,000)	(14,000)
JBI [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenues									4,717,000	4,084,000	3,796,000
DCS [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenues									2,163,000	1,719,000	1,533,000
ICS [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenues									1,335,000	1,025,000	852,000
JBT [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenues									$ 417,000	$ 378,000	$ 388,000

Note 13 - Segment Information_4

Note 13 - Segment Information - Operating Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating income	$ 122,740	$ 174,688	$ 214,812	$ 168,781	$ 145,814	$ 164,972	$ 163,615	$ 149,389	$ 681,021	$ 623,789	$ 721,020
JBI [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Operating income									401,000	407,000	450,000
DCS [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Operating income									193,000	171,000	205,000
ICS [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Operating income									50,000	23,000	36,000
JBT [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Operating income									$ 37,000	$ 23,000	$ 30,000

Note 13 - Segment Information_5

Note 13 - Segment Information - Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Depreciation and amortization	$ 435,893	$ 383,518	$ 361,510
Corporate and Reconciling Items [Member]
Depreciation and amortization	25,000	22,000	18,000
JBI [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Depreciation and amortization	173,000	163,000	160,000
DCS [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Depreciation and amortization	200,000	158,000	143,000
JBT [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 38,000	$ 41,000	$ 41,000

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial_3

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability	$ (309.2)	$ (309.2)

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial_4

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) - Operating Results by Quarter (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues	$ 2,317,842	$ 2,209,760	$ 2,139,027	$ 1,948,245	$ 1,990,160	$ 1,843,334	$ 1,726,915	$ 1,629,158	$ 8,614,874	$ 7,189,568	$ 6,555,459
Operating income	122,740	174,688	214,812	168,781	145,814	164,972	163,615	149,389	681,021	623,789	721,020
Net earnings	$ 88,681	$ 131,110	$ 151,652	$ 118,142	$ 385,308	$ 100,385	$ 97,869	$ 102,702	$ 489,585	$ 686,263	$ 432,090
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.81	$ 1.20	$ 1.39	$ 1.08	$ 3.51	$ 0.92	$ 0.89	$ 0.93	$ 4.48	$ 6.24	$ 3.84
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.81	$ 1.19	$ 1.37	$ 1.07	$ 3.48	$ 0.91	$ 0.88	$ 0.92	$ 4.43	$ 6.18	$ 3.81

Schedule II - Valuation and Q_3

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Revenue Adjustments (Details) - SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at beginning of year	$ 9.9	$ 24	$ 13.4
Charged to expense/against revenue	19.5	35.7	29.3
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(16)	(23.9)	(18.7)
Balance at end of year	$ 13.4	$ 35.8	$ 24