| Document and Entity Information Document | Oct. 27, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 27, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 0-14690 |
| Entity Registrant Name | WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000793074 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 47-0648386 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 14507 Frontier Road |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Post Office Box 45308 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Omaha |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NE |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 68145-0308 |
| City Area Code | 402 |
| Local Phone Number | 895-6640 |
| 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 |
| Trading Symbol | WERN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
