| Document And Entity Information | Jan. 20, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | PAM TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Jan. 20, 2021 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 0-15057 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 71-0633135 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 297 West Henri De Tonti |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Tontitown |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | AR |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 72770 |
| City Area Code | 479 |
| Local Phone Number | 361-9111 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | PTSI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0000798287 |
