| Cover Cover | Jan. 16, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 16, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Air Transport Services Group, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-50368 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-1631624 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 145 Hunter Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Wilmington |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 45177 |
| City Area Code | 937 |
| Local Phone Number | 382-5591 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ATSG |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000894081 |
